The Shamer's Signet by Lene Kaaberbol

The Shamer's Signet by Lene Kaaberbol
Book 2 in the Shamer Chronicles

Hardcover: 322 pages
Published: 2005

One look into the Shamer’s eyes and a person’s darkest secrets are revealed

Dina has recently come into her uncomfortable powers as a Shamer, and now even her brother, Davin, no longer dares to meet her gaze.

Yet in these dangerous times there are far worse things in store for the young Shamer, who is kidnapped and forced to use her gift as a weapon against innocent people. Dina must get free. Can her brother help her escape?


From what I have seen many seems to agree with me that this book was rather boring, it dragged, and is the weakest book in the series. Though that I have yet to see. But it did ruin it a bit for me.

I think the reason for me is that half the book is seen through Dina's eyes, and I like those parts. She is a great young heroine, who is caught up in something she is too young for in a way, but handles is as well she can. But then there are parts from her brother's POV, and I found those boring, I don't like her brother, and it drags out the book. Still it's good teen fantasy, and I can't say for others but for me it gets too boring. I guess in a way it gets too children's book like when her brother shows up sometimes too. Too young. Because then again when Dina shows up it gets darker, ecpecially when she is kidnapped and certain things regarding others are hinted at. There lies darkness.

Not much to say about this one when I didn't enjoy it as much. It wasn't as fast a read either, and that was why I liked the first one. Maybe someone younger would enjoy it more.

I like Dina's friend Rose, she is cool, Dina is as I said a good heroine, her brother is sadly lacking, and their mother is a good woman. In this one we meet some more people in the highlands were they are hiding, but we don't get to learn that much about them after all.

Still I will read more when I have heard they are better, and I do want to know what is going to happen. I just hope there is no more from her brother's POV, or that I will start liking him. Because Kaaberbol knows how to write, and keep up the suspense.

Broken - Kelley Armstrong

Broken by Kelley Armstrong
(the 3rd Elena Michaels Novel, the 6th Women of the Underworld)

Published: 2006
Pages: 440

When half-demon Xavier calls in the favour Elena owes him, it seems easy enough, steal Jack the Ripper's 'From Hell' letter away from a Toronto collector who had himself stolen it from the Ripper evidence boxes. But nothing in the supernatural world is ever as simple as it seems. Elena accidentally triggers a spell placed on the letter, and opens a dimensional portal into Victorian London, releasing zombies, disease, and maybe a notorious serial killer himself.
(blurb from author's site)

This is the 3rd book that has Elena as it's main character, and of Armstrong's Women of the Underworld, Elena is the one I want to read about. I have read one other book, but no, I want my werewolves.

In this one Xavier, a half demon calls her up for a favor she owes him. She is very pregnant, scared for her babies when she transforms, but still, one last little trip and hunt couldn't hurt. Things goes well, until something goes terribly wrong and they have no idea why. Together with the Alpha of the pack, Jeremy, and Clay she starts hunting zombies, and worrying that she has let out jack the Ripper. Help is needed and they call in Nick and Anthony. But things are just getting worse. Zombies, killer rats, and a crazed murderer. Toronto stands helpless.

New to this book is Zoe, a vampire, and I kind of like her. We also meet Jaime (again?) hard to tell since I skipped the 2 books in between. But I do know Jaime since I read her book. The book that made me think I should stick with my werewolves. I guess I wasn't to into her raising the dead.

This book wasn't as good as the first, oh how I loved Bitten, it was my first paranormal and I was smitten. But it was better than the 2nd, Stolen (but that one had a lack of Clay). Cos what these books do need is Clay, big strong, and a something psychotic. Haha, yup everyone says so and he has done things in the past. That shrine in book 1, a man have to be a bit crazy sometimes. Even if he is not the alpha, he is sure an alpha male(wolf). They have great chemistry, and I just love the together. And in this one they are expecting, you have to love that. The big bad wolf is settling down. Not so psycho anymore perhaps. That is sure why i like her books, Elena and Clay.

But honestly, what is up me being harassed by zombies everywhere I turn? Then again zombies are hot..not that way, gross! I mean in right now. They are just in, even if this book came out in 2006. The zombies do play their part, when they are not rotting, falling apart and getting killed. Who needs evil masterminds when there are zombies. And don't get me starting on killer rats, you have to discover those for yourself.

