POC Reading Challenge

The Persons of Color Reading Challenge is being hosted by the POC Reading Blog. The aim is to read books written by or about persons of color. According to one of the challenge creators, the purpose of the challenge is to "celebrate and highlight PoC literature, just so that publishers would see that we are willing to read books with covers that feature people who are not Caucasian. This includes authors who are black, Asian, Native American, of any culture. This includes Caucasian authors who write their protagonists with color. This is to celebrate harmony and culture not to offend."

The challenge has 5 levels:
Level 1 (Read 1-3 POC books)
Level 2 (Read 4-6 POC books)
Level 3 (Read 7-9 POC books)
Level 4 (Read 10-15 POC books)
Level 5 (Read 16-25 POC books)

I really like the idea of this challenge. I am going to aim for Level 4 and see how I do.

My List:
1. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
2. The Promise by Chandra Sparks Taylor
3. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
4. Invisible Lives by Anjali Banerjee
5. Ash by Malinda Lo
6. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
7. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
8. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
9. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
10. A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
11. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

In My Mailbox (1)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to mention any books received during the week.

This week I received four ARCs for review from publishers:

The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen

Description from publisher:

"No one at Kayla’s school knows she’s the famous Oracle of Dating—the anonymous queen of dating advice, given through her own Web site. Kayla doesn’t even have a boyfriend. Two relationship disasters were enough to make her focus on everyone else’s love life. But then her advice backfires on her own best friend. And Kayla starts to seriously obsess about Jared Stewart—the very cute, very mysterious new guy in school. Suddenly, the teen queen of advice needs her own oracle of dating--and she knows just where to find one..."

The Promise by Chandra Sparks Taylor

Description from publisher:

"Since she broke up with hot basketball player Allen Benson, Courtland Murphy has been the subject of a million rumors. The fallout from their relationship convinced Courtland that waiting to have sex is the right decision. But the drama’s not over, especially with her father acting strangely and Allen and his teammates out to make her life hell. All except Aidan Calhoun, the new star player who’s just moved from Atlanta. Aidan supports her involvement in the upcoming purity ball, and Courtland’s falling fast. But can she trust her feelings for him when people may not be what they seem?"

The Raven Saint by Marylu Tyndall

Description from publisher:

"Join bestselling author M. L. Tyndall for another seafaring historical full of romance, intrigue, action, and adventure. Grace Westcott has piously served God her whole life. Captain Rafe Dubois cannot pass up the opportunity to earn more gold toward the hospital he’s building for the poor by kidnapping Admiral Westcott’s youngest daughter. But when the missionary and the mercenary meet, it’s full-sail-ahead into tumultuous waters! Find out what happens when a bitter mercenary who’s sworn off God falls in love with a pious woman determined to change him."

Angel's Den by Jamie Carie

Description from publisher:

"Award-winning author Jamie Carie pens her fifth historical Christian romance novel. This time, the story takes place in 1808 during the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The story follows Emma, the daughter of a prominent St. Louis businessman, who meets and marries Eric Montclaire, the one they call "the most hansome man west of the Appalachians." She believes in the promises Eric makes, but quickly learns the angelic face is only a mask that hides a monstrous soul capable of control, violence and event murder."

Tudor Book Challenge

I love Tudor history. It is one of my favorite historical time periods to read about so when I found out that Benedictionary was hosting a Tudor Book Challenge I knew I had to participate. Although I am too late to sign up to win prizes, I will still have fun reading and meeting my goal. For this challenge you can read fiction or nonfiction so I plan to read at least one Tudor biography. I have to get some nonfiction reading in somewhere! There are four challenge levels: King or Queen (at least 11 books), Noblemen or Noblewomen (at least 9 books), Courtier (at least 7 books), and Commoner (at least 5 books). For this challenge I am aiming to read to the Noblewoman level. If you would like to participate, visit Benedictionary to sign up. The deadline to be eligible for prizes is passed but you can still participate for fun!

My list:
1. Virgin: Prelude to the Throne by Robin Maxwell
2. The King's Rose by Alisa Libby
3. The Secret Bride by Diane Haeger
4. My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes

Friday Finds (1)

Friday Finds are books that you've heard about during the past week. Friday Finds is hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading.

