The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

Amanda Reeder-erdly

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31 comments posted.

Re: Just One Taste (1:25pm September 12, 2010):

Would love to come to Rita's and Readers, but TX is a bit far for me to come. Let us know how it goes. The need to have a weekend on the east coast:)

I'd like to know how you like your new Kindle. I'm thinking of buying an ereader for my mom, so I'll be asking everyone I know with one what they like/don't like about them.

Re: Ice Cold (6:54pm July 18, 2010):

I met Nora at a Q & A and would go again in a heartbeat. Not sure I can narrow it down to only a few others I'd like to meet. Will definitely need to make an RWA one of these days. But after just finishing the new Undead by MJD, I'd like to meet her as I now have questions - more than at the end of any of her other books.

Have a great time at RWA Sandi:)

Re: Blown Away (10:50pm May 30, 2010):

Love trilogies. How I read them just depends. Sometimes as the come out, sometimes I wait. Depends more on mood and what else is happening. Its easier to wait for them all if they come out in three consecutive months. As to a fav, plenty I really enjoy, but Nora's Donovans and Key series come instantly to mind.

Great topic Sandi! Hope you are having a good Memorial Day weekend:)

Re: A Thread So Thin (11:19pm May 16, 2010):

I did the imaginary deal. Don't think so much as one person, but more a generalization. Also, lots of playing Barbies by myself - the joys of being an only child who happened to be a bit hyper and very talkative. I did have books though, from a young age. Still my favorite escape. Nora R and Agatha C being my top favs and for laughs, its Peanuts! I am all about Snoopy:)

I have some long time friends I can always count on, plus my hubby and girls. I might not need an imaginary friend anymore, but would I possibly do without my books?

Re: Live To Tell (1:10pm May 10, 2010):

Have had plenty changes in plans. This weekend coming up is one. We were going to go stay w/a gf and walk Dover Int'l before Saturday's race. Well, David got sent to Nashville on Friday and won't be back until late this Friday - so exnay on the plans. Will try to make it there when NASCAR is back in Dover in Sept. I also didn't make it to NY with friends for my 40th in Jan. The incoming snow and extreme cold kept us home. Went shopping instead, so all was good. One of these days, I'll make it to NY:) At least I hadn't bought tix to anything that I couldn't use.

Just two of the current times when plans have changed. Been plenty of others in the past. You just go with the flow.

Re: Big Girl (11:35pm March 21, 2010):

I can't say there are any I have stopped reading. More like most of them aren't writing. My first adult books were probably Agatha Christie's (thanks to the movie Death on the Nile). I did start reading Presents right before my 12th b'day. My gf passed them to me - they were her mom's. My mom doesn't read romance and didn't have a problem with me reading them. I do have some of those early books, and probably the Carole Mortimer's were one of the first. And she is still an auto buy for me. Someone mentioned "Wifey" - that got passed around when I was in 8th grade. By then, I'd been reading Harlequin's for 2 years.

Great question Sandi. I wish I could say my memory was better though - lol!

Re: The You I Never Knew (3:13pm March 15, 2010):

I am definitely in the "rather laugh" category. But have to agree w/Molly on LH's Cry No More. A total tearjerker. I made the mistake of listening to it at work. Should have read/listened to it at home.
I cry to easily, so I normally avoid those books, but occasionally will pick one up. I don't mind the tears w/an HEA though.

I see there are already suggestions for who I'd recommend for a laugh - S. Hill, R. Gibson, J. Cruise, J. Evanovich. I would add Stephanie Bond to the list.

Let us know what you end up picking up!

Re: The Edge of Winter (11:05pm February 21, 2010):

Well, since nothing came to mind instantly, I went thru my lists. Donna is correct on the Blaze bk - Boys of Summer. I read that two and really liked it. Did I really read it in 2006? Its been that long? I also found two others by Margaret Maron - Last Lessons of Summer and Winter's Child. The first is a single title by her and the second part of her Deborah Knott series. She is now an autobuy for me, and I've yet to be disappointed with her books. I have other books with the seasons in the title, but as of yet, they are still in the tbr pile.

Sandi - love the pic of your friend's house. Of course, as you mentioned, I can see that every day at the moment. Thinking maybe the snow will be gone by May . . . .

Re: Down By The River (4:52pm January 31, 2010):

Good month ender Sandi. Maybe you should do this subject every few months.

For me, I didn't read any new authors. Enjoyed all the books I read though - an SRS 3-in-1, 2 Blaze, a Desire and Stuart Woods lastest. In the middle of a Presents, which I'm hoping to finish tonight. I'm doing two challenges - A to Z authors/titles. I should get some more reading in this year now that I'll be having my hour lunch at work by myself, which should help. We shall see!

