Veiled Revenge (A Crime of Fashion) by Ellen Byerrum

Lacey is in the middle of another crime of fashion mystery. Stella’s bachelorette party is in full swing until Leonardo crashes it. Marie warns him against mocking the shawl she has brought to the party; but he does not heed her warning. Then Marie faints- and we all know when Marie faints is coming.

Leonardo dies- but is it because he mocked the shawl? Or was it a mistake?

Lacey begins following the fashion clues- and trying to keep Stella’s wedding plans from going haywire. A maid of honor’s work is never done!

Will Lacey solve the mystery? Read to find out!

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Oh the weather is not delightful. Yesterday, the air was positively spring-like. I began looking at my flip-flops in anticipation of pedicures and walking around outside. I *might* have even spoken to my favorite new pair- saying something like “I can’t wait to show you off!” But the weather is a cruel mistress, no? Yesterday’s nice, sunny, breezy weather has led to today’s cool weather with dark skies.

In other #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Cocktail recipies inspired by favorite pieces of literature, list of the most literate cities for 2012, and a review by Laura Kay, a fellow She Reads Blog Network member,  about Julie Kibler’s CALLING ME HOME which is She Reads Feb Book Club Pick of the Month.  Through today, comment on the She Reads post for a chance to win a copy of CALLING ME HOME.

2. More #giveaways: Tell Me Something True-A Visit With Emily Winslow  Comment on post for a chance to win The Start Of Everything (She Reads is giving away a copy!)

3. #fridayreads My read is Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum. Your next #fridayreads should be Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home. In stores on Feb 12.  Interested in finding out more about Calling Me Home? Here’s my review of Calling Me Home.

4. Two other books readers should be on the lookout for (Both will be released Feb 12). Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe  and  The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones.

5. Still looking for Valentine’s Ideas? My blog post, Valentine’s Ideas, will provide some suggestions as well as Bookmagnet’s blog!

6. Looking for great book chats? Use #gr8books on Twitter- the host is Andrea (@gr8thoughts). Earlier this week, Erika Robuck’s Hemingway’s Girl was discussed. It was a fun-filled chat with lots of interesting chatter about the book. Next chat is March 5th, from 8-9pmCST. The book discussed will be Wife 22.

7. Be thinking of questions to ask Julie Kibler because I’m hosting a Twitter chat with her on Feb 20th from 2-3pm EST. Haven’t decided on hashtag as of yet- but will def post ASAP.

Happy Reading!

 

 

Dare Me by Megan Abbott

Cheerleaders. The girls who yell “Go Team”, paint their faces, and shake pom-poms all the while with big smiles and team spirit. If that’s what you think cheerleading is all about- Dare Me by Megan Abott is going to shatter that thought process in minutes.

Addy Hanlon has always been second best to Beth, her best friend, in cheering. Beth is the captain and Addy is the Lieutenant- and that’s the way it’s been for ages. The other girls on the squad don’t try to mess with the dynamic becasue Beth is that powerful, that in charge and cool and calculating. Enter Coach Collete French. She’s the new coach and is hungry for success- wants to take the squad to regionals. She wants the squad to be more than sexy pom-pom shakers- Coach French is determined that these girls will be the best. First step? Shake up the routine. Eliminiate the cheer captain position.

This starts the secret war between Beth and Coach French. But Coach French unknowingly adds fuel to the fire by taking an interest in Addy’s cheerleading talents-pushing her to be better, to really work at being the best cheerleader she can be. As the book goes on, the reader learns just how far Beth will go to be not only the #1 cheerleader; but also to be Addy’s best friend.

A psychological thriller- and just when the reader thinks they know what’s happening- another twist. Filled with teen angst- lying cheating, bullying, and more. After reading Dare Me– you’ll never look at a cheerleader the same way again.

Valentine’s Ideas…..

Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit how much I love the red hearts, the glitter, the pretty packaging of the chocolate. How much I love having Valentine’s Day plans with someone special. I’ll even admit that some years I’ve been a Valentine hater- annoyed by the over-abundance of red, flowers, and the teddy bears everywhere. I’ve even participated in the “single awareness days” with good food and wine with friends. And there may even be a time or two where I’ve scoffed at the over-commercialization of the holiday, the cost of cards,dinner, flowers and more. But as the years keep turning, I’ll just admit that Valentine’s Day is a day to show love- to do something for yourself  that makes you happy. To make sure that your loved ones know they are special.

And while my heart still beats a little faster at the sight of red hearts and seeing all the over-the-top goodies and stuff; I recognize life is not a romantic-comedy (my life isn’t at any rate). So, in light of this- I always try to make my Valentine’s Day a bit special- no matter the status of my romantic life. Because being good to yourself is the best way to be happy.

I mentioned before that my Valentine’s Day plans include tickets to Cirque de la Mystique and having dinner with a friend. I also have my eye on a couple of different earrings at Dogeared Jewelry. I also plan to indulge myself the next weeked by going to the movies to see Safe Haven and have dinner at my favorite eating place.

Enjoy your Valentine’s day!

Gifts for Book Lovers:

Bookmagnet has a list of books that would make a great gift for the book lover in your life.

After reading the list, I thought of some other books that would make a great gift:

1. The Art Forger by B.A. Shapirio and tickets to an art exhibit/museum.

2. Beautiful Darkness and tickets to the movie

3. The Hunger Games trilogy ( I know, I know- I need to quit with The Hunger Games- but I still love it.)

4. The Meryl Streep Movie Club and a night of watching favorite Meryl Streep movies and snacks

5. Meanwhile Back at Cafe Du Monde for a foodie (even better to plan with a trip to New Orleans)

6. A gift certificate to favorite bookstore

7. An Audible subscription for audio-book lover

8. Like going to literary haunts? Buy Deep South Mag’s Literay Trail App and plan a road-trip!

 

 

 

The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones

When Gillian Flynn, a writer who has quite a way with the words when it comes to mystery and suspense, gives a blurb for the book- it sets a readers mind to a certain way. Holly Goddard Jones book, The Next Time You See Me, does not disappoint. It’s got all the makings of a creepy, suspenseful mystery.

Set in a small southern town, the book focuses on the lives of several residents and they ways they are connected. Susanna, a young wife, teacher and mother- married to a band director at the high school. Emily, a student of Susanna’s and a socially awkward teenager. Wyatt, a factory worker who fears he’s let his life slip away with nothing really to show of it. And Tony, a former star athlete who has a connection to Susanna that not everyone is aware of.

A body is discovered by one character around the same time that Susanna begins to suspect that her sister, Ronnie, is missing. Is the body that was discovered Ronnie? Not many folks are taking seriously the possible disappearance of Ronnie because she’s the type of woman who would leave for a few days without telling. As the story unfolds, the reader begins to see how each person is connected to one another and how October 23 is a fateful day for many of the characters.

The Next Time You See Me connects the characters of this small-town in such a believable way. The reader is completely immersed in the life of the characters: their wants, desires, secret struggles and regrets. The storyline is filled with mystery and suspense- the reader not only wants to know what happens; but has to know.

Recommened for readers who like suspenseful mystery books. For readers who like books that have several characters who are connected in ways that are not apparently obvious. For readers who enjoy a book that can lead to long discussions of motivations of characters.

Thank you, Touchstone Books, for supplying this review copy. All opinions expressed above are mine only.

Wednesday: Giveaways, Julie Kibler, and more

1. You may have noticed tons of tweets and things about Julie Kibler. Her debut novel, Calling Me Home, is She Reads Feb Book Club pick. And judging from the tweets and reviews- it seems that everyone in the #srblog group enjoyed the book. If you want to read about Julie Kibler is creating her best and most creative ideas- stop by She Reads today!

2. Tonight from 8-9PM CST chat with Erika Robuck about Hemingway’s Girl.  Use #gr8books to join in!

3. More #giveaway news: Great New Books is giving away The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Stop by Great New Books and comment for a chance to win from Wed Feb 6 to Fri Feb 8th (by midnight EST time).

4. Like motorcycles? Non-fiction? Want to read a book about the take down of an outlaw motorcycle gang? Read my review of Gods of Mischief by George Rowe. Out in stores Feb 12!

 

 

Gods of Mischief:My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe

Motorcycle gangs are something that have been around for some time. There are different groups and some are more known than others. Each group has their own colors, patches and rules. The Vagos are one particular motorcycle gang that is proud to wear the “one-percenter” patches ( in reference to the fact that 99% of motorcyclist are law-abiding citizens- it’s just 1% who are not).  The story of George Rowe and his vendetta to take down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang is a story of grit and determination.