My Friday Finds this week:

The Education of Bet

By Lauren Baratz-Logsted

A sixteen year old girl living in Victorian England switches places and identities with a young man she resembles so that he can join the military and she can receive the education she craves but once she arrives, she learns more than she bargained for. This YA historical fiction novel sounds too good to pass up.

.

The Queen's Mistake

By Diane Haeger

The sad story of young Katherine Howard who became the fifth wife of Henry VIII.

Angel's Den

By Jamie Carie

On Emma's wedding day she thinks she is the luckiest woman alive because her incredibly handsome husband Eric chose her to be his bride. But as soon as the vows are said the nightmare of abuse begins. She thinks she will receive a reprieve when Eric plans a trip following the trail of Lewis and Clark but then Emma finds out that she must go too. Cartographer Luke Bowen can see that Emma is scared to death by her husband and he feels God has brought him to his new job to try to help her.

The Queen's Daughter

By Susan Coventry

This novel tells the story of Joan of England, the youngest daughter of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. I don't really know anything about Joan so I anticipate that I will learn a lot from this novel.

The Sky is Everywhere

By Jandy Nelson

Lennie Walker is dealing with the death of her older sister Bailey and dealing with the attentions of two boys, one is Bailey's former boyfriend, the other is a new student from France.

I am currently reading Angel's Den and it is fantastic so far. Look for a review soon!

Fantasy Reading Challenge

This year I am also participating in the Fantasy Reading Challenge which is being hosted by Royal Reviews. Since I read a lot of YA fantasy, I am going to aim for the Obsessed level (20 books). If you'd like to participate, visit the Royal Reviews blog to sign up.

My List:
1. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
2. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
3. My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
4. A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
5. Captivate by Carrie Jones
6. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
7. Ash by Malinda Lo
8. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
9. Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
10. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
11. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
12. The Mark by Jen Nadol
13. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
14. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
15. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
16. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
17. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
18. Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
19. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
20. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
21. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
22. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
23. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
24. Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Erwin

100+ Reading Challenge

J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting a 100+ Book Challenge, the goal being to read at least 100 books in 2010. Last year I read 134 books so I am hoping I can get to 100 books this year.

If you would like to participate, visit J. Kaye's Book Blog for more information and to sign up.

My List:
1. The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
2. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber
3. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll
4. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
5. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
6. The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark
7. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
8. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
9. Pretty Woman by Fern Michaels
10. My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
11. Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
12. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell
13. Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
14. Captivate by Carrie Jones
15. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
16. Virgin: Prelude to the Throne by Robin Maxwell
17. The Promise by Chandra Sparks Taylor
18. The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble
19. The Secret Life of Josephine by Carolly Erickson
20. Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
21. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
22. The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
23. Invisible Lives by Anjali Banerjee
24. Ash by Malinda Lo
25. The King's Rose by Alisa Libby
26. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
27. Heist Society by Ally Carter
28. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
29. I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
30. The Blue Enchantress by Marylu Tyndall
31. O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
32. The Secret Bride by Diane Haeger
33. Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
34. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
35. The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
36. My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes
37. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
38. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig
39. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
40. The Raven Saint by Marylu Tyndall
41. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
42. The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
43. Cross My Heart, Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
44. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
45. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
46. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig
47. The Mark by Jen Nadol
48. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
49. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
50. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
51. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
52. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
53. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
54. Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
55. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
56. The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
57. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
58. The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview
59. Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
60. Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
61. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
62. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
63. The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
64. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
65. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
66. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
67. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
68. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
69. The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis
70. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
71. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
72. The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
73. Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
74. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
75. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
76. The Less-Dead by April Lurie
77. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
78. Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Erwin

Review #2 Truly, Madly

Truly, Madly
By Heather Webber
Publication date: February 2, 2010
Rating: ***** (I loved it!)

