Sundays with Gage- Parents Night Out

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This weekend my parents came and stayed with Gage while Jason and I snuck away for a night.  We didn’t go very far, but we had a free hotel stay and a night out planned.  I made a check on my bucket list.  We attended a local theater’s yearly fundraiser, Murder  by the Falls.  Let me tell you how fun it was.  It started with drinks and appetizers, we then went into the theater for Act 1 (surprise, surprise someone got murdered).  They then sent us out into the streets to find clues.  There were four clues in storefronts (we found them all) and there were four actors around the village that were available for questioning, but you had to figure out who they were.  We then met at town hall, grabbed some dessert and found our table with six other ‘detectives’.  We all had to come up with one answer and our team did pretty well even if we didn’t win.  We knew the who and the how, but missed most of the why.  The village is a popular place on the weekends and we had more than one person ask us what was going on since there were several hundred ‘detective’ combing the streeets.

The play.

Offering clues on the street.

Aha!  I think I have it! (Otherwise known as the goofiest picture I’ve taken in awhile so I had to add it)

It was a fun night and we can’t wait to put on our detective badges again next year.  Since this is supposed to be about Gage, here’s how he felt about us leaving for the night.  He’s a cool kid 🙂

Isn’t it great when authors leave comments on your blog?

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I love comments, all comments.  Okay, maybe not the 50 at a day I get from lista de mail, but all comments from real people.  I don’t always respond in a timely fashion, but I LOVE to read them.  It makes me feel like I’m not typing into a black hole, you know?

Sometimes I even find a comment left on a review from the author.  In honor of Thrill Week I wanted to tell you about an author who has left a blog comment on 3 of the 4 books of hers that I’ve reviewed (and I’m sure the fourth was just an oversight ;)).  Karen E Olson, author of the Tattoo Shop series, is a blogger’s dream.  She never offered me a free book, but she offered me something better, feedback.  Isn’t that awesome?  I am psyched to meet her when I attend Bouchercon next month. (the 3 reviews-Ink Flamingos, Driven to Ink, Pretty in Ink)

So, tell me, what authors are good about leaving comments on your blog?  Let’s give them a shout out where it’s due.  And to start I should say that Beth Hoffman, author of Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, stops by and comments often.  Love her 🙂

Thrilling Quiz – guessing closed

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In honor of Thrill Week, our first quiz this round is all about mysteries and thrillers.  I hope every one will give it a shot.  Last round we had a record number of participants (46!) and I’m hoping to continue that trend.  FIRST TIMERS ALWAYS WELCOME!

You have until noon Sunday to submit your answers as a comment.  Comment will be hidden until I post the answers.  No Googling!  The person with the most points this round will win a B&N gift card (total $ based on # of total participants, so please play) and a randomly selected participant will win a fun prize from me.

Directions-Take a look at the photo of mysteries/thrillers that are the first in a series.  Choose the correct title and then choose the correct main character.  You’ll have two answers for each book.  Good luck and have fun!!!  Guesses are encouraged.

1. H.The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom    u.Israel Armstong  

2. C.The Informationist by Taylor Stevens   o.Vanessa Michael Munroe  

3. I. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin    t.Inpector Rebus  

4.  E.Still Life by Louise Penny     p.Chief Inspector Gamache  

5. D. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson   s.Jackson Brodie

6. K.Dead Cat Bounce bt Sarah Graves  l.Jacobia Tiptree

7. A.Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn  m.Lady Julia  

8. B.Heartsick by Chelsea Cain    n.Archie Sheridan

9. G.Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels    r.Pepper Martin

10.  J. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo  q. Kate Burkholder 

11. F.Truly, Madly by Heather Weber   v.Lucy Valentine

Sundays with Gage – Is Gage too young for IT?

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So Gage and I have been reading IT for the IT-along.  After about 5 minutes this is what happens.  Do you think he’s too young for IT?  Do you think it’s wrong for me to exploit my child this way just to be entered for a prize?  Discuss.

And over at Marce’s for Thrill Week she has two mystery teasers.  You should see if you can figure them out.

Gage will be back next week all rested up and hopefully not too scarred by his time with the clown.  Here’s my fave Gage photo of the week…

 

Thrill Ride Questionnaire (Blog Hop)

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Thrill Week, September 1-8

Marce is hosting Thrill Week for the second year and I’m thrilled.  Last year I found out about new authors and series and blogs.  I’m expecting more of the same this time around.

