April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Mary Perry

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48 comments posted.

Re: A Brew to a Kill (6:57pm August 6, 2013):

I have enjoyed reading several of your Coffeehouse mysteries and look forward to reading more!

Re: The Passion Of The Purple Plumeria (6:53pm August 6, 2013):

I have enjoyed all your 'Pink' books and look forward to this new one! Thanks for many good reads!

Re: Buried In A Bog (1:56pm March 18, 2013):

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you (a day late!) I recently read Buried in a Bog and really enjoyed it. I have never been to Ireland but when reading your book I felt like I was there. I will definitely continue reading this new series. I loved the characters!

Re: The Turncoat (7:16pm March 7, 2013):

This sounds like an interesting love story and historical novel written about a time that does not get a lot of coverage.

Re: Shattered Silence (7:00pm October 15, 2012):

I enjoy your books very much. This sounds like a great series!

Re: The Shadowy Horses (6:52pm October 12, 2012):

I think if the dialect is well-done it adds to the story and actually makes it more realistic. Diana Gabaldon's books definitely are some of the best. I have read The Shadowy Horses twice and it is still my favorite of your books Susanna. The dialect is just right in my opinion. Here's hoping more people discover your books!

Re: Dark Crossings (7:36pm July 12, 2012):

Hi Karen. I love the Amish stories. I live just up the road from Lancaster PA. It seems the Amish have been around my whole life, especially now that I live so close to one of their communities. They continue to fascinate and intrigue even those of us who live near them. I would love to read this book. It seems we can't get enough of Amish fiction!

Re: The Rebel Rancher (7:24pm May 27, 2012):

I am sorry for your family's loss. Years ago we lost both my dad and my father-in-law within 17 months. Through it all my husband was a rock. He is truly my hero--the true heroes are the real-life ones. As always I look forward to reading these two books. Your books are a joy to read!

Re: Under Fire (6:59pm May 11, 2012):

Cathy--I have always admired military wives. You are special people. My mom's younger sister, my favorite aunt, was a military wife for 32 years. She was always an inspiration to me. Both she and my mom and dad are gone now. My parents were the wind beneath my wings but now my husband and daughter are my unsung heroes. My daughter is an inspiration to me every day--she is the best mom I know. Good luck with Under Fire--can't wait to read it!

Re: Texas Baby Sanctuary (6:35pm March 27, 2012):

Congrats on the start of a new series, Linda! I don't care either way about books set in Texas, I just like reading your books. I do like books set in the southwest. I loved your 'Shadow' series. Looking forward to this new book.

Re: Fever (7:35pm March 12, 2012):

I just received an email that I won Fever! Thanks Joan and Fresh Fiction! Looking forward to reading it.

Re: Fever (6:43pm March 8, 2012):

Love this blog! My favorite: he says, 'That just doesn't make any sense', he means--we should do it my way. When I say, 'nothing's wrong' or 'you don't want to know what's wrong', it means I have been saving up and he will eventually hear it all! We've been married almost 39 years and we really do get each other. We just don't always let on that we do! :-) Love the cover of your book and would like to read it.

Re: Hot Zone (7:19pm December 1, 2011):

Cathy--love the picture of your kiddos! One of my wishes for Christmas this year is good health for my brother who is experiencing health issues. The other I already have--spending as much time as I can with my hub and our dd and sil and the two most beautiful grandbabies in the world.

Re: Fall From Pride (6:52pm August 20, 2011):

I live right up the road from Lancaster County, PA. The Amish have always been around since my childhood at farm markets all over the area. We shop at a country store in Lancaster County often and see the Amish and Mennonite people there. I am a sewer and have found the Mennonites who work at the store are a great resource for home sewing questions. I appreciate their peacefulness and seeming contentment with life. But as we all know nothing is all what we can see. The hate crimes are very real as some of you will remember the school girls who were murdered not long ago in one of their small communities. Their food is delicious and anything you buy will be the best quality. I enjoy reading the books set in Amish communities and especially like the ones that are realistic. Good luck with this new trilogy!

Re: The Dark Enquiry (12:51pm June 26, 2011):

Interesting stuff. I had heard and read some of this but you have certainly done your research. I love Julia and Nicholas together and I believe that there were women like Julia in every age. She is a role model for woman who think they can't do something because of the fact they are women or their circumstances won't allow it. I have really enjoyed your books and look forward to reading more of them.

Re: It Happened On Maple Street (3:34pm April 19, 2011):

Sounds like an amazing story. I look forward to reading it.

Re: The Winter Sea (8:02pm December 20, 2010):

I have the book and I am looking forward to reading it!

Re: Ice Cold (7:27pm July 18, 2010):

We don't have a lot of book signings in our area so you are very fortunate Sandi. My dd and I did go to see Jodi Picoult two years ago and that was exciting. I would like to meet Catherine Mann, Linda Castillo, Nora Roberts, Karen Rose, Sharon Sala--the list is a long one. I would probably have to attend a RWA someday to meet any of them. Have a great time!

Re: Her Sheik Protector (11:08am July 4, 2010):

Hi Linda--An opening line I always remember is from Tami Hoag's Dark Paradise--(I'm quoting from memory)"It started out as a bad hair day and went downhill from there." I also like that first line from Midnight Bayou. Good luck with the new series!

Re: Smooth Talking Stranger (11:32am June 20, 2010):

Hi Sandi-It sounds like you had a nice visit with your mom. My dad has been gone many years but on Father's Day I still get a little blue. Sure do miss him. My dh already had a father's day call from our dd and dgd--that made his day! I can't think of any father books to recommend.

Re: Blown Away (11:43am June 6, 2010):

Hi Sandi--May was an up and down month in books for me--kind of the way the whole year is going. I read 7 books in May and can say I really liked only three of them! Then June started out the same--first book was blah. This morning I started Blown Away--things are definitely looking up! Can't put this one down! I was glad to hear The Lies We Told is satisfying. I will probably get it from the library at some point. I have several of DC's books in my tbr to read first. I'm not doing any challenges this year so I am reading what I want when I want.

Re: Blown Away (7:19pm May 30, 2010):

Hi Sandi! Another good question. As a rule I don't like trilogies. I do make exceptions with my favorite authors. I recently read Karen Rose's trilogy and read them as they came out. Even if I have the whole trilogy on my shelf I will not read them back to back. I love Nora Roberts' single books and the J. D. Robb series but don't like her trilogies. When there are three books they tend not to be as strong a story. The exception is her bride quartet which I am really enjoying probably because all the characters have strong roles in all the books. Having said all that I am looking forward to the two trilogies you mentioned because they are favorite authors of mine.

Re: A Thread So Thin (1:43pm May 16, 2010):

Sandi--as always an interesting topic. I did have an imaginary friend. I grew up with three brothers so I needed one! Not sure when she left. I also always had books. Now-a-days my dh and dd are my best friends and I still have my books. I would have to say Linda Lael Miller and Nora are best friend kind of writers. They never disappoint and one of their books is always available to read. As for new friends, I would say Donna Alward,a new author who I recently discovered.

Re: Think Twice (1:39pm May 4, 2010):

Hi Sandi--I read 7 books in April which is about average for me. The best one was Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff. It is his debut novel and is a wonderful read. I has a little of everything--romance, history, suspense. I would highly recommend it!

Re: Big Girl (11:51am March 21, 2010):

Hi Sandi--I left a comment on Facebook also (I've been having trouble getting on here.)Anyway, the first adult novel I read was one of my dad's books. I don't remember the name but I read it behind closed bedroom doors at night. :) I do remember reading Doctor Zhivago and Gone with the Wind when still in junior high. I read your comments about listening to Steele being better than reading with interest. Perhaps I should try an audio. I used to read a lot of her stuff. My mom was a big fan also.

Re: The You I Never Knew (7:01pm March 14, 2010):

Hi Sandi (((hugs)))--Ditto what Donna McClure wrote. She said it so well! I love to have a good cry over a book. I don't mind the humor but I want emotion! I just finished a real tear-jerker--Her Lone Cowboy by Donna Alward.

Re: The Edge of Winter (7:33pm February 21, 2010):

Sandi--this was a clever question! I came up with three titles: One Summer by Karen Robards (already mentioned--I read this book long after others had and really liked it, The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck (my favorite author--but this is not my fav book by him), Angels Fall by Nora Roberts--one of my favs by her. I couldn't come up with a title with including spring.

Re: Down By The River (1:56pm January 31, 2010):

Good wrap up for Jan. Sandi! I read two new to me authors this month whose books I will continue to read--Christyne Butler and Anna DeStefano. I read two favorite authors--Jodi Picoult and Elizabeth Lowell. I learned from Jodi's book that even a fav author can write a book you are not crazy about. From EL's book I was reminded how much I like her heroes. I read less books than I usually do in a month's time but two of them were over 400 pages. I am happy with the number because this year I am going more for quality then quantity.

Re: Down By The River (10:53pm January 24, 2010):

Good questions Sandi! I like both stand alones and series. I prefer a series by one author but have read a couple of continuties that were well done--the Madonna Key series is one that comes to mind. I try to read the books as they come out but I am behind on some of the series I read--JD Robb's series--which is also my favorite right now. I like the long running series the best. My favorite mystery series right now is Kathy Reichs Brennan books.

Re: Dark Lover (2:00pm November 29, 2009):

Lots of questions Sandi! I read all different genres but my favorite is definitely romantic suspense/mystery. The first adult book I read was Gone With the Wind. I'm a keeper girl--I keep books I love and want to reread or share with my daughter. I keep favorite authors. I also keep special books--autographed or special in some other way like an author's debut novel. Your new puppy is adorable and Oreo seems perfect. Enjoy!

Re: Kindred In Death (8:39pm November 8, 2009):

I like long-running series as long as they stay fresh and don't 'jump the shark'. There have been some series I quit on in the past because they had really run their course or I was so behind on the books and wanted to move on to other things. Now I mostly stay away from starting new series.

Re: The Promise (11:45am October 11, 2009):

Hi Sandi--another great topic! I have the same dilemma and have come to the conclusion to read them or as many as I can. Something about those old books grabbed you (and me) back then and will probably still appeal to us. I have found when reading the older historicals (for example)I remember why I loved them then and that has not changed. I do buy a lot of new books and might never read them all but I love buying and owning books so that is no problem. Many of the books in my tbr my late mom read and my mil so if I never read them at least the moms enjoyed them. Some one mentioned keeping the children's books we and our children loved and I am glad I did because now I can share them with my grandchildren.

Re: Table Manners (10:50am September 6, 2009):

Hi Sandi--I did some cleaning yesterday in between watching college football. Today and tomorrow I will be doing some relaxing and some cooking. I am reading Reckless Love by Elizabeth Lowell and enjoying it. I hope you have a nice weekend and get some reading done.

Re: Red Hot Lies (7:13pm August 30, 2009):

Sandi--as always you have come up with another great topic. I always try to check your blog on here no matter how busy my Sunday is. It doesn't matter too me about pov but I do like to read 1st person occasionally. I read a lot of gothics when I was younger and they are mostly 1st person so I am comfortable with the pov. Some mystery series are 1st person such as Patricia Cornwell so you would be limiting yourself if you never read anything in 1st person. My favorite though is the Outlander series.
Mary

Re: The Perfect Couple (7:51pm August 9, 2009):

Two or my favorite authors have disappeared--Penelope Williamson (dropped by publisher) and Theresa Michaels (for unknown reasons.) This happened before the economy downturn and I do have some of their backlist to read. None of the authors I am currently reading have been affected yet. As Donna said thank goodness for the libraries.

Re: Mackenzie's Legacy (7:10pm July 26, 2009):

Another great topic Sandi! My favorited couple to find out about are Jamie and Clare from the Outlander series and fortunately another book will be out this fall. Clare and Tony from LLM's 'Look' trilogy I would love to find out about and Linda Howard's Blair/Wyatt books--would love another one to see how married life is working out for them. Also, Lex and Maggie from Evelyn Vaughn's Grailkeepers books and Valek and Yelena from the Study books deserve another look. I agree it is hard when a favorite character passes on in the on-going series but luckily these series keep us in touch with some of our favorites.

Re: Mr. Perfect (7:18pm July 12, 2009):

Hi Sandi, another good question. I have to agree about Mr. Perfect. It more than lived up to the hype! It was my first by Howard and is still my favorite. Another book for me that exceeded the hype was The Outsider by Penelope Williamson. I love the book and it is one of my all time favorite books.

Re: The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society (6:44pm July 5, 2009):

This is really a good topic Sandi. I agree with what someone said that a lot of authors get a lot of hype and their books don't live up to that hype. Or more likely they will have a new book coming out and on past performance it will get raves.
The book that I found did not live up to the hype was Susan Wiggs' book The Ocean Between Us. I know a lot of people loved and raved about this book but it did not do it for me. Sorry everyone who loved it! It was the first book I ever read by her and almost caused me not to read anymore but fortunely this year I read The Horsemaster's Daughter and loved it.

