Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Currently Reading

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

No matter which holiday celebration you observe this season, may it be a time of wonder, love and beautiful memories for you and yours. 

It's a pretty laid-back type of day around here. I'm enjoying the time to simply relax before the rush to get back to work begins. Of course, I have plenty of work to keep me busy. My TBR pile has grown tremendously and my super secret projects are still waiting in the wings for some attention.


I'm in the middle of these;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
Pigs Can't Swim: A Memoir by Helen Peppe


I've finished with the following;
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock


Just a reminder - there will not be any reviews until after the start of the new year. Hope everyone has a great holiday. I can't wait to see what awesome books are in store for us in the upcoming year!

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins


Release Date: September 14, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Hunger Games

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Out of the ruins of North America, a country known as Panem arises. The ruling party and influencial people live in the Capitol with the remaining population divided among districts. Each year two children, between the ages of 12 and 17, are chosen to compete for their district's glory in the Hunger Games. One boy, one girl from each of the 12 districts. 24 tributes chosen must fight until one's left standing.

Katniss Everdeen finds herself in this exact position. She must fight to survive - not only for herself but her family back in District 12. With all the glitz and trappings of the Capitol, can she remain true to herself and use the skills she knows? Or will she become a forgotten footnote in Hunger games history?

Review:
Let me first say that I was completely skeptical when my fellow word addict, Sam, let me borrow this book. After the onslaught of YA books being released, I wasn't sure if they'd be my cup of tea or not. But I trust Sam's judgement (sometimes) so I added the Hunger Games series to my TBR pile, working them between the others that I'm obligated to read.

In all honesty, I was captivated from the first chapter. There's so much history about how the world became as it was, why the districts are shaped the way they are, and why the Capital makes life so miserable. It cannot be explored within one book. Though this book is the first, it brings a whole lot more to the table than merely setting the scene for the series. The author does a great job of balancing the needs of the series with the needs of the characters within the first book.

I enjoyed how diverse the characters were. Since each of the districts were responsible for various areas of production in order to keep the country running, the people within the districts reflect that in their mannerisms and beliefs. Each had his or her own strengths and weakness based upon their district. What they failed to realize until the very end was the fact that they were all so very similar as well. With this story being told from Katniss' point-of-view, the reader is privy to her thoughts and feelings about what's happening around her. Unfortunately that doesn't always bode well for her as she's unable to relay those thoughts or feelings as accurately to others.

Though there is some details about the landscapes of Panem, the country carved into districts, the focus is primarily on District 12, from which Peeta and Katniss are whisked away, the arena where all the fighting is taking place and the Capitol, where all the powerful people are located. The reader is given glimpses of the other areas but not to the extent as those mentioned previously. It will be exciting to see if they changes once I begin the second book.

I have to admit that I did enjoy this book a lot more than I thought I would. A pleasant surprise, I couldn't put it down. There's plenty of action, all different degrees of fighting and romance, and the uncertainty of what the outcome could mean for the Capitol and the Districts. Really glad that I was able to borrow these. Thanks, Sam! If you're looking for a good first step into the world of YA books, this is one I'd highly recommend.

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins is available wherever books are sold. It can be purchased online in either paperback, hardback and Kindle forms. You can click the link provided below to see Amazon's offerings.
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Friday, December 20, 2013

In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood


Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After being quiet for nearly five years, a killer is once again hunting victims during Alaska's summer. It's a time when midnight looks like one in the afternoon, giving the killer plenty of time to do his work. But this time, he's looking to do a whole lot more than increase the body count.

FBI agent Jess Harding worked the case in Alaska when it was first discovered. When the case became too dangerous, she was taken off the case and sent to San Francisco where she honed her skills and intuition. Now called back to Alaska, Jess must put all her skills to use in order to catch this killer before it's too late. Will she discover the answers in time? Can she keep the case from overwhelming her once again?

Review:
I do love crime thrillers so entering a Goodreads giveaway for this book was a no-brainer for me. I was very pleased to receive a copy. To be honest I was a little surprised that a male author was writing in the first person perspective of a female agent. After a slow start, the surprise wore off, the action ramped up and I was completely immersed into the story. Part of me was glad that the chapters were to-the-point kind of chapters because I'd have to make myself stop at the end of a chapter. If I didn't, I would have read through the night.

The novel begins with the main character, Jess, being summoned to Alaska to help with an old, familiar case that she worked on as a rookie field agent. Right from the start, Jess is out to prove that she's no longer the green, wet-behind-the-ears new kid and that her instincts about the person behind the gruesome killings are valuable despite the rumblings from the "old boys" club. Because the book is set in the present time period, it seemed as though everything could really be happening. For me, it all added up to the story feeling very real and that's a scary thought when it comes to serial killers.

