Sigh............

I do think that one of the problems with being a voracious reader is that you expect more from books and sometimes..........sigh!! Also, I think that sometimes a book hits you just right, at another..it falls short.

I really like the mystery series by Susan Wittig Albert, and just read "Dilly of A Death". The series features China Bayles, a previous attorney who now owns an herb shop and tea room. She has a wonderful assortment of freinds and family. Each books sort of features an herb...and this one was dill. Well, it was not a dilly..it just fell short. It was sort of funny and okay, but I dont think it was up to her other books.

I also then read "Firely Lane" by Kristen Hannah. A chick book about two friends growing up and into adulthood. Her writing reminds me of LuAnn Rice, who is such a wonderful author. I think this book fell short for me because It was written well, but the plot got sort of unbelievable and a little ridiculous. I did finish it. It was okay, but not a book I could not wait to read.

The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lillian Braun

This is a wonderful audiobook series. Again KoKo , the siamese, helps Jim Quilleransolve a murder. However, the true heart of these stories are the folksinees of them. The quirky characters, strange goings on and tongue-in-cheek humor makes these books a delight to read..and listen to.

If you love Garrison Keillor's works, read Lillian Braun!!

A House In Almalfi by Elizabeth Adler

This one is an audiobook. 8CDs for this wonderful story. I loved this Audiobook. It was a delightful, not too heavy tale. I must say, it fell a little short in plot. And the main plot was a little unbelievable, and left feeling robbed. But the descriptions of the characters, setting, etc. by Adler were so very wonderful That is was WELL worth lending an ear to.

This is the stroy of LaMour Haggerty who grew up with a rather irresponsible, author Father , her only parent,who died under what LaMour has always felt were suspicious circumstances. When he own life takes some turns and she feels she is ready for a change she decides it is time to finally deal with her father's untimely death and confront her own demons. She heads to Amalfi on the Italian shore, to a small cottage home on a cliffside she shared for time with her father. Here she becomes acquainted, and renews friendships with a wonderful cast of characters. She finally uncovers the real truth of the circumstances surrounding her father's death.

I have not read the book, but it was wonderful to listen to.

"Belong To Me" by Marisa de los Santos

Another of what I call chick lit...not sexy as such, but a relationship book. Not the best I have ever read, but worth the time.

The cover of this book is fabulous...to me. Three sets of Wellies (boots) on a doorstep. The story revolves around a group of friends and acquaintances in a neighborhood and environs. The story has tragedy and sadness, several surprises and one Big (rather unbelievable ) surprise and a rather overused story line. But several of the characters are wonderful men and women and make this story work.

This is not a book I would recommend to you if you are looking for a happy, mellow book. It is pretty intense in parts, but compelling.

A New Binchy

Maeve Binchy has a new book coming out Feb, 2009. What a JOY! How I love her book. Her very rich, real characters bring each of her Irish tales alive.

I dont know if this new book will have some of the same characters as some of her other books. I hope so...she often does this.

The characters from Tara Road, Scarlet Feather, and Quentins are a group of wonderfully believable people. They live in Modern day Ireland and deal with all the current issues of life as well as the issues as Ireland enter the more modern world.

So now..I cant wait for this new book.

I Found a good one!!

Oh, How I love it when I find the right book for the right time. It is funny how many times I thought I hated a book, and then 6 months later I pick it up, and I love it.

Well, A wonderful book by Katie Fforde found its way into my tote from the Library. "Practically Perfect" is about a single women who is an interior designer (that is NOT an interior decorator) who buys a house in the Cotswells, outside London . Her intention is to remodel it and then sell it. But, HHMMM...doesnt seem like it is where it is going. I am about 1/3 of the way into it..and just want to sit and read.

However, my all-time favorite movie is on right now...."You've Got Mail"........Hokey, but what can I say.

So...off I am to read and watch!!

Antiques Flee Market..........UGH!!

Well, I read 1 1/2 chapters. I know, I should not decide so quickly, however, I just didnt want to go on. It was a library book, so no loss of money.

Why? Well, first of all the author tried to be funny/zany with a bipolar Mom with a fur coat which told of her mother's psych balance..well...it just was trying too hard to be funny. And then they meet a new character, an elderly man, who just happens to have a granddaughter with him from UK who just happens to be a child of a son he never knew..HHMMM!

So, it is over. I also returned several books I hadn't read yet. With my new MysteryNet messagfe board I joined (4mystery addicts) I was reminded of several authors I wanted to try again. I love going to the library and just wandering. I think I found some good books..but you never know.

I have discovered from the board that I am a 'splasher' meaning I like both cozy mysteries and hard-boiled or procedurals. I wonder what I am if someone really looked at what I read. Not only do I love mysteries, but I also love a good chicklit..i.e. gentle read about women and their relationships. Not romances as such, but relationships. And then I enjoy a good biography.

Well, I am off. Hopefully, I will get a lot of reading time!!

The Archers..a Great Podcast

I am addicted to this podcast. It is from BBC4 and is on their radio every day (except Saturdays) for about 20 minutes. It is basically a soap opera about a small farming community and people who live there. I find it just so relaxing, funny and timely.

I have an iPod and I get it through iTunes. But there is also a website where you can listen to it. The website also has a list of all the characters. It has been on for I think well over 40 years. So the people have a lot of history. But it is a lot of fun.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/archers/

Happy New Year..Welcome 2009!!

I have finished "Indian Pipes" sitting in front of the fire> It was worth the read, but not her best. The ending was quite a surprise to me..maybe I am losing my knack to figure these out..but I didnt see this coming till the end. Of couse, neither did Victoria. She has set a trap and SURPRISE look who showed up.

Well I am now on to my next read which will be...HHMMMMM>>>>>>>>>>>Stay tuned!