Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Choir by Sharon Kahn (Book #14 for 2009)

Finished 01-29-09



Book Description:

Agatha Award-nominated Sharon Kahn serves up a fresh batch of Chanukah chutzpah -- and murder -- on the rails, as the Temple Rita Choir travels through the Canadian Rockies in this laugh-out-loud kosher cozy.

Trouble is brewing in Temple Rita. First, the choir's upcoming excursion to Banff and Lake Louise is in serious jeopardy when sagging latke sales don't raise enough money for the scenic train trip. Resident busybody Essie Sue thinks that hiring Bitsy, an aging peroxide-blond tart of a party planner, can help solve their problems. Ruby, our widowed heroine, disagrees, and all Bitsy manages to do is spend more money the temple doesn't have on a pathetic Chanukah concert.

To make matters worse, Temple Rita's star soprano, Serena Salit, collapses right before her number. She's rushed to the hospital but later dies of heart failure. Ruby steps in quickly to support Serena's good friend Rose, a move that gets her right where she wants to be -- in the path of the gossip -- when Rose discovers some disturbing entries in Serena's electronic diary. In a file titled "Spiritual," Rose discovers secrets her friend never told her: that she was having an affair with the smarmy choir leader André and was involved in a neo-Kabbalistic cult. But what led her to write in her last entry, "They're frightening me"? And did "they" kill her?

Despite everything, Essie Sue insists the choir take their trip "in Serena's honor," and the whole Temple Rita group, minus the traumatized Rose, complies. While aboard the train, Ruby's suspicions of murder are confirmed by a call from her policeman boyfriend -- he tells her that poison, not heart failure, caused Serena's death.

Ruby considers everyone in the Temple Rita Choir a suspect -- from the tenor André to Serena's ex, the baritone -- but not even she could imagine that her trip through the Rockies would end with a body thrown from the train and a ride on the ski lift from hell. From latkes and lovers to lunatics and Lake Louise, Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Choir has everything it needs to be a great, quirky addition to this sidesplitting series.

My Thoughts:

This is okay to read. Not great, not terrible. Just kinda blah though. It's needs more umph in the mystery department. Ruby wasn't really trying to solve the murders this time. She was avoiding Essie Sue the whole time and taking pictures. Kevin is the stupidest rabbi I've ever heard of. All we do is follow Ruby and watch as she stumbles over the murderer. And that's at the end.

Dead Ex by Harley Jane Kozak (Book #13 for 2009)

Finished 01-28-09




Book Description:

Wollie Shelley—the endearing, idiosyncratic heroine of the award-winning Dating Dead Men and Dating Is Murder—returns in a funny murder mystery set in the world of television soaps.

When David Zetrakis, the producer of a popular soap opera, is found shot to death the day after Christmas, Wollie Shelley finds herself caught up in the murder investigation. Zetrakis was one of the many Mr. Wrongs in Wollie’s career as a serial dater, and her friend Joey has emerged as the media’s prime suspect. A hot-tempered celebrity who had dated Zetrakis and was fired from his show some years ago, Joey has inherited a million-dollar Klimt from him. But Joey is not the only potential suspect. Zetrakis left lots of nice bequests to the cast and crew of the show. And as the dating correspondent on a talk show called SoapDirt, Wollie, who’s required to dine and dish with the stars, quickly discovers that the behind-the-scenes intrigues of television soaps are as highly charged as the on-screen shenanigans.

When Wollie is not trying to protect Joey from an onslaught of predatory reporters, she’s helping her brother make the transition from a mental hospital to a halfway house and negotiating her relationship with Simon, her FBI-agent boyfriend. Dead Ex is another full-out romp of a mystery sure to please Kozak’s many fans—and win her many new ones, too.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy this series but it's no where near as funny as the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich. I liked the soap opera scene and getting a taste of what it's like in Hollywood. I'm sure she wrote it a little over the top but she is an actress and has seen a lot of stuff happen over the years. I would have never guessed the murderer. I just knew it wasn't Joey. The only thing remaining now is will Wollie stay with Simon or find someone new in the next book?

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz (Book #12 of 2009)

Finished 01-26-09



Book Description:

Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas is one of those rare literary heroes who have come alive in readers; imaginations as he explores the greatest mysteries of this world and the next with his inimitable wit, heart, and quiet gallantry. Now Koontz follows Odd as he is irresistibly drawn onward to a destiny he cannot imagine and to undreamed of places where the perils he will face and the stakes for which he fights will eclipse all that he has known.

The legend began in the obscure little town of Pico Mundo. A fry cook named Odd was rumored to have the extraordinary ability to communicate with the dead. Through tragedy and triumph, exhilaration and heartbreak, word of Odd Thomas's gifts filtered far beyond Pico Mundo, attracting unforgettable new friends; and enemies of implacable evil. With great gifts comes the responsibility to meet great challenges. But no mere human being was ever meant to face the darkness that now stalks the world; not even one as oddly special as Odd Thomas.

After grappling with the very essence of reality itself, after finding the veil that separates him from his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, tantalizingly thin yet impenetrable, Odd longed only to return to a life of quiet anonymity with his two otherworldly sidekicks; his dog Boo and a new companion, one of the few who might rival his old pal Elvis. But a true hero, however humble, must persevere. Haunted by dreams of an all-encompassing red tide, Odd is pulled inexorably to the sea, to a small California coastal town where nothing is as it seems. Now the forces arrayed against him have both official sanction and an infinitely more sinister authority;and in this dark night of the soul dawn will come only after the most shattering revelations of all.

Burnishing Dean Koontz's stature as a master of suspense and one of our most innovative and gifted storytellers, Odd Hours illuminates a legacy of mystery and hope that will shine on long after the final page.

My Thoughts:

I think this is the oddest of the Odd books yet. Armageddon, fog, and a mysterious lady named AnnaMaria. Odd had to do some things that weren't good to save a lot of people again. Only thing I can't figure out is........who the heck is AnnaMaria? Am I missing something here? Or will we learn more in the next Odd novel?

Cheesy's 2009 Monthly Book Giveaway - January

This year I'm doing a once a month giveaway of a book I've read during that month. This month so far I've read 11 books. Of those 11 books, I have 4 that are still available. I've decided to let you choose which of the 4 books you want.

To enter all you have to do is tell me which of the books you'd like and also give your email address. No email address, no name in the drawing. I will pick a winner on January 31st. You've got a week! Oh and there are no geographic restrictions! Yay!

The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash

Deja Demon by Julie Kenner

The Undead Kuma Sutra by Mario Acevedo

The Undead Kuma Sutra by Mario Acevedo (Book #11 for 2009)

Finished 01-22-09



Book Description:

Felix Gomez returned from the war in Iraq a changed man; once a soldier, now forever a vampire. So the undead underworld put his skills to work as a private detective, specializing in the sordid, the sexy, and the supernatural.

After surviving aliens, nymphomaniacs, and x-rated bloodsuckers, it's high time for a vacation. Now the aliens are back in a fiendish conspiracy with the U.S. government, and only Felix stands between them and the Earth women they covet. But when an army hit man attacks Felix and the bodacious vampire sexpert, Carmen, not even the astonishing erotic powers of the Kama Sutra for the Undead may be able to save them.

My Thoughts:

Gotta love Felix. He always get his vampire or in this case alien. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book and the wit of Felix. Although this book did end on a cliff hanger. What's going to happen to Carmen now?

Deja Demon by Julie Kenner (Book #10 of 2009)

Finished 01-21-09



Book Description:

Between attending gala fundraisers for her husband's political campaign, training her teenage daughter to wield a crossbow and a stiletto, potty-training a toddler, and her increasingly complicated personal life, Kate Connor hardly has time to prepare for the impending chaos of a neighborhood Easter party that has her enslaved to dying hundreds of hard-boiled eggs.

Keeping the local kiddos in line will take all of Kate's skills as a mother and demon hunter, just when she'll need them the most. The High Demon Goramesh has returned to San Diablo this time with a full-blown army of the undead and a powerful demonic ally. Once again, it's up to Kate to save the world. Good thing she can multi-task...

My Thoughts:

Finally! Everything is out of the bag and Kate isn't hiding anything from Stuart! I know her demon hunting life is suppose to be a secret but how can it be when you're a married woman. Especially when your first husband has come back to life in another man's body.
With all that out in the open, I'm not surprised what I found out about David/Eric at the end.

Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen (Book #9 for 2009)

Finished 01-19-08



Book Description:

Former vampire hunter Michael Quinn is living a nightmare: he's been turned into a vampire. His only hope is the "Eye"--a long-lost artifact that, once every millennium, will grant one wish to its possessor. Fortunately for Quinn, he has a map detailing the path to the "Eye." All he needs to do is find it, then he can wish himself back into humanity.
Janie Parker has made a lot of many mistakes in her life, not the least of which was getting tricked into working for a demon. Not only is the pay awful, but she has to successfully complete all her unsavory assignments or risk a torturous death. Her latest mission is to track a vampire who apparently knows where some stupid treasure is. No problem. Until she sees who the vampire is -- Michael Quinn, a man she's had a crush on since she was twelve years old. Too bad she'll have to kill him to get to the "Eye."
But Quinn and Janie are kindred spirits, and soon they're falling in love even though they're after what the other person is desperate for: the "Eye".

