Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs


Popular Cooking with Gusto! host Augusta Gus Simpson, a widowed mother of two adult daughters who's about to turn 50, is tiring of her many obligations, which include throwing an annual birthday bash for herself. But to add to her worries is that her show is not as popular as in the past and there is a risk of it being canceled! When she is told she has to do a live taping of her show she decides to do her best and go with it. Throw into the mix the introduction of saucy former beauty queen and YouTube star Carmen Vega as Gus's cohost: Carmen is younger, hotter and very tight with the boss. Plus she films the show with her adult children and other friends to help balance it out. But the battle lines have been drawn between Gus and Carmen.

It's soon apparent on the set that this new situation isn't working, so the everyone is packed off to a corporate team-building weekend, complete with New Age guide. When the resort's head chef calls in sick, a team-building opportunity presents itself. There is much sexual tension between various relationships plus between Gus and Carmen on their cooking style. We see each others point of view by alternating chapters from each other's point of view.


Now this book is a bit over the top in some ways but I enjoyed the slight digs to reality TV and Food Network. I watch a lot of Food Network and Bravo reality shows so caught quite a few of the references.

I listened to this on CD and at first found it a bit annoying but got used to the reader and just enjoyed the ride.

Silver Master by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)


Part of the Harmony series

Celinda Ingram is a professional matchmaker and has been living in Cadence for four months. Her particular paranormal ability as a para-resonator makes it possible for her to feel whether two people are compatible and would make good candidates for a full Covenant Marriage. She lives in the Old City part of town with her dust bunny Araminta and just wants to get on with her life after the horrible scandal in Old Frequency, her hometown.

Davis Oakes is the owner of Oakes Security and is a fourth generation descendant of a ghost hunter family. His is able to produce silver light which allows him to have special abilities, and while his ties to the Guild are strong he is not a ghost hunter himself. After suffering a traumatic experience while rescuing a kidnapped child, he cannot afford to pull any ghost light because his ability comes from a spectrum of color unknown to most people. Using it has unusual and possibly deadly consequences.

They meet when Davis is on the hunt for the powerful relic that Celinda supposedly bought as a toy for her pet dust bunny. When her dust bunny runs off with the relic it soon becomes apparent that this no plastic toy but some kind of psychic tool that Celinda resonates with. But she is not the only one who can use it as their lives quickly become in risk and the chase is on.

Lots of references in the final section of the previous books. Again the dust bunnies are important to the storyline but thankfully in not such an obnoxious way as in some of the previous books. A fun, quick read. Good chemistry between the main characters and the baggage does not feel contrived but something could happen to anyone.

Writing Class by Jincy Willett

Amy Gallup, is the teacher of the Writing Class. She is overweight and plain and bordering on agoraphobic. In her early twenties, she published a successful novel, but from there, her career went steadily downhill. Teaching an adjunct university writing class is her salvation, but she doesn't know it yet. She'd much rather stay at home with her basset hound, Alphonse, who doesn't like her much. Amy's students run the gamut from professional writers to those who are there to meet the opposite sex. Several are extremely talented.

The first two student excerpts, one about how to choose the rope you will use to commit suicide, are incredibly good. Amy's suggestions are usually right on the mark, especially when she tells her class not to assume the writer of the suicide poem is writing about her own life. When she discovers that one of the students writes nasty commentaries on other students work Amy isn't sure what to do. When the nasty comments turn to personal harassment Amy decides to cancel the class as she can't risk something worse happening. The writing class decides that the class will go on by meeting at one of the classmates homes as they won't let anyone stop their experience of becoming a better writer. But when one of the classmates is killed it is apparent that the nasty commentator is really a sociopath and who knows who will be next!

We get to read the murderer's letters and diary entries, as well as his/her comments on student papers. This lets us participate in trying to find the killer. There's some humor as well, most of it centering on Carla, a student who has taken Amy's class five times. It is a really interesting way of approaching a murder mystery plus I really enjoyed the various writing assignments the students had. Willett is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire Mysteries, No. 1) by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse is an ordinary waitress in small town Bea temp, Louisana

It is a world very much like our own - except for one difference, 4 years ago Vampires "came out of the coffin" and are now a legal part of USA society. In this way it's somewhat like the situation in the Anita Blake (author Laurel Hamilton) novels.

Sookie herself is unusual with a disability, she's a telepath, and that makes dating a virtual impossiblity until a vampire comes to town and she discovers he's her (almost) perfect man. Unfortunatley, at the same time people start getting killed, which most of the locals see as an unlikely co-incidence, and in a small town that can almost be deadly itself.

