Fantasy in Death

I was thrilled to learn a new J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) In Death title was due out today; Fantasy in Death is the 30th novel in the series! I remember doing inventory in a store in West Virginia, bored and desparate for something to read I found Naked in Death in the mall's Walden Books (now Borders) store. The next day, I was back for another in the series and I have each of them in my personal collection.



An excerpt of Fantasy in Death is available on Nora's web site. I got my copy after work today ...

Recreational reads ....

There are three new titles in my recreational reading table this weekend. New releases from favorite authors and one unexpected collaborative project that was worth the purchase. Here they are:

• Silent Thunder, by Iris and Roy Johansen
  
  "It was the assignment of a lifetime. . . . Brilliant marine architect Hannah Bryson has been given the job of a lifetime. A U.S. maritime museum has just acquired the decommissioned Soviet submarine Silent Thunder for public exhibition. It’s Hannah’s job to make sure that every single inch of the legendary nuclear attack sub is safe for the thousands of visitors anticipated. Enlisting the aid of her brother, Connor, they examine the enormous vessel and delve into its long---and lethal---history." - Amazon product description
• Tribute, by Nora Roberts
  "Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a long way from Hollywood. And that’s exactly how Cilla McGowan wants it. Cilla, a former child star who has found more satisfying work as a restorer of old houses, has come to her grandmother’s farmhouse, tools at her side, to rescue it from ruin. Sadly, no one was able to save her grandmother, the legendary Janet Hardy. An actress with a tumultuous life, Janet entertained glamorous guests and engaged in decadent affairs—but died of an overdose in this very house more than thirty years earlier. To this day, Janet haunts Cilla’s dreams. And during waking hours, Cilla is haunted by her melodramatic, five-times-married mother, who carried on in the public spotlight and never gave her a chance at a normal childhood. By coming east, rolling up her sleeves, and rehabbing this wreck of a house, Cilla intends to find some kind of normalcy for herself." - Amazon product description
  
• Death Angel, by Linda Howard
  "In Linda Howard’s gifted hands, second chances, unexpected romance, and unrelenting action combine into a riveting new novel of suspense. In Death Angel, bad girls can wake up and trust their hearts, bad guys can fight for what’s right . . . and dying just might be the only way to change one’s life." Amazon product description
  

I finished Silent Thunder last night, more on that later, and will start Nora Robert's Tribute after Design Star (a disappointment this season). Summer reading is in full swing!

New Nora: The Hollow

A quick stop at Drug Mart this afternoon reaped rewards far beyond a sale bag of Hershey's Bliss (milk chocolate with a melt-away center) as my inevitable stroll down the book aisle revealed Nora Roberts most recent entry in her Sign of Seven Trilogy, The Hollow. The second book in the series, it is Fox and Layla's story; check out an excerpt for The Hollow on Nora's web site.

"For Fox, Caleb, Gage and the other residents of Hawkins Hollow, the number seven portends doom—ever since, as boys, they freed a demon trapped for centuries when their blood spilled upon The Pagan Stone…

Their innocent bonding ritual led to seven days of madness, every seven years. And now, as the dreaded seventh month looms before them, the men can feel the storm brewing. Already they are plagued by visions of death and destruction. But this year, they are better prepared, joined in their battle by three women who have come to The Hollow. Layla, Quinn, and Cybil are somehow connected to the demon, just as the men are connected to the force that trapped it.

Since that day at The Pagan Stone, town lawyer Fox has been able to see into others’ minds, a talent he shares with Layla. He must earn her trust, because their link will help fight the darkness that threatens to engulf the town. But Layla is having trouble coming to terms with her newfound ability—and this intimate connection to Fox. She knows that once she opens her mind, she’ll have no defenses against the desire that threatens to consume them both…" -- 5/7/08, The Hollow, Website for Nora Roberts

I am looking forward to an evening of relaxation and milk chocolate tidbits. I'll have to finish some laundry along the way, but that will not interfere with my enjoyment. More later ...

Lunchtime: Nora News

It's lunch time, I just now finished reading Nora News, and am happy to report November is a good month for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb Fans:

• New J.D. Robb Web site
• Creation in Death excerpt
• Creation in Death due in stores 11/6
• Dead of Night anthology, in stores now!
• Sign of 7 Trilogy in stores 11/27
• Sign of 7 Trilogy excerpt

What fun!

Tags: Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Creation in Death, "In Death" series

High Noon

High Noon, by Nora Roberts introduces Phoebe McNamara, a lieutenant with Savannah PD, specializing in hostage negotiations and Duncan Swift, an entrepreneur, and self-made millionaire with business interests throughout the city. They meet during a hostage situation at one of Duncan’s building’s; Phoebe is talking down a potential jumper, a recently fired employee and inevitable attraction sparks. Phoebe is the glue holding her family, a precocious seven-year-old daughter and agoraphobic mother, together after a traumatic incident during her youth. Duncan is charming, patient, and determined to win Phoebe’s affections. When Phoebe is attacked by a co-worker, Duncan’s understanding and support lays a firm foundation for their relationship, forming an unwavering bond the two will need when a shadow from Phoebe’s past begins taunting her. Attacks begin slowly with dead animals and subversive messages, but soon escalate to murder and the ultimate hostage situation. An intriguing mystery, well-developed characters, and a charismatic (and hot) romance make High Noon one of Roberts’ best books to date.

With some books it takes time to become involved, while with others it takes only a paragraph or two to before being firmly entrenched and invested in the characters. High Noon falls into the latter category providing a richly woven tale of two protagonists, Phoebe and Duncan, and a supporting cast that while interesting and fully developed, never overshadows the main characters. Several reviews commented on the similarities between High Noon and the J.D. Robb In Death Series. I agree there is a surface likeness, Phoebe and Eve are both police lieutenants and Duncan and Roarke are charming and rich, but this book definitely stands on it’s own merits. An unabashed fan of Roberts work, I would read the proverbial cereal box if she wrote it, High Noon brings to mind one of my all-time favorites, Hidden Riches (Jed and Dora are classics). Even with my books to read pile overflowing, I am ready to indulge with this book a second time.

For more information about High Noon:

• Nora Robert's website
• Excerpt from book

Tags: Nora Roberts, High Noon, Recreational reading, Romantic suspense

More, more, more

I just realized I read the release date incorrectly for the newest Nora Roberts novel, High Noon. Instead of June 10th, it will be on sale July 10th. Naturally that explains why I have been unable to find it in any of the local stores (all together now, du-uh). Of course that did not stop me from picking up two paperbacks this afternoon:

• Lori Foster - Simon Says
• Sandra Hill - Pearl Jinx

And for those who are interested, here is information from Nora's web site about a new trilogy, an excerpt from High Noon, and a new J.D. Robb title, Creation in Death, due out in November. Really, when does the woman sleep?

• High Noon excerpt (pdf)
• Sign of 7 trilogy
• Creation in Death
  

I think I'll go start a new book. Plenty to choose from ...


Tags: Recreational Reading, Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Contemporary romance novels, Chick Lit, Lori Foster, Sandra Hill

Innocent in Death

It is hard to believe this series has been in print since 1995. I remember stumbling across the first, Naked in Death, while on a store set up in Charleston, West Virginia. Desperate for a new book to read I was excited to find a new paperback by a favorite author (recent editions of the series have been published in hardback first). It did not take me long to become enthralled with the idea of a series; being able to follow these characters into subsequent books is a rare treat. Something, it seems, that Ms. Robb was aware of her readers wanting:

"One of the things I wanted to do was develop those characters over many books rather than tying it all up in one,” she says. “I wanted to explore these people and peel the layers off book by book. Eve and Roarke have given me the opportunity to explore a marriage, as well. Each book resolved the particular crime or mystery that drives it, but the character development, the growth and the changes, the tone of the relationships go more slowly. I'm enjoying that tremendously." (Nora Roberts, Meet J.D. Robb)

Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb, latest installment of her futuristic in-death series is Innocent in Death. Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody are called to a prestigious private school, Sarah Child, when a teacher is found dead in his classroom. The victim is a new teacher, recently married, and a favorite with faculty and students alike. His death is ruled a homicide, ricin poisoning in his hot chocolate, and Dallas and Peabody investigate. As the case progresses a second teacher, their prime suspect, is murdered in the school natatorium. Eve's murder board presents a suspect, but it is one so distasteful no one wants to believe. Her objectivity is questioned and the probable killer's identity causes disbelief among her superiors.