This book has it's fair share of action, and mysteries, and some sweet love between Elena and Clay. The side characters are great, I just love Nick together with them, Zoe is cool, and I do like Jeremy and Jaime, ack the tension.

Now.. now I want to read Frostbitten, getting an early copy of that book, what a dream. Clay and Elena in Alaska, bring it on ;)

Book Review: Gauntlet by Richard Aaron

Gauntlet by Richard Aaron

A Novel of International intrigue

Pages: 504
Published: 2009
Thriller

RICHARD AARON lives in a cold, northwestern city with his wife, four children, and various dogs and cats. He has a university degree in mathematics and a masters in law. Neither has anything to do with his burgeoning career as a writer. He worked in the real world for two decades before realizing that he was actually meant to be a writer. Gauntlet was produced soon thereafter. He is working on the sequel to Gauntlet and it is soon completed.

Visit Richard at his website

About the Book:
A terrorist threat is looming; an attack that would dwarf any other. This time, the government knows it's coming, but doesn't know where… or how.

From a stunning new voice in international intrigue comes a dramatic story of high-stakes missions, treachery, honor, an unlikely hero, and the ultimate terrorist attack.

Six hundred sixty tons of Semtex is detonated in a massive explosion in Libya – the last of a deadly stockpile. The operation seems to have gone smoothly, but within minutes of the explosion, CIA agent Richard Lawrence discovers that one shipment of the explosive was hijacked en route to the destruction point. Days later, a glory-seeking “Emir” broadcasts to the world that he is planning a massive terrorist strike against a major U.S. landmark. And he gives a timeline of one month.

Now a desperate chase covers four continents, as the men bent on attacking the United States use every weapon at their disposal to evade the American authorities. Time and again they prove willing to destroy anything – and anyone – standing in their way. But Hamilton Turbee, an autistic computer mastermind at the secretive and newly created TTIC agency, discovers a way to follow their tracks. His flawed genius gives the nation its only chance at stopping the attack… if the American leadership will listen. As the enemies near their destination, and an attack becomes imminent, it is up to the TTIC team, still without a true leader, to stop the massive explosion that could destroy the lives of millions.

As the world watches in horror, the President asks TTIC two questions.

Where will the attack be?

And can it be stopped?


The Review:
It's a high intense thriller, think 24, Body of Lies for movies and tv-series like that. As for books, it's harder since I have seen them around but I have stuck in my own corner of books I read, and these have always felt very manly and testosterone filled, which is strange since I do like to watch movies like it.

I decided to show you something intense next to give a feel of the book.

“They smashed his right leg to pieces. They tore the tibia completely from its surrounding flesh and tissue, and discarded it. It was not with the rest of the body. They smashed most of the bones in his feet to pieces with some kind of blunt instrument, probably a hammer. They ruptured both testicles, through blunt force trauma. The forensic scientists who examined him think this was done through repeated, incredibly vicious blows to the groin. He had many internal injuries, some occasioned by blunt force, others by surgical instruments.”


Yousseff Said al-Sabbhan, an Afghan drug smuggler who has worked his way up in the world in one of the main characters in this book. We get to see his life through back flashes, and it's an interesting story about a young boy who sees a chance and takes it. He is one of the big pieces in the puzzle, he and the Emir is working together on a plan that will cause damages in the states. Against him stands, Terrorist Threat Integration Center, or TTIC for short. Different characters who all work together trying to find out where the attack will take place, because after the semtex goes missing it's just a matter of time.

I find it interesting that one of the main characters at TTIC is an autistic mathematician, who is a genius with computers. He sees things that the others can’t see, and I like that he has made him a hero in this book. Hamilton Turbee is someone who stands out together with Yousseff. Good versus evil in a world that is about to get darker.

This is a book for people who like thrillers, adventure and action. Between the flashbacks we get the hunt for answers, will the semtex be used by terrorists, and if so then where? Messages from the Emir are aired, and the clock is ticking away. Can they stop it in time? They are all working hard, and some are taken and tortured. It's not a book that jumps over details; instead it will give you what would happen.

It is a well-written book and the bad part, oh how it leaves me hanging. Yes it does have an ending, but what will happen next? And there are certain characters that I wonder about. It’s a cliffhanger without really being a cliffhanger. It ties up loose endings but leaves room for much more. Evil is not that easily stopped, and that is the good thing about this novel. It doesn’t have a happy ending with good has won again, no it gives you reality. But who knows what will happen in books to come.

Negative parts, well it can feel very movie like at times.


received a copy for a review

The Shamer's Daughter - Lene Kaaberbol

The Shamer's Daughter by Lene Kaaberbol
The Shamer Chronicles, book 1

Pages: 240
Genre: fantasy
Ages: 9-14
Published: 2004

One step, two steps, a slow, writhing waddle, its head lowered, no more than a foot or so off the ground…onward it came,…the long, long body curved like a winding river, huge and glittery…Almost the worst of it was the slowness…I could see its pale yellow eyes clearly now. Slowly it raised its head, swaying from side to side...

Dina stands transfixed in the pit of alligator-dragons she must cross to rescue her mother in the labyrinthine castle of the wicked Lord Drakan. Three people have been murdered by someone, and Dina's mother has been summoned to confirm the guilt of young Nico, who was found standing over the bodies with bloody hands. She is a Shamer, and to meet her gaze means confronting all the shameful acts one has ever committed. Yet she finds no guilt in Nico, and will not accuse him, although Drakan is strangely, and menacingly, insistent that she do so. Dina has inherited her ability, but finds it alienates her from everyone in the village. She longs for just one friend who will look her in the eyes. But now Drakan has threatened to use his dragons to execute her mother publicly on the morrow, and Dina must find allies to save her.

(Good reads blurb)

I had seen this one around, and then I saw the books in the library. On the youth side and I was like now, but then I thought later on why not. Why not read because I think I am too old to read something meant for 9-14 year olds. Never read any Danish fantasy so I gave it a shot.

What a short and easy read, the book took now time at all. I could have finished the whole series in a short period of time, but I decided to read something else in the mean time. It was a good book, it kept me interesting, some danger moments, like when the dragon bit her, and she is running from the law. But not too much danger, and I would give this to my kids if I had any. it does suit everyone too. And it wasn't too simple to read for a grown-up. Kaaberol has done good with this one.

I like her gift, if she looks people in the eyes she can see their shame, she can also make them feel shame by using her voice. That is why her mum gets called in, to find a murderer cos she would see it in his eyes. But this doesn't turn out as she had wished, and then Dina comes there too. It has a good evil character in Drakan, he is totally without shame, and cannot be touched by their power then.

I will read the rest of this series too to see how it turns out, and it takes no time at all, so I like that. I now understand why I managed to read so many books as a kid.

So different to review books like this, so i don't know what to say. But good easy book.

Now back to Midsummer for me, enjoying my holiday.

Dagger-Star - Elizabeth Vaughan

Dagger-Star by Elizabeth Vaughan
Star Series, book 1

Pages: 336

Published: 2008

A cold and beautiful mercenary known as Red Gloves finds Josiah, a lone figure emerging from the torched fields and razed farms of his homeland.

All Josiah knows about the mysterious woman is her dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free the people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror…

Red Gloves is a mercenary that together with her friend Bethral laves their country to go to Palins to find some work. This land is in turmoil after an usurper to the throne killed the royal family and tried to kill the high lords too. There has been some fighting but for now everything just stands still, an unsteady truce of a kind that will rupture at any moment. After buying a half dead slave the return to the barn and goat herder they had sheltered with. Josiah is living with his 5 goats in a burned out country, a land that fell hard in the beginning of the war and lit's people are gone. But he has seen her birthmark and he will not leave that alone. She could be what he has been waiting for, and he is not either what he seems to be.

I read and reviewed book 2 back in March and then I got this one, thanks Amy! :D Now some things started to make sense, like where those elves came from. The tricky question about red Gloves and why everyone talked about Josiah. Still book 2 can still easily be read before, you will just know certain things then when you read this one. But that doesn't matter at all since I was mostly wondering if they would end up together.

Red Gloves can sure kick some ass, that is for sure. She is the big strong warrior in this book (though with a haunting past). Josiah is sad and vulnerable, and Red Gloves takes charge in this kind of relationship. Which is refreshing. Bethrael, well I really don't know about her, she is a side-kick, and she and the slave she rescued gets their story in book 3, so I guess it's there we would learn more about her. And I think that is needed. Of course we also meets the heroine from book 2, and I must say that those looks giving at the end would have had me curious about the next book.

What I do end up thinking about is a certain high lord elf and his wife. I would so love to know their story since Evie And Josiah has some things to say about him. That is what leave me wanting, their story. It feels like she is teasing me and then ripping it out from under me.

But in the end, this book has the romance, war, evilness and zombies (oh those zombies so had me in book 2, they are just creepy). I liked reading it and it made me wonder, if i enjoy this, then for sure I have to enjoy her war series since everyone says they are so much better.

I am really getting into the whole romance fantasy genre, I mean there is romance, which I love. And fantasy and some fights. But in the end my heart belongs to high fantasy, I like the big fights, darkness, and everything. But you just can't compare them in the end, and I will love both. I just have to read more, this is only like my second book.

Plum Spooky - Janet Evanovich

According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys.

Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He's chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he's chosen the Barrens as his new playground. Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He's now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn't made it out of the boys' department at Macy's. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn't met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree.

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel.

Diesel pops in and out of Plum's life like birthday cake - delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He's an uber bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He's after Grimoire, and now he's also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn't mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs.

Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.

Blurb from author's site cos yup there was a lot of things going on in this book, and to write something about that, tricky. And honestly I don't have much to say in my review either, maybe that is why I have the very long beginning.

I was a bit disappointed in this one. Actually none of her "between the numbers" novel are as good as her numbers novels. Now I know why, it's the lack of Ranger and Joe. These novels have Diesel, and sure he is weird and fun but not what I am looking for. What I love about these novels is the tension between her and Ranger, and the love with Joe. Some root for one guy, some for the other, I for both. Cos that is what makes them great.

This one, has some Joe, but not much. He is busy at his end. It has some Ranger, but not as much. And nothing between any of the 3 is like it's in the numbers books. That is why I can't love this one as much. But don't get me wrong, it made me smile and rush towards the end to find out what was happening. There is some chemistry between them too, but I can take it or leave it. The best thing about this book is the monkey, that monkey is crazy, you will love him. It has the same action and it gets pretty good. And she blows up things as usual.

Average yes, worth reading, oh yes, but I am looking more forward to getting my hands on Finger lickin' 15. I can't wait. perhaps she does't put at much time on these between novels and that is why it's lacking some, and doesn't have me rolling on the floor in laughter, it just has me smiling.

Review: Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening by DCS

Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening by Chrystal Storm aka DCS

Pages: 216
Published: 2008


Chrystal Storm aka DCS is the author of the sci-fi thriller, Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening. A self taught student, her research carries her into the worlds of the metaphysical, quantum physics, the 2012 phenomena, conspiracy theories and everything in between. Her muse sings the loudest among the creative energy in New Orleans, a place she loves both before and after Katrina. To learn more about the book or the author visit www.synarchynovel.com or http://www.dcs-svt.com/

She is hard at work on the second book in the Synarchy Series, The Ascension and several short stories loosely based off of a few characters from the book.


About the book:

“I will die to see my will done, and it will be done.”

-Stefano Terenzio, 48 hours before his death


Thirteen bloodlines, The Brotherhood, fanatically loyal to their gods, the Anunnaki, have controlled the planet since his-story was written. In 1925 Stefano Vasco Terenzio, head of the Terenzio crime family makes a deal with the Anunnaki to solidify his control over the American Mafia. Clever and manipulative, Stefano’s true goal was to put his family in a position so one day they would be able to turn on their masters.


Two generations later, the shock wave he ignited was still being felt. Now, as the world inches closer to 2012, time is running out. The only thing in the Brotherhoods way is Terenzio, a family now divided as a truly epic battle begins that will determine whether mankind continues existing in a world of lies, or shatters the chains that have held it prisoner since his-story was written.

Shocking yet hopeful, Synarchy slowly unravels the tightly laced reality we have created for ourselves. Blending the metaphysical with conspiracy, fact with fiction, debut author DCS has opened up a world that will force you to rethink everything you believe about your own. The knowledge within provokes the question; do you really want to know?


Review:

I made a crucial mistake at first that confused me a bit. It’s very important to look at the dates in the book. Suddenly I found myself confused and saw that I had missed that it was the 1950’s. That I get for reading too fast. When I had cleared that up I could get back to doing some serious reading. But do be aware, read it carefully or you will miss crucial things, and keep track of those years. I needed to know what was going to happen, and oh no! The book ended and now I must wait for the next one.

This was not your usual Mafia type book, I kind of guessed that when I read about the Annunaki. There are aliens in this book, evil ones and good ones. And mankind is doomed to perish time after time because we can’t learn to get along, be happy and ascend. To find our true place among the stars. There are a lot to keep track of, and I liked it. But then I have also been somewhat of a New Ager and I liked the thoughts in this book. It felt scary in a way to think about if negative thoughts actually do the things they do, and if we all think positively what that could change.

This is then a story about the Terenzio crime family, and we get to follow them in this crucial time, and we also have flashbacks to the past to learn what happened then. Now in 2012 the family is divided. Those who follow the Annunaki and do not want man to ascend and those who stand against these strange aliens who wants to control everything. The fight will get hard, and can they truly win against those odds? It’s family against family.

There is a lot going on in this book, and there are a lot of people involved, and it gets even more complicated in the end. But I can’t say anything because that would spoil it. And I always get swept up in books, and this one made me question a lot. Yes I am pretty sure that weird aliens are not controlling every single important government and companies in the world, but hey you never know. I liked the spin of it all. It’s good when a book can make you look over your shoulder, just in case.

Who is then my favourite person, because there are a lot of Terenzios. Stefano, he who started it all, he does sound pretty cool. But I would not have liked to have met him, I would have been too afraid. I like the triplets, Simone, Vasco and Lucien. Those I want to read more about, and I know for sure that there will be more about them because they are very crucial to this book. And I can tell you... I never saw it coming.

The end, well it left you wanting more. It ended with a sort of cliffhanger, because everything is still unclear and I have no idea at all what will happen. Anything could and surely will. I liked the reincarnation bits in this book, and the New Age stuff. The author has done her homework.


So a fast phased book that had me guessing until the end, and then left me with a big, then what? Who dies, who lives and loves? You will find mystery, drama, passion, a thriller with a bit of everything in it.

But yes the negative part is to keep focused and don't miss the crucial parts, and it can get confusing now and again.

received a copy for a review

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Becky's life is blooming! She's working at London's newest fashion store The Look, house-hunting with husband Luke (her secret wish is a Shoe room) .... and she's pregnant! She couldn't be more overjoyed- especially since discovering that shopping cures morning sickness. Everything has got to be perfect for her baby: from the designer nursery, to the latest, coolest pram, to the celebrity, must-have obstetrician. But when the celebrity obstetrician turns out to be Luke's glamorous, intellectual ex-girlfriend, Becky's perfect world starts to crumble. She's shopping for two...but are there three in her marriage?
(back blurb)


Becky gets the news that she is pregnant and they are both thrilled. Now she only have to start shopping for everything she needs. That is the essentials, not so much, but all the coolest baby things, oh yes. She goes crazy as usual, and Luke is not really stopping her this time. He has problems of his own with his company.

Then Becky hears about this famous obstetrician and she needs to go there. Because just think when she is drinking tea with Kate Winslet and best buddies with Gwyneth. She will be in magazines and it will be so much fun. Now if she only can dump her old doctor. But then it turns out that the famed woman is Luke's beautiful single ex. Could things get any worse. She is not liking her and she is sure that the woman is out to steal her man.

Becky is funny as usual, and I have started to like her sister Jess in this one. Luke, honestly, he is great and all that. But I don't think I would fall for him. But I guess a shopaholic works well with a workoholic.

And her parents are great, her best friend, I love them all. There is great chemistry between all. And they help making it funny.

This is a great chick-lit series, the books are funny and you could dislike her so much. But I don't, I like Becky with her faults and all. She is only human.

I tried to look up if Sophie is planning on writing more about Becky, but I couldn't find anything. Too bad, cos I have enjoyed the ride.


1.Confession of a shopaholic/The secret dreamworld of a shopaholic
2.Shopaholic goes abroad/Shopaholic takes manhattan
3.Shopaholic Ties the Knot
4.Shopaholic & Sister
5.Shopaholic & Baby

Beltane by Erin O'Riordan

Beltane by Erin O'Riordan

Published: 2009
Pages: 188
Sexy romance

Twin sisters Allie and Zen have always shared everything: including an unconventional upbringing at Pagan Spirits Farms. They even fall in love at the same time. Pagan priestess Allie thinks she’s met the man of her dreams in her buttoned-down lawyer fiancé, Paul Phillip. But is he everything he seems? Zen, a witch gifted with the sixth sense, falls for Orlando. But there’s a catch: Orlando is married to someone else.

As the celebration of Beltane nears, the sisters seem destined to be unlucky in love. But the Goddess moves in mysterious ways, and May Day may turn out to be magic for them after all.


This on took me for a trip, first I disliked Zen and Orlando, then I liked them again. Then I got a bit confused when I figured out what had to happen, and I didn't like one of them again. But then I liked that person again. Lol, yes it went up and down. Though I did like Allie and Paul Phillip all the time through out the book. But that is what a book should do, make you love and hate characters. They are only human after all. And I couldn't see the things that were to happen happen. They just sprung on me (even though I figured out one thing, which I loved in the end). You have to read and figure out what I mean.

There was mostly Zen in this book, so perhaps that is why she stirred the most emotions in me. She is a witch and owns a little store. Her sister Allie on the other hand is a pagan priestess and has just married and wants to start a family. But Zen who can sense what others are feeling knows that something is not that right about Paul Phillip. But what? She can't say and he does seem to adore her sister. So they go off into the sunset. While Zen heads back home and later sees a man in a bar, Orlando Parisi is a hunk, but there is a weddings rind on his finger. Could she really do just that? The Goddess says do no harm and breaking up a marriage is not something that is right. That will cause problems. And this all while Allie is having problems of her own.

And then a little excerpt from their first meeting for a feel of the book.

"No boyfriend. And the closest thing I've got to a kid is Gillian. I'm sure I'll get around to having kids one of these days. I've got time, I'm only twenty-three."
"Please don't take this the wrong way, but you seem older," he said. Zen frowned, so he explained. "I don't mean you look older. I mean you seem more mature. Wiser, maybe."
"I don't know about that," Zen replied. Orlando didn't say anything, so she kissed him. She breathed in the soft floral scent of his aftershave.
Orlando was very still at first. Zen wondered if she'd made a mistake, or if he didn't like the way she kissed. She looked into his eyes, looking for some clue.

But for you who thinks this is a book about adultery, it's not. And everything that happens does so for a reason. Before I saw that I did have a problem with the whole thing, then I liked it, then I disliked it, then I saw the light. I can't say anything more.

We get to follow them in their relationships, the ups and downs. The hardship and yes the sex. Because that there are. Not tasteless or too much, not so that it interferes with the story. But woven in so it makes sense. One scene did make me go oh no, oh really, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

Then there is the whole pagan thing which I of course like, I do have the name Blodeuedd for a reason. And now I got to read how these two girls celebrated Beltane, oh yes, it got wild. And Beltane was the perfect way to set everything right in the book. After that it was a smooth ride to the end.

As for the world, it's ours, nothing strange going on here. Though of course the empathy thing does stand out, that is th only thing, and then just some good old normal magic in the end ;)

received a copy for a review

Shopaholic and sister - Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

Yes I know how you all were dying to get more chick-lit ;) I finished this one quickly and got the next one yesterday when it came in to the library.

Becky Bloomwood thought being married to Luke Brandon would be one big Tiffany box of happiness. But to be honest, it's not quite as dreamy as she'd hoped. The trouble started on honeymoon, when she told Luke the tiniest little fib, about the teeniest little purchase. Now she's on a strict budget, she doesn't have a job, and, worst of all, her beloved Suze has a new best friend. She's feeling rather blue - when she gets the biggest shock of her life. She has a long-lost sister!

Becky has never been more excited. Finally, a real sister! They'll have so much in common! They can go shopping together. . . choose shoes together. . . have manicures together. . .

Until she meets her - and makes a dreadful discovery. It can't be true. Surely Becky Bloomwood's long-lost sister can't.… hate shopping?

A sister. A soulmate. A skinflint?
(from the book)


Yup no own blurb here cos this is the 4th one, and I have mostly said all there is to say about Becky and Luke. But a lot of things going on in this one. Becky is on a budget cos she bought everything she could find on their 10 month honeymoon. Luke is working too much and she thinks he has changed. And Suze has found a new best friend. So when Becky finds out she has a sister she gets excited and thinks she has found her soul mate. But there is a problem, Jessica hates shopping and can't stand spending.

Hilarious situations as always, and Becky keeps buying fun stuff, and utter crap. She really should join shop-a-holics Anonymous. But I love her, I can't help it. I would love to have her as a buddy, though oh my how much money I would spend then too. Nope the Becky's better stay away from me. It would ruin me.

