Romance Books ~ 6/02 through 1/06 Export

Welcome
Do you have a favorite type of Romance?
Do you like them all?
Who are your favorite authors?
What are the titles of your favorite books?

Please share your preferences with us and
let us know what you are reading now.

Here are some links that may be of interest:
The Romance Reader (news & reviews of Romance novels)
Romantic Times (more news & reviews)
Writerspace.com (includes links to authors' own websites)
Find/buy any Romance (for used books)
Author Pseudonyms (a fun place to check out)
Archives of Previous Discussions (including Romance)

Online Interview with Mary Alice Monroe

If you have suggestions for additional interesting links or questions, contact MARJORIE

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Welcome to our new home. If you use subscriptions, do not forget to subscribe to this discussion. Glad to see you here. Read anything good lately?

Marjorie, you've decorated our new home so beautifully. I love the header. It's pink and delicious and romantic and it's a work of art. You've outdone yourself in color, texture and imagination.. It's just beautiful!

Candlelight, flowers and romance...what can be nicer?

I'm just starting The Wedding by Danielle Steel. I'll let you know what I think of it when I get further into it.

Harriet

You have fixed this one up really nice. Made me feel right at home coming in. I'm just starting to read my first "Terror" novel. It's Hannibal by Thomas Harris. My sister gave me the book and I held onto it for so long without opening it. But, I'll give it a try now. Usually enjoy Romances and have stayed away from other genres, but I was needing a read and it was the last one I had at my finger tips that I haven't tried. My friends are always teasing me about being so loyal to only one genre and saying I should reach out a bit. Is that wrong? Am I cheating? Anyone read it? I hope I'm not going to waste my time. Keri Johnson

Good morning all!

Sure is nice that I wasn't using only subscriptions this morning. If I had been I would have missed your posts HARRIET and KERI. In spite of what I posted I forgot to subscribe to this new discussion.

Thank you both for your compliments regarding the heading. It may look like it was a lot of work. That is computers for you. What looks difficult is frequently very easy and what looks like it would be easy takes forever. Last week when I was changing my home page I created that background and decided to use it here also for a change. I kept all the links and just changed the Barnes & Noble logo to match the colors.

KERI: You are hardly "cheating" by reading books from a different genre. I am sure that there are lots of people who read from several genres on a regular basis. I don't think I would choose to read a "terror" novel. That is very personal. There are some romance novels that have a lot of suspense and "evil" that I only read in the daytime so that I can sleep at night. I am beginning to be able to read that kind of book and know the "evil" is only fiction as I am reading it. I don't know yet if it is the particular author I am reading or if I have changed in some way.

HARRIET: I will be waiting to hear what you think of The Wedding. I haven't read a Danielle Steele book in quite a while. I have Granny Dan on my shelf but I keep passing it up for another author. Have you read it?

Marjorie

Does Granny Dan have a heroine involved with ballet, Marjorie? If so, then I have read it. I don't remember the particulars any more, but I recall the book as being enjoyable. I usually like Danielle Steel's books. There's something about the way her writing just flows along that appeals to me.

Goodness, Marjorie. I feel like you're underestimating your work on that heading. Thinking up that neat concept of candles and flowers and those lovely color combinations of pink background and lilac print was imaginative! The candles stand out so much more in their new setting. Very attractive!

Harriet

Hello to all: Keri, I have read all the Harris books and they are quite horror driven and sometimes gruesome. However, he is a very good writer and you should enjoy them. It is good to switch around and broaden your horizons when it comes to reading, you never know what great treasures you will discover.

Enjoy,

Gail/ vt

Great pic of Miss Marjorie here:

Marjorie at a SN gathering

Marjorie your cats look like they couldn't be happier. Thats probably because they couldn't. That needlework is incredible, I can't hardly sew a button on anymore.

Have started reading Barbara Delinsky's book Commitments and am really enjoying it so far.

Marjorie and Gail: Thanks for responding. You're right about Harris and his detail of terror. He is a good writer though. I don't think I'm going to read much more of this type, though. Well, maybe I will broaden my experiences. Maybe I'll try a racie mystery or something. Any good suggestions? Keri Johnson

MARJORIE You did such a great job. You are a talented lady, don't under estimate yourself.

It seems like there are two Gail's here, I will continue to use Gailie to avoid any confusion. Gailie

GAILIE: There are more than just these two Gails on SeniorNet. There is another Gail who comes into Cats and I imagine there are others in discussions I don't know about.

JANE: Thanks for posting the link to the photo. My subscriptions would have eventually taken me there. I was delighted with that photo. I am thinking about substituting it in my Preferences for the dark one that is there now.

HARRIET: Granny Dan is the one about ballet involvement. I think I started it once and it didn't work for me at the time and I put it back on the shelf. Maybe I will pick it up again soon. Some books I read immediately and others sit on my shelf for a year or more before I read them.

I am delighted to see so many posts here. What a wonderful group of people come into this discussion.

Marjorie

MARJORIE Just finished reading A Woman's Place. You sent it to me a couple of weeks ago. I will forward it to Marie. It's already to mail just have to go to the post office. Will do it this week. Enjoyed the book. Thanks Gailie

GAILIE: I am glad you enjoyed the book. If you haven't already posted in the Book Exchange that you are sending it to Marie, I will do so so that we can count it.

Happy 4th of July to all.

Anyone here from Canada? I appologize for forgetting to wish you a Happy Canada Day on July 1.

Has anyone read Catherine Anderson? I just finished her book Seventh Heaven and it took me on an emotional roller coaster. I don't know if it was just the book or what was happening in my life while I read it. It is definitely a romance. One without a sex scene until the very end of the book. The plot is complicated even though the bare outline seems like so many others. The man returns to the small town he grew up in to raise his son after a divorce. The woman he was in love with 10 years before still lives in the town and is unmarried still. They still love each other. But the rest -- wow is all I can say. Decisions were made based on concern for other people that didn't serve anyone well in the long run. Unravelling all of that took 375 pages.

Marjorie

Seventh Heaven sounds good, Marjorie. I've made a note of title and author. Thanks!

Harriet

MARJORIE Thanks for adding A Woman's Place to the exchange. The book is on it's way to Marie. Gailie

GAILIE: I am glad you enjoyed A Woman's Place. I liked it a lot too.

Here is a web site that has links to the home pages of lots of romance authors. http://www.writerspace.com Please let me know if you think it should be in the heading.

Your new site looks like a real "goodie" to me. Marjorie.

I looked up Kristin Hannah and found a lovely photograph of her and biographical information too. What an easy way of linking to the homepages of so many authors, all in one location, and reading their booklists too. It's also a great way to look up the most recent book of many favorite Romance authors.

Neat! I hope you decide to keep it in the heading. I found it to be an excellent informational Romance browser and it's fun too.

Harriet

HARRIET: I put the link for Writerspace.com up next to Romantic Times. They both give you information about a lot of authors.

The previous Romance Books discussion has been archived and can be found HERE.

I have listed two books (It had been three but one has been claimed). The books are The Maiden by Jude Deveroux and Loving Julia by Karen Robards. I accidently bought two copies of the Robards book and haven't read it yet. The Maiden had a very fisty herione.

Just finished Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell. It was a little slow in some places buy a very good read. The ending made it all worth while!!!!!!!!!

I just finished Baby Don't Go by Susan Andersen. Susan Andersen is new to me. I enjoyed this book a lot. There were a lot of amusing situations and the heroine was not about to let anyone "treat her like a girl" so she kept getting into surprising situations. I just looked her up in the database of pseudonyms (from the link in the heading) and didn't find her listed. I am going to have to see about getting another of her books.

I am reading Nora Robert's Three Fates and throughly enjoying it. Yesterday I picked up the third book of her most recent trillogy. I may not start the trillogy next as I want to read some of the other books I have waiting to be read. It is such fun trying to decide what book to read next when I have many good ones to choose from.

I just finished another book by an author previously unknown to me -- Sunrise by Miranda Jarrett. It is set in 1727 on Nantucket and is a delightful tale. I looked up Miranda Jarrett in the pseudonym database and is says her real name is Susan Holloway Scott. I couldn't find Susan Holloway Scott in Barnes & Noble. Hmm.

GinnyAnn... I just started the 3rd book in the Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts, Face The Fire. I've enjoyed this series, Romance, Witchcraft, Mystery What more can a person want? Barb

Yard saling is my hobby and I have been picking up lots of Nora Roberts, Maeve Binchy, Steven King, Anne Rice etc... stowing these up for the winter time!!!

Right now I am reading Plum Island by Nelson DeMille.....(maybe not a romance novel, but he is trying!!!!!!)

lol

dapph

Can't go wrong with Nelson De'Mille Dapph

This got my morning going

Joke of the Day Two campers are awakened by the sounds of an obviously large bear outside their tent, looking for food at their campsite. Immediately, Chris pulls a pair of running shoes out of his backpack and quickly puts them on. Incredulous, his friend Michael says, "There's no way you can outrun that bear."

Chris replies, "I don't have to outrun the bear. I only have to outrun you."

Today my copy of Romantic Times arrived. (It has a new name, but I don't recall it right now} [could I be having a senior moment lol] It has an interview with Nelson DeMille about his Up Country. I haven't read it yet.

I recently read UPCOUNTRY. I wouldn't call it a romance but it did have some romance in it. I enjoyed it but it is a very thick book and took some time to finish.

My husband, Ray, read it. Romantic Times has changed its magazines name to:Romantic Times Book Club. Its subtitle is The Magazine For Women Who Love Books. They now cover many more types of books than they did before.

I must have forgotten to subscribe before I went to my conference and the beach. I've missed you, Romance Readers!

On my way home from the beach I had my tires rotated and balanced at the Wal-Mart which is across the street from a GoodWill store. I bought 10 previously loved books there. Then I stopped at a small library in Troy and bought 10 more.

I started reading a Carolyn Davidson novel first. I have now finished her The Wedding Promise, The Midwife, and The Tender Stranger. All three were set in the late 1800s and in the west (well mid-west, Minnesota, for one). They were well plotted and had plausible romances which were sweet with a little bit of spice, but not too steamy. I really enjoyed these 3 and will look for more by her. Sue

SUE: I am glad you found us. I like Carolyn Davidson. I have read Garrity's Bride, The Forever Man, Loving Katherine, Maggie's Beau, The Midwife, Runaway, The Tender Stranger, and The Wedding Promise. There was only one that I did not put a * next to after reading it. That may have just been the mood I was in at the time.

Hi folks.....I'm currently readin Nora Robert's Midnight Bayou. I have not decided yet if I like it or not.......has ghosts etc.

Interestingly enough, I am also listening to a Jude Deveraux book on tape while driving in my car. That on is The Mulberry Tree. I am struck by the similarity of the two books.....makes one wonder! Both involve an old home which someone comes back to and does some restoring.....both involve mysteries concerning the former owners.

Northern Joan

My library is holding The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveroux for me. I hope to pick it up either tomorrow or Wednesday. I read Nora's Midnight Bayou what feels like a long time ago. That is because I can't remember when. Does that make it qualify for "Time out of Mind"? lol

NORTHERN JOAN: I am reading The Dream by Barbara Delinsky. It also involves the restoring of an old home. There is no mystery however. Just an old tense relationship that has to be renewed for the home to be restored.

Sometimes I wonder about how many different plot lines there really are. So many things seem to be similar from book to book. Any thoughts anyone?

I think you're probably right, Marjorie, about the limited number of plot lines, especially in the Romance genre. I imagine it's pretty hard to come up with new ideas--I don't remember who said it first, but,"There's nothing new under the sun".

BTW, which of the Carolyn Davidson's novels did not rate a * in your opinion, Marjorie?

I received Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts for Christmas and really enjoyed it. I think she does a good job with spooky. Face the Fire also had spooky elements. Have you read any of her J.D. Robb futuristic detective novels? They are pretty spooky, too. Sue

BTW, is the Jude Deveraux book about the old house a new one? I don't recognize the title.

I think the Mulberry Tree is pretty new as it refers to fairly recent happenings.

NJ

is Jude Deveroux latest book.

There are just so many plots. The challenge for the writer is to make their book fresh for the reader.

SUE: The Midwife is the Carolyn Davidson' book that did not have a "*" next to it. I don't remember the book well enough to know why.

I find it fascinating how slight changes to the story line and the language used in telling the story make the "same" tale very different when told by two different authors.

I read a LOT... I just finished Nora Roberts Trilogy of Three Sisters, is was wonderful...

I have read Midwife.. and also another one about how a midwife tried to help women in the late 1800's and early 1900's.. I can't recall the name, but it was a very thick book and I loved every page.

Give me anything medical with a love story and I'm hooked.

Now I'm reading Nicholas Sparks "A Bend in the Road"... it is great too. I try to read all of his as they come out.

Regards

Janie

Janie, I left you a message in the West Virginia folder, but I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought your name was Jeanne S. I had seen your post in widows and widowers where I lurk. I'm not ready to post there yet. I'm sorry I got your name mixed up.

I've read two more winners from my previously loved books from my trip to the beach. I really enjoyed Geralyn Dawson's The Bad Luck Wedding Cake. I think I've read another book she wrote, but I can't remember the name. The other author, Barbara Dawson Smith, was new to me. I enjoyed her Too Wicked to Love which is a Regency Romance. Sue

Welcome STRATTON2. I really enjoyed the Nora Roberts 3 Sisters Island Trilogy too. Happy you joined us. Have you other authors you enjoy?

SUE: I read Geryn Dawson for the first time recently when I read her short story in an anthology I had. I ordered 2 of her books from eBay -- Sizzle All Day and Simmer All Night. I wondered about The Bad Luck Wedding Cake so thanks for the recommendation.

Just finished Kristin Hannah's Summer Island. I recommend it to everyone that enjoyed Mystic Lake. This had everything I give it 5 stars

JUDY: I agree with you about Summer Island. Her newest book is Distant Shores. PURPLE SAGE said she has ordered it. I will let you all know when I get a chance to read it. I am saving every one of her books to reread sometime. As you all know, unlike SUE, I don't save all my books.

And it's probably a good thing you don't save all the books you read, Marjorie. You, Sage, and the cats might get pretty crowded. I'm about the bursting point now and will have to start getting rid of some. My book room in the barn is full as are the bottoms of most of my closets in the house!

I just finished Chasing Alfie by Sandra August. It was not a keeper in my opinion, so will probably take it to the second hand store when I go next. This is the first book I've read by August. She also writes under the name Connie Mason.

I just finished reading the 2001 book Lip Service by Suzanne Simmons. (The pseudonym database listed Suzanne Simms for Suzanne Simmons.) I enjoyed the book. The story is about a woman who is a "blue blood" and a man who has blue collar roots. The man becomes an attorney and is hired by the woman's aunt to take care of her affairs. They meet after her aunt's funeral when all sorts of "funny" things keep happening and they have to solve the mystery. It is a light-hearted story.

I read a lot of Barbara Delinsky's books.. The Dream is one of three in a trilogy sort of thing.. I have read them all and loved them.

I also love LaVarle Spencers books.. I dont' think she is writing any more but she sure knew how to touch the heart.

Do any of you remember "Grace Livingston Hill"? she wrote christian romace's back in the 50's.. I loved "The Enchanted Barn" This was in my early days of reading steady and I think I have read most of her books at one time or the others. Used to have most of them but they are gone now.

There are so many authors that I love to read, I usually find one and read everything I can get my hands on from them and then start all over on some one else. The Second hand book store loves to see me coming.

Have a good Sat evening. going to hear my son sing with his group of bluegrass.... will be a nice evening.

Love Janie

Hi JANIE. Have a good time this evening. Sometimes I read like you do -- many books by the same author. Then sometimes I rotate.

I just finished a book by Candace Camp. She is new to me and I had a feeling that her name isn't real. But on the pseudonym database Candace Camp is the Real name and Lisa Gregory, Kristin James, and Sharon Stephens are the aliases. I finished Suddenly. It was written in 1996 and is a historical novel. I laughed all the way through it. At one point the heroine rescued a monkey because the monkey grinder was not treating him well and the monkey climbed onto the table in the middle of a dinner party. This is another story about a marriage that was "arranged" and worked out to be a good one. The Charity proposes to Simon (a Duke) so that Simon won't ask for Charity's sister in marriage because Charity's sister loves the vicar and her parents want a splendid marriage for at least one of their 5 daughters.

LaVerle Spencer does not write anymore. She has retired and lives in Stillwater, MN.

Northern Joan

I just finished Portraits by Cynthia Freeman. I also read her first novel A World Full of Strangers. If you like books about Jewish people that settled in N.Y., you will love this one. It has alot of depth, besides being a romantic novel. I think she has only written five books to date. I will put it up on the exchange if anyone is interested.

I have listed these books at the Book Exchange
For SeniorNet Book Exchange

The Defendant by Gay Cameron Harlequin Intrigue

Special Assignment Baby by Debra Webb Harlequin Intrigue

Licensed To Marry by Charlotte Douglas Harlequin Intrigue

No One But You by Carly Bishop Harlequin Intrigue

I just finished two books by Geralyn Dawson -- Sizzle All Day and Simmer All Night. It turns out that I should have read them in the reverse order and maybe there are others about the same people. They don't say on the back that they are a series or anything like that. I went to the author's website (www.geralyndawson.com) to see if she said anything about series but she doesn't. I emailed her asking if there are other books in the series and what other series she has. I hope she responds.

Anyone else read Geralyn Dawson? She has a wonderful sense of humor. There is a little mystery, a lot of romance, and a good bit of humor in her books.

I have offered some more books over at the Exchange.

Bayou Blood Brothers by Rebecca York, Metsy Hingle and Joanna WayneIt is a three in one book. Harlequin Intrigue

The Specialist by Dani Sinclair Harlequin Intrigue

Passion in the First Degree by Carla Cassidy Harlequin Intrigue

Stolen Memories by Kelsey Roberts Harlequin Intrigue

Marjorie, were those Geralyn Dawson's books the ones I requested on the Book Exchange? I forget what I asked for. LOL. And if they aren't and you decide to put them on there, I'd like first crack at them I really enjoy Dawson's books for the humorous slant she puts on them. Which one should be read first? Sue

SUE: Those weren't Geralyn Dawson's books you asked for. I will try to remember that you want them. I am not going to put them on the exchange just yet. Do you still keep all your books or do you exchange some of them? Do you have some of Dawson's to exchange? I have ordered another one that I believe is in the same series. I will not put them on the Exchange until I have the whole series.

So far, Marjorie, I haven't offered any books on the Exchange. Mostly it's because I don't like to package them and the other reason is that the 2 P.O.s I use are 14 and 17 miles away and I'm not in the area very often. I do have some of Dawson's books, but they are essentially lighthearted and I find that I like to reread them occasionally. My son, Tim, tells me I need to start letting my books go, but so far I'm not ready to do so. I'll let you know if I decide to get rid of Dawson's books--and don't forget that I want those 2! Sue

SUE: I have written it down and hope, when the time comes, I see what I have written. I understand why you don't want to go to the Post Office if it is so far away. I have 3 no more than 1-3 miles from me in different directions so I have a choice.

Just browsing thru the books discussion today and came across Laveryle Spencers name. I had a phone call the other night from a woman my husband grew up with in Browerville MN. She was in town with a bus tour for our German Fest. We got on the subject of LaVeryle Spencer and she said the autho had used her diary while writing the book. I asked if she knew her personally and that was when she mentioned the diary. Also said that L.S. said she made her mint and was going to spend it now and that is why she is done writing. The callers' name is on the list of people thanked by the author. The setting of her last book (the one I'm talking about) was in Browerville and the church was right across the street from where my husband lived. I had found the book at the library and was so surprised to find out the locale of it as I was not familiar with the author. I checked the book out and when I got home, placed it on the table. My husband knew immediately it was St.Joseph's church in Browerville. I later found the paperback at Target and bought four copies for our girls as many of the people listed are relatives.

The name of the book? Oh. THEN CAME HEAVEN.

Luann Rice has novels that are enjoyable as well as friendly to the senses. A recent lazy way to book enjoyment has been the checking out of book recordings from the library. Though, it is always a good idea to look at a hard copy of a book to review other titles from the same auther so as to determine if there are any series of titles that build upon one another.

Shirley (OSHARNEY), LaVerle Spencer has written a lot of books and most of them are pretty good. Several of the more recent were not as good as the earlier ones, IMO, but I really enjoyed Then Came Heaven. You might like to check them out at your library.

Don15101, we've read and discussed a Luanne Rice novel here, but I can't remember the name. I have read several of hers and enjoyed them. Marjorie can probably tell which one we read and discussed. Sue

If you recall, we discussed LaVeryl Spencer's book Then Came Heaven right here in Romance Books. I'm sure the discussion must be archived somewhere.

I finished Nora Roberts Midnight Bayou and while it was a decent read I don't go for the fantasy or reincarnation ideas.

I'm now reading a book by a another Minnesota author, John Hassler. I've read all of his books and only disliked one of them. If you have ever been a teacher or involved with education, you would love reading him. He has wonderful insight and writes with humor. Of course his location in the book Rookery is supposed to be Bemidji, MN and Rookery State where he is Dean of Students is Bemidji State University. This location is about 150 miles west of where I live. The book I am currently reading is The Dean's List.

One of his books, Dear James, is a sequel but I can't remember the book it is a sequel to. All of the others stand alone.

Northern Joan

O'SHARNY: Thanks for the information about LaVyrle. Here is the link for our archived discussion of Then Came Heaven.

DON15101: Welcome to Romance Books. I like Luanne Rice also. I checked the Archives to find the discussion SUE (SpringCreekFarm) mentioned. I was unable to find a discussion of a book by Luanne Rice. Perhaps it was one of the very few books discussions that got lost from the Archives.

NORTHERN JOAN: I always enjoy a book when I know something about the setting already.

I just finished Kristin Hannah's Distant Shores -- her newest book. I promised I would let you know about it. I was disappointed with the ending and the story itself did not "grab" me the way most of her books do. If someone else reads this book, I would be interested to hear what their response is to this story.

Marjorie

Marjorie, maybe we just talked about Luanne Rice as a good author. I know I've read Angel Falls, but I don't remember the names of others. Sue

I checked the Archives and looked through our last Romance Books discussion. There is a lot of talk there about Luanne Rice.

I also found where mention was made of the book Follow the Stars Home. At one point we were planning to discuss that book. Then I realized I just couldn't lead another book discussion and this general discussion was created instead.

I have read here Cloud Nine, Follow the Stars Home, and Dream Country. Summer Light is on my bookshelf waiting to be read.

Do you remember if you liked Angel Falls?

Marjorie

Hi, Marjorie. Yes, Angel Falls was a keeper. But I goofed, it's by Kristin Hannah, not Luanne Rice. I think I got this after we discussed Mystic Lake.

I prefer this general discussion to our former book discussions. I never was able to find pertinent points to make about the plots or the characters. I think I'd like to take a class on literary criticism, but I wouldn't want it to be too literary or too educational--just a few tips on what to look for and how to comment so others could respond.

BTW, Lip Service and Night Moves arrived today. I'll get your check in tomorrow's mail. Sue

Today I received my copies of Lauren Bach's latest book Slow Hands and Suzanne Brockmann's latest book Prince Joe. I have been waiting for Bach's book since finishing her first book Lone Rider.

Tonight we had an thunder storm that knocked out our electricity. So I read Sandra Brown's The Thrill of Victory by candle light. Luckly the power came back on so I could complete it by electric light. I am going to offer it at the Book Exchange. It is a reprint of an Erin St. Clair book.

SUE: I was having a problem coming up with questions and I was supposed to be "leading" the discussions. Once HARRIET joined us it seemed there was more to say about the books. She is a great catalyst.

Goodness, MARJORIE, what a nice thing to say. Let's remember that YOU are the person who has led numerous back-to-back book discussions and built up this wonderful discussion for all of us who love romance fiction. You've provided a terrific forum for all of us to share our book "finds" and talk to each other. I always love sharing a book discussion with you.

SUE, it's been my experience that you always have something worth thinking about in your comments. Maybe you underestimate your own astuteness? It's always such a pleasure to talk about a book or an idea with you and to read your well-thought-out points.

There are so many special people in this discussion, especially our leader, MARJORIE.

Harriet

Thanks for the compliment, Harriet. It's just that I don't feel there is much to add or say to keep the conversation going. It's hard to come up with key questions, as Marjorie mentioned. Many things can be answered yes or no without discussion. It's hard to word posts to get a response, I think.

I don't think I've mentioned reading When I Fall in Love by Iris Rainer Dart (She wrote Beaches, which I think was made into a movie). This book is worth reading and has a twist that I've never seen in other Romance novels. It has a tragedy that most people would give up from, but this turns into an uplifting situation. If you see it, you may like to try it. It's something a little different from boy meets girl, has a problem, solves it, and boy gets girl. Actually all of those things happen, but they are handled diffently. Sue

I just started the latest book by Susan Andersen -- Head Over Heels. The covers of her books make the books look "bubble headed" to me. The book is anything but. I like this one, so far, as much as the other one I mentioned -- Baby Don't Go. The story is developed from the viewpoints of both the male and female main characters. I like that. I will have to look for her other books.

a friend and I were discussing romance books. We had such fun! I gave her one of mine. She remarked on how large the romance book displays have become. I love it.

I just finished a book by Nora Roberts called Carnal Innocence.Very good book.

I am into the second of Nora Robert's Three Sisters trilogy. It is fun reading. I will have to check to see if I have read Carnal Innocence

JUDY: I have read a lot of Nora Roberts' books. Carnal Innocence is not one of them. I checked Barnes & Noble and it sounds like a romantic thriller. Were you "on the edge of your seat" when you were reading it?

Does Carnal Innocence have a priest as the brother of the heroine? I think I've read it, but don't have it in my collection. It was probably a library book.

I'm on a Susan E. Phillips Kick. This week I've reread Chicago Stars/Bonner Brothers books: It Had To Be You, Heaven, Texas, Nobody's Baby But Mine, Dream a Little Dream, and I'm almost finished with the last one, This Heart of Mine. Phillips really knows how to develop a plot and writes with a great sense of humor. Even though I know how each book will end, I really enjoy the witty repartee and the twists to the plots. Her heroines are great, spunky, intelligent, witty, and at least 30 years old for the most part, some even older. There are a couple of sub-plots with lovers in their fifties. Phillips is definitely not an ageist (I don't know the correct term for it, but she shows respect and understanding for older characters and romance. The heroes are handsome, sexy, intelligent, and also witty. Reading her books is a winning situation for me. I haven't read her latest, Breathing Room, but I've learned my library has it although it's checked out. They are going to hold it for me when it comes back in. Sue

Marjorie yes I was on the edge of my seat. Sue there is no priest that I remeber. I am doubting there was much church going with this group. hehe

had a book with a serial killer who laid out each of his victims in the same manner. Religious overtones throughtout. I don't remember what the title was of the book

That's the one I'm thinking of GinnyAnn, but I can't remember it's name. I thought it might be Carnal Innocence. Sue

I've been reading "Kathleen Eagle" books for the last few days.. I read "Sunrise Song", "This Time Forever", The Last Good Man", Then I read a book called"Finding Home" there were three complete novels, one by Linda Howard, another by Elizabeth Lowell and the last was by Kasey Michales" so I have been busy reading this week.....

How do you all Bold your titles?

Janie

Hi, Janie. To bold titles, use the < > symbols with a b inside. When you have written the title, use </ >with a b inside. That works for me.

I don't think I've ever read anything by Kathleen Eagles. I'll have to look for her name at my used book store. I did stop at the Troy Library yesterday on my way home from my temporary job and bought 4 romances. One was by Tori Phillips, another by Ruth Langan. The third had 5 authors--Jude Devraux, Jill Barnett, Geralyn Dawson, Pam Binder, Patricia Cabot. The last had stories by Mary Jo Putney, Merline Lovelace, and Gayle Wilson. Binder, Cabot, Lovelace, and Wilson are all new to me. I like these multi-author books because I can finish one story and go to sleep. Sometimes when I'm reading a long book, I stay up far to late to finish it. I've never learned how to turn off my interest enough to get to sleep without finding out what happens next. Sue

Hi JANIE. I haven't read anything by Kathleen Eagle either. As SUE told you if you want "The Last Good Man" to look like The Last Good Man, you have to be very clear -- this is what the code would look like:

<b>The Last Good Man</b>

SUE: If you want to know how I did that -- for < type & l t ; all together and for > type & g t ; all together. The way I think of it is & at the beginning - ; at the end - < is less than and > is greater than. The book you got with Devereaux, Barnett, Dawson, Binder, and Cabot as authors sounds like one I just read A Season in the Highlands. I liked it a lot. If that isn't the title, let me know what the title is please.

I know you all will enjoy kathleen Eagle, she writes about the indians and the last one I read really gave me some real insite on the sorrows they went through.Sunrise Song was by far the best I have read of hers.

I get most of her's from the second hand book store. I will call and the lady will find them and then call me back sometimes in a few weeks.. she will hold them until I get to Princeton to get them. we go a long way back.in fact she has some for me now.. I need to get over there.. I try to keep Ms. Eagles books.. they are keepers.

Sue I also enjoy the mini authors books.. in fact I read one last nite. I was up way to late reading too.

Enjoy. Janie

The other day I finished Angel's Fall by Kimberly Cates. I really enjoyed it. It was written in 1996 and is set in London. There are no dates in the book but it is obviously "historical." A vicar's daughter opens a house to rehabilitate and rescue "ladies of the night". The hero comes to her because of a promise to her father as the father was dying. A good story and ends well.

THanks for the tip, Marjorie. I didn't know how to put the marks in and get them to show. You were right about the Devraux and all, it is A Season in the Highlands. I'm saving those new to me books until I finish the library books I have. I didn't enjoy Elaine Coffman's Somewhere Along the Way so I just skipped over the last 50 pages to find out how it ended. I finished Ann George's Murder Boogies with Elvis which is a southern sister's mystery. Her books are entertaining and cute, but I think this is the last one. She died unexpectedly this year. She lived in Birmingham and the sisters who stumble on dead bodies also live there. Next I'm going to read David Baldacci's Last Man Standing which is pretty long, so it might take me a day or two. It depends on how late I stay up, he he.

Janie, you did a good job with the < > and </ > with the bs inside. Isn't it fun to learn something new? Sue

I read David Baldacci's Last Man Standing and enjoyed it. You are right, you probably will stay up late reading it.

Right now I am finishing up the last of Nora Roberts' Three Sisters Trilogy. It is fun to see the same characters in all three books. Usually after the characters fall in love and marry we have our "Happy Ending" I like this, but it is fun to also see how they do as a married couple.

GINNY ANN: I enjoyed the Three Sisters Island Trilogy. Glad you did too.

SUE: A Season in the Highlands was delightful. I think I liked each of the stories. I know there were a couple of authors in the book who were new to me. I since acquired more of their books. Books like that are a great way to learn about new authors.

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Marjorie

I just finished a book titled The Man She Married. This book has 3 stories Wilderness Child by Ann Major, The Wedding by Emma Darcy, and Mystery Wife by Annette Broadrick.

I liked the Annette Broadrick' story. I was very disappointed with the other two.

Does anyone know Ann Major or Emma Darcy? I haven't read anything else by either of them. I liked Ann Major's story better than the one by Emma Darcy but didn't really like either of them. I didn't read more than a couple of pages of Emma Darcy's story. I couldn't empathize with the characters in either of these two stories. Usually I find something to like about the characters in the books I read. If anyone has any good words about either of these two authors, I will try another of their stories. Otherwise, I will put them on my "do not bother" list.

Marjorie

I've never read anything by Ann Major or Emma Darcy, but I've read quite a few by Clare Darcy when I was mostly reading Regency romances. I liked her style pretty well. However, Georgette Heyer with her impossibly long sentences has got to be my all time favorite writer of Regency romances. She was a very old fashioned author and extremely wordy which is off putting to many readers, but I think she was a great teller of stories.

Marjorie, I really enjoyed all 5 stories in A Season in the Highlands with the one by Deveraux my favorite. I finished Bride by Arrangement with stories by Mary Jo Putney, Merline Lovelace, and Gayle Wilson today. I enjoyed all 3 stories. I really like having more than one story in a volume as I can stop reading at the end of the story. I find myself reading on and on when the book is a single novel. I don't like to give up until I'm at the end. Sue

SUE: I will look for Bride by Arrangement. I just decided to check the pseudonym database for Ann Major and Emma Darcy -- neither of them was listed.

Hi all, I'm new to this site and I've been enjoying the discussions about the different books. They gave me a lot more ideas of what I would like to read. I grabbed a book on tape from the library for listening in my car. Not finding anything that sounded very good I settled on a book by Julie Garwood named "The Wedding". I found it to be different than the regular romance novel. It was a great read and very funny. I have now read all her books and loved everyone.

Marjorie, if you'd like, I can send you my copy of Bride by Arrangement. We could count it as a book exchanged. Better take advantage of this offer, I probably won't want to do it again! I am going to town in a day or two and could mail it then. Let me know. Sue

Hi IMQuilter. I like Julie Garwood, too, and have read most of her books. If you're looking for more good authors, you can check the earlier messages in this discussion. Most people who post here tell about books they've liked. Sue

IMQUILTER: Welcome to our discussion. This is a great group of people and I, also, like Julie Garwood and have read most of her books. Almost 2 years ago we discussed Julie Garwood's book The Secret. That discussion is in our Archives. If you would like to look at the discussion, just click here. If you click on the underlined word "Archives" you will find all the archived book discussions.

SUE: Thank you for your offer of Bride by Arrangement. I didn't think to ask because I know you keep your books. I ordered the book from www.half.com last night and the order has been confirmed. Oh well! Maybe (ha, ha) there will be a next time.

Marjorie

I doubt it, Marjorie. I just hate to package things. Today I was trying to clean out my foyer which has been cluttered with things from Mom R's house--photo albums, hundreds of slides, etc. I really need to send the photo albums to her nephew as most of the pictures are of his parents and grandparents. My kids are not interested as we were never invited to meet those folks. Bob didn't even know who some of them were. Maybe I'll get better organized and send them off and then I'll feel more like mailing out books!

I'm glad you got the book, though. I like Half.com for book orders, too. BTW, the library called this afternoon. They are holding Breathing Room by Susan E. Phillips for me. I've been waiting to read it. Today I'm reading Jayne Ann Krentz's Smoke in Mirrors. It's a winner, too. She has the hero and heroine involved in a mystery and it's a goodie. Sue

SUE: I think every book I have read by Jayne Ann Krentz has a mystery in it. I will put Smoke in Mirrors on my list of books to get.

I think you'll enjoy it, Marjorie. I can't offer it to you, though, as it is a library book. Sue

Hi, I had my first experience reading Susan E. Phillips. I enjoyed her writing very much. The title of the book was "First Lady". It's probably an old book but if you haven't read it I thought it was quite enjoyable. It's definately light reading.

SUE Let me know how you liked Breathing Room. I just finished it and didn't think it was as good as her other books. I read Danielle Steel's The Cottage I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I just finished Geralyn Dawson's The Bad Luck Wedding Cake. Every time I read one of her books I find places where I am laughing out loud. I enjoy her books and will probably hang onto them for a while.

Hi everyone. Have a great day today and a great weekend. I will be popping in from time to time.

Marjorie

I just finished The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinsky. Apparently there is a song about the capenter's lady. I don't know the song. Not my generation I guess. I enjoyed the story. The story is very similar to one I read sometime ago by LaVyrl Spencer (I think). The woman moves to the country in New England and buys an old house. She hires a local man to help her renovate the house. That is all that is alike the the stories. I like Barbara Delinsky's books and this one is no exception.

Hi Marjorie......I read that book by Spencer too. I can't think of the name of it either.

I am currently reading Barbara Taylor Bradford's latest novel: Three Weeks in Paris. I am finding it very enjoyable. I loved her first books and then there were a few I didn't care so much for, but this one I find up to her best style. I assume all of you have read Bradford's books.

Northern Joan

Marjorie, the Carpenter's Lady song was popular in the late sixties and early 70's if I remember correctly. It was a folk song--and the singer asks if she'll be his lady and then if she'll have his baby. Actually it was a pretty good song as I remember it. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the singer. I liked Delinsky's book about the Carpenter's Lady, too. Actually I can't remember reading any of hers that I didn't like. Sue

Was that Kenny Rogers perhaps, Sue? Anyway, I remember that song with pleasure also.

Harriet

Hi everyone - It's been awhile, but I still read your posts when I can. The Carpenter song? Isn't that the one that goes something like this. If I were a carpenter, would you marry me anyway, would you have my baby? If that is the one, I remember Bobby Darin did it in the 50's or maybe even the early sixties. Anyway, hope you've all had a grand summer. Keri Johnson.

Carpeenter's Lady. Yes I remember the song. It still gives me good vibes when hearing of it. I think I read and enjoyed Spencer's story. Didn't it take place in an earlier time frame than contemporary but not ture historical?

Gailie, I forgot to tell you that I enjoyed Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but I think I like the Bonner brothers and connected football books better--also the golfing ones. However, Phillips does have a way of making dialogue funny as well as seeming authentic. I usually get lots of laughs from her books. This one had some good lines in it. Sue

BTW, Jayne Ann Krentz's Smoke in Mirrors also had some funny bits.

