As we drifted apart, I was becoming more desperate to save what we once had shared

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life—until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love—and face the hardest decision of his life. .

So in one sense, I loved this book. But in another sense, I absolutely hated it. More than anything I'm just left feeling very confused. I really liked the storyline, as predictable and cliche as it was; Boy meets girl, they fall completely & utterly in love. But then of course, in typical Sparks fashion, tragedy and heartbreak has to go and ruin everything. I'm honestly growing extremely weary of these depressing endings. I totally get it, Sparks is trying to portray a realistic picture of life, and every once in a while, I like that in a book. Just not necessarily in the romance genre. And not necessarily in every one of his stories. But I'll admit I'm definitely one of *those* girls, who not only believes, but wishes for a happily ever after -- especially when it comes to a love story. I can't help it...

As far as the actual story, it was a cute romance. I completely fell in love with John Tyree! What an amazing character, seriously. As for Savannah.. um, yeah.. let's just say that I didn't care for her. Like, at all. I thought that she would grow on me a bit as the story went on, but honestly my opinion only grew worse. Right from the beginning she was just so self-righteous and a tad too 'Little Miss Perfect' for my tastes - it was very off-putting. And do I have to mention the infamous Dear John letter? (sent while John was fighting in Iraq, no less)

But nonetheless, I found myself rooting for them as a couple, if that makes sense. (Which, I'm sure it doesn't because it doesn't make sense to me and I'm the one who read it) why am I rooting for them as a couple when I despise the female love interest? You can see why I am so very confused. I don't know, maybe it was just all of the hype and hoopla over the movie, but Dear John was honestly a big disappointment.

Wordless Wednesday : Cupcakes!!!!

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Mailbox Monday - 3

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at the The Printed Page. It is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

3 new books this week and although I'm looking forward to all of them, I'm really excited about "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood". It sounds absolutely amazing and I have read nothing but great reviews!

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - Rebecca Wells When Vivi and Siddalee Walker, an unforgettable mother-daughter team, get into a savage fight over a New York Times article that refers to Vivi as a 'tap-dancing child abuser,' the Ya-Yas, sashay in and conspire to bring everyone back together. In 1932, Vivi and the Ya-Yas were disqualified from a Shirley Temple Look-Alike Contest for unladylike behavior. Sixty years later, they're 'bucking 70' and still making waves. With passion and a rare gift for language, Rebecca Wells moves from present to past, unraveling Vivi's life, her enduring friendships with the Ya-Yas, and the reverberations on Siddalee. The collective power of the Ya-Yas, each of them totally individual and authentic, permeates this story of a tribe of Louisiana wild women who are impossible to tame. The Lace Reader - Brunonia Barry Can you read your future in a piece of lace? All of the Whitney women can. But the last time Towner read, it killed her sister and nearly robbed Towner of her own sanity. Vowing never to read lace again, her resolve is tested when faced with the mysterious, unsolvable disappearance of her beloved Great Aunt Eva, Salem's original Lace Reader. Told from opposing and often unreliable perspectives, the story engages the reader's own beliefs. Should we listen to Towner, who may be losing her mind for the second time? Or should we believe John Rafferty, a no nonsense New York detective, who ran away from the city to a simpler place only to find himself inextricably involved in a psychic tug of war with all three generations of Whitney women? Does either have the whole story? Or does the truth lie somewhere in the swirling pattern of the lace? I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith Cassandra Mortmain is 17. Her journal describes the weird and wonderful world in which she lives: housed in a crumbling castle, with her writer father (who is “blocked”), her beautiful older sister Rose, her brainy younger brother and her unconventional artist stepmother, Topaz. The sudden arrival of two handsome American strangers is the catalyst for this touching coming-of-age tale, which sees Cassandra taking her first forays in womanhood not without her fair share of grief and giggles.

