April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Lynn Rettig

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180 comments posted.

Re: She Can Run (5:00pm November 29, 2011):

I'll read just about anything, except (for some unknown reason) hard-core Westerns. By "hard-core," I don't mean because of any sexual content, but more the "old style" westerns like Louis L'Amore, and other writers of his ilk. I have no idea why I'm not fond of them, but I'm not.

Well done romantic suspense is always a good find, and after reading the excerpt, this book has been added to my TBB list!

Unfortunately, that list is soooo long, there probably is NO way I'll ever get it cleared out!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Return Of The Stranger (2:48pm November 20, 2011):

Whoops! I'm sorry to sound like a copy editor here, and to drag out my red pen, BUT!! "Wuthering Heights is a novel by Emily Brontë published in 1847." (Wikipedia)

Otherwise, I enjoyed your post quite a bit. Personally, I've never really cared for the Brontés, whether singularly, or en masse, but that's my problem. If you can make their plots work better for me, you have my gratitude forever!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Highlander's Heart (7:11pm November 16, 2011):

It's just sooooo much more fun when it's the heroine torturing the hero!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Until There Was You (12:35pm November 16, 2011):

Not only was I one of "the invisible ones," I never did get to go to Prom. This book really touches places I'd thought were buried so deep, they would never again see the light of day!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Because Of You (1:57pm November 14, 2011):

This sounds like a really good book. I just wish this post had happened last Friday, on Veterans Day. It would have been so much more timely.

Later,

Lynn, the daughter of a vet.

Re: Knight of Runes (1:54pm November 14, 2011):

Being a big fan of the "Outlander" series, this book looks great to me. I do hope it's available in print, so I can find it in my local retailer (sadly, NOT my local Border's anymore!).

Later,

Lynn

Re: Shadowlander (2:36am November 12, 2011):

My favourite characters of all time always seem to be the ones in whatever I'm currently reading. So, since I'm reading a Stephanie Laurens right now, those Cynster characters are my favs.

And Peggy, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo all have FREE apps for your home computer, so you can read e-books there. Also, there's a chance the e-book would come as a pdf format, which is completely readable on a computer.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (1:30pm November 7, 2011):

Frankly, I'm finding it hard enough to start over in my hometown (which I've never left, except just for trips), even with a fairly strong support network of friends and family of choice. I haven't been able to find a job in over a year of searching, I'm living in someone else's house (basement, actually), and I'm at the point where I can't really keep asking my support network for help, because they are hurting too. That old saying about the Boomer Generation will have it better than their parents? Nope. Ain't gonna happen in my life, if the economy keeps up this way.

I truly can't (and don't want to) imagine having to do it somewhere I don't know anybody!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Darn Good Cowboy Christmas (11:45pm November 4, 2011):

Dear Santa,

If it pleases you, I would like a place of my own, with the right amount of money to keep it up and not to have to worry about paying bills, and to be able to get my life out of storage. Also, after that is taken care of, please grant me the wish of having enough to be able to give back to my family of choice. With the three women I consider sisters, I have 7 nieces and nephews, and I would dearly love to be able to set up education accounts for all of them, just to help, so that their parents don't have to worry about that looming expense.

After all, they have given me so much, and I haven't been able to give back enough, so please?

I promise to make the very best cookies you would find anywhere in the world, and put them under my tree if you could somehow see your way to help me out.

Oh, and in your spare time? Peace on earth would be icing on the cake!

Later,

Lynn, who fell in love with Carolyn's writing at the first words of "Hell, Yeah!", and has kept the love affair going throughout that quartet, but hasn't been able to afford any of her other books, but will buy them as soon as she is able!!

Re: A Maverick For Christmas (10:08am October 30, 2011):

Like Diane Brixius, I too have a network of friends who have supported me in the past, and continue to support me now. This is my family of choice, and I have found more love and caring goodness with them than I ever have found with my biological family. Quite frankly, I probably wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for these people!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Romancing The Countess (12:18pm October 28, 2011):

Like others here, reading romance novels set in England, especially in the Regency period, inspired me to visit some of those places when I got the chance to travel in Great Britain.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Ecstasy Untamed (12:13pm October 26, 2011):

How do you know that the Dupont Circle fountain ISN'T an entrance into the Fey world?!?!?

And when are you going to write your son's story of the magical ring?

Since I don't get to movies much, I have to go back in time for the most imaginative movie I've seen, and that was "Immortal Beloved." Kind of a bio-pic about Beethoven, but it answered the question as to who the lady was whom he loved. The one that music historians have never really been able to answer. They made a very plausible case for the answer, too!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Entice Me (12:04pm October 25, 2011):

Not having had good luck on the aforementioned dating sites (or ones similar to them), I can totally relate to a ite like Re-Match.com!! In fact, where do I sign up for it?!?!?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Unleashed (2:40pm October 10, 2011):

Unfortunately, wolves are still misunderstood, and being hunting close to the brink of extinction. There are some people who will never accept that wolves are, in general, good people.

As to which animal I"d choose? It would definitely be feline, whether it would be one of the "big" cats (cheetah, they're just so totally elegant!), or a "small" one (Maine Coon, just because!), depends on the context. But having been cat-owned all my life, I simply don't see myself any other way!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Roommates (3:01pm October 4, 2011):

Personally, I'm partial to the Celtic names, whether it's Scots, Irish, Cornish, Welsh, or Breton doesn't matter. They just resonate well with me.

And since I don't watch TV, I can't help out with any of those!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Baer Truth (2:54pm October 4, 2011):

My first reaction: Snort!!

My second reaction: Well, yeah. It works for friends of mine, so why wouldn't it work for a rancher and his lady?

My third reaction: I can't wait to get this book!

Later,

Lynn, hoping to win, but will buy it otherwise!!

Re: Chaos Tryst (5:27pm October 2, 2011):

How you managed not to lose it laughing so hard you fell off you chair, I do not know, but I certainly wouldn't have been able to!!

My worst date story was a set-up by a co-worker also. All she told me about him was that he was cute and liked Italian food, so when he contacted me, we agreed to meet a local Italian restaurant for lunch. I got neatly dressed up, skirt, heels, make-up, the works. Got to Portabello, and met the guy in front, and two major things wrong, right off the bat. First off, the place is closed - it wasn't serving lunch that summer, for some reason. Second, the guy was short. Now, I'm 5'5" on my bare feet, but with the heels I was wearing that day, I was closer to 5'8". The guy? Barely made to the middle of my bustline. And since I fall in the "well-endowed" category, it was fairly obvious that there wasn't going to be much eye-to-eye conversation going on!!

Needless to say, that date not only went nowhere, it ended before it began, essentially!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest (7:34pm September 26, 2011):

Colin Firth's character, when he was on the BBC series "Ballykissangel," was a brooder par excellence!!

And then any George Clooney hero that broods is fantastic, too!

One question, however. When Holt gives Sophie a swig of whiskey, is he giving whisky or whiskey? In other words, is she drinking what is known as "Scotch" everywhere but in Scotland (where it is properly know as "Whisky"), or is she drinking American whiskey?

Just curious, because to the best of my knowledge, Whiskey didn't exist in the London of the Regency period. It had barely gotten started over here!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Once Upon A Groom (12:14pm September 24, 2011):

I like to believe that Cinderella IS still relevant, even though everything around me tries to tell me she's not. There is just so much hope in her story that it HAS to be relevant!!

Happy Anniversary from me also!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Wedding Affair (4:33pm September 6, 2011):

You mean that there isn't a site called "Mini-Maids.com"?!? I would have thought for sure there would be. I mean, after all, there's a site for everything else!

Your doll-house is great!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Ward Against Death (1:57pm August 27, 2011):

My dream job is one that I find interesting and that pays well enough to allow me to do whatever else I please. without having to worry about whether or not I'll be able to pay all the bills from one month to the next.

The field is unimportant, as long as it's interesting to me.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Things We Cherished (2:13pm August 26, 2011):

As the daughter of a recently deceased WWII vet, I think we - society as a whole - and I - personally - read books like yours to help try to explain to ourselves just how and why a person or group of people could do what they did to another person or group of people. I also think we read them to get a better sense of what actually happened, and to try to make sure it never happens again.

On a trip to France some years ago, I found a way that people have been involved in the healing process since soon after the end of the war. In the province of Normandy alone, there are five German cemeteries. They are tended by a joint French-German group of volunteers drawn from the children of the former enemies. I found that a very rewarding and humbling thought - that if these former enemies can come together to tend those who died while under orders to kill the others, then there is hope, somehow, some way, for the rest of us.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Secrets: Desires Unleased (1:05pm August 25, 2011):

I was owned by a couple of black and white cats who both loved to pose. Any time they would see a camera in my hands (which, since I was taking a photography class was pretty often), they would start preening and posing and being too utterly cute for words. Those pictures keep them in my memories now, years later.

Many thanks for sharing your owner (Alf) with us!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Red's Hot Cowboy (1:25pm August 24, 2011):

Oh, yeah! Those tight faded jeans!! Le drool. Le pant. Le sigh.

Actually, the first books of yours I ever read was the "Honky Tonk" series, and I'm still not sure why the first in that caught my eye at my late lamented Border's. Whatever the reason, I'm sure glad it did, and you have become an auto-buy for me, whenever I can afford books!

Thanks for the contest!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Lucky Girl (3:20pm August 23, 2011):

I'd be willing to bet my first date wasn't much of a thrill for either myself or whomever it was I was with, since I can't remember anything about it! Can't remember much about my last date, for that matter! Oh, well.

However, if your Brit has a single twin brother that would like to move to Madison, however, ....

Love the black olive story!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Love Me Twice (1:56pm August 19, 2011):

I've got the rhythm, but I never get to dance. Too busy playing while everyone else dances! That's what I get for being a professional musician, I guess.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Desire and Deception (1:50pm August 19, 2011):

I agree with Vicki Batman - 4 champagne cocktails ought to do it!