As realistic as I found the characters and their reactions to situations to be, the locations within the book played a big role in the storyline as well. The culture, customs and traditions of the inhabitants in various areas of Alaska both helped and hindered the investigation. The same case could be made for the events that happened within San Fransisco as well. The author presents vivid descriptions of the surrounding areas that the reader can nearly feel the cold of the Alaskan wilderness or hear the bustle of a San Fransiscan street.

There is a slow build to the action but once the ball gets rolling, there is no stopping. The reader is fed the clues at the same pace in which Jess finds them, so we're following her instincts in real time. Her realizations and frustrations become ours, adding to the tension building within the story. Only one thing frustrated me out of the entire book and that is whatever Jess is hiding about her connection with the killer. The door is left open for the author to explore (and I hope he does) and definitely leaves the reader wanting more.

Overall, this book was an excellent and exciting way to spend a few evenings. Most times I didn't want to put the book down. If I had been able, I would have devoured this book in one sitting as the action takes the story along a decently steady pace. There are plenty of twists and turns one would expect from the thriller genre but the story has its own flavor with its strong, resilient heroine in Jess Harding. If you're looking for a book full of action, adventure and travels all while battling a strange, demented serial killer, then this is the book for you.

In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood is available in either paperback or Kindle forms at many online retailers. By clicking the link below, you can pick up a copy from Amazon.
In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Currently Reading

Several events over the past week kept me from reading as much as I wanted. Believe me, if I had a choice, I would have been sitting back with all my books around me. Instead, I was addressing Christmas/Yule cards, trying to finish the reindeer hats that I promised (two weeks ago) and also beating myself up for not finishing a super secret crochet project before Christmas. Times like these, I really do hate being disabled. On top of everything else, I am sick with bronchitis. Oh, what fun!

At any rate, I did manage a few steps forward. Revisions of NaNo 2012 are coming along quite nicely. Lots of ink upon the printed pages. I'm still not sure where exactly the story is going, but there's still some time left before I need to know for certain. Something tells me that the characters will let me know soon anyway. I need to learn to trust them far more than I currently do. 


I'm currently reading these;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock


I've finished these;
Ten Tiny Breaths: A Novel (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker
The Companions (The Sundering #1) by R.A. Salvatore 


While I'm hopeful wellness and finished books will be in my near future, I'm not going to push myself too hard. Despite the overwhelming need to sleep all the time, I will attempt to stay the course.

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, December 16, 2013

Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn


Release Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: 47North

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Halloween is not a favorite time of year for Dimitri Petrov. Between the death of his parents and his own brush with death on the holiday, he attempts to steer clear of it all together. When given a last minute assignment by his boss at the local newspaper, Dimitri soon learns there's a lot more to the holiday, and the location, than he ever thought possible.

After waking up in the morgue, Dimitri is thrust head long into a world filled with ghosts, exorcisms and buried secrets. Even the deepest buried secrets have a way of working their way to the surface. To save himself and those he loves, Dimitri will set aside his preconceived notions of good and evil, demon and seraph. But will it be enough?

Review:
I'm so happy that NetGalley had this book available for reading. Right off the bat, the descriptive blurb piqued my interest and I couldn't wait to start reading. From the first sentence, it's plain to see that Dimitri is going to have a hard road in the story. We, the readers, are along for the ride but we're as blind as he is with no map or seat belts for the journey.

The story has a lot of layers to it. There's also a lot of action that provides more depth to the layers and highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. In the case of Dimitri, we are given a few clues as to his way of life before the fateful Halloween night and then the drastic change after. As the story is written in the first person point-of-view, I found it easy to step into Dimitri's shoes and feel/see what comes his way.

It was interesting to see how the author used the small town setting to show how the people were more connected with one another than they would have been in a larger, more metropolitan city. That also gave the story a realistic feel, especially when it came to the mass influx of people whenever something bad happened. In reality it tends to overwhelm the small town and its people - something that caused more friction for the main characters when it occurred in the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It took a story from the history books and tweaked it enough to give it life as something new and updated. I'm excited to see if there is more to the story that the author will reveal later or leave the ending as it is. Either way, if you're looking for a book filled with quirky characters mixed with a dash or two of the paranormal, I would certainly pick up a copy of this book.

Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn is currently available at many online retailers. You can purchase a copy in paperback, Kindle or audiobook formats. Click the link below in order buy a copy from Amazon.
Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn


Friday, December 13, 2013

Coldwater by Diana Gould


Release Date: January 15, 2013
Publisher: Vireo Book, A

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Brett Tanager was among the elite in Hollywood, thanks to her work as writer/producer on a hit television show and her relationship with Jonathon Weissman. With an instant family and unbridled success at her fingertips, Brett made a fateful decision that ultimately cost her everything. It was at her lowest point that she was entrusted with Julia Weissman's darkest secret.

Now, with the girl she once called daughter missing and another teenage girl murdered, Brett makes it her mission to become sober and save Julia. She follows the clues as they lead her further and further into the dark side of Hollywood. As the darkness surrounds her, Brett must fight her demons if she wants to see Julia alive. Will she be able to maneuver through the underworld without succumbing to the temptations?

Review:
Having won this book from a Goodreads giveaway, I was looking forward to reading this book the moment it arrived. The mystery/suspense genre has always been one of my favorites. The author promised an intriguing, dark and fast-paced book. I think it's safe to say that she definitely delivered.

The book began in the midst of Brett's downward spiral. For all of her success, she couldn't see that her addictions were taking away everything that she held dear. A stupid decision was all it took for her to reach rock bottom. We, the readers, see it happen right before our eyes. Through Brett we experience her deepening spiral until she's shocked out of it by something more terrible than she could imagine.

Packed with action, the author takes us for a ride through some dark, rough spots of the Hollywood lifestyle. There's barely time to breathe before the next lead takes Brett (and us) into a situation where the chance of danger is quite high. Along the way, we are introduced to other characters who help or hinder her progress. I really enjoyed the distinctly celebrity vibe that most of the characters had. It fit within the book's world really well and made the story seem more realistic.

Because it is a mystery/suspense thriller, one expects twists and turns. There are plenty in the book that kept me turning the page. Of course, there were a few I guessed before they were revealed (an unfortunate side effect of reading so many books in the genre). But a few were surprising to me which made it more fun to read. There was one moment where Brett's past came to haunt her and I thought the result may be the same. Let's just say that the resolution takes a few pages, drawing out the anxiety and making it palpable.

Overall, I liked this book. It was familiar yet different enough to keep me wanting more. I loved that we have an extremely flawed character from the start. Seeing her fight the urges of addiction while battling real life adversaries was an interesting mix. If a down and dirty romp through the seedy underbelly of Hollywood sounds like fun way to spend the night, pick up a copy of this book. Just be sure to bring protection.

Coldwater by Diana Gould is currently available at many online retailers in paperbook or Kindle forms. You can buy either version from the link below.
Coldwater by Diana Gould

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Currently Reading

Two big announcements for this week's blog post!

I'm so very pleased to announce that the anthology I am a part of has officially been released at Amazon! Off the Kuf: Volume 2 is available for purchase in Kindle format and is really a great value. Over 30 stories by 25 different authors, the anthology was graciously put together by David Wailing, author of Fake Kate and Bang: Memoirs of a Relationship Assassin ( Amazon page ) and it has a wide variety of genres to read. Everything from romance to horror can be found in this anthology. So click this link -> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H5S2K9E/  and get a copy for under $5! Just in time for Christmas break!!


This week, I'm working through
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
Ten Tiny Breaths: A Novel (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker


I've finished these in the past week;
Blood Wine: A Quin and Morgan Mystery by John Moss 
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

The second big announcement is that I will not be posting a reviews from 12/26 to 12/31. Due to family commitments made before I started the blog, I won't be able to spend much time at the computer. I will be picking up on the first day of 2014 with a Currently Reading as well as some special blog posts.

Now go pick up a copy of the anthology!

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, December 9, 2013

What's Left Behind - Poetry Collection by Michal Mahgerefteh


Release Date: October 1, 2013 (First published March 2012)
Publisher: Poetica Publishing Company

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In an attempt to come to terms with the passing of her mother, Michal Mahgerefteh pours her heart and soul into the poetry which makes up What's Left Behind. As her grieving process continued, the depth of her pain is felt within each of the lines. The poems also reflect the level of devotion and love that both the author and her father felt as the dark days overtook them. Touching upon a subject that many can relate to, Michal Mahgerefteh allows the reader into the emotional, spiritual and sometimes physical journey that she and her family underwent.

Review:
I won this collection of poems from a free giveaway at Goodreads.com and grew somewhat anxious waiting for it to arrive. The subject matter of the book hits fairly close to home for me. Whereas the author lost her mother while witnessing her father's struggle, my family went through a similar situation with the passing of my brother. So in a way, I was excited to read these poems and at the same time, I was dreading it.

There is an intense level of raw emotion within the lines of each poem. Though they vary in length, the power is still apparent to the reader. With honesty and real emotion, the author allows us, the readers, a glimpse into her grieving process without a thought to whether we find it messy or painful. It's an interesting blend of honoring her mother's memory and dealing with the stray threads of life that remain for her father and the author herself.

I was quite taken with a few of the poems. They mirrored the emotions that I felt when watching my brother slip from this world into the next. In Things She Left Behind, the words paint the images vividly and without closing my eyes, I could picture the items that my parents packed to take home. Each item symbolizing something precious and sacred in an everyday kind of way to my brother as the items in the poem were to the author's mother. My heart grew heavy as I read By Her Resting Place. Everything I felt at my brother's graveside was summed up in these few lines.

This collection of poems has the ability to reach into the reader and touch their soul with the longing and love carried by their words. Since nearly everyone experiences the loss of a loved one at some point in their lives, they will be able to feel the author's words, not just read them. I truly loved these poems. They say the things that we sometimes cannot. If you're looking for a deeply meaningful and loving collection, I would buy this in a heartbeat.

What's Left Behind - Poetry Collection by Michal Mahgerefteh is currently available in Kindle form at Amazon.com. It is soon to be released in paperback as well. You can purchase the e-book from the following link.
What's Left Behind - Poetry Collection by Michal Mahgerefteh

Friday, December 6, 2013

Lesser Creatures by Peter Giglio


Release Date: December 3, 2013
Publisher: DarkFuse

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
The world changed within a split second. People began to rise from the dead and became known as second-lifers. They didn't attack the first-lifers. They were just there - everywhere. With first-lifers footing the bill for the ever-growing number of second-lifers, tensions began to rise and changes were quickly needed before the world descended into a deeper level of chaos.

In the midst of the turmoil, the lives of two first-lifers and an extraordinary second-lifer intersect. One first-lifer is the leader of a new religious movement whose center is the second-life revelation. The other first-lifer is a man who has seen better days and must come to terms with his past. The second-lifer, a being who shouldn't be able to think for herself, evolves into something much more than anyone expected. Their meeting leaves each with a decision to make, the fate of the world dependent upon their decisions.

Review:
I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley and enjoyed the author's different approach to the traditional zombie novel. What begins as a tale of teenage love quickly became a nightmare for the world and its inhabitants. From the blurb given at NetGalley, I knew it wasn't going to be the usual tale of zombie woe but it was a pleasant surprise in many ways.

The story is set in modern day world. There's all the amenities one would see today within the setting of the story. Very little technological advancement has been done around the world because of the plague of zombies, or second-lifers as they're known in the book. With millions of the previously dead walking around, what could possibly go wrong?

Action within the story is fast paced with a few brief respites for the characters to catch their breath or to expand on the situations at hand. For the most part, the human characters are believable and act in realistic ways when faced with the undead. I liked the way the author maintained a sense of humanity with the second-lifers though they were barely cognizant of their own desires or even surroundings at times.

The only real issue I had with the story occurred when Eric cut his hand on a glass. According to the story, the cut was deep enough that he knew it would need stitches. Dressing the wound with a roll of gauze and forgetting about the cut didn't bother me. What bothered me about the scene is that in the next instant, Eric was hopping into the shower and washing with soap with no mention of pain from the cut. There also wasn't a mention of the wound when he went to the bar later that same night. To me, the cut/gash scene felt unnecessary as it didn't add to the story.

Overall, the story was pretty entertaining and provides some good questions about our society today. Many of the questions surrounding the influx of second-lifers could be applied to our present situation with so many people living on the planet already. It was a pretty enjoyable read to spend an evening with, in my opinion. If you like stories that are a little out of the way and decidedly different, this is one you should pick up!

Lesser Creatures by Peter Giglio is currently available in both paperback and Kindle forms. You can purchase a copy from Amazon by clicking the link provided.
Lesser Creatures by Peter Giglio

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Currently Reading

Another week has passed and yet it doesn't feel like it should be so close to Christmas! Unfortunately, time is dwindling for 2013 but I still have plenty on my plate to keep me occupied and out of trouble. Okay, maybe just occupied. A girl can dream, can't she?

Moving right along, I do have reviews scheduled to post during the holidays. I know everyone may be busy with the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping and cooking. I'm hoping to finish a couple of projects (reindeer hats and a super secret blanket) during this month. As far as my writing goes, I'm still carving out small bits of writing time here and there when my hands need a break from crochet. There's supposed to be more information coming out about the Off the Kuf! anthology Volume 2 release (which includes my short story) sometime this month. I'm super excited!


