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Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell

May 31, 2010 by

Jill Mansell‘s Rumor Has It departs somewhat from the romantic comedies she’s written previously in that it tackles tough issues of acceptance, compassion, and tragedy.  Mansell has a writing style that will make readers stand up and pay attention as well as fall of their chairs in laughter.

“Normally she could shave her legs without incident in two minutes flat, but tonight — OK, probably because she’d given herself half a dozen razor cuts and the shower had ended up looking like the one in Psycho.  Then, having stubbed her tow against the chest of drawers in the bedroom, she’d managed to drop the hairdryer on her other foot.”  (page 67 of ARC)

“‘Bloody hell,’ complained Max, just home from a meeting with a client in Bristol.  ‘You’d think I was threatening you with a night in a torture chamber having your ribs cracked without anesthetic.'”  (page 133 of ARC)

Tilly Cole leaves London for Roxborough when her live-in boyfriend abandons their apartment when she’s at work.  She becomes a “Girl Friday” for a suburban family led by an interior designer, Max Dineen.  She’s thrilled to have an out and to be near her friend Erin.

Tilly has sworn off men and is prepared to step into her role as Girl Friday until she meets Jack Lucas, a man with a severe reputation as a philanderer.  He’s to die for, but he should be ignored because all he does is break women’s hearts.  Tilly fights her passion for him on many occasions, but Mansell does not get overly melodramatic with the love triangles she creates.  In fact, she uses humor to illustrate the social ineptitude of her characters.

“But since he wasn’t stupid, he couldn’t really think that.  The chemistry between them was inescapable; there was a crackling electricity in the air that only a turnip could miss.”  (page 219 of ARC)

From down-to-earth Tilly to her loyal friend Erin and conceited Stella, Mansell creates a cast of characters who are fun to watch and be around.  At times, they make stupid decisions, but doesn’t everyone?  Rumor Has It has everything you need in a beach read, a quick read, and a moment of entertainment on a train ride.  Mansell is a fantastic comedic writer, but she also has the skill to deal with more tragic topics such as death and trying to fit in knowing that you are a social outsider.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me a copy of Rumor Has It for review.  If you pick up a copy to read, you’ll probably notice a quote from my blog on the back.

Filed Under: ARC, chicklit, Read in 2010, sourcebooks Tagged With: ,

Mailbox Monday #83

May 30, 2010 by

Before we get to today’s Mailbox Monday, I wanted to let everyone know that I am still recovering from Book Expo America and Book Blogger Con, which occurred last week.  I had a great time prior to the conventions exploring New York City — Central Park, the subway system, New York’s Hudson River, and other sights.

I also want to prepare you . . . this is going to be a long post about the books I received while gone and from the conventions.  Watch out there are some good ones in here that are going to make your own TBR lists grow.

Marcia at The Printed Page and Kristi of The Story Siren both sponsor memes in which bloggers share what books they’ve received in the past week.  I’m going to continue calling these Mailbox Mondays, but The Story Siren also has In My Mailbox.  Just be warned that these posts can increase your TBR piles and wish lists.

Here’s what I received in the mail:

1.  The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli — two copies for the end-of-year giveaway at War Through the Generations.

2.  I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne — one copy for review from Hachette, and the funny story about this book is that it has been sitting in my leasing office since February, and yet, I’ve been to the leasing office at least a dozen times since February to pick up other books, and yet, no one bothered to give me this one.  Gotta love it.  I started reading this one and it is hilarious from page one!

3.  The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner — one copy for review.

4.  War on the Margins by Libby Cone — one copy for review from the author.

5.  The Wishing Trees by John Shors — one unexpected copy for review from the author.

Here’s what I picked up at the Expo for me mom:

Tess Gerritsen and Lisa Gardner both signed their books and told me to tell my mom to review their books on Savvy Verse & Wit.

The others:  Suitcase Full of Dreams by Hoy Kersh, Think of a Number by John Verdon, and Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown were books I got her just for fun.

Ok, my haul from BEA and BBC is huge, so I took two photos.  Totally Crazy!  I did ship a box home via postal service, since it was far cheaper than shipping through the convention and FedEx.  But the rest I had to find places for in my suitcase, which was already full.  I’m surprised the bag didn’t burst.