Seriously, I feel that everyone has both sides of the story in their make-up, and that their upbringing will influence how they turn out as an adult, but there is still that measure of self-determination that will have the final say.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter (3:21pm August 10, 2011):

In general, happy endings are a very good thing, but every once in a while, they just don't work out like they should, no therefore, no HEA.

And sometimes, those books are the best books one reads in a long, long, time.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Only Mine (3:16pm August 10, 2011):

"It's a town with more men than women..." Huh? I thought it was the other way around! For sure, that's what I remember reading in one of the excerpts to the first book. (The PR woman was hired to publicize Fool's Gold's plight in a good way.)

Am I wrong, or remembering another series by someone else?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Making Waves (2:54pm August 9, 2011):

You had me at George Clooney, even though I haven't read the book! And I would pick Jason Alexander for the role of Jake. Not only does he fit the description, he can sing, too! (Not that that seems to be called for in the description, but I thought I'd just mention it.)

Later,

Lynn

Re: Pleating for Mercy (1:30pm August 5, 2011):

My first luxury hobby is traveling, preferably back to Europe! My second one is - wait for it - SEWING!! I spent four years working for a major fabric store chain back in the days when they really had fabric to sell (not like now, where the local store for that same chain is three-quarters crafts and one-quarter fabric!), and had myself quite the collection of fabric which, unfortunately, got damaged in moving and had to be discarded.

The book sounds great!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Full Moon Bride (1:23pm August 1, 2011):

Is a "kurti" the little shirt/top/thingie worn under the sari? I've always wondered what is was called. A friend has always promised to help me find a sari, but he's back in India now, and has probably forgotten his promise, since it was made on the fly.

I haven't been able to purchase any of your books yet, but they are all on my "To Be Bought" list, quite near the top. Not only have I found the excerpts on your website and in your newsletter fascinating, but another Indian friend (this one a woman) recommends them highly.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Notorious (1:48pm July 29, 2011):

For me, travel would be my form of rebellion, especially if someone else is footing the bill!

One quibble, however. From everything I've read on history, including and up through a good portion of Victoria's reign, the following statement is not valid: "Servant girls were paid off if they became pregnant." Everything I've read seems very clear that if a servant girl got pregnant, not only was she immediately laid off, she got no reference, and more often than not, her name was spread around the employment agencies as "undesirable," because, of course, she was the person at fault, seducing the men of the house, whether they be other servants or part of the family or visitors.

Later,

Lynn

Re: A Gentleman Never Tells (9:25pm July 26, 2011):

Another case of mis-coloured hair: I just finished reading a Judith McNaught book, and the inside front cover has the heroine with fantastic, long, wavy auburn hair. The description inside? Golden blonde, about shoulder blade length, but still wavy. Go figure.

Later,

Lynn (again)

Re: A Gentleman Never Tells (4:33pm July 25, 2011):

A reminder: Spell-check doesn't correct incorrect words (there for their), it just makes sure they are spelled correctly.

The cover with the extra hand is from one of Gwen Cready's books, I believe, and she found it funny after the fact. It has been corrected, however.

My favourite blooper was mentioned in another book group I belong to:

The heroine had just sneezed, and the hero "Pulled a handkerchief from his nose, and handed it to her." Yup, you read that correctly. From his nose. We all lost it for a while with that one!!

Personally, as a professional copy editor/proofreader, I find that I literally have to consciously turn off part of my brain to be able to read for fun. Luckily, I'm good at doing that!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Money Shot (12:09pm June 10, 2011):

Blast! It's naked HIPPIES and frisky MOOSES (MEECE?). Here I was hoping for frisky hippies and naked mooses (mice?)!! Oh, well.

Personally, for me, I usually need a fairly even balance of setting and dialogue. Oh, and plot, too! It can tip one way or t'other, but not too much, as long as it all works out at "The End."

Later,

Lynn

Re: Darkfire Kiss (2:48pm June 9, 2011):

Hey! Just because I'm in my fifties doesn't mean I don't read YA books!! And Zoë's story sounds just like something I'd like to read!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Heart of the Highland Wolf (1:08pm June 8, 2011):

Wouldn't a better question be "Why NOT Werewolves in Scotland?" ESPECIALLY in the Highlands and Islands!!

Oh, dear. Now I really want to go back!!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Darkest Sin (7:58pm June 1, 2011):

I play viola, and am a professional chamber musician, but I still am willing to play in orchestras every now and then.

I'd also like to hit the British Museum, the V & A, and if there was time, squeeze in Kew Gardens too! Yeah, if there's time. Who am I kidding?!?

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Darkest Sin (2:25pm June 1, 2011):

Concerts. Lots and lots of concerts. The London Philharmonic, London Sinfonia, Academy of St. Martin's in the Fields Chamber Orchestra, student and faculty recitals at the Guildhall and the Royal Academy of Music, ...... Can you tell I'm a musician?

I'd also like to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace again, and maybe this time, tour the Tower instead of heading straight for Harrod's. Of course, one MUST go to Hatchard's Booksellers!!

Thanks for a great contest!

Later,

Lynn

Re: SEALed Forever (9:57pm May 20, 2011):

Sigh. Ok, there went my book budget for the month. And you want to know what, uh, "sealed" the deal? The story about your friends dad, the WWII vet. My dad was one too, only Army (European Theatre), not Navy. He never talked about it much, but luckily it turns out that when our local Public Television station was doing a series about vets from different wars, he went in and did an interview. He died last July, and it's one of the last things I have from him, even though I haven't had the courage to watch it yet.

Thank you for that story. It brought my dad back for a few minutes.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Heart of Deception (8:21pm May 1, 2011):

Oh, yeah, HATS!! I have a couple which I call my "Southern Belle" hats, but I haven't had a chance to wear them recently. I do have a couple of friends who wear hats consistently, and I thoroughly enjoy guessing which one they will be wearing next. I'm usually wrong, by the way! I'll be traveling to Germany in June, and do plan to get a new "Jaeger Hatte" to replace the one I had, but that I fear has gotten lost in the multiple moves I've made in the last few years.

Both of your books sound completely thrilling to me, being a history fan, especially of the first half of the 20th century and the upheavals that the wars created.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Beauty Chorus (7:10pm April 17, 2011):

I just finished looking at the blog, and checking out the links in the posts there. Really, really interesting! I knew about the WAACs here in the US (Women's Auxiliary Air Corps), but it never occurred to me that there was an equivalent in the UK, and it should have. Sorry!

Anyway, this looks like a great book, and it is now on my TBB list, and as soon as I've bought it, it's hitting the TOP of my TBR pile!!

Thanks for telling their stories! It was way past time!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Haunting Desire (2:57pm April 6, 2011):

The Scandinavian equivalent of "Riastradh" is the "Berserker," one who goes mad in the heat of battle.

My favourite Celtic legends? Selkies, the lore of the Highlands and Islands, the Tuatha Dé Danann, and the like.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Shadow Guard (11:00am April 5, 2011):

I totally agree with Sue Farrell (above) regarding James Qwuilleran, but instead of Emerson, I want to see Ramses, from Elizabeth Peter's Peabody series. He really sounds like he fits the TDH requirements!! (TDH: Tall, Dark, Handsome!)

Jake is also on the wish list, as are the four men who marry the heroines in Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet (actually, ANY of her heroes!), Stephanie Lauren's heros, whether from the Cynster, Bastion, or Black Cobra series, or, or, or.....

It's a really, really looonnggg list I've got going, in case you didn't notice!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Angel's Verdict (2:43pm April 3, 2011):

I've read a lot of the "Inn at Hemlock Falls" series, and have thoroughly enjoyed them, especially on those occasions when a recipe got included!

Now I have to look out the :Dr, McKenzie" series, and this new one!! My poor bookshelves. They are overflowing, but in a good way!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Return Of Black Douglas (7:16pm April 1, 2011):

Personally, I can't see how anyone can think that history is boring!! There's always so much going on!

I had actually known most of that information regarding the Gaels and the Celts, and was somewhat aware of the Scots/Irish/Welsh connections.

Looking forward to this book.

Later,

Lynn

Re: A Lot Like Love (1:49pm March 24, 2011):

I think, in general, I prefer the slow burn. But then there are times when the instant attraction also works, especially when it's combined with the slow burn!!

As for what to pair a good read with, anything chocolate, anything ice cream, any good wine (for me, that would be a really, really nice Reisling TBA, possibly even an Eiswein if I could find/afford one!). They would all work for, although probably not all at the same time!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Angel Sister (6:43pm March 18, 2011):

Like Peggy Roberson above, my mother died of Alzheimer's about 3 1/2 years ago. And like your grandfather, both of mine were involved in WWI. Both of my parents grew up during the Depression, so this book feels almost eeriely familiar to me. It also sounds like a great read!

Ann, I apologize for hijacking your comments here for a second, but I'd like to say to Kai Wong, that if you aren't already doing this, PLEASE start recording the stories your mother tells about her life in WWII IMMEDIATELY!! Such a source of information is literally priceless! If you don't wish to keep the recordings after she has passed, then donate them to your State Historical Society (most likely connected to the flagship University in your state). Your doing this would provide historical researchers an unimaginably fantastic asset in telling the stories of what happened during that period.

Later,

Lynn

Re: A Taste of Seduction (12:10pm March 11, 2011):

When I had my hysterectomy last summer, I had a bit more time to prepare, and took piles of books with me (for an overnight stay!), but never thought of dreaming up a new charactor!! (I also didn't have a mom around to feed me the green leafies and liver!)

The book sounds very interesting, which means I'll have to go searching out your back-list. I hope they're out in print!

Later,

Lynn, waving "Hi!" to Molly!!

