Mailbox Monday, Meme, Monday Memes, Musing Mondays

Monday Memes

CMash February 20, 2012 7 Comments

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week’s question:
What is the last book that you learned something from? What book was it, and what did it teach you?
My answer:
Since I read mostly fiction, there are some books that I come away with thought provoking thoughts from, but learning? I’m not that sure. The only book that comes to mind is a book I read back in September, matter of fact, I looked at my spreadsheets and I finished it on September 18th. And even then I can’t say I learned a lot from it, but what it did do, was verify what I already believed and gave me strength at that particular time when I needed it most. It was 90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper. A true story by a minister of his horrific car accident where he was pronounced dead, however, another person on the scene prayed over his body. And he tells of his journey to the afterlife. I mentioned the date that I finished the book for a reason. I read this book while I sat by my Mom’s bedside and I started to see her journey begin and on September 22nd she passed away in my arms.

Being a former nurse, unfortunately this process was not new to me, but when it is your own, it is totally different. What I did learn from the book and see with my Mom was the start of her journey. Where and when she saw those who had gone before her. Who and when she was talking to those who were waiting for her. And the second she left here to be reunited with those that she longed to see and where she will wait for us someday.

February is hosted by Metro Reader

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour. According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”

The Hachette Book Group ARC–Author

Signed copy from Author for Partners In Crime Tours

Signed limited edition copy from Author for Partners In Crime Tours

Book Review

Review “Cross Fire” by James Patterson

CMash February 18, 2012 4 Comments

CROSS FIRE by James Patterson

Published by Little Brown and Company

ISBN-13: 9780316036177

At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a HC book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Wedding bells ring

Detective Alex Cross and Bree’s wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.’s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories–is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

A murderer returns

The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims’ movements–information that only a Washington insider could possess.

Caught in a lethal cross fire

As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fireis James Patterson’s most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Who doesn’t like a classic James Patterson book with it’s 2-4 page chapters, especially his long running Alex Cross series? I got hooked on his books many years ago, and Cross Fire was true to form. Dr. Alex Cross, Nana and the kids are all a central part of the story line and his devotion to his family makes the character even more likable. And in this book he finally gets married. The action is fast paced and as stated above, because of the short chapters, it is very easy to say “just one more chapter” and you find that you have read ten. A very quick read. Even though I enjoyed this novel because it was an “Alex Cross book”, I found it to be predictable and lacking the high drama of investigation that one could find in his earlier books. Will I read another Patterson book? Yes….I still like his writing style.

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

(2012 Challenges: TBR, Romantic Suspense, Bucket List, Mystery/Suspense, Off The Shelf, Serial Killers, Free Reads, Where Are You, A-Z, Merely Mystery, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

Giveaway, Winners

And the winner is…..

CMash February 17, 2012 1 Comment

….. of AMONGST MY ENEMIES and

THE UNDERTAKER by William F. Brown

2 Linda Kish Public Follower of Blog

Name: Linda Kish

Option: Public Follower of Blog

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.

Aloha Friday

CMash February 17, 2012 9 Comments

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

MY QUESTION:
Do you or have you enjoyed and taken part in any winter sports (ex: skiing, skating, etc)?

Which ones?

MY ANSWER:
The ones I have ever tried were ice skating and sledding (which I don’t think counts) when my boys were small.

Giveaway, Winners

And the winner is………….

CMash February 16, 2012 1 Comment

………..of A CLUTTERED LIFE by Pesi Dinnerstein

PICK THE WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
17 pamela james Public Follower of Blog
Name: pamela james
Option: Public Follower of Blog
Extra Info: networked blog follower-

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.

Booking Thru Thursday, Meme

Booking Through Thursday

CMash February 16, 2012 4 Comments

http://btt2.wordpress.com

Today’s Question:
A while ago, I interviewed my readers for a change, and my final question was, “What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask?” I got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.
Pepca asks
Have you every written any fan-fiction? If yes, why and for which book(s)? If no, would you like to and for which books(s)?
For that matter, do you ever READ fan-fiction??
My response:
I have to be very honest, this question stumped me. Fan fiction?…hmmm…that was a new one to me. I didn’t think I had but to make sure I went right to wikipedia just to make sure. And yes I had never read any fan fiction nor do I have the urge to write any. I will leaving the writing to those that have the talent and read the all so any books already waiting for me on my tbr shelves. And for those who were like me and didn’t know, here is the definition:

fan fiction

From Enclcopedia Britannica

Television shows had long captivated audiences and provided a temporary escape from reality for viewers who could vicariously live another life. Some devoted viewers would often discuss their favourite dramas and begin to play out “what-if” scenarios: What if Agent Mulder never returned to The X-Files and Agent Scully began having an affair with Assistant Director Walter Skinner? What if Captain Kirk of Star Trek had never met Spock? What if the title character of Buffy the Vampire Slayer found true love in a demon