Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:
"The stalker is dead, though," Rory said, attempting to make her tone soothing, but probably failing miserably. She'd never been very good at soothing.
This week my teaser comes from Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle. I got this romantic suspense title from NetGalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...

As a Motorcycle Club member and firefighter, Ian Walsh is used to riding the line between the good guys and the bad. He may owe the Club his life, but his heart rests with his fire station brothers...and with the girl he's loved since they were kids, Rory Sorenson. Ian would do anything for Rory. He'd die for her. Kill for her. Defend her to his last breath-and he may just have to.

Every con in the Rockies knows Rory is the go-to girl for less-than-legal firearms, and for the past few years, she's managed to keep the peace between dangerous factions by remaining strictly neutral. But when she defends herself against a brutal attack, Rory finds herself catapulted into the center of a Motorcycle Club war-with only Ian standing between her and a threat greater than either of them could have imagined.

Monday, May 30, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 30, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Other Than Reading... 

This was a quiet week for me but a busy one at school with award programs, graduation, and track and field days.

There are just four student days this coming week since we have Monday off. I know I'll be spending Monday grading and preparing report cards for the students I won't be seeing any more and the grades that have finished the academic part of their work. Having a four day rotation for some classes and an early out on Friday means that I have seen one of my groups of 4th graders for the last time this year. I will see two of my groups of sixth graders twice next week and the other two groups only once. With the finals schedule at the Middle School/High School, I don't see sixth graders on Friday. I'll be using that day to finish up their report cards. Hopefully all the missing assignments will appear!

I was involved in the K-3 track and field day Friday which started out with misting rain and worked its way to downpour before tapering off. We have a lovely new track and football field with artificial turf so the kids didn't get muddy, just soaked. It was also warm enough that the kids didn't get cold. I came home exhausted and soaked after the games were over.

Next Monday is our final teacher work day of the year. We begin with a breakfast provided by the district and an award program. The teacher of the year will speak. Retirees with speak. Awards will be presented. I'll get one for 20 years in this district. Then the rest of the day will be used to finish report cards and prepare classrooms for summer cleaning. If there is time, I'll be sorting through some file cabinets to get rid of materials I no longer use. I also need to get together with my professional learning team to finish up our work and report our progress.

Then weeks and weeks of no schedule begin. I want no schedule really badly.

Read Last Week
Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie N. Holmberg was a new fantasy from the author. I thought it was entertaining but found the beginning a little slow. My review will be posted on June 23.

Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh was another heart-pounding thriller in the Scarlet Falls series. I liked finally getting Mac's story as he was a side character in the first two books of the series. My review will be posted on June 25.

Mortal Fall by Christine Carbo was another mystery. This one takes place in Glacier National Park and has great descriptions of the scenery. My review will be posted on June 1.

Currently
I am currently reading Damage by Felix Francis. It is another suspenseful mystery set around the horse racing industry.

Next Week
The first two books I plan to read this week are A Most Curious Murder by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli and The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan. I got both of these eARCs from NetGalley. They are both being released in July.

Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
Mortal Fall finally arrived this week. I was asked early in April if I would like a copy to review. This review book is being released on May 31.

I also bought The Shadow Revolution: Crown and Key by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith for my Kindle. I spotted this one on Teaser Tuesday and couldn't resist.

To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop Winner

Congratulations to Brenda. 
Your Amazon Gift Card has been sent. Enjoy!

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Book Review: Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

Fire Touched
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson (Book 9)
Publication: Ace (March 8, 2016)

Description: Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

My Thoughts: Tensions are rising in the Tri-Cities. The fae have retreated to their hidden reservations but have let very dangerous fae escape. Humans are wondering what they will do next.

Mercy and Adam come to be at odds with the Marrok when they provide a safe haven for a young human boy who has escaped from Underhill. He spent a long time there and was given some powers to help him cope. But now Underhill is unhappy and wants him back and a variety of fae, all with their own agendas, want to give him back.

Mercy and Adam are unwilling to give this person, who looks like a child, into a situation that he fears. The Grey Lords have different plans. As a matter of fact, many different factions of Grey Lords all seem to have different plans. Adam and Mercy have to deal with the ones who have plans that will bring harm to humans or werewolves.