Re: Seducing The Governess (9:24am March 8, 2011):

I've always been interested, so reading historical fiction and/or romance was a no-brainer for me. And like you, I am prone to trying to find out more about the eras and locations the books I read are set in.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Animal Magnetism (1:23pm March 5, 2011):

I read the blog and started laughing, and then I thought, "Hey! I've got to go to the grocery this evening!!" So, we'll see what happens!

Anyway, the book sounds really good, so I'll have to start looking for it.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Scandal of the Year (1:03am March 4, 2011):

Personally, I don't think I'd go for the black diamond run, but then again, I don't ski. I'm more than ready to get the car windows open, however!

Both of these books sound very interesting, as do the "Girl-Batchelor" series. I haven't read any of your books yet (just some excerpts), but you've been on my TBB list for a while, waiting for the budget to come around and give me some spending money.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Wicked Seduction (12:29pm March 2, 2011):

I think everyone is crazy/possessed to a certain extent. Some people just more so than others. You fall into the latter category. But since you are able to share it with us, I'm not going to worry about your sanity. I'd rather you stay the way you are!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Against the Law (11:11am March 1, 2011):

Since you're on my "Must Buy" list of authors (when the budget allows for it!), getting the chance to win ANY of your books is a "must-enter" for me!!

I can't remember the first book of yours I read, but I do know that they all have stayed on my keeper shelf!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: His, Unexpectedly (8:14pm February 25, 2011):

In my family, if we ever wanted to visit relatives, it involved a road trip. I still enjoy getting out on the road and just going somewhere, ANYWHERE!!

I've traveled around the US, and a good portion of Western Europe, and the British Isles by car, and I wouldn't have missed a one of those trips for anything.

Later,

Lynn

Re: His Daughter... Their Child (6:56pm February 22, 2011):

I wasn't popular in HS either, and like Peggy, was very much involved in music, also in the orchestra (I'm a violist, still playing), but also in choir (still singing, but in a much lower range!). I was also a "Special Student" at the UW in my senior year, playing in two orchestras there and taking lessons, all of which left me next to no time outside of school things for a HS social life. Besides all that, most of my friends in HS were either a year or two ahead of me or a year or two behind me, so I have very little interest in attending any of my HS reunions, and have yet to do so, even with my 36th coming up this year.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Bitten in the Bayou (9:10pm February 20, 2011):

Of the modern ones: Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. (Most of what I've seen recently hasn't been romantic comedy!)

Of the classics: ALL of them!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Beneath The Night Tree (6:14pm February 19, 2011):

I thought I'd found my one & only years ago, but it didn't work out. I've also found that since then, I've (usually unconciously, but sometimes conciously) measured every man I've been involved with by him. I'm still single, needless to say. It's quite hard to turn something like this off, especially when you don't really realize you're doing it. I've wondered over the years what has happened to him, but haven't had the guts, courage, or will to Google him to try to find out, even though I'm very curious!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Lucky Stiff (11:17am February 15, 2011):

Since we all have our own ways of dealing with reality, I have no problem with spending my time with my imaginary friends, whether between the covers of a book, or them telling me their stories and making me write them down. I'm with Christina on this: Really, who DOES need reality?!?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Breaking the Rules (10:42pm February 12, 2011):

Add to the list the Harvey Wallbanger, which is basically whiskey (do NOT use the good single malt!!) and orange juice, although I've also had it as a whiskey/Orange Julius combination, which was totally yummy!

Later,

Lynn, who'll see you at the party Monday!

Re: Society's Most Disreputable Gentleman (1:51pm February 9, 2011):

I can't think of any female friends of mine that don't appreciate a "Bad Boy" for what he is. Some of them even married theirs! I'm not sure if I'd go that far, but I'd certainly enjoy him while it lasted!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Irish Princess (9:39pm February 1, 2011):

I totally agree with Peggy Roberson! This book is going right to the top of my TBB list, and I plan on enjoying it right around the 17th of March (the middle of my Spring Break from classes).

Later,

Lynn

Re: Burning Darkness (4:20pm January 31, 2011):

Egregious stupidity that leads to a betrayal of trust. Also acts of violence against animals and children.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Werewolf Upstairs (2:31pm January 28, 2011):

While we haven't had any power outages this year, our furnace has run out of oil once. Thank god for my heated mattress pad and books to read!! I was able to miss most of it by getting out of the house and going somewhere else, but on a weekend, those options are more limited than they are during the week.

And I totally agree with Sue Farrell above: A MEGA-Thanks to all the authors who help keep me sane and functioning and laughing and crying and dreaming, and, and, and ......

Later,

Lynn

Re: At Hidden Falls (3:52pm January 25, 2011):

My late grandmother, who had been a kindergarten/1st grade teacher, taught my brother and I how to read before we were even admitted to Kindergarten, and I've been reading ever since. I won't bore you by saying how long that has been, but I will say that outside of all the different fiction genres I read, history is probably my favourite subject!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Pleasure Me (5:52pm January 14, 2011):

Like so many others, getting lost in the story, and not wanting to put it down when I reach the end of the book. Having read some of your other works, I'm just going to have to wait on tenterhooks until I can get my hands on this one!! It's TOO long until March!!!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Wicked Seduction (5:15pm January 11, 2011):

OMG! Too funny!! Although I must admit, I totally do the same types of things when on a deadline for my classes! I find myself spending almost every available moment in the studio, whether ceramic or photographic, and I don't eat well, don't sleep well (sleep, what's that?), don't get laundry done until absolutely forced to (i.s., the last pair of jeans is walking around the bedroom by itself), and so on.

I don't give anyone free access to my purse because for one thing, there usually isn't anything in it worth giving, and for another, I don't have anyone to give it to, but otherwise, yeah. I've don't a lot of those things.

Later,

Lynn, laughing away!

Re: I Dream of Genies (4:33pm January 5, 2011):

Since I really enjoyed the first two of your Mer trilogy (that I somehow managed to win somewhere - THANK YOU!), I still need to get the third one of it, and then get this one too! I really do enjoy your writing!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Dark Angel, The Chosen, Soulmate (2:19pm December 30, 2010):

SJ Day's "Marked" series, Karin Tabke's "Blood Sword" series; Karin Harlow's "L.O.S.T." Series (second book due out either real soon or just came out, I can't remember which); Nikki Duncan's "Sensory Ops" series; Cathryn Fox's "Impulsive" and "Instinctive"; any- and everything by Shayla Black, Sylvia Day, Livia Dare, Emma Lang, Beth Williamson, Shiloh Walker, Mackenzie McKade, and Sasha White.

That will keep you busy reading for a day or two. Of course, you won't get anything else done, but who cares? You're reading again!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Gemini Night (9:50pm November 27, 2010):

Having started a fairy tale for my niece as a assignment for a german class a couple of years ago (~100 - 150 words; it's now up to 6 pages, single-spaced, with 1/2 inch margins, and still growing!), this column seems to be very timely for me. I need to go back and take my killer red pen to it. Then I need to finish it (complete with killer red pen marks), and translate it into the german it was originally supposed to be in.

Hmmm. It begins to sound like way too much work. Maybe I'll read your books instead!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Holiday Sparks (2:24pm November 26, 2010):

It makes me feel that there is still a chance for romance for me, somewhere out there, probably standing in my favourite chocolate shop, looking at the handmade truffles and deciding to buy me a box! Oh, well. I can dream, can't I?

As for pie, French Silk does it for me.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Casting About (9:23pm November 8, 2010):

Mostly a reader, but once in a very great while, I'll write something for my own enjoyment. For instance, I had an assignment in a german class I took a few years ago to write a 100-word short story. We could write it in english and then translate it, which is how I started. 2 1/2 years later, it's still not finished, but is well past the 100-word count. almost 7 pages. single-spaced, to be exact. It's a combination of fairytale (sort of) and real people that I know and love reacting to the side effects of music (sort of).

So, I guess for me, it can go either way, but I kind of prefer fiction, especially historical, because I learn about the period and am entertained at the same time!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Mr. Darcy's Obsession (5:58pm October 27, 2010):

I have read P&P, along with most of her other books, and I'm still not sure if I liked them. Even though I love reading books set in the Regency era-area, say 1780 - 1830, I found hers very difficult to get into.

But I'm just glad to know that someone from my hometown (and current town) is making it big!! Go Badgers!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Pinned for Murder (5:50pm October 27, 2010):

"They become our friends. Friends we root for, friends we yell at, friends we seek out every six to twelve months simply because we miss them.

Reading really doesn’t get any better than that."

You're right. It really doesn't!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Dangerous To Know (5:52pm October 25, 2010):

Yes, Normandy is indeed beautiful, especially if you get on to the back country roads along the coast. I was there a few years ago, and luckily still have all my photos from there.

Did you try the Cider too? I know that you can get it over here, along with some of the cheeses, but not enough of them, unfortunately!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Crossing the Lion (4:52pm October 23, 2010):

"John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt"?!?!? My god, woman! I haven't heard that song title in forever! Now you've got it running through my brain!! Well, there went the afternoon, I guess.

As for working at home, yes, it's easy to get distracted, but you've got the right idea as to how to get around the distractions - your lists. I'm not sure that would work for me, but I have also found that when I get engrossed in something, I lose all notion of time, and usually only surface when I just can't put off going to the bathroom any longer! That usually ends my day, because it has been as long as eight hours sometimes!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Catching Moondrops (4:31pm October 17, 2010):

Fireflies in December

Later,

Lynn

Re: Highland Hellcat (1:57pm October 17, 2010):

Let's see now. I like a little coffee in my cream and sugar, and I like herbal teas, and yes, I too have a cabinet stuffed full of them!

