Search This Blog
2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Literary Escapes Challenge
- Alabama
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona
- Arkansas (1)
- California (7)
- Colorado (1)
- Connecticut (1)
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (1)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas
- Kentucky (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Maine (4)
- Maryland (1)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (2)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri
- Montana (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico
- New York (4)
- North Carolina (2)
- North Dakota
- Ohio (3)
- Oklahoma
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota (1)
- Tennessee
- Texas (3)
- Utah (1)
- Vermont (1)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin (2)
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.*
International:
- Australia (6)
- Austria (1)
- Canada (2)
- England (21)
- Fiji (1)
- France (1)
- Ireland (2)
- Italy (1)
- Mexico (1)
- New Zealand (1)
- Norway (1)
- Scotland (1)
- The Bahamas (1)
- Vatican City (1)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Build Your Library Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Historical Adventure Series Good, Clean, Well-Written Fun
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Pharaoh's Daughter, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from Legend of the Jewel, the first book in the Isabelle Webb series. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Former Pinkerton spy Isabelle Webb thought she was retiring from the adventurous life. Not so. After a harrowing adventure in India, she's now in Egypt, along with her 16-year-old ward, Sally Rhodes, and her boyfriend, 33-year-old blacksmith James Ashby. Although Isabelle is anxious to save Sally from any further mishaps (one kidnapping is more than enough, thank you very much), she's intrigued when a woman from her past offers her the chance to join a real archaeological dig. The opportunity is simply too intriguing to miss.
Isabelle is fascinated by the excavation site, a cave near Luxor that is rumored to be the tomb of a shamed pharaoh's daughter. But strange things are happening—Isabelle's hearing sinister voices near her tent at night; Alice Bilbey's birthmark burns like fire; and locals keep giving the Americans dire warnings and protective charms. The longer the group stays, the more danger they seem to be finding. Is finding treasure, even if it is more magical jewels, worth the risk? Is it worth their lives? Isabelle and her friends will soon find out.
I loved N.C. Allen's Legend of the Jewel, so I knew I'd be delighted with The Pharaoh's Daughter as well. And guess what? I was. There are so many things to like about this series—a tough, but vulnerable heroine; quick-paced plotting; fun, likable characters; mystery; even a little twist of the paranormal. It's good, clean, well-written fun and, believe me, that's not an easy combination to find. I never would have picked up this series if The Pharaoh's Daughter hadn't been nominated for a Whitney Award, but I'm so very glad I did. N.C. Allen's found a very devoted fan in Yours Truly.
(Readalikes: Legend of the Jewel by N.C. Allen; also reminds me of the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters)
Grade: B+
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG
To the FTC, with love: I bought The Pharaoh's Daughter at Deseret Book with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Second Book Blogger's Cookbook A Delicious Offering
9:06 AM
There's nothing better than a good reading binge to nourish the soul ... unless, of course, it's accompanied by some delectable, book-inspired munchies. Author and book blogger Christy Dorrity understands how delicious this pairing can be, which is why, for the second year in a row, she's published The Book Blogger's Cookbook. Like last year's edition, the 2012 cookbook features bookish recipes inspired by popular novels, most of which are YA and MG. For each featured book, Dorrity includes a plot summary and—best of all—quotes about the story from some of the Web's most active book bloggers (including Yours Truly).Now, I love to try new recipes, but I have to say that my favorite part about Dorrity's cookbooks are always the books. Even though I've been around the book blogging block a bit, The Book Blogger's Cookbook helps me discover not just new titles to read, but new blogs to explore as well. Nothing makes me happier than that!
Since my life has been a *little* bit crazy lately (flooding, head lice, a nasty cold AND end of the school year insanity), I haven't had a chance to try any of the recipes yet. I will, though, and I think I'm going to start with the Lost in Love Alfredo Pizza, which was inspired by Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith. I adored the book and from the looks of it, I'll do adore this pizza. too.
