Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Check In On

Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic from The Broke and the Bookish is the Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Check in On.  I'm lucky that most of the series that I'm ready are still ongoing or if they're not I'm so behind I haven't gotten to the end yet!  However, there are a few I'd love to see how they're doing!

1.  Rilla Blythe from L.M. Montgomery's Rilla of Ingleside - We watch Rilla go from spoiled immature girl to a woman who has endured many things and carried on with grace.  I'd love to see how her life turns out.

2.  Grace from Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis - I loved Josh, the doctor with the world on his shoulders, but it was Grace I really connected to.  I'd love to see more of her and learn more about her past.  There were hints of things that I really wanted to be explored more.

3.  Sophie, Josh, Reilly and even Tula from The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell - I just finished this book a few weeks ago but I miss them!  

4.  June Anderson from Goodnight June by Sarah Jio - After the endings to end all endings in Goodnight June I'd love to see what June does.  How does she go on from there?  

5.  Aidan and Maddie from Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnn Thayne - This was my favorite Christmas book I read in huge stack of Christmas books and it was primarily because of the characters.  Okay, it was primarily because of Aidan but Maddie was good too.  They were just such likable characters I really want to see how they're doing.

6.  Beth and Lincoln from Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - This is one of those books that has aged very well for me.  When I first read it I enjoyed it but wasn't blown away but it's never quite left my memory and I find myself thinking about Beth and Lincoln even though it's been almost a year since I've read the book.

 7.  Evangeline and Gabriel Starke from City of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn - This is a book that the feeling of the book really stayed with me.  The characters were so glamorous and the situation was so bad.  I'd love to see them wandering around Paris or London having happier adventures.

8.  Bundle and Bill from The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie - I adore Bundle and Bill.  There personalities work so well together and they just seem to have such fun.  I'd love to see them a little older and see how they're doing.

9.  Shawn and Brenna from Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts - No real reason for wanting to revisit them other than I just loved them.  Both characters, the setting, the friends to more romance - I just really enjoyed this book.  And now I want to reread this book! 

10. Esmee Hamilton by One Little Sin by Liz Carlyle - One Little Sin is one of my favorite historicals even though there is a bit of an ick factor (it does get resolved un-ickaly though).  I loved Esmee.  She was tough and fiercely protective of her little sister.  She'd had a bad time of it but still maintained her sense of humor.  I'd like to see how her life turns out.

A Fright to the Death - Blog Tour Review

A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman
Rating: 4 Stars
Source:  Publisher

Description:  When a blizzard ruins their Mexican vacation Clyde and Mac end up snowed into a castle like hotel with most of Clyde's family, Mac's mother, a hotel full of knitters, a ghost, and even a corpse.

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book: This series just looked really fun.  I love the mix of paranormal, humor and cozy mystery!

My Impression: If I had to use one word to describe this book that word would be fun.  The setting, the characters and the mystery were all very much enjoyable.  It kind of reminded me of a modern day version of Agatha Christie's "Mousetrap" with a snowbound house and a victim who more and more people had a motive to kill.Clyde is a police officer on leave and Mac is an active officer which makes their investigation make sense which always makes me happy.  I loved the characters.  Cyde's family has got plenty of crazy antics without being too ridiculous and what's even better is Clyde herself.  We see her wrestling with what she's going to do both professionally and in her relationship with Mac.  At one point she and Mac actually have a mature discussion about what their plans are and I wanted to reach into the book and hug them both.  They psychic elements are fairly mild and just add a little bit of interest.  Plus, at one point there's a mastiff riding on a snowmobile which is an image I will be forever grateful to have in my head!

While this is the third book in the series this was the first book I read and I had no problem connecting to the characters and understanding what was going on.  If you like cozy mysteries, dogs or knitting this is a must read!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Absolutely!  I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes as well as reading the first 2 in the series.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  I think most mystery readers would enjoy this one - especially those readers who like cozies.

Challenges Met?  Reading Road Trip (Michigan)

This Week in Reading - April 5

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird - I've read one Catherine Aird and she quickly was put on my list of authors whose books I need to hunt down.  So I was thrilled when I stumbled on this one on NetGalley.  I'm hoping this means Open Road is going to be re-publishing all her books! (NetGalley)

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott - So I may not be done reading Great Expectations which is my March book but I'm not going to get behind.  Eight Cousins will be finished by the end of April.  It's not nearly as intimidating so I'm not too worried.  (library)

Once a Duchess by Elizabeth Boyce - I read a review of this one awhile ago that sounded really interesting so I'm pleased to finally get my hands on it.  Boyce is a new to me author and this is a 2nd chance romance so I have high hopes (Paperbackswap)

Currently:

Reading:  French Coast by Anita Hughes and finishing (hopefully) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Listening:  When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris  I on the waiting list to get The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie back and this one was available.  I either find Sedaris hilarious or annoying and so far this isn't changing that opinion.  Luckily he's been mostly on the hilarious side so far.

