Cogling

What mood I'm in today: Reading
What I'm listening to right now: Actually, I'm watching the Burbs.

Have you seen The Burbs? Because if you haven't, you should. Great summer movie. I watched this over and over growing up and I still know most of the lines. Is that lame? Probably. But I don't care. Especially since I just got back from camping for three days and don't plan on moving for the next five hours. Possibly more.

So my most recent read is Cogling, by Jordan Elizabeth:

Edna and Ike set out to help Edna's brother who has been replaced by a Cogling. This steampunk adventure is full of twists and turns and isn't sappy or pretentious. Read my whole review on Goodreads (click for link). Gave it four stars!

Now I'm onto trying to read Les Miserables, which is kicking my butt. Ergo, I'm also reading Victorian in between, another Jordan Elizabeth book.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Gathering Blue

What I'm listening to right now: If You Could Only See, Tonic
What mood I'm in today: Reading

Today has been kind of weird. For lots of reasons, the least of which is I'm tired of looking at my computer. I'm kind of in a situation where I have to spend a lot of time with my youngest son, which means I get to watch Pokemon, Phineas and Ferb, and The Flash (good thing I actually like this show, though Phineas and Ferb can be pretty funny sometimes) repeatedly for several days. I'm also planning on running through the sprinklers tonight. And cutting back my dying lavender. And probably reading some more of Cogling, by Jordan Elizabeth.

Did I mention it's hot? I need a Popsicle. Be right back.

I almost forgot this little gem, Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. It's the second book in The Giver series (which I just learned recently is actually a series). While I didn't love it as much as I loved The Giver, I really thought it had a good message and was an interesting story. In a harsh society, much more blatant one than Jonas', the crippled aren't worth much. Kira's mother insists she's strong and is able to contribute to society. Read my entire review here on Goodreads.

Hopefully next month I will be ten degrees cooler, at least.

Happy Reading!

Cybele's Secret

What mood I'm in today: Reading
What I'm listening to right now: Sonic Underground, in the background

So, what do you do when you have to wake up earlier than five and you can't go back to sleep right away? You remember that you haven't posted your latest book review yet. And no wonder. Summer has been brutal in every way. Lightning fast vacation, kids going every which way, hardly any time to read so that you resort to audio books, and temperatures above 100 F for five days.

Five days!

I mean, geez!

I can't claim that I actually read Cybele's Secret. I listened to it. And this cover...

Juliet Marillier has this talent for building worlds that I envy. I mean, the places I could escape to in my head! Fair warning; if you haven't read Wildwood Dancing, read that first. That one is still the best, but this was an entertaining close second. Read my full review here on Goodreads.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Secrets, Lies, and Witches

What I'm listening to right now: my son making noises with his Flarp putty.

What mood I'm in today: Editing

Wow! I finally finished a semester. Again. Lots of semesters to go, but can't complain. 

Happy Mother's Day! Did you get your mother a book? Good for you! If not, I'm sure you at least gave her a card or a phone call or something else she will appreciate. The weather is pretty good here; a nice mix of rain and sun. At least my flowers are growing! 

I had a bunch of books on the back-burner, and at last! Here they all are in no particular order...

Escape from Witchwood Hollow, by Jordan Elizabeth. This was a really fun book to read. A little difficult to get through because of the writing style, but while I gave it three appreciative stars, most people give this four or five. You can read my review on Goodreads. I recommend reading this when you're in a spooky mood (think young X-Files meets Supernatural). 

And by Kimberly Loth, the last two books in the Thorn Chronicles series. 

And don't you just love these covers? Secrets and Lies are the finishing touch on Naomi and Sunday's stories. If you like modern-day supernatural mixed with love story, this is your kind of things. You can read my review of Secrets here, and of Lies here. 

That's it for today. Happy Reading! 

Obsidian by Kimberly Loth

What I'm listening to right now: One Hippopotami, Allan Sherman
What mood I'm in today: Editing

I hate haze. I also hate sunshine that looks deceptively warm, so much so that I half-expect if I go outside that it will be above 32 F. Come on snow! Move this stupid inversion out of here!
Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day! My day has been awesome. Probably because I feel super loved here between my husband and my boys and my friends and family.
Kimberly Loth was kind enough to ask me to give an early review of her newest book (comes out tomorrow, I think), Obsidian (Book 1 in the Dragon Kings series). Here's the awesome cover:

Aspen is a dragon-loving adrenaline junkie intent on getting close-ups of the majestic creatures. Obsidian is a dragon who has to live for 10 years in human form and who finds Aspen captivating. Great love story, intense read. The full review is on Goodreads or Amazon. The book is also available for purchase on Amazon.
As always, Happy Reading! Hope you're staying warmer than I am!