Friday Memes 5/19

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What do you do with books you no longer want? Do you donate them? Do you take them to a half-price bookstore? Does a friend or family member benefit?

My Answer:

If I have extra copies of a book I like then I typically pass them onto one of my sisters. But if I'm just getting rid of books I usually just donate them to Salvation Army.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

No sooner had Lily O'Neal plunged her hands into the sticky bread dough than the doorbell rang. Why did it always work that way?
A Langhorne Romance by Deborah Raney
from Right Where We Belong novella collection

My Thoughts
I can totally relate! It's always the second that you get into something that someone needs something.

Friday Memes 5/12

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

If you read a book you ended up hating, would you stay away from future books by that author, or would you give them a second chance?

My Answer:

It depends on several factors. If I absolutely couldn't stand it (especially if my issues were with the writing itself) I probably would steer away from any of the authors other books. But if I just kinda didn't like it and other people recommended the author I may be inclined to give them a second chance.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"If they started running now, they just might make the lake before the fire consumed them. At least that's what Reuben Marshall's gut said when the wind shifted and rustled the seared hairs on the back of his neck, strained and tight from three days of cutting line through a strand of black spruce as thick as night.
Burnin' for You by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts
Sucks you right in!

Friday Memes 4/7

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

If you could meet one author, dead or alive, who would it be?

My Answer:

Julie Lessman and Melissa Tagg! I couldn't pick just one! I really want to meet both of these awesome ladies!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Not again.
Adam Stone slammed the door on his decrepit Kia, expelled a breath, and surveyed the damage.
Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon 

My Thoughts
Great beginning! I love how it immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading to find the answers to all the questions it raises!

Friday Memes 3/24

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

How do you handle negative comments left on your blog?

My Answer:

I haven't really gotten any but if I did I would try to reply respectively. Though if they used language I don't agree with I'd have to delete it since this is a Christian blog.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Javier laughed and shook his head as we reached the top of the sand dune, Centinela loping in a wide circle around us. "I do not know if I can court a girl from the future and have a pet wolf," he said in Spanish. "That is a lot to ask of one man."
Four Winds by Lisa T. Bergren

My Thoughts
Nice way to sweep you into the story!

Friday Memes 3/3

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

When you start reading a novel, do you prefer to be plunged right into the action, or do you prefer a slower, more descriptive introduction to the plot and characters?

My Answer:

I liked to be hooked in at the very start but it doesn't necessarily have to be action. I'm just as easily hooked by humor or a beautifully written opener!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

She'd come three thousand miles to burn to death.
"Kate, if you don't deploy right now, you're going to die!"
Where There's Smoke by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts
Definitely a beginning to capture the attention from the get go!

Friday Memes 2/24

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

How do you feel about books with multiple narrators?

My Answer:

Depends on the book and the author. It can work or it can be too crazy to keep track of.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Inhaling a steadying breath of the steamy August Baltimore air, Avery Tate paused a moment, clutching the metal door handle. This was it. Her first return to the Baltimore art scene since she'd been ostracized over a year ago.
Still Life by Dani Pettrey  

My Thoughts
 Vivid beginning.

Friday Memes 2/10

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your favorite Valentine's Day read?

My Answer:

Really any good love story is good to read on Valentine's Day!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Sam wouldn't lose another kid on his watch.
If the homecoming queen was out here, he intended to find her. Even if he had to trek through the entire western edge of Glacier National Park, beat every bush, climb every peak.
Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts
I like how this gives you a glimpse of the hero that Sam is, the one who will do what it takes to keep everyone safe.

Friday Memes 1/6

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Where's your favorite place to read?

My Answer:

I'll read just about anywhere, typically it's on my bed at home or on the couch at work. But if I was to pick a favorite, in the warm months I love to sit on the deck at the house where I work which looks out over a river. It's beautiful and calming.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

What cannot be cured must be endured.
There was no cure for the whirling April snow, the cold seeping through thin, trail-worn moccasins from the frozen forest floor.
A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

My Thoughts
Kind of a good outlook for life, beautifully written.

Friday Memes 12/16

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your favorite holiday beverage to drink while you're reading?

My Answer:

Eggnog has long been my favorite holiday beverage but I just discovered Peppermint White Hot Chocolate at Starbucks and I'm in love!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"I'm warning you, girl," Zeke Crawford called from his dory. "You and your crazy grandpa can leave the island nice-like. Or I'll run you off."
Abbie Watson shielded her  eyes against the bright morning sun and glared at Zeke across the glittering water.
Never Forget by Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts
Lots of questions brought to mind! Why does Zeke want them off the island and why won't they leave?

Friday Memes 12/9

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your best guess that you won't be changing the genres you currently read?

My Answer:

I've gotten pretty good at know what kind of books I'll enjoy so I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking with my current genres. But I'm not opposed to trying new ones though there aren't many I haven't tried!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Vindication tasted like sweat. Backbreaking, limb-aching sweat. Tzivia Khalon pushed onto her knees and used the back of her gloved hand to wipe away the perspiration plastering her hair to her face and neck.
Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

My Thoughts
Love this beginning. The words and the images they bring to your head are brilliantly crafted!

Friday 11/11

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Are the giveaways on your blog publisher-sponsored giveaways or giveaways of your own books?

My Answer:

I don't do giveaways very often but the couple I've done were either my books or through the author.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

The pathetic state of Allison Shire's existence was perfectly summed up by the size-twelve prosthetic feet mocking her from the floor of the Mercedes minibus. Their hairy tops taunted her in ways she didn't even have words to express. Nasty wretched fake hobbit feet.
Close to You by Kara Issac 

My Thoughts
Made me smile! Love the Tolkien aspect of this story!

Friday Memes 11/4

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

When you settle in for the night with a good book, do you read until you can't stay awake or simply have a nightly page goal?

My Answer:

I don't often read right before bed but when I do I usually just read until the time I like to be ready for bed. Unless the book is too good to put down!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Molly was just finishing up her jog when the killers came for her.
Hostage Run by Andrew Klavan

My Thoughts
What a way to kick start a book!

Friday Memes 10/28

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

You've been invited to a costume party and the theme is classic literature characters. Who would you go as?

My Answer:

I would probably go as Meg or Jo March from Little Women.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

The steep sides of the pass into the canyon pressed down on Heath Kincaid until he could hardly breathe. Though it was a blustery November day, a sheen of sweat broke out on his forehead. It surprised him because Heath knew mountains, and he knew tight places.
No Way Up by Mary Connealy

My Thoughts
Good beginning! 

Friday Memes 10/21

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Instead of giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, you're going to give out homemade bookmarks. What would the bookmarks look like?

My Answer:

They'd say "Trick or Treat! It's time to read!" and I'd put pumpkins and fall leaves all around!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

I tore my gaze from the porch that wrapped around the drug dealer's house and cringed at the number on my phone's call display.
Mom said there'd be days like this.
Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

My Thoughts
Fun beginning! 

Friday Memes 10/14

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

You come across an old library that has the one book you've been searching for for years, but the library happens to be haunted by ghosts. Would you go into the library to find the book?

My Answer:

Okay pretending that I actually believed ghosts existed I probably wouldn't go in. Why risk it just to borrow a book?

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Kacey didn't want to raise eyebrows and alert the entire town to her return. She simply hoped to tame the beast that had roared to life when she spotted the billboard for the Gray Pony Saloon and Grill, of Rt. 2, on the outskirts of Mercy Falls. 
The home of the best hickory rib sauce in the west.
Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts
Instantly gives you a small town feel and makes you wonder why Kacey doesn't want everyone to know she's in town.

Friday Memes 10/7

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

 Name one book that scared you so badly that you couldn't finish reading it.

My Answer:

I wouldn't say scared me but Solitary by Travis Thrasher creeped me out a little and I wasn't enjoying it so I never finished it.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"I fear that our wassailing has become a nuisance." Polly Catlett slowed her steps, her toes aching in the stiff leather of her boots, the damp chill of December finally taking it's toll."
Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts
Great beginning! The use of the word wassailing is both entertaining and effective. It's a word you don't hear anymore so it clearly sets the story in an earlier time without having to say so.

Friday Memes 9/30

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you encourage other reading friends to start a blog or at least put their thoughts/reviews on public reading sites such as Goodreads, Amazon, etc?

My Answer:

Not really. Most of my reading friends I've met through blogging so they all already do!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"Okay, smile pretty-hot guys at three o'clock."
Shannon O'Bryen smiled, more because of her friend Margo's mumbled man alert than the need to charm any "hot guy." 
Love Everlasting by Julie Lessman

My Thoughts
Fun beginning! Brought a smile to my face and got me excited for the story!

Friday Memes 9/23

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

How many years have you been blogging? Anything special you want to tell everyone about your experiences?

My Answer:

It will be 5 years next month! Nothing special to say.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Brett Somers usually waited until after dark to take up his vigil outside the brick building. But not today. Despite the warmth of the early evening sun, he shivered when a light, bluer than a clear summer sky, appeared through the rectangular panes of the ninth story window.
When Love Arrives by Johnnie Alexander

My Thoughts
Very intriguing beginning!

Friday Memes 9/16

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Have you ever wanted to write a book? If so, what genre would you choose? And...have you been successful in writing a book?

My Answer:

Writing has never really appealed to me. I made some attempts during my school years but while I can come up with story ideas I'm not very good at executing them!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Lydia King took a tentative step into Mr. Lowe's hazy office, feeling like Bob Cratchit approaching Scrooge. Had Cratchit's heart pitter-pattered as fast as hers? Except his heartbeat wouldn't have had anything to do with Scrooge's looks-thin blue lips, pointed nose, and red eyes, per Dickens.
A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

My Thoughts
Fun beginning! Loved the comparisons with Scrooge! 

Friday Memes 6/24

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Who is your favorite fictional couple?

My Answer:

Picking just one couple would be too hard so I'm instead choosing a favorite family, the O'Conners, and all the couples that includes! Patrick and Marcy O'Conner, Sean and Emma O'Conner, Collin and Faith McGuire, Mitch and Charity Dennehy, John and Lizzie Brady, Steven and Annie O'Conner,

 and Luke and Katie McGee.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

He was going to hit that pickup truck.
As the vehicle in front of him screeched to a halt, Eric Nash flung his cell toward the passenger seat, clenched the wheel, and jammed the BMW's brake to the floor.
Too late.
Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

My Thoughts
Definitely attention grabbing! I want to see what happens!