Hello Readers,

I just finished Nora Roberts <b\> Summer Pleasures. It has two good stories in it. Now I am reading Catherine Anderson's<b/> Always in my Heart.

The temps here are terrible.. HOT and HOT.. HUMID and more HUMID.

good days to stay inside to read. here I have a new porch and it is way to hot to enjoy it. oh well, fall is right around the corner, then my favorite season of all time.. Winter.. snow..... cold.......

Enjoy your books.

Janie

Hi, Janie. You need to put the / in front of the last B to cut off the bold. I'm glad to see you here and hope you are feeling OK. I've been thinking of you ever since the 15th.

I don't remember reading anything by Catherine Anderson, but I love Nora Roberts. I went to the library today and got 3 paperbacks and 1 hardback by her. The paperbacks are the Stars of Mithra series. I've started Hidden Star and will probably finish it tonight. The other 2 are Captive Star and Secret Star. Have you read these? The hardback is Brazen Virtue which looks like it might be a mystery. I don't think I've read Summer Pleasures.

JANIE: It is not necessary to put <b> when you type something in the "Title" box. It will automatically be bolded. I read Seventh Heaven by Catherine Andersen. I put the word "emotional" next to the entry and now I don't remember exactly what I mean.

SUE: I read Nora Roberts' Star of Mithra series quite some time ago. I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed most of her books. There are times when I don't want too much mystery/suspense however. Then I read someone else.

I just finished About That Man by Sheryl Woods. I really enjoyed this book but have not read anything else by Sheryl Woods. Has anyone else read any of her books? My list says I have another book she has written but I haven't hunted it down and don't know where it is stashed.

Marjorie

Sheryl Woods is also a new one to me, Marjorie. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to the used book store tomorrow to trade in some of my books and I'm taking several new names with me. Sue

SUE: I just checked the pseudonym directory and found two other names for Sheryl Woods. Suzanne Sherrill and Alexandra Kirk are both pseudonyms for Sheryl Woods. I haven't read anything by either of them either.

I am reading a Silhouette story right now and noticed that in one month in 2000 they published 24 different stories. No wonder there are so many of them out there.

I knew I was doing it wrong, but couldn't find the post nor my notes.. so this was by the seat of my pants...

I finished the Catherine Anderson book.. Great read.. sad, happy, love and family.. a perfect read...

Now I'm going to start Sandra Brown's BitterSweet Rain , I have some books waiting on me at the second hand book store in Princeton. when I get over there I will stop in with my new list of names of authors..

Weather has been very warm here again today.. I am indoors then. can't take the heat.

Love and Happy Reading Janie

I went to my used book store today and I got books by Geralyn Dawson, Catherine Anderson, Susan Anderson, Teresa Madeiros, Kimberly Cates, Dorothy Garlock, Heather Graham, Karen Robards, and Jayne Ann Krentz. I feel like I'm rich! At least I hit the jackpot today.

I'm saving them until I finish the library books I have out--I'd like some goodies to take in my luggage on my trips to N. C., WVA, and Illinois. I hope I don't read all of them before September 14! Sue

