FIRST LOVE Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir By Violeta Barrett

By 1956 Violeta Barrett had been working for a Wall Street investment firm more than a decade. Recently separated from her husband and feeling overworked, Violeta decided to vacation in Mexico. After her plane landed in Mexico City, a stranger with a deep, accented voice introduced himself as her tour guide. Violeta and Jorge had no idea they were about to begin a four-year romance that would endure the test of time and distance.

In her compelling memoir, Violeta shares a nostalgic and emotional journey where principles, love, and obligations collide and force unexpected decisions. Energized by the Mexican culture and Jorge's charm, Violeta is soon caught up in the joy of being loved. But before long she must return to her obligations, leaving Jorge behind. Through the more than seventy love letters she would receive from Jorge for the next few years, the two share a forbidden passion -- until the forces of morality prevail.

Nearly fifty years ago, Violeta and Jorge fell in love, changing their lives forever. Their heartfelt story proves that true love is not affected by time. It is ageless. It is eternal.

~My thoughts on this book~

Yes, I started and finished this book in one sitting!!! I'm a sucker for a good love story. This one tugged at my heartstrings.

http://youtu.be/oVU9Ay-6zX0

Bring Back Summertime By Jeanne Starr Gater

When Jeanne Starr Gater picks up the phone one morning, she receives the shock of her life. Her strong, robust, athletic husband, Dr. Julius Gater, is in the hospital! -- comatose, suffering from a stroke, broken bones...Dr. "J" IS DYING!!

A car accident that morning has left her husband unconscious, though still alive and hanging on for dear life!...And it has been a good life -- full of sunshine! Why this! .. Dear GOD! ... Why this?!

She knows she must get to him -- and fast! They had come through too much together. If she gets to the hospital in time, they will come through this awful thing too. But she needs all her resources now. In her inner spirit, she petitions her God for mercy and compassion and strength to bring Dr. "J" back from near death. Next, over time, she contacts her family and friends for their positive thoughts and prayers. She begins her long hard journey to "BRING BACK SUMMERTIME."

Thus begins the remarkable true story of one woman's courage and faith in the face of the bitterest of odds, and one man's miraculous recovery despite doctor's dire predictions. Family, and friends, new and old gather round to offer support, faith and love, as the Gaters' begin their trek back to a normal life. They encounter incredible (and numerous) obstacles from resistant medical personnel and uncooperative rehabilitation staff, to other family misfortunes. Their very survival as a family depends on their determination to hold fast to their hopes and faith.

BRING BACK SUMMERTIME is a soul searching story of a family's struggle for the restoration of physical strength, grace and human dignity. A story that portrays the power and strength of human bonding, prayer and the belief in the power of God to sustain and revive. This family somehow does not allow itself to be thrown even by this devastating accident. They continue their noteworthy accomplishments, as they struggle to deal with the prolonged recovery of Dr. "J". Their story is truly an inspiration to all.

~My thoughts on this book~

The above statements pretty much express everything I have to say. I was moved to tears at times, and strongly admire the author and her family for never giving up when faced with very difficult circumstances.

Waiting On Wednesday10/05/2011

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

• Pub. Date: October 2011
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover , 336pg
• Sales Rank: 25

• Series: House of Night Series #9
• ISBN-13: 9780312650254

One Grave At A Timeby Jeaniene Frost

 

How do you send a killer to the grave when he’s already dead?

Having narrowly averted an (under)World War, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’s voodoo queen just keeps on giving—leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity—forever. But one wrong step and they’ll be digging their own graves.

my thoughts~

I never tire of Cat & Bones! They are tied for first place as my all time favorite literary couple! One Grave At A Time was not a quick read for me. I wanted to relish it, because I knew the next book wouldn't be coming out soon. This book introduced some new characters, while some of the regulars were involved too! I ♥ One Grave At A Time and look forward to the next book!

Meggie Brooks By Daphne Woods

Growing up in a small rural township in New Jersey, Meggie Brooks lives an almost idyllic life, enjoying the beauty of her extended family despite her relatives' often hilarious, dysfunctional, and sometimes mysterious behavior. But there are some things too strange for even a child to ignore, and as the years pass, Meggie is forced to question whether all is as it seems. As she uncovers the secret that has held the family in its grip for twenty years, the greatest desire of her heart is to find love and acceptance, but can she overcome the loss of her best friend, the deception of her family, and the betrayal of the man she loves? Will she ever find a man who shares her values, or is she doomed to a life of loneliness?