Re: A Thread Of Truth (1:48pm June 21, 2009):

Good question Sandi! Typos don't usually bother me but when there are a lot it will pull me out of the story. I read a book last year that had quite a few typos and it did ruin the flow of the story but luckily it was good enough that I kept reading. What bothers me more if poor writing which falls under poor editing IMHO. Choppy sentences or run-on sentences drive me nuts.

Re: Undead And Unwelcome (11:46am June 14, 2009):

Hi Sandi--another good question! I would like to meet Nora Roberts also and would probably be tongue-tied as well. Another author I would love to meet is Sheri Whitefeather. I have communicated with her by email and on her blog so I feel I wouldn't be as tongue-tied with her. Also, Catherine Mann, definitely.

Re: The Red Pony (7:09pm June 7, 2009):

I have always been a avid reader so reading the classics in high school was not a problem for me. Funny you mention Steinbeck--he is my all time favorite author! However, I never read East of Eden until several years ago when Oprah chose it. I love that book and will read it again someday. In college I took all the lit courses I could. The one that was the most interesting was World Lit where we read a lot of stuff I probably would not have chosen on my own. I have to say I read Hemingway in high school and college and could never get into his work. I'm not sure what is required reading anymore in school. I think kids have more of a choice.

Re: The Warrior (1:52pm May 24, 2009):

Sandi--Enjoy FOTR. I saw it years ago and it is a great show.
I keep a list of books to buy but have been known to buy one on impulse now and then. I am also a home sewer and I am an impulse buyer when it comes to fabric. I have been better in recent years mostly because my favorite fabric store closed and I don't go as often to the others. I did go yesterday and bought some fabric for grandkid pj's (on my list) but also bought some for myself.

Re: Behind The Shadows (1:21pm April 26, 2009):

Hi Sandi--first to answer your question about feelings when adding to the tbr mountain--I always feel elation when adding to it but some angst about all the ones already there. This does not last long. I do love buying books and use it as therapy. Shopping online for books is my passion now. If I go to a bookstore it is usually just to browse and find something to order online. If the bookstore has a sale or special table I do often find something to buy.

Re: The Promise (6:21pm April 21, 2009):

Another great question Sandi!I don't remember learning to read, I just always have done so. I know my mom read the little golden books to me but I don't remember a particular book until I read Black Beauty myself. I love reading to others--I read to my brothers, my students, my daughter and now my granddaughter. Books have been my joy and refuge my whole life and I am grateful for them. I don't know where I'd be without books!

Re: The Accidental Human (3:03pm April 13, 2009):

Hi Sandi--good topic! I buy books for the authors. I have been known to pick up a book if the cover catches my eye and read the blurb, maybe even buy if the story sounds interesting. For that reason I understnd why authors want good covers. Colorful covers appeal to me and ones with just the hero in the forefront and some smaller pictures behind. For instance I like the covers on the new Creed trilogy by Linda Lael Miller. I agree with others who are bothered by the characters not matching what they actually look like. I don't understand why that happens when the artists are given character descriptions.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter!
Mary

Re: The Accidental Human (11:30am March 30, 2009):

Hi Sandi--Since I've been reading a lot of Karen Rose books lately I would recommend her. She does write graphic violence which is not for everyone but the romance in her books is very intense and makes up for the violence. Enjoy Yvonne's visit!

Re: Summer On Blossom Street (12:46pm March 8, 2009):

Good topic Sandi! I do become involved with characters in many of the books I've read but usually move on and forget them after a few days. The Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon are an exception. I still remember so many of the characters and wish I could be part of their story and time. It has been a while since I finished the last book but a new one is coming in Sept. and I find myself wondering what Jamie and Claire, etc. will be up to. I also always enjoy returning to the J. D. Robb books and my favorite characters.

Re: The Secret Life of Bees (11:20am February 8, 2009):

Hi Sandi,
Good topic. I finally registered so I could comment!
I always like to read the book first. I've never found a movie that was better than the book it was based on. Some have come close but not many. Now I usually just decide to either read the book or see the movie, not both.
As far as Grisham books into movies--they are not as good as the books but I still like to watch them after I've read the books. I believe I heard that Grisham has never been satisfied with the movie versions.