Good Books Balance Your Life!

Retiring this blog

2011-09-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Hey Friends
I somehow lost 4 months of book notes on this little blog, so I'm going to take that as a sign to drop this blog and move my comments over to the Good Reads website.
See you there!

My writers blog and my book club blog are still accessed from my website www.NancyNaigle.com
Hugs and happy reading,
Nancy

PIECES OF SKY by Kaki Warner

2011-03-27T14:00:00.003-04:00

Each year Romance Writers of America has a contest for published authors called the Rita's. This is the biggest award for romance writers and it's an event full of glitz and fun. The nominees were annouced Friday, March 25th and it was a party all day as the nominees were contacted and announced online.

I was so excited to see that Kaki Warner's Pieces of Sky is one of the nominees for BEST FIRST BOOK. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the story will hold you from page one to the last turn. It's a glorious piece of writing that paints the New Mexico landscape and a love story of opposites that you'll love. I wouldn't have considered myself a fan of historical romance, but Kaki is the exception for me. The covers reeled me in but she delivers a fabulous story.
Berkley has done a wonderful job with Kaki's covers. I'd buy them no matter what was between the covers just because they are so pretty, but what a delight to have the inside as fabulous as the cover.

Kaki has another book among the nominations, in the historical romance category, OPEN COUNTRY.

Best wishes, Kaki!

What to read??

2011-03-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the nominees for the Romance Writers of America RITA contest were announced.
http://www.rwa.org/cs/2011_rita_and_gh_finalists_announcement#RBFB

Check it out and start stacking the books in your TO BE READ pile (be it physical books or a virtual stack on your e-reader). The nominees are categorized by genre....something for everyone.

BE MINE, VALENTINE

2011-02-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is not totally self-serving ... promise. I do have a short story, FOREVER IN MY HEART, in this anthology of twelve short stories, but I really enjoyed reading the other eleven.

These aren't mushy school girl crush stories. There are stories of hope, memories and the kind of love we all wish for and maybe don't even realize we have.

http://www.amazon.com/Be-Mine-Valentine-Krista-Ames/dp/1935817477/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1297259929&sr=1-2
Available at your favorite e-tailer, or ask your independent bookseller to order you a copy.
BE MINE, VALENTINE
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (January 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935817477
ISBN-13: 978-1935817475

Enjoy :)

Late Harvest by Suzanne Barrett

2011-02-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Wonderful story set in wine country. Pretty cover, great characters, a lovely read in just a couple hundred pages.

I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

2010-11-24T20:47:00.001-05:00

How did I go all this time and never read a Fannie Flagg novel? I remember her from the game shows ... err uhhh.. okay ...now I'm telling my age haha. This is a fabulous read. I can't wait to finish this book. It won't take long. I can't seem to put it down!

Bed of Roses :: Nora Roberts

2010-11-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

Ahhh the wedding trilogy ... all three of these titles are worth every turn of the page. I also loved the texture of the pages and extra attention to detail of this trade paperback.

Successfully Marketing Your Novel In the 21st Century by Austin Camaco

2010-11-01T14:33:00.001-04:00

Okay, okay ... so it's not a novel ... but it might help me get mine out there for you to read! Great recap of Austin Camacho's journey to gain a readership and some great tips that I will definitely leverage on my own.

I read this while on the way to sunny, Saluda, VA yesterday with my husband. It was perfect timing for this read too because NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) starts today and now I'm all geared up to make some big progress.

If you're an aspiring author .. .this is a must-read.
Nancy

Cross Roads by Fern Michaels

2010-10-02T09:44:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh Number 18 in the Sisterhood series by Fern Michaels. Just hit the shelves and I had to have it. This is a great series of interesting problems and a group of tough gals that can really work their way to justice.

You don't have to read them in order ... .get yours today and I bet you'll be picking up others at the grocery store and online in no time.

Always an entertaining read.

Dune Road by Jane Green

2010-10-02T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is the first book I've read by Jane Green. I'm not sure if it's consistant in style with the rest of her books ... it's a bit narrative ... BUT the story is so dog-gone good you have to keep reading.

I really enjoyed it. I plan to order another story of hers on my next Kindle order.
Happy reading.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-09-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Okay .. I have to admit that this one took me a while to read, but only because of the heavy use of dialect in the beginning of the book. Once I got through the first few chapters it moved along better.

I'm southern .. i don't need all those funny spellings for me to hear that twang ;)
Anyway -- good read. Pretty cover ... yes, I do pick them that way pretty often!

THE WEDDING GIRL by Madeline Wickham

2010-09-18T11:15:00.000-04:00

Yes .. that one .. the one that writes the Sophie Kinsella books.
This book was passed to me by a colleague while I was in Charlotte a couple weeks ago. What a quirky, fun read.

