What goes better together than books and chocolate? Wine & Books!

Picture this: You’re sitting at home and have plans for a reading night. Maybe you have a cozy warm blanket nearby or candles lit (if you are like me- I have a pillow to lay my head on, blankets nearby to stay warm and cozy, and usually a mug of hot chocolate to drink). But there are nights when the hot chocolate is not enough- sometimes I want a glass of wine to sip and savor as my mind enjoys a literary treat. For me, this means wishing and hoping I still have a bottle of wine somewhere; anywhere or can make it to the store to buy one.

But what if you picked a bottle of wine based on the book you were reading- and not on just whatever you had in the house or the cheapest bottle you find at the store? This is what today’s post at She Reads is all about: pairing bottles of wine with books!

Be sure and check back at She Reads often- as Caitlin will be picking the perfect bottle of wine to make the She Reads monthly book pick even more enjoyable- Think along the lines of “C’est Magnifique”- which I hope is all you say “it’s magnificient” (side note: it’s times like this that I really wish I had the foresight to master at least 2 other languages- besides the New Orleans style langauge that I wished I spoke!)

Fiber and Brimstone by Laura Childs

Fiber and Brimstone by Laura Childs is the 4th book I’ve read in the Cruisin Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013. It is my first Laura Childs book, however.

New Orleans. Halloween. What could be better? When Carmela and Ava discover the body of Brett Fowler- minutes after they overheard an argument between Jeykll Hardy and Fowler, the ladies are distressed. But Carmela puts on her sleuthing hat- all the while running her scrapbook store and vows to make sure the police don’t focus on Jekyll- after all there are many more suspects to consider. Especially when Fowlers’s business practices come to light.

Carmela’s also having to deal with her ex- Shamus and her current lover, Edgar Babcock. It’s a lot for her to deal with, but nothing that Carmela can’t handle. Coupled with her friend, Ava, the two make plans to find the killer, find Ava a boyfriend and figure out the clues for the treasure hunt. While having a spookily good time!

Writers- and the peace they bring to lives…(plus escargot)

I’ve talked at length before in previous posts about how growing up, I always thought of an author as “really high up” in the world- walking around NYC, with shiny shoes, meeting interesting people, and cranking out best seller after best seller. I felt envious in the way of their life- pictured them going to fancy restaurants where the drinks and conversations would be free-flowing. I would see them in my mind, walking in a room- every eye on them and sitting down to dinner- perhaps eating escargot (Note: I was not envious of the escargot- I thought it sounded gross. But something an author would eat, no?)

As I’ve grown-up, my view of an author has changed- while I still think they are “pretty high up”, I realize that not all authors are cranking out best seller after best seller, walking around NYC or eating escargot. There are some that probably are, but just as many who are not.

No matter,though, whether they are super-famous or just a teensy bit famous- reading the works, and finding some peace in my day makes me appreciative of the work. It makes me want to meet as many authors as I can- to hear the “behind the scenes” information on the characters- the inspirations. However, you can keep the escargot.

Random thoughts….

It’s Tuesday- and I’ve got a few things to say, but nothing that fits under one cute title- hence the random thoughts!

Giveaways:

Cozy Mystery Book Reviews is still doing the 31 days of giveaways for January. If you are a cozy reader- check it out!

Hallie Sawyer is giving away a copy of The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro- just read the post to find out how to enter- and take some time to look at Hallie’s blog (it’s great!) and check out Great New Books (another great website to help readers find books and book chatter!)

Other news:

MVB Club is celebrating their 1 year Anniversary as bloggers! Join me in extending them congratulations to a great first year- and to many more!

Am I the only one who does not watch Downton Abbey? You’ll be happy to know that I’m downloading the first season 🙂

I’m reading A Good Hard Look by Ann Napolitano. Really enjoying it. However, I’m also reading The End Of Your Life Book Club– and honestly, I’m not enjoying it that much. Perhaps, my expectations were too high as everyone I know was raving about book. Thoughts?

Happy 1st year Anniversary to MVBClub! Here’s to many more fabulous years of blogging! Cheers!

Man Vs Books Club!

It’s almost hard to believe that a year has past since the Man Vs Books Club went live in 2012. It has been a fun, scary adventure blogging. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team. They are ones that made this blog the cool experience that it is. Each one has contributed to it in their own special ways. The Man Vs Books Club is a true reflection of our teamwork.

A special thanks to everyone that has guest blogged for us. We sincerely appreciate it. We can wait for more future collaborations.

Lastly now that 2013 is here, we are going to post more great book reviews, interviews, and giveaways. Hope that you will continue to support us.

Remember Reading is Sexy

DP~MVBCLUB

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Stuck on Murder(A Decoupage Mystery) by Lucy Lawrence

Stuck on Murder (A Decoupage Mystery) is the first book in the series by Lucy Lawrence. Set in a New England town, the main character Brenna Miller is a recent transplant to the town. She teaches decoupage classes at Tenley’s (her former college roommate) store- Vintage Papers. The town is a perfect place to help Brenna forget a troubling incident from her past- as it’s small and sleepy. However, the small-town charms are questionable when the mayor asks Brenna for help in talking to her landlord, Nate, about selling some of his lake front property to a developer- which will in turn benefit the town. With relunctance, Brenna mentions this to Nate- which starts a feud with mayor when Nate refuses to sell. The situation escalates- then Brenna finds the mayor’s body stuffed into a trunk.

Did Nate kill the mayor to save the land? Or is someone taking advantage of the fact that Nate and the mayor have been seen arguing publicly? Could it be the hungry for fame newpaper editor? Or maybe another disgruntled citizen of the town?

Stuck on Murder is a lovely start to the series. Brenna’s a nice character-and the town and the other characters are great backdrops. The book also has the beginnings of a romance- however, be prepared for another twist in that department. For fans of decoupage- there are also tips.

Recommended.

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Today is a beautiful day. Bright sunshine after a couple of days of dreary rain- temp is in high 60’s/70’s and it’s #literaryfriday!

1. Deep South Magazine will have 2 author chats in the upcoming weeks- so please check back at @deepsouthmag or Deep South Magazine’s Facebook page for more information on that. In other #literaryfriday news, a picture of F.Scott Fitzgerald in drag, a list of 12 Gay Book Characters Turned Straight for Movies ( can you guess who they are?), Pulpwood Queen talk about their upcoming Girlfriend Weekend (Kimberly Brock, The River Witch, will be there!) and much more.

2. What are you reading for #fridayreads? I’m reading Stuck on Murder by Lucy Lawrence ( this will be my 3rd book in goal of 13 for Cruisin Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013).

3. In case you missed the announcement earlier this week, She Reads January Book Club pick is The Art Forger by B.A.Shapiro. Here are some links that you might find interesting.

Literary First Love: B.A Shapiro

B.A. Shapiro on Why She Wrote The Art Forger

January Book Club Selection

The Art Forger: Review by Traveling With T

4. Traveling With T took the plunge and made a Facebook page- facebook.com/TravelingWithT

So come over to Facebook and give Traveling With T a “like”. Blog posts will be posted to the facebook page- but not to worry- if you don’t do the facebook thing, feel free to stick around the blog- I’ll be blogging, commenting, posting pictures and recommending books here as well as there.

5. Want to help a soon to be published author? Read Julie Kibler’s tips- Julie’s debut book is Calling Me Home (release date is Feb 12, 2013). Her book has already been getting some advance praise- hopefully will get much more!

6. Excuse my while my inner child squeals- but on Wednesday Jan 16 at 5:30 pm (EST), Scholastic is hosting a BabySitters Club meeting- talk with Ann M. Martin and test your BSC knowledge! Grab the Kid Kits, find some junk food in Claudia’s room (unless you are Stacey or Dawn) and get ready for a great meeting- and don’t be late or Kristy will give you THE LOOK. Follow @scholastic and use the hashtag #BSCMeeting to join in.

7. Check in with Cozy Mystery Book Reviews– they are giving away books for the month of January!

8. Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of Allison Winn Scotch The Song Remains the Same– check in with that blog for the rules and details.

Happy Reading!

What are your reading goals for 2013?

With all the fesitivies and resolutions of the new year- you may have not been thinking too much about reading goals. But, now that we are a few days into the 2013 year- perhaps it’s time to begin considering some potential reading goals.

My reading goals for 2013:

– Read 115 books in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. for 2012- I challenged myself to originally 100- then I changed it to 110. I ended 2012 with 111 books read.

– Reading at least 13 cozies in the Cruisin Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013. 13 books will earn me the title of Super Sleuth. Currently, I’m on book 3 in the challenge. I’m anticipating reading some cozies that people have given me over the years that I had not read- as well as continuing with my favorite cozy authors.

– To read 1 or 2 classics- I read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 2012. I anticipate reading another Jane Austen- and trying to decide on another classic.

– To read at least 5 books that have been sitting on my “to be read”shelf for some time. I buy books, people give books, books come in for review. And the new ones always catch my attention- so the ones that are on my shelf sit and patiently wait. I need to be more fair to them- it’s time for them to have some time in the spotlight.

– While it’s not a reading goal, exactly, I resolve to keep my Goodreads shelves updated and my real bookshelves organized and nice looking.

Fingers crossed that at the end of 2013- I’ll have met or exceeded my original goals.

Looking for more ideas for reading goals? She Reads has several! And they want to know “What are you reading goals for 2013”? Is it to read more of a particular author? Read the books on your TBR shelf? Try audio? Maybe e-books? Whatever your reading goal- it’s a worthy one- so drop back by and share!

The joy of reviewing books…

Reviewing books. Ultimate dream for a book lover- at least in my opinion. The joy of seeing a book that could possibly make best-sellers list before the majority of the general public sees it- be still my heart. Getting to read a book before others is a treat that is almost hard to describe- it’s just a good feeling- especially when the book is great!

Being a member of the She Reads Blog Network has given me chances to review books that I might not have read- they’ve expanded my reading selection. Reviewing books for other publishers has also been a treat. Through reviewing, while I may not make a major impact in the publishing world, just knowing there is potential- is enough for me.

Want to help a soon to be published author? Read!

I forget exactly where I read this, but I read somewhere that a new author has like 6 weeks to make an impression once book is published (I think I have that figure and statement right!) Here’s the important thing: With as many books that are being published daily- it’s the newcomers to the field that need the help, the extra attention. Think of them like the kindergarten kids- they just need a little extra help to boost them through the ranks. Sadly, some writers don’t get the attention they need- maybe it’s because the book was just not right, or too many other good books out at the same time. Maybe the author doesn’t have the support team. Who knows- a million things can go right or wrong in the process- and sometimes hard work is just not enough.

Soon to be published author, Julie Kibler, has written this as advice to help a soon to be published author. The tips are great- really informative and very easy to do (if you are so inclined!)

As I read over the tips- I dubbed them (in my head) The Good Karma Rules of Literary Folks. If you’re lucky enough to get ARC copies- read and tell your thoughts. Book cover is giving you a good feeling? Pre-order that book! Going to the book signing, but already have the book? Consider buying the book for a friend. Ask for it at the library. Tweet. Facebook. Blog. Instagram. Like something about the book? Tweet the author!

Julie Kibler’s book, Calling Me Home, will be released on Feb 12 2013. Read over her tips to help her (and other soon to be published authors).