I'm saving them until I finish the library books I have out--I'd like some goodies to take in my luggage on my trips to N. C., WVA, and Illinois. I hope I don't read all of them before September 14! Sue

~~~~~~~~~~~~

So Sue, are you coming to Wv.. if so where??????? I live in WV ya know?

Love Janie

Hi Janie. I'm going to Charleston on the 14th. I'll stay with my sister the 14th, 15th, and 16th. I'll go to Scott Depot to stay with a HS friend on the 17th, go to a high school girl's brunch on the 18th and my friend will take me to the airport to go on to Illinois. On Sunday, the 15th, sister, cousin, their hubbies, and other relatives are all going up to Ravenswood to spend the afternoon with another cousin. Unless you can get to Charleston on the 16th, I don't think I'll be close enough to see you. It'd be nice if we could meet in Charleston for lunch, though. I don't know how far away you are from Charleston--several hours at least, I think. Sue

Unless you can get to Charleston on the 16th, I don't think I'll be close enough to see you. It'd be nice if we could meet in Charleston for lunch, though. I don't know how far away you are from Charleston--several hours at least, I think. Sue

Let me ck and see what is going on with Meg that day and if she has to work.. otherwise I'm free.. she does not have a car YET.. so I"m doing the driving.. and I will NOT let her have my Durango alone.

School starts on Monday the 26th of this month. bout time.... she is beyond bored... she has cleaned her room until the paint is coming off the walls.. is wanting to tear up the wall to wall carpet... NO Way right now.. maybe in the spring.

I'm onlyl 2 hrs from Charleston.. the closest town that your could find on the map is Bluefield, Wv.. I'm just 7 miles from there.I'd love to meet you.. lets see what her work looks like and I will let you know..

Raining here today.. perfect day to read and be lazy.. but I am getting the room ready for friends to say in.. never saw so much mess in a room in my life.. papers that Jack didn't want to get rid of.. music cd's and tapes.. movies.. he would not let me throw a thing away.. guess what.. they are gone now. No room at the inn for another thing..

Love Janie

Okay, let's go for it if you think a 2 hour drive up and back is doable. You can send me your phone number by e-mail and I can send you my sister's number or you could just tell me where you'd like to meet in Charleston. She lives in South Hills above the train station, just across the river from Kanawha Boulevard. I'd love to meet you, too. If I were driving up, we could meet halfway, but I'm limited because I'm flying. If Anne is busy that day, I'm sure my cousin Barbara can probably get me to the restaurant. The only one I know of is a Shoney's on Kanawha Blvd. We had breakfast there during a family reunion several years ago. But I'm sure there are others. Sue

Oh good, another Sr. Net meeting of friends. They are so much fun......go for it gals.

I finished Barbara Taylor Bradford's Three Weeks in Paris and it was a good read. If any of you are Bradford fans (and who isn't) you would enjoy this one.

Have to go to the library today and find another good read. I am also working my way through the alphabet mysteries. My friend has all the early ones in paperback and those are the ones I couldn't find in the library. That with the computer and a bit of knitting for Christmas keeps me busy.

Northern Joan

Hi NORTHERN JOAN.

I just finished another Susan Andersen book. This time it is All Shook Up. I really enjoy her books. I am reading Geralyn Dawson's Bad Luck Wedding Cake. I will have to looks for the earlier ones in this "series." They aren't called a series but they seem to have some of the same characters.

I finished Fern Michaels Kentucky Rich A great story and the first of a trilogy. The same family names from Vegas Rich and her other books. The Coleman's and the Thornton's. This one is about horse raceing and it was fun.

JUDY: I like series because I "feel" like I already "know" the people in the stories. What I remember from the last time I read Fern Michaels is how complicated her plots are. Everyone is intertwined in all sorts of ways.

JUDY I read the vegas series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have Kentucky Rich have not read it yet. I'm waiting until I get all three. I just love her books, don't you?

I have read some of Fern Michael's books and have enjoyed them. Problem is the library doesn't always have all of the ones in a trilogy.

If you like horses and series.......I read a trilolgy a number of years ago that I thought was very good. The author was Celeste de Blasis and the books were known as the Swan Trilogy. Season of Swans was one of the titles and the others escape me now, but it was an excellent series.

Northern Joan

Marjorie I think you hit the nail on the head. You start reading and you think I know these people. I have the Vegas and Texas series they are among my keepers.

I just found this site and really enjoyed reading all the posts. I have been an avid reader all my life and am never without a book.

I've read all Fern Michaels books and agree that I "know" all the people. My favorite authors are Janet Dailey and Debbie Macomber.

These are really not romance books, but has anyone read Nora Roberts latest trilogy - the Three Sisters? They are very good. Again, these are not romance but has anyone read Jan Karon's Mitford series? I fell in love with Father Tim and couldn't put the books down.

REDBUD: Welcome. Glad to have you join us. Have you checked out any of our other book discussions? I liked Nora Roberts' Three Sister's Trilogy very much. I don't know Janet Dailey or Jan Karon. Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts are both romance authors. I have seen subcategories of romance on the Barnes & Noble website. Three Sister's Trilogy would be romantic suspense or something like that.

Right now I am reading Catherine Coulter's The Targer and really enjoying it. There is a lot of suspense and I am relaxed and comfortable reading the story. Many times when stories are very suspenseful I get quite tense reading. I think it is the author and not me. I have had the book on my shelf of books to read for a long time and no picked it up because I wanted to relax. Funny I just looked at my list and my list said I have read The Target before. Hmmm.

Marjorie

Hi Redbud and welcome to our discussion.

Funny you should ask......I am right now reading the latest Karon book......In This Mountain. I too love the whole Mitford series. It is not romance but there us romance in it.

Northern Joan

I just finished a really good book by a author I had not heard of. Its not entirely a romance but it sure has everything.

Its Fox River by Emilie Richards

I am offering Far Harbor by JoAnn Ross at the book exchange.

Today I drove to Beckley,Wv and met Susan and her sister Ann and their cusion from St.Albens, Wv..

We had a wonderful time and had lunch. We have pictures so if someone will tell me where to send them I will.

Sue is a delightful person. I really enjoyed this.

Love to all

Janie

JANIE: You can send the pictures to me if you like and I will see that they are posted in Photos Then & Now. I am delighted you had a lovely visit with SUE. I'm jealous. Do you live near SUE?

Marjorie.

I sent you the picture. I hope I did it right.. No Sue lives in AL and I live in WV.. she is up here visiting her sister and family and we met for lunch 1/2 way from Charleston and Bramwell, which was Beckley, Wv.. had a great time..

Love

Janie

JANIE: I have the picture. Did you receive my response to your email?

Marjorie,

No, I didn't get your letter.. Send it to Stratton2@aol.com

Love Janie

JANIE: I just resent my email to Stratton2@aol.com.

I just posted JANIE's picture of her and SUE in Photos Then & Now.

Hi Marjorie and Janie: Thanks for posting the picture, Marjorie. This is the first time I've seen it. We had lots of fun meeting Janie at Tamarack which is a lovely place to eat lunch and look at/buy arts and crafts made in West Virginia by West Virginians artists and crafts people.

Janie, Anne's husband, Richard, told us that your e-mail had arrived with the attachment, but he went to play tennis. He told me what to do to download it, but it was fairly complicated and I decided to wait until I got home to look on my computer for it. I didn't think the sun was that bright, but I'm really squinting! I enjoyed meeting you so much, what a fun way to further our friendship. I hope I can get back to West Virginia in the future and/or you come down to Alabama or nearby. I'm not home yet, I'm at my son's. I'm waiting for my grandson to eat his snack and finish his homework. We're going to play a game before his Mom gets home. Sue

The other day I posted in the Book Exchange about a large group of books I have available.

I have read and liked all of them. I have even read a couple twice. I put the link to Barnes & Noble that I found for these books.

Bitter Harvest by Susan Bowden Bestselling author
Once Around by Barbara Bretton Bestselling author
Magic Hour by Susan Isaacs NYTimes Bestseller
Perfect by Judith McNaught
Twins by Katherine Stone

I could not find links for these on Barnes & Noble.

Guilty Pleasures by Barbara Bretton Bestselling author
Garrity's Bride by CarolineDavidson historical romance
Sparhawk's Angel by Miranda Jarrett historical romance
Desire My Love by Miranda Jarrett historical romance
The Sparhawk Bride by Miranda Jarrett historical romance
The Man She Married by Ann Major, Emma Darcy, & Annette Broadrick

I have several Harlequin/Silhouette books. I will supply titles if anyone is interested. The titles by Miranda Jarrett are all a series.

Let me know if any of you are interested in any of these titles. Also if you want me to post the titles of the Harlequin/Silhouette books here.

Marjorie

Harlequin Intrigue

Familiar Christmas by Caroline Burnes
The Bodyguard by Sheryl Lynn

Harlequin Superromance

Behind Every Cloud by Peg Sutherland

Silhouette Special Edition

All it Takes is Family by Sharon De Vita
The Lady & The Sherriff by Sharon De Vita
The Lone Ranger by Sharon De Vita
Secret & Bridal Pledge by Andrea Edwards
Suddenly, Annie's Father by Sheryl Woods

Miscellaneous Romances

Deck The Halls by Heather Allison
Rose-colored Love by Amanda Carpenter
Daddy on Demand by Judy Christenberry
Much Ado about Marriage by Shawna Delacorte
Wyoming Born & Bred by Cathleen Galitz
Glass Slipper Bride by Arlene James
One Wedding Required by Sharon Kendrick
Honeymoon Hitch by Renee Roszel
Best Laid Plans by Rosemary Schneider

Sharon DeVita's 3 books are a complete series (Welcome to Silver Creek). I like her. Reading almost any of these books would be like reading one of the stories in an "anthology." By "anthology" I mean one of the books SUE mentioned liking -- books with several stories in them so that she can finish the entire story without staying up all night.

If no one wants any of these, I will take them to the library book sale.

Marjorie

I am reading a book by Elizabeth Lowell titled Where the Heart. Is. Is this a book typical of her style? While I will probably finish it, I am not sure I want to start another of her books. The story itself seems thin.

GINNY ANN: I haven't read the particular book you are reading. When I look at my list, I have 4 of her books listed that I have read. I put a * next to Autumn Leaves. I don't have a number rating although that might help a little. I don't remember the book anymore. She isn't an author I particularly look for, however. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Marjorie, I'd like to try the 3 books by Sharon De Vita if you still have them. Do you still have my home address? I'm going home on Wednesday, so should get there before you have a chance to mail them. Couldn't this count as a 3 book exchange on the Book Exchange list? Sue

GinnyAnn: I don't remember the titles of books I've read by Elizabeth Lowell, but I do remember that most of them didn't hold my interest. Too much sex without a plot to carry it. It didn't move the story along.

SUE: I have your address and will send the 3 Sharon De Vita books and they will count as 3 for the Book Exchange.

The author Andrea Kane has been reccomended to me. Has anyone read her books?

GRAM2: I notice on my list that I read a book by Andrea Kane called Yuletide Treasure. I don't have the date I read it but I do have a * next to the book. I must have read it before January 2001 because I have dates for the books I read after that time. Please let us know if you get one of her books and if you like it.

Just was sitting here thinking of our short visit and thinking this was the day you were to return home.

I hope you had a very good vacation.. It is always good to get home again tho, isnt' it? in your bed, in your kitchen and so on..

Hope you are not getting any of the storm down that way.. we are getting some rain from it.. and it is a cold rain.

Love Janie

JANIE: Could you send some rain out to California to help douse the wildfires? It has been hot here. It was 90 for the last few days. I hope it cools off soon. It seems too hot for Indian Summer.

Hi Janie and Marjorie, I did get home late yesterday afternoon. I got on the computer to see 172 e-mails--lots of them Spam, but many that I needed to answer, so haven't come to SeniorNet until now.

When I arrived in Birmingham there was a huge rainstorm waiting for me. Driving to Montgomery was very difficult, but although the rain continued it was less on the remaining hour drive home. It continued to rain all last night and most of today. I think we'll have another day of it. I'm under tornado warnings right now, but I think I'll be by passed as it doesn't seem like it usually does when we have one nearby.

When I get better organized, I'll come back with some good book titles and authors. Janie gave me some when we met in West Virginia and I bought some at a friends of the library sale near Bill's house. They've already arrived. My cousin Barbara, that you met, Janie, is going to send me the ones you gave me, but I think she is going to read them first! Sue

Bussom buddies????? where is that located on Senior Net..?

Sue, hope you didn't get the big storm.. been watching your area and wondering how you are getting along.

Janie

Janie......I think it is a support group for those affected by breast cancer so it would most likely be under the health folder.

Northern Joan

Bosom Buddies
As a breast cancer surviver (I am still going through treatment -- diagnosed April '02)I find the women at BB to be kind, caring, and tell it like it is people.

JANIE: I am also a breast cancer survivor (16 years) and Bosom Buddies was the first discussion I found on SeniorNet. Great place!

NORTHERN JOAN: You are correct. Bosom Buddies is in the Health Matters folder.

I didn't think of this as a support group address. But, I'm so happy that you all have it.. I have been lucky enough not to have Cancer of the breast (so far) I never take a day for granted with Cancer. I have cyst in my breast and have had surgery on them 7 times. Doctor said next time the breast goes. I worked in Surgery and I saw what Cancer does.. scared me to death. I admire you ladies that visit the site and after visiting there I even admire you more.

Love to all Janie

I'm a Bosom Buddie, too, Janie. October 10 is my 6th anniversary of freedom from cancer. Our group is having an anniversary party on October 15. These are fun fantasy trips to celebrate being survivors.

I met Marjorie at Bosom Buddies, but I already knew GinnyAnn from a book discussion at ThirdAge.Com. She didn't have BC then, but has only recently had surgery. She's finished her chemo and it has wiped her out. When she gets stronger, she will also have radiation.

Readers, I'm still not ready to report except I read 2 Geralyn Dawson's while I was on my trip and they were both keepers. They were The Wedding Ransom and The Bad Luck Wedding Night. Sue

SUE: I haven't read Geralyn Dawson's The Wedding Ransom yet. However I don't think I will part with the 4 of hers I have read. I noted that you wanted Sizzle All Day and Simmer All Night if I decided to put them on the exchange. Her books are so good that I think I will hold onto them.

JANEY: You said you "worked in surgery" and I wonder in what capacity?

OK, Marjorie. I understand about wanting to keep Dawson's books. They are in my group of books that I like to reread every now and then. I'll look for Sizzle and Simmer at my used book store. I'm sure I'll enjoy them. I haven't read any of hers I didn't like, although The Wedding Ransom was a little slow in places--maybe because Grandma Sue kept getting called away to play "Sorry"! Sue

I have been reading the book One More Time with three stories -- Lady's Choice by Jayne Ann Krentz, Midsummer Madness by Christine Rimmer, and Tempestuous Reunion by Lynne Graham.

Reading the first story, I realized I had read it previously. It was OK with me to reread it. The second story was a pleasant read.

It is the third one by Lynne Graham that is giving me fits. Has anyone read anything by her?

Does anyone else get upset reading books when the characters act in ways that are hateful to you? I don't like the "hero" in this Tempestuous Reunion story. I don't even like using the word "hero" for him. He is obviously the male character in the story but I don't like him at all. He is wealthy and powerful and wants to have things his way all the time. My stomach is in knots and I can't decide if I would be better finishing the story or just stopping. I have read about half and have about 70 pages left. The heroine is so in love with him that when he touches her she forgets everything else.

I don't like those two people.

What do you do when you have a book and don't like the people in it?

Marjorie

Just hoping some innocent sweet thing will bring him to his knees.. happens lots of times....

I'm reading one of David Baldacci's books as a change of pace... Called Total Control.. very detailed, very very well researched.. and totally comsuming .... of course it has a tad of romance in it.. I have also read "Saving Faith" by him.. also very detailed.. you have to really be ready to give your full attention to these books.

I worked as a OR Tech in surgery.. well actually I was a Neuorsurgiceqal OR Tech.. I assisted the doctors in the surgerys. gave them the insturtments and so on.. was a very good job and I loved it. But, my childern were very young and Jack had hurt his back so I have to give it up.. Thus I love the medical TV shows..

Love Janie

I am reading a wonderful book by Glenna McReynolds. It is The Chalice and the Blade. Her books are wonderful reads because they take you to a different time and place.

I finished Lady's Choice by Jane Ann Krentz Krentz has a talent for creating strong female and male leads.

I was at the library today and picked up a few books. I made one mistake though. I thought I was getting a Jayne Ann Krentz book and brought home Judith Krantz. I don't like her writing style. Lots of people do I know.

I picked up Delinsky's The Vineyard from the shelf of Friends of the Library for just 75 cents. Two I have for 3 weeks an two more are on the honor system. The Krantz' book is also a 3 week book but I am already finished with it!

One of the books I got is The Great Montana Cowboy Auction by Anne McAllister. This book was published this year. I looked at my list when I got home and found I have read one other book by the same author -- published in 1992. In the front of the library book is a list of books she has written since the beginning of 1995 (16) and Cowboy is in each of the titles. It was also in the title of the one I have read. Hmmm! How many titles can you come up with with the word Cowboy in them?

Books & Literature is celebrating its SIXTH Anniversary. If you would like to join the fun come to the

BOOKIE BIRTHDAY PARTY ROOM

I have been saving these books until I had the full trilogy.. I am almost done with the first and it is a very good story line. Follows a two families that have been feuding for years.

Ya'll take care now and enjoy the peace and quiet of our book time.

Love Janie

Hi, Janie. Is it the Eclipse Bay trilogy? I've read the first 2 and am looking for the 3rd one. I wish I'd waited and read them together. Good reading no matter how you do it, though. Sue

SUE: Have you ever tried to get a book from www.half.com or www.ebay.com? www.half.com has books for less and you pay the price you see and a fixed amount for postage depending upon whether you buy a paperback or hardback book. I get a lot of my romances from half.com for 75 cents plus postage. Then if I want to "take a chance" I go to eBay and take part in an auction. The sellers tell you what they will charge for shipping. With Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, and other authors of that quality, you can frequently bid on just one book -- or sometimes and entire series. You bid the most you are willing to pay and eBay keeps track. Say the auction starts (or you join) when the price is $2 (+ shipping). You bid $4 (+ shipping). If no one comes after you, you may end up paying $2; or, if someone wants it more than you do and bids $5 (+ shipping), they will get it. eBay can be addictive.

I recently tried http://www.bookcloseouts.com

They have book closeout prices with a reasonable postage charge. The books arrived around the time I started to look for them.

Marjorie, I've never tried E-bay, but I do occasionally use Half.com. I have a lot of new (for me) books right now, so will try Half.com if I don't run into it before I have finished reading the books I have now.

BTW, I finished the 3 books by Sharon DeVita you sent me and I really liked them. The first 2 with the mischievous little boys were my favorites, but the 3rd was also a good read.

I got a James Patterson mystery at the library yesterday and also Fannie Flagg's newest novel, so I need to read them, too. Right now I'm reading one of those 3 in 1 books, Affairs of the Heart, which has a Valentine's Day Theme. The authors are Laurel Collins, Stobie Piel, and Candace McCarthy. I like these because I don't stay up all night to finish the whole book. I can quit at the end of a story!

Hi, GinnyAnn. I think I'll check out BookCloseOuts.com. Thanks for the suggestion. Sue

SUE: I am glad you liked the Sharon De Vita books. I keep a couple of her series to reread sometime. I enjoyed her very much.

Hi, Janie. Is it the Eclipse Bay trilogy?

Yes it is.. The third once came out... in May 2002.. so I have had them for a while.. I always try to save them until I have them all to read.. I forget the story line if I don't..

I read so much that I tend to get the story lines confused if I dont' do this..

Is the storm anywhere near you Sue?

Love Janie

Here is a link to the new Rosamunde Pilcher web site. I got the link at the one listed above.

http://kiswebdesigns.com/rosamundepilcher/

GINNY ANN: Thanks for "keeping me honest" because I don't check the links that are in the header unless I happen to use one of them.

If anyone else finds anything wrong with one of the links in the header, please let me know.

Just in case any of you are interested there are photos from the Bookfest HERE. At this point they are about people arriving. I found them interesting.

Yesterday I read Jennifer Crusie's Tell Me Lies. It was a good read, romance of adults with a murder thrown in. I got it at the library. Sue

I have gotten a couple of books at the library lately. I find that I don't mind if I pick up a book I have already read or make a mistake with an author's name since it is a library book. I get extremely frustrated when I get a used book and it is a duplicate. One day I picked up what I thought was a Jayne Ann Krentz' book I hadn't read and when I got home I realized it was Judith Krantz. I don't particularly like Judith Krantz although I am sure she is perfect for other people.

SUE: I was disappointed with Jennifer Crusie when we read and discussed one of her books. I haven't tried her again. There are so many, many books to read. Maybe someday.

Was that Crusie book, Crazy for You? I think the heroine's first boyfriend, the one she'd broken up with because he didn't like dogs, became a stalker. I had my doubts about that one. This one was better. I read another one, forgot the name, published recently about a divorced woman who went back to work for a detective and it was pretty good. Sue

SUE: Yes, you have the story of Crazy for You correct. I am glad is isn't representative of Cruisie's books.

Jennifer Crusie's Crazy For You--I couldn't get very far in this book. But, since it isn't a good examplw of her work, I will have to give her another chance.

Last night I finished my second Tami Hoag book. It was one of her earlier books. She is a good Romantic Suspense author. Lucky's Lady was a good read.

I started French Quarter by Stella Cameron. It is an enjoyable read.

I read Kristin Hannah's Summer Island yesterday and today. It is the story of a woman who left her husband and 2 daughters when the girls were teenagers. It is well written with a scandal, a death, and a romance and is a satisfying read. I think it compares well to On Mystic Lake which we discussed here and Angel Falls which I also read and enjoyed although I don't think we discussed it.

I like Tami Hoag, too, GinnyAnn, but I don't think I've read Lucky's Lady. I'll have to look for it. Sue

Hi Marjorie and All,

I have missed all my romance buddies. Life has been very busy. Anyway, I am reading, and can hardly stop reading an old book by Catherine Coulter. It is called MIDSUMMER MAGIC. It is a trilogy, and I want to read the other two.

I am reading the old posts and making lists from all your wonderful suggestions.

Hats

Just finished The Switch by Sandra Brown and enjoyed it very much.

Hi HATS. Thanks for posting. I've missed you. Is Midsummer Madness the first of the trilogy? Do you know the names of the others?

JUDY LAIRD: The Switch is one of Sandra Brown's books I haven't read. She has written a lot of good books.

Lately I have been reading a lot of Silhouette books. They are great escapes and fast reads.

Last night I had the worst time getting to sleep. It was probably close to 3am when I finally fell asleep. I went to bed shortly before midnight. When I woke up it was 12:15 this afternoon! I felt sure it was Friday and I had an appointment in an hour that I might miss because I was up so late. Then I looked at the calendar. What a relief! All I missed was doing the laundry. Whew!

Marjorie

Marjorie,

I think MIDSUMMER MAGIC is first. The second one is CALYPSO MAGIC and the third is MOONSPUN MAGIC.

Marjorie, I am sorry you had a sleepless night. I have had those sort of nights. The next day your so tired you don't know what to do.

Judy, I can't remember whether I read The Switch or have it mixed up with The Alibi. For some reason, I get my titles and plots mixed up. Then, I am afraid that I have missed a good book.

Hats

I am on the last of the Ecllipse Bay Trilogy. Life has kept me busy and I'm not reading as much as I love to do..

Cold and rainy here in West Virginia today. temps last night was 34 degrees.. good night to sleep.... I love to crawl into the covers with a good book and read myself to sleep.

I purchased a book yesterday Chase The Wind) by Cindy Holby, she is going to be at our Walmart on Oct 20th to sign the book... I will read the book and then get it signed.. I hope.Sshe lives in Winston-Salem, NC...

Love and Hope every one is well and reading a lot.

Janie West Virginia

I just finished Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown. It was first published in 1988. I got it from the library and really enjoyed it a lot.

Hi HATS and JANIE.

It seems like we have a lot of appointments set up for the next few weeks. We go in spurts. I thought it would be better when I went from every other week for my allergy shots to once a month. It seems like my time is filled up anyway.

If I remember correctly, Switch by Sandra Brown follows a twin who had switched places places with her twin. I am not quite as sure about The Alibi but think it followed a woman and a man who met at a festival during the time a crime occurs someplace else. Both were GOOD reads.

I just finished another good book I got from the library. This is a Barbara Bretton book published in 2001. The title is A Soft Place to Fall. I found the story very engrossing; the characters captivating; and I was left with a good feeling when I finished it.

Marjorie: What was the book about? I love that title.

ALF: A Soft Place to Fall is a romance set in a small town in Maine. The woman is a widow with a secret who just moved to a very small house to "start over" when the man, recently from New York, moves into an equally small house next door. He, too, has a secret and he is a divorcee. Her in-laws do not like him on sight because he isn't from the small town. Everything moves from there. I like Barbara Bretton and have read several of her books.

OOO- EEE, that sounds like a good one. I'll check out my library on Monday for it. Thanks.

That does sound like a good one, Marjorie. I'll have to check out Barbara Bretton's books, too.

I've just finished an excellent read, Big Cherry Holler, by Adriana Trigiani. It's not specifically a romance, but has romance, small town life in the Appalachian Mountains and the Italian Alps, and tragedy in it. I am going to return it to the library and try to check out Big Stone Gap, which is Trigiani's first book and which precedes this one. There is an excerpt at the end of Big Cherry Holler from the next book in the series and I'd like to read it, too. The characters and setting in this book were memorable. Sue

Yesterday while Iwas at the library I picked up two books by Sandra Brown. It is always fun to find one of hers that I haven't read -- two made it a real lucky day.I also borrowed a book by Suzanne Brockman and a book by Linda Howard. Then there was the non-fiction I found. All of this because I went to the library to pick up the latest mystery by Sue Grafton. Of course I had to look for the books for sale from the Friends of the Library and found three at 25 cents a piece! Two are romances and one a mystery. When I got home I had to choose which one to start reading. Sandra Brown's 22 Indigo Place is the winner for this round of reading.

Sounds like some good reading going on.

I just finished Touch Me Not by Julie Kistler. I hadn't read anything by her before. It is a Harlequin romance (1997). Underneath the love story there is corruption when the Mayor and his crony try to pass a plan to build an offshore casino and completely redo a rundown neighborhood. Of course, the heroine lives and teaches in the neighborhood and tries to get enough pressure going to stop the plan.

Does anyone know Julie Kistler's books?

P.S. I just looked up Sandra Brown in the pseudonym database and she has 3 pseudonyms. I wonder if each writes different types of books as Jayne Anne Krentz does with her pseudonyms. Pseudonyms for Sandra Brown are Laura Jordan, Rachel Ryan, and Erin St. Claire.

Gaj, Middleburg hts also has an ongoing book sale with 25 cent paperbacks and 50 cent hardcovers along with great buys on videos, cassettes and cd"s. Their big Friends of Library sale is today and tomorrow you cn get a bag of books for $2.00. Strongsville has theirs next weekend I think and North Royalton has theirs the first of November. Can't pass up those bargain prices !!!!! BARB

Hi

I want to read 'A Soft Place to Fall' too. I will get it from the library.

I loved Big Stone Gap and Cherry Holler. I am looking forward to reading Milk Glass Moon, but at the library, everyone, it seems, is on the hold list. I can wait.

Hi folks.......I read the posts here often and make notes of authors to try. I too will try to get A Soft Place to Fall. Sounds good.

I am currently reading Green Calder Grass by Janet Daily. I'm not too far into it but it seems OK at this point.

I have never read any Julie Kistler books. Does she write for anything other than Harlequin? I seldom read Harlequins.

Northern Joan

So close yet so far away - the library book sales are just far enough away that I will have to wait until the next sale. Yesterday I tried driving on the InnerState and found I am not up to the stress. So it will be local roads for awhile yet.

Last night it took me awhile to find where I had misplaced my current read. Luckly I found it and ended up reading longer than I should have. It was one of those nights where I kept telling myself just one more chapter. lol

But I always fall asleep when I try that Ginnyann.

N.Joan

GINNY ANN: Reading "just one more chapter" happens here a lot, especially when I read in bed.

NORTHERN JOAN: I haven't fallen asleep reading yet. Maybe I need to try reading something dry and technical in bed that might work. AND I wouldn't have to worry about where I stopped reading.

Gaj. Whenever I stay up and read 1 more chapter I regret it whenI get up at 5am toget Mike off to work. If I read in bed I fall asleep after 1 page no matter what I'm reading

When I read at night, I seldom fall asleep. However, all I need to do is get comfortable while reading a book in the daytime and off to dreamland I go. lol

GRAM: If I had to get up at 5am, I would have trouble reading one more chapter also. I used to get up between 5 and 6 when I was working. In the last 6 months or so I have been getting up later and going to bed later -- AND I think of myself as a morning person. I wonder if I need to change my sleeping habits. Hmmm?

I never was a morning person, but after 62 years i've finally gotten used to it. I kind of flounder around,read the paper, do the crossword, check Sr Net and finally get moving about 9AM.I take a short snooze in the afternoon so I don't collapse at 8PM. I wonder what it will be like when Mike retires??? I've picked up quite a few romance novels lately, and have a shelf and boxes of books ready for winter. I haven't read the Eclipse Bay series yet so I think I'll start on them today.

Gram: That is exactly my idea of retirement. Moving slow in the morning. I swore last yr. I was going to read something totally different than I have ever read before. That's why I decided on Shakespeare (Barnes and Noble) course. I loved it. I also tried a biography of John Adams but I felt myself growing older than him before I finished the bio.

Over in Why We Read What We Read? we were talking about romances and I said something about "trash" romances. (I must have internalized some judgment about "good" books from when I was little. )

GINNY ANN came in and suggested popcorn or cotton candy books as a better description.

ALF suggested bubblegum books.

When I mentioned all this to PURPLE SAGE, she told me that in the library (where she used to work) they called them bedtime stories for old women.

Now I have to decide what to call the Harlequin/Silhouette books I read.

Anyone have any other names for them?

Marjorie

'bedtime stories for old women.' That had me laughing out loud while all by myself!

See my message over in "Why We Read". I mentioned sub-literature--not my term. I have been calling them light or even trash occasionally. I just know I like them as they are fast, easy, entertaining, and predictable. I like happy endings. Sue

SUE: I got an email from you about opening a file that SUPPOSEDLY I sent you. I did not send you an attachment. I just sent you an email about it. I received an email with the same subject as yours from someone I don't know and chose NOT to download the file. There is a virus (or worm) going around right now that is a bad one. I have no idea if that has anything to do with it. I do know that people are getting emails that are supposedly sent from people they know.

Thanks for letting me know here, Marjorie. I did try to open it because it was from you--I should have realized from the attachment that it was bogus as it was about AllHollowsmass--and I've deleted lots of attachments with similar titles. I hope I didn't catch Bugbear. My virus scan didn't tell me anything about it. Sue

I got a virus! I am still trying to make sure it is off my hard drive. One of the bad ones around is klez. Please forgive me if any of you got an e-mail from me with the virus. It sends itself out!

SUE: I asked in the Virus Questions discussion if anyone has seen an email with that name. I will let you know if I get an answer. Do you have an up-to-date virus checker? Maybe you can do a scan on your computer.

GINNY ANN put a link to romantictimes.com in Why We Read What We Read because she gets ratings of romance authors/books there. The link is also in the heading. I just tried it and it worked well.

SUE: I ran a virus check on my computer and it says I do not have a virus.

GINNY ANN: Do you know how you got the virus you have or which one it is? Have you asked for help in the Computer discussions? Try asking in Virus Questions? Post Them Here or write to JTM.

Thanks for the advice about the computer virus. Right now my virus protector has cleaned out all of the viruses I had on my hard drive. I am running the protection after each e-mail download.

I am scanning some pictures of Mel Gibson to have handy when reading my Romance Novels. He is one of my ideal hunks.

Marjorie and GinnyAnn: I've run my virus check, downloaded new definitions (do it every week) and keep my virus program scanning every 30 minutes. So far it tells me I have no virus. I was really stupid to try to open that attachment, but my computer didn't let me. Maybe it was stopped by my virus programs.

I just finished a Dorothy Garlock, The Edge of Town, which is about a family, a small town, a romance, secrets, a mystery with a rapist, and is a good read. It is set in the early 20s, not long after World War I. If you like fairly contemporary history, you'll probably like this one. Sue

Because of the strange email that I got and was forwarded to SUE without my knowledge, I have started putting the letters "ss" in the subject line of the emails I send. That won't be something that any worm/virus or hacker would think to do. I figure I should say something here or someone will wonder what that ss is all about.

SUE: Glad your computer is virus free.

I just finished The Woman Next Door by Delinskiy and it was great I would reccomend it to everyone. I got a big windfall the other day. My daughter came down from alaska and brough down a big cooler that my oldest son had left up there. The best part is she filled it with book. 41 paper backs and 4 hardcover for when I get old. hehe

You sure brought your daughter up right. Happy Reading! Don't wait untill you get old, that could could be thirty or forty years from now. lol

JUDY: What a lot of fun to get such a wonderful surprise from your daughter! As GINNY ANN says "happy reading!" I wrote down the Delinsky book on my list of Books To Get.

I was just noticing http://www.myunicorn.com/biblios.html. It is the same place as the Author Pseudonyms in the heading. I found the entry for Susan Anderson and it listed several books she had written since 1998. I wonder how far back it goes? Nora Roberts probably has a very long list.

Should I put this in the heading? It is possible to get there from Author Pseudonyms by clicking on the Bibliographies tab at the top of the page. When I find a good "new" author, I may use this to see what else to get.

I just finished Sweet Nothings by Catherine Anderson. It was published this year and I got it from the library. I really enjoyed the book. There is suspense, trust issues, and emotional healing and it all takes place on a ranch in Oregon. A delightful book.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I sometimes read older books by authors I like. Last week sometime I read an early book by Sandra Brown and when I finished it I could tell that she was still learning. In that book she was trying to come up with as many ways of describing an intimate encounter as possible. There wasn't really a plot. Not at all like her current books.

I picked up a 1988 book by Barbara Delinsky at the library and thought it would be the same thing. It wasn't. I read Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky in one day (no errands yesterday) and really enjoyed it. I have read 18 of her books and liked all but one ("Having Faith").

Marjorie

Marjorie I too love Barbara Delinsky I have 2 of her books waiting on my shelves. Too many books too little time. hehe

Too Many books too little time is the story of my life. lol My current book is Now You See Her by Linda Howard. In regaurds to Sandra Brown I have one of her books that so far hasn't sparked my interest. It is Tempest In Eden Has anyone read it?

GINNY ANN: I haven't read Tempest in Eden. I just checked my list and the book that seemed like a very beginning writer was written in 1984 and is In a Class by Itself.

JUDY: I have decided that I already own so many books I need to not get any new ones for the library for a while.

Marjorie -- I just checked the copyright. It is 1983!

I also like Barbara Delinsky. Through the Book Exchange I got her Shades of Grace

Late last night I finished The Pink Magnolia Club by Geralyn Dawson. I like her books and this one is no exception. This is one I will save and reread. The book is about 3 women, each from a different generation, who form a friendship and support each other through ups and downs of relationships and health issues. I don't want to tell the story here. It is very touching.

Now there you go Marjorie now I am going to have to find the book it sounds like my kind of book. So I have books backed up all over the place I guess I can always find room for one more. hehe

The Pink Magnolia Club is a wonderful read. I'll stick with Marjorie and not reveal the plot, but will say it's about incredible friendships and loving support among really likable women. Sue

Marjorie and Sue,

I have PINK MAGNOLIA CLUB. Believe it or not, I am going to start it immediately, I mean today! It sounds like it will fit my mood. Thank you.

Hats

Hi HATS. Glad to see your post. How have you been? I found a copy of Pink Magnolia Club on SUE's recommendation. I hope you enjoy it as much has both of us did.

I was at the library over the weekend. In spite of my decision not to bring any books home (I have some many aleady here), I did. I just finished The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky. I remember someone here recommended it. I am glad I picked it up. I really enjoyed it a lot. It tells the story about the people living in 4 houses in a cul-de-sac and how they interact with each other and with their spouses and children. If you get a chance, pick it up.

Hi Marjorie,

I really enjoyed THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR. I like Barbara Delinsky and would like to read more of her books. A little while ago, I finished LAKE NEWS. I enjoyed that one too.

Hi Everyone!!

HATS: I don't know if you are interested in looking at a discussion after you have read the book. We discussed Lake News in November of 2000 and it is archived HERE. Wow! That is 2 years ago. Where did the last 2 years go. I remember that discussion like it was much more recent.

Thanks, Marjorie. I will enjoy looking over the discussion about Lake News.

Just finished The Last Time I Saw Paris by Elizabeth Adler. I enjoyed it and I understand that France is one of the authors obsession's and beings the book mostly takes place in France I was surprised to find out that they are real.

Last night I finished Dark Guardian by Christine Freehan. It was a good paranormal read. The hero is a Carpathian hunter. I have never read Anne Rice . Besides her, is there any other author that writes Carpathian or Vampire novels?

I started Diane Palmer's The Last Mercenary.

I just proved to myself that I can't always rely on my evaluation of a story. I recently finished reading Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber for the second time. The first time was last May. This time I got a book of 3 of her stories from the Friends of the Library. When I looked at my list, I realized that I had already read 2 of the 3. I had marked Here Comes Trouble as no good. This time when I read it I couldn't figure out why I marked it that way before. It wasn't the best story she has written but I wouldn't have said it is no good. Must have been what else I was reading at the time or my mood or something. Hmmm! Has anyone else had that sort of thing happen.

I also just finished Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts. I enjoyed it very much.

I met with SUE (SpringCreekFarm) this afternoon. We had a very nice visit. I have posted a picture of the 2 of us taken this afternoon -- just click here.

She and I traded books. She gave me one by Luanne Rice that she had gotten for her trip and enjoyed and I gave her a couple of books that have several stories in each book. The thing I thought was most interesting is that the book I am reading right now is another of Luanne Rice's books. The last time I read a book of hers was a long time ago. Coincidence???

There is no such thing as 'coincidence'. lol "It is just God being annoymous (sp?)" People meet who they are supposed to! Marjorie, thanks for posting the picture.

Marjorie, Judy and all the rest of you fine folks that bought my book, MADAM, THE GRASS IS HIGH, and helped Alzheimer's, MS, and Parkinson's disease research. The campaign ended a few months back and I promised you that I'd let you all know the results of the campaign. Feel free to email me for that information. It was exciting for me to participate in something like that. I hope that somehow it might help, even if it's just a little. I also enjoyed reading many of your comments about the book. I've enjoyed many wonderful emails and comments and stories . . . oh, the stories. I didn't realize how many people actually lived through what I put my (fictional) protagonist through. Many sad, funny, but mostly happy experiences. You guys are all so wonderful and I just wanted to send a BIG THANK YOU! For those of you that posted, emailed or wrote that you'd wait until the book was out in paperback, I'm announcing that it is available now in paperback as well as hardcover on Amazon.com and soon to be at Barnes and Nobles, etc. The cover for both has been redesigned, and is different from the Special Edition that you all bought. Also, I'd love to thank all of you for the wonderful reviews and comments you made about the story. Many people bought the book because of what you all had to say. Hope to get a chance to meet you someday, somewhere. Have a very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Your Friend, Dennis H. Christen

Hey Dennis its great to hear from you. Believe me we enjoyed the experience as much as you did. I am sure lots of Senior Netters will buy the paper back. When is the movie coming out?? Let us here from you soon. Judy

DENNIS: Thanks for the followup. I hope you have a great holiday season.

Judy, we plan on shooting the film in Hawaii this coming Spring or early Summer. We are still going over the casting, and we ARE looking at all the suggestions that came from seniornet and other groups. Loved all the great ideas and suggestions from guys. Thanks again and have a great holiday! Your Friend . . . Dennis H. Christen

Dennis

If you need some extra's I am sure you might get a few volunteers here to come to Hawaii. hehe

Judy, I was actually thinking about using some of you guys on the bus. Those girls and guys need to be there throughout the entire movie and would be considered featured players. Pays more and gets a lot more exposure. Don't need all those players to be pros at acting. Might even be better with real people surrounded by our stars and co-stars. As we get closer to that reality, I'll be checking back with you and Marjorie. The director, Mr. Delbert Mann, is 78 years old and just lost his wife to Alzheimer's. He's an Academy Award winning director (Marty 1955) with a list of top Hollywood credits that very few other directors could come close too. He and I have already found the locations in Hawaii and will be looking for our cast starting the first of the year. I personally would love some of the players to be people who read the book before it was, well let's say, famous. So don't be surprised when I come back with requests for interested people to join us in Hawaii. Your Friend, Dennis H. Christen

Boy Dennis that would be fun. You have just got to wait til I get back though. I an leaving tommorow and going to Sedona via Nevada and will not be back til Jan 1 . Don't pick wait for me. hehe

Judy... You've got plenty of time. Have a great and safe trip! Dennis H. Christen

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who celebrate Christmas!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

I have been inhaling books again. Last night I finished Madeline Baker's Lacy's Way. Since it was still early enough, I started the book I just got in the book exchange from Marjorie.

Happy Reading everyone.

The book from Marjorie is Baby, I'm Yours by Susan Anderson.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Click on the greeting above to see the card I posted

I have finished the book The Sheriff of Shelter Valley by Tara Taylor Quinn if someone would like it. It is a Harlequin Superromance and has a plot that makes me think of the Harlequin Intrigue books. If you would like it, email me and I will count it as a Book Exchange. You just have to pay $1.42 postage.

Nifty card, Marjorie! Happy New Year to you, too!

I'll take the Quinn book. Do you still have my address? Sue

SUE: I do have your address. I will send the book out Thursday.

I am finishing a library copy of Cherry Adair's In Too Deep. It is a great book that I would rate a strong R.for explicit sex scenes and a 4 1/2* for the story line.

GINNY ANN: I like the way you rated the book you just read. I will have to remember that -- movie ratings for sex scenes and 1-5 for plot. (At least I am assuming that you are rating 1 to 5 when you give a book that you mention here a 4 1/2*.)

Happy New Year everyone. It is a pretty sunny day here and we will be very lazy today.

I just finished a library copy of Linda Howard's Mr. Perfect. Using GinnyAnn's rating system, I'd give it an R for the sex scenes and a 4+ for story line. It is also a murder mystery and has some very funny dialogue. I stayed up well past midnight to finish it. Sue

I loved Mr. Perfect. Linda Howard is a favorite of mine.

My list of books read has three Linda Howard books on it. I seem to remember one of them. I read them some time ago and don't have another one of hers waiting to be read. I will have to add her to my list of authors to get.

Linda Howard, Suzanne Brockmann, and Cherry Adair have books written about Military men. The books that I have read by them are all very good reads. There are 'lists' for Brockmann and Adair. Team 10 is Brockmann's group. I belong to both groups.

teamten@yahoogroups.com

CherryAdair@yahoogroups.com

I hope the new year is starting out well for all of you.

I am taking my time finishing Shelters of Stone the latest of Jean Auel's series. I remember when I read Clan of the Cave Bear I enjoyed all the description. This time I am getting a little impatient with it. I guess it is because I keep reading romances with plots that move very quickly.

Marjorie, The Sheriff of Shelter Valley arrived today. I'll try to get your check out in the mail tomorrow morning. Be sure to give us a full report on Shelters of Stone. I loved the Cave Bear books by Jean Auel, too, and didn't realize she written anything recently.

GinnyAnn: do you need my address to send the Susan Anderson book? Just let me know if you do. I'm in no hurry, just thought you might not have kept it. Sue

I think I have your address. The book has made it to the kitchen table, which means it is one step closer to being mailed. lol

My surgery for the removal of a chemo port went well. The post op instructions are to rest. I am tired and sore. Now all I need to do is keep getting better and better.

I am reading Cherry Adair's Take Me. I took it to the hospital this morning. When I handed it to the nurse to put under the gurney, she went "Oh a Blaze book." She knew it was a hot book! My stack of TBR books is huge! I love it!!!

GinnyAnn, I'm glad your port surgery went well. Get that needed rest, read, read, read, and soon you'll be feeling great. (((((HUGS))))). Sue

GINNY ANN: Glad to hear the procedure went well for you. What is a TBR book? I will probably kick myself that I don't know when you tell me.