Full of Southern charm and very erotic prose Harris finds a way to make being the undead fun. I've been watching the series True Blood on HBO and was impressed by how closely the series follows the books so far. I'm looking forward to catching up with this fun series.

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

Newly divorced, Eloise "Weezie" Foley, from blue-blood architect Talmadge Evans III, but she still living in a carriage house in the backyard of their restored mansion. But to add insult to injur she suffers the indignity of having her ex's sexy fiance, Caroline DeSantos, living in the main house Weezie restored herself. As a "picker," Weezie earns her living foraging for discarded treasures in Dumpsters and at estate sales. She enjoys the thrill of the search and the indepence it offers her. But her main goal is to find that piece of junk is really a rare antique and get enough cash to open her own store. She is starting to find her own network of influencial friends too.

During one of her stakeouts Weezie discovers Caroline's corpse in a historic manor house and now Weezie is the prime suspect in her murder. To compound her quandary, Weezie's attorney her closeted Uncle James, an ex-Catholic priest is having an affair with a man from the DA's office. Factor in her on-again, off-again romance with old high school flame Daniel Stipanek, counterfeit antiques and her mom's alcoholism Weezie has a very complicated life.

Not a terribly complicated mystery but honestly I did not see the real murder so I guess that is one up on me. I will probably read more down the road.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

22 essays featuring Sedaris ramblings about his memories and life in general and how he observes it. I really enjoyed the section how he quit smoking and we find out how he got the title for the book. I listened to the CD which featured 4 live recordings which were really interesting to hear the audience laugh along with me. All 22 essays were read by Sedaris which at first was a bit disconserting but got used to his speech patterns pretty quickly.

He isn't for everyone so if language and talking about sex and gay people are offensive then he is not for you but if you are like me and often wonder inappropriate things while observing life happening around me than give him a try. I have not read any others books by him except his Holidays on Ice which I enjoyed about half the stories so I can read a book of his maybe every couple of years.

The Official 411 Degrassi generations by Kathryn Ellis

This book takes us behind the scenes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High," and "The Kids of Degrassi Street." We find out from the past and present actors and crew what it's like to be a part of one of TV's most successful teen series.

This was one of my favorite teen shows I watched in the 1980's on PBS. I loved everything Degrassi, I'm sure it was because I could live vicariously through their mistakes. I read the books, followed it online once the internet came along. The only thing I have not done is watch the Degrassi: the Next Generation or purchased any of the DVD's which I know have come out. But when I saw this at my local library I had to check it out just so I could read more about some of my favorite characters from the original show. I enjoyed reading about how the show came about and where the characters are now but I guess I've gotten too old to appreciate the DNG.

So I then tried to read one of the manga books "Turning Japanese: Degrassi Extra Credit #1 (Degrassi: The Next Generation)" and it was just too much. Maybe I'm past all the teen angst or problems they have I don't know but I just skimmed it turned it back into the library.

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe


A short story collection featuring stories about werewolves and Christmas by Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, Joe Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner.


The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year’s morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.

This was a really fun read, not all the stories were the best but I did enjoy reading such variety. I was amazed by how they could make Christmas and Santa Claus so dark and creepy. Some I had read other works and many I had not so am looking forward to trying some new authors out.

Bodyguard by Christy Tillery French


Natasha Chamberlain - Nattie to her friends - is a young woman with many skills. She is efficient and has a quick mind and wit plus served her time keeping Investigative Services, Inc. in Knoxville Tennessee running smoothly for three years. In her off hours she plays soccer with a go-for-the-jugular mentality. Both on and off the soccer field, Nattie can dish it out as well as take it. She has a feisty way about her, and a hair trigger temper. Nattie has two goals in life: to become a crack investigator and to climb her sexy and mysterious boss like a tree.


Jonce Striker is the founder of I.S.I. He's a man blessed with intimidating size and power, of Cherokee lineage, who keeps his secret past to himself. Nattie has had a crush on him for three years but never dared to make her feelings known. When he agrees to let her guard a wealthy client, the fur begins to fly.


Roger Valentine is a nerdy billionaire who hires I.S.I. to protect him when his life is threatened. Roger is seriously lacking in social skills. When this lonely, isolated man with an overbearing mother meets up with Nattie and her colleagues, his life is changed in more ways than one. His bodyguards soon become the friends and family Roger never had, and their friendship humanizes a once nerdy recluse.


The action is intense as the bodyguards track more than one evil doer out to kill Roger. Nattie's courage under fire, coupled with her zany personality, both impresses and infuriates her boss, adding humor to the mix. And the simmering sexual chemistry between Striker and Nattie finally ignites with mixed results for all concerned. Can they keep their mind on business long enough to save Roger's life?