This 4th book is just as great as the rest, and I wonder why I haven't read these books before. This one might be the 2nd funniest after the 1st one.

Lovers of chick-lit, read this series. Not as great as Bridget Jones, but she was my way in but compared to other chick'lit books out there that can't even make me smile, then this one is good. It made me smile and giggle over all the follish things that girl does.

Short review today, the 5th one will be coming up too. But now back to my weekend.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Burrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society
by
Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Burrows

First I would like to thank Amy C @ Romance Book wyrm for coming up with this brilliant idea of reading and passing along this book to others. If you want to join us then head over here.

How to do this justice, I am going to use the back blurb to help me along.

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island--boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.


I started, and I couldn't put it down. The book was delightful, wonderful, and entirely in letters. First I wasn't sure how that could work, and how I would keep track of everyone, but soon enough they become all dear to me. I got to know them just the way Juliet did. And at the end I didn't want to part from them.

Juliet is a writer who gets a letter from a man in Guernsey, and she writes back asking some questions. Soon enough many in the literary circle is writing to her, and more letters are on the way. She finds out how they had it during the occupation, and she becomes more and more intrigued by it all. She wants to write a book, and she wants to see her new and dear friends. Dawsey, Isola (the witch), sweet Kit, and all the rest. I did like them all, but Elizabeth struck a cord in me. And I went trough the same emotions as Juliet did. They had all such wonderful and tragic stories to tell.

This made me want to write long and witty letters to strangers. Not to mention start a book club, why are everyone so bad at reading here *sighs* They made it sound so fun. And I loved that some never really had read, but now they found the love of books in the shape of The Bronte sisters, Charles Lamb etc. To fall in love all over again with books, now that would be a joy.

When we get to hear the whole story, we get even more. The story continues and still with letters. And I just enjoyed it so much that I am lost for words. What more can I say then read this book, you will not regret it.

The Reincarnationist by M.J.Rose

The Reincarnationist by MJ.Rose

"A riveting epic of secrets, history and murder that will challenge the way we think about who we are and who we were"
(back blurb)

Josh Ryder's explodes when he gets caught in the blast of a bomb exploding in Rome. After that nothing is the same for this American photojournalist.

His mind is invaded by memories, but they are not his. They are from a man back in ancient Rome. But he can smell the air, and the longings and feelings have him doubting his sanity. Then there is the intense feeling for a woman called Sabina, and the urge to save her.

He turns to the Phoenix foundation. It's well renowned and it documents the past life experiences in children. He is not their usual subject, but there is something about his experiences. This will lead him to an archaeological dig in Rome where professor Gabriella Chase and professor Rudolfo has found an ancient tomb. A powerful and ancient secret threatens the believes of an entire world.


The tomb found is on of a vestal virgin. And the experiences that Josh is having will explain more of this story. The danger lies in the memory stones that will give the person using them insights in past lifes so that they can change the mistakes they made in past lives. Not something that Christianity would like to hear about, since there are no past lives just the eternal rest of the soul.

Weren't the highest echelons of the Church worried about the magic of the stones? And for good reason. If man discovered that Nirvana was within his reach - if it was in his hands, not in the hands of God- what authority would the Church hold over him?

I have always loved the idea of reincarnation, because sitting on a cloud for eterenity, no. But getting the chance to find your own salvation, yes. So I like that about this books. And I get wondering because it does mention early Christian beliefs of a wandering soul, as with many other religions. Was that true, and believed back then? Or made up? I am intrigued.

Josh Ryder, when I saw the add for the tv-series that is being made then I could picture him. I guess he is likeable, just as Gabriella and Rachel are. Julius and Sabina, yes they are interesting with their secrets. But every passage about them made me ache, because they would die. Which of course is silly of me since we all do. But I feared the worst, and it was evident that the worse would happen to them. Not to mention the passages from those days when Christian soldiers destroyed temples and killed the pagans that they called them, when in truth that would mean all since this was the first days of a new religion. It always makes me sick, why can't all just get along, and believe in whatever they want too?! Yes it made me angry.

There is an intensity to the book, and yes I do like it, but I had that feeling through out the entire book. Maybe I am just a sucker for happy endings, and everything that may not be so makes me ill at ease.

I am confused about this whole book. It was great, and I am sure many will absolutely love it. I thought it was ok, and I am sure I would have liked it more if it hadn't been those feelings that made me so scared for the whole bunch of them. Maybe not my genre.