Cookbooks can be expensive, but this one is available as an e-book (print copies are not available) on Amazon for only $4.99. You also have a chance to win not only a copy of The Book Blogger's Cookbook, but copies of all the novels featured in it (22 books—a $200 value). All you have to do is follow along on the cookbook's virtual tour (see all the stops here). Every person who comments on one of the blogs during the tour will be entered to win the grand prize. There are other ways to get extra entries, too. Easy cheesy, right? Go and enter right now because, trust me, you want a copy of this fun, bookworm-y cookbook in your kitchen.
(Readalikes: The Book Blogger's Cookbook, 2011 by Christy Dorrity)
Grade: A (especially those amazing reviews by the brilliant lady who writes Bloggin' 'bout Books :])
If this were a movie, it would be rated: G
To the FTC, with love: I received a free copy of The Book Blogger's Cookbook from the very generous Christy Dorrity. Thank you!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
TSS: The Extreme Home Makeover Edition
7:40 PM
Wow, it's been ten days since I posted anything. That might be a record for me. In case you're wondering, I do have excuses. Good ones, too. Things like a 3-day writer's conference, a flooded upstairs, head lice, and a needy 3 year old. See? I told you they were good.
I think a new Sunday Salon post is about the perfect way to dive back into regular blogging. It's Saturday evening, but whatevs. I'm flexible. Here goes:
Outside my window: The sun is going down, but it's still very, very warm outside. I believe today's high was 100 degrees. Boo hiss. My girls did convince me to go swimming today. It didn't last long as I very un-gracefully fell off a floatie and scraped up my foot. As I was bleeding out, we saw a mongo spider. Plus, the water was still pretty cold. So, yeah.
I am listening to: The very annoying background music to a video game my son is playing. Also, my kids arguing. It's lovely.
I am reading: Thanks to all the chaos going on in my life (see my good excuses listed above), plus the fact that I was so inspired after attending LDS Storymakers that I've been working on a novel of my own (not the one I've been taking to Boot Camp/Publication Primer for the last three years, but a BRAND NEW one) I haven't actually been reading much. I am, however, just about done with Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. It's non-stop action, with not a lot of actual plot. Entertaining, though.
I am going to read: Excellent question. I don't know. I'll decide when I finish Pandemonium.
On the Blog: Um, yeah ... did I mention I've got excuses? Really, really good ones?
Around the Book Blogosphere: I've barely had time to think about my own blog, let alone anyone else's. Sorry.
I am thinking: That once my house gets put back together (See Excellent Excuse #2: a flooded upstairs), it will look fabulous.
I am grateful for: Mothers. I've got a great one. So does my husband. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. Keep doing what you do because, frankly, you're awesome.
Around the house: I mentioned the flooded upstairs. Yeah. I'm not sure what happened exactly (I was out of town), but the bathroom flooded causing $10,000 worth of damage. After 4 days of heavy duty fans blowing 24/7, it's all dried up, so this week, we'll be having guys come to do drywall upstairs and in the garage, paint three bedrooms, and lay down new carpet. It will look great when it's done. I just want it to be done now. I'm tired of living in a construction zone, you know?
In the kitchen: The only thing that has happened in the kitchen this week is a pan of chicken enchiladas. It's one of my standard meals—we all love it. Other than that, we had some yummy sandwiches from Steve's Krazy Subs, Blizzards from DQ and I believe the kids had Panda Express while I was out of town. Yeah. We should probably eat real food sometime soon.
High of the Week: I've been on a creative high, writing like mad. It's been fun.
Low of the Week: Picking lice and nits out of my daughters' hair. Not. Fun.
Family Matters: Since the girls' bedrooms were both damaged in the flood, they've been bunking together in the guest room. Neither of them are getting much sleep, but it's funny to hear them chatting together at night. The boys went on a Father/Son campout on Friday/Saturday, so the girls and I had a sleepover in my room. Good times.
The coming week: Besides the aforementioned home repairs, I'll be cleaning, catching up on book reviews, and getting end-of-the-school-year stuff together. My kids only have 9 days of school left. Yikes!
Words of Wisdom: Don't sweat the small stuff. I've really learned that this week. A sense of humor goes a long way in times of chaos.
Have a wonderful week, everybody!