Mercy gets to spend time with a number of the fae that she knows and likes and a few that she can actually trust.

This story was more about political maneuvering than it was about battles though there were a couple of those two. And Mercy did have a few occasions when she could let her snarky side out.

Fans of the series won't want to miss this one.

Favorite Quote:
There was a long pause. "I made her feel unsafe," he said.

I shook my head. "Not really. She had no trouble defending herself—and she knew there was a houseful of people who would make sure she was safe. What you did was tell her that you had no intention of letting her be safe with you."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Friday Memes: Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
I sat up in bed, a feeling of urgency gripping my stomach in iron claws.
Friday 56: 
The troll moved into my best target range. I took a step toward them, aimed, and shot the magazine of my gun empty as fast as I could pull the trigger. I didn't hit Adam.
This week I am featuring Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs. This is the latest book in her Mercy Thomson urban fantasy series. Here is the description from Amazon:
Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Book Review: Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

Whirlpool
Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Publication: Avon; First Printing edition (October 31, 2006)

Description: When an exquisitely crafted, authentic imperial Faberge egg mysteriously shows up at Laurel Swann's home studio, she knows it can only be from one person—her father, who has drifted in and out of her life for as long as she can remember. But this time Jamie Swann leaves her something too many people will kill for.

Out of her league and desperate, Laurel is forced to accept help from the very man who is trying to ensnare her father in his own web of double crosses. Cruz Rowan can help her stay alive, but will he do the same for her father?

Elizabeth Lowell, writing as Ann Maxwell, deftly combines the nonstop action of a spy thriller with the heart-pounding excitement of true love and adventure.

My Thoughts: Laurel Swann is a jewelry designer who has a father who drifts in and out of her life. She loves him, but she isn't sure she likes him. When her father sends her a package containing a Faberge egg, he dumps her into the middle of a twisted plot where everyone has at least one agenda and no one cares about an innocent caught in the middle.

When one of the conspirators hires Risk, Ltd. to get the egg back without alerting any government, Cruz Rowan is the one who comes to find Laurel. Shortly after his arrival he saves her from assassins and takes her home with him to Risk, Ltd. headquarters. Laurel takes one look at him and wonders why he is the one to crash the boundaries she has raised between herself and men. She knows he has an agenda and she doesn't know what it is.

Cruz has the same reaction to Laurel. She's the woman who manages to get under his guard. He'll do anything to keep her safe and is afraid that he will have to kill her father to do it.

This story was nicely twisty with all sorts of complex characters. While the villains were painted black, many of the other characters were painted in various shades of gray. Figuring out their motives and angles kept me busy through the whole book. This isn't the first book I've read by Lowell with an innocent and honest heroine who isn't at all naive or a hero who has been so long in the dark that he doesn't think he deserves or can survive in the light. However, this was a great example of a story that uses those types.

Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this exciting romantic suspense title.

Favorite Quote:
"Relax. Let somebody take care of you for a change."

"That just makes it worse when the somebody goes away."

Her matter-of-fact words told Cruz more than he wanted to know about Jamie Swann, Swann's daughter, and trust. But Cruz kept his mouth shut. It wasn't time to talk about her daddy yet. Laurel still believed it was her duty to protect the son of a bitch rather the herself. Somehow he had to change her mind.

And he had to do it soon.
I bought this one in October 2006 when it was first released. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Book Review: The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King

The Murder of Mary Russell
Author: Laurie R. King
Series: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Book 10)
Publication: Bantam (April 5, 2016)

Description: Laurie R. King’s bestselling Mary Russell–Sherlock Holmes series weaves rich historical detail and provocative themes with intriguing characters and enthralling suspense. Russell and Holmes have become one of modern literature’s most beloved teams. But does this adventure end it all?

Mary Russell is used to dark secrets—her own, and those of her famous partner and husband, Sherlock Holmes. Trust is a thing slowly given, but over the course of a decade together, the two have forged an indissoluble bond.

And what of the other person to whom Mary Russell has opened her heart: the couple’s longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson? Russell’s faith and affection are suddenly shattered when a man arrives on the doorstep claiming to be Mrs. Hudson’s son.

