Winner and an award

Happy Sunday to you all! It's cold here today :(. And windy. But I do have a winner of my "Lift Your Spirits" Gift Bag thanks to random.org and the handy dandy list generator!

And the winner is...

Cindy W!


Thank you to all who stopped by. Your comments were all fabulous and I loved reading what you all do when your feeling down.

Now onto the lovely award I was hoping not to get that I am honored to receive from the ever wonderful and awesome blogger friend, Renee. Thank you! I don't normally pass these on, cuz I'm lazy, but I fear, as everyone else does, the repercussions of Little CJ if I don't!

Here are the rules from crazy Little CJ...

“You have to award it to two people or I will make a voodoo doll of you and stick pins in it. Was that not clear? And if those two people do not award it to two other people, I will make voodoo dolls of them, and stick pins in them.”

I am awarding this to...
Anna @ Anna's Book Blog
and Lea @ Closetwriter

Good Luck!

May Re-Read Challenge

Devil In a Kilt (2001)
Sue-Elllen Welfonder

I missed last months reread challenge. I did reread a book, I just didn't feel like reviewing it. I haven't felt much like reviewing any book lately. But next weekend my mom and I are going to Lori Foster's get together and Sue-Ellen Welfonder is going and I just love her Medieval Scottish books. I reread her first one the other day, Devil in a Kilt, to refresh my memory of the book that set into motion all the rest that followed.

Linnet MacDonnell finds herself promised to none other than the dreaded and fearsome black stag of Kintail, Duncan MacKenzie. Linnet overhears her father is only agreeing to marry her to Duncan for his own selfish reasons and because Duncan wants the use of her seers gift to tell him whether or not his son is really his or his bastard brother's. And Duncan wants her for her unappealing looks, so he is in no way tempted by her. What a thing for a girl to overhear. That's just what you need to hear to help boost up your self-esteem, eh? Linnet only wants what we all want...Love.

When Linnet first glimpses Duncan's face, a whirlwind of emotions swirl around her as she realizes that he is the man who has haunted her dreams for years; a vision came to her of a man with a bloody gaping hole in his chest where his heart once had been. In that vision he reaches for her, and terrified, Linnet can do nothing but flee.

Now faced with her fears of her vision, and Duncan claiming his only need of Linnet is to use her gift to tell him if his young son, Robbie, is truly his or his half brother's. The two set out on a journey to discover the only thing they really need is each other. Linnet gives back that which Duncan thought he no longer had...his heart.

I have read all of Sue-Ellen's books and it was such a pleasure rereading Devil in a Kilt, and revisiting characters I've not forgotten over the years, like Sir Marmaduke (Bride of the Beast), and Robbie (Only for a Knight).

Books in order
1. Devil in a Kilt
2. Bride of the Beast
3. Only for a Knight
4. Until the Knight Comes
5. Bride for a Knight
6. Seducing a Scottish Bride

The next book in Sue Ellen Welfonder's MacKenzie series is coming in October 2009. A Highlander's Temptation, which is one of the daughter's of Linnet and Duncan! And I am happy to say that Ms. Welfonder will likely be stopping by for the release of A Highlander's Temptation. She always has such wonderful and insightful things to talk about.


Blurb~
Darroc MacConacher spends sleepless nights dreaming of a raven-haired beauty that makes him ache with desire. Then his dream comes true: the lady with her lush curves and delicately fair skin appears shipwrecked on his shores. Darroc is immediately drawn to her strength and beauty, and from the moment she lays eyes on this powerful, broad-shouldered warrior, Lady Arabella MacKenzie knows she'll never want another man.

But theirs is a forbidden love. The MacKenzies drove the MacConachers from their lands and destroyed their honor. Now, Darroc can use this sapphire-eyed seductress to shatter his foes. Yet how can he deny the passion that burns between him and Arabella, and ruin the one woman who touches his very soul?

----------------------------------

Sue-Ellen's website is such a wonderful place to explore. She has tons of pictures from her travels to Scotland, recipes, just all sorts of fun and interesting things! Click here to journey to her magical place.

Sue-Ellen also writes under the name Allie Mackay. You can check out her website here.

Re-Read Challenge
hosted by Nath @ Books, Books, and more Books

My Birthday Boys!

Today is my husband's birthday, man is he gettin old! And Tuesday is my son's birthday. Him too, a whole decade! I can't believe it! So tomorrow we are packing up and gonna spend the day down at Letchworth State Park. It is supposed to be absolutely beautiful. We've lived here 15 years and have never driven the two hours to check it out. I'm excited. And Devin has been wanting to go also, ever since he learned about it in school this year.

I've been busy today baking two birthday cakes (nothing fancy!) and getting things organized so we can leave in the morning. I figured we could have a picnic/birthday party for Devin down there. I got his birthday presents yesterday and today. I feel like I procrastinated this year! It's going to be a fabulous day for my little man tomorrow. I even got Devin's birthday card from his Grandpa in the mail today. He's going to be one happy camper and a whole lot richer! LOL

It'll be real nice to get away for the day. I also made reservations at one of the lodges located in the park for me and Shawn for our anniversary in July! We've been married almost 12 years now and have never once done anything just the two of us. Well, we do do something every year, we watch the fireworks on the 4th, which happens to be our anniversary also :). It's certainly a bang every year! But we have Devin. So this year, my mom is going to take Devin for the night and we are going to go down there for the 3rd. I can't miss taking Devin to see the fireworks! And then next weekend me and my mom are going to Lori Foster's! Definitely feeling good right now! And all your comments are so very much appreciated. Sunday I hope to make someone happy when I draw a name for my lovely gift bag :).

You guys are all awesome, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

"Lift Your Spirits" Gift Bag GiveAway

*Contest Closed*

I have been in such an awful mood on and off now for months. It's just one thing after another and it's really pissing me off. I am so tired of being down in the dumps all the time. Once in a while is okay to be down about something, but it's been one thing after another since March.

I am going to have a give away. A gift bag full of 'stuff'. I had originally started gathering items for my one year bloggiversary, but that passed a few days ago, and yup, I was feeling really low, and didn't want to be bothered with much of anything. But today is another day! So, I am going to give away a "Lift Your Spirits" Gift Bag! I'm hoping that it lifts mine to make one of you happy :). And if it doesn't...oh well! I hope you enjoy all the goodies anyway! I am just so f-ing tired of feeling so shitty (Aw hell, I think I'm feeling better already!)

Gift Bag Contents:
Two Feel good Movies - The Princess Bride and Ever After
A bag of Popcorn and tea for each movie!
Bound By Honor by Collette Gale
And your choice of one of MY 'feel good' authors (and I don't mean that in a perverted way! I mean they are authors I like to read because their books make me warm and fuzzie, because they are just really great stories.) Either Janet Chapman's Charming the Highlander or Kathryne Kennedy's Enchanting the Beast. And if you should already have both of those books...we'll talk :).
One deck of Ellora's Cave Playing Cards
And I'm sure to add some yummy chocolate. I don't have any but I'll get something before it goes to that one lucky person!


What do you think? Is that good stuff or what? :P

Heh, and if you don't think it's good stuff, it IS free stuff!!

All you gotta do is leave a comment and tell me what you do to lift your mood. Do you go for a walk? Read a book? Eat Chocolate? Buy stuff...books, clothes, shoes?

I like to buy stuff, mostly books, but sometimes a new outfit, but that's usually because I need it! But it still makes me feel better, whether I want it or need it.

And if you don't want to answer the question, you don't have to :). I'm easy...really, really easy :P.

I don't know, I'll pick a name in a few days. It'll be a surprise, because surprises are always nice, right?

Sing it with me everyone..."Come on, Get Haaaappeee"

(Open to Everyone)

Memorial Day Observance

This is not just a day for picnics and social gatherings, so please take a moment today to remember those that served and still serve this country.

Thank you.

Booking Through Thursday

What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time?