When drinking soda, I'm most definitely a Pepsi girl, especially if I can get my hands on the Pepsi Throwback! Otherwise, my sodas of preference are the Sierra Mist in all three flavours, although I prefer the Ruby Mist version (with extra grapefruit flavour). I can't drink any diet sodas because I'm allergic to the artificial sweeteners, so I just try to keep my soda consumption low.

Hot cocoa, cider (hot, cold, or hard) are also favourites, and though it sounds weird, every once in a while I get this desperate craving for a Nestle's Quik Strawberry flavoured glass of milk, so I keep a canister of the mix in the cabinet with my teas.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Secret History Of The Pink Carnation (3:35pm October 12, 2010):

I was kind of wondering which Cambridge she was talking, but I'm guessing it's the original, on the other side of the pond? Especially the one in Massachusetts doesn't have too many cobblestones left!

However, I have read one of the earlier books in this series, and really enjoyed it, and will be picking the others up sooner or later, for future enjoyment!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Sazerac Seduction (7:56pm October 10, 2010):

My former fiancée is still my dream man, even though I haven't seen him since we split. Tall (~6 ft.), medium brown hair in a shag cut (hey, we're talking mid-70's here!), blue eyes, square jaw-line, nice body (really nice where it really counted!), etc. I have no idea as to what he is doing now or where he is, so he'll just have to remain a dream.

So, in his place, I'd take Gerard Butler and/or Roarke.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Seducing The Duchess (8:45pm October 6, 2010):

I only get "The Look" when I'm buying an erotic romance at the bookstore, and it's a guy running the register (I was going to say "checking me out", but that would count as wishful thinking!). I ignore it, or give him "The Look" right back. That usually surprises them, and they stop it.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Until Emie (12:21pm September 28, 2010):

Diane has it right - that's the sexiest man alive! But uniforms do have their place in the listings.

Case in point:
Sunday morning, a closed bout for my Roller Derby league. Our insurance requires that there are EMTs and an ambulance on hand at EVERY bout. The two that came this ambulance? Well, I'll be polite and just say that if they had had to run to take care of an emergency, the emergency would be over and done with before they got there. Talk about out of shape? And even worse, it was a man and a woman, and the WOMAN was in worse shape than the man!!

Monday morning:
I'm at one of the buildings on the UW campus, when I hear sirens, and lo and behold, here come both an ambulance and a fire truck to park at the side of the building. Turns out, a girl started having seizures during a class, and 911 was called (rightfully so). I was going in to one part of the building when they were coming out, so I helped hold the doors. Talk about a difference in physical shape and readiness!!

Why such a big difference between Sunday's and Monday's uniforms? The following is my personal guess, but I'm also guessing it's probably correct. Sunday's people were private contractors, and most likely don't have to meet certain physical standards for their company. Monday's folks were city employees, and not just EMTs/Paramedics, but firefighters to boot. Good physical shape is high on the required list for that job.

Which would I rather have to rescue me if I needed it? Take a wild guess! Those were truly sexy-looking dudes!! (And yes, we DO have female firefighters/EMTs/Paramedics here in Madison, but they weren't on that call. However, the UW Policeman there was pretty sexy in her own right!!) (Can you tell I HATE being PC?)

Ok, what that had to do with today's topic, I'm not really sure, except for there can sometimes be a HUGE difference between the uniforms that we think are sexy, and the reality behind those uniforms.

Later,

L

Re: One Touch of Scandal (5:52pm September 26, 2010):

Oh, and by the way - if peach cobbler and apple pie count as fruit, than vanilla ice cream is an herb!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: One Touch of Scandal (4:02pm September 26, 2010):

OK, I'll admit I read the title of this blog as "Can I Borrow Your Crisis?" in the FF box at the bottom of the page it was on. Then I couldn't figure out what baking and Stuart had to do with crises, or the borrowing of them thereof. Finally, I read the blog. Ah! Enlightenment is a wonderful thing!!

So for me, my reward list includes books (either reading new ones, or acquiring new ones), chocolate, baking for friends (and yes, I DO love parchment paper - I buy it multiple boxes at a time!), and pedicures. The last is for those super-special rewards, of course.

I am currently not cat-owned (not necessarily by choice, my lease doesn't allow them), but as soon as I'm somewhere I can have them, I will get two rescue darlings and be utterly content. As long as I have my books, chocolate, parchment paper, pedicures, etc., etc., etc.....

Later,

Lynn

Re: Love Me (4:40pm September 24, 2010):

Either or neither, depending on the book. Actually, it's the title, back blurb, and inside cover excerpt that get my attention first, and they are what influence my buying choice much, much more than the cover. Having said that, I'd probably give the solitary hunk the edge, if it's a toss-up otherwise.

And like so many others, it's the real thing all the way for me, as I don't own an e-reader, and don't like reading books on the computer, although I have been known to do it in a pinch.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Uptown (9:50pm September 15, 2010):

Having grown up in the times where authors didn't have their picture on the back (or anywhere else) of the paperback, I never knew the race of the authors of the books I read, unless it was extremely obvious because of the name, which usually would have had an oriental/eastern spelling I would struggle to pronounce, give up on, read the book, and usually enjoy it. Did I care the author was not white? No. Did it occur to me to care? Again, no. Why should it have? The books were well written, engaged me, made me think and let me escape to a different world, and that was what mattered then, and still does now.

The reason I now knowingly read books by women authors who also happen to be black is if their picture is on/in the book I'm reading, or what is more likely, they've been featured here on FF, with a picture, and an excerpt which grabbed my attention, and got me out to the bookstore to buy the book. Did the fact that they are women authors who are also black matter? No. What matters to me, no matter the race, gender, orientation, whatever of the author is good writing. That's my criteria for a book purchase, and nothing else.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Burning Up (9:04pm September 15, 2010):

I guess I'd consider myself a life-long romance reader, with a break in the middle. Like Diana above, I' have always read just about anything I got my hands on. My first romances were Barbara Cartlands (gasp!), but fairly quickly, her heroines drove me up a wall. (Although I must admit, her heroines are a heck of a lot better than some of the Harlequin ones available today!) Then I found Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt in her many names, and others. Living in a major university city guaranteed good bookstores (still does!), and having both parents be librarians at the main research library on our campus (which just happened to include all the "literature" books, some of which really shouldn't have been classified as such, but were!), well, that just put me in seventh heaven!! It also expanded my reading horizons far beyond what was expected of me at school, which always disconcerted my teachers, since I was always reading well above my grade level!! It didn't hurt that my grandmother had been an elementary school teacher and taught me to read before I got to Kindergarten!

I'm still reading today, in many genres, including romance. I can't pick a single one, I like them all to much to have to choose!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Don't Cry (11:20am August 23, 2010):

In my opinion, the only "out of control TBR pile" is one that only has 1 or 2 books left in it!! I'm proud to say that mine is nowhere near out of control!! And yes, I do keep buying books when I can afford them (thank god for those Border's coupons!). I certainly don't want to find myself in the position of nothing to read but the cereal box (already read it!)!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Star Necklace (10:33am August 17, 2010):

Austria being one of my favourite countries, I just have to comment! Yes, public nudity is accepted over there, unlike in this country. Not only did I find it totally enjoyable (yes, I DID look!), but I also participated, as far as I was able to (changing out of the swimsuit bottom into a towel).

It's a lovely country, and the people are some of the nicest I ever met when traveling in Europe. I'd go back in a heartbeat!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Hell, Yeah (1:31am August 11, 2010):

I completely LOVED "I Love This Bar", and the only reason I haven't gone out and bought "Hell, Yeah!" is budgetary, but hopefully, that will change soon. Of course, winning it would be super (hint, hint), but no matter what, I'm gonna own that book AND the following two, come hell or high water!!

Thanks for the great interview!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Such A Pretty Face (1:45am August 6, 2010):

Sorry, that should have read "in a BOOK classified as ..." I get a little excited when someone writes about derby where I least expect to see someone writing about derby.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Such A Pretty Face (1:43am August 6, 2010):

Wow! Someone actually put Roller Derby in a probably classified as "Woman's Fiction"?!?!? Way to go!! I'll go looking for it just for that! Derby ROCKS!!

Later,

Lynn, aka "Boxy, The Box Officer, of the Mad Rollin' Dolls, Madison, Wisconsin.

Re: The Goddess of Fried Okra (12:26pm August 3, 2010):

All of my women friends (which includes my Roller Derby League!) are important to me. Having had some really bad times recently with a death in the family, they have all been there to help support me and give me the strength I needed to go on with life and begin to live again.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Monster in Miniature (1:19pm July 30, 2010):

Personally, I make it easy on myself. I simply shelve EVERYTHING in author alpha order, regardless of genre or classification. As a former librarian, and the daughter of two librarians, how else COULD I shelve it?!?!?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Tomb With A View (12:21pm July 21, 2010):

Yes, I do believe in ghosts. There's too many things that are unexplainable to not believe.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Moonshine (12:10pm July 21, 2010):

You're right! Stephanie Plum wouldn't be anywhere as interesting without Lula!! In fact, I sometimes find myself enjoying Lula more than anyone else in that series!

Sidekicks/BFFs/Sisters/whatever you want to call them can sometimes be the only thing that helps you make it through the day. I know - I've been there in the last week or so, and wouldn't have made it through without them.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Suck It, Wonder Woman! (6:37pm July 17, 2010):

Guys stand in line for women?!? Not that I've ever seen!

Actually, this does sound like a fun book. I'd never heard of her, so it'd be worth checking it out.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Fortunate Harbor (12:11pm July 15, 2010):

I picked up "Happiness Key" last week or so (thank you for that lovely coupon, by the way!), but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I plan on getting "Fortunate Harbor" soon. I hadn't known about the fried oysters, though. That just might be a deal-breaker!! Just kidding, I just can't stand oysters, and me half-Mississippi Gulf Coast!