A fun cast of characters and surprisingly, some pretty amazing didn't-see-that-coming twists.

A fast read -- enjoy it!

Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo

2010-08-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

I picked this book after seeing agent Bob Mecoy at Thrillerfest in NYC. What a delightful read. I knew I was in for a good ride when I saw the jacket blurb by Jayne Ann Krentz ... she's one of my favs!

This story is a fun group of ladies and I felt like one of the gang by chapter two!

This is the second in a new series ... A BLACK SHEEP KNITTING MYSTERY. I didn't feel like I was reading out of sequence so don't be afraid to grab this one first if you see it. I'm going to grab the first one soon. It's titled While My Pretty One Knits.

Happy Reading :)

SLIM TO NONE :: by Jenny Gardiner

2010-05-04T14:44:00.001-04:00

I just downloaded this hot off the presses read for my kindle.

Sounds like a topic I can sink my teeth into. Okay, bad joke, but it's about about a gal who is a top food critic until her expanding waistline makes staying incognito at restaurants impossible.
Her cover blown on Page Six of the New York Post, her editor has no choice
but to bench her—and suggest she use the time off to bench-press her way back to anonymity.

Abbie’s life has been built around her career, and therefore around celebrating food. Forced to drop the pounds if she wants her primo gig back,
Abbie must peel back the layers of her past and confront the fears that have led to her current life.

Here's the Amazon link for it:

http://amzn.to/ch0470

Sherryl Woods :: Honeysuckle Summer

2010-04-20T07:35:00.000-04:00

Virginia Writer Sherryl Woods writes wonderful stories of characters that I feel like I know -- and want to put their birthdays on my calendar :) Small town settings and big heart moments.
I love everything she's written.

Roxanne St Clair - Hunt Her Down

2010-04-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

The Bullet Catcher series :: She has a great list on her website of the backlist and the new ones.
Don't miss out on this exciting writers stories :)

True Love Quilting Club by Lori Wilde

2010-04-01T18:59:00.000-04:00

I just pre-ordered THE TRUE LOVE QUILTING CLUB by Lori Wilde.
It's a new Avon release and I just finished reading the sneak preview ... it's another good one.

I love small town romance, and this one is a reunion romance. Who hasn't dreamed of that first love sweeping us off our feet? Check it out :)

Mark your calendar for National Library Week 4/11-17

2010-03-03T17:01:00.001-05:00

Just an early reminder that National Library week is April 11-17. It's a weeklong event aimed at raising awareness of the services provided by your local libraries.

Of course their main function is still books, but many modern facilities also include video access, DVDs, audiobooks, and computers with internet access.

Leverage your librarian too. She has loads of information about the books coming out, and she can help you find the perfect read.

Mark your calendar ... circle those dates...and pay a visit to your library.

The Sisterhood books by Fern Michaels

2010-03-03T16:57:00.000-05:00

I'm just going to say it --- don't miss any of the sisterhood books. They are ALL great.
Lethal Justice, Sweet Revenge, The Jury, Vendetta, Payback and now DEADLY DEALS.

Never a dull moment -- page turning reads.

The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich

2010-02-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

In the first chapter of this book, this gal gets in more trouble than you could even dream of. Starting with trying to rescue a kitty in a tree and getting a hot view of a sexy guy changing in his second story bedroom only to crash to the ground and have to be rescued by same hot sexy guy!! AND it gets better and better.

A wild romp with a zany cast of characters and heartwarming fun.
A quick read . . . in mass market paperback.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky YES!

2010-02-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

Barbara Delinsky always delivers a great read. Loves this one. All the things young woman and mothers struggle with in such a "today" view.

I highly recommend this book.

Up Close and Personal by Fern Michaels

2010-01-22T15:07:00.001-05:00

Fern Michael's is always a hit with the sisterhood books (you have read those haven't you!?!?) - but this one departs from the sisterhood and stands on its own. A great story that's a family saga, and a place called home.

Lots of juicy characters and and generations of scandal to keep it lively.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

2010-01-05T20:33:00.001-05:00

On bookshelves January 5th, 2010.
I've got mine on order . . . I can't wait until Mr Mailman makes this delivery!
Read the summary and watch the trailer at www.barbaradelinsky.com.

TheMan You'll Marry by Debbie Macomber

2010-01-01T18:13:00.000-05:00

Brought back from the archives and re-released by MIRA -- Debbie delivers a pair of stories about a magical wedding gown. A quick read that will make you dream of your own wedding day.

I do love a happy story. Thanks Debbie!

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

2009-12-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

A Virgin River series novel. If you like Macomber, Sherryl Woods and those small community kind of books like I do ~ you won't want to miss out on this series.

Browse this book

Add to your site

Buy this book

There's Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber

2009-12-13T11:03:00.001-05:00

I read this one every year and I enjoy it every single time. You'll think about fruitcake in a whole new way. It's a quick read, too.

2009 Special Keepsake Holiday Books

2009-11-28T07:39:00.000-05:00

Be sure to balance all the list-checking, shopping, baking and craziness that is the holidays for a little me-time. It's an important part of staying healthy and happy through the hectic holidays. Here's some help.

Check out this beautiful YouTube video from Harlequin Books. Seriously, it's beautifully done and gives you a great blurb on a special selection of books.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlWMzsNW3Sk

See - pretty great, huh!

I bet you're now in a snuggle-with-a-good-book kind of mood. Run out to your local bookstore, or jump online and order or download one of these. Then put on a pot of tea, hot chocolate, or fine coffee and settle in for some Happy Holiday reading.

I'm sixty seconds away from reading one (I'll be downloading to my Kindle.)
Don't keep this secret - share it with your friends by sending them this link!
goodbooksbalanceyourlife.blogspot.com/

Nancy
www.NancyNaigle.com

Books to get you in a White Christmas Mood

2009-11-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

As soon as I get through the hustle bustle of baking and planning and finally delivering on that huge Thanksgiving meal, I'm ready to indulge in some reading. I love digging into winter-bound stories and these are some of my recent holiday favorites.

DEBBIE MACOMBER:: The Christmas Basket, Christmas Letters, There's Something About Christmas and The Snow Bride. If you have to pick just one:: There's Something About Christmas is a fun story and it's centered around a fruitcake recipe contest. It will bring a whole new feeling when you hear the word (no long will you conjure up images of icky brickweight cakes!)

NORA ROBERTS:: First Impressions

MARY KAY ANDREWS:: Blue Christmas

I hope you find the perfect holiday read to snuggle with. All of these books are lovely hardbacks too -- they make nice gifts for friends.
Happy Holidays.

HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle (ABC)

2009-11-21T09:06:00.000-05:00

Let me just say when I saw the stacks of HEAT WAVE on the book launch episode of CASTLE a few weeks back it looked like a chunky hardback. I was a little bummed when it arrived and was a skinny hardback, but that was okay --- I love that show, so I dove in with optimism. Afterall, does size really matter??

I love the "Moonlighting"-like banter between Castle and Beckett on the show and that same banter takes place in the book between Nikki Heat and a reporter called Rook.

I'll admit it is written in a way that has me backing up to re-read a lot ... BUT I didn't stop reading. It was interesting enough that despite half the characters have names that start with R and Heat being the name of the main character and keeping me a little confused . . . I like it! I even recommend it.

If you have a CASTLE fan on your holiday shopping list, I think this is a good and playful pick.

Would I read another one? Yes. I would.
:)

Suddenly One Summer by Barbara Freethy

2009-11-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a story snuggle up with that's full of family secrets, community, and hope --- this is your kind of book.

I loved it!
I'm looking for my next Barbara Freethy to read as we speak!

The Eight by Katherine Neville

2009-10-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

I'll admit that this isn't the kind of read I usually go for, but I was planning to attend the JRW Conference and Katherine was to be on several panels. It's actually how I find lots of new reads. I always feel compelled to read a little something by each of the keynotes before I go to conference. It does keep my reading more well-rounded, too.

This book has been selling for twenty years. Really! In like it's fortieth printing and I think she's in nearly every darn country in the world. It's a quest novel. If you like that kind of book: people searching for something, in danger, delving into the past, visiting amazing foreign places and cultures -- grab this one.

Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner

2009-10-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

Fun, Fun, Fun read ... just as fun as the title! Check out this Virginia Author.

THE PERFECT COUBLE by Brenda Novak

2009-08-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

Brenda Novak can really bring on the suspense. If you want a book that'll keep you flipping pages until you're done --- this is it. Just out on Aug 1 --- get it now!

Interesting tidbit about this book. It was released with a goofy cover where the author's name and title were in a teal foil that didn't show up on the black cover. MIRA is replacing them, but some of those goofy copies are still out there. You might end up with a collector's item!!

If you don't see it at first....squint and see if there's a disappearing title/name on the shelf...it might be this great read.

Twenty Wishes - Debbie Macomber

2009-07-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

There's just never a wrong book to pick that's been written by Debbie Macomber.
I love these feel good books, and the friends and communities that I spend time with during these reads.

Enjoy!

Stop Me

2009-07-04T14:10:00.001-04:00

-- Stop Me - Brenda Novak

**And if you love this one .. go back now and get the others in this series!!
She writes a great romantic suspense.

Inn at Eagle Point

2009-07-04T14:08:00.000-04:00

-- Inn at Eagle Point - Sherryl Woods

**I am enjoying all of the books in this Chesapeake Shores series. Sherryl Woods is a Virginia author, so I may be a bit biased, but I have enjoyed all her books. She writes a great community with diverse characters that you'll have to remember are just in a book, not on the Christmas card list ;)

Picture Perfect

2009-07-04T14:07:00.000-04:00

-- Picture Perfect - Jodi Picoult

** Folks love Picoult books so much, they'll steal 'em! I had to buy a second copy of this one after someone stole my copy. It was worth the double-buy.

Line of Scrimmage

2009-07-04T14:05:00.002-04:00

-- Line of Scrimmage - Marie Force

**Who doesn't want to read about a sexy, hot jock that shows his romantic side. Swept me right off my feet!!

The Book Club

2009-07-04T14:05:00.001-04:00

-- The Book Club - Mary Alice Monroe

The Shack

2009-07-04T14:04:00.001-04:00

-- The Shack - William P Young

**If you haven't read it...do. This is one of those self-pubbed phenoms that broke all the rules, but it is an entertaining, thought provoking read.

Small Town Christmas

2009-07-04T14:03:00.001-04:00

-- Small Town Christmas - Debbie Macomber (MIRA )

Friday Night Knitting Club

2009-07-04T14:01:00.002-04:00

-- Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs (Berkley)
She also has the sequel ... Knit Two out now.
**It's a bit of a slow start, but stick with it because it's a delightful read, and you'll love the characters and twists in this story.

Just Breathe

2009-07-04T14:01:00.001-04:00

-- Just Breathe - Susan Wiggs (HQN)

**TIME IS A RIVER

2009-07-04T13:59:00.000-04:00

-- Time is a River - Mary Alice Monroe (Pocket)

**My new favorite book!

Down River

2009-07-04T13:58:00.002-04:00

-- Down River - John Hart

Together Alone

2009-07-04T13:58:00.001-04:00

-- Together Alone - Barbara Delinsky (Harper)

Savannah Breeze and Savannah Blues

2009-07-04T13:57:00.003-04:00

Fabulous Mary Kay Andrews Books. I loved Hissy Fit, too.
Check them out.

DEEP DISH

2009-07-04T13:56:00.000-04:00

-- Deep Dish - Mary Kay Andrews (Harper)

Dead Roots

2009-07-04T13:55:00.000-04:00

-- Dead Roots - Nancy Cohen (Kensington)

**Great read!!

Nicholas Sparks

2009-07-04T13:54:00.001-04:00

-- The Choice - Nicholas Sparks (GrandCentral)

-- Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (GrandCentral)

But my favorite all time Nicholas Sparks is The Guardian.

White Lies

2009-07-04T13:52:00.002-04:00

-- White Lies - Jayne Anne Krentz

**I've got every book she's written under JAK....love them all. So will you.

Hide and Seek

2009-07-04T13:52:00.001-04:00

-- Hide and Seek - Fern Michaels

Christmas at Blue Moon Ranch

2009-07-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

-- Christmas at Blue Moon Ranch

Nature Girl

2009-07-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

-- Nature Girl - Carl Hiassen

The Marriage Game

2009-07-04T13:29:00.001-04:00

-- The Marriage Game - Fern Michaels

** Twisty great story -- like all Fern Michaels.

Sick Puppy

2009-07-04T13:27:00.000-04:00

-- Sick Puppy - Carl Hiassen

** Never read Carl Hiaassen? This Florida writer will tickle your memory with the most memorable characters you'll ever encounter. I haven't picked one up I didn't love.

Blue Smoke

2009-07-04T13:26:00.000-04:00

-- Blue Smoke - Nora Roberts

Indigo Dying

2009-07-04T13:25:00.002-04:00

-- Indigo Dying - Susan Wittig Albert

**None of these "plant" books by Susan disappoint. China Bayles Mysteries - love them.

More than Friends

2009-07-04T13:25:00.001-04:00

-- More than Friends - Barbara Delinsky

Morning Comes Softly

2009-07-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

-- Morning Comes Softly - Debbie Macomber

First Impressions

2009-07-04T13:23:00.002-04:00

-- First Impressions - Nora Roberts

Blue Christmas

2009-07-04T13:23:00.001-04:00

-- Blue Christmas - Mary Kay Andrews

**Quick and fun read.

First, Best and Only

2009-07-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

-- First, Best and Only - Barbara Delinsky

Smitten

2009-07-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

-- Smitten - Janet Evanovich

Mistletoe Man

2009-07-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

-- Mistletoe Man - Susan Wittig Albert