Labels:Misc.,The Sunday Salon | 13
bookworm(s) said...
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Mormon Desperate Housewives Mystery Not As Intriguing As It Sounds
1:00 AM
(Image from Deseret Book)
Kallene Ashton, a 29-year-old graphic designer, loves her cozy neighborhood in the southeast end of the Salt Lake Valley. Her house is spacious, the views from the deck are breathtaking, and she's made some good friends on her street. It's one of these friends—stay-at-home mom Linda Longdale—who's got Kallene feeling worried. Not only did Linda confide in Kallene about her impending divorce, but now she's gone missing, leaving behind an angry husband and a distraught toddler. Maybe Linda just needed some time away, but the longer she's gone, the more Kallene fears she's come to some kind of harm. 
When Linda's dead body is discovered off the canyon trail where Kallene and Linda liked to jog, the question becomes: What happened to Linda? Who killed her? And why? As Kallene searches for the answer, prying into the secret lives of the neighbors she thought she knew, she makes some startling discoveries. Her sniffing around turns up some intriguing possibilities, but it also means she's on the killer's radar—and just might be his/her next victim. Can Kallene solve the mystery of her friend's death in time to save herself? Or will her days of running in the canyon end with her own body broken and discarded in the underbrush?
After my husband read If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen, he described it as a "Mormon Desperate Housewives." Since I kind of love that idea (I mean, how many times have you wondered if your totally-together Relief Society president or your perfect Peter Priesthood neighbor was hiding a deep, dark secret?), I was excited to read If I Should Die. Then, I actually read it and ... yeah. Despite the intriguing Desperate Housewives vibe, the novel's another run-of-the-mill Mormon mystery. It's not just predictable (I knew the murderer the minute I "met" her/him and I'm usually clueless when it comes to guessing whodunit), it's also far-fetched and poorly constructed. The characters are cliché, the dialogue is stiff, the red herrings way too obvious. Altogether, a disappointing read. A bummer, too, because I really do like the idea of a Mormon Desperate Housewives. I just know my R.S. president's hiding something. No one can be that sweet, spiritual and giving ...
A funny: In reading (well, skimming) Jennie Hansen's blog, I've come to the conclusion that she and I have completely different tastes. Her opinions on the Whitney finalists are pretty much the opposite of mine. So, maybe it stands to reason that I didn't care for her book—she probably wouldn't care for one I wrote either!
(Readalikes: Nothing comes to mind.)
Grade: D
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for violence and mature subject matter (including child neglect/abuse)
To the FTC, with love: I bought If I Should Die from Deseret Book with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Readin'
Beach Thriller by Jamie Day
Listenin'
Hidden Rooms by Kate Michaelson
Followin' with Bloglovin'
Followin' with Feedly
-
-
-
-
Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan4 hours ago
-
-
-
July Reflections16 hours ago
-
-
-
-
A Curse Carved in Bone1 day ago
-
-
-
The Whisper By Chelsea Iversen1 day ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A Brewed Awakening2 days ago
-
Lehane, Dennis "Shutter Island" - 20033 days ago
-
-
-
Haiku reviews...5 days ago
-
-
Books read in June3 weeks ago
-
-
-
-
June TBR1 month ago
-
-
Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney5 months ago
-
-
Sunday Post #5681 year ago
-
-
Girl Plus Books: On Hiatus2 years ago
-
-
-
What Happened to Summer?2 years ago
-
6/25/23 Extra Ezra3 years ago
-
-
-
-
-
Are you looking for Pretty Books?3 years ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
Grab my Button!
Blog Design by:
Blog Archive
- ► 2021 (159)
- ► 2020 (205)
- ► 2019 (197)
- ► 2018 (223)
- ► 2017 (157)
- ► 2016 (157)
- ► 2015 (188)
- ► 2014 (133)
- ► 2013 (183)
- ► 2012 (193)
- ► 2011 (232)
- ► 2010 (257)
- ► 2009 (211)
- ► 2008 (192)
2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
2023 - Middle Grade Fiction
2022 - Middle Grade Fiction
2021 - Middle Grade Fiction
2020 - Middle Grade Fiction
