Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark

I admit that I have not read any of Mary Higgins Clark's other numerous novels, but I am interested in early American history, so this caught my eye. As the book opens, George Washington is getting ready to leave office as President. He is tired and ready to go home to Mount Vernon with his wife Martha, called Patsy. We glimpse his story from the time he is a young man until his time as President through recollections of the important events in his life. There isn't a cherry tree to be found in this story! Clark has made him a very real person, from his unaffectionate mother, to his unrequited love for the wife of a good friend, to the solid and steadfast love he finds with Patsy. This focuses less on the famous moments of his life, and more on the man, his feelings, and his constant struggle to find happiness.

I was interested to find out that this biographical novel was the first for Clark, and I do wish she had written more historical novels in the same vein. Maybe she will again. And maybe I'll even pick up one of her more popular mysteries, having now enjoyed this story! I definitely recommend it to American history fans, it is a quick and enjoyable read.

Deader Still (Simon Canderous #2) by Anton Strout

Today is actually release day for the 4th Simon Canderous novel by Anton Strout, Dead Waters. Alas I have only finished Book 2 so far, so that is what I'll be reviewing here. This is my 3rd read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge I'm taking part in hosted by Book Chick City.

"It's hard to defeat evil on a budget." This is the story of Simon's life it seems, as he is constantly bogged down by the red tape of the DEA (Department of Extraordinary Affairs) in his fight against the things that go bump in the night. What's frustrating for poor Simon, is hilarious for us as we watch him navigate his way through the DEA's bureaucratic maze, though things seem to go a little more smoothly for him now that he's a member of the Fraternal Order of Goodness. What is not going better for him are his personal relationships, either with his partner Connor, who is a little hurt and resentful of Simon's new status, or with his girlfriend Jane, who is being a little too friendly with her new boss. Not to mention there's a little problem of victims showing up drained of blood. It's possible that the 737 day streak of no vampire activity has come to an end. On top of that an old acquaintance from Simon's darker days has reappeared and is demanding that he help her with one last heist. Poor Simon can never have simple problems, they are always many layered!

This was a 4/5 for me, I'm really enjoying the Simon Canderous series so far, he's lovable, and very human (vs. superhuman), and always in trouble, poor guy, but he just keeps on whacking away at his problems, or sometimes juggling them, trying to resolve one while another is headed towards disaster, and arriving just in time to salvage that one too. I highly recommend them for a fun supernatural romp, and look forward to many more to come. Follow Anton on Twitter @antonstrout or at his blog What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye. He has a sarcastic wit, and is always entertaining, even in his agony over writing/working trials and tribulations. Thanks for a fun series Anton!

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

I'm not a huge TV watcher, but there are a few shows I enjoy when I happen to catch them, the mystery show Castle starring Nathan Fillion is one those. Heat Wave is the first Nikki Heat novel written by fictonal author Richard Castle (portrayed by Fillion) as mentioned in the show, and is the reason he's tagging along with Detective Kate Beckett and her team.

The novel features Detective Nikki Heat, and her writer shadow, journalist Jameson Rook. This is a stand alone story, having watched the television show is not necessary, however I think that fans of the show will probably appreciate the novel more, and be able to fill out the characters in their minds, than a non-Castle watcher. The same attitude is present, Rook rarely does what Heat tells him to, and usually gets in the middle of trouble because of it. The biggest difference to me is that Nikki Heat is much more aggressive than Beckett, and of course there is action between the two of them that watchers of the show only wish would happen between Beckett and Castle. But as we all know, it's that romantic tension that keeps a show exciting!

The story is not bad, Heat and her team are investigating the death of Matthew Starr, a financially troubled real estate mogul, who met his end off the balcony of his home. As expected many suspicious characters surrounded Starr, from his wife, to the mob, to his accountant, and the team is kept guessing until the end, when the killer reveals themselves, and of course Rook is right in the middle, no matter how many times Heat tells him to stay in the car, stay back, stay out of the building, just stay out of the way! As annoying as she finds Rook however, Heat can't deny her attraction to him, though she does seem to be able to compartmentalize her feelings while on the job, much to Rook's confusion and dismay.

I gave this one a 3/5, as police novels are really not my thing, and I did only read it because of it's relation to the show. Again, I think fans of the show Castle will get more out of this because they will certainly be imagining Beckett and Castle in the starring roles, but it is a complete story by itself, so someone who has never seen the show should be able to enjoy it as well. I will most likely read the next book in the series, Naked Heat for the same reason. I think it's funny that they've gone and listed the titles of Richard Castle's Derek Storm series, which doesn't actually exist.

This is my second read for the Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris

My first read for the Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City is the 4th and last book of Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly series, Grave Secret.

My immediate reaction was "No, wait! What? But! Well shoot!" Because I didn't realize that this was the last book, and that all would be revealed! I was all looking to see if Charlaine was working on another Harper book before diving into this one so I could put it on my wishlist. I'm a little oblivious I admit! But this is an excellent series and I'm very sad to see Harper and Tolliver's story wrapped up, even though we do receive closure and fairly happy ending for the two of them, as much as the dark tone of the story allows.

In this last episode, Harper and Tolliver are brought back near their home in Texas, hired by Lizzie Joyce to find out how her grandfather died. Harper does just that, also uncovering a few more family secrets in the bargain. This nearly costs Tolliver his life as someone targets Harper in an attempt to keep the family dirty laundry buried. Lovable and quirky Manfred also appears, because Harper needs him, even if she doesn't know it. Harper can't get over feeling that the men of the Joyce family that hired her seem very familiar, and eventually ties to her and Tolliver's own family past are uncovered, leading to a shocking ending.

This was an excellent series all around, and I found myself turning pages as fast as I could to find out the answer! Definitely a 5/5 rating, and I'm sad that it's over! I will have to console myself that I still have a few books left in the Aurora Teagarden series, and all of Lily Bard and Sookie Stackhouse ahead of me!

Visit the Charlaine Harris Website for more information on this author and her work!

Taming the Scotsman by Kinley MacGregor

Taming the Scotsman is the 3rd book in Kinley MacGregor's MacAllister series (according to the reading order on her website), but I believe this can be read as a stand alone. While I have read 2 of the other brothers' books, I didn't really need to know their history to enjoy this one, the backstory was present when needed. This is my first read for the Historical Romance Challenge hosted by Romance Book Junkies, and it is set in Medieval Scotland.

Ewan is the brooding and surly brother in the MacAllister family. He blames himself for the death of his brother Kieran over a woman that betrayed them both. He lives away from the rest of the family in a cave, constantly punishing himself for what he believes he caused. It is to Ewan that Nora runs to try and get away from a betrothal that she knows will make her life miserable. She has no idea of the history that Ewan berates himself for, and shocks him by asking him to do the very thing that caused all of his previous trouble. She needs him to escort her to England, just as he had done with the treacherous Isobail, whom he and his brother Kieran had fought over. Nora likens Ewan to a bear, big and grumpy, and he fears that her incessant chatter will drive him insane, nevertheless he agrees to take her to his brother Lochlan to see what can be done. Along the way there are the usual adventures, kidnapping, fighting and escaping, during which the two grow very fond of each other. Though their attraction is strong, they are plagued by many misconceptions of class, family and prior commitments, and so there is much of the I love him/her, but cannot have him/her, and he/she will be better off without me anguish that we are so fond of in romances.

I'll give this a 4/5 because it's just the thing when you're looking for a fast paced historical romantic escape. For more information on the author and her work, see her website: Sherrilyn Kenyon yep, they are one and the same!

And the Winner Is...

Today is the day! I had a great response on this one, I guess everyone wants to read about a break up company around Valentine's Day! lol!

The winner is...

Jen R

Who is currently reading: Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Congrats Jen, I'll be contacting you to get your addy so I can get Your Big Break on the way to you! Thanks for entering everyone!

My friend Susan is hosting a great giveaways right now as well! She is giving away a copy of Michelle Moran's novel about Madame Tussaud, plus some adorable cupcake earrings. See post for details right HERE.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H. P. Mallory

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is the first book of the Jolie Wilkin's series, and also my first read for the Paranormal Romance Challenge that I have joined that is hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance. Also the first book that I read on my kindle app for Android! I have to say it's a little strange reading an entire book on such a small screen, but very convenient to have a book (or many) with you all the time. I do usually have a paper book with me all the time, but just in case I forget, I now have them on my phone! woohoo!

In honor of the release of her second novel in the Jolie Wilkins series, currently the kindle edition of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is still just $.99 at Amazon, so check it out! This is apparently a US only sale.

Jolie Wilkins owns a new age shop, which her best friend Christa helps her to run, where she performs psychic readings. Life is going pretty well, until Jolie sees a ghost, and a handsome stranger named Rand Balfour hires Jolie to do readings for him. She feels that she isn't making any headway, but Rand assures her that he is pleased and so they continue. He was testing her, because he wanted to hire her for the job of finding out who murdered the ghost that she saw earlier in her shop. During the job, Jolie accidentally discovers that she is able to bring back the dead. Once her power is realized, life can never be the same, and she becomes the focal point between factions that are about to go to war. The attraction between Jolie and Rand is undeniable, at least Jolie can't deny it, though Rand seems to try, claiming that it just would never work since he is her employer. His resolve is put to the test when Jolie is taken captive. There is also a sexy vampire in the mix, not to mention werewolves and faeries, all having to choose sides in the coming power struggle.

I will give this one a 3/5, I liked it, but I had some lukewarm feelings about the characters. I just couldn't bond with them, so while the story was fun, I'm not sure if I will continue the series. I really think that characters sometimes just speak to a person and other times they don't, and that's very much subjective to the reader, so give it a try!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website!

Dante's Girl by Natasha Rhodes

This is the first book of the Kayla Steele series (of which there are now 3 total) and my second read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge at Book Chick City.

This is a busy story! Kayla Steele is a perfume counter girl, who just wants her boyfriend Karrel Dante to propose to her. She believes he works at the humane society, with no clue to the secret life as a supernatural hunter he's been leading. She's about to be introduced to that world up close and personal, when she finds out about Karrel's death and true vocation, then becomes a target in the treacherous game being played between the different paranormal factions. Karrel is not completely gone, and by making a bargain he was able to pass along his strength to Kayla so that she can avenge his murder. Along with general mayhem, there's double crossing and back stabbing, biological research and testing, and power plays for dominance.

I'm only giving this one a 3/5, I liked it, but not really enough to pursue the rest of the series. There was too much going on for me, and not enough explanation or background for my liking. There are two big baddies that have branded their followers with their initial, but one of them is absent for almost the entirety of the book. I just felt like there was a lot of backstory on their history that I was missing. There are likable characters, Phil and Ninette from the hunters are fun, but I think I really expected Karrel Dante to be a much bigger player in the story than just the catalyst and a few small cameos.

Natasha Rhodes has done film novelizations for some horror, and sci-fi/fantasy franchises, and I feel like that is how this reads, like a sci-fi action movie, which is fine, but not my fave style. There is lots of fighting and chasing and running and more fighting and breaking things and blowing up places, and it's all quite well done. I say that because I often have a hard time keeping track of things during scenes like that, but I felt like the action was pretty well diagrammed here.

Check out Natasha on Fantastic Fiction to see her other novels.

My Favorite Commercials

I'm usually annoyed by commercials, especially all the food ones, tempting me with a greasy hamburger or a cheesy pizza, because yeah, I want that stuff, quit showing it to me! But sometimes commercials are really funny, usually they're the ones that I don't even have the service of, or buy the product for, but I still appreciate the entertainment! Here are a few of my favorites, and no, I don't have Allstate, and I've never tasted Dos Equuis, and yeah, I'm a girl, so no Old Spice for me, but I guess they've still accomplished their goal if I'm saying their name because I like their commercials, huh? Ah well...

"OMG, Becky's not even hot!" This guy cracks me up, I just tonight saw the GPS commercial for the first time.


I think this is most of the Most Interesting Man in the World commercials that are on, but they're just so funny... "the right look should suffice", "He can speak French in Russian..." or something like that! ;)


And I think by now we've all seen the Old Spice guy commercials, but have you seen all of his twitter video responses? Probably not, they're great, so go check 'em out, especially if you just want to ogle him standing there in the towel.


What are your favorite commercials?

Giveaway: Your Big Break by Johanna Edwards

From the BOB: Dani Myers has become an expert at romantic breakups ever since she was hired to "facilitate" them for clients of Your Big Break, Inc. In other words, she dumps people for money. But company rule #5 (do not get personally involved) is getting harder to obey. One of her dumpees is turning out to be the kind of guy she might just want to pick up on the rebound. and a new client has just walked in, begging for Dani's help breaking up with The Big Jackass, who's been leading her on all this time-and now turns out to be married.

It would be a routine job except for one problem: the so-called Big Jackass is married to none other than Dani's mother.


Shaunie's opinion: This was a fast and fun read, I'm really enjoying Johanna Edwards' books. The idea of the breakup company is hysterical, and the clients that hire them are just so painful you want to strangle them, it's great!


The Giveaway: This is a gently used, and Bookcrossing labeled copy, that I'm ready to pass on to make a new friend! To enter, please comment on this post and tell me what you are reading right now, no answer, no entry. You get an extra entry if you are a follower, and another if you are a Bookcrosser, please tell me your Bookcrossing name to claim this extra entry. I will choose the winner on February 5th, 2011. Giveaway is open internationally.

Vamped by David Sosnowski

I loved this book! It was a surprise, not because I didn't expect to like it, but because of how much I liked it. The concept sounded kind of silly, and in many ways it was, but there were serious heart tugging moments as well, and that was completely unexpected. So at the same time I'm laughing and shaking my head, I'm also thinking this guy gets it, and is somehow displaying it with this unlikely duo of vampire and little girl. It comes across as a strange mix of horror, chicklit and family drama, but it works!

Martin Kowalski is a vampire, just like everyone else. In fact, he's part of the reason that almost everyone else is a vampire, and he's getting bored with life. He begins taking chances, driving too fast, letting things fall out how they may, in fact, the night he finds Isuzu is the night he'd planned to possibly be his last. Everything changes when he decides to take her with him, at first as a test in delayed gratification, real humans are rare, and expensive. Somehow that delayed snack never happens, and instead Isuzu worms her way into his not-so-dead-as-he-believed heart. Somewhere along the line Martin stops being a predator and starts being a parent. Every day brings humor and horror in equal measure.

I gave this one a 5/5 because it was just so different and gripping. You're holding your breath along with Marty that this little girl is going to grow up and make it in a world where everyone views her as a tasty snack! I had to read many passages out loud to my husband because they were just too good! Sosnowski's first novel, Rapture sounds like an interesting read as well, so I will definitely be on the lookout for it!

This is my first read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

David Sosnowski on FantasticFiction.com

2010 Wrap up

Now that we're a week into 2011, I'm finally getting around to my 2010 wrap up/faves post. It's a difficult thing, I read a lot of books in 2010 that were really great, and I'm having a hard time picking which ones to talk about, because talking about all of them would be much too long!

Just for Fun Reading Stats:

Books read/listened to: 132 (a personal record yay!)

Pages read: 33,794 avg of 91 per day, I was really shooting for that 100 per day mark, but didn't quite get there!

Genre Breakdown: I'm a little ashamed to say Young Adult/Teen was my most read category since I'm in my 30's, but there are so many great books for that age group now, and I'm loving the teen paranormals!

29% Young Adult/Teen
18% Romance
14% Fantasy and Sci-Fi
13% Audiobooks (ok, not really a genre, but that's how I kept track)
11% Mystery
15% All that other stuff (Chicklit, Non-genre fiction)

Oldest Copyright Date: 1979, Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson (a very cute YA Fantasy book!)

Events: I participated in Dewey's Read-a-thon both times this year and had a lot of fun, reading, blogging, and visiting other blogs! The next one has just been announced, so mark your calendars for April 9th, 2011! It's a fun friendly reading frenzy!

Now for the hard part, picking favorites!

Best reads:





*Mind Games by Carolyn Crane (I think my top fave of the year, looking forward to Double Cross!)

*Heart of Stone by C. E. Murphy (I'm listening to the second book now and loving it!)

*The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger (historical fiction about Raphael the painter)

*A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card (quick, but powerful)

*Inside/Out by Maria V. Snyder (looking forward to Outside/In!)

*Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell (Shakespearean themed thriller)

*Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison (Teen paranormal)

*Firespell by Chloe Neill (Teen paranormal)

There are actually many more I could mention, but it would probably take me until next year to get it all posted! Good luck with your reading in 2011, I can't wait to see what the year brings us!

Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney is my fifth and last read for the Christmas Spirit Challenge. This was a collection of five short romances all by the same author, the first a contemporary, and the other four historical. I have to say I think this was my favorite read of the Christmas books I read this time, and I'll definitely be looking into more of this author!

In A Holiday Fling a British actress and an American cameraman rekindle their relationship while filming a local production as a fundraiser to save a historical building.

The Christmas Cuckoo is a historical case of mistaken identity that actually turns out well for everyone.

Sunshine for Christmas brings together a despondent Englishman and a relocated English Governess in Italy, as he is trying to escape winter doldrums.

A young French seamstress accepts an indecent proposal to make ends meet when she is unjustly dismissed. It turns out to be the best decision of her life, in The Christmas Tart.

The Black Beast of Belleterre is a Beauty and the Beast story, where the young and beautiful wife proves to the "beast" her husband that her love for him goes far beyond the surface.

I'm really not sure which one is my favorite as with each one I read, I decided it was the best at the time! These were very enjoyable short romantic novellas, and Ms. Putney does a good job of making the characters likable, and fills each story with good description of action and setting. This was the first book by Putney that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last, I'll be adding some to my wishlist! Highly recommend this one to someone who wants some holiday historical romance!

And that concludes my Holiday Challenge reading! Bring on the next challenge!

Sookie it is!

Well my first poll ended in a tie between the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris and the Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong, so I STILL had a make a decision darn it! WestofMars suggested that a tie meant I had to read all of both series that were tied, but I'm not going to even try that! So here it is, Sookie wins! Which is not to say that I won't start reading the others as well, but I'm going to TRY to read all of the books listed below in 2011.




1. Dead Until Dark (2001)
2. Living Dead in Dallas (2002)
3. Club Dead (2003)
4. Dead to the World (2004)
5. Dead as a Doornail (2005)
6. Definitely Dead (2006)
7. All Together Dead (2007)
8. From Dead to Worse (2008)
9. Dead and Gone (2009)
10. Dead in the Family (2010)
11. Dead Reckoning (2011)

This didn't go so well for me on Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series, as I missed it by two, and there were fewer books to read that time, but I'll give it a go. At best I'll catch up, and at worst, I'll still hopefully be farther than I am now!

I've set 3 challenges for myself, and signed up for 4 more hosted challenges, for a total of 95 books if I don't let any of them count for multiple challenges. *faints* Um... yeah... well, I guess I'd best get to readin' huh?

Good luck on your challenges, or just in your reading, I look forward to seeing what books the year brings!

Teaser - "The Christmas Cuckoo" in Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

		"Please, don't say anything more -- words are never adequate for the deepest truths." Wanting to remove the shadows from Jack's anguished blue eyes, she laid a gloved hand on his arm. "My trials have been different from yours, but I have learned that heroism lies beyond despair. And while it is certainly admirable, it is never glorious." -- pg. 132 of "The Christmas Cuckoo" in Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

I'm reading this as my last book for the Christmas Spirit Challenge, and was really struck by that quote, so I thought I'd share. I think this might be my favorite of the Christmas books I've read this season.

Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

Here are the basics, please click on the picture above to get full details on how to sign up.

* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

* Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011

I hope it's okay if they are all Urban Fantasy because I'm just not much of a horror reader. Urban Fantasy on the other hand... ;)

And this is the last challenge I'm signing up for, really, I mean it! No, really I do mean it!

Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011 hosted by Book Chick City

I read mysteries anyway, so this should be an easy one, I hope! Here are the basic details:

* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

* Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

* You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

* You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

* At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.


There are also ARC's and other prizes involved, so if you'd like to join, click on the picture above, and read the details carefully, there are certain things you must do in order to qualify!

Last day to tell me what I'm reading next year!

Today is the last day for my poll to help me decide what series to catch up on next year. So far you all have been really unhelpful in making it a tie between 2-3 of the 4! ;) I guess that just means I picked some good ones! If you haven't told me what to do yet, now's your chance! Yes, smart aleck remarks are okay, as long as they're not too mean! Just check out my side bar and you'll see the choices.

Working on finishing up one more book today I hope, that will bring me to 133 for the year, my best ever! I will post a year end favorites sometime in the next couple of days I hope. I've read and listened to some great ones this year!

All You Need is Now - Duran Duran

Quick plug for one of my favorite groups, their new release came out on 12/21, I think it might have been an iTunes only release. I finally got to listen to the whole thing today and really like it!

Here is the video from the title song, All You Need is Now. Notice the high tech foil background! ;) Enjoy!

The Bite Before Christmas by Heidi Betts

The Bite Before Christmas by Heidi Betts is a collection of 3 novellas, with the tie between them being Angelina Bertolli, a vampire matchmaker. This is my 4th Spirit of Christmas Challenge read. I may try to squeeze one more in before I call it quits for the year, to see if I can't reach that Christmas Tree level!

This was a fun read, I could easily see a series based on cases from Angelina's matchmaking service. I have a few criticisms, but they're all about the cover, front and back. The cover picture is cute, it really is, but who is that guy? He doesn't match anyone in the any of the three stories that I could tell. I think it would have been better if the picture had been of Angelina in a slinky, Christmasy number, since she's the character that loosely ties these three stories together. But otherwise a very cute cover. Now, the blurb on back... someone didn't proofread because two of the stories name different men than are in the actual stories! LOL! Instead of Nick and Sergio, we actually had Sean and Ian. But anyway... on to the stories!

In All I Vant for Christmas, vampire Connor Drake just wants a traditional Christmas with all the trimmings, but his rebellious, teen-age acting siblings won't cooperate. Enter human Jillian, an event planner sent in by Angelina to give Connor the Christmas he dreams of. Not only does she decorate, she gets Liam and Maeve interested and helping. Along the way Connor realizes that he wants Jillian to stay with him, not just for Christmas, but always.

Angelina again takes charge in A Vampire in Her Stocking, when she turns terminally ill Sean (not Nick!) into a vampire and leaves him wrapped up in a bow for her friend Vivian, his secretly vampire assistant who deeply loves him, and is now faced with losing him. Vivian refused to turn Sean herself, believing he would not want that life, and she's afraid that she may be right when at first he seems to reject her. But Angelina is rarely wrong...

Angelina herself is the star of It's a Wonderful Bite, as she's watching the happy couples she's brought together, and then examining her own life with sexy vampire cop Ian (not Sergio!). She loves him deeply, and begins to think that perhaps she'd like to make their commitment more permanent, but Ian just doesn't seem like he'll take the hint without a big push. Angelina has a dream after watching Ian's favorite Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life" for the millionth time, where she and Ian are not only not vampires, but not together, and almost loses Ian forever. No worries though, of course it ends on a high note! ;)

The wreath decorating scene with Connor and his siblings was cute, I think though it's a toss up for me which story I liked the best between It's a Wonderful Bite and A Vampire in Her Stocking. These vampire stories seen a little outside of Heidi's norm but I enjoyed them, and I think her Chicks with Sticks series looks cute, and may have to give it a try.

For more information on the author, please see her website:

Heidi Betts