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Watching:  I just discovered Crossing Lines on Netflix and have been really enjoying it.

Off the Blog:

Happy Easter everyone!  Yesterday we went to an Easter party at the Tornado's school that he's been looking forward to for weeks.  As usual, they did a great job.  This year's theme was around the world and they had booths set up to represent different countries.  He had so much fun!

Emma's birthday is this week.  She'll be 18 which is incredibly hard for me to wrap my mind around.  She'll also be graduating from high school in just over a month and going away to college in 4 months but I'm trying not to think about that!  Also, I finally picked up her senior pictures this week.  She, of course hates them but I think they're pretty good.

Paul has done well his first week driving.  He's gotten himself to school, soccer practice and work and I'm enjoying not having to worry about his schedule!  So far we've only let him drive with his girl friend or Emma in the car and he's done pretty well.
Eleanor came home Friday night for a visit.  She made it almost all the way before her car died.  J went out and got her and the 2 narrowly beat a tornado warning getting home!  Luckily only minor damage locally from the tornado and an alternator that needs to be replaced in her car.  I'm relieved that there's nothing majorly wrong and hoping that this year's tornado season is a mild one!  Despite all that we had a nice visit!

On the Blog:

What Happened:

Monday: The Dead Play On - Romantic Suspense Review
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Recently Added to my TBR
Wednesday: Scent of Triumph Blog Tour Review
Thursday: Mademoiselle Chanel - Historical Fiction Blog Tour Review
Friday: My Friday Linkups featuring A Fright To The Death
Saturday:  Some of my Favorite Food Blogs

What's Coming Up:

Monday: A Fright to the Death - Blog Tour Review

Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Characters I Want to Check in On

Wednesday; French Coast - Fiction Review

Thursday: Still the One - Romance Review

Friday: Linkups with current book

Saturday: Cookbook Review

Happy reading and have a great week!

Cook it Up! Cookbook Challenge - March Edition

Today I'm linking up with Cook It Up! A Cookbook hosted by Trish at Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity and Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads

I had pulled a cookbook to use for the month of March but I just wasn't feeling it this month.  In reality I haven't been feeling cookbooks at all.and have found myself turning to Pinterest for most of the month instead.   So instead of talking about a cookbook that I really didn't use much I thought I'd talk about my favorite food blogs and the recipes I turn to regularly. I'm sticking with quick main dishes for today.  We'll tackle cookies and cakes and everything else another time!

Plain Chicken is probably my favorite food blog.  The title is a reference to her being a picky child who would just order plain chicken but her tastes have definitely broadened a bit.  There are some recipes that use cream of whatever soup but those are mostly older recipes.  I've never had anything I've made from her turn out worse than good and most become instant favorites.  She's heavier on the savory but does have some pretty tasty desserts as well.  Plus, she's also kind of local and she's an Auburn fan so what can be better!

My Top Three Plain Chicken Recipes:

1.  Chicken and Ravioli Carbonara - Most of the time when I make this I leave the chicken out.  I really don't miss it.

2.  Chipotle Ranch Burgers - This is so good and most of the heat is in the sauce so I can adjust it for my wimpy kids.  I make my burgers on the stove because that's what Bobby Flay does and he is never wrong when it comes to burgers.

3.  Chicken Lazone - This is chicken in a cream sauce over pasta and it's seriously tasty!  In fact I just added it to next week's menu because when I pulled it up I realized we haven't had it in awhile!

Six Sisters' Stuff - This was one of the first blogs I discovered when I tumbled down the rabbit hole and it's still one I use the most.

My Top Three Six Sisters' Stuff Recipes:

1.  Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin - so this isn't exactly quick since it's a slow cooker recipe but the prep time is pretty fast and then you just make the sauce in the last little bit of cooking.  Serve it with mashed potatoes or something to drink up the sauce.  Or just bring a straw.

2.  Easy Chicken Ranch Tacos - The recipe sounds a little weird but the flavor combination is amazing.  I use the chicken in both taco shells and tortillas and it's always a favorite.  Just top with cheese and sour cream and all your other favorite toppings.

3. P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef Copycat - Mongolian Beef is one of our favorites at P.F. Chang's and this recipe is amazingly close.  I still like P.F. Chang's better but that's really only because I don't have to clean up there.

Iowa Girl Eats - I don't use this one quite as much anymore because she's gone gluten free which isn't something that appeals to me.  But, her recipes never disappoint and are what convinced my very chicken/turkey burger skeptic husband that those might not actually kill him.

My Top Three Iowa Girl Eats Recipes:

1.Blue Moon Orange Chicken - This is so good!  My husband isn't a fan of beer in food but even he liked this one.  I'm reminded we haven't had this for awhile either.  Adding it to the menu!

2.  Monterey Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches - I made this on a Friday night and it was so good we had it for dinner on Saturday using the leftover chicken!

3.  Kung Pao Chicken Burgers - I do leave out the peanuts in this one but it's delicious!  I love the slight spice with the sweet and salty flavor combination.  

So, where do you turn when you need a bit of inspiration for dinner?

Friday Linkups: A Fright to the Death

It's Friday linkup time!  I'm linking up with the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer, Book Beginnings of Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, and the Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice.

This Week's Book Blogger Hop Question:
Is there one book you will NEVER forget?

My Answer:
While there are lots of books that I'll never forget for various reasons the one that immediately comes to mind is The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.  It's an incredibly powerful book that has really stuck with me.

This week's book is A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman.  I've been wanting to try this series for awhile so I was really excited to be part of the blog tour for the 3rd book in the series.

The Beginning:

I knew Mac scoffed at all things psychic, but why must he tempt the fates?

My Thoughts:
Mac scoffing at all things psychic kind of surprises me as from the blurb and what I know of the series there's a lot of psychic stuff going on.

The 56:

Vi sat up on her bed as I shivered and hopelessly examined my suitcase full of shorts and T-shirts.  I had packed for a Mexican vacation, not a blizzard in Michigan.

My Thoughts:
Given the beginning I'm thinking Mac really shouldn't have tempted the fates as a Mexican vacation sounds much better and way warmer than a Michigan blizzard!

So what do you think?  

Mademoiselle Chanel - Blog Tour Review + Giveaway

Author C.W. Gortner

on Tour March 20-April 8, 2015 with

Mademoiselle Chanel

(historical fiction) Release date: March 17, 2015 at William-Morrow/HarperCollins 384 pages ISBN: 978-0062356406

Author?s website | Goodreads

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SYNOPSIS

For readers of ?The Paris Wife? and ?Z? comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel?the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman?s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century. Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to an orphanage after their mother?s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle?s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood. Transforming herself into Coco?a seamstress and sometime torch singer?the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny. Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco?s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her. An enthralling novel of an extraordinary designer who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.

My Review:

I had recently read a biography about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel so the timing of this tour was perfect for me and I was excited to begin.  I love historical fiction and what better to read a book about the mysterious and groundbreaking Coco.  Since I had recently read that biography I was up on my Coco facts and Gortner hit them perfectly but also did a fantastic job of making the story flow and Coco come alive.  I can see her as a little girl desperate to believe in her father or as a woman determined to make a success of her business and stop having to turn to others for support.  Not only did Gortner make Coco come alive but he made her wonderfully and realistically multi-faceted.  Coco is very rarely likable but she is always fascinating and inspiring.  She is stubborn and determined and doesn't always make the best decisions.  She is truly groundbreaking in terms of her ideas on women's fashion and it's such fun to watch her start to claw her way to success.  There was a moment in the book that was definitely a light bulb moment for me.  Coco is standing in the doorway of her store with an employee and watching several women walk past who are wearing her designs and they look at her and nod in acknowledgement which causes great shock.  Before Coco, the great designers (and we're talking Worth here so seriously great!) were not acknowledged.  Their clothes were worn but the men were not celebrities accepted into upper circles.  But because Coco was a woman in a way it leveled the playing field of society.  Not only was she dressing them but she was as stylish as them.  They were coming to her for help which made her their equal in a way she could never have been if she had been a male.  Gortner explains it much more neatly but I found the whole concept fascinating.  Even if you don't have any interest in fashion Mademoiselle Chanel is a book worth reading and Coco is a woman worth getting to know.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.W. Gortner is the international bestselling author of six historical novels, translated in over twenty-five languages to date. His new novel, ?Mademoiselle Chanel?, traces the tumultuous rise to fame of iconic fashion designer, Coco Chanel. In 2016, Random House will publish his eighth novel, ?Vatican Princess?, about Lucrezia Borgia. Raised in Spain and a long-time resident of the Bay Area, C.W. is also dedicated to companion animal rescue from overcrowded shelters. Visit his website. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter Subscribe to his newsletter Buy the book: HarperCollins | IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble *** You can enter the giveaway here or on the book blogs participating in this tour. Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time! [just follow the directions on the entry-form] 6 winners Open to US only: 5 printed copies + 1 beautiful, handcrafted beaded bracelet inspired by Coco?s black-and-white signature colors and camellia design

CLICK ON THE BANNER TO READ OTHER REVIEWS, EXCERPTS, GUEST-POST AND INTERVIEW

 

Scent of Triumph - Blog Tour Review + Giveaway

Author Jan Moran

on Tour March 28-April 16 with

Scent of Triumph: A Novel of Perfume And Passion

(historical novel) Release date: March 31, 2015 at St. Martin’s Press 384 pages ISBN: 9781250048905

Author’s website | Goodreads

***

SYNOPSIS

Perfume is the essence of beauty, the heart of illusion, the soul of desire. It is my past, my present, my future. —from the journal of Danielle Bretancourt When French perfumer and aristocrat Danielle Bretancourt steps aboard a luxury ocean liner, leaving her son behind in Poland with his grandmother, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The year is 1939, and the declaration of war on the European continent soon threatens her beloved family, scattered across many countries. Traveling through London and Paris into occupied Poland, Danielle searches desperately for the remains of her family, relying on the strength of Jonathan Newell-Grey, a British shipping heir and Royal Navy officer. Finally, in the wake of unspeakable tragedy, she is forced to gather the fragments of her impoverished family and flee to America. There she vows to begin life anew, in 1940s Los Angeles. Amidst the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Danielle works her way up from meager jobs to perfumer and fashion designer. Still, personal happiness eludes her. Can her sheer force of will attract the elusive love she desires, or will it only come at the ultimate cost?

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My Review:

This was one of those books I was a little hesitant to pick up because I knew it was going to be hard to put down!  From the first page I was hooked and followed Danielle's journey with a lump in my throat.  I really couldn't turn pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.  There's a relax in pace when Danielle is thinking about or working with perfume and that provided a nice interesting break.  I'd love to visit her family's perfumery in France with rows of roses and lavender and everything else beautifully scented.  Her perfume creations made me want to pay more attention to what perfume I spritz on every morning.

While I enjoyed this book immensely there were a few flaws.  Everything is heavily described and sometimes overly so.  As well, a lot happens to Danielle to the point of excess.  The majority of the book takes place between 1939 and 1941 and it borders on soap opera with everything that happens.  Neither of these made the book any less readable or enjoyable.  If you're interested in perfume or love books set in wartime this is not one to miss.  Just remember, if you have a little one you may want to keep them close while reading this one!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JAN MORAN is the author of Fabulous Fragrances I and II, which earned spots on the Rizzoli Bookstore bestseller list, and other contemporary novels, including Flawless, Beauty Mark, and Runway. A fragrance and beauty industry expert, she has been featured on CNN, Instyle, and O Magazine, and has spoken before prestigious organizations, including The American Society of Perfumers. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and attended the University of California at Los Angeles Extension Writers’ Program. Visit her website. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest Subscribe to her newsletter

Discover her Vintage Perfume Guide

Go deeper with her Reader’s Discussion Guide

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Buy the book: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Apple iBooks IndieBound | Powell’s | Books A Million | Kobo | eBooks.com | GooglePlay *** You can enter the global giveaway here or on any other book blogs participating in this tour. Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time! [just follow the directions on the entry-form] Global giveaway open internationally: 1 winner will receive 1 print copy of Scent of Triumph *

BONUS OFFERED BY THE AUTHOR – independently from this book tour – With every purchase of Scent of Triumph, she is offering a free ebook of Vintage Perfumes, a nonfiction guide to the finest classic perfumes, for epub and mobi.

Just email her some proof of your purchase (receipt, email receipt, photo of yourself with the book or ebook on your reader, etc.), and she will send you the free ebook of Vintage Perfumes.

*

CLICK ON THE BANNER TO READ OTHER REVIEWS, EXCERPTS, GUEST-POST AND INTERVIEW