Thrill Ride Questionnaire (all responses relating to genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense)

1) Introduce yourself

I’m a stay-at-home-mom to a toddler.  I wish I had more time to read.  I live in Cleveland, Ohio with my husband and son.  Oh, I’ll be attending Bouchercon 2012 in October.  If any of you other mystery lovers are attending, I’d love to meet you.

I’ve been blogging for 4 1/2 years and my reading choices are eclectic, but I always find myself going back to the mystery/suspense genres.  With the birth of my son almost 2 years ago the blog’s focus expanded.  I now blog about books, movies, and my son.  I also have a weekly bookish quiz on Tuesdays for fun and prizes.  Stop by this Tuesday, I’m working on something worthy of Thrill Week.

2) What has been your top 3 reads this year? Link your reviews

In just the thrill genres I’d choose the whole Tattoo Shop series by Karen Olson (there are 4), Without Fail by Lee Child (#6 of the Jack Reacher series), Buried Prey by John Sandford (#21 of the Lucas Davenport series).

3) What are you currently reading during Thrill Week?

 I’m reading IT by Stephen King for the IT-along & listening to Stolen Prey by John Sandford, the latest in the series.

4) Do you have an all time favourite cover in the genres above?

Nothing is coming to mind, but if I think of one, I’ll add it.

5) What debut author(s) or new to you author(s) have you read within the last 12 months that have impressed you?

Karen Olson (Tattoo Shop series), Robert Pobi (Bloodman), Daniel Palmer (Delirious), Chevy Stevens (Still Missing)

6) Favourite trilogy or series you recommend to others to read in the genres above?

Harlan Coben’s Myron series has only gotten better, John Verdon’s Dave Gurney series, Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme series, Les Roberts’s Myron Jacovich series is a local and personal favorite

7) What popular author(s) have you NOT read but is on your Wishlist?

Mark Billingham, Marcia Clark,  Harry Dolan, Nicci French,  the list goes on an on.

8) Other than blogs, share with us what other tools you use or subscribe to in order to keep up with the latest news on authors, new releases, book tours, etc?

Barnes & Noble, Shelf Awareness, Goodreads.  Mostly it’s blogs, though.

9) What current book is hyped among the blogosphere that you want to read or are not interested in? Why or why not or link your review if you have read it. 

I really need to get my hands on Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  I don’t know how it can possibly live up to the hype, but I MUST read it.

10) What is most important in these genres to you? Plot, characters, location, dialogue, red herrings, narrator or what mix of them? 

I like a fast plot with great dialogue (Harlan Coben) but I also like a slower mysteries as long the characters are compelling.  And I love to be shocked 🙂

11) Recommend a book made into movie you thought both were good?

I thought A Simple Plan by Scott Smith was an excellent read and the 1998 movie with Billy Bob Thornton, Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda was great too.

12) Recommend a book you would like to discuss with others and possibly the author?

 I liked Bloodman by Robert Pobi and have to think he would be fun to talk to.

Thanks for stopping by if this is your first time.  I’m looking forward to finding some great blogs this week!

August’s 5 Word Movie Reviews – Join in an Win $ for Charity

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Every time you add 5 words of your own to one of my reviews then you donate $1 to charity.  What charity, you ask?  The charity is chosen by the person who has the most reviews once we reach 100. (Last charity here)  PLEASE leave a clear 5 word comment so I can give credit for it.

Please join the fun :)   We’re up to $70!!

You can add reviews to any of my past movie posts AND see who is in the contributing lead here.

It’s Complicated, 2009 (Cast-Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin)        Grade B+

Is Sleeping With Ex Cheating?

Romcom with well preserved talent :)  (Teddyree)

Dream House, 2011 (Cast-Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts)  Grade B

Murders?  What murders?  Psychological thriller.

A different and intense thriller.  (Heather)

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, 1976 (Cast-Nicol Williamson, Robert Duvall, Alan Arkin, Laurence Olivier)   Grade B-

Sherlock, cocaine, Freud.  Oddly addicting.

Tower Heist, 2011 (Cast-Ben Stiller, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Eddie Murphy, Gabourey Sidibe) Grade C

Murphy, Sidibe provided the laughs.

Would sink without Eddie Murphy (Jenners)

Hope Springs, 2012 (Cast-Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carrell)   Grade D+

Kept waiting for… something, anything!

Talented cast wasted; mediocre plot. (Kathy)

 Love cast, but too sad. (Kay)

Where in the world are you reading? At the library, of course!

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Where in the world are you reading?  Link up here.  Trish orginally turned me on to this meme.  Love the idea.

I’ve enjoyed these monthly link ups and this month it’s all about libraries!  I did work in a library at the reference desk for a year so I have a soft spot for libraries.  At least it was a soft spot before Gage came along, now it’s a big, sticky, mushy spot.  My county has 28 branches, all share materials so if I find a book online and it’s at another library they will send it over within a few days. So convenient!  And in addition to the usual things I can check out, our county also offers TOYS to check out!  How awesome is that?  When I looked through the binder of what was available I found a training potty!  I’m not sure if that’s something to be shared, LOL.

The absolute best thing about libraries is that they are so kid friendly.  Starting next week our local library is offering 3 different storytimes each week for Gage’s age group.  We live within 10 or 15 minutes of 3 branches and we attend story times at 2 of them and I plan on checking out the third because I’ve been told they provide coffee for the parents 🙂

Our library also has the best kids area. Wanna see his favorite place at the library?

Yesterday when I told him we were going to the library he said “choo-choo”.  There’s some thing about little boys and trains.

There were no storytimes in August so they used the big room to set up a bank exhibit for kids.  There were educational, interactive activities, but lots of them included balls and such so the smaller kids could have fun too.  I think you can see a girl pretending to be a teller.  Cute, right?

Libraries are a lifesaver for mothers looking to entertain their kids.  I usually order what I want online so it’s waiting for me on a shelf up front when Gage is ready to go.  Our library rocks (much like Cleveland)!

Happy reading from my library to yours!

The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James, TLC Tour

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The Ugly DuchessThe Ugly Duchess, Finished 8-25-12, rating 4.25/5, romance, 331 pags, pub. 2012

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke’s passion.

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.

Theo would have given it a lifetime…until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry. Society was shocked by their wedding; it’s scandalized by their separation.

– from Goodreads

The first few chapters were very ho-hum for me.  Two privileged people raised together became best friends and find themselves married.  James was a little bland but Theo was more sympathetic.  It’s what happens after they marry that had me reaching for this one every few minutes I could steal throughout the day.  Their lives apart were so interesting that when they finally did reconnect I was ready for the fireworks.  I wasn’t disappointed.

James, Duke of Ashbrook, or Black Jack, came back to London a force to be reckoned with.  He started as best friend husband, but came back as alpha male pirate.  Theo used the time alone well, excelling in all business matters and making their estate thrive beyond all expectation.  She remade herself from the Ugly Duckling to a swan and James is the only one that saw the swan the whole time.  This book will touch anyone who has ever been made fun of for their looks.

I love a good alpha male who is tamed a bit by the love of a smart woman (just a bit.  I don’t want him too tame) and this was just what I wanted.  I thought it was good.  Even the sex scenes, which I tend to skim over when they get too long, were hot.  I should note that finding a good name for a man’s most private part is a challenge in romances and the one chosen by Theo “tool” became a bit of an eye roller.  I read a romance many years ago that called it “life giver” over and over and over.  LG has become a household joke here.

Anyway, Eloisa James has written more novels based on fairy tales and I plan on reading them.  I’m excited to discover a new romance author since there are only a handful I read faithfully.  She has also written an article for USA Today about beauty.  Here’s the link to the insightful story.

Highly recommended for romance fans.

I received this as part of the TLC tour.  Thanks for book ladies!   Check and see what everyone else has to say.

Quizzes back next Tuesday

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Thanks for your feedback on the quizzes.

I’m going keep accepting answers as comments.  Nise will try to stump us (yea, I get to play!). Mentioning the quiz in a Monday meme would surely be appreciated.  And I’ll consider the combining of scores (bribes can be sent through Paypal).

I’ve got three quizzes ready to go, so the month off has been good for my creativity.

Sundays with Gage – Island time

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We’ve spent a week on Kelleys Island with my parents since 2006 (although we did skip the year I was pregnant.  There’s no emergency care there!).  We’ve rented houses, condos and this year since we had to sneak it in before Jason goes back to work, we stayed at the Kelleys Island Venture Resort.

Do you think Gage was happy to see his grandparents for the ferry ride to the island?  I have a dozen pics with him on the ride, all with the happiest of grins.  He loves his grandparents.

We were very impressed with the resort.  This was Gage’s view from the balcony…

We had a great time taking advantage of my parents, who were more than happy to Gage-sit.  Jason and I caught up on sleep, alone-time, and relaxation time.  Gage got to take advantage of his doting grandparents.

We never did meet this other Gage, but next year we’ll have to find him!  This week Gage will be facing his mornings without Daddy.  Prepare for the meltdown post next Sunday 😉