Check out these shots:


Ok, let’s start from the top:

1.  The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry, which is my signed copy and I will be reviewing soon.

2.  Wading Home by Rosalyn Story, which is a novel about a son trying to find his father after Hurricane Katrina.

3.  Sourland by Joyce Carol Oates, which is a collection of short stories that I waited in line for more than 30 minutes to get signed and the author did not show.

4.  The Gendarme by Mark Mustain, which I picked up at random.

5.  The Forgotten Highlander by Alistair Urquhart, which is another WWII story.

6.  The Keepers’ Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott, which looked really great at Scholastic with its hint of paranormal.

7.  Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead, which I waited in line to get signed and was told not to take pictures of the author.

8.  Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore, which is another vampire/werewolf young adult novel.

9.  Murder in Vein by Sue Ann Jaffarian, which is the first in a fang-in-cheek series of vampire novels.

10.  Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin is another paranormal young adult series.

11.  The Year of Goodbyes by Debbie Levy is another true story about the Holocaust and WWII.

12.  Emma and the Vampires by Wayne Josephson because you know I love Austen and vampires.

13.  This Totally Bites by Ruth Ames, which I got from Scholastic.

14.  Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart, which I was so thrilled to stand in line for and meet the author in person.

15. Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

16.  The Great Lover by Jill Dawson, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

17.  The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

18.  The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

19.  Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

20.  Unincorporated Persons in the Late Honda Dynasty by Tony Hoagland, which I got from the booth of Graywolf Press and is the only poetry book I was able to find.

21.  The Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell, which I got from BBC.

22.  Semper Cool by Barry Fixler, which Heather at Age 30+ . . . A Lifetime of Books gave to me to read for the Vietnam War Reading Challenge.

23.  The Enemy by Charlie Higson, which is a zombie novel I picked up for my husband.

24.  The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer, which is a young adult zombie novel for my husband.

25.  Pariah by Bob Fingerman, which I picked up for my husband as well because it was supposed to be a graphic novel, but there are only about 5 images in it.

26.  Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson on audio, which I got from BBC in a swag bag.

That’s about 2 weeks worth of books. You’ll probably see some of these in my blogiversary giveaway in June.

Wow. . . now I’m tired.  But please do share what you got in your mailbox?

Filed Under: mailbox monday

47th Virtual Poetry Circle

May 29, 2010 by

Welcome to the 47th Virtual Poetry Circle.

I’m on my way back to Maryland from New York City and the wonderful gathering of book bloggers and publishing industry peeps that was Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention.  I’m probably too exhausted to post anything once I arrive home, so with this future self in mind, I’m pre-posting today’s virtual poetry circle.

The poetry discussion must go on!

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

We’re taking a step back in time to visit with the classic verse of Sara Teasdale:

Barter 
Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things,
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And childrens's faces looking up
Holding wonder in a cup.

Life has loveliness to sell,
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And for your spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.

Spend all you have for loveliness,
Buy it and never count the cost;
For one white singing hour of peace
Count many a year of strife well lost,
And for a breath of ecstasy
Give all you have been, or could be.

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.

I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles, check them out here. It’s never too late to join the discussion.

Filed Under: virtual poetry circle

Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

May 28, 2010 by

While I attend some great panels and meet some authors and publishers in New York City this week, I didn’t want to leave my readers high and dry for reviews. My mom, Pat, has supplied me with enough reviews to get you through until my return. Please give her a warm welcome. If you want, check out my thoughts on Alex Cross’s Trial.

Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo begins with Alex Cross transcribing the story of his great uncle Abraham to make sure his children know there is more than one hero in the family.  The story takes place in Eudora, Mississippi, in the 1900s.  Ben Corbett has been asked by President Roosevelt to investigate ruors of the Ku Klux Klan and lynchings of Black folk in the south.

In this story, attorney Ben Corbett heads back to his hometown in the south to investigate the rumors.  Dealing with slavery, racism, and more, Alex Cross’s Trial is an action packed, suspenseful story.  It will have readers on pins and needles at all times, keeping you interested until its conclusion.  Another five-star read from Patterson.

Thanks to Hachette for sending a free copy of this book for review.

Filed Under: Hachette Books, historical fiction, Pat review, review copy Tagged With: , ,

True Blue by David Baldacci

May 27, 2010 by

While I attend some great panels and meet some authors and publishers in New York City this week, I didn’t want to leave my readers high and dry for reviews. My mom, Pat, has supplied me with enough reviews to get you through until my return. Please give her a warm welcome.