At the top of the TBR pile this week:
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins


Woohoo! Finished these books:
In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood   
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins
The Resurrection of Mary Mabel McTavish by Allan Stratton


I'm hoping to do some serious reading during the holidays and into 2014. So many books coming out, so little time to read them all! Well, I might as well give it my best. *winks*

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, December 2, 2013

Writers Between the Covers: The Scandalous Romantic Lives of Legendary Literary Casanovas, Coquettes, and Cads by Joni Rendon, Shannon McKenna Schmidt


Release Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Plume

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Before reality television and social media created a demand for gossip and paparazzi, the lives of many beloved and famous writers were made into legend through speculation and rumor. Violent fights, suicide attempts, drunken brawls and tempestuous lovers both fueled some the greatest written works and tormented those who created them.

Within the covers of this book, the lives of literary greats are examined. Included within are F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Lord Byron, Virginia Woolf, Norman Mailer and many, many more. Sometimes what happens off the page is much more scandalous and bizarre than anything that was written.

Review:
When NetGalley offered this book to review, I jumped at the chance to read it. I've always been fascinated by writing and the lives of those who felt called to do it. Let's just say that I wasn't disappointed with the book in the least bit. While I know some of the tidbits for a few of the authors, most of what was written came as a surprise to me. Therefore, I really enjoyed the book.

In a time before TMZ and gossip/reality shows, the antics that many of the authors did would have put even Miley to shame. Many believed in being as free with their love as they were with their words, leading to many affairs and secret liaisons. I do think that if the gossip columns were around during those times, they would have had a field day with the information!

Despite revealing a scandalous side of the artistic endeavors, I think the book serves as a reminder of how human the authors, both male and female, within truly were during their lifetimes. They loved, fought, felt and made bad choices - as any one of us have or might have when placed in their position. Their stories were told in a way that brought them to life in way that the reader could easily empathize with the authors.

All in all, this book was a great read. Full of information and yet not overwhelmingly so, the book wets the reader's imagination about the various lives of fellow writers. If you love nonfiction or any of the various authors listed with the book's own covers, I would suggest taking a chance with this book. You never know what you might learn.

Writers Between the Covers: The Scandalous Romantic Lives of Legendary Literary Casanovas, Coquettes and Cads by Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon is now available through various online retailers. The book is available in paperback, Kindle and Audiobook format at Amazon. You can purchase a copy by clicking the link below.
Writers Between the Covers: The Scandalous Romantic Lives of Legendary Literary Casanovas, Coquettes and Cads by Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon

Sunday, December 1, 2013

December's Hopes and Dreams

The year's nearly over and I'm still wishing for more time! I really want to knock a whole lot of books off of my TBR pile but I know that it'll never be enough for me. For every book I finish reading, there are two or three more jumping onto the pile and vying for my attention. In a strange way I enjoy it - this wordy addiction of mine.

December is shaping up to be a quiet month where I can get a lot of reading done. Yes, I am including the holidays in that statement as well. For now I have no other obligations that demand my time but reading, writing and the super secret projects with no deadline for completion. My poor hands do need a break. The next month and a half, I'm letting them type or turn pages only. Maybe an occasional crochet moment. Maybe.

I am sad to say that I didn't "win" NaNoWriMo 2013. With everything else going on in the first part of the month, I found only a few moments at a time to write. After things settled down, my mind blanked on the first novel I began at the beginning at the month so I began a different one. In the end, I do have a fairly large amount written on both of the novels, plus I have some research put into the novel I finished last year. I'm hopeful editing will begin in 2014 while I work on the other two as well.

November wasn't a total bust in the writing department, however. Alongside the two beginnings, I knocked out several poems. They seem to be on the darker side of things. Given the events in my personal life as of late, I think it's to be expected. My poor laptop is going to play a revolt soon, I fear. I've been busy typing up a lot of my handwritten works for safe keeping or editing at a later day. Can you hear the groaning yet?

The great thing about November? I hit my reading goal for the year. THE YEAR! I gave myself a long standing goal to read 100 books by the end of 2013. That has been my goal for several years. One thing or another kept me from achieving that goal. Not this time! I smashed through it and increased it to 105. I think I will keep it at 105 for the remainder of the year, regardless of whether I read past it. 2014 will have to top this one in a big way!

With the holidays coming up, do you sneak in some extra reading time? Are your days filled to the brims with other activities? I hope that you all have a wonderful month with awesome holiday memories. Don't forget to keep reading!

Until next time,
Kay