Meet George Rowe. He’s a boy that grew up in a tough world. He’s just a man who has an outlaw past. He’s spent his time in jail- some for minor offenses; some for major. George is the man a person goes to for drugs. He makes money, spends money- does drugs, sells drugs. Can’t pay for your drugs? No problem- George will haul your belongings off. Sex for drugs is another form of payment. Life is going until George (with the help of others) sees that his life is not what he wants. He gets clean- and decides to start paying back his town for all his hell-raising past. With George’s past and the fact that he does enjoy motorcycles makes him attractive to the Vagos; but George does not want a part of that type of life.

Until the night George walks into Johnny’s Restaurant- a friend of his, David, is having a baby-shower. Some Vagos come in and want the pool table that David is playing at- and when he refuses to hand it over, words are exchanged. Which leads to David making the biggest mistake- he knocks out a Vagos member. After he left the hospital- he was never seen again.

George was tired of the Vagos ruining the town- and he felt it was his duty to bring down the Vagos. Enter the ATF. George begins working for them. He starts hanging out with the Vagos, looking to become a prospect; then a full-fledged member.

Over a course of 3 years- George goes from an outsider to a full-fledged Vagos member. He gathers information, reports to the ATF, and tries to make sure that his cover is not blown. It’s 3 years of determination, grit,  hard times and wanting to do the right thing- all the while worrying that he will get killed. Gods of Mischief is George Rowe’s tale- a tale of motorcycles, outlaws, crime, and much more. It’s also a redemption story for George- but in the end was it worth it?

For fans of non-fiction- this story is a tale that will expose the reader to the outlaw world. A world of drugs and sex. A world where men make their own rules.

Giveaways, Twitter chats and more!

1.Erika Robuck chats about Hemingway’s Girl on Twitter Wed Feb 6th from 8-9 pm CST! Use #gr8books to join in! Great Thoughts ( a blog) is hosting the chat- stop by her page and see some of the questions that will be discussed!

2. Elin Hilderbrand’s book The Castaways is $2.99 for e-books today only!

3. She Reads has a copy of The Girl’s Guide to Love and Supper Clubs to give to a lucky commenter! Go read Tell Me Something True- A Visit with Dana Bate, comment and maybe win! Also get a chuckle out of Dana’s story- it involves a Pyrex dish, explosion, and a 2 lessons she learned that night!

4. Be Your Own Valentine Giveaway- check Amy Hatvany website for details! Chocolates, signed galley, and Sephora- it’s a good #giveaway!

5. Win a copy of Joanne Fluke’s Red Velvet Cupcake Murder on Goodreads! Go there and follow the directions- fingers crossed for a win!

6. If you are not following #srblog hashtag on Twitter, you are missing out on so much. Reviews about books that are GREAT, good conversation with ladies who love to read, and much more!

7. The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones- my review will be posted this week. Entertaining, though!

 

 

 

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler- She Reads Feb Book Club Pick!

Looking for a good book to read? Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler is She Reads Feb Book Club pick!

Here’s my review of Calling Me Home

This month is my debut as the She Reads Online Book Club Leader- I’m excited, nervous and more- but ready for the challenge! The discussion will take place on shereads.org! Come by on Monday, February 25th to participate in the discussion- and don’t worry: It’ll be going on all week so there’ll be plenty of time to participate!

 

 

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler

Julie Kibler’s debut novel, Calling Me Home, is a story that will make the reader think- how far a person is willing to go for love,  choosing between what you want and what your family expects of you, and standing on your own in the world.

They were two unlikley friends- one an aging white woman and the other a younger black woman. Hair helped them make each other’s aquaintance and friendship grew. However, a road trip for the two showed that they have more in common than one ever thought. Isabelle McAllister asks her hairdresser and friend Dorrie to accompany her on a road trip to a funeral in Cincinatti. Dorrie, feeling the need to escape from her worries for a few days, agrees to drive Isabelle.

As the 2 ladies embark on a journey- one heading toward a past that has painful memories and the other leaving her present for a few days- Isabelle begins to share the story- the story of Isabelle far before Dorrie ever knew her. Isabelle tells a story about her first love- her great love. A boy who was the son of the housekeeper that worked for Isabelle’s family. As Dorrie listens- Isabelle tells of Robert and the love they shared- a love that the town Isabelle lived in could not understand.

Calling Me Home– it’s a story that has sadness, much sadness at times. It’s also a story of love and hope- and being true to yourself.  Looking for a good book to read- a story of love, friendship, family consisting of the people you choose and much more? You have found the book then.