True Blue by David Baldacci follows former Washington, D.C., cop Mace Perry and her sister Beth, who is the police chief.  Mace was kidnapped and framed for a crime, which she did not commit, and was sent to prison.  Mace spent two years in prison, lost her job, badge, and freedom.

Once released from prison, Mace sets off to right the wrong that had been done to her and find the true criminal who set her up and sent her to prison.  Beth introduces her sister to Roy Kingman, an attorney.  Together, Mace and Roy work to clear her name.  The bulk of the novel focuses on the nasty people they encounter and the people set in their path to derail the process of clearing Mace’s name.

Baldacci has written a fast-paced novel that will entice readers to keep turning the pages until the very end.  This is my first Baldacci book and would recommend this author to others.  Very enjoyable and suspenseful read.  Five stars.

Thanks to Hachette for sending along a free copy of True Blue for review.

I hope you enjoyed this latest Literary Road Trip with Vienna, Va., author David Baldacci and his Washington, D.C., cops.

Filed Under: fiction, Hachette Books, Pat review, review copy, The Literary Road Trip Tagged With: ,

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

May 26, 2010 by

While I attend some great panels and meet some authors and publishers in New York City this week, I didn’t want to leave my readers high and dry for reviews. My mom, Pat, has supplied me with enough reviews to get you through until my return. Please give her a warm welcome.

Nicholas Sparks’ The Last Song tells the story of Ronnie Miller, a sullen 17 year old.  She and her little brother come to visit their estranged father in North Carolina.  Her father, Steve, is a musical composer and has been on the outs with his family ever since he left them years ago.  Ronnie has musical talent like her father, and she has a criminal record for shoplifting.

This coming of age story is about redemption in the light of tragedy as a father reaches out to his estranged children during their summer vacation.  How does his daughter view him? Will their shared talents unite them once again? The Last Song is appropriately titled and is a five-star read.

Thanks to Hachette for sending along a free copy for review.

Filed Under: fiction, Hachette Books, Pat review, review copy Tagged With: ,

Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

May 25, 2010 by

While I attend some great panels and meet some authors and publishers in New York City this week, I didn’t want to leave my readers high and dry for reviews. My mom, Pat, has supplied me with enough reviews to get you through until my return. Please give her a warm welcome.

James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge’s Worst Case is another in the Michael Bennett detective series set in New York.  In this novel, a son of one of New York’s wealthy elite is kidnapped off the street and held hostage.  The twist is that the parents do not have a ransom demand to meet and the prospects of saving their son appear grim.

The killer seems to like playing games with his victims and their families, quizzing the kidnapped victim and killing them if the answers they give are incorrect.  Bennett must follow the clues left for him to solve the case.

However, one kidnap victim was smarter than the others and she answers all the questions correctly.  Surprisingly, she is freed.  Patterson does a great job leaving the killer a mystery; the last person readers would suspect is the killer.

Another fast read with spell-binding action.  Five stars.

Thanks to Hachette for sending along a free copy of Worst Case for review.

Filed Under: fiction, Hachette Books, Pat review, review copy Tagged With: , ,

Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

May 24, 2010 by

Mailbox Monday will be postponed until my return.

While I attend some great panels and meet some authors and publishers in New York City this week, I didn’t want to leave my readers high and dry for reviews.  My mom, Pat, has supplied me with enough reviews to get you through until my return.  Please give her a warm welcome.

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro‘s Swimsuit takes place in Hawaii, the perfect place to wear a swimsuit and get some sun.  It is also a perfect place to conduct a photo shoot, but that’s when the fun begins because a breathtaking model Kim McDaniels disappears.

After her disappearance, her parents, who live in Grand Rapids, Mich., receive an anonymous phone call about her disappearance, which causes them to quickly get on a plane to find out the real scoop.  Ben Hawkins, a former cop and now reporter for the Los Angeles Times, is assigned the disapearance story.  However, McDaniels’ disappearance soon spirals into an investigation of a serial killer who kidnaps and brutally murders models while taping the crimes.

Another action filled novel from James Patterson that takes you to new locations in Hawaii and Europe and keeps you reading until the very end.  Another five star read.

Thanks to Hachette for sending a free copy of Swimsuit for review.