I had read some reviews of a later book in the series so thought I would give this a try. Not a difficult read but not as good as I hoped. I guess I just felt like the relationships were convenient and a bit contrived. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this book more. I will look for others in this series to see if it improves.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

'Tis the Season! by Lorna Landvik

The story starts with tabloid coverage of Caroline Dixon, an heiress who's lost her way and thinks she finds roadmaps in alcohol and bad behavior. We see her world crumble as she goes from one drunken brawl to another alienating herself from her friends.

We start to see the story via three other characters from Caroline's past and present who eventually connect with her to help her find a better way back. It's written entirely in e-mails and letters which is a bit disconserting at first but does help the story flow. This has some romantic overtones as several of the characters connect romantically but it is not the main focus of the story.

I found myself smiling as I read the emails sent to and fro and friendships develope by chance. It is Christmas after all!

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney)

The book that introduced the world to Agatha Raisin!
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry - but falls over dead! We are introduced to the major characters of this series, Harry Wong, Mrs. Bloxby, Roy Silver and meet James Lacey (who is much more promident in the next book).

Agatha Raisin is one my favorite series that every few years I re-read. I decided to listen to this on CD in the car and it was a fun and fresh as the first time I read it back in 2001. I love re-reading favorite series as it's like visiting old friends.

Dark Light by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)

Book 5 in the Harmony books

Years ago a mysterious curtain opened in space and a new planet was discovered. The people of Earth named this new planet Harmony and began to travel there and to colonize it. The atmosphere and conditions were very much like Earth. Then, without warning, the curtain closed again and the colonist on Harmony were stranded. Now, two hundred years later, they exhibit unusual paranormal abilities which not only allow them to survive, but to thrive.

Sierra McIntyre is a reporter for a tabloid newspaper, the Curtain, even though she has no experience in journalism. But, of course, she is writing investigative, hard hitting stories, not like the other stories which appear in the Curtain, and she wants some serious questions answered by the new Crystal Guild boss, John Fontana. Fontanta is the new Guild boss, the man in charge of all the "ghost hunters" who have the paranormal power to control ghost energy found in the catacombs below the city. So Fontana immediately sees the advantage of joining forces with this reporter (who has been a true nuisance for him since he took over as Guild boss) so he proposes that they enter into a Marriage of Convenience in order to investigate these problems together. So after being in the same room with each other for about one hour Fontana asks Sierra to enter into a Marriage of Convenience (not a permanent Covenant Marriage) with him and she agrees! Even though her family views the Marriage of Convenience as little more than a legalized affair, she still just says, OK, sure, why not!

We find out that Sierra moved to Crystal City to get away from her family of overachievers. She considers herself an underachiever so she wants to start over someplace where she will not be compared to her other family members. Of course her being ruthless about getting stories about the Guild wouldn't be considered being an overachiever would it? ha ha.. Fontana is an actual bastard as his father never entered any kind of formal relationship (CM or CM) with his mother. This plays a very minor role in the story has his father's family has to come to him to save the family company. Fontana also can produce Dark Light which is invisible and stronger than any normal light produced on Harmony. Then we learn more about this ultra-violet light that is alien technology, blah, blah, blah.

In this series of stories each heroine has a dust bunny, which in my mind was this kind of Trible (like from Star Trek) looking animal. Her dust bunny is named Elvis and for some reason very prominent in this story. Of course it plays into a rescue scene later in the book but I'm not sure why Elvis had to be so played up. He even wears sunglasses and a cape. Oh, well, comic relief I guess. I'm thinking Krentz maybe had so many people asking her questions about the dust bunnies that she decided to give this one more personality.

Now this was not one of the strongests books by Krentz but it was interesting to see more of Harmony. I think a big part of the problem is that there were several plots going on and none were very strong so I think it conflicted and made it hard to really care for any of the characters. Now I'll keep reading more of Krentz/Castle/Quick's books but probably only check out from the library instead of buying it.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Father Tim novel

Enjoying retirement and his life in Mitford, North Carolina, Father Tim receives a letter postmarked from his home town. The letter contains only two words: Come home. Although it's been 38 years since he was in Holly Springs, Father Tim and his loyal canine companion Barnabus set out from Mitford, to the small Mississippi town of his childhood.
During his re-discovery of Holly Springs we share his memories and learn why his father was so bitter and angry, why his mother was so sad and why Father Tim became the person he is now.

We see a life similiar small town with Father Tim making new acquaintances easily as well as reacquainting with past ones. The final third of the book is heartbreaking and real and done so eliquently.

I've listened to most of the Mitford books on tape/CD in the car and loved the reader. So this was a bit jarring to hear a different much younger male voice reading Father Tim. But by the end of the story I had forgotten to be annoyed by it. The reader did a great job of making the voices sound real.

One hopes that we'll see more of Holly Springs.

Sugar House by Laura Lippman

Tess Monaghan series - book 5

Glue-sniffing teen Henry Dembrow goes to prison after confessing to killing a young Jane Doe found with a small rubber hose tied in a bow around her neck. A month later he, too, is dead. Coincidence? Ruthie Dembrow, Henry's sister, has her doubts and asks former Baltimore reporter Tess Monaghan, to investigate. Tess agrees only because her father, Patrick, says he owes Ruthie one. Going over the facts of the crime, Tess realizes that she needs to identify the victim and to learn how the victim came to know her alleged killer.

Another great installment of Tess series and it is fun to learn more about Tess's father and background. We see more development of Tess and her boyfriend Crow's relationship.

When the Sandpiper Calls : a cozy mystery by Peggy Darty

Christy Castleman is the local "mystery lady" of Summer Breeze, a town on the Florida Panhandle. Her first mystery novel is a success, and now Christy faces a looming deadline for her second, which keeps her at her computer at all hours. Then she discovers an antique green bottle on the beach with a note: "Call the police. Someone is trying to kill me." Is this a joke? Or is something more sinister going on in Summer Breeze? And what's happened to aggressive realtor Marty McAllister, who has suddenly disappeared from the town? A real murder mystery is brewing right in Summer Breeze, and Christy is in the thick of it.

When a homeless man and then another resident who had protested the realtor's aggressive development on his island are arrested, Christy worries that the real murderer is still on the loose. A further development in the case comes when a jewelry heist in New York back in the 1980s is tied into the murder. The ending is unexpected a bit more violent than I anticipated for a cozy mystery.

Christy has a loving extended family, ranging from her benevolent pastor father to a kid brother who is off in Australia trying to "find himself." One of the most enjoyable characters is Jack, a fisherman and at one time her future father-in-law, with whom Christy maintains a delightful relationship. Christy's almost-too-good-to-be-believed Granny provides respite in the form of country cooking, deep faith, sage advice, and her own wisdom about the murder. Her Granny is hoping Christy will find romance, and it isn't long before Christy meets the handsome war hero Major Dan Brockman, who seems intent on sweeping her off her feet. However, Christy's heart is still aching from a tragic love affair in the past, and she's unsure if she's ready for another man in her life. The Sassy Snowbirds, a fun group of "red hat" women over 50, are Christy's biggest supporters and add color and a bit of help with figuring out some clues. One of the most realistic parts of the book is her relationship with her mother, which shows the emotional complexity between them, while loving, are always marked by a bit of tension. So I enjoyed the variety of characters the author brought to life.

Breaking Cover by J.D. Rhoades

Story unfolds with a newspaper story of two young boys who have been kidnapped from a rural North Carolina town. Tony Wolf lives a reclusive life, but has gotten noticed nevertheless for being such a mysteryman. While driving home from doing errands he spots a white van and sees a terrified young face screaming out the window. He follows the van and discovers the kidnapped boys. He is torn between doing nothing and doing everything. He takes the kidnapper out and calls 911 leaving the boys behind to be rescued by the local cops. But too many questions are left unanswered. He is recognized on a surveillance tape from the local gas station, and suddenly the FBI is very interested. His cover is blown.

Undercover FBI agent Tony Wolf had infiltrated a meth-dealing biker gang until his cover was blown; since then, he's been living under an assumed name outside Pine Lake, N.C. Not even his wife or his employers know where he is. Wolf was believed dead after his cover was blown 4 years ago. When a local reporter comes to his house he knows it is just a matter of time before his enemies come knocking. Now his location is known and he is on the run. To those who have been watching and waiting for him to reappear—drug-crazed bikers thirsty for vengeance, FBI agents hoping to either rescue or silence him and an aggressive local reporter. Wolf proves to be the sort who, once cornered, is far more deadly than his pursuers could have imagined.

While this book had some very violent sections, so I had to skim read those parts, it was a very exciting read. The characters are believable and engaging. It leaves you wanting to know more. I have not read this author before but am curious now to what his previous books are like.

Visions in Death by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)

Set in the year is 2059, NCY Detective, Eve Dallas is called to Central Park to investigate the murder of Elisa Maplewood. Arriving in an expensive gown and heels, Dallas has to balance her private socail life with her life as a police detective. But death is not neat and tidy and Dallas cannot forget that. The killer had gone to great lengths and taken unnecessary risks in order to stage the scene...the victim was displayed on the rocks near the lake, herhands posed as if in prayer, with a single red ribbon around her neck. Upon closer examination, Dallas discovers the most alarming, as well as, the most telling clue, the eyes had been removed with surgical precision.