What Samuel Hudson tells Russell cannot possibly be true, yet she believes him—as surely as she believes the threat of the gun in his hand. In a devastating instant, everything changes. And when the scene is discovered—a pool of blood on the floor, the smell of gunpowder in the air—the most shocking revelation of all is that the grim clues point directly to Clara Hudson.

Or rather to Clarissa, the woman she was before Baker Street.

The key to Russell’s sacrifice lies in Mrs. Hudson’s past. To uncover the truth, a frantic Sherlock Holmes must put aside his anguish and push deep into his housekeeper’s secrets—to a time before her disguise was assumed, before her crimes were buried away.

There is death here, and murder, and trust betrayed.

And nothing will ever be the same.

My Thoughts: This mystery arises out of housekeeper Mrs. Clara Hudson's past and illuminates that past for us as readers and gives glimpses of it to Mary. It also gives us fascinating glimpses of a young Sherlock Holmes and the very complicated relationship he has with Mrs. Hudson.

It begins with Mary receiving an unexpected visitor - Mr. Samuel Hudson - who has arrived from Australia looking for his mother with some sort of revenge in mind. It goes back in time to explore events chronicled by Dr. Watson in "The Adventures of the Gloria Scott."

The book has mutiny, murders, and betrayals of all sorts. I really liked getting to know Mrs. Hudson in a very different way than the quiet housekeeper who has been a background figure in all of the books and stories that have come before. I admire her for her survival skills and for her resiliency.

Fans of the Sherlock Holmes books will enjoy this new look at a very familiar character.

Favorite Quote:
Of all the mysteries that are love, maternal love may be the most basic. My own mother had died when I was fourteen. A few months later, with the raw instincts of a barnyard chick imprinting its affections on the first available surrogate, my bereft heart had claimed Mrs. Hudson for its own. I had known her for ten years now, lived with her for more than four, and she was as close to a mother as I would ever have again.
I bought this one for my Kindle. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:
She settled into her tall work stool to inspect the egg once more. And to wait for an explanation of how the exquisite object d'art had come into Jamie Swann's hands. He was always good at explanations.

Even for her silver-tongued father, this explanation should be a real imperial gem.
This week my teaser comes from Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell. This book has been lost on my TBR mountain since I bought it on Oct. 24, 2006. Here is the description from Amazon:
When an exquisitely crafted, authentic imperial Faberge egg mysteriously shows up at Laurel Swann's home studio, she knows it can only be from one person—her father, who has drifted in and out of her life for as long as she can remember. But this time Jamie Swann leaves her something too many people will kill for.

Out of her league and desperate, Laurel is forced to accept help from the very man who is trying to ensnare her father in his own web of double crosses. Cruz Rowan can help her stay alive, but will he do the same for her father?

Elizabeth Lowell, writing as Ann Maxwell, deftly combines the nonstop action of a spy thriller with the heart-pounding excitement of true love and adventure.

Monday, May 23, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 23, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Other Than Reading... 

Last week sped by so fast and nothing memorable happened. Our weather was cool but mostly dry. The lilacs outside my patio door are blooming. There are just nine student contact days and one teacher workday before this school year is over.

I get a week of vacation here at home before a doctor's appointment which includes a colonoscopy after which I head up to my summer home for a couple of months. I'm already planning what books will be making the trip with me.

I should finish all the reviews on my June calendar before school is over. So I'm looking for books to read with reviews showing up in July. August, and September. I hope to get a whole bunch scheduled. I plan to fit in books from my TBR mountains around the review books which are already on the calendar.

Read Last Week
Veil of Night by Linda Howard was a very enjoyable romantic suspense title that had been sitting on my TBR mountain since 2010. My review will be posted on June 18.

Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson is the second in an urban fantasy series set in Boulder, Colorado. My review will be posted on June 15.

Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson puts an end to the Boundary Magic trilogy (for now). I like the characters, worldbuilding, and setting of this series. My review will be posted on June 22.

Currently
I am currently reading Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie N. Holmberg. I got this one for review from NetGalley.

Next Week
Also from NetGalley is Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh. And, from deep in TBR mountain, is Damage by Felix Francis.

Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

For Review:
I am also completing my collection of the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Arriving this week were:
To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Book Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Marked in Flesh
Author: Anne Bishop
Series: A Novel of the Others (Book 4)
Publication: Roc (March 8, 2016)

Description: For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs...

My Thoughts: In this story, Humans First and Last think that they are ready to take over lands held by the terra indigene - the Others - and find that they have bitten off much more than they can chew from someone who is more that capable of biting back.

The story begins with Simon receiving a message from the Elders that he will have to decide how much human to keep. Naturally, he goes to Meg to help him decide. Meg is also busy trying to find a way to deal with prophecies without having to cut herself. The cutting is an addiction that creates a euphoria that she craves. She is experimenting with a variety of fortune telling cards. She is doing this not only for herself but for the other cassandra sangue who are living in various parts of Thaisia and who are looking to Meg for guidance.

Meanwhile, HFL policies and sabotages are growing more common and more frequent. The human pack inside the Courtyard is growing as those who are branded "wolf lovers" are taking refuge there. This is a worry to Simon who fears that there won't be enough resources to take care of all of them. But saying no to Meg when she wants to offer protection to someone else is not something Simon can do.

It is interesting watching those in the know try to figure out what they have to have if society ceases to exist and each place is on its own and in danger from the Elders. It was also fascinating to see some of those previously unseen Elders and see that the terra indigene, who are so frightening to humans, have things that frighten them too.

I love the growing relationship between Meg and Simon. But I think what I like best about this series is the portrayal of the Others which is so different than most paranormal series. These are humans who can sometimes put on a wolf suit. These are wolves who clearly think differently than humans do. I can't wait for ETCHED IN BONE coming in 2017.

Favorite Quote:
"What are you going to call them?" Meg asked.
"Lunch?" Simon offered.
The female pack gave him a look that made him think running away would be a good idea, if he wasn't the leader and couldn't back down.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Friday Memes: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
Sunsday, Juin 5

The sweet blood has changed things. You have changed because of her. We are intrigued by the humans who have gathered around your Courtyard, so we will give you some time to decide how much human the terra indigene will keep.
Friday 56:
Jesse Walker pushed at a lock of gray hair that had escaped the hairclip and looked up from her list as Shelley Bookman, the community's librarian, rushed into the general store.
This week I am featuring Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop. This is the fourth book in this excellent fantasy series. Here is the description from Amazon:
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs...

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Book Review: The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

The Thing Is
Author: Kathleen Gerard
Publication: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (February 9, 2016)

Description: Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she's ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy--and sometimes, even love--along the way.

My Thoughts: This was an interesting story about a woman who has her grief-stricken life shaken up by a five pound dog. Meredith Mancuso was with her fiance when he was murdered. Since then, she has become reclusive and is watching her career as a mid-level author stalling. She can't seem to get over her loss until her sister drops off a Yorkie named Prozac who needs a temporary dog-sitter.

Meredith can't think of anything she wants less than the responsibility of a dog. She is definitely not a dog person. Prozac's owner is an 87-year-old woman who broke her foot and is now recuperating. She sends along a spreadsheet filled with Prozac's responsibilities. One of the most prominent is his weekly appointment at the Evergreen Gardens Senior Living facility. Meredith would be more than willing to skip it but is blackmailed into it by Judge Theo, one of the residents.

Getting out with Prozac has a positive impact on her life despite the number of small calamities that seem to follow every visit to Evergreen Gardens. As Meredith gets to know the residents, she learns that they all have losses that they they are dealing with and she learns that attitude makes a big difference in how you live.

I liked the cast of characters. Prozac is one of the most notable characters in the story. He is a Spirit Guide Dog who has had many lives helping people in many situations. He has gained a lot of wisdom through these lives which he would love to communicate to Meredith, if only he could talk. Nonetheless, his presence serves as a vehicle for changes in her life.

This was an entertaining story that even had a little bit of a new romance woven in.

Favorite Quote:
Like the crazy, completely irrational lady I was fast becoming, I ran after him and kept hollering his name. I sent up loud, pleading petitions of "Prozac! Prozac!" as if I were an antidepressant junkie in the midst of a nervous breakdown, desperately in search of my next prescriptive fix. I was frantic to get that dog back. I didn't like him, and I sure as heck didn't want to keep him, but the thought of that dog charging toward the busy, traffic-laden main street district of downtown...Horror of horrors!
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Spotlight: The Fall of Neskaya by Marion Zimmer Bradley

I have decided that 2016 is the year when I take a look at books on my TBR mountain and read them or donate them. I'm starting with the books that have been on the stack the longest.

Hopefully by the end of 2016, my TBR mountain will be only a foothill.

I'm turning the spotlight on The Fall of Neskaya by Marion Zimmer Bradley this week. I've had it on the stack since I began my LibraryThing account in February of 2008.

Here is the description from Amazon:
The Fall of Neskaya, Book One of the Clingfire Trilogy, marks the legendary author's final return to Darkover before her death. Set in the tumultuous era of The Hundred Kingdoms, a terrible time of strife and war, this unique fantasy world is divided into a mutlitude of small belligerent domains vying for power and land. One ambitious and corrupt tyrant will stop at nothing to control Darkover-even wield the terrifying weapons of the matrix.
I think I've read all of the Darkover books by Marion Zimmer Bradley but I haven't read this series that she wrote with Deborah J. Ross. Somehow this one got lost on my TBR mountain.

Have you read this one?

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:
I was tempted to dry him off atop the bathroom vanity, but conjuring images of his taking a flying-leap onto the ceramic tile floor—or flirting with the potential for electrocution from the wet sink nearby—I decided instead to set off for my office.
This week my teaser comes from The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard. I was sent a copy of this Kindle book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Here is the description from Amazon:
Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she's ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy--and sometimes, even love--along the way.

Monday, May 16, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 16, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Other Than Reading... 

A cold and rainy week was very helpful in keeping my students' minds on their schoolwork. With only 14 days left, teachers need every possible advantage. These last few weeks are filled with programs, field trips, and other distractions. I'll lose my elementary students for at least two days for track and field day and attendance at the fifth grade musical. I don't think I'll be losing my 6th graders anymore this year but I'm not sure. There is a middle school track and field day that might disrupt things.

We are having a bad year for teacher retention in my school district. We have already had 4 resignations at the high school and 2 at the elementary. Last year, we had one new staff member in the district. I know that a number of other teachers have applications and interviews in their future. A good part of the reason is the high cost of family insurance. Most teachers with that insurance plan have seen their take-home pay reduced for the last two years and, with a 22% insurance increase again for next year, it is just going to get worse. The cost of insurance is killing small school districts. Luckily, I'm old and not on the school insurance. Medicare and my supplemental policy are much less costly than what my fellow teachers are paying. This should be an interesting summer. Next year with a whole crop of new teachers should be interesting too.

I haven't yet heard if my proposed schedule for next year has been approved. The elementary principal and the high school principal have to fight it out. But the high school principal is so busy looking for new staff that he hasn't had time. This semester with only 15 minutes of elementary prep for five classes a day has been hard to manage.

I am very eager for summer vacation and a chance to refresh and reflect.

Read Last Week
The dug the next books in the Pink Carnation series from deep in TBR mountain and read:
I also bought but have not yet received all the rest of the books in the series.
I read Magic and Manners by C. E. Murphy this week which was an enjoyable mashup of Jane Austen and magic. My review will be posted on August 4.

Death on the Sapphire by R. J. Koreto was an very enjoyable historical mystery that I got for review from NetGalley. My review will be posted on June 9.

Currently
I am currently reading Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson which is the second book in a series in which I have the third book on my review stack.

Next Week
Veil of Night by Linda Howard is from deep in TBR mountain. This is a romantic suspense title by an author I have enjoyed in the past.

Then, I'll be reading review books:
  • Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson will be released on June 21. I got the eARC from NetGalley.
  • Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie N. Holmberg will be released on June 28. I got this one from NetGalley too.
  • Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh will be released on June 28. I got this one from NetGalley too.
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
State of TBR Mountain:
  • Added in May: 24
  • May still TBR: 22
  • Added in 2016: 149
  • 2016 still TBR: 90
  • Total TBR: 1939
  • Review Books: 29
To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.