My Thoughts:

Another cute paranormal romance. I liked Janie. She is kick butt at least. Quinn on the other hand, is a wuss. But so is Barkley.
I didn't figure out who the boss was. It was so obvious too. Doh! Although I knew what Quinn's plan was to get rid of him. That was even more obvious. ;)

Fanged & Fabulous by Michelle Rowen (Book #8 for 2009)

Finished 01-18-09



Book Description:

My name is Sarah Dearly, and I've got major problems. Last month, I was turned into a vampire by the world's worst blind date. Then I may have, totally by accident, started a war between the mostly peaceful bloodsuckers and a bunch of sociopathic vamp hunters who have nicknamed me the Slayer of Slayers. Now I'm being used as bait to draw out the hunters' bad-ass leader, while my gorgeous 600-year-old boyfriend Thierry seems to be blowing me off, and my sizzle-hot, fanged friend Quinn is trying to turn my self-defense lessons into make-out sessions. So you know what? I'm done. I've had it. There comes a time when a vamp has to just suck it up and go after what she wants. And as soon as I figure out what that is, that's exactly what I'll do...

My Thoughts:

Yes it was cute but it wasn't great. Seems like the same old poor helpless vampire girl. *sigh*

Eldest by Christopher Paolini (Book #7 for 2009)

Finished 01-17-09



Book Description:

The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.

My Thoughts:

This was a long read. Lots of description and just some action. While I enjoyed it, I think it will be some time before I read the third book.
I was a bit surprised by the ending. The book title and color make sense finally.

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash (Book #6 for 2009)

Finished 01-08-09



Book Description:

New York City is miles from Salt Lick, Texas, in more ways than one, but Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin are rarin' to go. The best friends/beauty shop owners/private-eye partners have been offered an all-expense-paid trip to the National Association of Private Investigators convention in the Big Apple. Debbie Sue sees the invitation as validation, but Edwina has one goal: to get her feet into a pair of super-glam designer shoes, not easily had back home. Yee-haw!

As a sign of things to come, the two Texas tornadoes don't even get out of the state without causing pandemonium at the Dallas airport. And once they land in the Big City they meet Celina, a small-town librarian who's broke and bereft from getting robbed, and Cher, an amiable "working girl" with a heart of gold. Taking them under their wings, they head right for trouble as Edwina nearly starts a riot in the hotel bar.

But the Big Apple hasn't seen nothin' yet! While helping shy Celina hook up with a hunky young police detective, the Domestic Equalizers bumble their way into a murder investigation that could end up leaving Debbie Sue deceased and Edwina stone-cold in her new Jimmy Choos!

My Thoughts:

This book had my laughing at bunch. The best laugh I had in a while was when Edwina and Debbie Sue were in the airport. Let's just say Ed and the meds you take for motion sickness are not something to mix together.
In the end, Debbie Joe and Edwina get their man with a little help from a NY cop and a Texas librarian.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling (Book #5 for 2009)

Finished 01-07-09



Book Description:

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

The stories are accompanied by delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by Ms. Rowling herself, featuring a still-life frontispiece for each one. Professor Dumbledore’s commentary—apparently written some eighteen months before his death—reveals not just his vast knowledge of Wizarding lore, but also more of his personal qualities: his sense of humor, his courage, his pride in his abilities, and his hard-won wisdom. Names familiar from the Harry Potter novels sprinkle the pages, including Aberforth Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and his forebears, and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (or “Nearly Headless Nick”), as well as other professors at Hogwarts and the past owners of the Elder Wand. Dumbledore tells us of incidents unique to the Wizarding world, like hilariously troubled theatrical productions at Hogwarts or the dangers of having a “hairy heart.” But he also reveals aspects of the Wizarding world that his Muggle readers might find all too familiar, like censorship, intolerance, and questions about the deepest mysteries in life.

My Thoughts:

Cute book of bedtimes stories set in the world of Harry Potter. The commentary from Dumbledore was better than the stories for the most part.

Moloka'i by Alan Brenner (Book #4 for 2009)

Finished 01-06-09



Book Description:

This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place---and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end---but instead she discovers it is only just beginning.

With a vibrant cast of vividly realized characters, Moloka'i is the true-to-life chronicle of a people who embraced life in the face of death. Such is the warmth, humor, and compassion of this novel that "few readers will remain unchanged by Rachel's story" (mostlyfiction.com).

My Thoughts:

Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. The characters jump out and come to life. Rachel, Henry, Sister Catherine, Leilani, Kenji, Haleola, Uncle Pono, and so many more.
It's devastating for a family to have a "leper" in the family. They become outcasts in the society even though the family member is taken away to a hospital for tests then later sent to Moloka'i to live in a leper colony.
Rachel's tale is sad because she was so young. She felt abandoned by her mother and siblings but only her father came to see her.
Later when she was older she met and married another leper. She had a happy life with him until his death.
Finally after over 50 years of having the disease she is "cured". And goes off in search of her remaining family. She comes to find out some things she thought were true weren't and things she could only hope for to come true do.
Heartbreaking story. Although this isn't a true story, there was an leper colony near Honolulu called Moloka'i and the author did lots of research.

Shapeshifter, The Demo Tapes: Year 1 by Susan Helene Gottfried (Book #3 for 2009)

Finished 01-04-09



Book Description:

A Band's demo tape is intended to introduce listeners to their music. Likewise, this collection of short pieces allow readers into the fictional world of Trevor Wolff and his band, Shapeshifter.

Originally published online between April 2006 and March 2007, the Demo Tapes: Year 1 brings together the moments that parallel -- but never encounter -- Susan Helene Gottfried's debut novel, Trevor's Song. Arranged chronologically and with introductions to each, this is a must-have volume for anyone who's ever wanted to hang with a rock band.

My Thoughts:

First thing, I've known Susan for about 5 years now so I've been through her ups and downs in writing. When she started the blog almost 3 years ago, I was one of the first to be a groupie. Trevor's Song deserves to be published. Hopefully, by using this book as a sampler, to get others to read about Trevor and the rest of the band, this will make them come back for more.

Although I read most all of these blog posts that year, I still enjoyed rereading them in a more chronological order. Plus there are some scenes that are favorites that I can keep coming back to read.
The chocolate scene at the end of the book with Kerrie and Mitchell is by far my favorite. Green Hair week and soy sauce where great too. My other favorite happens to be the death by cheese. Can we guess why? ;-)
Thanks Susan. It was nice revisiting with the guys. Trevor was peeking while I ...more Although I read most all of these blog posts that year, I still enjoyed rereading them in a more chronological order. Plus there are some scenes that are favorites that I can keep coming back to read.
The chocolate scene at the end of the book with Kerrie and Mitchell is by far my favorite. Green Hair week and soy sauce where great too. My other favorite happens to be the death by cheese. Can we guess why? ;-)
Thanks Susan. It was nice revisiting with the guys. Trevor was peeking while I was taking my bubble bath tonight. Naughty boy! LOL

The Princess Bride by William Goldman (Book #2 for 2009)

Finished 01-03-09




Book Description:

What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince of all time and he turns out to be...well...a lot less than the man of her dreams?

As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the "S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad's recitation, and only the "good parts" reached his ears.

Now Goldman does Dad one better. He's reconstructed the "Good Parts Version" to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere.

What's it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex.

In short, it's about everything.

Eventually to be adapted for the silver screen, THE PRINCESS BRIDE was originally a beautifully simple, insightfully comic story of what happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince in the world--and he turns out to be a son of a bitch. Guaranteed to entertain both young and old alike by combining scenes of rowsing fantasy with hilarious reality, THE PRINCESS BRIDE secures Goldman's place as a master storyteller.

My Thoughts:

Excellent! I loved all the satire in this book. I'm glad I never fully watched the movie, so it didn't spoil the book too much. I think Inigo and Fezzik are my favorite characters. I can see why people believed Morgenstern was a real person. Goldman makes it seem so real. I think a lot people searched to see if he was, myself included. I love a good twist on a fairy tale even if it's a made up one.
The movie was awesome too! It's funny to see Mandy Patinkin so skinny and all of them so young. Well except Billy Crystal.

The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands (Book #1 for 2009)

Finished 01-01-09



Book Description:

Samantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She's grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent breakup she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. There's something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?

Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his lifemate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less . . . adventurous. He's here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker's nightmare. Worse, he can't seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair?

My Thoughts:

It was alright. Not sizzling like others have been. Nice to have an Immortal that wasn't an Argeneau. This one definitely ended differently. Sam was the first life mate that didn't want to be turned. It makes you wonder if her 2 sisters might be life mates to Mortimer's 2 brothers. I guess it would make things all nice and neat. Which is boring but sweet.