Friday, March 1, 2013

HOT READS FOR A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT—FROM MY TBR TOWER


I've been getting around to my huge To Be Read pile. Actually, it resembles the leaning tower of Pisa. My husband is thrilled that many of those books are now on my Kindle rather than adding to the nice quad piles of books beside my nightstand (hey, I dust them off and keep them piled neatly—most of the time). He has spent a lifetime with my books and me. J Most of the time he’s a good sport when it comes to my books and of course, I don’t complain much with regard to his TV/Movie watching—other than threatening death if a Television finds it’s way into the bedroom. He threatens a bonfire if he stubs a toe on another book. We've worked out a compromise of sorts. 
Anyway, enough on domestic bliss and onto my TBR pile.

I met Alexandra Ivy when I first started promoting my blog. I saw one of her books and thought, “Oh, I like the sound of this story!” Typically, I came to the series (Guardians of Eternity) several books in and read Darkness Unleashed. Of course I had to go back and read some I missed and I've still not read them all. I did manage to read Devoured by Darkness—I loved Tane (a Charon sworn to hunt and kill rogue vampires) in the previous book and Laylah (half Jin) intrigued me. And then, I met Ariyal (a Sylvermyst allegedly evil cousins to the fey with a very unique sword)  and Jaelyn (an elite Vampire warrior) and had to read Bound by Darkness. Both are excellent and to tell the truth, I don’t think I've read any books in this series that haven't been good. Excellent characterization and depiction of ‘otherworld’ characters with a twist. I like the fact that all the stories deal with a clear arc of the beginning through the trials of the couple involved to the ending—where the two main characters are a unit although the world they're in isn't quite tidily solved. It's ever expanding. But that style gives satisfaction to me, as a reader.


If you enjoy a good paranormal a bit on the dark side (no pun intended) then you should check out Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series.

                                                                                                                                                            

I also enjoy reading a new to me author, Morgan Mandel. I picked up a copy of Forever Young for several reasons. It was contemporary, it had a touch of paranormal and healthy dose of suspense, plus, she’s a blogging buddy. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Great premise, interesting cast of characters, and a probable story around and old theme of the search for the fountain of youth—only this time it’s a pill. Hmm, intriguing. It was a good story that kept me turning the pages. I think, aside from Dorrie, my favorite character was Roman. He’s a bad guy. Sorta. Well, he’s in the camp of the bad guy. What I liked was how Morgan gave me a villain that I could relate to. I could see how someone could get to where he was and make some of the choices he did and he had redeeming qualities. The main bad guy…well I understood how he got to where he was but didn't like him. His utter disregard for life wasn't attractive at all and it had festered to monstrous proportions. Without giving away spoilers, the ending was good but a little ambiguous for my taste. It obviously sets up the sequel, which I really want to read, and was realistic given the circumstances. You can’t argue over good triumphs over evil.

                                                                                                                     

Another that intrigues me, although I have yet read it (just the excerpt) is Suzanne Ferrel’s HuntedI've always had a fascination for what makes religious fanatics tick and make the choices they do and all in the name of their god. Truly dangerous and creepy. 

I’m looking forward to reading this one and I'll let you know what I think of it when I do.

                                                                                               


  • What about you? Have you read anything good lately?
  • What does your TBR pile look like?

Monday, February 25, 2013

Monday Musings: My Greatest Blessing




I received one of my greatest blessings 18 years ago today.

It was an incomparable gift. It was also one I thought I'd never have. But, because I did receive that gift, I can tell you there are still miracles performed in our behalf. I don't often speak of my belief in God on my blog. It's not the focus of my blog although it is very much part of my life. I do firmly believe that there is a loving heavenly father that hears the groanings of our heart and is not unmoved by our joys, pain or sorrow.

Just as we enjoy giving gifts to those we love or giving comfort those we love when they feel pain—they matter to us—so does our heavenly father.  We matter to him and he sees us as individuals—some of which he calls friend, all of which he has love and affection for. My gift is evidence of his love for me. While I have received many gifts and blessings from him, my son is the greatest personal gift he has given me.

Today was a day of reflection and yes, thanksgiving. I remember counting fingers and toes, the first night home and the realization that this little tiny human wasn't going home with anyone else. He was all mine. I have to tell you, there was a moment of panic when I realized that. The sense of responsibility that settled on my shoulders, coupled with the intense love I felt, and the plethora of what ifs that plagued me. But, it was only momentary because I got on with day-to-day living. 

For all the joy and satisfaction my gift has given me, I have to say that there is a measure of sadness today. My bundle of joy (sometimes my major pain in the butt) is now a young man of 18 and soon to go out on his own. It will leave a bit of a hole in my life. It's not a bad thing but I do miss the little boy he was and all the firsts that came with him. Time has flown by, as it is wont to do, and I'm remembering all the firsts. The pride I felt watching his first wobbling steps.

Soon I'll be watching his first steps away from home as he picks up his responsibilities in the Navy.

My son, when I look at you I realize that truly,
"Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father..." James 1:17