My Heart gave one appalling lurch and stopped beating altogether

The Seance - John Harwood
Wraxford Hall, a decaying mansion in the English countryside, has a sinister reputation. Once, a family disappeared there. And now Constance Langton has inherited this dark place as well as the mysteries surrounding it.
Having grown up in a house marked by the death of her sister, Constance is no stranger to mystery, secrets, and the dark magic around us. Her father was distant. Her mother was in perpetual morning for her lost child. In a desperate attempt to coax her mother back to health, Constance took her to a seance hoping she would find supernatural comfort. But tragic consequences followed, leaving her alone in the world— alone with Wraxford Hall. Saddled with this questionable bequest, she must find the truth at the heart of all these disappearances, apparitions, betrayal, blackmail, and villainy, even if it costs her life.

Hmm... so this book was just okay for me. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't really love it either. More than anything, I was left feeling disappointed. I got the impression that it was going to be a classic Victorian ghost story, but really it was a thriller more than anything else. When I think of a Victorian ghost story, I think... spooky mansion, weird noises, ghosts, supernatural occurrences, etc. And although certain parts definitely gave me chills, the story mainly revolved around the history of Wraxford Hall and it's descendants, as well as it's very sinister and deceiving heir. I also didn't care for the whole 'Seance' experiment and alchemy references.

I did enjoy the Gothic feel and atmosphere to it, however. Harwood is an excellent writer and I will definitely be looking out for his books in the near future (The Ghost Writer has amazing reviews!). I also liked the different character narratives of Wraxford Hall and how they all intertwined with one another. There were more than a few surprising twists and it's actually a great book.. (I'd recommend to any fans of the Gothic genre or novels set in 19th century England).. but for me, it was just a good read. Not great, but good. It just wasn't what I was expecting..

"--I was sitting up in bed reading when my grandmother came into the room and sat down in the chair beside me, looking exactly as she had when I was a little girl....The Chair creaked as she settled herself in it, smiled at me and took up her work, just as if she had only been gone five minutes, rather than resting in Kensal Green Cemetery for the past fifteen years." p104

But with its persistent beauty, Far surpasses and finally tames the flame

The Flame and the Flower - Kathleen Woodiwiss
Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence—until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee... and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger. A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman...and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.

As I’ve mentioned before I am a huge, HUGE fan of Historical Romance. I really have a love for all genres, but HR has a special place in my heart! I just love everything about it – the different time periods, the culture, the love stories, etc., etc. The Flame and The Flower is no exception to my obsession: A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It’s pretty incredible to think this is Kathleen Woodiwiss’s debut novel, the first book in her brilliant career and the first of her many amazing love stories!!

I absolutely love the plot and especially the romance/relationship between the two main characters, Brandon and Heather. Of course, I am completely in love with Brandon Birmingham. Okay, so yes, he’s somewhat of a pompous asshole…..but dealing with Heather who at times was VERY naive and clueless when it came to life & love, (and pretty much EVERYTHING else) I can’t really blame him. Maybe that’s what I actually liked about their relationship? That is the whole premise of the novel; the flower taming the flame. I just love how Brandon, president of the Mr. Arrogant club becomes totally smitten and whipped by sweet little innocent Heather. It’s quite amusing (and oh so romantic!) and such a classic tale!

A la “Shanna” & “The Reluctant Suitor” there are tons of twists & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. Definitely one of those books that I had a hard time parting with at the end of the night. A totally captivating love story and I cannot wait to get my hands on “Elusive Flame” the second book in the Birmingham series!

Waiting on Wednesday - Dead in the Family

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

My "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dead in the Family - Charlaine Harris
Pub. Date: 05/04/2010
Sookie Stackhouse has finally settled into a relationship with the Viking vampire Eric, and her errant brother Jason seems to have his life in order, too. But all the other people in Sookie’s life – Eric himself, her former lover Bill, her friend and boss Sam – are having family problems. Eric’s maker shows up with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow, the ailing Bill can only be healed by a blood sibling, and Sam’s brother’s marriage is about to take place …or will it? The furor raised by the coming out of the two-natured has yet to settle; some people are just not ready to sit down to dinner with a man who turns into a dog. And Sookie herself is still recovering from her last ordeal. She’s definitely improving, physically and mentally, but she’s always going to have some dark moments now. The werewolves tell her that there have been strange and ominous passers-by in the Stackhouse woods; now Sookie is about to come face-to-face with one of her more distant relatives…

Seriously, maybe I should start a countdown since I can barely contain my giddiness over this release!! Eric = HAPPINESS.

Teaser Tuesday - The Seance by John Harwood

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

Though I was, in waking life, far bolder than Sophie, I had been prone to nightmares, as well as sleepwalking, for as long as I could recall. As I grew older, I walked less frequently in my sleep, but the nightmares became more frequent and oppressive"

p. 102 -- "The Seance" by John Harwood

Mailbox Monday - 2

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at the The Printed Page. It is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.



Only 2 this week, but I'm looking forward to reading both. I've read mixed reviews on each, but I really to form my own opinion when it comes to books. I'm especially excited about "A Wedding in December". Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors -- I absolutely love "Seaglass" and "Fortune's Rocks", definitely two of my many favorites!

Sunday's at Tiffany's - James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet

Jane Margaux is a lonely girl. Her mother, a powerful Broadway producer, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever, though. On Jane's ninth birthday he leaves, promising her that she'll forget him soon. Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And despite her own success as a playright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets a man, a handsome, comforting, funny man. He's perfect—

A Wedding in December - Anita Shreve

At an inn in the Berkshire Mountains, seven former schoolmates gather to celebrate a wedding—a reunion that becomes the occasion of astonishing revelations as the friends collectively recall a long-ago night that indelibly marked each of their lives. Written with the fluent narrative artistry that distinguishes all of Anita Shreve's bestselling novels, A Wedding in December acutely probes the mysteries of the human heart and the endless allure of paths not taken.

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Right now I am reading, "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss and it is seriously the perfect book to read this Valentines day. I absolutely love Historical Romance, by far my favorite genre (along with Historical Fiction). As the queen of romance, Kathleen Woodiwiss is one of my favorite authors and not only is this her debut novel but it is also the first in a trilogy series of which I've read nothing but rave reviews!

I am about half way through right now and it is definitely holding up to my expectations. As with any love interest in a Woodiwiss novel, I am secretly in love with Brandon Birmingham and would love nothing more than to be whisked away into the story. Sighhh.. if only, right?

The Flame and the Flower - Kathleen Woodiwiss
Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence—until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee... and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger. A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman...and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.

How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

The Choice - Nicholas Sparks
Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life-- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies--he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen.

So I consider myself to be an avid Nicholas Sparks fan - definitely one of my favorite authors (although, I'll admit I often find myself dreading the inevitable tragedies that always emerge in his stories). The Notebook is one of my absolute favorites and I've read more than my share of his books. I just love his writing style.. and who doesn't love a good romance?

"The Choice" is a great book, I really enjoyed it! The story revolves around Gabby and Travis, two polar opposite neighbors who find themselves unknowingly falling for each other. I absolutely LOVED the progression of their relationship throughout the novel. Things get off to a rough start when a conflict arises concerning each of their dogs. Being neighbors, the two have a hard time of avoiding each other and they soon find themselves sharing dinners, long conversations and mutual attraction. The rest as they say, is history.

Nearly 11 years later, Travis finds himself faced with a choice pertaining to Gabby and his decision will ultimately change their lives forever. Like with any Sparks novel, I found myself reaching for tissues on more than a few occasions, but I also found myself smiling at the conclusion of the story. The ending brought a very big, but welcomed surprise! I really enjoyed reading this one and I'd recommend to any fans of Nicholas Sparks and/or fans of contemporary romance. Just a very heartwarming book and a great love story!

Teaser Tuesday - Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

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


My teaser:

I added to my mental list of the odd things I'd done that day. I'd entertained the police, sunbathed, visited at a mall with some fairies, weeded, and killed someone.

p. 158 -- "Dead and Gone" by Charlaine Harris

Mailbox Monday - 1

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at the The Printed Page. It is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. I had a few new books come in last week and I'm super excited about each one!

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life—until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever.





The Seance - John Harwood
Wraxford Hall, a decaying mansion in the English countryside, has a sinister reputation. Once, a family disappeared there. And now Constance Langton has inherited this dark place as well as the mysteries surrounding it.






Rooftops of Tehran - Mahbod Seraji
In a middle-class neighborhood of Iran's sprawling capital city, 17-year-old Pasha Shahed spends the summer of 1973 on his rooftop with his best friend Ahmed, joking around one minute and asking burning questions about life the next. He also hides a secret love for his beautiful neighbor Zari, who has been betrothed since birth to another man. But the bliss of Pasha and Zari's stolen time together is shattered when Pasha unwittingly acts as a beacon for the Shah's secret police.

For the woman with everything except a Mr. Darcy of her own. An invitation to Austenland.

Austenland - Shannon Hale
Pembrook Park, Kent, England. Enter our doors as a house guest come to stay three weeks, enjoying the country manners and hospitality-a tea visit, a dance or two, a turn in the park, an unexpected meeting with a certain gentleman, all culminating with a ball and perhaps something more... Here, the Prince Regent still rules a carefree England. No scripts. No written endings. A holiday no one else can offer you

I absolutely adore this book. ♥ It has quickly become one of my favorites. As a huge fan of Jane Austen (really a fan of the whole time period) and her work, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The whole premise totally captivated me from the first pages. A thirty-something single woman who's obsession with Mr. Darcy is ruining her life, gets an amazing gift: a wealthy relative leaves Jane a pre-paid vacation to visit a resort. But this isn't any ordinary resort. Oh, no. This is an Austen-themed English resort which caters to Austen-crazed women. It's here where Jane gets to live out all of her fantasies, and her dream of finding the perfect gentlemen, becomes even more realer than she could have ever imagined.

Honestly, I can completely relate to the main character and her obsession with all things Pride & Prejudice.. that's pretty sad, right? Just the thought of being whisked away to this dream land where I can meet my own Mr. Darcy? sighh.. completely makes my heart melt! I don't know what else to say except that I absolutely loved it. Such a fun read & a very cute story about a woman's obsession and journey to find the perfect man (in the form of Mr. Darcy). I look forward to reading more of Hale's work and I definitely recommend this one!

"Seriously, a thirty-something woman shouldn't be daydreaming about a fictional character in a two-hundred-year-old world to the point where it interfered with her very real and much more important life and relationships. Of course she shouldn't. "

JANUARY WRAP UP

Books read in January: 10

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
The Notebook
Everlasting
The Choice
Body Surfing

Pick of the month : Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris
Okay, so first of all, I love, love, LOVE the Sookie Stackhouse series! I have actually read the whole series before, but since receiving the box set for Xmas, I decided to re-read them all. A bit obsessive, I know, but I'm sort of..... addicted to vampires (especially 6'5" viking vampires named Eric Northman, but that's beside the point), I'm working on it, okay? Dead to the World is the 4th book in the series and possibly my favorite as well. It revolves around Eric getting amnesia and having no memory of himself or his life. Sookie takes him in and inevitably, chaos ensues including a witch war, a kidnapping, a murder and a VERY hot romance. Seriously, amazing! If you haven't read the Sookie Stackhouse series yet I highly recommend you go out right NOW & pick yourself up a copy of Dead Until Dark - you will not regret it!

welcome to the diary of an obsessed reader

So after following book blogs for the past few months, I have finally decided to start up my own... and here I am! I am obsessed with books. Like, OBSESSED. It's quite a problem... seriously, I love reading. I love how much you learn and how how many different lives you can lead. And I love how you can escape to so many different worlds and cultures. You can be & do anything through books and I think it's pretty fascinating! I am in NO way a professional book reviewer (and I have no intention or desire to be one either), I'm just doing this blog for me so I can keep track of all the amazing books I read. Along the way I'll share my opinions on books I've read, books I want to read, my favorites, etc., etc. Hopefully I can be somewhat insightful and inspire you to read some of my picks!

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again"