Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring my current read,  Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts.  The excerpts shared are from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.

 

Beginning:  On Friday, July 22, 2005, Simone Knox ordered a large Fanta--orange--to go with her popcorn and Swedish Fish.  The choice, her standard night-at-the-movies fare, changed her life, and very likely saved it.  Still, she'd never drink Fanta again.

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Page 56:   Reed knew what the papers and TV said about Paulson, what neighbors and teachers said.  How shocked they were, how he'd never been violent.  Always bright and helpful.

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My thoughts:   This story is a bit of a departure for Nora Roberts, with its "ripped from the headlines" theme.  It may not be a comfortable read, but in her able hands, the story is taking some interesting and unexpected turns.

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From Goodreads:  Sometimes, there is nowhere safe to hide.

It was a typical evening at a mall outside Portland, Maine. Three teenage friends waited for the movie to start. A boy flirted with the girl selling sunglasses. Mothers and children shopped together, and the manager at the video-game store tended to customers. Then the shooters arrived.

The chaos and carnage lasted only eight minutes before the killers were taken down. But for those who lived through it, the effects would last forever. In the years that followed, one would dedicate himself to a law enforcement career. Another would close herself off, trying to bury the memory of huddling in a ladies' room, hopelessly clutching her cell phone--until she finally found a way to pour her emotions into her art.

But one person wasn't satisfied with the shockingly high death toll at the DownEast Mall. And as the survivors slowly heal, find shelter, and rebuild, they will discover that another conspirator is lying in wait--and this time, there might be nowhere safe to hide.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Thursday Thoughts ~ Books from the Backlog

Happy Thursday . . .  aka, Happy Almost Friday!!

It's time for Books from the Backlog, hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books.  It's a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks . . . or on your eReader.

 

This week's neglected book is . . .

  

Release Date:  May 30, 2017

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

From Goodreads:  Love.  Lies.  Murder.  A lot can happen...COME SUNDOWN 

Bodine Longbow loves to rise with the dawn. As the manager of her family's resort in Western Montana, there just aren't enough hours in the day - for life, for work, for loved ones. She certainly doesn't have time for love, not even in the gorgeous shape of her childhood crush Callen Skinner, all grown up and returned to the ranch. Then again, maybe Callen can change her mind, given time...

But when a young woman's body is discovered on resort land, everything changes. Callen falls under the suspicion of a deputy sheriff with a grudge. And for Bodine's family, the murder is a shocking reminder of an old loss. Twenty-five years ago, Bodine's Aunt Alice vanished, never to be heard of again. Could this new tragedy be connected to Alice's mysterious disappearance? 

As events take a dramatic and deadly turn, Bodine and Callen must race to uncover the truth - before the sun sets on their future together.


Why I selected it: I've read and enjoyed many Nora Roberts novels, and I've been told that this one is a bit different, in a good way.


This Thursday Thoughts ~ Books from the Backlog post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.
 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring my next read, Glory in Death by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts).  Last year I decided to give this long-running series a try, even though it may take the rest of my reading life to catch up.  (Book #46 was released last month.) 

 

Beginning:  chapter one

The dead were her business.  She lived with them, worked with them, studied them.  She dreamed of them.  And because that didn't seem to be enough, in some deep, secret chamber of her heart, she mourned for them.

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Page 56: "She could see his jaw tense and noticed the control it took for him to relax it again, but his eyes never flickered.  She imagined he could stare a hole through steel."

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My thoughts:   When I read Naked in Death, the first in this series, I was struck by how well the story (which was published in 1995) has stood the test of time.  After all, this is a series set in the still-distant future.  Yet the In Death series doesn't feel dated, which I attribute to the talented Ms. Roberts and her incredible imagination.

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From Goodreads:   The dead were her business. She lived with them, worked with them, studied them. She dreamed of them. Murder no longer shocked, but it continued to repel.

The first victim is found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second murdered in her own apartment building. Both have had their throats slashed.

New York City homicide lieutenant Eve Dallas has no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both women were beautiful and successful; their glamorous lives and loves the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with powerful men provide Eve with a long list of suspects - including her own lover, Roarke.

As a woman, Eve is compelled to trust the man who shares her bed. But as a cop, it's her job to follow every lead, to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark. Or how dangerous.

 
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This Friday Focus post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated. 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring Naked in Death by J.D. Robb.  The excerpts shared are from a paperback edition I borrowed from the library.

 

 

 

Beginning:  Chapter One

She woke in the dark.  Through the slats on the window shades, the first murky hint of dawn slipped, slanting shadowy bars over the bed.  It was like waking in a cell.

For a moment she simply lay there, shuddering, imprisoned, while the dream faded.  After ten years on the force, Eve still had dreams.

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Page 56:  "I've heard of them.  Still hear about them.  You think Rockman's involved with a fanatic splinter group like that?'"

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My thoughts:  This is the first book in prolific bestselling author Nora Roberts's (writing as J.D. Robb) futuristic suspense In Death series featuring lady cop Eve Dallas.  It's been on my to-read list forever, but a recent conversation with a good reading buddy who has read all of them made me decide to finally dig in.  Some--including me--may question my sanity at starting a series of 44 books (and a 45th is scheduled to be published in September 2017), but it feels right, and the opening drew me in immediately.

 

 

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From Goodreads:    In a world of danger and deception, she walks the line--between seductive passion and scandalous murder... Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all--and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire--and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about--except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.

 

 

 

This Friday Focus post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

 

 

 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings #41

It's Friday . . . time to share excerpts from one of my current reads with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring:

 

Beginning:  Autumn 1268 

Mists spiraled up from the water like breath as Eamon rowed the little boat.  The sun shed pale, cool light as it woke from the night's rest and set morning birds to their chorus.

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Page 56:  "'Oh, you'll enjoy that as well, I wager.'  Connor led them inside at an unhurried pace.""

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From Goodreads:  With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…

A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.

Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.

Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…

Enjoy life with books . . .

 

Catherine

 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings #41 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com. This post cannot be republished without attribution.    
 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings #30

It's Friday . . . time to share excerpts from one of my current reads with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

This week's selection:

   

Beginning:  Winter 1263

Near the shadow of the castle, deep in the green woods, Sorcha led her children through the gloom toward home.  The two youngest rode the sturdy pony, with Teagan, barely three, nodding with every plod.  Weary, Sorcha thought, after the excitement of Imbolg, the bonfires, and the feasting.

 

My thoughts:  Who is this family?  Where are the going?   Bloggers have had mixed reactions to Dark Witch, but I've waited so long to get a copy from the library that I still want to read it.

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Page 56*:   "Now, go pack your things, your clothes, blankets.  You'll take the sword, the dagger, all the coin, the jewels my granny left me.  All that she left me.  All, Brannaugh.  Leave nothing of value."

 

*Large print edition

 

From barnesandnoble.com:   First in the all-new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy . . .

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive.…

Enjoy life with books . . .

 

Catherine

 

Enter the Picking Lemons Ebook Giveaway.  Contest ends on February 7, 2014.

 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings #30 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com. This post cannot be republished without attribution.   

Waiting on Wednesday: New J.D. Robb and Nora Roberts Books

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature of the Breaking the Spine blog.  It's a great way to share information about forthcoming books with other readers.
 

This week's anticipated books:

From J.D. Robb and others:

    

Publication date: September 24, 2013

Publisher:  Jove

 

From barnesandnoble.com:  In a world far removed from the days when fairy tales were new, five bestselling authors spin versions that take the classic stories into a new dimension. You’ll recognize Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and other enduring characters, but they’ll exist in realms beyond your imagination, where the familiar is transformed into the extraordinary and otherworldly. 

 

From Nora Roberts:

 

Publication date: October 29, 2013

 Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

 

From barnesandnoble.com:  First in the all-new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love….

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

Enjoy life with books . . .

 

Catherine
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Waiting on Wednesday: New J.D. Robb and Nora Roberts Books was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com. This post cannot be republished without attribution.