I'd have to say the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop.

1. Daughter of the Blood
2. Heir to the Shadows
3. Queen of the Darkness


I have reread them, and yes they hold that same mesmerizing spell but I know what's going to happen next.

There are other books that I experienced a well of emotions while reading that I would love to relive those feelings. One that stands out was Voice of Crow by Jerri Smith-Ready. It's the second book in another amazing trilogy. I've seen Harry Potter listed, and yes, I would love to experience those books for the first time again :). I just love them. One more would be Lover Eternal. I was was taken with Rhage and how he was with Mary.

What about you, is there a book that you wish you could read for the first time again?

Click here to see what others had to say.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Book Tour

I am so happy to see that a nice number of my fellow blogger friends are willing to read and pass on this wonderful book. Maybe there will be more added over the next few months as the book makes it's way around. I certainly hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. I think, due to the content, you'll appreciate the book club aspect of it, and will understand why the book prompted me to pass it along. In a way, it brings us readers together on another level beyond our blogs.

I thought maybe, if you wanted, hand write a small note with your feelings? Kinda like a small review? And stick it inside the book. Then those could get passed along with the book for others to read previous readers thoughts. It also kinda goes with the theme of the book, the whole thing being a compilation of correspondences between the characters. Of course that would be totally up to you! I also thought that maybe with your name, date, and location, you could also add one or two words that describe the book or how you feel. Those suggestions are all optional, but definitely welcome if you feel so inclined :). It's kinda like scrapbooking...you gotta journal your thoughts about the pictures, or tell whatever story that might go along with that particular page of pictures. There's totally no pressure though. I just thought it would be fun.

Blodeuedd will be the first person on the line-up to kick-off the world tour of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. From her it'll go to Eva S., since they both live in Finland! From there Eva would send it to Julie. Then Julie to Blanche. Blanche to me (because I'm a dork and want to see the book after it's been in a few hands!) Me to Cecile. Cecile to Anna. Anna to Lea. Lea to Tracy. After Tracy I'm not sure. Maybe by then someone else will want to be part of the Potato Peel Pie Society! Otherwise, Tracy would send it back to me :). *Update* Tracy gets to send it to Lori! So happy to have another added to the journey :).

Now, you all don't mind that I pass your mailing addresses on to the person who is to send you the book next, right? I'll send an email to each of you with the person's addy who you would send it to when you finish. Of course, don't forget to sign it and date it and write your thoughts if you're so inclined!

I'm so excited. I haven't been this excited over something in quite sometime!

PS-If anyone else is interested, please let me know in an email or comment :).

Would you like to join the Potato Peel Pie Society?

I discovered a book last month at my romance book club meeting. One of the ladies who also runs the Historical Fiction book club was talking about the May book and it sounded interesting. I picked it up on Sunday and read it yesterday. It's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (say that title five times!)

It is about a writer, Juliet Ashton, set in London shortly after World War II who happens to get a letter from a stranger, Dawsey, who resides on Guernsey Island in the English Channel. He had received a book that once belonged to her. Her address was written inside, so he sent her a letter wondering if she could find him more books by that author. And from that letter on we learn of this literary society several of the Guernsey Islanders formed during the German Occupation during the war.

The entire book is simply a series of letters written either by the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society members or Juliet corresponding with her editor and two friends. It's a very fast paced book, with a little bit of everything. It's happy. It's sad (tears sad). It's funny. And it even has a bit of romance. It leaves you with an overall feeling of warmth. That group of people, however unintentional, came together during a harsh and tragic time. And it was books that brought them together, and a roast pig! It gave them a bit of peace during the horrible Occupation, which lasted five years.

While I was reading yesterday I had a thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to pass this book around?" It is definitely a book for a book lover to read. It's based around an author and a literary society, so there are several mentions of literary classics, such as the Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen, Chauncey, and several others. But it wasn't until I read the Afterward that really made me want to pass this book around.

"...Its members are spread all over the world, but they are joined by their love of books, of talking about books, and of their fellow readers. We are transformed-magically-into the literary society each time we pass a book along, each time we ask a question about it, each time we say, "If you liked that, I bet you'd like this." Whenever we are willing to be delighted and share our delight, as Mary Ann did, we are part of the ongoing story of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society."

I thought after reading that, that if there was any book that should be passed around it's this one! I thought how neat would it be to go from one reader to the next, each signing their name, date, and locale, then passing it on to the next, until eventually it made it back to me.

So I ask all of you, are you interested in being a member of my Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? If you are either leave a comment here or send me an email to himscute@yahoo.com. I figure I could set up a mailing route with whoever is interested and see what happens! I really hope some of you are interested. It is a really great book.

Series Spotlight: The Relics Of Merlin by Kathryne Kennedy

The Relics of Merlin Series
By Kathryne Kennedy

Long ago a great wizard was born with magic in his very blood. He lived for thousands of years and went by many names, but the one we know best is Merlin. Merlin passed his magic down through his offspring, and the power made his children rulers. Some inherited more magic than others, and eventually titles reflected their gifts. In Britain, kings and queens held the strongest power. After the royals, dukes had the greatest magical abilities in that they could change matter. Marquesses could cast spells and illusions and transfer objects but not change them. Earls mastered illusions, while viscounts dabbled in charms and potions. Barons had a magical gift, which could be as simple as making flowers grow or as complicated as seeing into the future. And then there were the baronets. Part man, part animal, the shape-shifters were Merlin’s greatest enchantment…and eventually his greatest bane. For out of all mankind, they were immune to his magic. Merlin created thirteen magical relics from the gems of the earth, a focus for some of his greatest spells. After Merlin’s disappearance, his children tried to find the relics, since these items held the only magic stronger than their own. The relics proved to be elusive until his children discovered that the shape-shifters they so despised could sniff out the power of a relic. Over the centuries the relics faded to legend. But the most powerful of Merlin’s descendants did not forget, and shape-shifters became the secret spies of many rulers.
Copyright Kathryne Kennedy

~~~~

I just recently read Enchanting the Beast, a sweetly sensual, fast-paced, magically delicious tale of an older woman/younger man, and I thought it was just perfect. The Relics of Merlin series is a well-crafted magical world set in England (where magic has never died) that has captivated my heart.
I've enjoyed each book in this series. They're fun, magical and simply delightful! These are the kinds of books that when I finish, I have that warm fuzzy feeling. They're just so good! Kathryne states on her website that these do not need to be read in order and now that I've read all three, I would agree. There is no real connection between each book other than the fact there is a relic. So if you were curious and only wanted to try one, I would suggest the newest one, Enchanting the Beast! I loved it!

Enchanting the Lady
(Book One)

Double Enchantment
(Book Two)

Enchanting the Beast
(Book Three)

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie w/ Fellow Blogger Kristie

Normally this book wouldn't have stood out to me because of the time setting. But Kristie(J) posted an early review and the fact that the hero is so different from anything I've read I had to read it. Not to mention Kristie's profound promotion of Broken Wing was spot on. The book was amazing. I couldn't help but "know" that this book would be a grand emotional read as well, with an unforgettable hero and heroine made for each other.

This one's going to be talked about and recommended for years to come! Ian's a hero to treasure!

I no more than read through the first 30 pages, the h/h's first encounter, and had to email Kristie right away to let her know that I was so happy that she raved so about this book in her review. She mentioned sharing our thoughts as a kind of review. Here are our correspondences regarding Lord Ian Mackenzie and his Beth, with a bit of editing. There are no plot spoilers, but there may be some scene spoilers. Nothing too detailed though.

(Me)-Kristie, Kristie, Kristie!! I had to make a trip to the store so I stopped in to see if The Madness of Lord Ian was in and it was! I started reading it and oh man, it's going to be so good. I read through the encounter with Beth and Ian at the Oprah, and the raw feelings that passed between them in that short scene was amazing. You don't get that in a book that often. That sense of being moved emotionally, and so far, this book has and looks to have a lot of it! Ian is going to be one of those unforgettable heroes. Thank you so much for the enthusiasm you put behind certain books!

(Kristie)-Amy: You are most welcome!! And trust me – it only gets better. I don’t have any kind of connection with Asperger’s so I can’t say for certain, but from what I’ve gleamed, the author seems to get it pretty good – Ian’s inability to look anyone in the eye, his freezing up in moments of stress, his ‘zoning out’ over something most people wouldn’t even see and his uncontrollable rages – all play a large part in this wonderfully written love story.

Not all books hit me as hard as Broken Wing, The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie and earlier – Ride the Fire, but when they do, when I’m completely bowled over by a book, I figure there are enough readers out there who will have the same reaction. It’s an incredible rush when another reader ‘gets’ what is so special about it. Although totally impractical, when I read one of these kinds of books, I just want to buy a whole bunch of copies, send them out, and then sit by their shoulder going “what did you think of that scene where they meet? Or how about the one in the studio? Or isn’t Ian just scrumptious and wouldn’t it be grand to have that kind of focus spent on me? What about Hart and his kink? I’ve never seen that in a romance before – and he’s going to be a hero himself” (see – good stuff coming up for you – heh heh heh heh)

(Me)-Now you've got me wondering about Hart Mackenzie! I must read some more. He has a kink, eh? :) This might be a series I'll have to follow.

(Kristie)-Yes - Hart is into kink. We don't find out until near the end and when we do, I was thinking to myself 'Nnnnnnoooo - he's not into that is he???? Really??!?!?!?? Wowzers! How..........fascinating.

(Me)-I'm almost half through and I LOVE this book. It's one of those that has such amazingly tender moments. Now I know what you were hinting at in the studio. When he asks her to explain what it's like to love. And then later when they are making love for the first time and he makes that eye contact with her. Oh my, I still have watery eyes. That was one of those unforgettable moments. It was one I was waiting for. I figured Ms. Ashley would have some type of dramatic eye contact scene and she did it beautifully. I am very curious to learn more about Fellows and the past that has yet to be explained. Very intriguing and mysterious. And I like it. Oh and it trips my breathing every time Beth is referred to as 'my Beth'. I just love that simple bit of possession.

(Kristie)-So have you got to the part where he really loses his temper in front of Beth and the scene with Mac after? It's heartbreaking!!! I love the interaction he has with his brothers. For such a rowdy bunch - with Ian - there are such tender moments!! And I see that now you've gathered that there is something 'up' with Fellows - *wicked grin.*

(Me)-Oh yes, yes, the scene afterward with Mac and Ian. Mac makes him make eye contact. That scene was very touching with the watery eyes. And when Mac resigns himself to the moment in the coach and rests his forehead on Ian's shoulder. She has created some great interactions. Oh so good!

(Kristie)-And when Ian says "I lost her didn't I?" And Mac replies "You never had her." Sniff, sniff, sniff.

(Me)-I just finished and WOW. It's only May, but it's going to be real hard to top the tender and honest romance between Ian and Beth. There were some breath-stealing moments at the end. Ian is simply amazing. He is an honest to goodness flawed hero. And one that is so passionate and loving, even if he says he can't love!
And yes, those two lines had me bleary eyed, too. There were a lot of those lines throughout. Ian really had some of the best lines. I think because they were so honest. He doesn't know any other way. There is no trickery with him.

(Kristie)-I think it's going to take a lot to top this one too!! I have high hopes for Highland Rebel by Judith James - but if that one doesn't do it, I can't really see another book being better than Lord Ian. I think part of what made it so great for me is it came right out of the blue. I was not expecting a book to be that good - but then I guess we can say that about all the books we read can't we? When I finished this book, I hugged it :) Ian was such a combination of naïveté and worldliness/ vulnerability and strength. And I thought Beth rocked as a heroine. I don't think she could have been better for him!! I loved the part where Ian threw Hart out of the room when he was tending to his Beth (and yep – the way he called her that was so melty).

What did you think of Hart’s kinkiness – certainly made him intriguing didn’t it? Though a dangerous game he liked to play. And very sadly – we have a while to wait for his story. The next book in the series is Mac’s, sometime in 2010, then Cam ’s and then Hart’s. At this rate I think it will be a while before we see his bedroom antics.

(Me)-I love your description of Ian "combination of naïveté and worldliness/ vulnerability and strength" Perfect!

That was a great scene when Ian made Hart leave the room. It showed his possessiveness of Beth. One thing I loved about how that side of him came out was that it wasn't the typical alpha male possession. It was an innocent, single-minded focus on something he saw as his to protect.

Hmm, that's a pretty long wait to get to Hart's book! But that's okay, if the next ones are any where near as good as this one, they will all be worth the wait! I'm not sure what to make of Hart's kink. It's quite violent. But if it's part of who he is and accepted by his lady love and written tastefully, I'm game!

I hear you, Highland Rebel is one I'm looking forward to digging into. I don't want to compare it to Broken Wing, and then be disappointed if it doesn't have the same affect. It is going to be hard to top Lord Ian. He has a difference that sets him apart and adds to the emotional element.

Thank you so very much, Kristie. I enjoyed talking about this book with you as I read it and afterward!

This was pretty lengthy and if you skimmed I can's say I blame you. What it all boils down to is that Kristie and I both LOVED this book! This is one for the Keeper shelf. Tender, heart-pounding, a truly fine and well-written love story. Ian is so full of passion and he lays it all on Beth in such sweetly sensual doses. Beth's protectiveness and belief in Ian made her one of the finest heroins. Ian and Beth are forever imprinted in my mind and heart.

If you have thought about getting this book, think no more, get it! And if you've never heard of it, well, you gotta get it! I'm in complete agreement with Kristie, a phenomenal love story! Ian and Beth blended together with perfection!

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Order here!

(Even the reviews on amazon are all giving it 5 stars!!)

Other Reviews to explore-
Dear Author's review here and
KristieJ's original review here.

Mailbox Monday

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! Yesterday was a beautiful day so me and Devin went to the zoo. We have our favorite animals we like to visit. One of my favorites is these cute as hell black monkeys and yesterday they were all lined up in a hug train. I love watching them.

Also, I wanted to say THANK YOU again to all of you who read Devin's little story! You guys are awesome and Devin was just so happy to read your comments. Thank you!

Now on to mailbox monday. With all the books I got this week only two of them actually arrived in my mail box. But one of them I have been eagerly anticipating and was so damn thrilled when I received an email wondering if I'd be interested in an ARC for review...Well, hell yeah!! Thanks to Kristie J for her super fine pimpin of Judith James's Broken Wing last year, I (and a whole lot of others) read a wonderful and beautiful romance. You can read my review here of Broken Wing. This September Ms. James has a new book book coming out, Highland Rebel and, man, does it sound good!

Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan also arrived in the mail last week! Now I can get started on this trilogy soon!

A lot of great books came out this past week! Last Tuesday I picked up 5 books, and then a coupon came in my inbox for 40 percent off at Borders and I earned my $5 Borders Bucks so I went back on Friday and bought 6 more books!All of my May 5th releases happened to be in. They were all also buy 4 get the 5th free. I need to not buy any new books for awhile, but there are still two more that I couldn't find. Donna Fletcher and Jennifer Ashley. Maybe I can find them at Walmart for 30% off! Save a few bucks, you know :).

Kathryne Kennedy - Enchanting the Beast
Christine Feehan - Burning Wild
Colette Gale - Bound By Honor
Beth Kery - Daring Time
Janet Chapman - Moonlight Warrior
Shannon K. Butcher - Burning Alive
Karen Ranney - A Scotsman to Love
Jo Davis - Under Fire
Elysa Hendricks - The Sword and the Pen
Angela Knight - Guardian
Kendra Leigh Castle - Dark Highland Fire

Your turn, what did you all get this week? With all the new releases that came out, did you pick any of them up?