I've read a couple of your previous books (in the quilting series), and they have kept me coming back to your work. Your feel for the difficulties between generations is phenomenal!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: To Conquer a Highlander (2:35am July 14, 2010):

Dryer lint comes in a colour other than dingy grey?!? Not mine!!

Let's see. I collect cookbooks, especially those pertaining to chocolate; "regular" books, that is, books one just sits and reads, but since I do that with cookbooks, I don't bother making any distinction between them; food/travel writers - MFK Fisher, Jan Morris, James Beard, and others; maps - I love to travel, and tend to rent a car when I'm in Europe, so a map or two (or three, four, five ....) are necessities! I also like jewelry, just about anything cat-oriented (since my lease doesn't allow pets, I have to go with the substitutes!), baking equipment (which DOES get used!), interesting cookware, Majolica/Faience/similar types of pottery, kitchen gadgets.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Her Sheik Protector (10:02pm July 1, 2010):

Of the books I can reach on my keeper shelf (it's overflowing, as I suspect every dedicated reader's is!), none of the first lines grab me as well as the Cindy Gerrard one you pulled. The mental visuals of that one are just fantastic!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Summer Sanctuary (10:09pm June 27, 2010):

I can't believe that "A Wrinkle in Time" is on the banned list!! It's a classic case of good vs. evil, albeit with an astrophysics twist! A lot of the others I knew about, and don't agree with, but then again, I don't agree with banning books at all, no matter the content. If you disagree with the content, don't read it. It's that simple. It's also that complicated, given the need that some people have to control other people's lives, which includes their ability to read whatever they choose to read (something I still don't understand).

What makes someone think they have that right? Why do people still let it happen? It's no-one's business but my own what I choose to read, or not read, for that matter. I'd probably smack anyone who tries to tell me I can't read Madeline L'Engle, who happens to be one of my favourite authors, or Steinbeck, or Mark Twain, or any of the other authors on that list. Admittedly, there are some on it I wouldn't read anyway, but again, that's MY business, no-one else's.

Later,

Lynn

Re: I Love This Bar (8:47pm June 3, 2010):

If I slipped and a cowboy like Jared landed on me, I think my first reaction would be, "Oof!", and my second one would be, "Hot Damn! I'm FINALLY getting lucky!"

Anyway, the excerpt was great, but even without it, I'd be putting this set on my To Be Bought list just because of the titles!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Blown Away (4:18pm May 30, 2010):

Like most of the others, I prefer to read triologies (or quartets [Nora's Brides, or Stephanie Laurens' Black Covra]) in the order published and all at once, but that doesn't always work for me. Especially since the fourth of Nora's Brides isn't coming out until fall!! I just finished the third one, and passed it on to my friend (she'll give it back, don't worry!). The one thing I really didn't like about it? No recipes! As a baker myself, I would love to get recipes for some of the cakes described, but I'm sure that won't ever happen.

However, back to series and connected books. Whenever possible, I like to read them as a group, in order. I have found a group that I haven't been able to do that with, however, but it really doesn't matter, since there is so much inter-connectedness in it. It's Lynn Kurland's group of books, which feature people from both sides of the pond, multiple eras (but mostly 20th century, and mediaval to Elizabethan), all with three primary male charactors who are ghosts based in an inn and who are inter-related over the centuries of their existence. Yes, I know I'm not describing it well, but there are at least 8 - 10 books, some of which are series, but all are connected. There is a new one currently out, and I may just be using my new Border's coupon to go get it later today.

What I really need is a house big enough for all my books, a photography darkroom, a music room (with a good German Steinway for chamber music), and time to get all my books in order to see what I'm missing in all the series that I love so I can fill in the blank spots on the shelves. Wishful thinking, indeed!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Sex And The Single Earl (3:22pm May 19, 2010):

As one born and bred in a mid-sized city (about 220,000 currently), but with relatives in smaller cities and towns, I find that my city holds the best of all sizes. My neighbourhood knows (and likes) me, and there's a lot to do in terms of events. Personally, I can't see myself ever living anywhere else, although I love to visit small towns when traveling.

I like books set just about anywhere, so in this case, for once, size doesn't matter!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Small Change (9:00pm May 16, 2010):

I haven't read this book, but I'm lucky. My best girlfriend is my sounding board for money questions like "Can I afford it?". So, it would be great to see how someone else sees it.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Chasing Perfect (5:49pm April 29, 2010):

I should have added that all my moves were within Madison. (See previous message.)

Later,

Lynn

Re: Chasing Perfect (5:47pm April 29, 2010):

I live in a mid-sized city (Madison, WI), with easy access to country areas and small towns nearby. I've moved 8 times in my life, all within the last 4 years (3 in one summer!).

Personally, I'm a bit more of a city girl than a small town girl, but I appreciate the differences between the two, and have sometimes found that small towns have amenities that cities lack.

Later,

Lynn

Re: My Own Personal Soap Opera (1:05am April 8, 2010):

OMG, what a great post!! It sounded just like a late cellist friend (a Brit, of course!)! So, just out of curiousity, what do you play?

Later,

Lynn R., a violist and chamber musician

Re: An Earl to Enchant (5:35pm March 31, 2010):

"Dave? Dave's not here!" Cheech & Chong, one of their earlier movies, I don't remember which one. It came up in a conversation the other day, in a place I would have never expected it to happen!

Also, "Keep turning left!", the universal Roller Derby slogan.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Almost Home (2:10pm March 24, 2010):

Yes. Basically, if I've been anxiously waiting for the next book in a series, I'll take it any way I can get it. Otherwise, paper is fine, whether it's a TB or an MMB, which do fit in my purse better than the TB's do, I must admit!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Forget Me Not (7:17pm March 16, 2010):

Whimsy is not only a good thing, it's essential!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Stolen Crown (12:30pm March 16, 2010):

I still think that Shakespeare gave Richard III a bum rap. There's enough historical evidence there (if one digs deep and hard enough) to prove that he was as much a victim as the two princes he was regent for.

Having said that, this does sound like an excellent book. On to the TBB list with it!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Mane Squeeze (6:31pm February 27, 2010):

I'm one of those who would read the back of the cereal box if nothing else is available. Since I'm also a student, my "work" reading tends to be text books, which are sometimes VERY difficult to slog through. That's why my "fun" reading tends to be all over the map. About the only thing I don't read is classic Westerns (Louis L'Amour & co.), and some of the sci-fi genre. These just don't appeal to me very much. (I prefer the sci-fantasy a la Anne McCaffery better than sci-fi.)

Otherwise, if it has an interesting blurb and cover (not quite as necessary as the blurb), I'm likely to read it!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Cowboy Trouble (5:01pm February 26, 2010):

COrrection: That question should have read: "Is it an organic, free-range chicken farm?"!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Cowboy Trouble (4:59pm February 26, 2010):

ANy book that starts with a line like "A chicken will never break your heart." has got my immediate attention! I just have one burning question: Is it an organic chicken farm? (Sorry! Couldn't resist!)

Later,

Lynn

Re: Take Me If You Dare (1:35am February 24, 2010):

Well, of all the films you listed, I've only seen "Inglorious Basterds", and my only statement is if the war had really gone that way, a lot fewer people would have died, and it would have been a couple of years shorter! Great premise, and nowhere near as bloody as my girlfriend had thought it was going to be (even though she hid her eyes a couple of times!).

My choice for top in all the fields? "Whip It!" Roller derby rocks, even on a banked track!! And Barrymore did a good job both directing and doing her own actual skating. It shows a pretty accurate account of the Derby life, on the track, at least. Most of the rest of it is just Hollywood fluff, but the skating is pretty close to the real deal. Yeah, it's not up for any awards, but overall, it is a pretty good and authentic movie about Derby, and it's nice to be properly represented for once by Hollywood.

Later,

Lynn, aka Boxy, The Box Officer, Mad Rollin' Dolls, Madison, Wisconsin

Re: The Edge of Winter (1:46pm February 21, 2010):

As usual, I was beat to the punch. Lisa Kleypas' Wallflower series are the first "season" books that come to mind. I know I have more out there, I just can't think of them on my lazy day!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Betrayal Of The Blood Lily (5:22pm February 20, 2010):

Like you, I tend to curl up with a book or three or ten. My comfy spot is my bed.

I just finished the second of the Black Cobra quartet, and am just waiting on the last two of the group. It'll be interesting to see what Ms. Laurens has for us when this series is finished!

I've only had the opportunity to read excerpts of the Carnation series, and have enjoyed them immensely, which of course means that I'll be hitting the bookstore for them at some point in the near future.

More snow is coming down even as I type, and I've got books piled up, begging to be read, so I'm off!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Chick with a Charm (6:59pm February 19, 2010):

"Eve’s her own person . . . um . . . her own cat." You had right at the beginning there! They definitely are people, in my book (so to speak!). I have been cat-owned most of my life, but my current lease doesn't allow any animals, so I have to depend on friends cats (and dogs, in a pinch) for my cat "fixes."

For those of you with allergies (or with family members with allergies), I just learned about a cat breed that doesn't have the dander that causes the allergies. It's a Siberian, and looks like a Maine Coon cat, only bigger and with longer fur. Nicolai is eight months old, and was just adorable at our dinner party the other evening. He made sure he got the (you'll pardon the expression) lion's share of the attention! I have NEVER seen a cat with fur this long, and I've had long-hairs in my life, including one who was part Maine Coon. Nico's tail fur alone, unfuzzed (as in when he would be mad or scared), was at least about 8 inches from side to side!! He was just too cute for words!!

So, yes, in belated response to your question, I am a cat person.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Ordinary World (7:58pm February 15, 2010):

Considering that there are three basic varieties of twins (identical, mirror, and fraternal), my first question wouldn't be about ESP or special connections, but as a fan of elegant science fiction writing, what are some of your brother's titles?

