We got a PUPPY!

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I, Beck, the owner of this blog got a new puppy for the family. This past Januray we lost our 14 1/2 year old dog. We were so sure that we were not getting another dog until later in life. It was such a tough experiance watching him suffer until we had to make the decision to put him down, which is an even harder decision. In the past 2 years we have lost 3 pets that were all older, 2 cats and the dog. Its hard to lose them and then open you heart to wanting another knowing that you will once again fall in love and one day be faced with losing them again.

Well, March 2nd was my birthday and a friend on facebook was fostering 7 puppies. I had been watching them for a few weeks as she posted pictures. Finally, my husband said, "lets go see them and see if one fits us." We went with an open heart and mind that we may or may not choose one. We had two dogs we fell in love with. Yes, 2! I had to visit them again and then we finally made a decision on which one was right for our family. She came home this past Friday and tomorrow will be a week. We have loved every moment, but wow does she keep us busy. There has not been much time to read. However, I am currently reading a VERY good book. Tyler, and wow is it quite an awesome read. Monday I will have a guest post from this author and having a giveaway for two lucky winners so please check back!

I hope to be back on a regular blogging schedule and reading schedule soon. Until then, I have this adorable puppy to keep me busy running around.

Lessons From Stanley The Cat: Nine Lives of Everyday Wisdom

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Publication Date: October 5th 2010
Genre: Humor/ Wisdom
My Rating:


This is a very cute little book for any cat lover. The book is put into four sections: You and Yourself, You and Others, Love and Lust, and Healthy Habits. On almost ever page your given a cute illustration of Stanley the cat, a quote from the cat and an explanations from the author.  Many will make you smile. This book will lift your spirits. I think it makes a great coffee table book for visitors to look at when they come, a bathroom read (hey sometimes we need a quick read in there), and one to pass around to friends who are also cat lovers. This book is the right length. It isn't too short to leave you wanting more, and not to long to where you think, come on Stanley, enough!

Pick this book up today if you see it. You won't regret it. I am going to leave you with a few of Stanley the cat quotes:

Seduction is just the practice of artful stretching.

When you stop to reflect, make sure you are situated in just the right light.

When you do not feel beautiful, do not look in the mirror. Look into the eyes of people or creatures that love you. Everything else is temporary and matters very little.

**This book was provided to me by the publishers in return for my honest review.**

Giveaway (Int'l) E-book: Encrypted by Lindsay Buroker

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Earlier this week I posted my review for this book HERE. Now, its time to let one lucky reader of mine win an E-book copy of this book! This is open to everyone, so where ever you live, you are welcome to enter. The winner will be announced on March 25th. Just fill out the form below for you chance to win!

Summary:  Professor Tikaya Komitopis isn't a great beauty, a fearless warrior, or even someone who can walk and chew chicle at the same time, but her cryptography skills earn her wartime notoriety. When enemy marines show up at her family's plantation, she expects the worst. But they're not there to kill her. They need her to decode mysterious runes, and they ask for help in the manner typical of a conquering empire: they kidnap her, threaten her family, and throw her in the brig of their fastest steamship.Her only ally is a fellow prisoner who charms her with a passion for academics as great as her own. Together, they must decipher mind-altering alchemical artifacts, deadly poison rockets, and malevolent technological constructs, all while dodging assassination attempts from a rival power determined the expedition should fail. As if Tikaya didn't have troubles enough, her new ally turns out to be exiled fleet admiral, Federias Starcrest, the man who recommended taking over her nation. To trust him could be a mistake; to fall in love with him would be a betrayal to her people, her family, and the fiancé she lost in the war. Those runes cloak more than mysteries, however, and he may be the only one who can help her unravel them before their secrets destroy the world

My Feature from March Madness

Yes, I am so out of touch with the blogging world. So much has been going on that reading and blogging has been put on the back burner for the time being. My usual 3-4 books a week has been about 1 book a week. I am starting to find a balance and realizing how much I need my reading. It really helps keep my stress level down!

So, on another note, my blog was featured on on Ashley March's website on my birthday, March 2nd and I am feeling horrible that I am just posting about this. So, I would love if you went over to visit my guest post and check out all the other great guest posts she has had this month as she celebrates historical romance on her blog.

Click HERE.

Thank you to my readers for being patient with me. :)

Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

Publication Date: November 1st 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Kowalski Book 2
My Rating:


Book Blurb: Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn’t gone so badly...