Filed Under: fiction, Hachette Books, Pat review, review copy Tagged With: , ,

Welcome to Savvy Verse & Wit

May 23, 2010 by

Hello and Welcome to Savvy Verse & Wit, my online book review site that features reviews of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and other genres.

For a list of what I accept, visit my review policy.

Other policies you may be interested in are my affiliate policy and my advertising policy.  If you’d like to get to know me and the blog, please visit the About Me page.

***If you’re looking for today’s content, please scroll down to the next post.***

In addition to well written reviews that demonstrate what aspects of a book work and don’t work for me as a reader, you also will find interviews with authors, publishers, and poets and guest posts from authors and poets about their writing or writing spaces.

Occasionally, I will host giveaways for books and other items, but generally only when I’ve read the book or plan to read the book.

If you are new to blogs:

I provide honest reviews of books to help you select your next read and generate discussion with those who’ve already read the book in the comments.  To make comments, scroll to the bottom of posts and click “comments” to open the comment box and enter your thoughts.

Some recurring events here on the blog include:

  • The Virtual Poetry Circle in which a new poem is posted every Saturday and discussed in the comments using a model suggested by Molly Peacock.
  • Mailbox Monday, a book blogger community event in which I share my bookish goodies from the bookstore or publishers/authors.
  • The Literary Road Trip in which I introduce local MD/DC/VA metro region authors as part of a wider book blogger community project.
  • And occasional book blogger community events include Free Verse in which I share poetry; Library Loot where I showcase my library finds; Monday’s Movie in which I review a new or old movie I’ve seen; and a few others, which can be found in the navigation bar under Meme or Events.
  • I also participate in a number of reading challenges — click on Challenges in the navigation bar to see the list — that focus on a number of topics ranging from poetry to war-related books.

Upcoming events:

  • Guest reviews from my mom, Pat, May 24-28.
  • Review of Jill Mansell’s Rumor Has It on May 31.
  • Updates of local and bookish events; newer updates will focus on Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention in the coming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  If you have any questions, don’t hestitate to drop me an email.

Filed Under: announcements Tagged With: ,

46th Virtual Poetry Circle

May 22, 2010 by

Welcome to the 46th Virtual Poetry Circle.

Even though I’m not near my computer, Virtual Poetry Circle continues.  I may be in New York City this week for Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention, but I want the poetry discussions to continue in my absence.

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

Today we return to contemporary poetry with the verses of Stephen Dunn:

The Kiss 
She pressed her lips to mind.
	—a typo

How many years I must have yearned
for someone’s lips against mind.
Pheromones, newly born, were floating
between us. There was hardly any air.

She kissed me again, reaching that place
that sends messages to toes and fingertips,
then all the way to something like home.
Some music was playing on its own.

Nothing like a woman who knows
to kiss the right thing at the right time,
then kisses the things she’s missed.
How had I ever settled for less?

I was thinking this is intelligence,
this is the wisest tongue
since the Oracle got into a Greek’s ear,
speaking sense. It’s the Good,

defining itself. I was out of my mind.
She was in. We married as soon as we could.

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.

I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles, check them out here. It’s never too late to join the discussion.

Filed Under: virtual poetry circle

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

May 21, 2010 by

Beth Hoffman‘s debut novel, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, has become a New York Times bestseller, and what a debut it is.  Her novel is a prime example of what’s great about southern fiction from the enveloping summer heat of Georgia to the fragrant aroma of orchids and other flowers.  CeeCee Honeycutt is a young girl living in Ohio mainly with her mother as her father travels weekly for his job, but she’s got more worries than just school and peer pressure — her mother is slowly losing her grip.

“‘Oysters are a lot like women.  It’s how we survive the hurts in life that brings us strength and gives us our beauty.’  She fell silent for a moment and gazed out the window.  ‘They say there’s no such thing as a perfect pearl — that nothing from nature can ever be truly perfect.'”  (page 255)

Eventually, CeeCee comes to live with her great aunt Tallulah “Tootie” Caldwell, who is a busy society woman interested in preserving the historical structures in Savannah.  In many ways the restoration of these homes resembles the rebuilding CeeCee must accomplish after her life is irrevocably altered.  At the young age of 12, CeeCee must contend with tragedy, being an outcast, the confusing emotions about her parents, and fitting in with a society that is foreign to her.