My review:

Lucy Valentine is the daughter of prominent matchmaker Oscar Valentine who has the ability to match people according to their auras-all members of the Valentine family can see people's auras except for Lucy who was zapped during a lightning storm as a teen. Lucy can only find missing objects. When Oscar asks her to look after the family business Lucy panics but agrees to fill in because she has no other choice. Then when she shakes hands with one of her clients she sees the engagement ring he lost-on the hand of a corpse. Lucy enlists the help of handsome P.I. Sean Donohue to solve the mystery.

What I really enjoyed about this book is that there is a suspenseful mystery alongside hilarious comic scenes such as digging up a corpse in a park in the middle of the night (really, it is funny!) or going on a blind date and trying to sneak out the bathroom window. Truly, Madly has a good blend of humor, mystery, and romance with a fun heroine and an appealing love interest. This is the first Heather Webber book that I've read and I am definitely looking forward to returning to the world of Lucy Valentine. Fans of Charlaine Harris should not miss this one!

To read an excerpt of the first chapter, click here.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for review purposes.

A Chance to Win Fantastic ARCs

Melissa at Librarian By Day is hosting a contest to win a pack of ARCs.

ARC Pack 1 (Middle Grade):
Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Girl Vs. Superstar by Robin Palmer
Publication date: May 2010
Palace Beautiful by Sara deFord Williams
Publication date: April 2010

ARC Pack 2 (YA):
This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Publication date: April 2010
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
Publication date: August 2010

ARC Pack 3 (YA):
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Publication date: February 2010
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Publication date: March 2010

To enter, visit the Librarian By Day blog before Friday, February 5th at noon.

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

For my first ever "Waiting on" Wednesday I picked :





Jekel Loves Hyde
by Beth Fantaskey
Published: May 3, 2010

Description from the author's website:

"Ever since British student Tristen Hyde arrived at Jill Jekel’s Pennsylvania high school, the two teenagers have endured teasing about being “Jekyll and Hyde.”
And both of them have reasons to hate the jokes.

Shy Jill’s father has always insisted that the Jekels are distantly related to THE Dr. Henry Jekyll, whose story inspired the 1886 novel about a scientist who creates an evil alter ego in his lab. In fact, Jill’s dad swore that a box locked away in his home office contains documents that detail Dr. Jekyll’s diabolical research.

And Tristen, a talented young pianist with a decidedly dark edge, has even closer – and worse – connections to the 19th century tale. Good girl Jill has been told never to open the locked box. But when her father is murdered and her college savings disappear, she is tempted to break her parents’ rules and examine the forbidden papers, in hopes of winning a lucrative chemistry scholarship by re-creating the old experiments and determining whether the Jekyll-Hyde story really could have been true.

To better her odds, she enlists the help of brooding, mysterious Tristen, believing that their legendary names will give them an edge in the competition. However, as the two work in the lab, it becomes clear that Tristen has his own reasons for dabbling with the ancient formulas. His goal is to save his sanity – and maybe his life. Because if Tristen’s family legends are to be believed, he is a direct descendant of the monster, “Mr. Hyde,” and doomed to repeat a history of violence if he can’t find a “cure” for the evil that lurks inside of him.

The clock is already ticking down for Tristen when Jill’s accidental taste of a personality-altering potion unleashes her darkest nature and compels this good girl to risk everything – even her new love for Tristen – just for the sake of being bad.

Can Tristen and Jill control the most frightening aspects of themselves in time to not only win a scholarship but to save their souls? And ensure that the love that’s growing between them won’t lead to their mutual destruction?"

I loved Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side so I can't wait to read Jekel Loves Hyde. It sounds like another fantastic paranormal romance. Visit the author's website BethFantaskey.com to read an excerpt and find out more about Jekel Loves Hyde.

Teen Chick Lit Challenge

This fun reading challenge is being co-hosted by Jessica at the Chick Lit Teens blog and author Kay Cassidy. For more information and to sign up, visit the 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge page.

Since I love chick lit it should be easy for me to find 10 YA chick lit titles to read this year.

Titles I plan to read (this list may change):
1. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
2. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
3. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
4. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby MacDonald
5. Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
6. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
7. Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman
8. The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
9. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
10. Heist Society by Ally Carter


My list:
1. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
2. Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
3. The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
4. Heist Society by Ally Carter
5. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
6. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
7. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
8. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
9.
10.