You and your brother seem to be a kind of combination of mirror and fraternal twinage. Personally, I've always felt that those who were twinned were luckier than me, but friends who were twins have said that it wasn't all it's cracked up to be. Others swear that they simply couldn't imagine life without their twin. In other words, they are all just like the rest of the non-twinned world!

All in all, a very interesting post. Thanks!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Tragedy At Two (6:51pm February 9, 2010):

Hmmm. I hadn't known of your Round Ringford series, so it looks like I have to make even more trips to the bookstore! It, and your new detective series, are both types of books I like.

Thanks!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Catch Of A Lifetime (5:22pm February 2, 2010):

Since I was lucky enough to win the first two books in this series (PLEASE say it'll be more than a trilogy!!), I won't hold out too much to win "Catch of a Lifetime", much as I'd like and appreciate it! The first two were great! I spent the entire weekend when reading them not just smiling, but downright laughing out loud. A lot!! They were so finny!!! (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Anyway, having had worked with a choral conductor at university who absolutely loved bad puns, I simply totally enjoyed myself with "In Over Her Head" and "Wild Blue Under".

Many thanks for them both!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Secret Of Joy (8:55pm January 28, 2010):

I agree with Susan, and I hope everything has gone as well as possible with you and your half-sister.

I don't think it's likely happen in my family, though, and I certainly don't have the talent to turn something like that into an interesting book like you did!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Forbidden Heat (2:01pm January 27, 2010):

I've seen your books on the shelves at my local Border's, but hadn't yet bought any. After reading this, I most definitely will be shopping there in the next few days! It's always interesting to hear how people do their research for their books!!

Loved the videos, especially the cat one (being cat-owned, that was a no-brainer!).

Later,

Lynn

Re: Forbidden Falls (2:32pm January 17, 2010):

I just joined the miniature technical world yesterday, when I got my first MP3 player. I have no idea as to how to load any music onto it. My friends will have to teach me that. Otherwise, I have a MacBook Pro laptop, and a cell phone. When it comes to taking pictures, I stick with the old-fashioned B&W film, and do all the work myself. The only digital camera I own is the one in my phone, and that's how I plan on keeping it.

I don't have an iPod, nor a SmartPhone, and don't plan on changing my phone, although I may get an iPod at some point in time. It depends on whether I can download stuff from iTunes to my MP3 or not.

Ain't teknologie grand?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Twenties Girl (6:09pm December 26, 2009):

The British Isles, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Canada (not all of it, sorry!). I've been to a lot of these, but not Australia or New Zealand yet (cross fingers, knock on wood!), or the eastern and western coasts of Canada, or the parts along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Since I love to travel, having books in places I've been to and loved and would go back to in a heartbeat if I could afford it really helps with the wanderlust.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (6:19pm December 19, 2009):

I'm with Karin. Both of them for sure. They both saved the world in their own way, so how can we, those who it was saved for, choose between them?

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (10:23pm December 18, 2009):

Your grandmother was definitely a keeper!! I hope you got the recipe box, and found more poems like the one you shred with us there! Thanks you for the great memory.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Rainwater (5:26pm December 13, 2009):

I agree with Sara Reyes, in that anything set before 1950 is historical. Since I was born at the end of the 50's, this era is my cut-off point for period settings.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Searching For Pemberley (12:25pm December 4, 2009):

I have found that talking to myself guarantees a good conversation at places and times where one normally wouldn't find it. I also do it when in the darkroom, printing photos. There however, it can be a drawback, as others in there with you naturally assume you're talking to them!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Take Me For A Ride (6:09pm November 25, 2009):

My story is more along the lines of fixing someone else's problem. The family cookie recipe that my grandmother gave my mother calls for "1 quart" of flour, which to my mother was 4 cups. Her cookies were always hard as rocks. Gramma's were perfect. Then one time when we were visiting the grandparents, us kids convinced (read: nagged) Gramma into making the cookies. My mother came into the kitchen just as she was measuring out the "1 quart" of flour, and when she was done, my mother pointed out that she only had 3 cups, not 4. You guessed it. My great-grandmother's "quart" was three cups, not four, and my mother never made the cookies again. Out of desperation, I began baking them, and have been the family baker ever since.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Wild Blue Under (2:59pm November 9, 2009):

I just made the mistake of reading this during a discussion in my ceramics class. I was extremely hard-pressed not to fall off of my chair laughing!! OMG, I simply HAVE to get these books!!!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: What The Duke Desires (1:43pm October 29, 2009):

Don't forget Lynn Kurland's series (sorry, I can't remember any of the titles right now) that combines families from different time periods on both sides of the pond. Or rather, the modern family is from America, and all of the other inter-related families are in England/Scotland/France, in time periods ranging from the end of the Crusades to the Regency period (I believe). And Stephanie Laurens Bastion Club series is a kind of family, in that all the men consider themselves brothers because of their war experiences. Her new series, The Black Cobra quartet, brings both groups together (even more than they already were), and might, unfortunately, be the end of the Cynsters series, too.

Have fun at the zoo!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Santa Honey (9:59pm October 24, 2009):

I am firmly in the corner of those wanting the actual book in my hands, not an e-reader. However, it's partly from economics than a dislike of e-books (although I'm not particularly fond of reading books on a computer screen, which is basically what an e-reader is.). Simply put, I don't have either a credit or a debit card. Therefore, I CAN'T buy e-books. Which also means I can't buy the books of some authors whose work I really enjoy, the little I've been able to read it in the forms of excerpts and/or free reads.

Would I buy e-books (aside from my friends works) if I have the ability? I really don't know. It would depend on the format, the cost of the reader, all manner of different things that go into deciding on whether to purchase physical or electronic.

One thing for sure: I likely wouldn't be sharing any e-books with my reading friends/partners, like we do now with paper books. Why not? One doesn't have access to a computer at home, another doesn't have internet access at home because of where she lives, but mostly because they are like me and prefer the "real" thing in their hands, as opposed to straining their eyes at the computer screen.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Possess Me At Midnight (6:33pm October 22, 2009):

I've put these (and Karin's series) on my Birthday Wish List also. Since it happens just 2 weeks before Christmas, I figure that the ones I don't get for my birthday, I'll go buy them myself for Christmas!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: My Wicked Vampire (1:03am October 21, 2009):

As everyone has already said, to the point that it could be considered "ad nauseum", humour is most definitely much, much harder to write than drama, although admittedly, drama ain't that easy either!! You re-telling of the vampire fight and the turkey attack, made me laugh, even though you admitted that you were just giving us the bare bones of someone else's story. Good humour travels well. Bad humour doesn't.

Being able to laugh in the middle of heartbreak shows that you will survive, and grow.

Thanks for an interesting blog!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Finger Lickin' Fifteen (11:00pm October 17, 2009):

Personally, I LOVE detail! But yes, I agree, there can be such a thing as too MUCH detail! Although my favourite authors (too many to name!) very rarely go overboard, every once in a while, someone slips up.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Hunt (9:02pm October 12, 2009):

Your lemonade sounds ever so much better than the rotten lemons I've gotten over the last year and a half. But, like you, I do have someone helping support me, although it's somewhat grudgingly at times. This does sound like a book I would enjoy reading, so onto the TBB list it goes!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Demon Ex Machina (7:22pm October 5, 2009):

I don't know where your unicorns come from, but where mine are from, they certainly aren't invisible!! They love Godiva Chocolates, too!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Angel Lane (3:58pm October 1, 2009):

I just love getting recipes in books!! Even recipes with coconut in them! Seriously, I have found some absolutely fantastic recipes that way,so this is a must-have book for me, one way or another!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Guardian (12:36pm September 16, 2009):

One of the best top ten lists I have EVER read!! And I'm right there beside Sigrun when it comes to typos, whether spelling or grammar. As a copy editor, mis-spelled (or is it mis-spelt?) words, the incorrect words (what does spell-check know after all?), and bad grammar send me screaming from the room. When I come back into the room, I have that dreaded RED PEN held firmly in my hot little hand, and it usually gets a workout!

Yes, it can sometimes be very distracting to read something with errors, especially when you KNOW that author can do better, in fact HAS done better in the past, which is why you bought their new book in the first place, but sometimes you just have to grin and bear it. When it's too much, I will give up on a book, and pass it on, with instructions to my reading buddy to pass it on when she's done with it. In all our years of reading, there has only been one author who had a book that neither of us could finish. Finish? Heck, we couldn't even get past the third chapter, it was so bad! Fortunately, that was the only time that we've had any problems with that author, which is good, because she's a favourite of ours.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Splendor Falls (9:37pm September 11, 2009):

Well, let's see. Some of my favourites have already been mentioned (Diane Mott Davidson, Joanna Fluke, JoAnn Carl), so here are some more (my apologies, but I can't remember the authors of all of these series): There is a mystery series set in Pennsylvania Dutch country, with the main character being the owner of a B&B; Mary Daheim has a B&B series set in Seattle, also with lots of gourmet food; Another B&B series set in upstate New York, where one of the sisters who own it is a gourmet chef; a trio of romances based around a family bakery in Seattle, where the main heroine in the first one is a concert pianist who gets such bad stage fright, she's going to stop performing (boy, can I relate to THAT!), the other two books revolve around her sisters; and somewhat outside of the "romance/mystery/thriller/sci-fi/fantasy" sections, ANYTHING by M.F.K. Fisher, one of the last century's best writers about food and life. Julia Child's books on her life with food are great, too. And while we're on the subject of Julia Child, how about "Julie & Julia"? Lots of food there, too!

OK, I've got to go eat dinner now. I'm starving!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Furies Of Calderon (10:56am September 9, 2009):

ANYTHING by Anne McCaffrey, whether she's writing solo, or with someone (she's paired up with Elizabeth Scarborough, Mercedes Lackey and her son, Todd, to name just a few). While there some elements of romance in her books, she doesn't guarantee a HEA, and she is one of the best I've read for world-building.

If you have time, and/or the inclination, it would be great to see the final list of books you find for him. So, if you'd consider posting it with a follow-up blog, that would be too totally cool for words!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Within Striking Distance (10:57am August 31, 2009):

Oh. My. God! Thank you ever so much for a great start to what promises to be a VERY long Monday!! My favourite? Combining the chocolate and caffeine in the chocolate-covered espresso beans!! Who needs a mug? As for those voices, they're telling me to get out with my camera, while the sun shines! Thanks again!

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Fixer Upper (12:42pm August 23, 2009):

I have my grandmother to thank for my reading ability. She taught us to read BEFORE we even got into kindergarten, and I read "above my grade level" all the way through high school. We'd get this list of stuff we were supposed to read throughout the course of the year in, say, Sophomore English, and I'd be through with them ALL by the end of October. Of course, that's assuming I hadn't already read them in 8th grade!

Since then, I've read a good portion of what is termed "Good/Great Literature," regardless of country of origin. Some of it I liked and continue re-read. Most of it bored me stiff.

Most of my reading nowadays is romance, mystery/suspense, sci-fi/fantasy, in no particular order, basically whatever is next on the pile. My friends are the same way. (Maybe that's why they're my friends!)

Personally, if it's well-written, I don't care what genre it is, I'll probably read it. Except for grocery lists, of course. Those get a bit TOO involved for me!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Gordath Wood (1:10pm August 22, 2009):

No crazier than the rest of us! I've had characters going on in my brain long after reading their books, and also popping in ages after!

But really - wouldn't a better title for today's blog have been "Reader Interrupted, I Hate When Life Butts Into a Good Book!"

Later,

Lynn

Re: Devil In My Bed (11:01am August 19, 2009):

To Sherry's comment, I would also add, that he's there to support you in the bad times as well as the good times. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Breaking Loose (5:36pm August 13, 2009):

Hmmm. A great big, 1960's era Dodge or Ford of some sort. (This WAS 30-something years ago, so that's the best I can do!) The type of car that nowadays, I would categorize as "an aircraft carrier," based on it's relation in size to my 2004 Honda Civic (which has seem a bit of action itself!). I tend to put cars bigger than mine in the following size groups: tanks, aircraft carriers, and Urban Assault Vehicles (aka SUVs). My chocolate? as dark as possible without being unsweetened. The darkest I've ever had: 88%, and almost as smooth as 21-year-old Glen Turret Scotch whisky. Oh, my.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Perfect Couple (12:30pm August 9, 2009):

I'm with Geraldine mostly, although one of my favourites got the third in her trilogy canned because the publisher didn't think it was necessary to tell the third girl's story. Aaarrgh!! OF COURSE it's necessary! How do we get closure if we don't know what happens to her?!?!?

My problem has been with a lot of authors I'd like to read being ONLY available as e-book formats. I'm one of those people that operates on a CASH basis ONLY. I don't have a credit or debit card. I don't have a paypal account. I don't have a Kindle, Sony e-Reader or any gadget like that other than my computer. In other words, for a lot of authors, I'm screwed.

Is it the fault of the economy or something else? I don't know, but given Amazon's actions recently with Orwell's "1984", I wouldn't want to be a Kindle reader, if it's so easy for them to come into my private space and delete something. Same goes for any other e-reader, if their parent company has that same power.

My two cents, for what they're worth nowadays!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Nothing But Scandal (1:32pm August 7, 2009):

For me, it all depends on whose writing I'm reading. I've been reading a lot of Harlequin/Silhouette (sp?) books recently, because I've gotten them for free, and after a certain point, I just get totally frustrated with BOTH the heroine and the hero. Her because she rolls over and plays dead (so to speak) within the first 2 chapters, and him because he doesn't seem to understand that "No" MEANS "No"!! Maybe it's because these books are written as short contract things or whatever, but when I finish one, I'm really hard pressed to remember anything about them that would make them worth re-reading.

And for me, THAT is what makes me kind of into the heroine. If it catches me up enough the first time through, than it becomes a keeper, and I will re-read it, especially when it's a series by an author I like (Stephanie Laurens Cynster books, for example). I always find out more about the characters when re-reading the good books, and it's those little details that make me keep turning the pages, again, and again, and again.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Red, White & Dead (7:37pm July 30, 2009):

I hadn't realized that a.) there was more than one book, and b.) that the one I have is the last one in the trilogy. But somehow, that figures! I guess that means Ill have to go buy the first two before reading the one I was given. Bother!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Seeing Red (12:13pm July 28, 2009):

I didn't grow up in a small town, although my father did, in Indiana, no less (Logansport)! My mother grew up in a series of small cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which now all run together and go inland for about ten miles, even after Katrina!

However, even here in Madison (WI), there have been a lot of changes. When I was five years old, the city limits ran down the middle of our street. They are now 10 or 11 miles further out. What was once a 13 mile drive to the (then) small town of Verona, is now a 2 mile zip on the bypass to the "Business 151" exit to the city of Verona.

Since Madison is built around 5 lakes, our expansion choices were either upwards (multi-storey buildings) or outwards (urban sprawl). We've kind of done both, but there are limitations to how far upward one can build in downtown Madison. By city ordinance, no building within X radius of the state capitol building may be taller than the shoulder of the dome of the capitol. That guarantees that people all around the city who are lucky enough to be able to live within view of the capitol, CAN see it!! It's great!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Mackenzie's Legacy (4:14pm July 26, 2009):

My choices? Nora Roberts "Cheasapeake Bay" series. The daughter/niece in the first three books is quite young, but in the last one, she is 19 or 20, and is planning to take over the boat building business from her uncles and father. I'd love to read her story!

And from the other way of looking at a series, how can you tell when it's gone on too long? Specifically, in "The Cat Who ..." series by Lillian Jackson Braun, the last three or four books have been downright painful to read. She started out this series years ago with books filled with detail, strong plots and characters, and a fantastic insight into how a cat's brain works. There was a time gap in there after the first two or three books, but it didn't seem to effect her writing very much. Unfortunately, it now seems as if she' writing "by rote", as it were. The plots are re-hashed and dumbed down, the plot details are almost non-existent, and Ko-Ko has gotten boring and Yum-Yum fat.

In contrast, the "Mrs. Murphy" series, by Rita Mae Brown, keeps growing with the characters. One knows that eventually, Mrs. Murphy will die, because cats do have a finite life span (even with nine of them!), but you know that the series will end on a good note, even so.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if an author believes that the end of a series has come, maybe there is a good reason for it. Maybe we should be left wanting more, but not getting it. Maybe not, but it's not our place to tell the author what s/he must write, just so that we can be the ones to declare "finis" to a series.

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Diva Takes The Cake (3:19pm July 23, 2009):

Having made a couple of wedding cakes, I can understand the franticness of wedding planning. That's why I'll spring for this book, if I don't get lucky enough to win it!

Off to check out the new blog!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Divorced, Desperate and Deceived (1:27pm July 21, 2009):

So, is the bad day at the pizza place in "Gotcha"? I hadn't seen any of your books before, I don't believe, but I will certainly be looking for them now. Just one burning question: Did anyone get a video of Grandad running through the house that Christmas?

Later,

Lynn

Re: In The Garden Of Sin (1:52pm July 14, 2009):

I had already read the excerpts before this blog came into being, and I can guarantee that these books are smoking hot!! I just haven't been able to find out if they are available in print or not! The second I find that out, I'm at that bookstore buying them!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Mr. Perfect (3:03pm July 12, 2009):

Susan L. Cooper's YA "The Dark is Rising" series. It wasn't hyped very much when it came out (in the mid-70's), as far as I know, but it's more than worth the hype. AND it's still in print!! I really can't recommend it enough!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Mr. Perfect (12:09pm July 12, 2009):

The first 6 of the Harry Potter's, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society (yes, I remember you didn't like it, but I did!), anything by Anne McCaffery (sci-fi/fantasy), and a few others I can't call to mind right now (too early in the morning!). I try to ignore reviews as much as possible, and go on what I have read previously by the author. If that's not possible (a debut book or new-to-me writer), I'll ask friends, or my books e-mail lists. Sometimes, all it takes to get me hooked is the front cover design, and the back cover blurb! (I'm easy that way!)

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Beach House (3:22pm July 11, 2009):

How people can say they don't "get anything out of romance novels", ESPECIALLY well-written historicals (yes, unfortunately, there ARE some poorly written ones!), I just don't understand. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've answered a question for someone, and they look at me and ask how I knew that, and the answer is from a romance novel!

What can I say? I learn stuff, have a good read, and a HEA (usually), and can share with my friends, albeit indirectly. What's not to like?

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society (2:08pm July 5, 2009):

I just bought and read the GL&PPS last month, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember the hype about it from last year, and was interested then, but it wasn't in the cards then. Having said that, books I'm disappointed in? The last Harry Potter. It just didn't grab me the way the others did - it was too easy to put it down and do something else, read something else. I finished it, but .... Also, I never really got the hype for the Twilight series. It's not that I'm not into vampires, since I really enjoy the series featuring Sookie and Co. (although NOT the TV series - the very idea of that just totally turned me off!), maybe because it's set in an area of the country I'm familiar with (Louisiana and Mississippi), wheras the Twilight series isn't. I really don't know, but I'm about the only one on one of my book lists who HASN'T read it. And I'm not planning to, either.

I did like the DaVinci Code, both book and movie, maybe because I'd already read similar novels with that theme, and enjoyed them. It's a thought-provoking theme, even if you don't agree with how the author presents his/her version. I do plan on reading more of his work.

As Cindy says above, books have their own rhythm, and you either get the rhythm or you don't get it.

So, my $.02, for what it's worth.

Later,

Lynn

Re: A Stroke of Magic (11:24pm July 1, 2009):

I would say that the majority of people fall between 4 - 6 on your "Quirk-O-Meter", going by my experiences. I know that's pretty much where I fall. Yeah, Eve Dallas and Peabody! Those two together can really rock the book when they get going on stuff. Grandma Mazur, OMG. And what about Ranger? His quirks are almost as wacky as Grandma's! What I have found interesting as I've thought about this for a few minutes is that in about half of my reading choices (specifically the historicals), there either aren't as many quirks, or they are simply unnoticeable. Whereas the contemporaries and suspenses (is that a word? If not, it should be!) seem to be loaded with them! Any explanation for that?

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Scot And I (2:55pm June 28, 2009):

I don't mind my favourite authors switching genres at all. It gives me more to read! Although I kind of disagree with your comment re Georgette Heyers. I've found that even in her "humorous, light-hearted regencies", there always was a serious undertone. It may not be easy to find, but it's there. Her own brand of morality. Just out of curiousity, which books of hers do you mean when you say her "serious" books?

Later,

Lynn

Re: Seducing an Angel (2:26pm June 28, 2009):

You know, someday I might remember to look through the blog postings for the week before I go off and jump into Saturday's with both feet firmly implanted in mouth, so to speak. Sara Reyes blogged on "Have I read this before?", and of course, I just HAD to comment, using your latest series as my example (in a very good way, natch!). My closing line? "Now if she'd only write Constantine's story! Sigh ..." Oh, well. My apologies, for leaping before looking. I just finished reading the Huxtable series, and yes, I did read it out of order (3, 1, 4, 2), but that just happened to be the way I ended up purchasing it. I will also admit that after finishing Katherine's story, I went and re-read Margaret's story, and would have re-read Vanessa's except for the fact that I've already loaned it to my girlfriend/reading partner. Guess I'll have to make do with a re-read of Stephen's story, instead!

Later,

Lynn

P. S.: Do you know WHEN Con's story is due out? lynn

Re: Loving a Lost Lord (2:06pm June 28, 2009):

Having just finished Mary Balogh's new series (out of order, I might add!), I can say that, yes, she does use similar plots for the four books, but the differences between the books definitely out-weigh the similarities. Now, if she'd only write a fifth one, giving us Constantine's story!! Sigh ...

Later,

Lynn

Re: A Thread Of Truth (12:45pm June 21, 2009):

As a copy editor, I sometimes find it very hard to read for pleasure because of typos (usually grammatical rather than spelling). I have to consciously "turn off" that part of my brain, as it were. Luckily, that is fairly rare, because all my favourite authors have excellent proofreaders and editors! However, every once in a while a real blooper will make it's way through the lines of defense, and I'll catch it. In a case like that, it's usually something that just stops me dead, and then I start laughing hysterically, because it's SO obvious and SO stupid, that there's nothing else to do but laugh! Only once have I had to stop part-way through a book, and that wasn't because of typos. It was just an "off" book for that author. Everything else of hers that I own and/or have read is fine. Go figure.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Undead And Unwelcome (10:42pm June 14, 2009):

My list is similar to a lot of the others here - Nora, Christine Feehan, Debbie Macomber, Lynn Kurland, Sabrina Jeffries, Victoria Holt, Catherine Coulter, Iris Johannson, and others too numerous to mention. Unfortunately, Madison doesn't seem to be on the acceptable list for too many nationally known authors, aside from those who have Madison connections. A pity, but that seems to be our fate.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Spotlight On Desire (12:17pm June 11, 2009):

"tying the title to the story in subtle, yet evident ways -- Yes, I know a lot of readers eagerly search the pages of a book to locate the spot where the title makes its appearance." Huh? People really, actually do that?!? I'd never heard of that, let alone done it!! Hmmm. The things I learn reading blog postings!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Deep Down (4:04pm June 10, 2009):

Cultivated ginseng from Wisconsin is just about the best in the world, even over that from China. Most of our crop goes to China, in fact! Wild ginseng is even better, though. Sounds like a good book. I'll have to go look for it.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Final Approach (12:59pm June 9, 2009):

For me? Numbers 1, 9, and 10, but primarily 1. Especially if I know that I have to be somewhere early the next day. Then not only does the brain NOT shut down, I can't put the bloody book down! On nights like that, getting only 3 - 4 hours of sleep is not unusual (unfortunately!).

Later,

Lynn

Re: The Warrior (12:08pm May 24, 2009):

I'm sort of both, like so many of the rest here. For the grocery, I keep my list in my purse, and do my best to stick to it. For the bookstore, well, I go in with the plan of just picking up that one new one by Author X or Y, and most of the time, come out with stuff by Authors A, B, and C also! However, I DID manage to get in and out of Border's yesterday with only ONE book!! It wasn't what I went in for originally, but with my 40% coupon, and some major thinking about the cash-flow situation in my wallet this weekend, I'm very glad I got what I got.

Later,

Lynn

Re: Dragons Prefer Blondes (6:10pm May 23, 2009):

For reading, I'm definitely a pantser. For buying, I'm an "after-the-fact" lister. By that, I mean that I've started an excel file of books in a certain genre that I read, so that I don't re-buy one I already have. And yes, I DO carry that list with me in my purse. Of course, I have to update it regularly. Between myself and my best girlfriend, we trade books back and forth so much, that making a TBR list, and trying to stick to it, would be utterly impossible! I am about ready to start making lists of the rest of my books, as I am starting to re-buy on a couple of authors. Luckily, my friend is always willing to have the duplicates, and vice versa!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Comfort Food (4:20pm May 3, 2009):

Obviously, I can read, but not type!! My first sentence should have read "my headboard has it's very OWN PHD!" Sorry to all!

Re: Comfort Food (4:18pm May 3, 2009):

I'm much like Donna (above) - my headboard has it's very PHD! The variety there is quite wide, and I'm never sure which one will call the loudest when I start the search for a new book to read. Although, I must admit, there is one book that I've been reading since November and am only about halfway through. In my own defense, I only read it when I'm playing at church (it's kind of about Biblical archaeology), so in that sense, I'm a very slow reader. For pleasure reading, I can go through 2 or 3 books a day, depending on if I don't have any other plans, and the length of the books!!

Re: Sunset Bay (6:54pm May 2, 2009):

Having the chance to be at a n event like this tea with the "creator" of a work of "art", be it a book, a piece of music, a photograph or painting or sculpture, or whatever, is always bound to have an impact on how you feel about the creator of said work, good, bad or otherwise. Getting to know someone up close and personal in this way is one of the most rewarding (and sometimes frustrating!) ways to appreciate their work.

Re: Heartbreak River (6:02pm April 27, 2009):

You know, it doesn't have to "popular" music that grabs your heartstrings. Classical music and opera both do it, too! Just because it's not "popular" doesn't mean it's not good!!

Re: The Promise (12:45pm April 19, 2009):

As the daughter of TWO librarians, and the granddaughter of an elementary school teacher (K-3), NOT reading was NEVER an option!! My grandmother taught both my brother and I to read by the time we were around 3 or 4, and I was always reading above my grade levels. It used to drive my teachers crazy, especially in 5th grade, when we had to do these stupid reading assignments, and then fill out little booklets on what we had just read. I'd always be done 10 - 15 minutes before everyone else in the class, and have to sit there and fidget, until my teacher would take pity on me and let me pull out what ever it was I was reading for fun and read that until the rest of the class was done. The downside of that was that everyone thought I was showing off, so it didn't make me any friends.

Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, to me reading is a form of escape, of learning, of relaxation, of friendship ( my best friends and I are always trading books back and forth!), of travel when I can't afford to go anywhere. I simply can't imagine a life without being able to read!

What do I like to read? A better question is: What WON'T I read? That list is much, much shorter than the first one! I'm not too big on horror, westerns, or certain areas of sci-fi. Otherwise, pretty much anything goes, at least once. I, like probably everyone else, have my favourite authors, and will buy and read anything they publish, although I do draw the line at the grocery list! I must admit, however, that I have been known to sit and read the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), because it's simply a fascinating piece of research and information about the english language! The same goes for the Dictionary of Regional English (DARE), put out by the University of Wisconsin - Madison. The last volume (S - Z) just was published, now they're going back and starting the revisions at A. Those two sets of dictionaries are such important resources for anyone wanting to know more about the engli

Re: The Accidental Human (8:58pm April 12, 2009):

I buy/read a book for these reasons in this order:

Author
Title:
Blurb (whether on the back cover or inside the front):
Cover picture.

If it's a new author to me, than the majority of the weight goes to the title and blurbs. If the two together are still a little weak, then the cover gets factored in. And yes, like everyone else, I don't appreciate it when the bodies on the cover don't match those in the story, but that only lasts a short time, as I am able to ignore the cover once I've gotten far enough into the story.

Thanks for letting us all vent!!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Paradise Valley (11:44pm April 11, 2009):

Ijust finished two books that match your call - one that had a very obscure HEA of sorts, so obscure that one wasn't sure if it really was an HEA at all (Elizabeth George, "A Place of Hiding"), and then to counter-act it, an older Johanna Lindsey, "Once A Princess". I'd read the George before, but kept finding things in it that made me wonder if I had because I didn't remember them, but I hadn't read the Lindsey before. A friend had given it to me, saying she was done with it, and her bookroom was full, start putting things in mine! Haven't seen any movies recently, though!

Later,

Lynn

Re: Bound And Determined (1:06pm February 27, 2009):

You know, if I'd seen the OLD cover when looking for an interesting book to read, I would have just passed it by, without bothering to read any of the cover blurbs. In contrast, with the NEW cover, not only would I stop and read the cover blurbs, I'd probably just buy it without bothering to read them!! Pictures DO make a difference!