“Momma left her red satin shoes in the middle of the road.  That’s what three eyewitnesses told the police.”  (Page 1)

Hoffman creates dynamic characters in CeeCee, Mrs. Odell, Oletta, and Tootie, but she also has crafted a supporting cast of eccentric older women who are neighbors and have their own problems and tensions with one another.  Picture large hats, garden parties, and soirees, and you’ll be transported in CeeCee’s Georgia, away from her hometown in Ohio.

“The bedsheets were damp with humidity and sleep, and from the pillowcase I detected a familiar scent:  it was just like the lavender sachets Mrs. Odell made every year as Christmas gifts.  I rubbed my eyes and tried to sit up, but I was nestled deep in the feather bed, like a baby bird in a nest.”  (page 57)

“Though she’d long since passed the zenith of youth, unmistakable remnants of a mysterious beauty oozed from the pores of her porcelain-white skin.  Swirling around her ankles, as light as smoke and the color of midnight, was a silk caftan splashed with bits of silver glitter.”  (page 81)

Readers will be absorbed in CeeCee’s evolution from young, responsible woman caring for her mother to a mischievous child lashing out and back to a young lady becoming content in her own skin.  Hoffman does an excellent job of painting Georgia and its traditional society in a nostalgic hue that enables readers to grasp that CeeCee is remembering this period of her life fondly and with greater clarity than she probably did as a child.  Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is captivating debut novel and coming-of-age story about a young lady who has lost her way, only to find a new chapter has begun.

About the Author:

Beth Hoffman was the president and owner of a major interior design studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, before turning to writing full time. She lives with her husband and two cats in a quaint historic district in Newport, Kentucky. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is her first novel.

Thanks to Penguin and Inkwell Management for sending me a free copy of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt for review.

Check out the other tour stops:

5/17 & 5/18 – Devourer of Books

5/19 & 5/20 – Diary of an Eccentric

5/21 – Savvy Verse & Wit

5/22 – Medieval Bookworm

5/23 – lit*chick

5/24 – A Novel Menagerie

5/25 – The Tome Traveller’s Weblog

5/26 – Peeking Between the Pages

5/27 – Steph Su Reads

5/28 – Galleysmith

5/29 – The Literate Housewife Review

Giveaway details — three copies for US/Canada readers and one copy for an international reader:

1.  Leave a comment about why you want to read this book; don’t forget to let me know if you are living outside the United States or Canada.

2.  Leave a comment on the guest post.

3.  Blog, Tweet, Facebook, or otherwise spread the word about the giveaway and leave a comment on this post.

4.  Become a Facebook fan of the blog and leave a comment.

Deadline is June 2, 2010, at 11:59 PM EST.

This is my 33rd book for the 2010 New Authors Challenge.

Filed Under: giveaway, New Authors Challenge, Penguin, Read in 2010, review copy, reviews, young adult fiction Tagged With: ,

NYC or Bust

May 20, 2010 by

Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention are around the corner, and I’ll more than likely be incommunicado for the next week as I have some fun in the city and at the conventions.

If you’ve missed my advice for your trek into the city, please check it out.  I hope you’ve all got your travel plans made and your comfortable shoes on your feet.  This week is going to be busy and fun, but tiring.  Don’t worry, you’ll be hearing all about it when I get back.

While I’m away, my mom, Pat, will have taken over the blog for the week beginning on Monday, May 24, to regale you with her reviews.  Please stop by and check them out, especially if you are looking for a new suspense or crime thriller.

Sights I hope to see:

  1. NYC Harbor and Statue of Liberty
  2. Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, with Edward!
  3. The Museum of Modern Art
  4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
  5. Central Park
  6. Strawberry Fields
  7. Empire State Building
  8. Rockefeller Center

Events I hope to catch at BEA:

  1. Online Reader Community Building
  2. Copyright in Motion
  3. BEA Editors Buzz
  4. Brunonia Barry signing
  5. Joyce Carol Oates signing
  6. Dystopian Panel
  7. Richelle Mead signing vampire academy
  8. Champagne Toast to celebrate To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary
  9. Blogger Party at Algonquin with HarperCollins
  10. The Next Decade in Book Culture
  11. Beth Kephart signing
  12. Book Blogger Con Reception

There are many other items on my list, but I didn’t want to bore you with all those crazy details.   What are your plans for NYC?  If you’re interested in meeting up, contact me via email.  Have a great week everyone.

Stay tuned for my review of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman tomorrow.

Filed Under: BEA, Events Tagged With: