November Challenge - Thriller Thursday

November 13 - Thriller Thursday - J.A. Jance's Edge of Evil

Edge of Evil
by J.A. Jance

My sister-in-love, Iris, introduced me to the thrilling world of J.A. Jance. I devoured the first Ali Reynolds novel and wanted more. Edge of Evil is the first book in the series of nine books, the latest of which was released in February of 2014. 

The Ali Reynolds series of books is not the only series this former librarian and high school English teacher has written. Other series include J.P. Beaumont, Joanna Brady, and the Walker Family. She has also written a book of poetry and a number of short stories. If you need something to put you on the edge of your seat begging for more, find a Jance book and you will be well on your way to an evening of reading. You won't be able to put the book down until the last page, and then you will want to immediately pick up the next book!

November Challenge - Whatever Wednesday

November 12th - Whatever Wednesday - This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection
by Carol Burnett

I listened to Carol Burnett's amazing autobiography, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, through our libraries Overdrive app. I have always loved Carol Burnett, but after listening to her read her book I love her even more. I truly felt like she was talking to me. I laughed. I cried. I didn't want our one-sided "conversation" to end. I not only enjoyed hearing some of the behind the scenes stories from The Carol Burnett Show, but stories from her life growing up and the many celebrities she befriended over the years. She has always seemed like a down to earth person. I would love to have the opportunity some day to thank her in person for the joy she has brought to my life all these years.

November Challenge - Texas 2x2 Tuesday

November 11th - Texas 2x2 Tuesday - Pip & Squeak by Ian Schoenherr

Pip & Squeak
by Ian Schoenherr

I guess you could say it is arctic wind that has blown down on us in the past twelve hours that has started me thinking about two of my favorite little mice, Pip & Squeak. They are running late to their friend Gus's birthday. Squeak reminds Pip to get the gift. For those diligent observers, you will see the gift is a wedge of cheese. The rest of the story is the adventure Pip and Squeak go on as they make their way through the snow. When they are well on their way to see Gus, Squeak realizes they forgot the gift. Now what will they take to the birthday boy? 

Young and old readers alike will enjoy not only the characters and storyline (especially the humorous interactions between Pip and Squeak), but also the wonderful illustrations created by Ian Schoenherr. This is one of my favorite stories to read to my students when the weather turns cold. I love to hear their predictions and their surprise when they find out the ending to this fun tale.

November Challenge - Mystery Monday

November 10th -  Mystery Monday - Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb

Elvis and the Dearly Departed
by Peggy Webb

I have always heard, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but when you work with four-year-olds all day, everyday that is JUST what you do! My students can't read so that is exactly HOW they judge a book. If their attention is captured by the picture on the cover, that is the book they are going to check out. Well, this is the case with Peggy Webb's book Elvis and the Dearly Departed, my Mystery Monday selection for this week. My attention was initially caught by the adorable basset hound on the cover AND the name Elvis in the title. That was all I needed to see in order to know I wanted to read more. This is the first book in the Southern Cousins Mysteries. There are currently five books in the series (the last Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse was published in 2012).

Elvis is a basset hound who is convinced he is the reincarnation of The King, Elvis Presley. Elvis' human mom, Callie Valentine Jones (hair dresses for the recently deceased at the Eternal Rest Funeral Home) and her wake catering cousin, Lovie find themselves in a mystery when the body of a local prominent doctor goes missing. Even though this is a mystery, there is great comic relief in not only this book, but the entire series.

November Challenge - Sexy Saturday

November 8th - Sexy Saturday - Separate Beds by LaVyrle Spencer

Separate Beds
by LaVyrle Spencer

I went back many years to pull this title for Sexy Saturday. This is one of those books you just can't put down because you are so pulled into the character's story. It all begins with a blind date, alcohol, and a very unexpected pregnancy. To me this is not a typical romance novel in that the male protagonist is more of a lead in the love story. He is the one the reader is cheering for because he works so hard to build a relationship with the mother of his child. 

November Challenge - Fantasy Friday

November 8th - Fantasy Friday - On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony

On a Pale Horse
by Piers Anthony

I wrote about reading On a Pale Horse back in the summer of 2011. It remains a strong title in my mind when thinking of fantasy titles. I have not actually read another Piers Anthony title yet, but I have read a number of books with similar themes based on my enjoyment of this book. 

This is the first in the Incarnations of Immortality series of eight books. This book was the inspiration for the t.v. series Dead Like Me which stared Mandy Patinkin as one of many grim reapers. The premise of the book and the television series was for the grim reaper to remove the souls of people just before they are to die and escort them until the time they are to move to their afterlife. 

A bleak subject for a "fantasy", but a great read none the less. I think it is about time I continue the series, so I will add them to my To Read list.