When Celina Sanchez, a licensed, registered psychic offers to help with the investigation by sharing her disturbingand surprisingly accurate visions, Dallas is less than receptive to the idea. However, after an extensive background checkand some cajoling, Dallas and Peabody pay Celina a visit at her home. Despite following up on all leads, exhaustive searches and Celina's visions, more bodies were discovered with the killer's grotesque signature.

It doesn't take long for Dallas to determine that the killer hates women and is fascinated by his own strength and domination over women. So she agrees to an interview with the press, reporter NadineFurst, in order to bring the killer out into the open. While Dallas was right about his reaction, she miscalculated the target of his rage. She had anticipated, as the lead investigator, the killer would come after her, instead her partner, Detective Peabody was viciously and mercilessly attacked.

During the hunt for this psychopath, she is forced to deal with abuse issues from her childhood that she has spent a life-time trying to bury. Dallas finally tells Peabody about her past and her battle with demons that she fights every day. It is always interesting to see how Dallas will handle her personal life and friendships. Interesting twist at the end that made the storyline more believeable.

China Lake : an Evan Delaney novel
by Meg Gardiner

The story begins with a religious cult jeering at an AIDS funeral in Santa Barbara, California attended by Evan Delaney. When Peter Wyoming and The Remnant start spewing their hatred the better angels of her nature require her to get in this guy's face. She assumes he is just a bigot, but Evan under estimates this guy, and quickly discovers that Tabitha, her sister-in-law, is a member of The Remnant. Tabitha is still married to Brian, Evan's brother, but she left several months ago and it has been Evan who ended up raising their six-year-old son Luke while Brian was away on carrier duty. Evan's immediate fear is that Tabitha will want Luke back, and she is determined to protect the boy. Fortunately as a Navy brat, a lawyer, and the author of a science fiction novel "Lithium Sunset" featuring the heroine Rowan (the novel is apparently quite popular in high desert cowboy bars), Evan has resources to go alone with her stubbornness and intelligence.

This is a very fast-paced story but I have to say I rolled my eyes a lot. Every situation just seemed so contrived to me and I felt annoyed by it. Even the start of the story with the funeral being picked by this religious group who just happens to have a member who is married to her brother. Of course we find out much more personal stuff is really going on. Plus both Evan and her brother, Brian, are ready to just do whatever they want without thinking of any kinds of consequences. Personally I don't think if the police pulled me over that I would do any of the stuff that happens but that is just me.

Interesting enough the author lives in London but grew up on Southern California. I might read more but I need some distance between myself before I try again.

Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan

Set on the last day of business of a Connecticut Red Lobster, we see the story from the manager, Manny DeLeon's point of view. He is a conscientious, committed restaurant manager any national chain would want to keep. Instead, corporate has notified Manny that his—and Manny does think of the restaurant as his—New Britain, Conn., location is not meeting expectations and will close December 20. On top of that, he'll be assigned to a nearby Olive Garden and downgraded to assistant manager.

It's a loss he tries to rationalize much as he does the loss of Jacquie, a waitress and the former not-so-secret lover he suspects means more to him than his girlfriend Deena, who is pregnant with his child. On this last night, Manny is committed to a dream of perfection, but no one and nothing seems to share his vision: a blizzard batters the area, customers are sparse, employees don't show up and Manny has a tough time finding a Christmas gift for Deena. Lunch gives way to dinner with hardly anyone stopping to eat, but Manny refuses to close early or give up hope.

This short book is really packed with great dialog and descriptions of people who work and eat at the Lobster. I read this for my bookclub and we had our discussion at a Red Lobster. You really see a small part of the working class America.

The Young Widow by Cassandra Chan

Phillip Bethancourt and Jack Gibbons Mysteries

Jack Gibbons, an ambitious Scotland Yard detective sergeant, investigates the fatal poisoning of successful businessman Geoffrey Berowne, aided by his best friend from university days, Phillip Bethancourt, who's a wealthy man-about-town with a nose for crime. The chief suspect is Berowne's attractive wife, Annette, whose previous two husbands, both much older than she, also died under odd circumstances. When Gibbons rather predictably starts falling for Annette, he seeks another solution to the murder, despite everything pointing to the young widow as the killer.

A cross between Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christy set in modern day but it had that kind of feel. It was a lot more complicated that I thought it would be but I did enjoy it. I'm looking forward to another endeavour to see how this duo works out.