First in a Series Reading Challenge

Another challenge I am participating in is the First in a Series challenge hosted by Royal Reviews. With this one I am aiming for the addicted level (reading the first book in twelve series). Last year I read several series for the first time like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and the Sookie Stackhouse series. Hopefully I will discover some other great series this year. To participate, sign up at the Royal Reviews blog.

My list:
1. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber
2. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll
3. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
4. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
5. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
6. The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
7. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
8. The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
9. Heist Society by Ally Carter
10. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
11. Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
12. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
13. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
14. The Mark by Jen Nadol
15. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
16. Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
17. The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
18. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
19. Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
20. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
21. A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
22. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
23. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
24. The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis
25. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
26. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Debut Author Challenge

The Story Siren blog is hosting a debut author challenge for YA or middle grade fiction. Participants should try to read at least 12 books by first time authors. If you would like to participate, click on the Story Siren button above to sign up.

My list:
1. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
2. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
3. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
4. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
5. The Mark by Jen Nadol
6. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
7. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
8. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
9. A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
10. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
11. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
12. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
13. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
14. The Less-Dead by April Lurie

Romance Reading Challenge

Since so many of the books I read have romance in them I thought the Romance Reading Challenge would be easy and fun to do. Royal Reviews is hosting the challenge and they have four challenge levels: curious (3 romance fiction books), fascinated (6 books), addicted (12 books), and obsessed (20 books). I am aiming for the obsessed level.

If you would like to participate, click on the image above or go to the Royal Reviews blog to sign up.

My list:

1. The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
2. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber
3. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll
4. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
5. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
6. The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark
7. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
8. Pretty Woman by Fern Michaels
9. My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
10. Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
11. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell
12. A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
13. Captivate by Carrie Jones
14. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
15. The Promise by Chandra Sparks Taylor
16. The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
17. Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
18. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
19. The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen
20. Invisible Lives by Anjali Banerjee
21. Ash by Malinda Lo
22. The King's Rose by Alisa Libby
23. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
24. Heist Society by Ally Carter
25. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
26. The Blue Enchantress by Marylu Tyndall
27. O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
28. The Secret Bride by Diane Haeger
29. Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
30. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
31. The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
32. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
33. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig
34. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
35. The Raven Saint by Marylu Tyndall
36. The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
37. Cross My Heart, Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
38. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
39. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig
40. The Mark by Jen Nadol
41. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
42. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
43. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
44. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
45. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
46. The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
47. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
48. The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview
49. Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
50. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
51. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
52. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
53. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
54. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
55. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
56. The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis
57. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
58. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
59. The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
60. Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
61. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
62. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
63. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
64. Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Erwin

Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

J.Kaye's Book Blog is hosting the Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge. This challenge appeals to me because it involves checking out and reading library books. The challenge levels are Mini-25 books, Just My Size-50 books, Stepping It Up-75 books, and Super Size Me-100 books. I am going to be ambitious and try to reach the 100 book level. Considering that I am a librarian with library cards at three libraries I should hopefully be able to pull it off or at least reach the Stepping It Up level.

This challenge is a great way to support your library in these difficult times when so many cuts are being made. To participate, sign up at J.Kaye's Book Blog.

My List:

1. The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
2. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
3. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
4. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
5. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
6. Pretty Woman by Fern Michaels
7. Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell
8. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
9. Virgin: Prelude to the Throne by Robin Maxwell
10. The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
11. The Secret Life of Josephine by Carolly Erickson
12. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
13. Invisible Lives by Anjali Banerjee
14. Ash by Malinda Lo
15. The King's Rose by Alisa Libby
16. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
17. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
18. O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
19. The Secret Bride by Diane Haeger
20. Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
21. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
22. The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
23. My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes
24. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig
25. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
26. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
27. The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
28. Cross My Heart, Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
29. The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig
30. The Mark by Jen Nadol
31. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
32. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
33. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
34. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
35. Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
36. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
37. The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
38. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
39. The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview
40. Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
41. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
42. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
43. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
44. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
45. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
46. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
47. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
48. The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
49. Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
50. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
51. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
52. The Less-Dead by April Lurie

18th and 19th Century Women Writers Reading Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Becky's Book Reviews and it runs from January 1-December 31, 2010. The object is to read at least two books written and published by women authors between 1700-1900. To sign up, click on the image above or visit the 18th and 19th Century Women Writers Reading Challenge page.