Re: Down By The River (10:00pm January 24, 2010):

I am definitely a series junkie. It goes back to childhood, as I would consider the Nancy Drew books as such. Or the Nick Carter ones. And, of course, there is Nora. I actually discovered series in romance thru her MacGregor series - started in the middle at book 3 - ugh. Much prefer to read in order, but that doesn't always happen. I plan on starting the new Stuart Woods that my gf pick up - its part of his Stone Barrington series (he has several others). There are far to many other favs to name - sigh.

Oh, even though I'm a series junkie, I like a stand alone just as much!

Re: Forbidden Falls (8:14pm January 17, 2010):

Donna M, have to agree with you, this site jumping around drives me nuts. It didn't use to, so I wonder why it is now?

As to being a techie, that will never be me. We did just get a new laptop, but only because the old computer took forever to use. Its about 8 years old, so I guess it was time. Of course, all I do on here is read emails and visit a few sites. I do have an ipod, which I really like (and was free), but my account is on the old computer and I don't know how to transfer it to this one - sigh:( I have a cell phone, but its a Tracfone, and I bought it because I got rid of the landline. I'm not into a huge phone bill, so I won't be upgrading to anything else anytime soon. I like the idea of a kindle, but they cost to much, and I really do like having an actual book while reading. I'm sure someday, when prices are down, I'll get one.

So, that's about it. Guess I'm somewhere in the middle. And I'm sure my girls are more savvy, at this point, than I am:)

Re: Come Hell Or High Water (10:58pm January 10, 2010):

I have to agree with the other posts. I would include all their requirements:)

If I could have incorporated part of Sat into my Friday, I could have called it perfect. Spent some time shopping (but no bookstore - that was Sat)including a good lunch, enjoyed dinner with my family at mom's (anytime I don't have to cook is perfect - lo), the girls were mostly good, and had some downtime which included reading. if I could have included the Flyers game from Thur or Sat night, it would have been perfect. But split into two days is pretty ok too!

Re: Rainwater (1:30pm December 14, 2009):

Well, we learn something new every day. I didn't realize historicals were considered before WWII. Like most of the comments, I based it more of pre-1900 and more along the lines with what Donna just said, story-wise. And, for me, just in the romance category. I haven't read one since I was a teenager, as they aren't my fav. But I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan, and I never thought of them (especially her earliest books) as historical. Of course, that could be because a murder is always committed for basically the same reasons, and you just have to figure out the who. Or maybe, as was pointed out, it was a contemporary for the time it was published.

Thanks Sandi. This was an interesting question!

Re: Dark Lover (11:47am November 29, 2009):

Congrats on the new puppy! My girls and I think Oreo is a perfect name. Thanks for sharing the pic - she's adorable.

On the books topic, I'm a keeper girl. Will admit to keeping a lot less (due to space) nowadays. And I do clean out every once and a blue moon, again its about space. I keep telling my girls once they move out, they won't be able to move back because their rooms will become a library - lol.

On genre, I am a contemporary romance/romantic suspense/mystery kinda girl. I will read other stuff occasionally, with the main exception being my Peanuts collection (do comics count on this?). And my mystery is just that - all kinds, not just in the romance field.

My first adult read, hmmmmm hard to say exactly, but probably a close call between Presents (and probably Carole Mortimer - still have a few of those, just can't part with them) and Agatha Christie. After watching Death on the Nile, new this was an author for me (and I have all her books). I do like the paranormal books, but more pyschic ability than vampires, even though I love the JR Ward books.

Maybe your next topic should be what our all time favorite 10 or 20 books are. Bet the lists would be interesting!

Re: The Promise (11:17pm October 11, 2009):

Like everyone else, I say read them! Lord knows, by the time I get to some of mine, they will probably be more than 20 years road (especially since some have already hit the 10 year point). And I don't see me retiring any time soon, so I can catch up. I just figure, when I'm older, and probably on a definite fixed income, I won't have to worry about buying any!

Oooohhhh, the kids get older but I don't? Man, where can I buy that ticket?

Re: Lucky Break (11:27pm October 4, 2009):

Don't worry Sandi - I'm with you! Of course, any reading I do is almost always at night, after the kids and David are asleep (or sometimes lunch at work). I very rarely read during the day with them home - they are too distracting. And who wants that while reading a good book?

On the other hand, I don't get much cleaning done. Living with 3 slobs just doesn't rev me up to clean, when I'm the only one doing it. I get most of the basics done (sort of) and the rest gets left until I feel like doing it (which doesn't seem to be often). I'll be on vacation in 2 weeks and plan on doing some major clean up in here, since the girls will be in school and David at work. Wish me luck, because a book just might call to me more . . . .

Re: Table Manners (7:29pm September 10, 2009):

Well, I had nothing planned last weekend, and ended up busy. Saturday was mostly housework and the food store, while David was working. Sunday we went to a Labor Day picnic and ended up leaving both girls there overnight (yeah). Sunday my gf, and her dd, came over to do wash (long story). So they were here most of the day. Then we popped in across the street (they were having a LD party, then ran up to the mall. Then it was get the girls in bed and ready myself for the week - ugh. And for a short week, it hasn't moved quick enough!

Good Labor Day subject Sandi! Sorry I popped in late though. Sounds like everyone had a good weekend:)

Re: Smash Cut (12:26pm August 20, 2009):

My dh doesn't understand my need to keep books I've read, when I have so many I haven't. Books never go bad. I can pick it up in 20 years, and it will still be good. And by then, I'll probably won't remember it!

Then, I said - Why buy a movie? If you've seen it once, do you need to watch it again? But yet, I've met very few people who've only watched movies once. How many of us have watched a fav movie over and over? Same as a book. If you love it, why not read it again?

Of course, I don't re-read much at the the moment. That tbr mountain keeps getting bigger. I re-read a ton as a teenager and in my early 20's (before children). Just nothing like turning to an old friend!

Re: The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society (11:02pm July 8, 2009):

Add me to the list of never heard of this book. Its not even a title that would catch my eye.

Lorna, as a huge Dame Agatha fan, you should check out her autobiography. She wrote the book where Piorot dies a good 20-25 years before it was published. The publishers didn't want to give up their gold mine. So, blaming the editors might be the way to go. Also, she fell into writing by accident. She had a pretty interesting life.

The only book I can think of that didn't work for me was That was Then, This is Now by S.E. Hinton. I was 12 or 13 when I read it and it was at the time they were making all her books into movies. I read the whole book, but the ending really bothered me, so I gave my copy away. Still have my copies of the 3 they made into movies though.

Its been really interesting to see what everyone says. Great topic!

Re: Undead And Unwelcome (10:17pm June 14, 2009):

Like everyone else, there are plenty I'd love to meet. Even better if they do a Q&A with the signing. Nora had one a few years back about an hour from me, and my coworker and I left work early to go. They got a really good crowd for that. And she's funny! Got an autograph and picture with her - can't beat it! I found that better than when we went to see her at one her signings at her hubby store. They get a huge turn out for them (and I did travel - its about 3 hours or so from me). Did meet some nice people and got a few recommendations for authors while we were there (Janet E. being one). Did go to Trenton to see JE a couple years back, but it was done outside, in July, and after an hour or so in a line that moved about 5 yards, we called it a day (the same coworker went to this too). Was kinda bummed, but I'm hoping for another opportunity. She'll be in NJ next week when her new one comes out, but I can't make it. Maybe next year . . .

Oh, and I would have loved to have met Agatha Christie. Just love her books. I read her autobiography and have questions from that I'd like more in-depth answers on.

Great topic Sandi!

Re: The Warrior (12:08pm May 29, 2009):

Sad to say, I'm impulsive a little tooooo often. Not on big purchases though. Have to think those thru. Now hubby, on the other hand, is impulsive on the big stuff. Good thing I'm there to stop him:)

Books are definitely the biggest impulsive buys (w/clothes a close second). Can't resist adding a few more to that mountain I call a tbr pile. I probably should control it more at this point, but really, what fun would that be?

Re: Pretty in Plaid (8:24pm May 18, 2009):

Well, I use to be early to everything. And then I had children. It wasn't too bad with just one, but then I added one to that. Good thing I stopped, or I'd probably be late to everything instead of just making it. This mostly applies to work. Everything else just depends. Never late for dr appts (& usually early) though. I don't want to have to wait any longer than necessary. And I definitely take a book!

Re: Shades Of Grace (7:06pm May 14, 2009):

It was definitely mom who got me reading. She use to tell me all the time that she read Green Eggs and Ham to me a million times - and most of the time I "read" it with her. My memorization was awesome then!

It probably also helped that I was an only child. Reading is a great activity when you are by yourself. Now, if I could just find a little more of that now . . .

So, thanks Mom!! What would I do without you?

Re: Comfort Food (12:25pm May 3, 2009):

Is there any one of else who doesn't say "so many books, so little time"? This is why I need to win the lottery! I don't have your problem though, because I don't do review books. But I have been derailed a time or two, usually if I'm reading a series and then something else jumps out at me. And there are many a times when a book order comes in, and I want to stop and read them all - right then!