A young girl's journey into adulthood, a poignant search for love, a family saga full of mystery and intrigue, and a passionate romance -- this amazingly rich novel is all these and more.

~My thoughts on this book~

I was enamored with Meggie from the very beginning. This book shows the idiosyncrasies that are apparent in most families, large or small. We learn how ones past can effect the future of more than one person. I was adopted as a child, and have a second cousin who was adopted also (Her adoptive mother was sister to her natural mother as in this story. They did not tell her right away, and when they did she was upset about it until my parents asked me to talk to her and explain that it isn't a bad thing to be adopted.) But, I digress, to return to my review, this book is one that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I look forward to more works from this author.

In My Mailbox 10/2/11

To Review~

Meggie Brooks by Daphne Woods

Bring Back Summertime by Jeanne Starr Gater

FIRST LOVE Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir by Violeta Barrett

to review~
Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen
The Pumpkin Man by John Everson
Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl
Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
Small Time Christmas Anthology
Twilight Fulfilled by Maggie Shayne
Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

just for me~
If I Die by Rachel Vincent
Twisted by Gina Showalter
Envy by J.R. Ward
Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep
One Grave at a Time by Jenienne Frost

Weekly Wrap Up10/01/2011

reviewsSpider's Revenge by Jennifer EstepIf I Die by Rachel Vincent
postsNo Posting This Last Weekend
what's been happeningThis week I've read Spider's Revenge and If I Die. Not too bad considering how busy this week has been! We've fixed a spot on the roof, went to dinner with some friends, I've been sorting through emails trying to decide which books I want to accept for review ( one of which is... IRON KNIGHT!  More on that later!), celebrating my 42nd birthday with 7 layer Taco Dip & Turtle Brownie Ala Mode! Yummo! Shopping for paint for the living room and dinner room. We decided on Platinum Band for the LR and I think the name is Silver Clouds for the dining room. And this afternoon some friends, who are more like sisters, are having a small get together for my birthday! LOL! It's been awhile since I've had more than just my kids, Jim & his mom to celebrate my birthday! I know that isn't all that was accomplished this week, but it's all I can think of right now! 
So, how was your week?

If I Dieby Rachel Vincent

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything

my thoughts~

I've been trying to get caught up with my reading from the summer, and I could just kick myself for not reading this book sooner! In my not so humble opinion, If I Die is the BEST book so far in the Soul Screamers series! Don't get me wrong, the others were fantastic too, but this one well, I will just say somethings have happened in this book to make me a very happy reader! I just finished reading this book this morning and I can't wait to see what happens next and how will Kaylee deal with it! 

Spider's Revengeby Jennifer Estep

Old habits die hard for assassins.
And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through.

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Ice and Stone magic—and my irresistible lover, Owen Grayson—to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a good chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me . . . no matter what I have to do to make that happen.


my thoughts~
I couldn't wait to read the 5th installment of Jennifer Esteps Elemental Assasign Series, and Spider's Revenge did NOT disappoint! So many of the questions that I had were answered, there was also so much action in this book. There has been a lot of action in the previous book, but this book is the best one so far! I love seeing Gin & Bria's relationship grow, as well as Gin's relationship with Owen. And one of the best things...I started reading Spider's Revenge thinking this would be the final book in the series, but it isn't! The next book is By A Thread and I can't wait!

 

No Posting This Last Weekend

Sorry about not posting Weekly Wrap Up and In My Mailbox this last weekend! I meant to do it, I really did, but my closet needed cleaning out and I started re-reading Intertwined by Gina Showalter (so I can then re-read Unraveled and then read Twisted!) But in between all that we also gave both dogs a bath (which they enjoyed) and the cat (who did not enjoy it at all, and stayed upset with me the rest of the day. Anyway, I will hopefully be posting my review of Twisted soon, and I will try to get WWU & IMM out this coming weekend! Have a great week!

The Ideal Manby Julie Garwood

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter’s face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation.

Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he’s definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she’s attracted to him in a way she can’t explain.

Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister’s wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she’ll be called to testify. But they’ve been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence—or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie’s shadow until the trial, and it isn’t long before sparks fly. . . .

my thoughts~

I was up until 2:30 reading this book! I used to read everything Garwood for the longest time, mostly her historicals, but then I took a LONNNNGGG break. Well, The Ideal Man was the perfect book to come back with! Ellie is a sweet, caring Dr. and Max, well he is the all out Alpha Male, who just so happens to be an F.B.I. Agent. This is a fast-paced romance that left me sighing...


 

The Safehouse By T. Thomas Ackerman

Every nine seconds, a woman becomes a victim of domestic violence in the United States. The laws don't do enough to protect these women and their children from the abuse, which will always escalate. Detective Jessica Warren understands all too well how vulnerable women are in abusive relationships. And she's not going to stand by and watch as innocent victims are injured, or worse.

The Safehouse is the story of Jessica Warren and the closely knit network of powerful women who aren't willing to allow abusive men to hide behind inadequate laws. It's the story of the victims she helps, some of whom learn to break out of the patterns holding them trapped. And it's the story of how Jessie navigates the police system with pragmatism, intelligence, and heart to extend a helping hand to women in need. But with all the time and emotional energy she spends helping others, will she be able to maintain her own life balance? And will she be able to outsmart the one member of the police force who doesn't approve of her unorthodox methods? True to life and riveting, The Safehouse will take you on a compelling journey to justice.

~My thoughts on this book~

I read this book in one sitting, was not able to put it down. To me, it was true to life, and I would like to see it made into a movie. I found a video clip that I am going to put on here for you also. Enjoy!!!!


http://www.metacafe.com/watch/7114556/the_safehouse

My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas By Tracy Seeley

Sure, there's no place like home -- but what if you can't really pinpoint where home is? By the time she was nine, Tracy Seeley had lived in seven towns and thirteen different houses. Her father's dreams of movie stardom, stoked by a series of affairs, kept the family on edge, and on the move, until he up and left. Thirty years later, settled in what seems like a charmed life in San Francisco, a diagnosis of cancer and the betrayal of a lover shake Seeley to her roots -- roots she is suddenly determined to search out. My Ruby Slippers tells the story of that search, the tale of a woman with an impassioned if vague sense of mission: to find the meaning of home.

Seeley finds herself in a Kansas that defies memory, a place far more complex and elusive than the sum of its cultural myths. On back roads and in her many back years, Seeley also finds unexpected forgiveness for her errant father, and, in the face of mortality, a sense of what it means to be rooted in place, to dwell deeply in the only life we have.

~My thoughts on this book~

I wanted to read and review this book because it hit close to home with me. I am a five year cancer survivor myself. I was touched in many ways by the words in this book more times than I can say. Facing cancer does give a person a new outlook on life.

http://youtube.be/CzHmrsqraRl

New York to Dallasby J.D. Robb

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

My thoughts~
New York to Dallas is the 33rd book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb a.k.a. Nora Roberts. Not counting anthologies. Yes, I know the title doesn't say 'In Death' but it lives up to all the other In Death books! You know from the very beginning who the villain is, the connection to Eve, but still... there were somethings that were very surprising in this book. This books delves into Eve's past. Not only as child, but in her Rookie days. You learn about the first time she met & worked with Feeney. All in all, I really enjoyed reading New York to Dallas and look forward to the next book!

Dark Predator By Christine Feehan

As brutal as the undead he hunted, Zacarias De La Cruz was a master executioner. Over the long, dark centuries, he plunged into so many battles they blurred into an endless lifetime of evil that hardened the soul of this merciless, ruthless and implacable dark predator.

Now his stark and savage journey is over. After a thousand years in a gray world, he has accomplished everything he set out to do. His brothers are safeguarded. Each has found a woman who completes him. And they are at peace. For his brothers, Zacarias has walked the edge of madness, but with centuries as a killing machine now left to the past, and without a hunt to define him, Zacarias wonders, for the first time in his life, who he really is.

The answer awaits him back home in Peru, in an unexpected betrayal, in the vengeance of an old enemy, in the inevitable consequences of a bloody family legacy, and in the deliverance of a lifemate he never could have imagined.

~My thoughts on this book~

I have just recently found this series, and I am enchanted by it! I did not want to put the book down. I am looking forward to finding and reading the rest of the books about the Carpathian Brotherhood.

Since I've Been Gone...

Well since I have been internet deprived I have been READING! I haven't been keeping track...but I have read all the books for The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, which are great by the way! If you haven't read them, you should! I also read Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts, which I thought was ok. There wasn't anything wrong with it, but when your in the middle of a series with Vampires, Witches, Werewolves, Pixies, etc a romance makes me say, 'huh'. If I'm not mistaken that's at least 10 books that I've read since July 1st. Not bad considering I made 2 trips to Florida, moved, been looking for a flippin' job and of course the summer usual, hanging out at my friends pool. Hopefully, now I can get on track with this blog while I can. I missed it! I did trade in my trusty Kobo for a NOOK Color and I have to say I LOVE IT! I love the back light, the touch screen, the apps & I can carry my pictures of Rylan on it to show my friends! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

So that been pretty much my summer. What have your guys been reading & doing? Tell me, tell me, tell me!

Susie Is Temorarily Back...

Guess who just added a WiFi Hotspot to her cell phone? ME! Which means that I have internet for awhile! Woohoo! I've missed blogging! LOL! So much has happened since the last time I was on! Let's see... A couple of my friends & I went to Florida for my daughters baby shower in early July... it was a HUGE success! At one point there were over 70 people in attendance! It was FANTASTIC! It seems in the few months she has been down there, she has made a lot of friends!  It was awe inspiring. Brittni asked if I could, to come back for the delivery....so I did!

My grandson, Rylan Wrae was born August 4th. It was what I would consider a short labor & delivery, timing in at about 8.5 hours! He did have some complications but boy he is going strong now! LOL! This -->
is the first time she was able to hold her son! What an experience it was for me to see my baby holding her baby...and to have been a part of it!
Now we are still trying to figure out if I'm going to be Grandma, Gran, Grammy, Granny, Mimi, Nana, or any other version of Grandma. Any suggestions?



So I'm still looking for a job. We have moved in with my Mother-In-Law which isn't easy. I miss my stuff. Almost everything is in storage. But we are helping her by being here so she isn't alone and that's what our goal has been. So that being said, here are a few more pictures of my little guy!

Unforeseen Fears By H. William Gruchow

They played games with murders; harmless games, it seemed, piecing together details from news reports; imagining theories about how and why; and wagering each other on the outcomes.

Even gaming the Dunwright murders wasn't supposed to be serious. Two dead adults and a missing child; tragic, of course, but it's happened before. Except, this time something was different. There were voids, unanswered questions. Was it an execution or a kidnapping? And why did it seem investigators were misleading and deceptive? Was the investigation being subverted? By whom? And for what reason?

Their curiosities fired up, Armis and Jake broke the rules and did their own sleuthing; and when nine-year-old Brianne's dismembered remains turned up weeks later and miles away, their quest became an obsession that consumed Armis.

Yet, through encounters with corrupt lawmen, malevolent executives, and reticent family members, Armis was unable to find the answers he needed; until he met the mysterious Malwina. She insidiously drew him into her plan of personal vengeance, and closer to learning why Brianne had to die. But as they intruded into a world where the bad guys seldom lose, the game turned dangerous...and deadly.

~My thoughts on this book~

I love a good murder mystery, and this one was a real page turner. I look forward to more in what I hope is a long series from this writer.

The Mission, The Men, and Me By Pete Blaber

As a commander in Delta Force -- the most elite counter-terrorist organization in the world -- Pete Blaber has taken part in some of the most dangerous, controversial, and significant military and political events of our time. And he's learned and experienced more about the real world and how things really work than most people could imagine.

Here, he reveals his intimate knowledge of warfare, and that it's not the chaotic action of battle, but the interaction -- in the form of the way we think, the way we make decisions, and the way we act on them -- that provides the keys to success and the truly meaningful lessons.

In this book, you will learn the same lessons he learned, while experiencing what the life of a Delta Force Operator is like -- from extreme physical and psychological training to the darkest of shadow ops all around the world. From each mission, Pete Blaber has brought back a life lesson with him. You will learn these enlightening lessons as you gain insights into never-before-revealed missions executed around the globe. And when the smoke clears, you will emerge wiser, more capable, and better prepared to succeed in life than you ever thought possible.

~ My thoughts on this book~

My taste in literature is fairly eclectic, I like almost everything. I prefer to read instead of watching television or listening to the radio. You will never find me without a book in my hand or at least in my purse.

When it comes to books about the military, I hold most interest in the books about The Civil War and The Vietnam War, but I can't tell you why. This is the first book I have read that dealt with Special Operations, namely Delta Force, and I really liked it. It has gotten really good reviews and I highly recommend it. It is an easy read. The author teaches some insightful lessons based on his experiences.

In closing, I would like to share what the author wrote in the forward of this book.

"My motivation for writing this book isn't personal or political. Instead, I believe that accurately understanding and sharing lessons from the past is an essential step for gaining insights into and preparing for the future.....The stories in this book and the guiding-principle lessons they produced belong to all of us."

In My Mailbox 8/28/11

~To Review


My Pictures, My Words - Mac Kenney
The Mission, The Men, and Me - Pete Blaber
Uncaged - Paul McKellips
Unforeseen Fears - H. William Gruchow
Love and Marraige Perspectives - Vince Brendan Vincents