My list of titles I'm planning to read:

1. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
2. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
3. Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

We'll see how far I get with this one. I watched the fantastic Return to Cranford on PBS recently and I have heard that the Cranford miniseries was excellent. I really liked the BBC production of Wives and Daughters also so I might try reading that as well. I chose the Anne Bronte novel because her works are the least famous of the three Bronte sisters. I love Jane Eyre and I am going to try to make myself read Wuthering Heights this year even though the story is supposed to be depressing.

Reading Challenges

To help me reach my reading goals I have decided to sign up for some reading challenges. I haven't done a reading challenge since I was a kid reading for free pizza in the Book It program so this should be interesting. There are so many different types of challenges to choose from like the cat challenge (reading books about cats or with the word cat in the title, etc.) or the read your name challenge where you read books that start with the letters of your name (if I really wanted to challenge myself I'd use my 12-letter last name for that one). So far I have decided to attempt fourteen reading challenges. Some of the challenges will not be that difficult but others like the 18th and 19th Century Women Writers challenge will be harder to complete.

If I complete every reading challenge I attempt this year I have decided that I will reward myself with a big purchase from Amazon.com at the end of the year. Let the reading commence!

Review #1 The Overnight Socialite

The Overnight Socialite
By Bridie Clark
Publication date: December 16, 2009
Rating:***** (I loved it!)
I do not like the musical My Fair Lady. I did read the play Pygmalion but only because I had to for school. One of the things I liked about the play was the lack of singing! I am not even a fan of the modern movie update, Pretty Woman. So when I received an ARC for Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark, I wasn't sure I'd like it.

I am glad I gave it a chance because I found this take on the whole makeover/falling-in-love-with-your-creation story to be really funny and enjoyable.


My brief review:

Wyatt is a bored member of New York's high society who makes a bet with a friend that he can turn an ordinary girl into the new "It girl". Lucy is a small town girl from Minnesota who moved to New York City to make it as a fashion designer. Just when she is ready to give up on her dreams, her path crosses with Wyatt and she agrees to his bargain-if she is willing to work hard and do everything he says, he will turn her into a socialite in three months and help her gain useful contacts in the fashion world. What she doesn't know is that he plans to document the entire project in a book.

Lucy and Wyatt are interesting characters and both grow throughout the novel. Even the peripheral characters add to the story, especially Lucy's mother Rita and her new friend Elaine. There are plenty of comic episodes, even the "rain in Spain" scene makes an appearance, but there are also a lot of thoughtful moments as Lucy finds herself and Wyatt comes to realize the truth about his feelings. While the outcome is obvious and the story familiar, it is still a highly enjoyable read and an insider look at New York society.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for review purposes.

A Year of Reading Extensively

I am starting this blog to track my efforts to read a greater variety of books this year. The name of my blog comes from a quote by Fitzwilliam Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, chapter eight "...the improvement of her mind by extensive reading." The quote is part of Darcy's description of a truly accomplished woman and while I do not agree with a lot of his list, I do believe it is important for people to read extensively to improve themselves.

Last year I read over 100 books but most of them were YA or Christian romances of some sort. I also read an overabundance of YA fantasy. This year my reading goals include reading more nonfiction and literary fiction as well as reading outside the box.

I will also post occasional reviews of books I particularly enjoyed.

What have I read so far this year?

1. The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
2. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber
3. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll
4. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
5. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
6. The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark
7. Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda


Some of the books I hope to read this year as part of my reading challenge:
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
2. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
3. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
4. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
5. The Lady in the Tower: The Final Days of Anne Boleyn by Alison Weir
6. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
7. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

What am I reading now?
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow