Author: Marsha

Throwback Thursday: Time After Time by Kay Hooper

Posted January 22, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title:Time After Time

Author: Kay Hooper

Original Publisher: Loveswept

Original Release Date: 1986

Book Description:

A tale of ageless love and the power of fate, in which dreams from the distant past imperil one woman’s search for a passion that transcends history …

They first met in a darkened loft, in the middle of a blackout, but the power of attraction supplied all the juice that Alex Bennet and Noah Thorne required. Noah was Alex’s match in every way, while the onetime lion tamer turned world-class interior designer possessed just the air of wildness that Noah preferred in a woman. Inexorably, they found themselves drawn together. So why was each haunted by dreams of the other that seemed to hint at secret lives in bygone times and places–and a relationship fated to end in separation? For Alex, the solution may lie in a Gypsy fortune-teller’s prophecy. To repeat the past is the one thing neither of them wants–but how do you overcome the pull of a destiny that is stronger than time itself?

Time AfterTimeOriginal

This is the original Loveswept#149 cover. Big difference between that and the reissued release of 2009. What’s not to love about a former lion tamer turned interior designer who just happens to have a toothless lion as a house pet?

I have loved Kay Hooper’s work for a long time. I first discovered her through the otherworldly, mystical, magical, always fun romances in the Loveswept line.

When she started Bishop and his paranormal investigators, the light-hearted stories were left behind. And that’s okay. Every writer grows and eventually finds their niche, their unique take on the world… but I am grateful to have discovered Kay Hooper much earlier. That just means I got to enjoy her work longer. 🙂

This has been my Thursday Throwback novel to share. If you ever want some light, funny, mystical romance in your life, check out Kay Hooper’s earlier works.

A Challenge: Read It Again, Sam

Posted January 22, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

I am always re-reading favorite novels. They are like visiting good friends after not seeing them for months or years.

That simple reason is why I decided to join in the Read It Again, Sam 2015 Challenge over at My Reader’s Block.

The rules are fun and uncomplicated. (click on the graphic or the written link above to be taken to the sign up / rules page.)

I’m going for the Feeling Nostalgic level of re-reading eight (8) books by the end of the year. I will probably do more than that since I often pick up favorites to read again for enjoyment and to refresh my memory for my weekly “Throwback Thursday” post.

All of the Challenges that I’m taking part in for 2015 are listed on the Challenge page. (gulp) Now that I look it over, that’s a lot of reading! Thankfully many can be crossover books that fit the requirements of several Challenges. In addition to posting a review and linking it back to the Challenge’s review page, I’ll be updating my own page as well. 🙂

Are you likely to end up re-reading books this year? Then this might be a fun Challenge for you too.

Horror Reading Challenge 2015

Posted January 21, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 1 Comment

There is a challenge going on over at Cornerfolds – a Horror Reading Challenge 2015 and I’m just crazy enough to sign myself up for it.

Cornerfolds Horror Reading Challenge 2015

That’s the link above for all of the guidelines and challenge links, button, etc.

Okay, I know. Will you really read Horror because there aren’t any reviews here on Keeper Bookshelf in that genre?

Well. Just because I haven’t reviewed it, doesn’t mean I haven’t read it. So this challenge isn’t as far-fetched as one might think. It’s not my absolute favorite style of story but there are some amazing authors out there telling tales to chill the spine. Yes, I do believe I can do this.

And after all I have an entire year to get to the “Running Scared” level at 1-5 books. *innocent whistle* I can do that, at least… and try for more.

If you like Horror novels then check it out. It might be right up your alley. *wink* Besides, it’s a fun way to find great books, new authors, possibly new book blogs that you haven’t discovered yet. Sounds like a win to me!

UPDATE: I just spent an hour or so over at Amazon – my Kindle is now loaded with horror stories (and maybe a few others too). I am prepared. 🙂

Waiting on Wednesday #1

Posted January 21, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 16 Comments

This is my first Waiting on Wednesday post. I’ve seen it before, but this time I’m going to jump right in. 🙂

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s wait is: Obsession In Death by J. D. Robb. Release date: February 10, 2015

I am such a Nora Roberts / J D Robb fan. I think I’ve mentioned it before in posts and in comments that her new releases (under either name) are auto-buys for me.

Since her next release of an “…In Death” novel under the J D Robb name comes out next month, it was kinda a given in my mind what I was going to present as the book I’m waiting for this Wednesday.

I’m waiting for:

Obsession in Death

From Amazon:

Eve Dallas has solved a lot of high-profile murders for the NYPSD and gotten a lot of media. She—and her billionaire husband—are getting accustomed to being objects of attention, of gossip, of speculation.

But now Eve has become the object of one person’s obsession. Someone who finds her extraordinary, and thinks about her every hour of every day. Who believes the two of them have a special relationship. Who would kill for her—again and again…

With a murderer reading meanings into her every move, handling this case will be a delicate—and dangerous—psychological dance. And Eve knows that underneath the worship and admiration, a terrible threat lies in wait. Because the beautiful lieutenant is not at all grateful for these bloody offerings from her “true and loyal friend.” And in time, idols always fall…

If you aren’t familiar with the ___In Death world, here’s a quick overview.

Set in New York City, NY about 50 years in the future we are brought into the world of Lt. Eve Dallas, (a kickass, badass cop with issues that play out throughout the ongoing books) she’s a murder cop and once dead, that person belongs to her and she will do anything and everything to find the killer.

Meet Roarke. Just Roarke. Eve’s deliciously handsome husband – billionaire husband who probably owns half the universe. He is a former thief, extraordinary computer expert and often civilian consultant on Eve’s cases (hard to put computer hacking and lockpicking on the official books, ya know?) To Roarke the most important job in his world is pampering Eve (which she doesn’t understand), protecting Eve and teaching Eve that life is more than a murder board.

These are the two main characters of the __In Death universe. (if you can, think of the old Thin Man movies without the dog) 🙂 We also met and get to know Eve’s team, her partner – her world. And Roarke’s world as well.

This ongoing book series is very much like a television show, like Law & Order for instance. Every new book is another murder, yet with each new novel we learn more about the world of Lt. Eve Dallas. How she grows, the relationships around her get deeper, more personal. So that with each new novel I, personally, feel like I am visiting with an old friend and catching up on her life… with a murder to solve tossed in. 🙂

Yes. I love this ongoing series. Which is why I’ll be at my local bookstore to pick up Obsession In Death on February 10, 2015. Because I need an in my hand, hardback copy of every In Death novel.

If you’ve never heard of read any of the In Death series I would suggest that on your next library visit you look in the stacks for Naked In Death (or request it if there isn’t a copy there). That is where it all begins. If you have the least interest in mystery, suspense, thriller, a touch of sci-fi in the future gadgets aspect, oh and of course love, sex and romance. If any of that appeals to you – you might be Waiting on Wednesday for her next release. 🙂

Taking Part in the Taking Control of your TBR Pile Challenge

Posted January 20, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

We all have them. They are lurking in corners, on tables, in bookcases everywhere – just waiting. Waiting, just waiting… To Be Read.

(glances over at the pile in the corner threatening the ceiling tiles at this moment)

It goes without saying that we all love our books. Trouble is we (I) often love too many books at the same time. That’s when the Days of Our Books happens in my house. The plots are (literally) piling up, the love scenes are placed on hold and the villain – might not be so bad after all… but I don’t know that because I haven’t opened up the books since I put it in that TBR pile of mine!

I don’t mean for it to happen. But – it does.

A solution appeared when I was doing a blog hop a couple days ago. (I’m a sucker for book links) I saw an interesting link on a blog, clicked it and found this challenge. And I am so in on this.

Go to the challenge launch page at Caffeinated Book Reviewer and check it out for yourself. It takes place in March, there are so many other book bloggers taking part (and non bloggers too), there is a prize and the ultimate reward of clearing up that TBR pile and making room for more books. What’s not to love about that?

Teaser Tuesday

Posted January 20, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 10 Comments

teaser tuesday One of the fun parts of taking part in blog hops (aside from getting to visit new to me blogs) is finding great ways to interact with other book lovers. This is one:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

~*~

“Russell,” Rajiv whispered. “You don’t talk to angels like that.”

Russell scoffed. “I’m still trying to believe they’re real.”

from Crouching Tiger Forbidden Vampire Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks

Did you “tease” this Tuesday? 🙂

So How Many Places Do You Blog or Write?

Posted January 19, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

scattered papers This is the year that I’m taking my blog to the next level. No more being shy or hesitant about jumping in feet first on stuff. I’m in this thing for the long haul.

I’m just wondering where everyone writes or blogs. I have this blog Keeper Bookshelf and another one of the same name at Blogspot. Why? Well it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now I’m wondering if I’m taking on too much. Even though they are the same name and same type of content – maybe, oh – I dunno yet. I’m still working through that. Hence this post.

There are a couple other places that I’ve joined lately where doing a blog as part of those platforms is an option too. I just don’t want to get too scattered and lose momentum on this, my main and most important spot on the internet, ya know?

Still getting out there and being known for good, informative, interesting blogging is important too.

I am starting to give short recommendation types of posts at Goodreads and Amazon. Yet again, keeping the content fresh and not the exact same is one of my concerns.

So, if you don’t mind sharing. Where all do you blog or post your thoughts on books you’ve read? I’d really like to know. (not trying to steal ideas, just wanting to learn)

Thanks 🙂

Feature & Follow Friday

Posted January 19, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 6 Comments

Well, okay it’s not actually Friday since I’m joining in a wee bit late so I hope you’ll forgive a slight delay on this first FF.

I am really excited to be taking part and I sincerely thank the hosts for making this possible for all of us book-aholics.

I love books. Reading them. Reading about them on other blogs. I can’t get enough. If I had been better about posting a review for every book I’ve read since I started this blog – I’d have an overloaded blog… but that changes this year. New books, new blogs (people) to follow and much more about the books I’ve read this year.

So this week’s questions was basically Do you have duplicates of the same book and why.

I don’t actually own duplicate books, yet. I’m a huge Nora Roberts fan (as if you couldn’t tell by the review posts on her books I’ve done) 🙂 So when I recently learned that her Three Sisters Island trilogy was going to be re-released this year with stunning new covers – well that is an automatic buy for me. My current copies are getting a bit beat up from the re-reads.

Update: As I was wandering around some really great blogs I realized that I do have more duplicates than I thought. Some of Maggie Shayne’s series Wings in the Night. I have the originals but also picked up a couple of the re-issues. Plus there are the books on my Kindle that are there for easy transport when I’m out and about with a spare minute to read. Yeah. More than I thought. 🙂

Right now I plan on spending most of my day clicking on book blog links. I’m sure that I am going to find so many new viewpoints, books that I didn’t even know existed and lots of people to follow.

I hope you enjoy your time here. For me, following me over at bloglovin’ is easiest for me and thanks too.

Our hosts FF posts are here:

Parajunkee

Alison Can Read

And I’ve added the linky code so that you can “hop” around some more.

Once more, thank you for visiting, I hope you found something to like and that you’ll stop back again.

Review: The Accidental Countess by Valerie Bowman

Posted January 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

I recently finished up the second novel in Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides series: The Accidental Countess.

Back cover blurb:

For seven long years, Lady Cassandra Monroe has waited for the man of her dreams to return from the war. Unfortunately, he happens to be engaged to her flighty cousin. What Cass wouldn’t give to take her cousin’s place! When he mistakes Cass for Patience Bunbury, a fictitious friend her cousin has invented to escape social obligations…even with her future husband, Cass thinks this is her chance.

LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?

After defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, Captain Julian Swift is not quite ready to settle down and enter into his unwanted arranged marriage—especially when the real object of his affection turns out to be a beguiling beauty he meets at a party. Patience Bunbury is witty, independent, passionate…and, unbeknownst to him, the cousin of his current fiancée. When the truth about Cass comes out—and Julian discovers that their courtship is anything but accidental—will he surrender his heart to a woman who really is too good to be true?

I totally enjoyed this next installment in the series (and hope it’s not over after the next ‘cos there are more ladies who need their stories told!)

Read on for my review. No true spoilers, promise. 🙂

Saturday: Stacking the Shelves Haul This Week

Posted January 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

“Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Linking your weekly post back to Tynga’s Reviews.” (description from the launch page)

Week of January 10 thru 17, 2015

In the calmer days after the holidays, January is usually a slower month book buying-wise for me. Spent too much on Christmas, and way too many after the season sales are normally my reasons.

But this week I am excited! I was approved for NetGallley and actually got a few novels to review (which just blows me away ‘cos I’ve wanted that approval for so long now) and I did a little shopping on the Amazon/Kindle free e-books page. So, of course, my To Be Read Pile has just jumped in level! Right now it’s too cold in Pennsylvania to venture (walk) out to the library so at least I haven’t added library books to that towering TBR. 🙂 Maybe next week.

So my haul this week from Amazon Free e-books are:

The Brands Who Came For Christmas by Maggie Shayne

I will read a grocery list written by Maggie Shayne (yes she is one of my favorite authors) so I’m looking forward to the next installment in the Brands family saga)

Curse of the Alpha (Episodes 1 & 2) by Tasha Black

Often I find the most wonderful series through the free e-books list. These are usually new to me authors and I cannot wait to enter their brand new worlds.

The Faerie Guardian (Touched Series Book 1) by Rachel Morgan

This one is also a new to me author and it really sounded good. I love faeries, always have and always will (I even have another website devoted to nothing but faeries) so the idea behind this series intrigued me. Looking forward to this read.

And that’s it for Amazon Free this week.

It would be so, so easy for me to take tons of free Amazon e-books, and I suppose I should at that price. But there is only so much reading time in every day for me so I do need to be realistic here (darn it!)

Then Along Came NetGalley

I am so excited to be a part of NetGalley so I sincerely hope you will excuse my enthusiasm right now. I am literally an over indulged kid on a sugar high over here. 🙂

Because I’m so new and am still learning the rules of NetGalley, dates when reviews go up (for me), what can and cannot be shown I’m going to play it so safe with this week’s list of MetGalley picks. (I need to spend a day just reading every single page over there so I understand the no-no and can do the “Oh yes you can!” stuff.

So this is my NetGalley list for my first week:

1. Of Shadow & Stone by Michelle Muto

2. Untouched by Lauren Hawkeye

3. Vampires Never Cry Wolf by Sara Humphreys

4. Riding The Odds by Lynda K. Scott

5. Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster

6. Magic Found by Misha McKenzie

Every one sounds good to me and it is hard to resist vampires, werewolves and magic – so I’m gonna be in reading heaven on these titles. Look for the reviews when they are allowed to be published. 🙂

So Now The Reading Orgy Can Commence

Looks like I’m in for a bit of reading this week. How’s your week stacking up?