Beth’s tending bar at a wedding when she comes face-to-face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she’d see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can’t say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.

Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he’s not the player she thinks he is. But she’s not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it’s going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child.

My Thoughts: This was a sweet romance. I sat down with this story and enjoyed the ride the whole way through. Beth is a well relatable character to any woman is has a independent bone in them. Beth may be pregnant with Kevin's baby but that doesn't mean she has to be with him. She can raise this baby on her own and she doesn't need the help from his family. Kevin however has other ideas. He loves her from the beginning and it drives him crazy he can't get her to lean on him. The chemistry in this book is flying off the pages and you just want to throw the two in a room and lock the door so they can't get out.

If your looking for a sweet and romantic book that sizzles just a little, this is the right book for you. There is also another side story in this book which makes it nice when there are two love stories in one.

Encrypted By Lindsay Buroker

Publication Date: January 12, 2011
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Format I Read: E-book
My Rating:



Book Blurb:  Professor Tikaya Komitopis isn't a great beauty, a fearless warrior, or even someone who can walk and chew chicle at the same time, but her cryptography skills earn her wartime notoriety. When enemy marines show up at her family's plantation, she expects the worst. But they're not there to kill her. They need her to decode mysterious runes, and they ask for help in the manner typical of a conquering empire: they kidnap her, threaten her family, and throw her in the brig of their fastest steamship.
Her only ally is a fellow prisoner who charms her with a passion for academics as great as her own. Together, they must decipher mind-altering alchemical artifacts, deadly poison rockets, and malevolent technological constructs, all while dodging assassination attempts from a rival power determined the expedition should fail. As if Tikaya didn't have troubles enough, her new ally turns out to be exiled fleet admiral, Federias Starcrest, the man who recommended taking over her nation. To trust him could be a mistake; to fall in love with him would be a betrayal to her people, her family, and the fiancé she lost in the war. Those runes cloak more than mysteries, however, and he may be the only one who can help her unravel them before their secrets destroy the world


My thoughts:  This book was quite unlike anything I had read. I don't normally dive into the world of fantasy, but this book caught my attention. I am very glad I took the time to read this one. Tikaya was a very likable character. The author weaves a story together with so much going on (pirates, technology, mathematics) that there is never a dull moment. Twists and turns are thrown in and often you are left spinning wondering what is coming next. Its a tough book to put down. This is one that will have something for anyone in it. No reader will be left unsatisfied. The authors writing was very easy to read and follow. The world that she built in this book was easy to follow, even for someone like me who is usually a contemporary romance reader where there really isn't anything to figure out except when person A and B are going to figure out they love one another.

If your in the market for something different, give this book a try. You won't be sorry. What is even better is that if you come back by Beck's Book Picks this Friday, I will be offering this book as a giveaway! So be sure to come back. I know this blog has been a little slow lately, but I am still here reading and starting to get back into the blogging mood.




**I read this book as part of the Book Lovin' Bitches E-book tours.**

Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris

Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Genre: General Fiction/ Romance
Format I Read: Paperback/Tradeback
My Rating:


Book Blurb: Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief exchange--cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty--but Liz can't forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.

Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.

My Thoughts: This is a wonderfully written book that will take you for a ride through the early 1940's. You go back to a simpler time where women were just starting to get comfortable with who they were. Women still needed husbands and approval from their family. Dating was very simple in this time. Little kisses were generally stolen and left a blush between the two. This made the story very sweet and a nice change. Kristina really weaves several stories all into one book. There is heartbreak and love all in this book. We get to know three women in this book as they are emerging into womanhood; Liz, Julia, and Betty. Betty I think would fit in wonderful with women now a days! She had that spunk about her and I would like to think if Betty was real she was one who led woman right acts. We also meet several men who are serving the country. This is where the letters play a part. Liz write to Morgan whom she met and feels a connection too, even though she is engaged to another gentleman. She however thinks he would rather have her room mate Betty, so she pretends the letters are from Betty. Betty has taken off to serve the country and has no idea about the exchanging of letters that is taking place. Julia's fiancee is also in the war, however she is feeling a connection with his brother.

You will genuinely enjoy this story. It will be one you will want on your bookshelf and to pass among friends until everyone you know has read it.




**This book was provided to me by the publishers in return for my honest review.**