Just finished Sandra Brown's French Silk and enjoyed it as much the second time around. When I started I thought you've read this book but I kept going and it just kept getting better.

TBR = To Be Read.

I have shelves of TBR books. They are my security blanket. lol

JUDY: I will have to look for that Sandra Brown book.

GINNY ANN: I have a TBR stash too. Some of the books are in one room and others in another room. Lots of books to read.

I just finished True Blue by Luanne Rice. SUE gave it to me when she visited California recently. I think I will keep this one. I took a few days to read it but each time I was reading, I lost track of time because I was so absorbed in the story.

I have a treadmill and get on it several days a week for half an hour each time. I like to read while I walk. In addition to other times, I have been reading True Blue on the treadmill. Today I walked an additional 14 minutes because I was reading!! When I went to the hardware store to get a lamp to clip onto the treadmill, the young man there was astonished. He said "you want to read while you run???" Actually I don't run, I walk. He did sell me a good light.

I just got this in an email and thought some of you might be interested.

Sunday night [1/12/03] in the Writerspace Readers Chatroom, Jayne [Anne Krentz] will be chatting with readers about her latest release, LIGHT IN SHADOW! Please join Jayne Sunday night 1/12, 9p Eastern, at http://www.writerspace.com/chat for a fun and lively chat. LIGHT IN SHADOW #6 New York Times Bestseller!

Time to laugh at romance....... or not!

Subject: Joke: LOL TOO FUNNY

These are entries to a competition asking for a rhyme with the most romantic first line but least romantic second line

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss but I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you. But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.

Of loving beauty you float with grace If only you could hide your face

I thought that I could love no other Until, that is, I met your brother

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot This describes everything you are not

I want to feel your sweet embrace But don't take that paper bag off of your face

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes- I'm very good at telling lies!

Every time I see your face I wish I were in outer space

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife: Marrying you screwed up my life

I see your face when I am dreaming That's why I always wake up screaming

My loving you takes my breath away What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you no words can tell Except for maybe "go to hell"

What inspired this amorous rhyme? Two parts vodka, one part lime

Cute, GinnyAnn. Which was the winner? Sue

Thanks for posting those GINNY ANN.

I don't know which one won.

My Spy by Christina Sky was a good read. It did bring up a question though. The male lead is a Navy Seal which I know are taught to work in a team setting. This guy had been sent undercover by himself? I think he should have been written as some other type of elite trained warrior.

GINNY ANN: I am always disappointed when authors do things like that. I would not have picked that up from the book because I didn't have your knowledge of Navy Seals. I think I have seen other things that didn't make sense to me because of something I had previous experience with. That's too bad. Something that "feels" wrong about a story seems to stay with me through the whole book. The next time I find something like that I will bring it here.

Is anyone familiar with Stephanie Laurens? A friend of mine gave me a book that a friend of hers was finished reading. The title is On a Wild Night by Stephanie Laurens, a historical romance published by Avon in 2002. I was very disappointed in this book. It may just be this particular book or it may be the author. I haven't read any of her other books. This seems to be one of the last in a series.

In this book a young woman is out to find herself a husband and I just don't feel any connection with the characters or the plot. Usually I find something to like about a book even if I just want to find out what happens.

I am not trying to discourage anyone one from reading this. This is all just my opinion.

Stephanie Laurens rings a bell, but I can't remember where.

Yesterday I finished Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It was a 4* read. It is in the same type genre of Christine Feehan, vampires who aren't vampires. For some reason I have been drawn to some of the paranormal books.

My current book is Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann. I am really enjoying it.

I just finished Night Scents by Carla Neggers. I would rate it a 4+. I can't decide if G or PG would be the correct rating. There is a mystery involved and I really enjoyed the book. I haven't read anything by this author before. I will go find some more of her books now. I just checked the pseudonym database and Carla Neggers is her real name. Her pseudonyms are Amalia Hames and Anne Harrell. I don't know either of her pseudonyms.

Hello all.......I am still around but not getting a ton of reading done. I did just finish Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. It was a decent read. Just brought The Storm by Kristen Hannah home but not into it yet.

Northern Joan

NORTHERN JOAN: I am pleased to see your post and hope you are well. Is The Storm a new book by Kristin Hannah? I devoured her books and read one after another.

Oh dear, I have goofed. Looked at a book titled the Storm but didn't pick it up. I did bring home Distant Shores by Kristen Hannah.

Sorry about that Margie.\

N. Joan

Joan you sure can't go wrong with Hanah. I just finished Fern Michaels Kentucky Heat and loved it. If you are a fan of her's and the colemans and thorntons you got to love it.

NORTHERN JOAN: I have read Distant Shores and enjoyed it. I searched Barnes & Noble for books that she wrote and find there is one that is coming in April of this year. It can be preordered but I will wait until after it comes out to get it and read it.

Hi JUDY.

Anyone else around? I have been very lazy the last few days. At least that is how I am feeling. I have gotten things done but very slowly.

It is taking me longer to read Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann. than usual for this style of book. Of course the pain medication for my tooth may be a part of the problem. I have a dry socket in the jaw from my oral surgery.

It will be so nice when I don't need the pain medicine because it makes me drosy and I can't read for too long before I want to fall asleep. It has even been effecting my computer time.

I've been reading every day, but nothing that is really memorable. However, I have enjoyed a couple of stories by Annette Broadrick in The Man She Married and Summer Dreams. I don't recall reading anything by her before. I'd rate these 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. Sue

GINNY ANN: I hope you mouth feels better soon so you can stop the pain medication.

SUE: I have read several books by Annette Broadrick. I would agree with your rating. Sometimes I want something to read that doesn't require much from me as a reader.

I have Sally Quinn's book Happy Endings if anyone wants it. I was unable to get more than halfway. That does not mean that someone else won't be delighted with the story. I just didn't find anyone I could relate to. There are four main characters and several other people who played significant roles in the story. These characters weave back and forth and the relationships seem to always have one partner married at the time of the relationship. Politics in Washington,DC is also a part of the story. Not what I want to be reading.

Everyday, Average Jones By Suzanne Brockmann is my current book. I am proofreading it as I read it. As a member of Suzanne Brockmann's discussion/e-mail group, I was the first to respond to the request for proofreaders. (There are 9 others) The book is being reissued and she wants all the mistakes that got through the first time caught and corrected. For my efforts I will get a signed copy of the book and my name in the acknowledgements. What fun I am having!

Gee, that sounds like fun, GinnyAnn. What kind of errors are you finding?

BTW, I really enjoyed the Susan Andersen, Baby, I'm Yours, that you sent me. So I got out the other Susan Andersen, Head Over Heels that I read in September and have started to reread it. Of course I know or remember the plot as I read along, but I enjoy the humor and dialogue.

Hi, Marjorie. The Quinn book sounds like a loser, maybe a 1* to me. Sometimes when I pick a book up, I think I'll enjoy it and after starting the reading just can't get into it. This book sounds like one of those. Sue

Mostly finding that she has BUD/S as BUDS. There are other errors, but I am going blank on them. lol

GINNY ANN: What you are doing sounds like a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Hi SUE.

I just put up a new header for 2003. I was tired of the previous one.

I deleted some of the links that were there before because it is possible to get to individual author's websites from the Writerspace.com link.

I noticed that a couple of those links also had links to bookstore sites. Please be aware that if you use the Barnes & Noble link at the bottom of the heading 7% of the purchase price in returned to SeniorNet. I also found out that you can get used books through Barnes & Noble. I imagine that some of the books we read, e.g., older Harlequin, may not be available on Barnes & Noble. If that is the case the link to Find/Buy Any Romance should help you find a copy.

Have a great evening everyone!

The new header is very attractive, Marjorie. Thanks for changing it. Sue

That's a beautiful heading, Marjorie. You have such a feel for color and the balancing of print and graphics.

I really like the way you edited your links. Also, that is the NEATEST idea to link up with Book Archives in the heading. Very inventive and it makes for some fun reading to check out past discussions.

Harriet

Marjorie I love what you have done with our place here. The Find/Buy any Romance book link is to the FictionData Base. I love the site, but I will soon have to either pay them for listing my books or forget about the site. After the first free 30 days you need to join.

Did I mention that I am reading The Captive by Amanda Ashley? It is different from Suzanne Brockmann's SEAL books. I am really enjoying it.

GINNY ANN: Have you sold many books at the Fiction Database? I have tried selling romance at half.com but there are so many listed for every title and they don't really sell. I usually buy books there for 75 cents plus postage.

I haven't sold anything from them.

My 30 days are almost up. I was hoping to make enough for the membership fee. We should compare books to see if we would want to trade books.

Just finished Luanne Rice True Blue I enjoyed it but not as much as some of her others I would give it a 6.

GINNY ANN: I will make up a list and post it before I take the books to the library.

JUDY: I guess differences is what makes the world go around. I just looked at my list and I put a * next to True Blue but not a couple of other Luanne Rice books. Sometimes I wonder if I like a particular book a great deal because I just happen to be in the "mood" for that specific book when I read it. In other words, I am not sure how objective I am about my reading.

Marjorie I think you hit it right on the head. I really wasn't in the mood for that type of book. I kept looking at all the mysteries and other books but I told myself you've started this and you have to finish it. Stupid I guess.

JUDY: I have finished a book just because I started it many, many times. I think I have heard other people say the same thing. There must be a little "stupid" in all of us. Or would you rather say "silly" instead?

One of the reasons I keep favorites to reread is because I sometimes find it hard to get into something new. I always have to have something going. I read about 5 books a week and I can't let a day go by without reading. Right now I am enjoying a previously read book by Patty Berg, Born to be Wild. I'd like to read more books by her. This one has a clever plot and amusing dialogue. Sue

SUE: I don't think I have read anything by Patty Berg. How does she compare to Susan Andersen? I think of your description of "clever plot and amusing dialog" in connection with Susan Andersen.

You're absolutely right, Marjorie. Patty Berg, Susan Andersen, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips all tickle my funny bone. In addition to intriguing plots, steamy love scenes, there is alway humourous (sp?) dialogue. Right now these contemporary romance authors are high on my list of favorites, along with old favs, Jayne Anne Krentz in her many pseudonyms and Jude Deveraux. Sue

SUE: I just added Patty Berg to my list of authors to get. Thanks for the recommendation.

I just finished Be My Baby by Susan Andersen. I enjoyed the book and was disappointed that I didn't find places to laugh out loud as I was reading as I have in her other books. At the same time the story had a lot of amusing scenes. Maybe I just wasn't in the "mood" for laughing out loud today. I would give it a 4 out of 5, with R rated sex.

Marjorie, if you decide to put Be My Baby up for the Book Exchange, let me know. I'd like to read it. Sue

Just finishedd Julie Garwood's Mercy.

A great read and a lot of fun. It should be called romance/mystery

Judy, I don't remember this Garwood title. Is it new? Sue

Yesterday I finished reading The Captive by Amanda Ashley. It was an excellent read! I give it 4 1/2+ rating. The copyright author is Madeline Baker so Amanda Ashley must be a pseudonym.

Sue it came out in paper back August 2002

My list notes that I read Julie Garwood's Mercy in March of last year. I got it from the library and enjoyed it. However, I don't remember it at all.

Marjorie I am right there. Its only a short time away and I will only need 2 books and 2 movies. Now my husband and I sit and watch a movie and half the time it doesn't dawn on us we have already watched it. Time marches on and takes our memory with it.

Happy Valentine's Day! May the very best of Love touch each and everyone of you!

Thank you, Dennis. How's the movie coming? Sue

We are working hard on casting and preproduction. We plan on shooting around the end of April first of May. It's getting fun. Still love to get a few of you all to join us as some girls and guys on the bus. Not extras, but actual featured players.

Hi Dennis

Boy just tell us where and when. It sounds like fun. Don't make it on St Patricks day as my appearance has been requisted in Las Vegas. hehe Judy

DENNIS: Do you think the movie or the book will more closely portray the idea(s) you had when you started out?

That's a wonderful question. I think the book, because only I inputted my intention. Even if the movie follows the book exactly, which is the way I wrote the screenplay, the director has his images, the actors will no doubt have theirs. That leave several areas that, if altered even a slight bit, will change what I wrote in the book. As the producer/writer, I have worked with Delbert Mann, the director, to try and keep that from happening. However, it might be literally impossible due to the input of the other players. Hope you are having a nice weekend. Hope to talk at you again soon. Dennis H. Christen

The painting of the front of the house is finally finished. Here are pictures of our house before and after painting. The bushes by the garage that were in the first picture were removed for the painting. The bush near the front door is the one I removed last fall to plant flowers. The flowers are hard to see in this picture. When I looked at the heading here, I realized that many of the same colors are on the house.

Yesterday I finished Harper Allen's McQueen's Heat. It is one of this month's Harlequin Intrigue books. I rate it 4 1/2*. The main protaginists are firefighters/investagators. Not all of the Intrigue books are good, but if it wasn't a library copy I would consider it a keeper.

GINNY ANN: Do you usually like Harper Allen's books?

I just finished The Vineyard by Barbara Delinsky. I will keep this one to reread sometime. In addition to lots of wonderful characters there is some history relating to the depression and WWII and a good deal of information about runing a vineyard and raising grapes for wine. I highly recommend this book.

Yes, I lkie most of Harper Allen's books. Four of her books are on my keeper shelf. They are: Guarding Jane Doe
The Bride and the Mercenary
Woman Most Wanted

Sullivan's Last Stand
Her

The Night In Question is in my to read stack of books from the library.

Today I finished reading Susan Anderson's All Shook Up. It was a fun fast read. In fact I laughed out loud at some of the humor. I have started reading Dark Prince by Christine Freehan.

GINNY ANN: I have enjoyed all of the Susan Andersen books I have read. Almost every time I have laughed out loud when reading them.

I've been reading mysteries lately, but I will add my praise to Susan Anderson. I love a romance that has humor. Those that take themselves too seriously don't appeal to me.

GinnyAnn, do the books by Harper Allen include biographical data about the author? I went to school with a Shannon Harper and years ago read that she and a friend co wrote a romance novel which used a combination of their last names. I'm wondering if this is it? Who publishes the Harper Allen books? Sue

I just finished reading A Coral Kiss by Jayne Ann Krentz. It was written in 1987 and I enjoyed it as much as her current books. I can see some changes in her writing. Most of her current books have a mysterious person who is plotting trouble for the main characters. In this book there are people plotting trouble and those people have names. It is not obvious until past the middle of the book what the connection is between them and the main characters. There is also a little more explicit sex in this book. It is interesting to see how writing styles develop.

In the About the Author it says she lives with her husband Wayne in the middle of a hundred acres of maple trees. The copyright name is Sandra Hill. She is not the writer Sandra Hill.

Harper Allen doen't have a Web Page.

Thanks for the information, GinnyAnn.

Marjorie, I liked Coral Kiss. Right now I'm rereading Scandal by Krentz in her Amanda Quick persona. It's a goodie and I'm enjoying it again. Sue

I just finished Firefly Beach by Luanne Rice. I would give it a 4+. She is a good writer.

I like LuAnne Rice, too, Marjorie. I'll have to look for Firefly Beach. A 4+ is a pretty good recommendation. Sue

I just finished reading Kiss the Moon by Carla Neggers. I couldn't turn my light out last night until I finished the book. I enjoyed it a lot. Usually I "understand" where the title comes from but this time I didn't. Maybe I wasn't looking for it. It seems to me to be very obscure. The only thing I can think of is that the story revolves around an airplane accident that occurred 45 years before. Does that fit? Is "kiss the moon" a phrase that means airplane accident?

I brought a new book home from the library the other day. I thought it was a mystery because it was on the shelf labelled "new mysteries." I didn't notice that it didn't have the mystery sticker on it. I think it is actually a romantic story. It is called "Just Beyond Tomorrow" by Beatrice Small and is set in Scotland and England of 1642. I have gotten to the part where the Duke is forced to marry a woman to get her piece of property. The woman's father wouldn't let him leave his home until he married her and bedded her. (This was proven by the condition of the bed sheets the next morning.)

Boy did I luck out while on vacation. I found many romances at the White Elephant and at the library (Green Valley). More latter as I am very tired. We got home this afternoon.

Welcome back GINNY ANN. I hope you had a nice vacation in addition to finding all those books.

It's been quite awhile since I was on Senior Net, but will post today. I do enjoy reading myself. Have any of you read any of Debbie Mcomber's books? She is a very good author also. I have read 41 of her books. Some of her latest are 16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, and 204 ROSEWOOD LANE. She has another one following this in April. I am reading one of Barbara Delinsky's books now..(SENSOUS BURGUNDY) and one of Jayne Ann Krentz books "TRUST ME". This is a wonderful pasttime and seems more and more people are reading. Or is it i've just noticed it more since when I go out and think I may have to wait I always take a book with me. I enjoy reading all the post here. I'm going to have to get back to checking in more and see the post. HAPPY READING......Jerelyn

Welcome JERELYN. I have read lots of Debbie Macomber's books. I like her a lot. Just added 204 Rosewood Lane to my list of books to get. I also added Sensous Burgundy because Barbara Delinsky is a favorite of mine also. So many books and not enough time.

I like your saying Marjorie. Not enough time to read all the books you would like to read. I started a folder with each authors name in it and the books I have read of each. That way I know if I have read the book or not. I found myself buying some that I had read before because the covers had been changed. I was so disappointed when I got home and found that I had read it. I also ordered several used books from Amazon.com since I couldn't find others I wanted. We have several books exchange books stores here, but they don't always have what you want under the authors name. ..LOVE TO READ.....Jerelyn

I have kept a Books Read file for a long time now. I think I started it in 1969 or so. Now I have it on my computer. But I also keep a hard copy notebook to write about the book when I don't have the computer on.

Romantic Times Book Club magazine has a feature I love. It lists Paperback releases, reprints, and reissues.

Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan is my current read. I am having a harder time getting into it than usual, but I know I will complete it because I like Feehan

JERELYN: I started my list of books when I found myself obtaining/rereading books by accident just as you described.

GINNY ANN: You must have quite a list if you started it as long ago as 1969. That is the year I moved to California. I haven't read anything by Christine Feehan. What type of book does she write?

writes Carpathian (vampire hunter's) protectors of humans. Lair of the Lion is a Shapeshifter novel. Since last posting I have done some more reading and find myself being drawn into the story. It is described like this at Feehan's Web Site:

THE BEAUTY Impoverished aristocrat Isabella Vernaducci would defy death itself to rescue her imprisoned brother. Though fear formed a fist around her heart, she'd even brave the haunted, accursed lair of the lion - the menacing palazzo of legendary, lethal Don Nicolai DeMarco. . .

THE BEAST Rumor said the powerful don could command the heavens, that the beast below did his bidding. . . and that he was doomed to destroy the woman he took as his wife. It was whispered he was not wholly human - as untamed as his tawny mane and slashing amber eyes.

THE BARGAIN But Isabella met a man whose growl was velvet, purring heat, whose eyes held dark, all-consuming desire. And when the don commanded her to become his bride, she went willingly into his muscled arms, praying she'd save his tortured soul. . . not sacrifice her life. . .

Wow, GinnyAnn. That sounds pretty racy--and not unlike many other romances where the heroine must marry someone dangerous, but ultimately loves and is loved in return.

I'd been rereading Amanda Quick romances when I left for San Antonio. I took 2 along to make a total of 7. I have 4 more to go. I finished the 2 I had with me, so went to a bookstore on the Riverwalk. I bought Alex a Clifford, the big Red Dog, actually Clifford's Kitten and I treated myself to Susan Andersen's Lucky. Even though I was sick on the train returning to New Orleans, after I napped a bit and sipped some Sprite, I started reading it. It was absorbing and her plot good with racy love scenes and humourous dialogue. I'd give it a 4+. Andersen is becoming one of my favorites. Sue

Just to let you know, our Marjorie has fallen and broken her ankle, plates, awful stuff, she won't be here for a bit and I know you all wish her the best, apparently she'll be in hospital after surgery today for several days, good heaven's Marjorie we all hope you Feel better soon!!!!

This discussion is Marjorie's own creation, and I know she would hate to see it falter without her, so please keep on happily discussing good Romances till she can be back with us again.

Just FYI

ginny

Thanks for the heads-up on Marjorie's fall, Ginny. I am so sorry to hear that. She is such a good discussion leader, Senior Net jack (or jill) of all trades, and a very good friend. I hope she'll soon be feeling better and able at least to look in. I'll be sending her an e-card. Sue

Oh, and I'll try to come in and post while she's away. I hope the others do, too.

Stopped in to see what you were all reading these days and read about your fall. I hope the pain is gone, then I hope the mend is quick cause you are going to be really, really missed. Let us all know how your are feeling. Dennis H. Christen

Hi Marjorie,

I am very, very sorry to hear about your fall. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Get Well Soon!!

Thank you for the messages, I'm passing them on!

ginny

Marjorie, I hope you're feeling well enough to read. I know you have lots of unread books waiting. Take care. (((((HUGS))))) Sue

Ginny, thanks for passing our get well wishes to Marjorie.

Marjorie, I sure hope you improve quickly and get back soon. You are very much missed.

Harriet

Did we get a message here that Marjorie went to rehab yesterday? Her housemate, Sage, left that message in another discussion. It seems as if Marjorie is doing well under the circumstances. Hurray! Sue

I was so sorry to hear about your fall. I do hope the pain is better and your doing better. I guess in a way were all afraid of being dependent on someone else at times. At least you have reading to help past the time. Were all sending you "GET WELLS" for a speedy recovery. HUGS.....Jerelyn

Thank you for your good wishes. I am still in rehab and will not get home until Mon. or Tues.

SAGE brought me the laptop and I will probably give it back to her tommorow. I don't type well on this keyboard.

I will probably spend the rest of my time on here reqading.

You will have to tell us what you read.

It's so good to hear from you, Marjorie. Keep on getting better. You are really missed.

Harriet

Gee, it's great to hear from you, Marjorie. I hope you're feeling a lot better and will be able to go home soon. I miss you. Are you reading anything good? Love and hugs, Sue

Marjorie, Hope you get better fast! Dennis

Marjorie,

It is good to hear from you. We miss you.

I just finished rereading Steff Ann Holmes Forget Me Not. It was just as good the second time. If you like romances with a Western theme, this is a good one. Sue

P.S. Hi, Marjorie. I hope you're feeling better and have a good read today also. (((((HUGS)))))

Hi EVERYONE: I have been reading "trash" romances. Easy to read and just as easy to forget but nothing I have to concentrate on. I have read a dozen of these little books in the last 10 days. There is a "rec" room here with a lot of tables and I have been spending the time I would have spent on the computer doing jigsaw puzzles.

would you like me to send a box of books?

Marjorie,

I could send you a box of books too. I would hate to send titles you have already read.

Ginny Ann,What a nice idea!!

Marjorie, I love jigsaw puzzles. It is good to share a conversation with.

I read a really good book yesterday by Pamela Morsi. I had expected it to be a romance and although there were hints of romance, it's really a story of 4 generations of women who are busy with day to day life trying to overcome problems. It's well written, poignant and compelling. The title is Letting Go. I'd give it a 2 on the romance meter but a 5 on the good read score. Sue

GINNY ANN and HATS: How thoughtful each of you to offer to send me a box of books. I have a lot to read AND more books are always welcome. If you email a list of what you might send, I can let you know if I have it or not.

I got home today and I guess the adrenaline is flowing because I have been up since 6:30 this morning and not fallen asleep even though I have lain down a couple of times. Two weeks from Friday I will get the cast I have now changed to one that is removeable and that I can walk with. Four weeks after that the second cast comes off. Things are progressing nicely. I don't have any pain, just the annoyance of the cast. I am definitely more confident that I can do things than when I went into rehab.

Talk you to all later. I don't know if I will be on the computer every day but I just might.

Marjorie

Welcome home, Marjorie! This is wonderful news. I hope you'll continue to make steady progress on your recovery. Take care of yourself and read lots of books. Love, Sue

The box got taped up today! So it should get off to you this week. It has the titles we discussed awhile ago, so I am pretty sure you don't have any of them.

Happy reading!

Hi Marjorie,

You answered my question. I didn't want to send the books you might already own. I will email you later this morning with a list.

I am glad that your recovery is moving along quickly.

Hi all. I just popped on the computer for a minute or two. Yesterday I didn't get online at all. I spent time paying the monthly bills and that was enough for me to do. It is good to be home even though I get around with a wheelchair and walker. I am letting SAGE serve me. Since I don't usually ask for help, that is new for me. I slept very well last night. Not well the night before, my first night home, because there was probably too much excitement.

Talk to you all later.

Marjorie

One of the books I finished recently is Someone to Watch Over Me. This is brand new and by Judith McNaught. The book is more mystery than it is romance. The romance, 2 actually, happens in the last quarter of the book. The first is all mystery. I was enthralled.

It is good to see your post. Marjorie!

Today I went purchased a book at a local discounter. When I saw what it cost me, I discovered that they had beat a price for a similar book that arrived today from Barnes & Nobel. The book I purchased today is: The Boy Toy by Eugenia Riley. It is a Harlequin Blaze book, so I know it will be a fast read. I have already started it. lol

Two books that I recently read are

Kiss and Tell by Suzanne Brockmann

Dangerous Ground by Justine Dare. They were both good, but not excellent reads. Both dragged a bit.

I just finished McNaught's SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME also, Marjorie. It was a wonderful book. I agree that it was an unusual Judith McNaught novel because it had a lot more mystery than romance.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie,

Glad to see you back again!!

Hi everyone.

I don't expect to be on twice so close together. However, last night I forgot to respond to an email that required a response so I logged on this morning. I just had breakfast and now I am tired again.

Talk to you all later.

Hi everyone:

I don't seem to get online very often. I have been doing jigsaw puzzles and reading and doing my best to walk using a walker and this "moon boot" I am wearing. I am happy to report that I feel like a toddler and can manage 2 steps with the "moon boot" and WITHOUT my walker.

Walking around the house I don't have to take many steps in a row without turning. Yesterday I walked to the mailbox and that was better. It also helped that I used Purple Sage's heavy rolling walker. It has brakes so that helped me to get down the ramp into the garage and down the sloping sidewalk. Day by day I am improving.

Yesterday I finished reading Heart of the Night by Barbara Delinsky. The book I have is a new hardcover version of a book written in 1989. A very engrossing story. I would give it a 4+. When I start driving again and can get to the Post Office. It will be one of the books I put on the Book Exchange.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Talk to you all later.

Marjorie

Hi, Marjorie, Hurray for the baby steps! I'm glad to hear you're beginning to get around more. It won't be long until you're fully functioning, I hope. Also nice to hear you've had a good read. Delinsky's book sounds good. May I have first dibs when you put it up on the Book Exchange?

I've just read Jude Deveraux's The Mulberry Tree. It was a good read, I think about a 4. It had a mystery as well as a romance and a heroine and other female friends who learned to become independent. I always like the heroines to be strong, not wimps. Sue

Glad to see you are improving Marjorie we miss you. After someone here recommended Love in Bloom's and I got it and really enjoyed it so I read another book of her's too.

The Painted Table will be on Sunday night on TV. I think it will be worth watching.

Marjorie -- Thanks for sharing your progress.

I am reading Amanda Ashley's Shades of Gray. After Sundown is its sequel, but Romantic Times only gives it 3*, but I will probably read it to see how she follows up on the previous characters. The weak female character is why RT gives it only 3*.

I'm with RT, GinnyAnn. I want my female characters to be strong and HAVE character! Sue

Hi Marjorie,

I am happy you are improving. It is so good to hear from you.

Hi Marjorie. It's terrific to hear that you managed on a longer walk down your driveway and back. What a great sign of progress! It's sure good to hear from you.

Yesterday I got DANCE OF SEDUCTION by Sabrina Jeffries. She's a new author to me. My favorite romantic author recently has been Mary Balogh.

Harriet

Harriet, I would like to read Dance of Seduction by Jeffries. Tell me how you like it.

I'm about half-way through the book, Hats. A beautiful English noblewoman runs a home to redeem poor London children who had slid into crime. Our dashing hero is really an undercover British agent trying to track down a villain for the government, but Lady Clare thinks he's an unscrupulous criminal.

The book has some sultry love scenes and an improbable plot, but I like it very much. It flows along easily and I just LOVE this kind of book. I'm having a good time with it. I think I would look for more books by Sabrina Jeffries.

Harriet

Harriet, I am glad you explained the plot. I have never read Sabrina Jeffries. I will give this one a try. I like to read about spies and jewel thefts.

Last weekend I bought a few regency novels. One is called THE BLACKHURST RUBIES by MARIA GREENE. This is part of the synopsis,

"...Heather Maxwell set out for Yorkshire to take a post as a governess and build a new life. But during the journey, stolen jewels were discovered among her possessions--and her adventure took an unexpected turn."

Stolen Jewels! I love them (laugh).

Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors. I am in the middle of her book Mackenzie's Mission

Hi Ginny Ann, I have not read Linda Howard. Lots of people seem to enjoy her books. I am going to try one. Which one would you recommend? She has written so many books.

Yes, Hats, what a good suggestion!

I haven't read Linda Howard either, Ginny Ann. If you remember the name of a particular favorite, could you share it? Thanks.

Harriet

Mr. Perfect 4 1/2*,

All the Queen's Men 4*,

Kill and Tell I gave 4 1/2*

Inside the cover of Kill and Tell: Still reeling from her mother's recent death, Karen Whitlaw is stunned when she receives a package containing a mysterious notebook from her estranged father. She has barely seen him since his return from the Vietnam War over twenty years ago and doesn't know what he could have to share with her now. She puts the notebook away and forgets about it until she receives a shocking phone call. Her father has been murdered on the gritty streets of New Orleans.

At first, homicide detective Marc Chastain considers the murder nothing more than street violence against a homeless man, and Karen just another woman who couldn't take the time to care for her father. But something about the crime just doesn't add up, including the beautiful Karen Whitlaw. Far from the cold woman he expected, Karen is warm and passionate. She is also in serious danger.

Karen is shocked by her immediate and unwelcome attraction to the charming, smooth-voiced detective. But when her home is burglarized and "accidents" begin to happen, she turns to him for help. Together they unravel a disturbing story of politics, power, and murder -- and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on her father's secrets.

Thank you, Ginny Ann. I'm going to look for KILL AND TELL. It sounds good.

Harriet

Hi Harriet and Ginny Ann,

Ginny Ann, thank you for the list. I will write the titles down.

Hi Marjorie.

Hi EVERYONE. Just passing through quickly today. Great to see all the posts.

I remember reading and enjoying Mackenzie's Mission. I haven't read the other books you mentioned GINNY ANN. Thanks for the list.

Yesterday I finished The Golden Chance -- a 1990 book by Jayne Ann Krentz. It was great. I haven't read a book of hers I don't like yet. Thank you HATS for sending this with the box of books you sent. I think I will keep this around to reread sometime. I have so many books I haven't read yet that I haven't really gotten to those I have been saving. That's OK. I plan to be around a long time.

I just finished a goodie by Candace Camp. It is a historical novel about a profligate Earl and a strong American heiress. The title is So Wild a Heart. There are several villains and a horrible villainess along with some mystery and attempted murders. The romance is good, too. I'd give this one a 4 1/2. Sue

I am again reading a book by Linda Howard. It is the third in the series. Don't have it here at my computer so I can't tell you its title.

The fourth book has Chance in the title. My library doesn't have it so I am going to have to search for it.

I just finished Jude Deveraux book Forever and surprised myself by really enjoying it. When I started I thought it would not be my kind of book but it was a fun read. On the cover is says a Novel of Good and Evil, Love and Hope .

Because of JUDY's post I went to Barnes & Noble to look up the description of Forever by Jude Deveraux. My attention was caught by the reviews at the bottom so I then looked at reviews of some books I have read. You can tell from the results below that reviews don't always tell the tale. This is one book I am going to get on JUDY's recommendation. Two of the books have links to our discussion of them in the Archives.

Books by Jude Deveraux

Forever had 21 reviews -- Average 3 1/2 stars (out of 5) -- 3 were 1; 3 were 2; and 4 were 3.

High Tide had 16 reviews -- Average 3 -- 6 were 1; 2 were 2; and 2 were 3.

Lake News had 11 reviews -- Average 4 -- nothing lower than a 3.

Books by Barbara Delinsky

Summerhouse had 42 reviews -- Average 4 1/2 -- 2 were 1; none were 2 -- the rest were 3 or higher. One of the reviews that was a 1 was someone who was angry about how large a part appearance played in the story and the other one obviously did not like men.

The Vineyard had 10 reviews -- Average 4 1/2 -- nothing was less than a 3.

Interesting, Marjorie. Thanks for printing your findings.

I read Jane Feather's The Widow's Kiss in the past couple of days. It was a good historical and now I'm reading 1st sequel (there are 2), To Kiss a Spy. They are equally good--about a 4 1/2. They have intrigue, mystery, spying, and romance. I thought of GinnyAnn when I read the first. The heroine is accused of murdering 4 husbands by King Henry and Thomas Cromwell(is he a relative of the later Oliver Cromwell?) who want to get her property This second one is about her eldest daughter who is a widow (I think her MIL had her husband killed and stole her child when it was born, telling her it was still born). She is now a lady in waiting to Princess Mary. Younger brother, sickly Edward is king, and of course we all know he will die, Mary will reign briefly and have to go into exile for Elizabeth's reign.

If you like romance novels with real events thrown in although with an artistic flair, you'll enjoy this series. Sue

That sounds good, Sue. Thanks for the recommendation. I've jotted down titles and author.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie, Harriet and Sue, I have To Kiss a Spy and A Widow's Kiss. Both look like good books. Now I know in which order to read them.

I am reading a small romance but a good one. It is called The Blanchland Secret by Nicola Cornick. The story is good and the cover is so pretty. Sarah is shocked to learn that her brother had a daughter before his death. Now, her "new" niece is in trouble. She writes to Sarah for help. I won't tell the rest of the story. '

The Blanchland Secret sounds good, too, Hats. The third book in the Feather Spy series is Kissed by Shadows. I'm going to read it next. Sue

Today I was in Heaven. I went to the AAUW book sale. 20 books for $10.25. Among the books I bought is a copy of To Kiss A Spy by Jane Feather. I already own The Widow's Kiss so now all I need is find Kissed by Shadows. So many books, so little time.

GINNY ANN: Today I am reading one of the Rebbecca York books you sent. I am enjoying it. This one is Amanda's Child. I don't often read the Intrigue books but I definitely need a change of pace. Thanks for the books you sent.

I hope everyone is doing well.

SAGE's daughter was here today and did some driving for us. I went to the grocery store and did a couple of other errands also. I am tired now. Busy day.

Marjorie

Marjorie, I really like the intrigue books. I have not read one in a long while.

Sue, I finished The Blanchland Secret last night. I really enjoyed it.

Hi readers. I am an avid reader myself. I also have just finished reading Judith McNaught's newest novel Someone to Watch Over Me and enjoyed it very much. She is one of my favorite authors and I will read any book written by her and have read quite a few. I am just starting to read her novel Paradise.

Bye readers, talk to you again.

Hi Applepie, Judith McNaught is one of my favorites, too. Welcome to the romance books discussion. Is this your first time here? Come back and tell us of your other favorites. Sue

Welcome APPLEPIE. Good to see you here. I agree with you about Judith McNaught.

Hi SUE.

I went to the library and came back home with treasures. I found two books by Mary Balogh that I hadn't read. One is from 1992, BEYOND THE SUNRISE. The other is a new one called SUMMER TO REMEMBER. I really enjoy reading Mary Balogh books.

GinnyAnn, I got a Linda Howard book called THE PERFECT MAN. I had looked for the one you recommended, KILL AND TELL, but it wasn't available. Sue, I also had no luck finding the Jane Feather series that you described to us all, but maybe the next library trip will be the magic charm.

I found two Jane Krentz books that I hadn't read yet. The books are downstairs and I don't remember the titles so I'll have to share that with you all later.

All in all it was a lovely library trip. I'll keep you guys posted on what was fun to read. I can't wait to begin.

Harriet

HARRIET: Great to see your post. How long do you get to keep the library books? I haven't been to the library for some time. I am still reading the books I have on the shelf.

Last night I had trouble sleeping, so I finished the Suzanne Brockmann book No Ordinary Man. It was a very good read. Brockmann's books are very hot right now. She has two different series that have Navy SEALs as the hero's. No Ordinary Man was not a SEAL book. Brockmann's books are hard for me to put down until I see how they end.

Marjorie, the rule is a two week loan, but I'm allowed to renew my books 2 more times by computer or phone. That means that I really get a 6 week loan without having to return to the library.

Then, if I bring the books back to the library in person after six weeks and check them out with the librarian once more, I'm allowed to begin the sequence all over again for another 6 weeks. They'll only refuse if someone else has requested a hold for one of the books I borrowed.

It's a generous system. I have held on to books that no one else has requested for really looong amounts of time until I finally get around to reading them.

Harriet

HARRIET: You are right that is very generous. When I do bring books home from the library, I always feel I should read them first and I don't always want to do that.

Hi Marjorie and All,

Harriet, you did get some good books from the library. I am going to put some on hold this weekend. For some reason, I am enjoying small Regency novels with a mystery to them.

I finished A Rogue's Promise by Peggy Waide. I enjoyed it. This is on the front cover.

"A Chinese artifact, a diabolical plot, a scandalous kiss and.....

I love Mary Balogh. I have one of hers called More than a Mistress. I hope my library owns the two you named. If these are new books, I can only check them out for seven days. After six months, I can have them for twenty eight days.

GinnyAnn, I will have to try Brockman. I have never read her books.

Ohhh, I just loved MORE THAN A MISTRESS, Hats! Balogh is a prolific writer and I think she's consistently good. She has a few new books out and many, many older ones in print. Here is her web site with a listing of her books and a few excerpts from her latest books.

http://www.marybalogh.com/

Most of her past books were soft cover and they seem to get worn down and read until they fall apart in my library. It's hard to find a complete selection.

I just made a note of the authors Peggy Waide and Suzanne Brockmann on one of my computer stickies. Sooo many authors to look for.

Harriet

My library is also generous at renewing books.

Hi Harriet and GinnyAnn,

Harriet, thank you for the website.

I am reading An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky and was surprise and pleased to find the setting and characters are the same as in Lake News that we discussed some time ago. I have had the book for several weeks and would have started it sooner if I had realized it was the same setting as the previous book. Somehow I think someone mentioned it here but I forgot.

Hi Marjorie, I loved An Accidental Woman. I liked Lake Henry. I could smell the apples. I read Lake Henry first. I like Barbara Delinsky.

GinnyAnn, I finished Linda Howard's MR. PERFECT. I loved it, I couldn't put it down. Thanks for introducing me to the books of Linda Howard. I certainly plan on reading more of them. I enjoyed Howard's style, her steamy love scenes and her very, very feisty heroine.

Hi Hats, Marjorie and Sue. Now I'll want to look for ACCIDENTAL WOMAN. My stickies list of to-read books is growing longer and longer, thanks to all of you.

Hats, Mary Balogh's SUMMER TO REMEMBER follows up on many of the characters in her book ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE. If you have the good luck to to find them both at your library, they would probably be fun to read close together. I thought they were each fun separately also.

Harriet

Harriet, thanks. I am going back to my library page and check for ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE.

I am reading Open Season by Linda Howard and finding myself laughing out loud. I may have read it before, but I am enjoying it so I figure that is what counts.

Have any of you read any of Amanda Ashley's Vampire books? Or her westerns written under her real name of Madeline Baker? I have read some of both. There is a discussion group that is having fun thinking of different stars as vampires.

I've just returned from my trip to England. I had read all the books I'd taken along by the last 2 nights at my B&B in London, so I traded a Joan Wolf which was not up to her standards (I even forget the title) for Midnight Pleasures by Eloisa James. It was a great Regency novel and is the middle book of a trilogy. I'm going to look for her Potent Pleasures and Enchanting Pleasures which are the first and last books in the trilogy. They have some of the same characters which I learned by reading an excerpt in the back of Midnight. The author lives in New Jersey, so hopefully I'll be able to find these books. Sue

Welcome back SUE. I hope you enjoyed your trip.

I did the survey and found to enter the contest you had to be from EarthNet. I am not sure if after the 45 minutes I speent giving great answers if they even counted :=( I am NOT A HAPPY CAMPER

Hi Sue. Hope you had a great time!

My son is leaving for England and Ireland next week.

Harriet

I did have a great time, Harriet. I think your son will have a great time in England and Ireland. Both counrtries seem to have lots of romance and magic in the air. Thanks also to all you Romance readers who have welcomed me back. The weather was great--cool and sunny most days, heavy rain only on the last day. Sue

Harriett be both have sons in Ireland now. My second son Tim left last Sunday to go to Ireland to play golf. I assume he will do other things to and we will get to hear about it when he comes home. He went with one of his builders and 2 Microsoft guys.

My son has a friend who is marrying an English girl in London on Memorial Day weekend. He's going to explore Ireland this week en route to the wedding and then attend the festivities in England next weekend.

It's only a week, but he wants to see as much as he can of Ireland and the London area because he must fly home after the wedding.

I hope BOTH of our sons have a great time, Judy!

Harriet

My son is planning on visiting Ireland this summer. His girlfriend will be an exchange student in Germany during July. So, he will visit her and see the land where Ray's mother was born.

I just finished reading the latest Kristin Hannah book -- Between Sisters. Her books are a joy to read. She keeps the story moving so well and really does a great job with all of the characters. This is one I will reread fairly soon. I am sure that I missed some of the details the first time through. I have read all of the books she has written so far (12 of them). I have kept all but one of them for rereading at some point.

Today I bought The Only One. It is an anthology - Christine Feehan, Susan Grant & Susan Squires are the authors.

Has anyone else gotten hooked on Vampire/Carpathian romances?Amanda Ashley does a good job with them. Her real name is Madeline Baker.

While at the store I also bought Under Lock and Key by Sylvie Kurtz. She writes great Romantic Suspense.

What is Kristin Hanna's style?

Do you remember our discussion of On Mystic Lake by Kristen Hannah? If you click on the title you will be taken to the archived discussion.

Kristen Hannah writes stories with a romance in them and each one is different. One of the books even had time travel as part of the plot. I think one had magic central to the action. One book was set in the old west. The books she has written so far are: A Handful of Heaven, The Enchantment, Once in Every Life, If You Believe, When Lightening Strikes, Waiting for the Moon, Home Again, On Mystic Lake, Angel Falls, Summer Island, Distant Shores, and Between Sisters

Between Sisters is set in the present and is about 2 sisters who had a terrible home and parted when they were still pre-high school age and then how they relate 20 years later. There are 2 romances in the story and great character development.

Hi Marjorie and GinnyAnn, I love Kristin Hannah. I have not read Between Sisters yet. I want to read it as soon as possible. I think she is a special writer.

Hi everyone. I always enjoy a Kristin Hannah book also. I'll have to put BETWEEN SISTERS on my must-read list.

Right now I've been reading everything I can find by Mary Balogh. I've just finished SLIGHTLY WICKED and SLIGHTLY MARRIED. I thought they were real page turners.

I also got another Linda Howard novel from the library: ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN.

Harriet

Harriet I love All the Queen's Men

You all make Kristin Hannah sound so good.

Happy Reading

I really like Kristin Hannah's novels, too. I've read On Mystic Lake, Angel Falls, Summer Island. And maybe Waiting for the Moon, at least it sounds familiar. I loved all the ones I've read. Anyhow, I copied Marjorie's list, also the Mary Balogh novels that Harriet recommended. I'm going to try to get to Montgomery next Friday as that is the day the Public Library is having its semi-annual book sale. The radio ads say they have "thousands of books". Hopefully they'll have some good ones left when I get there. Sue

Having read several of Danielle Steele's novels, Sandra Brown novels, and ALL of Nicholas Sparks' books (am currently engrossed in his new one --The Guardian) I also came upon my first Luanne Rice novel while at my place in Florida this winter. I started with SAFE HARBOR off the "loan bookcase" at my clubhouse...and just loved her style so I've made it a point to collect all of her books for future reading but I find that two of her novels seem to be awfully hard to get- 1.) PERFECT SUMMER and 2.) SECRETS OF PARIS (which I was told by Barnes and Nobel is out of print). Does anyone have any ideas where I can possibly find them? I searched one place on the net but the # 2 book was only available from someone in Canada for an exhorbitant price plus I'd have to pay shipping on top of it....that's a little too steep for me. I also just read my first Sue Grafton _--P is for Peril......what a cleaver and "with it" author she is!

Tennessee Granny

Hi Tennessee Granny. You might be able to find the LuAnne Rice novels you want at Half.com. They sell used books and are an affliate of E-Bay. Amazon.com also sells used books now. I have had good luck with getting some out of print Susan Elizabeth Phillips books at Half.com. Also click on the link above Find/buy any romance. Marjorie put that in and I think she has bought books from that site. Sue

Welcome TENNESSE GRANNY. I have enjoyed LuAnn Rice's books too. SUE (SpringCreekFarm) made some good suggestions about where you might find the books you want. You can also put a request in Books Wanted and if someone has the book and is willing, they will send it to you usually for just the price of postage.

On the Home Page there is a survey (click like, dislike, doesn't apply) about whether or not you like to read and discuss the books you read with other people.

How nice of you to give me some suggestions as to where to look for the books I'm having trouble finding. Now...if I can just find the time to go looking further on the net!!! Seems like you "blink" and the day is "already over". By the way, I did fill our the questionairre about discussing books I've read. Am not into discussing things read, particularly, and I just HATE it when someone recommends a good read.....and then ends up telling you what it was all about....before you even get a chance to "crack the cover". Have you been involved with this group of romance readers for a long time?

TENESSEE GRANNY: I have been here in Books & Lit since the fall of 1999. The first year or two I was involved in discussions of particular books -- a different one every month. Then this general discussion was created. There is a slightly different focus here. When people mention books here they describe the book in very general terms. I haven't found anyone here who spoils a story for me by being quite specific. Thanks for voting in the poll.

my girlfriend and I went out shopping and then had a supper at Bob Evans. Because it is my birthday, I made sure I enjoyed a rich desert. The first place we went was Barnes and Nobel. I found 3 books (romances of course)that I felt needed to come home with me. lol It has been a nice relaxing kind of day.

Now I gota go because the TONY Awards are going to be starting.

Happy Birthday, Booklover, GinnyAnn!

GinnyAnn, TerraCatta left you a beautiful card in TA Coping with Cancer. I didn't realize today is your birthday. But many happy returns a little late.

Has anyone read Richard Paul Evans' The Last Promise? This is a beautiful love story by the man who wrote The Christmas Box. I got it out of the library on the librarian's recommendation and it was a goodie. Sue

Happy Birthday, GinnyAnn!!

I watched the Tony's also last night. Fun!

I'm still on my Mary Balogh, Linda Howard kick. I'm in the middle of DECEIVED by Balogh and I have NOW YOU SEE HER and MACKENSIE'S MISSION by Linda Howard waiting for their turns to be read.

Harriet

Just finished the Three Sisters Island trilogy and really enjoyed it. I rarley read these trilogy's except for Fern Michaels but this kept me hooked for all three books

JUDY: I am glad to hear you enjoyed the Tree Sisters' Island trilogy. Several people commented on it here last summer. That must have been when I read and enjoyed it. I don't like all of Nora Roberts' books but did enjoy those very much.

SeniorNet has been unavailable for a couple of days this last weekend. I hope everyone is able to get here again.

I'm so glad things are back to normal now.

I tried to get into Seniornet quite a few times and then finally decided to get caught up on a lot of reading. MCKENZIE'S MISSION by Linda Howard was a fun read.

Her hero, Joe, was so macho-male that he played out like a wannabe masculine fantasy of machismo. No danger of this guy displaying surface human vulnerabilities, except at the end of the book, to his beloved. Well, romances are meant to suspend reality for a bit, aren't they? The love scenes were sultry and I had a good time.

I read it in one session, so it must have been a pleasant read.

Harriet

Her books are such fun. Those alpha are something else. lol I have read most of the Mackenzie's stories. Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors.

I am reading and very much enjoying Always a Thief by Kay Hooper. It is the sequel to Once a Thief.

I learned about Linda Howard from YOU, GinnyAnn. Thanks! I also finished ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN this weekend and loved it. Still no luck in finding KISS AND TELL.

I would definitely read the rest of the Mackenzie series. (Thanks for the correct spelling on the Mackenzie name.) I hope I can find them.

Harriet

Just finished a great book. Its called Whiskey Island by Emilie Richards. I am not sure if its called a mystery or romance I call them my mystery/romance books. It takes place in Cleveland Ohio and happened in the 1800's but the people in 2000 are slowly finding out what happened. This book was a great help to me as I was reading it when I lost my best friend. Books have to be our best friends.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Judy, I loved Whiskey Island. I read it awhile back. Afterwards, I bought Fox River. I haven't read it yet.

Hi Marjorie and Everyone,

I finished three good ones recently: NO PLACE LIKE HOME BY FERN MICHAELS. Now I am really into Fern Michaels. IMPETUOUS INNOCENT BY STEPHANIE LAURENS. This is my first book by Stephanie Laurens. I really enjoyed it. SAY YOU NEED ME BY KAYLA PERRIN. All of these were really good.

Have a nice day!

Hats I have all your suggestions on my list they sound great. I am going to get Fox River for sure.

How is everyone doing? What are you reading?

It has been VERY hot here -- over 100 degrees -- for the last couple of days. Today it is supposed to get to 95. At least the humidity is not like where I grew up in Chicago and we have air conditioning in our house. Tomorrow the weather is suppposed to cool to the mid 80s -- more like our normal summer.

I have been doing really well with my ankle. The bone has healed and I have been walking without any assistance. Someday the limp will even go away I am sure.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Marjorie

Hi, Marjorie. It's great to hear your good news about your ankle. But you didn't say what you've been reading.

I bought 4 Harlequin SuperRomances at the Library book sale recently. Two of them by Brenda Novak were pretty good. They each had a bit of mystery along with the romance. The first published, Expectations, was not as good as Dear Maggie which was published in 2001. Maybe she was learning her craft. Dear Maggie had an e-mail and a real life romance and was a bit different from the usual. I enjoyed both these novels and will look for more by Brenda Novak. Sue

Hi SUE.

I just finished reading Judith McNaught's Double Standards. It was written in 1984 and I don't think it was as good as her more recent books. I find it interesting to see how good writers started out and how they changed.

I recently finished rereading Muriel Jensen's Trust A Hero. I have been reading almost a book a day and most of them are the regular romances. The Superromances have more substance to them. I can list what I have read but it seems excessive.

I recently read two romances by Laura Gordon. I hadn't read any of her books before. One of the books had a cover I didn't like at all -- it had at picture of a bare chested man on the cover and looked like a deodorant commercial. I decided that if I liked the other one I would read it but put a cover over the book! I won't go looking for more books by this author even though I enjoyed those two.

I just won a bid on 18 books on eBay and that is how I get authors I don't know usually.

I just received Jude Deveraux's The Mulberry Tree that was published last year. I got it from half.com. I probably won't wait very long to read it.

Marjorie

Thanks for the update, Marjorie. I always like to hear about authors others are reading that are new to me. Congratulations on the 18 book bid on E-Bay! Sue

I just finished THE KISS by Danielle Steel. I enjoyed it very much.

Steel usually has a theme within each romance. I guess that's how she varies all her novels. This one had a hero in a wheelchair after an auto accident. It was touching.

At the library I like to haunt the locale where librarians store the freshly returned books before shelving them. Sometimes I find real treasures to read there

Harriet

Sounds like a great idea HARRIET.

We had a great vacation. Ray got a bad sunburn on his legs. It still bothers him, but other than that we had a nice visit with our friends. The local library has a book sale every summer. They are open two days a week. I bought over 50 books, 40 of which were series romances. They had a deal of 40 books for $2.00. Since I found some of my favorite author's earlier books I decided to go for the 40 books. When I got home I found a few I don't remember putting into the good stack, so I hope I didn't put back some I wanted. Ray had already found his books and I felt a little rushed.

GINNYANN: You aren't the first person to talk about library book sales. I will have to get to one soon it sounds like. I am going to have to start using a library other than the one that is closest to me. Supposedly the closest one is accessible. However you need to walk up a long ramp to get in the first floor or walk down a long ramp to get in the basement. I never did like those long ramps. I am going to try to avoid them now even though I am walking OK. Still some things are not comfortable to do.

Just finished a great book. I was on the plane coming back from Vegas and I usually read books on my palm pilot when I travel but I was into this Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah and I couldn't stop. People probably thought I was really nuts, I was laughing out loud and very few books do that for me. What a great story about a older woman trying to decide weather to me married or not. It was just so much fun. A little sniffling too.

JUDY: I really like Kristin Hannah. I always have trouble setting her books aside for mundane things like errands/chores. I am glad you enjoyed Distant Shores. Each of her books is very different.

I had taken my books off the Book Exchange when I wasn't able to get to the Post Office. I have just put a list of books back on the Exchange just click here.

SUE: I will get Heart of the Night by Barbara Delinsky out to you next week as you requested earlier.

Hope everyone is having a great holiday.

Be back later.

Marjorie

Thanks, Marjorie. I will browse your list to see if you have another you can send along with it. Sue

I've gone to the Book Exchange and found 3 more I'd like to have if you can send that many. It might take a couple of packages. Put a slip inside with the price of the padded envelopes. I think you should be reimbursed for that, too.

I still have lots of books listed on the Book Exchange. Within the first 2 days of listing them 9 were requested. That was nice. I also found another library near me that, although small, is only on one level and they have a place right near the entrance where the Friends of the Library are selling hardbacks for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents. I found 6 romances the other day. Since I see them selling the kind of books I have been reading, I know where I will take the ones that don't really rate listing on the Book Exchange.

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Today I finished a great, hard to put down book. It is Like a Knife by Annie Solomon. It is a library book, but it would be a keeper if I owned it. Here is what Solomon has to say about it.

Here's the thing about me. I like stories with an edge. Although whiteknights are good -- in their place (fairy tales?)I prefer the guy in the black hat. Or at least the guy who thinks he should be wearing the black hat.

The guy who secretly deserves that white hat but would never say so. You know the guy I mean? If you do, you'll find him in Nick Raine, the hero of Like A Knife, my first romantic suspense.

GINNY ANN: I sent you an email 6 days ago about some books I thought you would like. I didn't get a response. Did you get that email? Should I resend it?

Right now I am starting to read Middlesex for NELLIE's discussion starting August 1. It is only in hardcover and is huge. I don't know if I will manage. It is so different from what I have been reading.

I'm reading Jude Deveraux's Forever. It's good, but I can only read after 9:00 while the boys are here. I usually finish this kind of book in a day or two, but I've been piddling around all week on it because of Alex and Nicky.

Solomon's Like a Knife sounds good, GinnyAnn. Thanks for recommending it.

Marjorie, is Middlesex a novel? I guess I need to look it up in the Book Index. Sue

SUE: Middlesex is a novel. You can find the prediscussion here on the Main Books Page.

I have been having trouble with my e-mail. I thought I answered you. Yes please resend it.

GINNYANN: Tonight I am on another computer, I will resend in a day or so.

HARRIET: I just finished The Kiss by Danielle Steel that you mentioned here. Have you read her Leap of Faith? I have that to read also. I liked The Kiss but I kept waiting for the villain do to something really bad. The story was very touching.

Bless you, MARJORIE, for providing a link to my post about Danielle Steel's The Kiss. I read the book less than a month ago and I enjoyed it, but the plot was already beginning to fade on me. I was grateful to see a few words reminding me of the story. Wow, what a memory I have! No wonder I can keep some favorite books in my house and read them again and again as if they were new.

I haven't found Danielle Steel's Leap of Faith in the library yet but I'll be watching for it.

I'm running out of Mary Balogh books in my local library. No matter how I yearn, I can't find any more. HATS, did you enjoy More Than a Mistress? And did you find any other Balogh books to read?

I borrowed Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen from the library but I haven't started reading it yet. I loved, just loved the TV production of it starring Colin Firth, but I feel a little hesitant about starting the book. It's a very different style of writing compared to a modern romance even though I understand it was considered daring in its own day.

Ah well, I'll let you all know when I get into it.

Be well, everyone, and enjoy your reading.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie and Harriet and All,

I want to read More than a Mistress and The Kiss. I am looking at each one at this very moment. I want to read Leap of Faith too. I also want to read Johnny Angel. I am still a fan of Danielle Steel's books. I read The Ghost a long time ago. I would like to read it again soon. What about The House on Hope Street? I haven't read it yet, but it sounds good.

August is going to be my ROMANCE BOOK MONTH AND COZY BOOK MONTH. I am going to relax, do a little fantasizing and just have fun reading. Bill would want me to add a cookbook to my August fun month.

Do you guys like Fern Michaels? She reminds me of Danielle Steel. I finished A Place Called Home a few weeks ago. It was wonderful. I thought of all my friends here and knew you guys would appreciate it.

Well, I am writing too much. Will close.

Harriet, I am taking More than a Mistress to the doctor's office for my appointment.

Have a Good Day.

I love all of Jane Austen's books. I have read Pride and Prejudice, and I have seen the movie.

Harriet, my memory is terrible. I am becoming a bit concerned. People tell me it's just a part of aging. Lolll. It's not a fun experience. I have trouble remembering plots too. In discussions, I have to really focus. When a character is mentioned, I'm thinking who in the world are they talking about! Then, I have to go reread a passage or chapter.

Harriet, Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books. I reread it at least once each year. The writing style is different than that of a modern author, but not hard to get used to. Just stick with it for a chapter or 2 and you will be hooked. Go for it, Girl! Sue

Thanks to all of this encouragement I'll begin Pride and Prejudice today.

Hi Marjorie, Hats, Sue and everyone.

Harriet

I recently purchased a copy of Summer Pleasures by Nora Roberts. It was recently published and consists of two 1986 stories she wrote -- Second Nature and One Summer. Second Nature is a story about a writer of horror fiction who likes his privacy and a reporter who is determined she will interview him. I liked it a lot. The language Nora Roberts used to express herself was wonderful. I am in the middle of One Summer which is about two photographers who are very different people -- naturally. I am very glad I got this book.

Sounds good, Marjorie. I really like Nora Roberts' writing. Sue

Today I was at BJ's (a shopping club similar to Sam's Club)and bought 2 books. They were curent Silhouette books. I payed only 2.49 each! One is a Suzanne Brockmann book. The other is a book by Merlene Lovelace.

Brockmann's books are hot right now. I just finished reading one of her older books, Get Lucky . It is one of her TeamTen SEAL stories.

Several romances by authors who have been mentioned here were just offered in the Book Exchange for anyone who is interested.

I just finished a couple of Harlequin Superromances: True-Blue Texan by Linda Barrett was published in 2001 and Little Girl Lost by Marisa Carroll was published in 2003. I think I will keep them both to reread later.

They are great stories and I was relaxed while reading them. Since right now, I have a sinus infection that has dripped into my throat, I need to be quiet and healing. I am glad that this didn't happen until my leg was healed. I suppose that once I was able to get out and about I went somewhere and picked something up that my body couldn't fight. Oh well.

Have a great weekend all.

Marjorie

Marjorie, I hope you are feeling better very soon.

I loved Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Everybody who recommended it certainly knew what they were talking about. It's delicious, witty, and a page-turner besides.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie and All,

Marjorie, I am glad your leg has healed. Usually, I get sinus headaches. I can imagine a sinus infection is much worse.

Hi Harriet, I am glad you enjoyed Pride and Prejudice. I would like to read it again one day. I am reading The Widow's Kiss by Jane Feather. I really like this one. Have you read her before?

Is it alright to start More than a Mistress, do I need to read Mary Balogh in order?

Hi Everybody.

I have been busy reading Middlesex for the discussion that is going on now. The book is very different from my usual fare and I am enjoying it.

I also took time to read The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe. Although she isn't classified as a romance author, there is a happy ending and love interest in the tale. The story is about 4 sisters and what happens to them all after one of them dies. They are all very different and very intresting women. They each have their own secrets and their own strengths. A very gripping story.

Hi edveryone.

HATS, each Balogh book can stand on its own even though some of them elaborate on the lives of characters introduced in past books as non-essential cameos. Please, DO start More Than A Mistress. I hope you enjoy it.

Harriet

Harriet, thanks. I will start it today. I have it nearby.

I just finished 2 Nora Roberts' stories. I really enjoyed them. They were both published in the mid 80's and have been put together in a book titled Truly Madly Manhattan. The hero of Local Hero is a comic book writer who falls for a single mom who is a banker. The hero of Dual Image is a writer who falls for an actress who portrays the leading lady in a play he has written. Both stories were just what I wanted.

Sometimes I think I like or dislike a story because of what is going on in my life at the time. Does anyone else have that experience? It was especially true when I fell and hurt my leg. I had to read very short romances in the hospital because my attention span was short also.

Hi Marjorie and All, At times, I can only read short romances. It does depend on what is happening at the time with me and / or family. I have a copy of Truly Mad Manhattan. I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope to get to it one day.

I have a few pages left in A Widows Kiss by Jane Feather. I can't say enough about that one. It is sooooo good. There is another in the series. I want to read it too.

I'm reading a goody that SeniorNetter, Janie, gave me when I visited her in West Virginia recently. It's Cold Tea on a Hot Day by Curtiss Ann Matlock. I'd recently finished her Love in a Small Town which was also a winner. These are the first I've read by Matlock. Her characters seem so real with flaws and accomplishments, just like real people. She has well developed plots, too. Sue

P.S. I haven't read that Nora Roberts book but will look for it. It sounds pretty good.

P.P.S. Hi, GinnyAnn. I have to be in certain moods, too, to read different types of books. My friend gave me Hillary Clinton's book that I've been wanting to read, but now I'm just not ready.

I can order a book from the library, get it home and find I don't want to read it right away. My mood switches from wanting a short book,(Silhouette Intimate Moments, Harlequin Intrigue) to vampire (Christine Feehan, Ashley Baker, Sherrilyn Kenyon) to edgy stuff (Linda Howard, Merline Lovelace) to Indian/American West (Madeline Baker, Heidi Betts) to books by Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown. I really don't know why one day a certain book will really grab me.

Right now I am reading two books --

A romance:Walker's Widow by Heidi Betts

A mystery/thriller Without Fail by Lee Child.

I just finished Home Fires by Luanne Rice. I forget when I haven't read anything of hers for a while just how much I enjoy her books. I have read her Cloud Nine, Firefly Beach, Follow the Stars, True Blue, Dream Country, and Summer Light. Has anyone read anything else by Luanne Rice? I suppose I could just look on B&N or find her website to see if she wrote anything else.

Marjorie, didn't you love "Cloud Nine?" I really enjoyed that one. I need to read the others you have named.

I just finished an early book by Kristin Hannah, A Handful of Heaven which I enjoyed and also a 1989 Linda Howard, Mackenzie's Mountain. Both were good reads and kept me interested the past couple of days. I put off necessary cleaning to read--I can't tell if that means the books were great (not really, just good) or if I'm just lazy (more likely). Sue

HATS: I think Cloud Nine was the first Luanne Rice book I read. It is what made me decide to read others.

SUE: I have days like yours when all I want to do is read. Your question is certainly valid -- Is it the author's writing or is it me?

Reading vs cleaning. Hmmm Reading ussually wins with me. My mother figured me out when I was a teenager. She saw I would rather read than dust. lol Now as an adult I realize that I need to clean once in while, but I know the dust will wait for one more chapter.

I think reading wins over cleaning any day.

Have you read any books by Curtiss Ann Matlock? I brought 2 of hers home with me from West Virginia and read them as fast as I could. The titles were Cold Tea on a Hot Day and At the Corner of Love and Heartache. These 2 were about the same characters and The Corner was a sequel. I had read her Love in a Small Town earlier. These books are not precisely romance novels, more small town family novels with romance thrown in. They are excellent reads.

I also have 2 of Cathy Maxwell's historical novels and liked both very much. Married in Haste and The Marriage Contract also had some of the same characters, not really sequels, but I'd read Married first and the Heroine of Marriage Contract was a friend from the first book. Sue

SUE: I haven't yet read any of Matlock's books. I do have one waiting. I have a series called Born in the USA and one of the books is hers. The one I have was written in 1992.

Marjorie and Sue, I want to try Cold Tea on a Hot Day before the winter comes in. I love the title.

I just finished reading The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux. What a great book!!! At first I wasn't sure about the main character because she lets others "run" her life. It takes a while but she becomes aware -- without prompting -- of what she has been doing and does an about face. Lots of interesting characters in the complicated story.

Hi Marjorie and All, I want to read The Mulberry Tree by J. Deveraux. I had forgotten about The Mulberry Tree. I will get it on my next library visit.

I finished Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah. I needed three boxes of Kleenex to finish it. This one is a tear jerker. I can't wait to read another one of her books. I did read Angel Falls and loved that one too.

I am almost three quarters of the way through More than a Mistress. Harriet, thank you for recommending it.

I just finished reading Luanne Rice's The Perfect Summer. It was a lovely book with romance, heartache and even some mystery mixed in. A husband disappears under strange circumstances, leaving his wife and children bereft. The wife gradually pulls her life together as she discovers her missing husband's not-so-nice secrets and finds a new romance.

I think there was someone who was interested in a listing of Luanne Rice's novels? My book provided a current list of all of her works. Marjorie gave us 7 of the Luanne Rice novels in her post #491. They were:

Home Fires, Cloud Nine, Firefly Beach, Follow the Stars, True Blue, Dream Country, and Summer Light.

In addition, the front of my copy of The Perfect Summer also included the titles of Blue Moon, Safe Harbor, The Secret Hour, Secrets of Paris, Stone Heart, Crazy In Love and Angels All Over Town. My book even included an excerpt from Luanne Rice's newest book, slated for publication in February, '04 called Dance With Me.

That should be a treat, right? I'm looking forward.

Hi to all of you. Happy reading.

Harriet

Has anyone read Broken Vows by Cory Daniells? It is going to be discussed at http://allromancewriters.com/frwclub.cfm during September. This is a new discussion group that looks like it might be fun.

Right now I am reading Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann. It is a very very good read.

Hi

I finished Fern Michael's book Trading places on the plane. Never saw a Fern Michael's book I didn't enjoy.

Off to a local bistro for my birthday dinner. They said if I came on the day of my birthday I would get a free steak and lobster dinner. Can't beat that so we are going OUT to dinner hehe

Happy Birthday Judy Laird

Happy Birthday JUDY!!!!

Happy Birthday, Judy!!

Happy Birthday to you, JUDY!

Harriet

Happy Birthday, Judy.

Enjoy your surf and turf!

My goodness thank you all so much.

Actually I didn't have surf and turf I had two lobster tales and inhaled them with no problem. Actually lobster tails here are not all that big. For desert I had "FALLEN CHOCLATE SOUFFLE WITH VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM AND CHOCLATE." tHAT SHOULD hold me for the next year or mayabe two. Lots of fun anyway and thanks for the birthday wishes.

VOTE for the next BOOK CLUB ONLINE selection! We want to hear from YOU! Come on over to the BOOKS COMMUNITY CENTER this week and nominate titles you might like to discuss with us. NEXT WEEK, we'll VOTE and discuss the winner in November. Get in on the fun!

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.

I posted pictures in Photos Then & Now starting here.

The first post shows pictures of the front of our house that was repainted and got a new garden this summer.

The second post shows the beginning of a mural we are having painted in the atrium and how Gloria is going fishing. She never succeeds but goes back again and again. Before the atrium was cleared out for painting there were rocks around the pond and she couldn't get as close as she can now. Sorry the picture was blurred.

The house looks like it belongs in House and Gardens magazine, Marjorie. Just lovely! The plantings blend right in with the color trim on the house.

Gloria is just having TOO much fun.

Harriet

Hi Harriet and Marjorie,

Marjorie, the house is beautiful, especially the purple flower in a circle. So pretty.

I just finished reading a series by Janice Kay Johnson for Harlequin Superromance. The series is about the Patton sisters. The first book is Woman in Blue; the second is The Baby and the Badge; and the third is A Message for Abby. Two of the women are police officers (like their father) and the third is a firefighter. All three are strong women who have to learn not not all men are like their father.

I would be happy to send these three books to someone who is interested just for the cost of postage (probably $1.84). I don't want to keep them but they are nicer than the ones I take to the Friends of the Library. We have some used bookstores around here but I don't know that they buy any books -- I think they only trade them.

Marjorie, I'll take them. I'm a sucker for a book with a strong working class heroine. You have my address already. Thanks, Sue

OK SUE. The books are yours.

The mural in our atrium is finished. You can see pictures here.

Marjorie, your atrium is beautiful. Your artist did a remarkable job. The colors are lovely. My 2 little grandsons would love seeing it. They love fish--and yours look so real! Sue

What an imaginative, beautiful room! Is this kind of an indoor courtyard? Will you have seating in here to enjoy the lovely atmosphere?

Harriet

This is a room right off the family room. Our two recliners are in the family room and we spend a lot of time there. The family room is off the kitchen and is just large enough for the recliners and TV cabinet across from them and a couple of tables. The glass doors into the atrium take up almost all of the narrow wall at the end of the room. When we moved in 5 and a half years ago, the atrium was an empty room with a hot tub taking up 1/3 of the space of the atrium. We knew that neither of us wanted to clean a hot tub and, although it sounded great, getting in and out of it would be a real chore.

A little over 5 years ago we turned the atrium into a garden room. The hot tub was turned into a fish pond (there are 6 goldfish that have been living there for at least 4 years); poles were suspended from the ceiling to allow us to hang plants; and a bridge was built over the hot tub to all us to water the plants. There was no room to sit out there but all we have to do is sit in our recliners and look up and we can enjoy the garden. There is a pond pump/filter and, when the door is open to get the breeze, we can hear the water.

After painting the outside of the house, this room was next. We couldn't decide on color and decided to put in a mural. Now the wall space that is left on the atrium (and the inside of the roof) can be painted to coordinate with the mural.

I have two pictures of the atrium from last year. The first shows the pond (you can see the glass balls and rubber ducky floating) and how close some of the hanging plants come to the pond. The second shows what was hanging near the glass doors a year ago. We are going to have to be careful how many of the plants we put back in the atrium so that we don't completely hide the mural.

pond

atrium

That's sooo soothing...to hear the sound of water and look at all the lovely mural images and plants. Enjoy it, Marjorie. Sounds like that's the place to put your feet up and relax!

Harriet

Marjorie the atrium mural is beautiful! What a clever use of the space!!!

Right now I am reading two romances. Ray can't figure out how I do it.lol They are Broken Vows by Cory Daniells

Slow Heat in Heaven by Sandra Brown. Both are older books. (Brown's copyright is 1988)

Be careful reading Slow Heat in Heaven, GinnyAnn. If I remember correctly it's pretty steamy. Don't want to fog up your glasses. tee hee. Sue

I just finished Thursday's At Eight by Debbie Macomber. It sure didn't hold my interest. I decided it was not one of her better books and then I looked at my list. I hadn't marked any of her books as special. Maybe it isn't as different as I thought. I don't have a real grading system -- just a * if I particularly enjoyed a book. Sometimes that has more to do with my needs at the moment than it does the book itself.

This book is about 4 women of different ages and occupations who meet every Thursday morning at 8 for breakfast and become close friends and supporters. First there is a journal entry and then story about one or the other.

Has anyone else read it?

No, I haven't read it, Marjorie. I've enjoyed some Debbie Macomber books and others have left me cold. Maybe it is personal needs or mood which influence enjoyment of the a book. Sue

SUE: I am sure you are correct about "personal needs and mood."

Has anyone else noticed their influence on reading enjoyment?

My mood determines what books I read. I have put down Slow Heat in Heaven because I found that I didn't like the characters. I will probably go back to it when my mood chaanges.

The Prisoner by Karyn Monk is a very good read. It is a historical fiction set in Scotland during Queen Victoria's reign.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. It is overcast here and has been that way for a couple of days. I don't like too much sun but I really don't like when it gets dark like this.

I have been reading lots of Harlequin books. I have decided that I like the Superromance series the best with Silhouette Special Edition my second choice. I like more plot than love scenes.

Lately I seem to be inhaling books.

Currently I am reading the latest Sherrilyn Kenyon book Night Embrace. Kenyon has created a whole world within our world. I really like her work.

One of the things I have noticed is that Silhouette Intimate Moments may have what sounds like an edgy story, but usualy isn't as edgy as I expected. I will still read some of their better authors though because when I am in the mood for a fast read they do provide that.

Hi GINNY ANN. I think Harlequin Intrigue is the "edgiest" (good description) of the different Harlequin series. Some days I can read them comfortably and some days the "edginess" of the story is more than I can handle. Usually they are hard to put down until I finish them.

I recomend Only By Your Touch by Catherine Anderson. I enjoyed this book more than any one that I have read in quite some time. It takes place in Oregon and if you love animals, some mystery, some romance, a small town this is for you. Hope your toe is better Marjorie.

JUDY: I have enjoyed Catherine Anderson's books. Thanks for the recommendation. My toe seems much better -- thanks for asking.

Today is the 7th Anniversary of Books & Literature. We are having a big celebration in the Community Center -- games, prizes and lots of fun. The celebration starts HERE.

What is everyone reading?

I have been busy lately. Some of it on the computer and some of it just running errands. I am reading a lot of Harlequin because they are ones I can finish in one day.

I just finished a book by Nadia Nichols titled Across a Thousand Miles. The story is about a man and woman who are independently running the Yukon Quest. When a person "runs" the Yukon Quest their dog team pulls a sled over 1000 miles of frozen trails. This is one of my Harlequin Superromances. Anyone interested in this book? I won't be keeping it.

I just finished reading The Legend MacKinnon by Donna Kaufman. It was a fun fantasy book.

Now I am reading Touch of the Wolf by Susan Krinard. It is a paranormal book set in Regency England.

Both are library books.

Marjorie, I'd like Across a Thousand Miles. It sounds interesting. I've always been interested in the news reports about the Iditarod race. Sue

Hi GINNY ANN.

I understand that Jude Deveraux is writing a paranormal series. The first book is Forever and the second is Forever and Always. The third hasn't been written yet. I thought about getting it and then decided I don't want to read a paranormal story at this time. I am glad I checked the publisher's description before buying the book. I usually like Jude Deveraux but will wait for something different.

I started Forever and had a hard time getting into it. I bought it because it sounded interesting, but didn't fill the bill for me at that time. Maybe I'll try it again. But then again, so many books so little time. lol

I recently finished The Devil's Mistress by Heather Graham. The story has romance, but it also takes a serious look at the superstitious persecution of witches in the 1600's of England and America. We follow the adventures of a heroine who is falsely accused of witchcraft.

Calder Born, Calder Bred by Janet Dailey is a much lighter book. It's an oldie. I understand Janet Dailey has recently written two new books about the Calders but my library has a long waiting list to borrow them.

Harriet

Has anyone read any books by Georgia Bockoven or Dorothea Benton Frank? PURPLE SAGE read them and said she thought I would like them. She and I don't usually read the same books. She did read Kristin Hannah before I did and then we collected all her books.

Sometime this year I remember reading a couple of historical romances one after the other and finding that they both struck me as being insipid. I put all my historical romance on a separate shelf because I decided to read them only as a last resort. Yesterday I picked up My Wicked Enchantress by Meagan McKinney and was enchanted.

I guess it is like all the other books I read -- some authors (and some books) are worth reading and some are not. It is not the category (romantic suspense, historical romance, etc.) that makes the book good or bad but the book itself. I must just have been so frustrated that I made a snap judgment even though there were historical romances I had liked before.

Marjorie, I recognize Georgia Bockoven's name and I have read one of her books. I forget the name at the moment, but I did enjoy it, just haven't run across more. I have to clean tomorrow and start cooking for company, but I will make myself a note to look for it after they leave next Wednesday. If I remember correctly, it had a good plot with interesting characters.

I agree that the genre isn't the problem with books that don't hold my attention, but the writing. If the author doesn't have a good plot and plausible characters or takes too long to get into the story, I get really frustrated. I usually make myself finish them, though, and wonder why I've wasted my time. Sue

Marjorie -- I haven't heard of either author.

I am reading State Secrets by Linda Lael Miller. It is a fun book. It is one of her early books, copyright 1985. The children's Christmas presents included Cabbage Patch Dolls. Being current can date a book.

GINNY ANN: You are sure correct about parts of the story dating a book. I have noticed things like cell phones and email appear in more recent current stories. You would never find those 20 years ago.

I just finished Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven. I haven't even waiting to start her Disguised Blessing before ordering 4 more of her books from half.com. I really enjoyed this book. The word I used to describe it was "pleasant." There is a very interesting story and I felt very relaxed while reading it. The story is about the lives of people who vacation in a beach house one summer. Wonderful!

Yesterday I got so wrapped up in Angel Meets the Badman by Maggie Shayne that I never turned on my computer. It is one of her earlier books. I found it at the library book sale in the morning, started reading it, and finished it at about 1:30 a.m.. Maggie Shayne writes a story that is hard to put down. Now in between chapters, I helped get the house ready for company. After they left I got into my night gown aaand got cozy in my reading chair and finished the book.

GINNY ANN: I just looked at my book list. Apparently one time I had Angel Meets the Badman but I forgot to note whether I had read it and when I checked all my books I couldn't find it. It just has a question mark next to it. I did read two of her other books but I don't remember them and I didn't save them.

Just finished Susan Wiggs book Halfway to Heaven. It was good and written by a local writer. I have found 3 of my favorite authors live nearby. I thought that was good but they had a Northwest Bookfest last weekend and when I read through the list of local authors I was really surprised lots of them from this area. Actually the preview to the fifth chapter had a quote from a lady who my best friend pet sits for, so how about that. I may not have met her but I know someone who knows someone who knows her. hehe

About a year ago I read A Soft Place to Fall by Barbara Bretton and tonight I finished reading it again. I really really really like the book.

Out of Sight by Cherry Adair. It is very edgy and hot. I am not sure if you could realy do what they do while riding a camel but what the heck this is fiction. lol

Gee, GinnyAnn. Riding a camel? Sounds pretty kinky! LOL Sue

Yes it was a bit kinky, but in the R rating, not an X. lol

I have started Once A Wolf by Susan Krinard It is a parnormal story set in 1878's American West. This is the second book of her Wolf trilogy.

I just finished reading The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe. The cover calls it "a remarkable novel of the power of friendship." I don't know that it is considered a romance. I like her writing. It is very powerful. This is a story of 5 women who are part of a book club and who support each other, or conflict, though many changes in their lives.

I found the author's website -- http://www.maryalicemonroe.com/.

How are you all after Halloween? I don't like the way the weather has gotten much cooler with the time change.

Marjorie do you know if The Beach House and Skyward should be read in any order?

JUDY: I never thought to ask myself that question. I have read The Beach House and have Skyward but have not read it yet. The Beach House was published in 2002 and Skyward in 2003. I suppose that answers your question.

Finally our atrium is finished (mural completed, the rest of the painting complete, and the plants put back). I posted some pictures. The first post is only the atrium and the second post has 2 atrium pictures and one of Buffy and Gloria sleeping. First post and second post

The atrium looks wonderful. It's certainly an inviting place to spend time.

Who painted that mural? It's lovely.

Harriet

HARRIET: We found an artist under "murals" in the yellow pages. Turns out she lives near us, is an older single mother, and (because of the slump in the economy) gave us a break in the price. We were able to watch her work and it was fascinating.

Marjorie, the colors are wonderful, so soothing. I love the different shades of green of the plants, the blues of the mural and the gazing ball. So beautifully coordinated and so serene. Nice picture of the kitties, too. Sue

Thanks for your comments about the atrium everyone. We are really enjoying it. We don't get out on it but we can easily see it from our recliners through large glass doors.

Wow! That space is sure relaxing to look at. Plants and fish can be so soothing. The kitties sure look like they own the place. lol

I finished Once A Wolf by Susan Krinard. It was a great novel. I am now reading Haunting Rachel by Kay Hooper. It is a romantic suspense story. I am really enjoying it.

What is everybody else reading?

I just finished a couple of small books that I really did't enjoy. They were books I had in the car for waiting. Now I am starting to read another Georgia Bockoven book. I hope I enjoy Things Remembered as much as I enjoyed Another Summer. I have 3 more of her books on the shelf to read.

OK. I just finished Things Remembered by Georgia Bockoven and liked it as much as the first one I read of hers. An engrossing story that, of course, ends well.

I finished He's the One by Kay Hooper and started reading A Question of Intent by Merline Lovelace. It is a fun fast read.

Marjorie thanks for the Mary Alice Monroe tip. I got her book the Beach House and I can hardly put it down. I think I will get all her books I absolutly love it. It takes place in S.C. on The Isle Of Palms. Some of the story is about Loggerhead turtles and each chapter begins with a little history of these fablous turtles. Many years ago when I lived in StCroix my husband and I were out walking at night in front of our condo and came across a nest of baby turtles that had hatched and we turned off the pool lights as they had been hatched under one corner of the pool which was built right on the sea. We carried all we could find down to the water and it was a magical night. THANKS THANKS

I finished A Question of Intent. It was a good quick read. Now I am reading Going Overboard by Christina Skye. Skye's books are fun. This ones lead female is a fashion photo professional.The male lead is an SEAL that has been hired to protect her. He is doing it, but it is hard because she doesn't know he is protecting her and not her friend. The background is the Caribbean. It is a Dell Imprint.

JUDY: Thanks for sharing your experience with baby turtles. I am glad you like Mary Alice Monroe. I still have her Skyward to read.

GINNY ANN: I haven't read any of Christina Skye's books. The story of the one you are reading now sounds interesting.

I read and enjoyed her Hot Pursuit a while ago and enjoyed it, so I am already hooked on her as a writer.

Romantic Times gives it 4 1/2 stars. They wrote, "Carly Sullivan is in a desperate bind. The whole commercial shoot is about to go up in flames, and her career as a photographer might go up with it. Carly and her sister, Daphne Brandon, are on a cruise ship in the Caribbean shooting pictures of a hired male model for a new promotion. However, once on board, Carly discovers that the hired model is completely unsuitable, and unless she and Daphne can find a prospective new talent onboard the ship, they are in big trouble. To her delight, Carly spies a devastatingly masculine man who would be absolutely perfect, only he rudely turns her down.

Navy SEAL Ford McKay is assigned to handle a delicate new assignment. It is not until he is on board that he realizes his 'assignment' is to guard the feisty woman who already tried to proposition him. Carly Sullivan is the adopted daughter of Nigel Brandon, the Governor General of Santa Marina. Nigel has been receiving threats and the State Department wants to ensure the safety of both Carly and Daphne. So Ford is ordered to do whatever is necessary to protect Carly, even pose in her photo shoot.

Add this steamy, fast-paced romantic thriller with lots of laugh-out-loud humor to your must-read pile!"

Hey, GinnyAnn, that sounds like the humorous kind of novel I really like. I'll have to look for books by Christina Skye. Thanks for the review. Sue

Thanks for the heads up on Christina Skye, GinnyAnn, I'll be looking for her books.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie and Harriet and All,

Ginny Ann, I have read Going Overboard by Christina Skye. I really enjoyed it. I could not put it down. I would love to read her other books.

Finished the book The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe this morning in bed. Now I am late for work and soooo what. Tonight I will start on Skyward. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 20. ME blubbered through the entire last chapter, best book I have read in ages.

I wish I could read faster. So many good books, so little time.

Hats thanks for seconding my recommendation of Going Overboard. Sue and Harriet I hope you enjoy Skye's work.

Finished Skyward by Mary Alice Monroe and enjoyed it. NOt quite as good as The Beach House but very enjoyable.

Thanks for the endorsement of Skyward JUDY. It is still on my shelf waiting to be read -- along with lots of other books.

Just to let you know about a book site that I ordered some books from and my experiences.

Actually I am not sure if I should post this or not but here goes------------------I went to that site of Mystical Unicorn and it was great, found 4 books I wanted and ordered them with out a hitch and the postage was very reasonable, delivery good ------- I didn't know this was possible but those books smell so bad of cigarette smoke it is literally overwhelming. I have them out in the garage now but am not sure if I am ever going to be able to bring them in much less read them. I friend at dinner tonight suggested that I contact the library and see if they knew how to get the smell out as they may have to deal with that regularly. I am very disappointed over the whole thing.

Judy, I read about this in the Mystery Book discussion just moments ago. I think they ought to refund your money. I hate the smell of smoking. If you buy more from that company, perhaps you could tell them not to send books with smoky smell. Maybe an e-mail complaining of the smell might help. Sue

Thanks Sue I doubt I will buy anything else from them. This is so strong that I can't imgine where and for how long they could have been stored or warehoused.

Judy - you sure had a bad experience. Were the books new or used? If they were used they must have been owwned by a heavy smoker. I hate it when I get a book from the library that a smoker must have read before me. Please let us know what your library recommends.

Since I buy used books a lot, sometimes they have a smoky smell. I really don't like that. Sometimes a seller will mention that the books come from a smoke-free home. That is very nice.

Recently I have been giving jigsaw puzzles I have completed and don't want to save to our mail carrier. She was delighted until the last time I saw her. She said "You have cats and I am allergic to cats. I didn't realize why I was sneezing everytime I was doing one of your puzzles." I guess to be honest with people I should mention the cats. If anyone gets books from me (from the Book Exchange), our home is non-smoking AND we have 6 cats. Maybe the cats won't get on the books though. One of the cats likes to walk all over the jigsaw puzzles while I am working on them.

Thanks GinnyAnn Actually that is a used but in good condition store. It looks like 2 are new and 2 slightly used. I am going to go with the sugesstions here first I feel sure they will work. I have 2 books in a large zip bag on the counter with baking soda in them. I figure I will give it a couple of days and then try. I have a fancy dancy air purifier thing and I can try if the baking soda or cat litter does not work. You sit it on the floor and put a box over and put the books under the box and turn it on purifier, I may try that today with the other two. It was another of my impluse buying at the Puyallup Fair. They should send a limo for me every year hehehe

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving
GinnyAnn

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Harriet

I just finished Skyward by Mary Alice Monroe. I didn't think it was up to the standard of her other books. The setting was South Carolina and the conservation of birds of prey was a large part of the story. Perhaps one reason I didn't enjoy it is that the conservation birds of prey is not something I care a lot about. I do know that someone needs to do it and I will let that be someone else.

Today I will probably finish reading Dead Ringer by Annie Solomon. It is a good book, but not as edgy as her Like A Knife. It is about a woman who goes undercover to fool the man who was her mother's husband. She is looking for the plutimoum (sp?)he has to sell to men who would build a 'dirty bomb.'

I haven't been here for a while. How is everyone doing?

After dinner tonight we took a drive to see the colorful lights that are up. We know someone who really goes all out and got in the newspaper last year. Very fancy. One night I went out and saw a 2 story snowman that was lit from the inside. It wasn't far from our house and I drive past that way every day. I couldn't find it and kept looking for it. Tonight we saw it. During the day it was probably hidden behind a tree. With the lights on we could see it.

The other day I took some paperbacks that SAGE had read to a recycle store near us. I hadn't been to that store before. It was HUGE. Aisles and aisles and aisles of books. When I was shown way in the back where the romances were, I was delighted to find that the authors were alphebetized and I could see all the books they had by a particular author. Of course, they were stacked 2 or 3 deep on the shelves. I will go back there sometime when I have more time to browse.

What a lucky find! Have fun browsing when you can.

I recently finished After Twlight by Dee Davis. It was a contemporary set in the Irish country side. It has mystery and romance.

I'm reading and enjoying Skyward by Mary Alice Monroe. I got this book from Marjorie on the book exchange discussion. I'm really enjoying it. I think I remember Marjorie saying she didn't like it as well as others by Monroe. I love bird watching, especially the raptors and am familiar with the South Carolina low country where the book is set, so its really hit the spot with me. I haven't had a lot of time for reading the past few days as I've been trying to get my Christmas letters written. I need to decorate my house, too, but want to get my letters out. I correspond at Christmas with lots of long time Navy friends, high school friends, and family members I don't see very often. Sue

SUE: I am delighted you are enjoying Skyward. I enjoyed the one about the sea turtles. Just in case any of you would like to try the book, I have a second copy (PURPLE SAGE bought one also) on the Book Exchange that I can send you for the cost of the postage.

Marjorie, what's the title of the sea turtles one. I wonder if our BB, Sharon, knows about Monroe. Sharon lives in the South Carolina low country. Sue

The one about the sea turtles is Beach House. My most favorite book. I plan to spend a month at the beach in S.C. next year. Loved It

I just reread my last post and the way I phrased things it now looks like I have a copy of Beach House on the Book Exchange. NO, no, no. I have a copy of Skyward on the Book Exchange for anyone who wants to read it.

SUE: Why don't you mention Monroe in BB so SHARON will see it? (maybe you have and I haven't been there yet today to see your post)

Good idea, Marjorie. I'm on my way there, now.

Judy, I envy you for your month at a S.C. beach. My favorite is Pawley's Island with Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms next--but they are all terrific. Sue

Sue the trip I am planning in my mind and heart is not set in stone yet but its a dream of mine. We went to S.C. last Winter and I wan't all that sold on it but I loved Charleston but now reading many books I want to go back and look for what is really there on the coast. All the islands you mentioned are defiantly on my list.

I have been reading a variety of romances lately. Nothing that special.

Today I picked up The Other Twin by Kathleen Stone. I have several of her books in my stack to read but kept passing over them to read something else. This book was published in 2003.

I have had trouble getting anything done today -- except reading. This books has been difficult to put down from the first page.

I can see that there are 3 women and 3 men involved but romance is definitely NOT to main focus of this story. I will tell you more when it is finished and I can figure out how to describe it without spoiling the story for anyone who wants to read it.

I hope everyone has great holidays.

The Other Twin sounds intriguing, Marjorie. I'll be waiting to see what else you have to say about it. I don't believe I've read anything by Kathleen Stone.

I'm reading Georgia Bockoven's Another Summer. It's been slow going because of holiday preparations and my grandchildren being here. Sue

I just finished The Other Twin. After dinner I just had to read to the end. At least it was only a 360 page story. I got the name of the author wrong before because I wasn't looking at the book. The author is Katherine Stone (not Kathleen).

I don't know what I can say about the story. The first part of what is on the back cover is:

Thirty-one years ago after an accident on a California highway, a woman goes ito early labor. Her baby survives. But her husband dies.

The entire book is a piecing together of the events of that night. At the very end there are 3 weddings that are mentioned in passing.

This book I will keep so I can read it again. It is not one that will go on the Book Exchange -- at least not yet.

Marjorie - Happy Hanukkah.

I think I have read a something by Stone but can't remember what it was. Do remember that I enjoyed it.

I am about finished with a nonromance by Brian Haig. Then I plan on reading an anthology. It isWhen Darkness Falls by Susan Krinard, Tanith Lee and Evelyn Vaughn It will be my first time reading Tanith Lee and Evelyn Vaughn.

Has anyone read books by C.J. Carmichael? She writes for Harlequin. I just started reading a series she wrote about 3 sisters in Canada. Then I looked back at my list and I had previously read 2 of hers. I had marked one of them with a *. Rarely does anything get more than one *. Usually no stars at all. I think there are only a couple that have **. I was pleasantly surprised when I read the story about the first sister today. I didn't remember that I liked the author before. I went on half.com and ordered a couple more of her books.

Hope everyone has had a happy holiday.

Marjorie

Thanks, Marjorie. I did have a wonderful Christmas with family here at the farm. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet today, though, now that they've gone home.

I read one of the books Santa brought me yesterday and it was a goodie. It was And Then He Kissed Me by Patti Berg. I had read her Born to be Wild sometime last year and enjoyed it also. This is a contemporary romance with a believable heroine, a handsome and virile hero, 5 adopted children, and some steamy scenes. Very good light reading. Sue

A girlfriend found us a new (to us) used book store! It has mostly paper backs with a good selection of romances. I bought 5 books and they averaged out to $3 a book! Prince of Dreaams by Susan Krinard
Secret of the Wolf by Susan Krinard
Twice a Hero by Susan Krinard
Dark Magic by Christine Feehan

Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper
I am in book heaven. lol

Just finished Girl In The Mirror by Mary Alice Monroe Very different from the SC books but a terrific read.

JUDY: I am glad you liked the Mary Alice Monroe book. What do you mean by "SC" books? I am sure it will be obvious but I am being dense right now.

I'll bet she means South Carolina, Marjorie, as the 2 Mary Alice Monroe books I've read are set there. Sue

Marjorie both of my favorite books of hers, as I am reading them all now. But I digress haha took place on the sea side in SC. My most favorite one was about the large turtles and the other one was about birds of prey along with a good story. Great books.

I received 2 Susan Andersen novels for Christmas and have finished both of them. They are classifed as Romance/Suspense, are contemporary and well written IMO. I enjoyed both Present Danger and Exposure. Both are set in the Pacific Northwest, one in Seattle and the other on one of the nearby islands. Both are good reads. Sue

I just finished reading a book that had 2 novels in it. The author I like a lot is Janice Kay Johnson and I bought the book on half.com because she was one of the authors. The first story was by Jule McBride. I haven't read many of her stories. I really didn't like the first story but read through it before letting myself read the one I really wanted to read.

I didn't like Baby Trap by Jule McBride because it felt so unreal to me. The woman jumps off a yacht in the Florida keys because she has just told the man she is with that she is pregnant and he wants nothing to do with the baby. She swims to shore and finds herself on an island owned by the "hero" who is her step-brother. The "hero" is arrogant and I couldn't feel any sympathy for either of the main characters.

On the other hand I just finished The Miracle Baby by Janice Kay Johnson. I enjoyed the story and liked her characters. There is only one thing I am not sure I agreed with. The "hero" is her dead husband's estranged identical twin. Her daughter has leukemia and there has been no match for bone marrow. She sends for the "hero" to see if he is a match. He isn't so she has him donate sperm in order to have a baby who will have a one in four chance to be a bone marrow match for the sick daugher (12 years old). Of course, they fall in love and the ending is happy. I just don't how I feel about having a child in order to get a bone marrow match.

How is the New Year treating everyone?

I didn't send out very many cards for the holidays but I did send one to a cousin I haven't seen in 25 years. I didn't even know that I had her correct address. She called me this evening and was thrilled to get my letter and we are going to keep in touch. A good start for the year for me.

Ginny Ann, where is that new bookstore you found. I'm always a sucker for browsing in a new store Barb

I put some books on the Book Exchange last night.

Marjorie, I left you a message on the BookExchange. I'm glad you have reconnected with your cousin. It seems more and more important to renew those old family ties. I've found myself looking for relatives and friends and have happily found some to talk over old times with.

BTW, I finished So Wide the Sky by Elizabeth Grayson last night. It was the last of the books you sent me. I thought it was a very satisfying read. The historical details seemed just right.

Janice Kay Johnson must be reading the newspaper and watching TV. I believe I read an article last year about this same type of thing. And last year on Days of Our Lives, a couple had a baby so that they could give a bone marrow transplant to their long lost daughter who now had leukemia. Or maybe it was Non Hodgkins leukemia--whatever was very serious for the teenage daughter. Sue

Just finished Mary Alice Monroe The Four Seasons about 4 sisters it was very good but still hasn't beat the turtles.

Gram62 The bookstore is in Brunswick. E-mail me and I will send the full address! Maybe we could meet there, shop, and then 'do lunch.'

JUDY: I have Mary Alice Monroe's Skyward on the Book Exchange and no one has asked for it. If you email me your address, I will send it to you then you just send me the amount of postage when you receive it. It should be less than $1.50 unless the packing weighs a lot. The story in this book is set in South Carolina and is about a birds of prey sancturary.

Thanks a lot Marjorie but I have already read it. I am reading all her books and started with the turtle one which is by far my favorite and Skyward about birds of prey was my second book, I enjoyed that too. Please accept my thanks for thinking of me.

JUDY: You're welcome.

I am in the middle of Summer Light by Luanne Rice. I am enjoying it very much.

One of the minor character's husband's name sounded very familiar. Sure enough, I checked the bookshelf with books I saved to reread and there was Firefly Beach about the family of this minor character. Then I realized that this is at least the 4th book set in this location -- Hubbard's Point, Connecticut. I have kept 3 of her books that I have already read. She may have written more books about this area.

I just checked the Author Pseudynoms link in the heading and the author Janice Kay Johnson I have been enjoying a lot lately is a pseudynom for Janice Kay Baczewski. Other pseudynoms for the same author are Janice Bartlett, Kay Bartlett, and Kay Kirby. Now I have to go find out what the "other" authors have written -- what genres.

Author Pseudynoms can be a blessing and a hinderance to reading an author's work.

An author I have become very fond of is Susan Krinard. Her book Secret of the Wolf is a terrific read. 5* California in 1880 is the setting. Johanna Schell is a doctor who uses hypnosis as a medical tool to help her mentally ill patients. She takes on Quentin Forster who she found on the side of the road unconscious from drink. This book is the third book of a trilogy, but I think it can stand on its own. Her home page Susan Krinard shows the covers of her books.

Did any of you see Follow the Stars Home this evening on the Hallmark Channel? I started watching A & E's biography of Paul Newman and got so interested that I decided to skip FTSH. Wasn't that written by Kristin Hannah or Luanne Rice? BTW, Paul is still gorgeous and so intriguing at his advanced age. Joanne found a great catch in him. Their love story helped make this biography a great one to watch. Sue

SUE: I will check the Hallmark Channel at 9pm. It is not on now. Follow the Stars Home was written by Luanne Rice.

SUE: I DID get to see Follow the Stars Home. Thanks for your headsup. I guess you watched it at 9pm Eastern time because I watched it at 9pm Pacific time.

It seemed to me that only about 2/3 of the 2 hours was devoted to the story and the rest was all advertising.

Have you read the book? What did you think of the casting of the characters? Did the story flow for you?

Did anyone else see the show? If so, had you already read the book?

I have read the book but when I looked at my list, I didn't have a date so I don't know how long ago. All I do know is that it was before April 2001 because that seems to start the dates in the list. Some books are just listed as having been read in 2000, others are blank.

Marjorie, I didn't get to see the show as it started at 8:00 here (9:00 EST) and I was too involved in the Paul Newman thing. However, I think we read that book here as a group before we became a more generalized discussion. Did the heroine have a disabled child and 2 men, one a doctor vying for her attention? I forget the details. Is it in the archives?

And Marjorie, you are right about Hallmark having too many commercials. They have some of the best movies and I watch them, but it is so frustrating to have the stories interrupted so often. That's usually when I make trips to the kitchen--which I don't need! Sue

Are you in the Central Time Zone?

You have the story line correct for Follow the Stars Home.

I did a search of the Archives and found several posts about Follow the Stars Home. One by HARRIET gives a review of the story if you click here to get to HARRIET's post in the archived General Romance Discussion.

I also discovered that we discussed it in the archived More Than Friends. In the archived general discussion I posted twice, fairly close together and in the first post I said we did NOT discuss Follow the Stars Home and in the second post I said we did discuss it. The only thing I can remember (and it was in one of the posts) is that we voted to make it the next Romance Discussion and I decided I was burned out and made this General Discussion instead.

Hi Marjorie. Yes, I'm in the Central time zone, so we see things an hour earlier than advertised in the Eastern zone. I have a DirectTV satellite dish with NBC and Fox both east and west, so if I miss something I can often catch it in the west coast showing at a later time. I do have to figure an approximate time for the west coast version, though.

I was pretty sure we'd discussed Follow the Stars Home at least a little bit. Thanks for posting the link. I'm off to refresh my memory. Sue

I just finished reading Texas Cooking by Lisa Wingate. This is a romantic comedy. I stress the word comedy because I was laughing out loud in several spots. Colleen Collins, an out-of-work reporter from D.C., takes a freelance job that requires her to travel to a VERY small town in Texas to write about the cooking/recipies there. A charming book.

Marjorie, don't you just love romance novels with laugh out loud parts? That's one reason I'm such a fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Susan Andersen. They usually include some very funny parts, as does Jane Anne Krentz, although hers are more chuckles rather than belly laughs. I'll have to look for Texas Cooking. Sue

Sorry I haven't stopped in here for awhile.

How about answering one of the questions in the heading so we can get to know each other a little better.

Do you have a favorite type of Romance?
Do you like them all?
Who are your favorite authors?
What are the titles of your favorite books?

I will attempt to answer the first two questions since they are related. I do not like all romances. At this point in time, I am not interested in ones where there is a lot of violence and/or evil to be overcome. I also prefer ones that have a minimum of sex scenes.

I like romances where the characters are clearly portrayed and the plot is more than boy meets girl, boy woos girl, boy gets girl (or vice versa).

Some of the romances I have read discuss things that I can learn about -- like the Mary Alice Monroe books. There is a lot to learn about the environment. There are other books I have read where I learn something about what it is like to live with a handicap. I like those also.

Hi Marjorie I just finished a great book by Belva Plain The name is Her Fathers House. Not really a romance but I love her books and this one was great.

Marjorie, I don't like Romances that have only the boy meets girl and vice versa with no interesting plot, only episodes of sex and/or breaking up and getting back together, sex being the major factor.

I like a well plotted story, characters that seem real and have a sense of humor, family connections (sometimes I'll read something and you'd think the 2 main characters are aliens from outer space as they seem to have no family or close friends who are like family members).

I've really enjoyed Mary Alice Monroe, Georgia Bockoven, and Janice Kay Johnson recently as well as the author of Romeo and Julie. I can't remember her name, but also enjoyed her second book that I got from you on the Book Exchange. Can't remember the name of that, either.

Longtime favorite authors are Jayne Anne Krentz (AKA Amanda Quick and Jane Castle), Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Susan Andersen, Patty Berg, and Nora Roberts. One deceased author I like and reread from time to time is Georgette Heyer. Her books are wordy, very long sentences, but good pictures of Regency England and France. Her heroines are in the Jane Austen mold, quite independent for the times. Sue

I just finished a WONDERFUL book -- Annie's Song by Catherine Andersen.

This paragraph is on the back cover and nicely describes the heroine:

Annie Trimble lives in a solitary world that no one enters or understands. As delicate and beautiful as the tender blossoms of the Oregon spring, she is shunned by a town that misinterprets her affliction. But cruelty cannot destroy the love Annie holds in her heart.

The story is starts in 1890.

This one I am going to keep to reread for sure.

Annie's Song sounds like a good read, Marjorie. I like the books I've read by Catharine Anderson. Sue

Today I finished a book by Sandra Brown Sunny Chandler's Return. It is a reissue of one of her older books. It was a fun very light book.

Tonight I finished Phantom Waltz by Catherine Anderson. This is the second time I have read it. I kept it to reread - the first time I read it was the day before I fell last March. This time I will put it on the Book Exchange. I have so many books I haven't yet read and almost as many to reread.

Marjorie, I've read Phantom Waltz or I'd probably be asking for it. I've got to make myself quit buying books until after I move. I already have too many to take with me. I'm hoping my estate selling friends bring a book purchaser with them. They told me yesterday that they will call the one they know. Sue

I just finished Catherine Anderson's Always in My Heart. I liked Phantom Waltz better. I'm not sure why. Always in My Heart is a more recent novel and usually I like an author's most recent novels best. In this story the hero and heroine were divorced shortly after the death of one of their 3 boys and they both like being single. However, the 2 boys think they still love each other and want their family back together again.

Just finished Luanne Rice's The Perfect Summer. She is getting to be one of my most favorite authors. What a great book.

JUDY: I, too, like Luanne Rice very much.

O.K. now heres another favorite author. I just can't seem to make up my mind. I just finished The Long Road Home by Mary Alice Monroe and it was a good story. I believe it was her first book and she has come a long way.

JUDY: Where did you find The Long Road Home by Mary Alice Monroe? I thought I had read all of her books but I haven't read that one. Maybe I could find it in the library. I just checked half.com (where I usually buy books for 75 cents) and this book is priced at $10.00 there.

I just finished Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson. She really keeps me glued to the story. I had the hardest time putting it down last night when I had to go to sleep. I still had 56 pages left and knew my eyes wouldn't stay open that long. This is one book I will keep and not put on the Book Exchange.

How did everyone survive the long weekend and Valentine's Day?

Stubby (my dog) and I cuddled up on the sofa. I had a glass of wine and reread one of my favorite Jayne Ann Krentz romances, Sweet Starfire. This is one of her futuristic adventures. Pretty good the second (or maybe 3rd) time around. Sue

SUE: I don't think I have read any of Jayne Ann Krentz' futuristic romances except Crystal Flame that we discussed some time ago. I guess it would be a good thing for me to look for another one.

Yesterday I was reading Fast Courting by Barbara Delinsky but only got half-way through the book. It was written in 1983 and I was very disappointed. It was definitely a "learning" tool but that was about all for me. Today I am reading her T.L.C., which was written in 1986, and I am enjoying it a great deal. It is not as complicated a story as her more recent books. However, the characters are well drawn and the story is definitely keeping me absorbed.

I agree that Delinsky's writing has improved with age. It seems lots of our good writers have started out with Silhouette short novels and I think they are following a formula too closely. When they get more experience they seem to put more into it.

On the other hand, some seem to get repetitious when they've written so many. Catherine Coulter is one author who comes to mind. Her most recent novels all seem similar and the plots don't move as well as earlier ones. Sue

Read Fern Michaels book called Late Bloomer and it was O.K. Not up to her usual standards but enjoyable. I like her Texas and Vegas books

Hi JUDY. Thanks for that tip about Fern Michaels' book.

How is everyone? Sorry, I haven't been in here for awhile. I have been getting our taxes together and reading, reading, reading. Nothing that is worth mentioning just things to pass the time.

Except I have been rereading Luanne Rice. I just finished reading The Perfect Summer and even though I read it in the middle of January, I couldn't remember exactly how the book ended and the story resolved itself and I had to read late into the night again.

Yesterday I lost the book I was reading. After PT I carried my coat and stuff on the elevator to the 1st floor. Once there I set my stuff on a table while I buttoned my coat. Well I let myself get distracted talking to a woman who had just missed the elevator I had been in. I called the hospital but so far they haven't found it.

It was a Silouette romance by Kylie Brant titled Undercover Lover. I bid on a copy at E-Bay that is with some other books. The auction ends tomorrow.

GINNY ANN: I hope you either win the auction or they find your book. I would not like to lose my book if I was enjoying the story. I would want to know how it ends. Kylie Brant doesn't sound like an author I have read. There are so many authors out there.

Maybe someone picked it up thinking it was left for others to read. There is a group that does that now.

I've been busy packing for my move next week so I've been reading my oldie goldie Jayne Anne Krentz novels. Today's is Sweet Fortune. I read a chapter or 2 (or more) as a reward when I pack a box or 2. It's been some time since I've read through all of the Krentz's that I have kept over the years, so I've got a ways to go. They are all enjoyable for rereading. I've never read one of hers that was a disappointment--not in her Amanda Quick or Jane Castle personas either. Sue

...finding my lost book! It had fallen down between the seat and console in my car. I had looked there before, but this time I put myself on the seat not over it and then I reached down. And there it was!

Marjorie -- I can send it to you and we can count is as a Book Exchange. Let me know.

The auction ends at about 5:05 est. today.

GINNY ANN: Did you win the auction? It must be over by now. I would be delighted to have you send me the book to count as a Book Exchange. Do you still have my address?

I forgot to mention that I recently finished Stonebrook Cottage by Carla Neggers. I have had it for a long time and kept passing by it to pick up something else. I enjoyed it a lot. It is romantic suspense and is set in both Texas and Connecticut. I checked my list and found I had read a couple of her other books and marked them as one star. (I only use one or two stars or just that I read it.) So I went on half.com and ordered a couple more of her books.

So much to read and so little time.

I won at E-Bay!

Marjorie -- I just sent a message asking for your snail mail address. Stonebrook Cottage by Carla Neggers sounds interesting. I don't think I have read any of her books, but I recognize the name. There may be some of her books on one of my "To Read" shelves. lol

I read the first story in the Anthology Date With the Devil. The story was by Anne Stuart and was cute. The other two stories are by Cherry Adair and Muriel Jensen .

My current book is Lone Rider Bodyguard by a favorite author Harper Allen.

GINNY ANN: Bidding on auctions on eBay is fun. Even better is winning. Sometimes I up my bid just because. That can be dangerous.

Just finished a great book. Its called Touchstone by Dinah McCall It was great Texas guy goodlooking girl in NY stalked by a jerk. It was funny and sad and just fun.

Sharon Sala aka Dinah McCall is a good author. I have some of Sala's books on my "To Read Shelves." I enjoyed reading her Shades of a Desperado and Annie and the Outlaw Both are keepers.

I just finished Lady of Skye by Patricia Cabot. I enjoyed it even though I don't read historical romances very often. I don't know if I can't identify with the characters or don't like the way some of the books make things that seem superficial to me so important. This book is set in the middle of the 19th century and the two main characters are "gentry" but have choosen not to live that way. There is information about cholera and how it is treated and spread too.

I checked my list and find that in the summer of 2002 I read 2 other books by Patricia Cabot that I enjoyed -- The Christmas Captive and An Improper Proposal. I have one more of her books on my shelf to read. I think I will read it very soon.

I hope everyone is doing well. It is just over a year since my accident and I got through the day without falling and hurting myself again. It took a long time but I am back to "normal" now.

I finished reading Patricia Cabot's Educating Caroline and I was most disappointed. Oh well. There is always another book.

Last night I finally finished a book by an author who is new to me -- Barbara Freethy. Summer Secrets is one of those books that are extremely difficult to put down. I started it the day before yesterday but last night I read until well after midnight to get to the very end. A wonderful story of 3 sisters who, with their ambitious father, had won a round-the-world sailing race 8 years before. Marvelous indeed.

I was recently disappointed in a book by one of my favorite series authors. Harper Allen's Covert Cowboy got the main couple together, but didn't solve the kidnapping that had the main female distraught.

GINNY ANN: That is a disappointment. Could it be that the book is part of a series and the kidnapping runs through the entire series and is solved in the final book. I have run across stories like that. I never read the one you mentioned. I don't mind that kind of thing if I have the entire series and can read the whole series. I don't like it when I just have an individual book and the mystery is left hanging.

It may be a part of a series because it is a Harlequin Intrigue book. So far I haven't found when the others will be printed.

GINNY ANN: Every Harlequin series that I can remember has had what looked to be a special "category" or "name" on the cover in addition to the title of the book. If you find that name, you can probably check on the rest of the series at one of the websites. This is eharlequin.com.

I found it was a "Colorado Confidential" book. I found the next book at the Harlequin site. When I saw it only had 2 stars at RomanticTimes I decided not to buy it. My local library doesn't have it, but a libarian has put in a request for it to be put on their purchase list. If they don't get it, the libraries that have it should take it of "Local Request" in about 3 months.

I'm glad I was able to help.

I just recently finished Getting Lucky by Susan Andersen. I might not have been in the mood for the story because I was not as caught up as I expected to be. The heroine was definitely her own woman and planning on starting her own business. When the hero first saw her he made lots of crazy assumptions about the kind of person she was. She didn't try to change his mind so there was a lot of confusion. Good chemistry between them and I was surprised at the resolution of the mystery at the heart of the story. If I look back I see that the situation was humorous. I guess I was hoping that it was something to laugh out loud about.

Today I finished Girls of Summer by Barbara Bretton. A wonderful story about half-sisters who rarely see each other, a small town, someone who lost a spouse and child in one of the planes that crashed on 911, and, and, and. This story kept me turning the pages until I was finished.

I just finished Finger Prints by Barbara Delinsky. It was first published in 1984 and I was surprised to find how much I liked it. Many of the romances I have read that were written in the '80s seemed silly. This one had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire book -- more so at the end.

Hi Marjorie. I just left you a message in the Book Exchange and also sent you an e-mail. I'd love to read Finger Prints if you are offering it. It sounds like a goodie. Sue

I just finished, for the second time, reading a trilogy by Muriel Jensen -- Man with a Mission, Man with a Message, and Man with a Miracle. They are about a small Massachusetts town and the people there. The men are part of a group called Whitcomb's Wonders -- part time handymen for all sorts of trades. An interesting premise. A great series. I will be happy to send them to anyone interested for the postage. They can then be counted toward the Book Exchange. Since they are Harlequin Superromances I prefer listing them here. Just email me if you want them.

I hope everyone remembered to change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time. For some reason this year I thought that it was Sunday bedtime I was supposed to make the change. I forgot it was 2am Sunday so that Saturday night was the time to change the clocks. At least the computer reminded me when I turned it on this morning.

I changed my clocks last night, Marjorie, as I wanted to attend the 8:30 church service and knew I'd never make it if I didn't change them. I had a little problem with my bird clock. I got it changed correctly, but one of the batteries slipped loose and it quit keeping time, so I had to start all over again. Sue

I just finished another book by Carla Neggers -- The Carriage House. I really like her romantic suspense. There is suspense but not the terror that some authors put in their books.

Marjorie I agree that terror isn't fun but suspense is fun.

Yesterday I bout a bunch of books at the Library Book Sale.

Currently I am reading an Intrigue book by Cassie Miles titled The Secret She Keeps. So far it is sweet and very tame.

I want to attend a book club discussion at the public library here on Tuesday evening, so I checked out a book to read. The topic is All Things Medieval and they had a book mark with authors to choose from. I picked Guenevere: Queen of the Summer Country by Rosalind Miles. It is about the marriage of Arthur and Guenevere, his unfaithfulness with his half-sister, Morgan (who is a witch, I think), Guenevere's subsequent affair with Lancelot, and Merlin's plotting. It took me about 5 days to read this book. I'm not overly familiar with the legends of Camelot and King Arthur and I found it tough going. This is the first book in a trilogy. I don't think I'll read the others unless someone in the book club gives me a reason to do so. Guenevere was supposed to be a sympathetic heroine, but I thought she was kind of treacherous.

GinnyAnn, I know you like Medieval romances. Have you read anything by this author? I was surprised that the Arthur legends were included in the Medieval period. I thought that was later. Just shows you I didn't pay attention in World History 101! Sue

http://www.hants.gov.uk/discover/places/great-hall.html
The Round Table
Although now known to have been constructed in the 14th Century, and repainted in its present form for King Henry VIII, the table has for centuries been venerated by generations of tourists as the mysterious table of the 'Once and Future King' Arthur.

"The first written accounts of the Arthurian story appeared in 1130 in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'History of the Kings of Britain', which maintains that Merlin had the 15-year-old Arthur crowned at nearby Silchester. However, the first mention of the Round Table is Robert Wace's Roman de Brut (1155), which says that Arthur seated his knights at a round table so that all should be equal. In Thomas Malory's Morte D'Arthur, the table is a wedding gift to Arthur from Guinevere's father, Leodegrance."

In the book I mentioned in Post #672, the author tells us that Guenever succeeds her mother as Queen of the Summer Country (that is Camelot and also where Avalon were supposedly). According to Miles, in the hall in Camelot, there is a round table for the excellent knights who serve the Queens. Guenevere's father, King Leogrance, was chosen by her mother as a lover and champion. He became one of the knights who protected her. Guenevere chose the young hero, Arthur, although Merlin tried to keep him away from her, as her champion. Then they moved to Caerlyon (Wales--Arthur's home in the Middle Kingdom) and he established another round table there.

I've been doing a little research on Medieval History and I wasn't entirely wrong. The legendary Arthur and his knights were active in the Dark Ages--6th Century, and couldn't have possibly lived in castles, worn armor or done other knightly things that only developed in the 8th century. It makes a good story though. One source had the Middle Ages between the late 5th century and the 14th. So, by that count, the Arthurian legend would be Medieval. The history is more interesting that the novel. I love learning what they wore, ate, worked at, etc. About.com has some interesting rebuttals to hoaxes sent around in e-mail as facts about Medieval times. Sue

I finished another Carla Neggers book. Just as good as the others. This one is The Harbor. I am now on the lookout for more of her books. I have read 5. I am not sure how many she has written.

P.S. I just found Carla Neggers' web page and her book list. I guess I have a lot of books to still find.

Hi Marjorie. I put that link in my favorites. I'm going to the library this evening for the Medieval Book Club Discussion and am going to look for a book by her. I'm also picking up Dennis Lehanes' Mystic River. Lots of people suggested that in the Mystery Favorites discussion, although some didn't like it. Sue

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all mothers!

Last night I finished reading Lawless by Nora Roberts. It was a good read.

I finished another book by Barbara Freethy yesterday. This one is Almost Home. I really like her. I mentioned another book of hers here. This is a fascinating story of a young woman who goes to Kentucky from California in search of her biological father with scanty clues. A great story.

Today I finished Lady Sarah's Son by Gayle Wilson. This one is a historical romance. Nicely done.

I just finished reading Fourth Horseman by Margot Dalton. This one is a MIRA book. It is a romantic mystery with a lot of characters and an interesting plot.

I have been puzzling over the title of this book for hours since I finished the book. I just looked at the list of previous MIRA books by the same author and think maybe I have the answer. They are First Impression, Second Thoughts, and Third Choice. Maybe this is the 4th book in a series. Usually when a book is a series I can tell from the story that there were other stories earlier. In this case I could sense other stories to be told after this one but not before it. Hmmm.

Marjorie, there is something stuck in my mind about "the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse". Maybe there is a reference to this. I don't know what it means, but it could probably be identified by googling. Sue

SUE: I did put that phrase in Google and when I read one of the sites I realized that there is a quote from Revelations at the beginning of the book that pertains to the fourth horseman. I guess the reason that this was used is that the story revolves around a 30 year old murder and what is revealed when it is solved. I guess.

I couldn't remember where I'd heard that, Marjorie, but now that you've googled it, you've solved the mystery. Sue

I hope I mentioned this author here before. I just finished a novel by Katherine Stone. This one is Island of Dreams and it is a winner! I have read 4 of her books and marked each one with my highest mark. I finished the book last night and the story is still resonating. I don't really remember her other books I have read but if they are anything like this one -- wow. I am finding it difficult this morning to start a new book. I don't want to disturb my reaction to this one.

The characters are very clearly described and, of course, each has his/her own childhood trauma behind her/him. The story involves people who are creative -- each in their own way -- and whose lives intersect in a delightful manner.

Has anyone else read anything by Katherine Stone?

I haven't read anything by Katherine Stone that I can remember, Marjorie. Before I started packing for my move, I quit writing down the titles and authors of books I have read.

Last week I read Maeve Binchy's Quentin's. It is not precisely a romance, but a good novel. When I went to the library last night for my book club I checked our her Scarlet Feather. Some of the characters in this book were in Quentin's, too.

For several days I have been reading Jean Auel's The Plains of Passage. Years ago I read the first 3 in her series about Ayla of the Clan of the Cave Bear. This book was published in 1990 and is about Ayla and Jondalar's long trek to his home. The library has another one written as a sequel to this one. I will read it too. The environmental information is interesting as are Ayla and Jondalar's efforts just to exist in those ancient days. Some of it drags, though, so I skip some pages until it becomes more interesting. I didn't remember Ayla and Jondalar spending so much time having "pleasures" in the earlier books though. It's pretty steamy in parts. Sue

I think I read one by her. Can't remember the title. Will have to look for it. I have her Rainbows on a 'to read' shelf

GINNY ANN: I have Rainbows on my book list with a ? where it should say whether or not I read it. I must have had it when I first made the list or forgotten to note I had read it and then gave it away because I can't find it. I hope you enjoy it.

Yesterday I finished Barbara Delinsky's 1982 novel Search for a New Dawn. I really enjoy her writing. Even her early novels have great characterization and a good plot. I was reading some Nora Roberts' stories from the same time period recently and was very disappointed with them. In each of the 3 stories the man was strong and handsome and the woman was delighted to be dominated. Ugh!

One of the Harlequin Superromance's I read recently was by an author who is new to me -- Inglath Cooper. A really wonderful story. I have found some other books of hers on half.com and sent for them. Then I did something I don't normally do -- I wrote to her to tell her how much I liked the 2003 book I just finished. AND she replied tonight. The signature line had her name on it and, just maybe, she is the one that answered my email. maybe not.

Gee, Marjorie, that sounds like Inglath Cooper is on the ball. I don't believe I've read anything by her. What is the name of the 2003 book you liked? Sue

SUE: The book I read and enjoyed is John Riley's Girl.

Thanks, Marjorie. Sue

I made a list of all the books that I have finished and need to find new homes for. If no one wants them, they will go to the thrift shop or Friends of the Library. These are all Romances, some longer than others. At the bottom of the list are 3 books that have more than one story in each. I have put a + next to the ones that I particularly enjoyed.

If anyone wants them, I will send them as I send books for the Book Exchange -- when you receive the books just send me the amount of postage that is on the package. Since I send Media Mail, one or 2 books will be just $1.42 normally and the next couple of books will take the price to $1.84 or $2.26. A real bargain.

If you are interested, just click here.

They are a real bargain, Marjorie, and I've just sent you an e-mail for 6 of them. Thanks for your generous offer. Sue

I just finished Thief of Hearts by Katherine Stone and it is certainly a powerful story. So much to think about and such well-drawn characters.

Some of the books I have been reading I can easily read in one day. This book was not one that I could "gulp" down that way. I had to read for short stretches of time and then put it down and think about what I had just read.

I know I mentioned Katherine Stone's Island of Dreams recently because I liked that one a great deal also. I will have to reread Island of Dreams sometime soon because I don't remember it as being nearly as complicated as Thief of Hearts.

It seems to me I remember that HATS posted that she liked Thief of Hearts but I just did a search and could not find her post. She must have mentioned another book by an author I read recently because I did a search and her post was there then.

I still haven't read anything by Katherine Stone, but intend to if and when I run across her book. I'm reading Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. It's not a romance, but a story of women who have started a book club in their neighborhood in their early married years. The interactions between the women are great. I know it's going to be sad at the end, though, as it takes the book club through many years and I think one will have cancer. It's good writing, though, and very interesting plot.

Marjorie, I just read your post on the Book Exchange about taking your books to the library. I always enjoy the books you offer and would take more if I weren't in this apartment. I'm sorry others didn't take the time to look through your list, but it's probably easier for you to take them to the library. You've sent me some terrific books over the years. I keep my eyes pealed for your listings on the Exchange. Sue

Finisdhed Luanne Rice Theh Secret Hour and loved it.

I like Luanne Rice a lot. I liked The Secret Hour but I liked The Perfect Summer even more. You might not agree with me.

If you have looked at Discussions on the Drawing Board you will see that there is a discussion of Luanne Rice's The Perfect Summer being planned for July 15. There should be a proposed discussion out by June 25 for us to see if there are enough people to make the quorum we need to actually have a 2 week discussion of this book.

I am reading my first Cait London book. It is When Night Falls. It is a good story. There is the main couple with other couples that I am also enjoying.

I just finished another Barbara Delinsky novel. This one was Twilight Whispers copywrited in 1987. I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was written only 4 years later than An Irresistible Impluse that I finished within the last week.

Twilight Whispers is much closer to what her current books are like. There is a large interlocking family and a couple of mysteries to figure out in addition to the love story. A good book.

My current read is Tall Dark and Cajun by Sandra Hill. It is light good fun.

I tried to post this 3 times last night. AOL told me it couldn't find SeniorNet when I clicked on post my message. I don't know if it was just an AOL problem or not but this morning I am here and trying again.

I am currently reading a Silhouette Special Edition story by Andrea Edwards. In the beginning of the book Andrea Edwards is described as being a pseudonym for the husband-and-wife team of Anne and Ed Kolaczyk. When I looked in the pseudonym link in the heading, Andrea Edwards' real name was given as Anne Kolaczyk. I wonder how many romance writers are really a team. Since I don't write I can't imagine how that would work.

This story is the second in a series. Early in the story the hero opens his door to a policeman he calls Toto. The policeman's real name is Tom Tollinger. Automatically I think of The Wizard of Oz. Then on the next page there is mention of Toto's girlfriend and guess what? Drum roll ... you've got it ... Dorothy! So far this book is fun.

This does sound like a cute story, Marjorie. I'm like you, I don't see how 2 writers could make a story, but maybe they brainstorm ideas and one puts it into words on paper. Years ago I saw a mention of 2 college classmates who'd written a romance novel after going to the beach together and talking about the novels they were reading. I never did find a copy of the book, but would like to. Now I can't even remember their names, except I think one might have been called Shannon. Sue

I just finished Susan Elizabeth Phillips' This Heart of Mine. I think I must have gotten a copy because of a recommendation from someone here. However, I had it in the back on the shelf of books to be read. The back of the shelf holds books that I have had a while but keep putting off reading.

I really don't know why I didn't want to read it. I think I confused her with Fern Michaels. I didn't like Fern Michaels' sagas. Too much angry tension between the different characters for me.

This book was really wonderful. I will go look for some more of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' books.

Marjorie, I don't like Fern Michaels, either, but Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my favorite, I think. I like the humor she puts into her books and the independence of her characters. I think I have This Heart of Mine. I'm going to look before I go to bed. I saw that you have placed it on the book exchange. If I don't have it, I'll put my bid in--but do think I have it. Is it about one of the football players? Sue

SUE: Yes, it is about one of the football players.

Marjorie, that series is one of Phillips best. I think there are about 5 of them. It seems to me this is the one about Kevin and Molly. It is--I just couldn't stand not knowing, so I looked through my collection. It Had to Be You is the one where we're first introduced to Molly. Nobody's Baby But Mine is where we first meet Kevin. NBBM was the first one I read--and I loved it. Sue

I just finished The Cabin -- another one of Carla Neggers' books. On the cover Janet Evanovich says "... No one does romantic suspense better." I would agree but not for the reason she gave on the cover. Janet Evanovich said the book "kept her up all night."

What I like about Carla Neggers is that she does not keep me up all night. There is a lot of suspense and it takes a long time to figure out the entire story. I sometimes get annoyed with some of the characters and I am comfortable that I can put the book down and pick it up the next day.

I don't like to be frightened by the books I read. That may not be your choice at all.

Calling all Luanne Rice fans!!! HARRIET and I are proposing to discuss The Perfect Summer for 2 weeks starting July 15.

Please click here to find out more and/or let us know you will be able to join us.

Back Roads by Susan Crandal is a very good read. The story follows Leigh Mitchell, who is the local sheriff, and Will Scott, a new comer to the community. Crandal had me losing sleep because I didn't want to put the book down. There is a mystery in it, so it could be classified as romantic suspense, but it also could be classified as a very good novel.

GINNY ANN: I will have to look for Back Roads.

I just finished First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Wow that was a good book! I was able to put it down to go to sleep last night but was delighted that yesterday and today I didn't have a lot of errands because I spent most of my time reading.

The premise of the story was fascinating. The heroine is the previous First Lady of the U.S. Her husband just died and the new President asks her to continue as First Lady since he is a bachelor. She doesn't want to but is pressured into it. However, she makes plans on how she can escape from all the pressure of being First Lady.

She sneaks out of the White House and, in her travels, meets up with the hero who has 2 children with him. The story details their travels and the relationships that develop.

Marjorie, First Lady is one of my favorites by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have reread it several times. I loved the backroads trip in the motor home, the banter between the characters, and the situation with the children. The end of the story is one of the most heart warming scenes ever in a romance. Sue

SUE: I agree with everything you said about First Lady. That is one that is going back on my shelf to be reread again and again.

Yesterday I was reading It Had to be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I was so caught up in it that I went to be 2 hours late and woke up so late this morning that I am still playing catch up. I have been really enjoying her books lately.

Marjorie, It Had to Be You is another SEP favorite. I loved Phoebe and Dan's sizzling romance--and the round about way they got there. These 2 characters also play a role in several other of the Chicago Stars novels. This book was written after the others to give fans the story of how Phoebe and Dan got together. This is a definite keeper. I've read it several times and will read it again when things are slow around here--or when I need something light and fun. Sue

I received Debbie Macomber's Between Friends the other day. I like her books when I want something a little lighter to read. This one disappointed me because it is all letters. A few letters here and there work for me. A story that is nothing but letters leaves me very impatient.

Is anyone interesting in getting this 2002 book of Debbie Macomber's? If so, I will count it for the Book Exchange.

How do you feel about a format of all letters to tell a story?

Marjorie, I think the writer must really be good to use only letters to carry a plot. There was a book many years ago, made into a movie with Fred Astaire and maybe Leslie Caron--Daddy Longlegs, which was mostly letters and made a very good movie. There is a non-fiction Civil War era book by Mary Boykin Chestnut which is an excellant account of life on the home front during the Civil War. It is a collection of her letters to her husband at his Confederate Army unit. They were very poignant, but were not trying to carry a plot as they were actual letters. Sue

First Lady is one of my favorite books too. I have reread it a couple of times. I also like all of the books by Julie Garwood. I first discovered her when I saw the TV movie 'Rose Hill' It was based on her book "For the Roses". The book was so much better than the movie had been. I found myself looking for all of her books.

I am so glad to have found this discussion.

Judith

Hi, Judith. I'm a big fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, too. Have you read others besides First Lady? Marjorie, our discussion leader is offering 3 of hers on the Book Exchange Discussion here at Senior Net. You can get them for the price of the postage.

I like Julie Garwood, too, but think her earlier books are the best. Sue

Welcome JUDITH.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a great author.

I like Julie Garwood also. I read a number of her books a couple of years ago about the time we had a discussion of one of them. You can find the discussion of The Secret by Julie Garwood in our Archives if you are interested.

SUE (SPRING CREEK FARM) mentioned the Book Exchange. Just click on the link and it will take you there.

I just finished Katherine Stone's Bed of Roses. It kept me engrossed from the first page. However, I was disappointed. I purchased quite a lot of her books because I had read and liked Thief of Hearts, Island Dreams, and The Other Twin and noted that I liked them a great deal.

We have been discussing Luanne Rice's The Perfect Summer and I realized that I much prefer Rice's way of dealing with secrets, conflicts, and plot.

In Bed of Roses there is every possible childhood trauma that you can imagine in the 6 main characters. There are 3 love stories intertwined. And, as happens so often, the coincidences abound. That much is OK. But as I was reading, waiting for secrets to be revealed, I felt like I was waiting for the "other shoe to drop." It wasn't until the last pages that the last shoe finally dropped.

I was talking to the characters all the way through the story wanting them to reveal their secrets to their loves and get on with enjoying their lives rather than living in pain -- pain they each thought they deserved.

I think I was expecting another Susan Elizabeth Phillips' type book when I picked this up. I am keeping her Breathing Room to read as a treat some day, hopefully soon. Katherine Stone does not write like SEP does.

Sorry. I just had to get that off my chest.

Today someone helped me reach behind my computer desk and the table my scanner sits on to pick up some things that feel back there recently. At the same time he brought up a book by Camdace Camp that had a July, 2002 drugstore receipt in it! You can tell that I have a messy desk. I just put some cardboard at the end of the desk with double stick tape to keep things from falling back there in that spot again.

It can be like a treasure hunt to clean an area and find stuff I forgot I had.

I read:

Heart of the Hunter by Tina St. John- Historical Fiction.

Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon-Paranormal

Last Man Standing by Julie Miller - Harlequin Intrigue

The Perfect Summer by Luanne Rice - novel

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan - Paranormal

Secret Passage by Amanda Stevens - Harlequin Intrigue with a paranormal story

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning - Historical Paranormal

Immovable Objects by Marie Ferrarella - Harlequin Intrigue.
They were all very good reads. Secret Passage was an excellent book that I rate as 4 1/2 G stars

GINNY ANN: You got a lot of reading done. Did you take all those books with you or did you get some there?

There is a gathering of Bookies planned for January, 2005 at the beach in South Carolina. Click here for more information.

I really enjoy both Nora Roberts and her alter ego J D Robb. Does anyone have a good source for her books? One that discounts steeply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all. Sue

Welcome SUE L. Glad you could join us here.

I get most of my books on www.half.com which will be merged into ebay.com sometime in October. You can look in both places for books. You will have to add shipping to the price of the book to know what it will really cost you.

There are other used book sellers on the Internet I am not as familiar with. If you check the link in the heading to B&N Bookstore, and search for your book there are sometimes links at the end to used books.

The other thing that might interest you is our Book Exchange. People offer books, you send your address via email, they send the book, you send back the amount of the postage when you get the book. Over 3000 books have been exchanged since 1996 when it was started.

In connection with the Book Exchange there is also Books Wanted where you post the book you are looking for and people check to see if they have what you want. This is also for the cost of postage and goes into the count.

To reach Books Wanted Click Here.

To reach the Book Exchange Click Here.

I just finished Kiss an Angel, another book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have put 4 of her books on the Book Exchange and no one has asked for them. I have 3 others -- a total of 7 in all.

I will be happy to mail them to anyone who wants them for the cost of postage. I would think the postage wouldn't be more than $5.

I have 3 books that center on the Chicago Stars Football Team: Heaven, Texas, It Had to be You, and This Heart of Mine. The other 4 Susan Elizabeth Phillips' books I have are: Kiss an Angel, Dream a Little Dream, Lady be Good, and Breathing Room.

I like her books. There are so many funny situations. I am always laughing out loud shortly after starting each book. I have a hard time putting the book down to do anything else.

If someone wants these, I will count them for the Book Exchange.

Just finished Beach Girls by Rice and I loved it. Some of the characters from her other books showed up and it was just plain good.

JUDY: Thanks for that recommendation for Beach Girls. I have it, but I haven't read it yet.

Marjorie don't you think everyone that is going to SC should read Mary Alice MOnroe, The Beach House???It actually takes place on on the Isle of Palms and it a great book.

Cheryl Anne Porter died last evening. I have never read her books, but saw this on a discussion of Amanda Ashley's work.

JUDY: I think Mary Alice Monroe's Beach House is a great thing to read. I can't force everyone to read it. She also wrote Skyward and it is about the same area in South Carolina about predatory birds rather than turtles.

I read Skyward also and enjoyed it so much. It makes me want to see everything on that island.

Who from this discussion, besides Marjorie, is going to the gathering at the Isle of Palms in January? I'm thinking about it, but haven't committed to it yet--will have to see what's going on with my children at that time of year. Sue

P.S. I have all the Susan Elizabeth Phillips that Marjorie is offering on the book exchange. She's a great author and I'm sure some of you other Romance discussion readers would enjoy them. When Marjorie sends me some of her books via the Book Exchange, it only costs the amount of the postage--usually a couple of dollars for 2-4 books. You can't get them at used book stores for that.

My daughter and I are going. Her name is Candi and she also went with me to both NY and Chicago.

Thanks, Judi. Perhaps I will see you there--just can't commit right now as I've just made a major move and am seeing that it is going to take me much more time to get organized and plan for the holidays than usual. Sue

I just finished Catherine Anderson's Blue Skies. I enjoyed it a great deal. Phantom Waltz was about a woman in a wheelchair and this one is about a woman with a rare eye disease. I enjoy books about people with physical handicaps.

Both of those books are about the Coulter family and, when I get a chance, I plan to get her next book about the Coulter family, Bright Eyes. The summary of that book makes no mention of any kind of a handicap.

Her book Sweet Nothings was the first about the Coulter family and, while none of the humans had a handicap, this was about saving a horse from an abusive owner.

I am reading a book by Catherine Mann titled Strategic Engagement. It is an engaging story. As you might surmise, it has a Military connection.

I plan to start reading "Beach Girls" by Luanni Rice tomorrow morning. Here in coastal SC, the forecast is for a rainy day and I can't think of anything better to do than start reading an interesting book. Judy, I'm glad to get your say-so on it being enjoyable. I'll let you know.

BETTY: Welcome. Have you read any of Luanne Rice's other books yet? I like her a great deal. Her characters are real and her plots are fascinating. I usually have trouble putting her books down until I have finished reading.

I just finished reading "Beach Girls" yesterday, I really liked it.

Will start "Beach House" by Mary Alice Monroe today. Hope it is as good as beach girls was.

Marjorie, I don't think I have read any of Rice's other books; however, when I checked those listed in this present book, I don't recognize any by name. I have this bad habit of not remembering the names of books, though, and don't realize I have read one until I'm into it!

Betty I hope you also get a chance to read Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe. Its a great book. When we go to SC in Janurary I am going to find that house and look for the turtles.

My current read is by Cherry Adair. It is titled On Thin Ice. She writes romantic suspense. When she does a love scene it is fairly graphic. However, she also tells a very good high tension story. Military men are the heros. This one takes place in Alaska during the Iditarod.

Judy, you are coming to South Carolina? In which part? I live in Conway, west of Myrtle Beach.

BETTY: JUDY will be joining us on the Isle of Palms for the Books on the Beach gathering at the end of January. Click on the link to find out more about it. Maybe you could drive down and meet some of us. How far are you from the Isle of Palms? I will be coming from California.

Betty yes I am coming from Washington and my daughter from Alaska. I was hoping someone was going to get ahold of you. We went to Conroy the last time we were there and loved it. I believe you take tours of Conway?? We will have a lot of cars there and I hope that some of the people will decide to go there. I know Candi and I will go because I wouldn't want her to miss it. I loved that river walk the old houses a great deli resturant and who ever thought we went in to the cemetary and it was the most fascinating place. I hpe to see you in SC.

Judy, when will you be on the Isle of Palms? If you are coming to Conway, I'd love to meet you and whoever is with you when you visit Conway. There is a restaurant right on the river walk and we could meet there for lunch, or whatever. Let me know. I really don't think I will be going to the Isle of Palms.

Betty you should really take a look at the beach site that is up. You might want to come down for a couple of days we are going to have a great time. BTW how far is the Isle of Palms from Myrtle Beach?? The dates for our beach books meeting is January 28th thru Feb 4th I think. As the time draws closer Candi and I will defiantly come to Conway and have lunch with you. I am sure there will be others that will want to go but we will be there for sure.

Anyway as sure as you can be when you are Yung No Mo!!! Look forward to meeting you.

Okay, Judy, it's a date! I'm putting the date on my calendar. Keep in touch. In the meantime, I will look up info on the beach party and see what's up!

I forgot to answer the question about mileage. It is about a hundred miles from the Isle of Palms to Myrtle Beach/Conway.

Oh good 100 miles a piece of cake.

I just finished Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Do you have this one yet SUE? I didn't enjoy it as much as I did her other books. Has anyone else read it who could comment? Her other books had me laughing out loud in several places. This one didn't. The question is whether it is just my reaction to the book or others feel the same way.

Yes, I've read Breathing Room several times, Marjorie. I agree that it is different than the Bonner brothers books and the other Chicago Stars books, also the golf stories which are all my favorites. I really like Phillips's sense of humor and she doesn't use it much in BR. I think she wanted to convey the sense of Tuscany in this book. Right at this minute I have my public TV on to Andre Rieu: Live in Tuscany and it's a beautiful place I'd like to visit. I think I read on SEP's website that she and her husband had a lovely walking tour of Tuscany and that inspired the book. I enjoyed Breathing Room, but not as much as the others. I much prefer the laugh out loud kind. Sue

I just finished reading Catherine Anderson's Bright Eyes. It is the fourth book in the series about the Coulter family. I mentioned two of them before. Both were about women with a disability. This is not. It is every bit as good. I really enjoy her writing.

This book was published this year and I kept watching for it to come up on half.com or ebay.com in paperback. Finally I found it. I should have realized by the price of the auction what to expect. The only thing that was said is that it is a used book in good condition. Actually everything but the bottom 1/2 inch is in perfect condition. The bottom is all torn up and worn.

The story is great and I would be happy to send it to someone and count it for the Book Exchange. Just know that the book is not in the condition I would like it to be.

Marjorie, I received "The Secret Hour" in yesterday's mail and will delve into it just as soon as I have finished the book I am presently reading. Thanks a lot.

I am told I should let YOU know that I plan to go to the Isle of Palms on Friday, the 28th and spend the weekend. Let me know about money, etc.

I hope you had a holy Rosh Hashanahand have a holy Yom Kippur.

My current book is Ghost of a Chance by Nina Bruhns. It is a light weight Intimate Moments read.

BETTY: I sent you an email about Books at the Beach.

GINNY ANN: Thanks for your holiday wishes.

Has anyone read a book by Jodi Thomas? I found it in my bookshelf the other day and decided to read it. I enjoyed it but don't know why I purchased it unless it was part of a larger box from ebay.

The book I read was Beneath the Texas Sky and is the story of 2 generations in the West from 1860-1885. I don't usually like sagas but did enjoy this one.

When I was in high school-early fifties- I remember reading Ramona and typical of the times (and my age) remember the story only as a "real love story". I decided to re-read the book recently as well as checking out the author and am so impressed with what a passionate, dedicated lady Mrs. Jackson was at a time when it was not all that fashionable to be so. We, as women, can be so proud that we have always had activist women trying to call attention to issues that were and are poorly addressed. Maybe I have missed it, but I don't recall having seen Mrs. Jackson's efforts on behalf of the injustices she knew firsthand recognized. Ramona was and is a beautiful love story, but is so much more meaningful to me now that I know the message she was trying to get across. I would suggest that anyone who likes historical "fiction" re-read Ramona. While the characters may be fictional, the underlying story is not.

Welcome SOFFIE!! Have you read any other books by Helen Hunt Jackson? I am not familiar with her.

I have just finished reading Anne Rivers Siddon's "Islands" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A local friend of mine loaned me five books (it turned out I had read two of them already) but this "Islands" was by far the best. I recommend it to all of you.

Betty Siddons is one of my most favorite authors and I thought I had read all of her books but I looked in my book case of keepers and didn't see it. I will look at my book store tommorow. Thanks

Good, Judy. If this was my book, I'd send it to you, but alas, it was a borrowed one!

I just posted in Photos Then & Now something that was funny and I wanted to share with different people here on SeniorNet. I figured that was a central place to put it. With all the stress I have had lately, I was delighted to find something really funny.

That is cute, Marjorie. However, my memories of my old portable and a school reject desk typewriter are not all that fond. Both those typewriters had sticking keys--and when I made a mistake what a pain correcting was!

I read Susan Elizabeth Phillips' latest last week. Ain't She Sweet is a hoot. It ranks right up there with her Chicago Stars books, IMO. Sugar Beth Carey, once the snooty leader in a small southern town, returns broke and looking for a picture that might restore her fortune. Her old friends(?) are out for revenge. It has those funny conversations that make me laugh out loud. When it comes out in paperback after the first of the year, I'm buying it for my collection. Highly recommended! Sue

Sue that sounds that a good book. I put it on my list.

SUE: When I posted the picture of the typewriter and the description they gave, I was also remembering typerwriters that I have used that were definitely less than ideal. Correcting mistakes was always a big problem. I was just struck about how advertising can make something that is so far behind the times look like something of the future. I will look for that Susan Elizabeth Phillips book.

Marjorie, I read the library's copy of Ain't She Sweet. I think I read that the paperback copy will be out in January.

Whoever wrote that copy for the typewriter was really clever. And I'll guess there are many people who would love to have a good typewriter again. Not me, though. I love typing with my computer. Sue

Marjorie thanks for the fun advertising discription of a typewriter. I wouldn't like to go back to using one.

I am reading Kinsman's Oath by Susan Krinard "It is a captivating tale about two telepaths who have nothing in common...except the love they share for one another." Set on planets in an other galaxy, Krinard has built whole new worlds. I haven't finished it yet, but love what I have read. I am about half way through it.

Hey GinnyAnn, that sounds like the futuristic romances that Jayne Ann Krentz writes under her Jayne Castle pseudonym. They are really fun--just like her historicals under Amanda Quick and her modern novels under Jayne Ann Krentz. I'll have to look for books by Krinard.

I finally got a copy of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent. It was in the lending library at my church. I'm going to look in the archives for the discussion. Sue

The Red Tent is one of my favorite books. Sue, I know you will enjoy it.

I have the 3 books by Krentz as Jayne Castle on one of my to read shelves. Another futuristic book that I enjoyed was The Captive by Amanda Ashley

Susan Krinard's other books are historical and contemporary stories of Wearwolves. I have purchased many of her books and as I read them they go to my keeper shelf. This latest book Kinsman's Oath is from the library, but if I come across a copy I may just buy it so it can go on my keeper shelf.

Just finished a good book by Catherine Anderson called Blue Skies. I enjoy her books and it was a fun read. About a virgin a cowboy and blindness. Now if that doesn't get you nothing will.

Hi, Judy. Marjorie offered that on the book exchange and is now mailing it to me with 2 other Catherine Anderson novels. One of the titles was Bright Eyes and I can't remember the other. I have enjoyed every C. Anderson romance I've read. She has plots that are not just jump in the sack and make out, but with real issues with characters who seem realistic, not phony. Sue

Hi JUDY and SUE.

I agree with SUE about Catherine Anderson's books.

I mentioned before that I started reading Jodi Thomas' books. I am reading the 4th one of hers and still think her stories are just great. Lots of interesting plot. What surprises me is that they are set in the 1800s in the Western U.S. and I don't usually read historical novels.

I just finished 44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber. This is part of a series of books she has written and I thought it would be the last in the series because the mystery that was started in the first book was solved. No such luck. There are still unfinished stories in this small town. However the next book in the series won't be out until September, 2005.

I have been somewhat disappointed with her books lately. Maybe just because of the other books I have been reading. At least I had just finished her 311 Pelican Court so all the characters were still familiar. I don't know how I will feel waiting for a year to read the next installment.

Currently I am reading The Good Daughter by Jean Brashear It is a Harlequin Superromance I got from the library. While the subject matter might seem heavy, it isn't -- cop being under investigation by Internal Affairs -- the female lead is a police psychologist given the task of seeing if he is ready to go back to duty after he killed a man while undercover. The sparks fly when they are together, but both are 'fighting it'

GINNY ANN: I usually like the Harlequin Superromances. There is a little more "meat" to most of the stories than the other Silhouette books and I get acquainted with new authors easily. Right now I find that their length is just about right. I like when I am able to finish a story before I go to bed so I don't try to stay up real late reading or mull over the story before falling asleep trying to solve the characters' problems.

Marjorie I haven't read a lot of the Superromances, but I am enjoying this one.

Have you seen the new PBS series, Regency House Party? I saw the first episode tonight. It will run for 9 weeks, I think. It takes place in a country villa, Kentchurch. Five young men and five young women are attending the house party for the purpose of finding a mate. There are many servants, chaperones, and a crusty hostess who is keeping the social order as it should be. Each young person has been given a role to play, the food, drink, costumes, and entertainment are true to the Regency period. I enjoyed the first program and intend to watch the rest. So far, it's very much like Regency Historical Romances I have read. Sue

SUE: I have not seen that program. Thanks for alerting us all.

I would like to recommend Danielle Steele's latest book "Echoes." It is completely different from any book I have ever read by her. The setting is in Germany and the time was WWI and extends over into WWII. I also just finished reading Nora Roberts "Northern Lights." It has some of those usual four-letter words but if you read 'em quick-like, you just pass over them. I think one reason I liked it as much as I did is because it takes place in Alaska, near Denali National Park, which I visited a couple of years ago and loved.

BETTY: Thanks for your recommendations.

Anyone else? Any special books you have read lately and would recommend?

Marjorie, I'm reading a steamy romancy by Patti Berg: I'm No Angel. It's keeping my attention, but lacks the amusing banter in Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Susan Andersen's romance novels. It does have a mystery, though, which I enjoy.

I've been reading Patrick O'Brian's sea novels about Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. No romance, but interesting. I'm also reading a series of novels about a Southern lady, Miss Julia, by Ann B. Ross. These are a hoot. I've known lots of ladies like her and I laugh aloud at some of her antics. I've read the first three: Miss Julia Takes Over, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, and Miss Julia Throws a Wedding. I think there are 2 more in the series. I try to get one every week when I go to the library. Sue

I am reading Tell me No Lies by Annie Solomon. It is an excellent read. She has also written Dead Ringer and Like a Knife. Romantic suspense. In some ways reminicent of the books by Helen McInnes.

Thanks SUE and GINNY ANN for responding to my query so quickly.

My attention span has been lacking lately so I have been reading very short romances (in addition to the Jodi Thomas' books I mentioned earlier). Yesterday I finished a story by Gina Grey (The Bride Price). I found it in a box where I had put away some books to reread. When I was reading it I wondered why I kept it. I have decided that whether or not I like a particular book has a lot to do with what is going on in my life at the time and what else I have been reading. When I looked at my list I found I had read it first in Feb., 2002. At that time I thought it was funny. Since then I have read Susan Elizabeth Phillips and I didn't even find the book interesting this time around. I wonder if I would have found some funny spots if I had checked my list before reading the book.

Betty Allen,

I am picking up Echoes up from the library today.

Spring Creek Farm, I have read two or three of the Miss Julia books. I love that series and hope to catch up soon.

I am finishing up 'Dance With Me by Luanne Rice. I really enjoy any book by Luanne Rice

I just finished the first book that I have read by Jodi Thomas. This one is "The Widows of Wichita County". It is really a good book and I will check my library for more by here.

I have read all of the "Miss Julia" books and enjoyed all of them.

I also like the "Southern Sisters" books by Anne George (I think she is the author.

Judy

I would like to try some of Jodi Thomas' books, and I have never read the Anne George books. Should I read the 'Southern Sisters' books in order?

HATS: I have Dance With Me on my shelf of books to read. One of these days I will get to it. I like Luanne Rice a great deal also.

STIGLER: I haven't gotten Jodi Thomas' The Widows of Wichita County yet. I will put it on my list of books to get.

It would probably be more fun to read the Southern Sisters books in order (especially to see the progress of the richer sister) but it isn't really necessary.

I just finished the book "Murder List" by Julie Garwood. A very good book.

Judy

I just finished reading Barbara Taylor Bradford's "Emma Sense" and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is set in England and is about a very rich family. They have their problems, too! AS to the Miss Julia books, I sorta got tired of her. Funny though she was, she was a bit too "nosy" for me.

BETTY: I haven't read the Miss Julia books. However, I have read others that were in a series that I liked at first and then finding the very repetitive. I am glad you enjoyed the Barbara Taylor Bradford book. Does she write about several generations of a single family? I don't think I have read any of her books.

Ooops! I made a mistake! The book by Bradford was "Emma's Secret."

Marjorie, yes, "Emma's Secret" is about three different families, all entwined and over several generations. Emma, herself, lived in the era of WWI.

As I wrote in another site, I just finished Maeve Benchy's "Quentins" and I was disappointed in it. She had too many characters in this book. Ordinarily, I enjoy her books.

It's been a while since I read Quentin's, Betty, but I enjoyed it. One reason is that I'd read one of her other books with some of the same characters. Maybe Something Road? Sue

Sue, Is it Tara Road? I really loved Tara Road. I have been looking forward to reading Quentins. I am glad Betty shared her thoughts about Quentins.

Now I am reading Silver Bells by Luanne Rice. It is really good.

Hi Hats. Yes, that's it, Tara Road. I think knowing the characters in another setting helps with Quentin's. Sue

I think the characters in Quentins may also be from Scarlet Feather. I had been listening to it when I had to return it to the library.

Sandra Brown's White Hot is more of a mystery than a true romance novel. I almost didn't read it because the lead female has been divorced twice. However, because I have enjoyed most of Brown's work I gave it a second chance. It was a good story, but not up to some of her other work.

Yes, GinnyAnn, Scarlet Feather has the same characters, too. Maybe that's the one I was thinking of, but I think both of them have the settings and characters of Tara Road. Sue

Sue, you are right, the characters in "Quinceys" are in "Tara Road" and in "Scarlet Feather" also.

I recently checked out four books at the library and alas, when I sat down and picked up the first one, I had read it; then, the second, I had read it; I just finished Luanne Rice's "Blue Moon." It really includes danger, sex, love, deafness, and over all that range of topics, I enjoyed it, for the most part.

I am now reading the last one: Barbara Taylor Bradford's "Power of a Woman." I'll have to let you know later about that one.

BETTY: I find it very annoying when I get a book that I have already read. However, I usually purchase my books, frequently used, rather than using the library. I keep telling myself I MUST visit the library more often.

I just finished reading two of the Catherine Anderson's novels that I received from Marjorie via the SN Book Exchange. Blue Skies and Bright Eyes are definitely keepers. The books are well plotted, the heroines are feisty and the Coulter brothers who are the heroes are the kind of guys you hope will win the girl. They're strong, but sensitive, handsome, and sexy. They also have great manners and treat their women with respect for the most part. In Bright Eyes, Zeke was a bit insensitively domineering but had a good reason to be that way, so he and Nattie were able to work it out. Both these books are great reads. Sue

SUE: I am glad you enjoyed the books as much as I did. I might have kept them but I don't have any room on the shelf with books I am keeping for rereading and there are so many I haven't read yet. I just decided to share those stories. I felt good when I finished both of those books.

I don't know if anyone wants a Debbie Macomber book. I have On a Snowy Night which has 2 different stories inside -- The Christmas Basket and The Snow Bride. I am going to put it on the Book Exchange.

I find her books very easy to read.

I have read two of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books recently, i.e. "Love in Another Town" and "A Secret Affair" and enjoyed both of them. Now, I am reading yet another of her books, "Angels." Have any of you read these books? What did you think?

BETTY: I haven't read Barbara Taylor Allen but I think some other people here have. I hope they will be by soon to comment on them. I am glad you found an author you enjoy. I do what you are doing by reading more than one book by the same author when I find one I particularly like.

I used to read all of Barbara Taylor Bradford's book and have most of them as keepers.

She has a new book out and I bought it for my DIL for Christmas I guess I had better look for it hehe

I don't know how many of you have read Mary Alice Monroe's The Beach House. It will be discussed starting Jan. 2 here. Many of the participants will be going to South Carolina at the end of January for the Books at the Beach gathering. Mary Alice Monroe has said that she would meet with the group at the Beach.

Judy, what is the name of the BJB book that you bought for your DIL?

I am sad to report a nephew died Monday night, on his 53rd birthday. His daddy, my brother, died at age 37! All heart attacks!

{{{{{Betty Allen}}}}}

Betty the title is Emma's Secret

I had to go to Amazon and look it up, if its over five minutes ago my memory is gone.

BETTY: My sympathies to you, your family and your brother's family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

It has been very quiet in here. I take part of the blame for that.

Today I finished a 2004 book by Debbie Macomber -- The Shop on Blossom Street. I enjoyed it a great deal. This was about a woman who opened a yarn shop and the 3 other women who learned to knit in the first class she offerred. Naturally the women had nothing in common at the beginning of the book and drew together by the end. Each chapter features one of the 4 women.

I have also read the series that Debbie Macomber wrote about a small town -- 16 Lighthouse Road, 204 Rosewood Lane, 311 Pelican Court, and 44 Cranberry Point are all that have been published so far. Some time this year there will be one where the street address starts with a 5. In these books there is a lot of interaction of the people of the town. The stories are more like a soap opera. The plot twists and turns and was difficult for me to keep track of.

I like the book I just finished better than the others.

I have been a fan of hers since her first book in the mid 70's. In May, a sequel to Shop on Blossom Street will come out, in September the next in the small town series and in November, a Christmas gift book. Her Navy series first published in the early 80s I think was recently re-issued, Navy Brat, Navy Baby and Navy Wife.

I think the problem with any series books, not only hers but other authors, is that there usually is close to a year between them, and I have forgotten the plot twists and turns in that amount of time!!

Another author that started about the same time as Debbie is Janet Dailey. I really liked all of her books and haven't seen a new one in a long time.

I read that Janet Dailey was found to be plagiarizing in some of her works, or maybe suspected of it. Maybe that's why we haven't seen anything by here in a while. Some of these authors write so many books that they may inadvertently "borrow" from others.

I've been reading the Naval adventures written by Patrick O'Brien--there are 20 in the Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin series, so haven't read many romances lately.

However, I did read LuAnne Rice's Beach Girls and reread Mary Alice Munroe's Beach House recently. I am getting reading to go to the Books at the Beach gathering in South Carolina at the end of the month. I checked Beach Music by Pat Conroy out, too, as this is also one of those suggested for discussion there. I haven't started it, though.

Sue Janet Dailey did plagiarize the work of Nora Roberts. This happened quite a while ago. Dailey apologized to Roberts. I read both books. While reading one of them I kept thinking I had read it before, but it was not on my list of 'read' books. Turns out I had read it before. lol Can't remember which one I read first. I may own the Roberts book.

http://www.augustachronicle.com/stories/073097/fea_plagerized.html Web posted July 30, 1997

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - There IS a reason romance novels all seem to read alike.

Romance novelist Janet Dailey acknowledged plagiarizing the work of her rival Nora Roberts and blamed a psychological disorder Tuesday.

Mrs. Dailey said her books ``Aspen Gold'' and ``Notorious'' contain ideas and passages lifted from several of Ms. Roberts' novels. The copying was recently discovered when Mrs. Dailey got tripped up during online chats with readers.

``I can only apologize to Nora, whom I've considered a friend, and to my readers for any pain or embarrassment my conduct has caused,'' the 53-year-old author said in a statement from her home in Branson, Mo.

The plagiarism took place in the early 1990s while Mrs. Dailey was under professional and personal stress, in part from the cancer deaths of two brothers and the lung cancer surgery of her husband, the statement said.

``I recently learned that my essentially random and non-pervasive acts of copying are attributable to a psychological problem that I never even suspected I had,'' Mrs. Dailey said. ``I have already begun treatment for the disorder and have been assured that, with treatment, this behavior can be prevented in the future.''

Mrs. Dailey agreed to Ms. Roberts' proposed terms to settle the matter, including an payment to the Literacy Volunteers of America, said Mrs. Dailey's publicist in Los Angeles, Sanford Brokaw. The amount was not disclosed.

Also, HarperCollins Publishers in New York agreed to discontinue sales of ``Notorious,'' said Ms. Roberts' lawyer, David Hashmall. It wasn't known how many copies of ``Notorious'' were sold. ``Aspen Gold'' was released four years ago and is no longer in print.

Ginny: thanks for the info on Janet Dailey. I missed that somehow. It really is amazing that more cases of plagerism don't happen, what with all the books written. Where do they get their ideas?

I frequently find that plots seem to repeat in different books. General plots lines at least. I find it interesting to see how many different ways the same plot can be fleshed out. Of course, if I don't like the premise of the plot in the first place, I don't like it in any form.

I have been reading some books by Tara Taylor Quinn. Yesterday I finished Nothing Sacred. It is the story about a woman in a very small town who has 4 children and whose husband left her for a much younger woman while all those children were still in school. She struggles with trust issues of course. She meets, and needs the assistance of, the new minister. He "has a past" that he joined the seminary to get past. I liked the story and the way it developed and I liked the main characters.

The other day I read her book The Secret Son. The basic plot I have read before in other books -- a woman has a child and doesn't tell the father about the child and then the father comes back into her life. However, a big however, in this case everything felt wrong to me. The child was conceived when the mother was in New York on business for her Senator husband and met the father. They met daily for a week both knowing that there could be no relationship. He was relationship-shy and she was married. Then, of course, the last few hours before she left, it happened. In spite of stuff in the mother's past and the marriage that the Senator entered knowingly that had love only on his side, I had a big problem relating to either character. They do not exchange phone numbers but you would think someone in a senator's office could find someone if they wanted to. I guess the story was well written if the premise could be accepted.

I am glad that I read the book I didn't like first so I am left with good thoughts about the author. I have read 5 books by this author and have a + next to 3 of them on my list.

Marjorie, thanks for the information about the Janet Dailey plagiarism. I knew I'd read that somwhere, but had not details. The account was very interesting. I liked that part of the settlement was to go to Literacy Volunteers of America, a worthy cause. I'm sure Roberts doesn't need anymore money. She must be a "jillionairess" by now! Dailey, too. Sue

SUE: It is awfully easy to mix up who said what. GINNY ANN is the one who gave all the information on Janet Dailey. I had no idea about any of that.

Well, I guess I need to thank GinnyAnn, too. Another thing I've learned from this is to be more careful in reading the posts--Boy do I have that problem in Latin Class! Sue

Yesterday I finished another book by Janice Kay Johnson. This one is Mommy Said Goodbye. I have read 17 of her books and enjoyed each one.

Today I am reading a book by Jodi Thomas. I was disappointed when I received the book because I had enjoyed the romances that she wrote. This is a mystery. I don't know if there will be a romantic twist at the end but it doesn't seem so. I am sure the mystery will be solved.

However, I am always disappointed when romance writers start with mysteries. Some of the mysteries are very suspensful and that is not why I am reading. I am reading to relax.

Marjorie, I like Janice Kay Johnson also and have read all her books.

I started reading Romance when I was a single mother raising a family and sometimes working two jobs. When I had a few minutes to myself, I "escaped" into a romance book. Now I read them for relaxation and enjoyment. I also read best sellers, mysteries, non-fiction, but at the end of the day, I'll always pick up a romance..

LARRY posted in the Book Exchange that he is only going to keep books on the lists for 2 years. Click on the link to see his entire message.

GINNY ANN: I noticed that you had several books on this list that I think will be deleted. LARRY said that you can request they be added again if you still want them on the Book Exchange.

Marjorie, I just copied all the titles I have offered for exchange. I am going to see where I put them. Once I find them I am going to revaluate which ones to re list.

I found a new author, for me, she is Roxanne St. Claire The book French Twist. Has any one read any thing by her?

GINNY ANN: I don't know Roxanne St. Claire. Do tell us what you think of her book.

Will do. It is set in Paris at Versailles. I am only to page 50 but I am really enjoying it.

I haven't had a change to go to the library, so I've been rereading a couple of books by Elaine Fox, Maybe Baby and Man at Work. Both have plausible plots, amusing dialogue and happy endings. I enjoyed both of them again. Now I'm rereading Patty Berg's Born to be Wild. It's a goody, too. All three are contemporary romances. Sue

Recently I was looking for books by Roz Denny Fox on half.com and I found a title I didn't have on my list. She writes Harlequin Superromances and I like her style. I order the book and when I got the book it had a different author's name. Then I read the book and the plot seemed very familiar so I looked up the author's name that was on the book and, sure enough, I had already read the book. The ISBN number on the book and the entry for the Roz Denny Fox book on half.com are the same. On Google I found pictures of both authors and they are not the same people. Just a fluke I guess. I haven't had this happen before.

The book I got was The Real Father by Kathleen O'Brien and I liked it both times I read it.

Gee, that's strange, Marjorie. There must be an explanation somewhere. Sue

Roxanne St. Claire book French Twist was a great read. Even though there was the race (search) for a missing recent find The Plums of Madame de Pompadour, it was more of a love story. A very pleasant read.

The fire still burns by Roxanne St. Claire.is Silhouette Books, c2004. 184 p.

She has a new one Killer Curves

Her web address is http://www.roxannestclaire.com/

I have just started Barbara Delinsky's Flirting with Pete. I have had it on my shelf for some time now and keep bypassing it. I am definitely enjoying it. Has anyone read it yet?

I haven't, Marjorie, but Delinsky is one of my favorite authors. Is it a new one? Sue

SUE: The copywrite on Flirting with Pete is 2003.

That's new to me. I really need to make a trip to the Used Book Store here. I have some Patty Berg's I want to read and also this book. My library doesn't carry a large selection of Romance novels or authors. Sue

SUE: I haven't read any of Patty Berg's books. What is her style of writing?

I read this book and remember liking it; but can't remember what it was about! If I wait long enough, I can re-read books and it is like all new again!

Judy

STIGLER: I have reread books after a long time and found them new again also.

Marjorie, Patty Berg writes contemporary romances, usually kind of funny with quirky heroines. I'd say in the style of Susan Andersen and Susan Elizabeth Phillips--although not quite as good as those 2, who are my favorite writers of contemporary romances. I do love a good laugh! Sue

Thanks SUE. Sounds like I need to try Patty Berg.

I just finished Flirting with Pete and some of the questions I had as I was reading were answered by the time I finished the story. However, it was something that is so new to me I didn't pick up what was happening until the very end. This is a book I will save to reread.

I found the language in this paragraph interesting. I don't think I ever saw anything described quite this way before. Very clear. I bolded the word that struck me.

An iron gate rattled halfway around the Court. They looked that way just as a man came though. He was in his thirties, tall, and finely sheathed in a multicolored racing shirt and black biking shorts. ...

Was this a time travel novel where the man sheathed in a colorful shirt and bike shorts went back in time? Sue

SUE: The novel is set in contemporary time with an intriguing story about someone in an earlier time. The portion I quoted was about the contemporary story. The next sentence would make that clear: As they watched, he reached back to lift a shiny yellow racing bike up and over the gate. I would have included that sentence if I realized that the quote was confusing without it.

It sounds like an interesting book, Marjorie. Thanks for the further information. Sue

In these bleak February days here in still/again snow-filled New England, my thoughts wander to "comfort" reading, for instance the three books by Jeanne Ray.

I am not sure they can be categorized as Romances, but they are about romance in middle age, funny and (for me at least) wonderfully satisfying. Here are the titles, in case you wish to check them out:

Julie and Romeo about two rival florists in contemporary Boston; Step-Ball-Change about a middle-aged dancing instructor, her school and her changing, demanding family; and Eat Cake - no explanation needed.

The author, a RN in Tennessee, is the mother of Ann Patchett (who wrote Bel Canto, among other books). Inspired by her daughter's success she turned to writing too and published these books in quick succession (2001, 2003, 2004).

Here's another suggestion: The Yokota Officers Club by Sarah Bird. Paperback 2002. As the title implies, it is the story of a large Air Force family based in Japan.

Traude, thank you for bringing this information about Jeanne Ray and her books. I own and have read several times Julie and Romeo and Step-Ball-Change, but didn't know she'd written a third. So I'll be on the look out for Eat Cake. I like her mature characters and plot development.

I didn't realize her daughter is also an author. I am going to look for The Yokota Officers' Club by Sarah Bird. It looks like the kind of light reading that I enjoy. Sue

I just read an earlier book by one of my favorite authors, Sherrilyn Kenyon's Paradise City. It was a wonderfully light and fun read. She has moved on to become one of the best selling romance authors. It is fun to look at an authors earlier work and see how they have grown in their writing skills.

Hi everyone!

SUE: I just read a book by Patti Berg. I can see some similarities to Susan Anderson. However, I like Susan Anderson's writing better. For some reason I was unable to connect the the characters in Patti Berg's book. It may just be other things that are going on in my life right now.

Marjorie, I like Susan Andersen better, too, but Patty Berg has some pretty good plots, I think, although some of her characters are pretty shallow. My favorite Berg's are Stuck on You and And Then He Kissed Me which share the same setting and most of the characters. I also liked Born to be Wild. Sue

Today I was "forced" to start a book from my pile of books I haven't read but am not anxious to start because I had finished all the ones I really wanted to read. Then I felt like I had won the lottery.

In the mail I received 7 books. I had decided to "join" the Harlequin bookclub for the Superromance series. I will have to pay a little more than I would getting my books at half.com but I will get 4 books a month that are brand new -- just ready for publication. There is no chance that I will get something I have already read.

I also received 3 books from an order I just placed a couple of days ago on half.com. I was amazed how fast these arrived because they were postmarked 3/11/05 and came Media Mail but they were sent from another city in California.

What riches! [Sure I know I have to pay for them.]

I love to get books in the mail. It is like Christmas or my Birthday. I have to pay for them, true, but opening that box gives me such a thrill.

I am just about finished with Catching Midnight by Emma Holly. It starts in 1349 London. It reads somewhat like a fantasy novel.

Gee, too bad about being "forced" to read a book, Marjorie. teehee!

I'm reading some Irish themed books for my book club next week, but had some down time, so I'm rereading a favorite Susan Andersen, Baby I'm Yours. This is the one with the bail bondsman and the identical twins. Really cute and funny. Sue

Hi GinnyAnn. Does Catching Magic have time travel in it? Or just what gives it that fantasy feel? Sue

Sue, I read Baby I am Yours and really liked it. I checked my keeper shelf and it isn't there, so it must have been a library book.

Catching Midnight has shape shifters with magical powers. Add an evil wife of the brother of the hero who loves the hero, the conflict between the 'elders' and a heroine with a thirst for knowledge.

Marjorie, I love the Superromances. My daughter subscribes to both them and the Special Editions. She gives me the supers first to read and then we switch.

Mary in TX

REDBUD: Welcome. It sounds to me like you and your daughter have a great system going.

SUE: One of the books I received today was Hot & Bothered by Susan Andersen. I have my Catherine Anderson books on my "to be reread" shelf but not any of the ones by Susan Andersen. I thought I would compare it to Patti Berg's Stuck on You and see how I compare them when I read the two authors close together in time.

Just a reminder about our Book Exchange. For newcomers the Book Exchange keeps a list of books people are willing to give away and you can ask for them to be sent to you just for the cost of the postage. With Media Mail the postage is minimal.

I have 3 Superromances that I enjoyed a lot and would count in the Book Exchange if anyone wants one or all: Her Secret, His Child by Tara Taylor Quinn; Baby, Baby by Roz Denny Fox; and Mom's the Word by Roz Denny Fox. Just email me if you want them.

I just finished Hot & Bothered by Susan Andersen. I enjoyed the book a lot.

I guess I got hung up on the fact that Patti Berg's heroine wore red 3 inch heels, a leather miniskirt and a belly button ring and it was mentioned over and over and over. Somehow I couldn't relate.

I know what you mean, Marjorie, about the 3 inch heels and the belly button ring--those days are gone forever, at least for the shoes. As for the BB ring, no way ever!

Is Hot and Bothered a new Susan Andersen? I really need to stop by the used book store when I'm out as my library doesn't have many romance novels in hardback or paperback. Sue

SUE: I guess Hot and Bothered is new. The publication date is 2004.

I am reading a Harlequin Superromance by Bethany Campbell. It is her most recent book -- Wild Horses. I hadn't read any of her books before but received it as part of this month's shipment from the Harlequin book club.

This book is just great. It has all the elements that I have come to expect but there is something different about how they are all presented. I must go look for more of her books. Has anyone read anything she has written?

Bethany Campbell aka Lisa Harris

A LITTLE TOWN IN TEXAS (May 2003)

DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS (December, 1996)

HEAR NO EVIL (December 1998)

HOME TO TEXAS (January 2004)

LONE STAR STATE OF MIND (April 1995)

ONE TRUE SECRET (June 2004)

P.S. LOVE YOU MADLY (August 2000)

THE BABY GIFT (April 2002) THE GUARDIAN (May 1999)

WHOSE LITTLE GIRL ARE YOU? (April 2000)

WILD HORSES (March 2005)

As LISA HARRIS

A MAN FROM OKLAHOMA (Nov 1996)

THE TEMPTING (April 1995)

Thanks for that list GINNY ANN. Last night I ordered 3 more by Bethany Campbell from half.com.

I always get annoyed when I see typographical errors in the books I am reading. I realize that these are inexpensive books and, undoubtedly, don't have as high a standard for proofreading as some things. However today I was really annoyed. Usually the error is grammatical and something a spell checker wouldn't find. Today I came across the phrase ...heading out the door to confroRt him ... I do read quickly sometimes and the word could have been comfort or confront. I was able to figure it out from the rest of the sentence but something like that makes me stop and go back. I would expect a spell checker to catch that one.

I don't know if any of you have read books by Sandra Canfield. In any case, I just found out that she died in January from lymphoma and pneumonia. I read a few of her Harlequin romances some time ago. I get the impression that the writers of Harlequin romances are young. It is very sad to read, in a book published this year, that the dedication is to the memory of a young writer.

I can't remember if I've read any Sandra Canfield's, Marjorie, but it is sad that a young person would die like this.

I am also very annoyed with typos--or maybe just plain ignorance or laziness in editing. I don't know how we can register our complaints, though. In many cases, it's a situation where the spell checker recognizes the word typed as a homonym. ie, their, there. The one I hate the most is when they have a sentence something like this:

I use to dig in my garden. If this was done in the past, it should be I used to dig in my garden. Hardly anyone gets this one correct anymore. Sue

SUE: I come across typos all the time and they are definitely annoying. Sometimes they don't even seem to be things that would pass a spell checker and still they are there.

Typos are very annoying to me too. I hate it when it is the stuff that an editor, not spell-check, should have caught. Of course, I don't have any on hand to show what I mean, lol

I have stepped back from Romances for my last books because of some new mysteries/thrillers. But, I have many Romances waiting to be read so I will be reading and sharing the good ones soon.

Hi GINNY ANN. Yesterday I finished a book that had a typo that only a person would have caught or, possibly, a spell checker that also checked grammar. I put a flag on the page and finished the book. When I went back, I could not find the typo. The flag must have been on the wrong page.

Marjorie LOL Isn't that always the way?

I just finished My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson. It was published in 2005. I enjoyed the book. The story centers around a young woman who, after an accident, suffers a brain injury that leaves her with an impaired ability to use language. She is brilliant but has trouble communicating. She gets a job in a vet's office. The vet, of course, is the hero. A great story.

Another one of the Coulter brothers is the vet. His twin is still single. So this is the 4th of the books about the Coulter family. Three brothers and one sister have been married in challenging situations so far. I am not sure when the next book will be out.

I just started Debbie's latest " A Good Yarn" which is a sequel to "A Shop on Blossom Street". So far, it's just as good as the first one, which isn't unusual since I've never read one of hers that I didn't like.

A new book in the Navy series (brand new not a reissue) called "Navy Husband" will be published by Silhoutte Special Editions in July and the latest Cedar Cove (50 Harbor Street) will be out in September.

P.S. Yes, I'm a member of her fan club

Hi REDBUD. Are you the same person who posted here a couple of years ago? Thanks for your comments about Debbie Macomber's books. I enjoyed Shop on Blossom Street and am pleased to know the title of its sequel. I wrote it down. I just hope I don't forget to get it.

Marjorie, I have posted here before. I'm mainly a lurker in several discussions on Seniornet.

My daughter subscribes to both Silhouette Special Editions and Superromances. She gives me the Supers first each month and then we switch. It really helps in that our local library doesn't have very large romance section.

Mary

REDBUD: I recently started a subscription to Harlequin Superromances. I think I have received 3 packages so far. I think I will enjoy them. It is great that you and your daughter have the same tastes in reading and can exchange books like you do.

I wonder if everyone uses subscriptions to get here. If so, without a new post, this discussion will get skipped.

What are you all reading?

I have been reading a lot of Harlequin Superromances lately. They are the easiest to pick up when I don't have lots of time for reading.

We are in the process of a kitchen remodel. So far we have a skylight in the kitchen; the kitchen has been opened up to the living room/dining room; and a ramp has been put from the kitchen to the living room so that PURPLE SAGE can get down the 2 steps with her walker. Recently she was able to get out on the deck and into the garden for the first time in a couple of years. I really like what has been done so far. This feels like a new house.

New cabinets have been ordered but we haven't selected our flooring or counters yet. We are looking but slowly.

On Friday May 13th I was in an accident when I was on the way home from the grocery store (my last errand for the day). At the time I realized that I was very lucky that it wasn't worse. I have AAA insurance and my policy covers a rental car for the time my car can't be driven. The car was towed because the wheel by the driver was badly damaged and the driver's door didn't open all the way. It only took one week to get the car back and AAA had a check waiting (less my deductible because fault has not been determined yet).

I was driving the car Sat. through Wednesday and finally Wednesday afternoon I took it back to the body shop because the steering was funny. I thought maybe the power steering just needed fluid. I was lucky again because when I got there and the checked out the car, the steering column was broken in two. No wonder I was having problems. I am so glad that I wasn't in another accident. I was told there was probably a hairline crack inside the steering column from the accident and it just opened up.

I am so thankful that I caught it in time.

What have I been reading? Well I finished an anthology titled Stroke of Midnight. The four authors were Sherrlyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L. A. Banks, Lori Handleland. I was familiar with Kenyon and Ashley but Banks and Handleland were new to me. I like Handleland more than Banks. Kenyon and Ashley are 2 of my favorite authors.

Currently I am reading the first book in a trilogy by Nora Roberts Key Of Light . It is an enjoyable read.

Oh, Marjorie, I am so glad that you went in to have your car rechecked. You probably avoided a terrible accident, worse than the first! Your news about Purple Sage getting outside to the garden is really good news, too.

I've been mostly reading mysteries lately. One exception was a novel I read for the University Book Club, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by somebody Haddon. I think the first name might be Tom. It is the story of an autistic teen. Funny, but sad in places.

Then last night I finally got back to romance with a book I'd picked up at an Antique FleaMarket/mall. I'd say it was a 3 * out of 5. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't super special. It was Blushing Pink by Jill Winters. I am going to look for her first book, though, Plum Girl. Sue

GINNY ANN: I have read a couple of Lori Handleland's books but none by any of the other 3 authors you have mentioned.

Marjorie I got so into books that I didn't mention how wonderful for the both of you it must have been when Sage could get out to the garden! God was looking after you when you got your car rechecked.

Sue The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time I saw it was on the best seller list for a few weeks. It sounds like a different perspective for a mystery.

Marjorie, so sorry to hear about your accident. Glad that they found out what was wrong with the car before the steering went out and you were in another one. My daughter and I were broadsided in a store parking lot one time. Her car should have been totaled but the insurance company had it fixed. The frame was bent and she had numerous problems with it before she finally got rid of it.

Your kitchen remodel sounds great. I would love to do something with mine.

I subscribe to this discussion.

As I mentioned before, my daughter subscribes to both Harlequin Superromances and Silhouette Special Editions and gives me the Supers when they arrive. Then we switch. I'm working my way through the June ones and just finished "His Case, Her Child" by Linda Style. It was good but not memorable.

I also read mysteries occasionally. Someone in the mystery discussion mentioned Nancy Gotter Gates "A Stroke of Misfortune". Our library didn't have it so ordered it from Amazon used books. I started it last night. It's a quick read and pretty good so far.

I'm also a fan of Joan Medlicott and her Covington series. Her latest "The Three Mrs. Parkers" (not part of the Covington series) was also good. As you can see, I read a variety and have been noted to read the back of cereal boxes

I'm fairly new to this discussion. Who is Purple Sage?

Hope y'all have a great holiday weekend.

Mary

REDBUD: PURPLE SAGE and I live together and she is another SeniorNet participant. She doesn't come to this discussion. She is involved with a different set of discussions. I found one of her posts recently in Vanity License Plates and Other Tag Lines in the Wit and Wisdom folder.

Started with my subscription to Romance Books, that I started reading so much did not have time to join in the discussions any more. ha ha!! But at least it gets me away from my second vice, the computer. But...recently I started coming back to the discussions as this is one of my favorites, and you have steered me to lots of very good authors. But, have to confess, I get my books from the Library and don't have to buy them.(Barnes and Noble would not like me!!!) I go on line and request them, and am able to get the most recent books fairly quickly. Among my many favorite authors are Suzanne Brockman, Stella Cameron, Geralyn Dawson, Lori Foster, Jane Ann Krentz, to name just a few.

Marjorie, I am so glad you were not hurt in your accident,,keep up the good work.

LOU: I think you are smart to get your books from the library. If I did that, I wouldn't have as many books to piling up as I do now. Some of them I do want to reread but not that many. The library that is close to me is a very good one. However their idea of accessibility is to have a ramp up to the first floor and one down to the basement. The ramp is quite steep -- at least it seems that way to me. There is no book drop outside to leave my books when I am finished. I resist going over there. I can't imagine how anyone with a wheelchair or walker could negotiate those ramps. I get tired just walking up them. At least they have an elevator between the 2 floors.

That's a shame about the accessibility options at your library, Marjorie. It must be an older one. The library in our little town in the country was one of the original Carnegie ones and didn't have disability accessibility. High steps and no ramp. When Bob was on the board, he got a grant to put an elevator in the back of the building with a short ramp leading inside. No one has used it, though. Because it is an historical building all changes have to be approved by the state and national Historic Foundations. Now that I've moved to a bigger place, they have a beautiful one story building with handi-cap parking and large entrance doors so someone in a wheel chair can get in easily. Is there another newer branch anywhere near you? Sue

I am very lucky to live in an area with great libraries. My local library has handicap parking and wide outside doors with a push divice to open the inner doors. The doors are on pavement level. to go to the second floor there is an elevator. They will be moving to temp quarters while they expand the current location.

They are also a part of the greater Cleveland library system so I can reserve books from any library in the system.

But even with the great library I love to own books. There is something friendly about a room full of books.

Lou I also love to read books by Suzanne Brockmann. Have you tried Cindy Dees, Annie Solomon, Merline Lovelace, Marie Ferrarella?

SUE: I don't know exactly when the library I described was built. My guess is that it isn't more than 10 years old. I am sure the ramps were built to be accessible by people who do not have accissibility problems. That is like medical centers that have parking around the outside. Even though handicapped parking might be near the front, the distance from the parking to the doctor is daunting.

There is another library a little further away that is smaller and older. It is a small one story building with no steps at all. The parking is good and the building is accessible. I haven't used it more than a handful of times in the 20 years I have living in this area. The larger library is part of the county library system. The smaller one is part of the City of San Jose library system and I suspect the collection is a small one.

Ginny Ann: Thanks! You listed 3 authors that will be new to me. I will try them soon.

Marjorie: I am fortunate to have a wonderful easily accessible all on one level library couple miles from my home. But extremely fortunate that I am able to get around without needing handicap facilities. I was on oxygen for a few months recently, but came off it in January, I felt like I was on a tether!!!

When I was young(I am almost 80) I did buy and subscribe, etc., to lots of books, but when we moved into a condo, most of those had to go for lack of room. But there is still so much to read that I probably would never read a book twice.....but now I have to keep a record to help me remember what I have already read!!! I rarely watch TV anymore since I started reading again!!I don't miss TV but feel out of the loop sometimes.

Recently I have enjoyed some of Deborah Smith's books.

Lou what has Dorothy Smith written?

Currently I am reading The Highlanders Touch by Karen Marie Moning. It is a light Time Travel story.

Tonight I finished reading Deborah Smith's "Silk and Stone". I really enjoyed it but others even better have been: Charming Grace, Sweet Hush, A Place To Call Home, The Stone Flower Garden, on Bear Mountain. All of these very good. When an Author holds my attention I usually go back for more. Let me know how you like her.

Lou

Has anyone read anything by Linda Style? I just finished her His Case, Her Child, a Harlequin Superromance. I found it almost impossible to put it down. I am going to have to see if I can find any more of her books.

Marjorie, I just finished this book also and really enjoyed it. It was the last of the June Supers. Now I have to wait for the July shipment

Probably just as well, I've been reading rather than doing chores and they're beginning to pile up

Got to get busy as we're leaving on our road trip a month from today.

Mary

REDBUD: Did you order the new series? I seem to remember it is called Next and is about women whose lives aren't perfect and how they go on. I thought I would try it for at least the first 6 books.

Marjorie, that new series sounds pretty good. I saw the info on it and think I will order it when we get back.

Mary

Hi Marjorie and All,

Lou, I am glad to see your post about Deborah Smith's books. Her books look really good. I just have never tried one. I have "Sweet Hush." I am glad you liked it. Maybe I can start with that one.

Hats, I hope you enjoy "Sweet Hush", I have really enjoyed many of Deborah Smith's books. Lou

I forgot to mention in my last post that my DIL loaned my Nora Roberts' Key of Light recently. She has the second and third in this trilogy and will loan them to me when she is finished. She's busy working, so hasn't had time to read between jobs. I enjoyed this first one. It's a mystery-romance similar to The Born In, The Dream, and the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogies. I give it 4* out of 5. Roberts can hold my attention and I want to read the second and third right now, but will have to wait on DIL. Sue

Sue I have out from the library the 3 books of the Key Trilogy. I have completed the first and found I didn't want to jump into the second book. Usually I am so into the story that I start the 2nd book of her trilogies right away. Nora Rodgers is one of my favorite authors so this surprised me.

That's what Kris said, GinnyAnn. That's why I'm waiting for # 2. The plots are rather predictable, but Roberts way of writing just compels me to read on. I know how it's going to turn out, girl solves mystery and gets the guy who is unbelievably handsome, smart, sensitive, etc. but I still want to know what happens next! Sue

Have just finished a book by Catherine Anderson called My Sunshine.

I literally don't want to put it down I still want to hold it and maybe start reading it over again right now.

Its a love story, romance a little intrigue a Vet and dogs and cats and and and I LOVED IT

I've got Catherine Anderson's My Sunshine sitting here waiting to be read. I was going to save it for one of my upcoming trips, but just may have to start it this afternoon, Judy. Have you read the others by Catherine Anderson of the same family? I think the titles are: Blue Skies and Bright Eyes. Marjorie has read all of them and recommended them some time ago. I've read the other 2 and they were all good. Sue

Hi Su yes I have read a number of her books but did not find the one I wanted today it was Bright Eyes but I did get a couple more by her one by Shrieve and Belva Plains new book and a couple of others total 5$ hehe

I have read 5 of Catherine Anderson's books, Blue Skies, Only by Your Touch, Comanche Magic, Bright Eyes, and My Sunshine. Enjoyed all of them.

I am a little confused by Catherine Anderson, though. I believe the one above is Catherine Adeline Anderson. But I have another Author Card in name of Catherine Anderson with books including Always in My Heart, Sweet Nothings, Seventh Heaven, and several others. Is anyone familiar with any of these, and why am I so mixed up about them? I am going to check the catalog of my Library right now and see what I come up with and will let you know. Lou

Well, I checked Library Catalog, and it gave me two Author Listings: Catherine (nmn) Anderson(13 Books), and Adeline Catherine Anderson(7 books). The puzzler is that Bright Eyes and Blue Skies was listed on both. Oh well, What the heck. All of them are good romance reading.

Don't let me confuse anyone.

Lou

LOU: The only one of the books you mentioned that I haven't read is Comanche Magic. I like all of the Catherine Anderson books that I have read. I don't know why there are two different authors' names. I believe that they are one and the same.

Marjorie, I am sure you are right....it seems that my Library shows two listings when I do a search by Author, but since at least two of the books are listed on both authors list, then Adeline Catherine and the second Catherine would have to be the same. And ....Comanche Magic was written about l994.

Lou

LOU: I have to look for Comanche Magic. I tried on half.com and the price is ridiculous. I don't usually pay more than 75 cents plus shipping and they had prices from a few dollars up to about $12. It must be out of print by now. I will check some other used book stores.

MARCIE posted the following and said to spread the word:

Alert

There has been some email sent out by mischief makers signed "SeniorNet support team" that contains a virus. The email mentions updating your password or other information. PLEASE DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHMENT. The mail is NOT from SeniorNet.

Would you all that are interested each think up a question you would like to ask MAM in an interview we are having with her in July. If y ou were in the books at the beach you already know her. We need questions in mid July about anything you would like to ask her, not necessary to have read the book by then.

Happy Summer!

I’m happy to announce that my new novel, SWEETGRASS, will be released next week, June 28th!

SWEETGRASS is the story of the Blakely family, a historical clan near Charleston, South Carolina, dealing with the intense emotional feelings associated with home.

We all have some place that harbors our most cherished memories--that special house where we established our family rituals and traditions, such as Sunday Dinners, birthdays, graduations, summer vacations. Today, many factors threaten the family’s ability to hold on to that place: rising taxes, aging parents, children moving away, development. SWEETGRASS asks what happens to the family when it comes time to decide what to do with the family home? What is family?

SWEETGRASS is the story of Mama June, who must dig deep into her own history and heart to find the truth that will hold her family together. The art of weaving intricate baskets is a metaphor for a mother weaving together the disparate strands of her family. It is through a mother's fierce determination and the revelation of secrets that go back to the time of slavery that a family is saved.

Thank you for writing me and for all your kind words. I read every single letter and am encouraged and inspired. Thank you. Please check my website for my appearances and if I’m in your neighborhood, I’d love to meet you.

My very warmest wishes to you and your family!

Mary Alice

Mary Alice Monroe's website.

HTTP://www.maryalicemonroe.com

Buy the book at B&N - ISBN# 0778321878

Book at B&N

I would like to know:
Do your characters talk to you as you? Do you need to go in a different way then planned because of these conversations with the characters?

GINNY ANN: Great questions. I missed Books at the Beach where everyone met Mary Alice Monroe but have read all of her books and they are great. I hope that the interview in July will be in a format that will allow everyone to ask their own questions directly to her.

I just finished Cardinal Rules by Barbara Delinsky. She published it in 1987 and I found it for sale at the library. I enjoyed this book. Sometimes I like an author's early works and sometimes I don't.

I counted and found that I have read at least 35 books by Barbara Delinsky. [There may be more if I read some before I started listing the books.] There were only 2 I didn't like and 20 that I liked particularly well. I just use Y for "have read" and Y+ for "liked it a lot." Out of 1450 books on my list there were oly 23 I marked Y++. It seems like I started the list in May of 2001 but included some books I had read previously.

Marjorie I went and checked what books I have read by Barbara Delinsky and only found 2 --

Threats & Promises 2/10/2001 Good

Commitments 7/10/2001 Very Good

I know I have some of her books on a shelf waiting to be read.

Right now I am enjoying Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey I usually don't read books from the Regency Period but this one caught my interest.

There are two Barbara Delinsky book discussions in our Archives: Lake News discussed Nov. 2000 and More Than Friends discussed Apr. 2001.

I didn't see your name in either of the discussions when I checked just now. You must have joined us later.

I have also particularly enjoyed The Woman Next Door, The Vineyard, and Twelve Across among others.

Lake News is the first of a couple of stories about the same town. I can't remember which ones follow it.

Marjorie, the Jude Deveraux books arrived today. I'll try to get stamps in the mail tomorrow. Thanks a bunch. Sue

Tommorow is the big day Mary Alice Monroe's book comes out.

The Name is Sweetgrass and I can tell you she has outdone herself this time it is a wonderful book, somehow she has the ability to make you think she is right there.

I don't want to give away the plot but its a good one.

I just finished a book by Katherine Stone -- Illusions. I thoroughly enjoyed it. After a couple of chapters I went back and wrote down some of the connections between the different characters and then, although that wasn't finished, I was able to just keep reading the story. I even had figured out who the bad guy was about midway through the book. The author did not make it obvious at all. All the clues pointed to the main people. I had decided I would prefer if someone else was the bad guy. Turns out he was.

I have been thinking about the "interview" that we will be having with Mary Alice Monroe July 15. [The discussion just isn't out there yet.] The other day I thought of a good question. How do you know where to start the book?

Since I thought of that question, I have noticed that the different books I read all seem to start in different places in the story. Illusions started with someone who was integral to the book but still on the sidelines. Most of the books I have been reading start with either the hero or heroine.

Good question, Marjorie. I haven't been able to think of any to submit. I won't be able to join in the online discussion with M.A. Monroe because I'll be on the road from New Orleans to my Alabama home with my 2 grandsons for a 2 week visit. Will the interview be in the books section so that I can check it out after getting home? Sue

SUE: I don't know just where the interview will be after it is over but I can't imagine that you won't be able to find it somehow. I will post here about where the interview can be found if I remember. If you don't see it on the Books Main Page and don't see a post here, please ask me again.

I submitted 2 questions at another book discussion. Now to figure which one. lol

GINNY ANN: You submitted two questions right here in post #912. There will be a discussion that Mary Alice Monroe will go to where we can repost any questions we come up with. I knew that when I posted what I did. What happened for me, after I thought of the question, is I started wondering it about the books I am currently reading. All the beginnings are very different. Next I can wonder if they are similar if it is the same author.

Thanks Marjorie. Can you tell one of my favorite sayings is "I would forget my head if it wasn't attached." lol

GINNY ANN: Just today I realized how important it is that I have someone who double checks the things I do. I had sorted some things, as I do every week, and found I had done something yesterday that didn't make any sense in spite of all the ways I check myself. I can't even remember doing it.

The interview (discussion) with Mary Alice Monroe will still take place. I am sorry I didn't post here sooner about the delay. I do not know when it will be but will let you know when I know.

Thanks, Marjorie. I'll be at least lurking in the MA Monroe discussion. So far I haven't seen the book, but the last time I went to Mary Alice's web page, I sent her an e-mail and she answered the next day! Sue

Tomorrow Ray and I will be driving to Canada for a weeks vacation. I plan on doing a lot of reading.

SUE: I believe the discussion of MAM's Sweetgrass is scheduled for September. I just purchased an Advanced Reading Copy from half.com but haven't started it yet. However, it is my understanding that there will be an interview with her before we actually discuss the book.

Your right Marjorie the book will be discussed started Sept 1st I think.

After the 25th of this month we are going to have a question and answer forum with Mary Alice and question's asked by senior net members. I am not sure of the date yet but will let you know as soon as I find out. Being's I am co-leading the discssion with Ginny I imgine she will tell me soon. hehe

I don't know if I am the only one who looks at the covers of books to see if they make sense with the stories. The Harlequins are the ones that I do this with the most. Sometimes I find that the dark haired hero is shown as a blond man, or vice versa.

The other day I looked at a cover that really was strange. There was a man, woman, child and dog looking into the window of a toy shop and their reflection looking back at them. I don't remember any point in the story where they were looking in the window of the toy shop but maybe ... The thing that really got to me is that it wasn't a reflection but completely different images. I would have thought that a picture would have been taken of the same pose from different angles. No not this time. They were wearing the same clothes, but the man's smile was a little different; in one image the woman was looking down and in the other she was looking up at the man; and her hand was one of the child's shoulders in one image and the other in the other image. The only thing that seemed to match was the childs finger that pointed to the window. Since the book was published a couple of years ago it doesn't make any sense to point it out to anyone now.

We had a wonderful relaxing time with friends in Canada. They own a cabin on Manitoulin Island. I think it it was the hottest week we have ever spent there. Because of my dizziness, I only waded in the water. Most of the time it was wavy making it difficult for me to see where I was stepping. I love the sound of the waves, so I would find a shaky place and read.

I read Blue Twilight by Maggie Shayne , Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich, Hunter's Moon by Lori Handeland, and started Beachcomber by Karen Robards.

The local library has a Friend's of the Library 'book sale' during the summer season. It is only open on Fri. and Sat. for 3 hours. I look forward to it. This year I got a bunch of books, but didn't take advantage of the 60 Harlequin/Silhouette series books for $2.00. I have so many of them, I was afraid I would get too many doubles.

Marjorie, I also look at the covers of books to see if the cover is accurate to the story. So often it isn't.

What is sad about it is the author has no real say regarding the cover and sometimes has little say in the choice title.

I've been reading Jude Deveraux novels that I'd missed in the past couple of years. I had Mulberry Tree, that I think you sent me, Marjorie. I enjoyed that, so I looked at the library and now I've read Holly, Wild Orchids, and now The Summerhouse. They are all good light summer reads. I got rid of my Jude Deveraux collection when I moved up here. I used to reread them when I wanted something light.

Welcome back, GinnyAnn. I'm glad you had fun reading on your vacation. Sue

I loved "The Summerhouse."

I think I finally understand what the interview with Mary Alice Monroe is. The questions we have asked will be put together with her answers to make a separate page that is the Interview.

I had thought the interview would be an actual discussion and I am sorry that I let everyone else know what I was thinking.

Here is a link to interviews with other authors. Hers will be similar when it is complete and it will be linked in the heading of the discussion of her book Sweetgrass in September.

And maybe I am still incorrect. Now I understand that the interview (however it happens) will take place in September and the discussion of Sweetgrass will be October 1.

Is anyone reading anything exciting?

Has anyone read this English author? I bought one of her novels in Montreal--a very long book, Rosie, which starts out during WWII close to the end of the war. It is more a story of a dysfunctional family, but has a romance and a murder mystery in it. Very absorbing. I couldn't put it down while traveling. I'd like to read more of Pearse's books, all have similar complicated plots. I just don't know if she can be found in American bookstores. I heard about her from a Canadian women I met on the Metro. She was reading a Nora Roberts--and told me where I could find a bookstore that that books written in English as well as French. She said if I liked Roberts, I'd like Pearse. She was right and I do. Sue

Hi Sue did you know that every4 minute's someone in the U.S. buy's a Nora Robert's book. How would you like the income from that haha

I just can't imagine it, Judy. Several of the more popular Romance/PopFiction authors are very prolific writers. I think Roberts, Krentz, Susan Andersen, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips are so popular because they develop great characters as well as intriguing plots. I like Mary Alice Monroe and consider her in this category, too, but she hasn't written as many as these 4. Sue

That's not because I am so smart Sue it was a question on jeapordy the other night haha

Currently I am reading The Devil's Necklace by Kat Martin. I joined a discussion Historical Romance Book Club. It is a Google group. So far I am enjoying this book. The Romance Book Club is the umbrella name of the group. I didn't like the Paranormal selection which suprised me because I usually like them.

Sue, the authors you mention are favorites of mine, too. I have read 5 books by Monroe, and 15 or so of Kat Martin, both favorites of mine. Another favorite of mine is Linda Lael Miller.

Ginnyann, when I leave Seniornet, I am going to check my local Library site and see if I can reserve The Devil's Necklace. I have read The Bride's Necklace by Kat Martin. I have enjoyed all of hers that I have read.

Lou

Lou I am finding The Devil's Necklace to be in the style of some of the earlier historical romances. Kat Martin has created a fine romance. I didn't read the The Bride's Necklace but plan to read it before the I read the third book of the trilogy.

The Online Interview with Mary Alice Monroe is now open and people are posting. You can meet her in person starting September 1. The discussion of Sweetwater will take place in October.

I will put the link to the discussion in the heading.

I just finished reading Dance with Me by Luanne Rice. It has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time. I am very glad I decided to read it. I really enjoy Luanne Rice's writing. Has anyone else read this one?

The Online Interview With Mary Alice Monroe! September 1 has started today.

The discussion of Mary Alice Monroe's Sweetgrass will be October 1, if we can get enough participants. Please post here if you intend to participate.

I just finished reading Jayne Ann Krentz's Smoke in Mirrors. The book has been on my shelf for some time and I finally got around to reading it. I enjoyed it as I have all of her books. I read her book so carefully and still I did't guess "who did it" until the last few pages of the book.

I am going to read a book by Anne Rivers Siddons starting tonight. I haven't read anything by her in years.

What are you reading?

Hi Marjorie,

Right now I am finishing up a book by Kat Martin, "Nothing But Velvet". I have enjoyed it, but settings in England 1752 are just not my favorites. I guess I prefer Contemporary Romance.

My next book however, is "Point Blank" by Catherine Coulter, an FBI Thriller. I have enjoyed many of her books. Currently I have 21 books checked out from my local library. My apologies to all the authors and book stores, but like many thousands, am living on limited income. I go on line and request books, and that way I "eventually" get the latest publications. Once I was 239 on the list, but can't remember how long I waited, as always have plenty to read while I wait. Just chatting! I enjoy your discussion.

Currently I am reading What Dreams May Come. It is an anthology by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Rebecca York & Robin D. Owens. These are a bit different than the usual Paranormal stories. Kenyon's story has the heroine wondering is it fantasy or reality that she finds herself? York's story has the hero trying to save the woman he loves with his psychic abilities. I am going to start the third story later this evening.

Kat Martin's The Devil's Necklace is the middle book of a trillogy about the owners of a necklace. It was a nice read but I also am finding I like contemporary books better.

LOU: You said you have 21 books checked out of the library. How long can you keep them? I could use the library more than I do but I never know ahead of time what I want to be reading (and I can afford to purchase the books). Since the books are on my shelf, I can pick and choose.

I have subscribed to www.booksfree.com which is like a rental library. For a monthly fee you are sent 2 or 3 books (depending upon what you choose) from a list. Then when you return the books, the next on the list will be sent. Those I try to read quickly so that I can mail them back right away and get a better turn around. The monthly fee is the same no matter how many books I get but it takes time for Media Mail to get to me and get back to them. Then send a postage paid envelope for me to mail the books back. The first set of books I got from them were not in good condition and I was very disappointed but since then the majority have been in great shape.

Hi Marjorie:

I started using the Library on Line several years ago. Set up an account I can access and know at any time how many and which books I have placed on hold, where I am on the list waiting, and which books I have here at home. I can place on hold and pick up any book in the library that can be checked out. They notify me by E-mail when they are ready for pick-up, and allow about 7 days to pick them up.

If an author is well known or popular, their new books are usually available for 7 days only for awhile with no renewal. Most books are due in 3 weeks unless renewed by that date.

Nice benefit is I can check the Authors list of books to see and hold their latest publications. I guess you could say I browse the book at home instead of in the Library. Seeking them from the shelves with my Bi-focals is terrible neck strain.

In order to keep up with books on hand and what I have read I enter author and book in a spiral notebook by date checked out and date returned. I also keep a 3x5 card on all Authors and books I have checked out so I know I have either read them or didn't care to.. ."browsing at home" instead of at the library.

Sorry this is so long but I thought there might be other readers like me, who love to read but have limited resources to fall back on. Our community Libraries love us!!!

louweav I also do most of my library work at home because my library catalog is on-line. I can place a hold and renew my books at MyAccount. I can see what I have out, with the date due, what library from the system that sent the book, how many times I have renewed a book; I can see what books I have on hold. Because I am 61 years old with a Golden Buckeye Card I no longer need to pay library fines.

I have a data base, and two notebooks to keep track of what I have read. Also data bases and list of books I want to read.

Hi Marjorie and all,

I have "Smoke in Mirrors." I love Jayne Ann Krentz. I am reading "I Thee Wed" by Amanda Quick. It's sooo good. I read for a long last night.

GinnyAnn, I didn't know that "The Devil's Necklace" is a trilogy. Thanks for mentioning it.

Marjorie, which book by Anne River Siddons are you reading? I love reading books that take place in the Lowcountry.

PURPLE SAGE is reading everything she can get her hands on by Siddons right now. She gave me Up Island to read and I had found it here in the Archives. However, it wasn't what I wanted to read at that time so I gave it back to her. I only read a few pages.

SAGE prefers hardbacks and I like paperbacks. I have to really want to read a book to read it in hardback. SAGE is also reading a lot of Luanne Rice right now. I am reading those books because I like her books.

I have the sense that Siddons writes sagas and I am looking for shorter stories at this time.

EDIT: Correction -- The book I chose not to read is Fox's Earth by Siddons. SAGE has Up Island but I haven't tried to read that one yet. The back cover of Fox's Earth describes the central character as a woman of "dominate(s)... with evil manipulation, cruelty and lies." I think that was part of the reason I decided not to read the book.

I've been reading 2 Amanda Quick's while traveling. I finished Don't Look Back and started Late for the Wedding this evening. Both books feature Tobias and Lavinia and are mysteries, too.

Marjorie, I got a box of books from you today when the mailman brought my stored mail, but I had a telephone call and put the box down and now I don't know where I put it. I'll look for it in the morning and get your stamps in the mail ASAP. Thanks a lot. Sue

Recently I finished one of Melinda Curtis' Superromances -- Expectant Father. I really enjoyed it but found a strange kind of typo at the beginning of Chapter 10. In the first 3 paragraphs there were at least 16 words that had missing letters. They would have all been found with an automated spell check. They were words like "elgnt" for "elegant." Reading those 3 paragraphs was very strange. I think I figured out most of the words.

This book was just published and I was reading the Large Print version. I went to the author's website and explained what I found. Melinda Curtis responded to my email very quickly. She said she was unable to find what I was talking about but said if I send her the book I have, she would send me a new signed copy. I mailed the book off today. It was one that I put on my shelf to reread anyway.

Maybe she hasn't seen the large print edition of the book. Hopefully, this can be corrected. I guess the publisher will have to eat the cost of reprinting it.

I went to half.com and found a couple of other books Melinda Curtis wrote but haven't received them yet. She has only 4 books on her bookshelf on her website. I was very impressed with her response to my comment.

I started reading Kristin Hannah's The Things We Do for Love today and I plan to finish it before I close my eyes tonight. It's a goodie--and I think it's more about family than anything else. There are some very poignant moments between the heroine--who is recently divorced and who has been unable to have children--and a young 17 year old who has had terrible parenting and has just found herself to be pregnant. This is an absorbing story. I think Angela will probably find love again, but the real love story is with her and Lauren, the young woman. Sue

SUE: I really like all of Kristin Hanna's books. Each one is so different. The one you are reading is on my shelf to be reread sometime.

I just finished Luanne Rice's Summer's Child and I am starting her Summer of Roses. Many of her books are set in Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, and some of the same characters appear. Summer's Child has a connection with Hubbard's Point that doesn't become clear until the end of the book. However, unlike her other books this story is continued in Summer of Roses and feels like a serial to me. Both books were published this year. I think I prefer the ones where the story is complete in the book. The one I just finished made me reach for the next one right away. At least I had both books in the house and could do that.

just finished Amanda Quick Late for the Wedding. It was good but not as good as I remember her books. I will have to go back and read some old ones and see the difference.

JUDY: Sometimes I have found that an author I really enjoyed starts writing books that don't work for me. I don't know if that is a "real" change or just that I want to be reading something different than I used to be reading. I hope you enjoy the older books by Amanda Quick as much as you remember enjoying them -- even better would be nice too.

Thank's Marjorie she is on my keeper list. I used to devour Jane Krantz books, but I need to be cutting down on my keeper list haha

Judy, I also keep Amanda Quicks, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle (all the same gal) as well as Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Susan Andersen, Patty Berg, Mary Alice Monroe, and on and on and on. I have a really hard time getting rid of any book. I do reread them when I don't have a new one or have finished my weekly library books. Sue

I just finished Summer of Roses by Luanne Rice. This book and the first one (Summer's Child) make a good story. I am glad I was able to read them back to back. I guess the story was too long to publish as one book.

Looks like I have been negligent here. It has been a busy few months for me.

I recently finished reading a book by Mary Alice Kruesi titled Second Star to the Right. Those of you who were in the discussion of Mary Alice Monroe's Sweetgrass know that this was one of two "fairy tales" that she wrote as Mary Alice Kruesi. I found both of them on half.com.

I wasn't quite sure what she meant by "fairy tales" because from the cover it seemed to me like the Harlequin romances I have been reading. It took me a little while to get started but then I could understand where she was coming from when she wrote it. The story uses the tale of Peter Pan throughout. I don't Peter Pan very well. Maybe I should look it up on the web and read the story.

I wonder what her other "fairy tale" is about?

I have also read a couple of Carla Neggers' books. They are romantic adventures, accent on adventure. I enjoy her books. I am reading Dark Sky right now and just finished The Rapids.

How is everyone? What are you reading?

~ ^m a _r j ^o r _i e ~

Marjorie, I've been reading mysteries lately as my library has some good ones. Right now I'm reading Pretty Birds by Scott Simon of NPR. It's not a mystery, but a novel about the Bosnian-Serbian war. I've also recently read The Kite Runner about a father and son of Afghanistan who emigrate to the U.S. because of the Taliban--some war problems, but mainly a family story. Both these books are good reads, but take more time than a romance. I am going to a book club tomorrow to discuss The Kite Runner. It is my first time there. I hope it's a good discussion. I enjoyed the book, but don't really know what to say about it. Sue

I am almost finished reading Be My Baby by Susan Andersen. The story is a light romance. The setting is New Orleans. The copyright is 1999.

Be My Baby is one of my favorites and I do reread it occasionally. I have most of Susan Andersen's contemporary romance novels. I like the way she injects humor into the story and makes the heroine a strong person, too. Sue

SUE: In April there was a discussion of Kite Runner. You can find the archived discussion here if you are interested.

Hi Marjorie and All,

I love fairy tales. I will definitely look in to getting or reading 'Second Star to the Right.'

Last year, for the Christmas season, I did read Silver Bells by Luanne Rice. I really, really enjoyed this book. Guess what!! It is coming on tv. I think the date for my area is Nov. 27th. It should make a really good movie. It's so far away I hope not to forget the date.

I am in the mood for romantic suspense. I have one by Carla Neggars. I can't remember the title. Maybe I should try that one. Marjorie, I remember you mentioning her name at another time.

I am also in the mood for some humorous romances.

I missed coming over to this site. I finished a good romance recently. I can't remember the title. I wrote it down. I will look in my book journal.

This is the book I have by Night's Landing by Carla Neggers. I have never read Carla Neggers. Is this a good one?

Oh, I last read 'The Parisian Affair' by Judith Gould. It's suspense too. It's a great book especially if you like intrique surrounding magnificent gems.

I enjoyed it so much. After reading it I wanted to know more about the author. The author isn't a Judith Gould. The authors are two guys!! Can you believe it??? You can imagine my surprise. Anyway, if you like to read about the rich and beautiful and beautiful jewelry, this book is really, really great!!

It looks like I have read 10 of Carla Negger's books. I read the first one in January 2002. That book was titled Night Scents and had a copyright date of 1997. Let me know if you enjoy Night's Landing. The town of Night's Landing figured in the two I just finished The Rapids and Dark Sky.

If you would like Second Star from the Right, I can send it to you as a Book Exchange (you just send me the postage when you get it). I plan to read One Summer's Magic very soon and can send you both if you like.

You mentioned that two guys wrote a book you just read. I haven't looked into who the authors are of the books I read. I bet that would be interesting. I have read a book recently that was by Marissa Carroll and they are a husband and wife team.

~ ^m a _r j ^o r _i e ~

Marjorie,

I would love to have both books. Thanks!

I started the Carla Neggars book. I am going to really enjoy it. No wonder you read so many of her titles.

Marjorie, thanks for the link to The Kite Runner discussion. I'm going to check it out. I don't often join in other SN discussions as some of them get pretty scholarly. I'm more of a I read what I like kind of reader and am not looking to be educated by the reading. My book club met today and it was pretty good. About 20 were there and more than half actually participated in the discussion. One person didn't like the book at all, but most were intrigued by it. Sue

HATS: What is the copyright date for the Carla Neggers' book you are reading? Please email me your snail mail address so I can send the books. I will start the second "fairy tale" tomorrow.

SUE: I am glad you like the Book Club. I don't read a lot of discussions myself for reasons similar to yours.

~ ^m a _r j ^o r _i e ~

Marjorie,

The copyright date for Night's Landing is 2004. I will send you my snail address. Marjorie, as soon as the book arrives, I will send you the postage. Thank you.

I'm not a big romance book reader overall, though I have a soft spot for Nora Roberts and pick her books up now and then. Has she come out with any good ones lately? I normally end up with her books secondhand or from the $.50 paperback rack at the library!

Welcome HELENA ROSE! I don't know if Nora Roberts has a new book out. What is the last one of her books you have read?

I have her trilogy Born in Fire, Born in Ice, and Born in Shame on my shelf to be reread. Those books were published in the middle 90's. She has published many books since then.

These are new books Nora Roberts

Blue Smoke

Blue Dahlia: In the Garden, Book 1

Black Rose: In the Garden, Book 2

Red Lily: In the Garden, Book 3

Northern Lights
I read and liked Northern Lights. It reminded me of the TV program Northern Exposure. Haven't read the others yet.

Here is the link to borders list Borders posted.Best Romances of 2005 Did they get it right?

But I've written down the titles written by my favorite authors and I'll be looking for them. Thanks for the link. Sue

GINNY ANN: Thanks for the link. I have done just what SUE did. I wrote down the ones to follow up.

I have read 50 Harbor Street by Debbie Macomber and it is a pleasant book. I used to like her more than I do now. This is part of a series and she is writing one book a year in the series. That is annoying.

I have My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson on my shelf to be reread. I really enjoy her books. The characters are so clear and the plots lines are all different. Each time what the character has to overcome is something that teaches me something.

Thank you for the link.

I am happy the link was of use for you.

Last night I started Jane Ann Krentz's latest release. Falling Awake seems to either be giving lots of background for this book alone, or it the beginning of a series.

GinnyAnn,

I checked 'Falling Awake' out of the library about three weeks ago. I didn't have time to read it. I will need to take it back soon. Tell whether you like it, after you read it.

This is a new author for me. I just finished her newest book "Code Name: Baby. It was listed as a romance novel but has alot of adventure mixed in with the romance. It was pretty good and I am going to look for her others "Code Name: Nanny" and "Code Name: Princess.

Mary

MARY: Thanks for mentioning a new author. She is one I haven't read either. Since you are going to get more of her books, that is a great recommendation.

I was browsing at Books-A-Million this morning and saw Code Name: Baby and Code Name: Nanny. I didn't buy them, but was attracted by the cover and the blurbs on the backs. I'm going to look at my used book store first. Sue

Here is a link to Christina Skye's Home Page. I read her Hot Pursuit and loved it.

I am enjoying Falling Awake. However, it seems I sit down to read lately and fall asleep.

Hope y'all have a happy and successful new year.

I was able to get several of Christina Sky's books from the library. I've finished "Hot Pursuit" and "Overboard" which were very good and now am reading "Code Name: Nanny". Next is "Code Name: Princess". She is a very good author and am glad I found her.

About 7 weeks ago, I put my name on the reserve list at the library for Nora Roberts "Blue Smoke". I was Number 63 on the list and finally got it today. I'm hoping it's worth the wait. I've always liked her books, but I haven't cared for some of her recent ones.

Mary