My next book is (hopefully starting it today) the new Nora. Last month I was reading SRS's for the Challenge, but did get derailed when the new Stuart Woods came out. I had good intentions though . . . .

Re: Behind The Shadows (10:12pm April 26, 2009):

I definitely use shopping as therapy. Of course, when money is the main problem, I have to limit myself to browsing:(

Not only do I love the bookstore (definitely my fav -and even better now that there is a UBS near me), but clothes shopping comes in right behind it. And online works as well as going out. The good part about going out, is I can go by myself - that way I get some "alone" time too.

Sandi, was anything said to you at work? Hope things are better for you this week. And, like Donna, was wondering how you got the new Nora already. Does that store always have books a week before their actual sale date?

Re: The Promise (8:19pm April 19, 2009):

Debbie, I had the books w/records too! Can't tell you how many times I listened to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Winnie the Pooh. I've never met anyone else who had those books.

I can't remember when I started to read, but I know my mom read Green Eggs and Ham more times than she could count. I'm going to guess that started it for me. She also got me the Weekly Reader books. Can remember reading all the Nancy Drews, then moving on to Agatha Christie and then into romance - all by the time I was 12. The library was definitely my best friend. I'm guessing one of the reasons I love to read is because I was an only child. Not shy - I always had friends (my best friend was also an only child who loved to read), but you can't always be with your friends and dad ruled the tv, so reading was a great option.

Now, I'm lucky enough to have two daughters, both of which read. I don't have the time to read as much as I'd like, but I always have a book I'm reading!

Re: Obama (11:50pm January 18, 2009):

I don't think I ever read a biography, but I have several autobiographies. I know I have one on Jeff Gordon in my tbr (for those who don't know, he drives for NASCAR). I have Brett Butler's and loved it (she didn't have the easiest of lives, if I remember correctly, since I read it years ago). I also have one on Jim McMahon (ex-Chicago Bears quarterback). His life was a riot! A very entertaining book. Oh, I also have an auto and bio on Charles Schulz (Snoopy is the dog!)

Here's a question: Can you call some books partial auto's? Comedians especially for this. I have a few Tim Allen, Bill Cosby, Paul Reiser books that could fit this. Its just a thought . . . .

Re: Smoke Screen (10:12pm January 11, 2009):

Well, I only have full collections for 2 authors - Nora Roberts and Agatha Christie. But, if I discover a new author, and its a series, then yeah, I have to have all of the series. I was lucky in that I discovered new-to-me's by listening to audios, which was awesome as then I didn't have to buy them, and it didn't take away from my regular reading time. Of course, I now pick up new stuff from said authors, as the new books aren't usually available for awhile at my library. So, alas, my tbr pile still grow.

Re: Shadow of Turning (10:36pm December 29, 2008):

Hi Sandi,

Well, lets start with the easy stuff. If I finish the book I'm reading, I'll have surpassed last years' total by 5. And yes, I include the audios I listen to. Of course, they made us stop listening to them at work again, so my total count will probably go down next year.

I think I only read two new authors (to me) this year - Sandra Hill and Trish Wylie. Loved both. SH has this Cajun series and I love her Tante Lulu. Too darn funny. I definitely have to finish what she has out.

I did go back to reading SRS's this year. I use to years ago and got out of it (even though I have a nice collection to choose from). Starting back up in them made me remember what I loved about them to begin with.

Fav book of the year? Now that's hard - I like to many. It would probably be easier to mention the books that were just ok for me. I didn't read any I disliked, so that's cool! If I have to name a few, the SH series I mentioned above, The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag, SRS's Seduction Summer trilogy and Eternally by Maureen Child.

Wishing you and the boys (I include dh in "the boys") a very happy and healthy New Year!

Re: A Virgin River Christmas (10:46pm October 26, 2008):

Congrats on buying books to keep! I do know your history, and this is definitely a first for you. I have a coworker like that -she has only a few books she's ever kept. Of course, she has been known to buy books she knows I have (ie Nora Roberts). I have only bought books again because I've forgotton I've already bought it. Every now and then I've been tempted to rebuy because of covers, but not too often. Now, on the other hand, I've bought books because there's a hot guy on the cover - and it doesn't matter what the blurb says!

Re: Take Me If You Can (10:21pm September 1, 2008):

Hey Sandi,

A perfect b'day would involve receiving tons of money, but considering that's just a fantasy, I'll say it has to include no cooking/cleaning and some time w/o the hubby and girls. This year, I took the day off from work (hubby worked/girls in school), so this was the "me" time I want. I even got good weather (it was almost 70 - and I live in PA w/a b'day in January!) Snow is never what I wish for (even though we got 3 feet of it one year - ugh!)

Glad you had an almost perfect day:)