From Mavis and Summerset to Dr. Mira and Commander Whtiney, fans of the series will recognize the well developed cast of characters. But it is Eve's husband Roarke, and the undercurrents of marital discord, that bring a certain richness to this particular installment. An old girlfriend, in itself nothing new, arrives on scene. Roarke is blinded to the nature of his former paramour and the basic foundations of their marriage are tested. Vital and complex characters intersperced with a solid police mystery make Innocent in Death a strong entry to the continuing In Death series not to be missed.

Throughtout the series I found myself liking some books more than others; and while I very much enjoy the growing relationships between returning cast of characters it has seemed to me Eve and Roarke's marital issues often are portrayed as Eve's "fault." Marriage is a partnership and these characters, who are a complicated, enjoyable, mess, needed to be more rounded in that regard. Having Roarke be the one with blinders and Summerset becoming an unlikey source of comfort to Eve, went a long way to enriching the story. The policy mystery element of each story has been solid, but I faithfully follow the characters.

Tags: Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Innocent in Death, Fiction, Recreational reading

Haphazard brain flashes

Welcome to Friday afternoon! A word of caution ... there really is no rhyme, reason, or cohesiveness to this post. I am a bit brain dead and the thoughts are flitting about looking for somewhere to land.

After listing to Bon Jovi's Have a Nice Day CD in the car I continue to hear echo's of Welcome to Wherever You Are in my head, hence the beginning of this post. A country music afficianado, I continue to have a Bon Jovi soft spot from my youth and there are several great tunes on this CD; including the duet with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Who Says You Can't Go Home . Also in the CD player today was a favorite, Brooks & Dunn's latest, Hillbilly Deluxe (get this CD!).

I have just returned from a meeting in Columbus and, as usual, ponder how it takes 1/2 hour less returning from Columbus than it takes to get there in the morning. The meeting was informative and the gossip intersperced entertaining; best of all was the chat accompanying my ceasar chicken sandwhich at Wolfgang Puck Express (Lane Avenue, near the OSU campus).

This evening I plan to curl up on my sofa, covered with a lovely green throw, and read Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts. I admit reading the blurbs about this one causing me some reader angst:

"Eve knows all too well that innocence can be a facade. Keeping that in mind may help her to solve this case at last. But it may also tear apart her marriage." (Jacket flap, Innocent in Death)

What! I am an end of the book reader, though not usually with authors I trust to end the book in way that makes me a happy girl, I opened the book to the last few pages to satisfy my curiosity. Naturally I could not let things go at that and hunted through the book for other key points. I am now able to read the book this evening with a secure heart. I will babble gleefully about this book after finishing it, at least once.

After spending yesterday working with changing over a collaborative library blog to the "new" blogger, I started looking at the way I'm using LibraryThing here for my recreational reading books. It did not take me long to enter in close to the 200 minimum titles for a free account, but now I have no room for recent reads. I have a complete list of my library somewhere. What I focus on here are current titles, both recreational and work related, I am considering deleting my existing library and adding in books as I read them. Naturally, I will also have to change the widget (I can not leave well enough alone) and fiddle with the blog side bar again.

Earlier this week I answered a call for articles for a new book being published about libraries. I sent in two ideas that were of interest to me and Thursday received an email welcoming the submissions for consideration. Now I have to write.

Tags: Recreational Reading, Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Innocent in Death, Country music

Books or movies?

I love Nora Roberts and have been reading her books for close to 20 years. The first book I read was a Silhouette novel, part of her Irish Hearts series, Irish Rose (1988). I followed with glee and anticipation when she moved into lengthier novels such as Sacred Sins (1987) and Brazen Virtues (1988). And when she began writing futuristic novels as J.D. Robb with Naked in Death (1995), I had another favorite. Quite simply, in my humble opinion, Nora is a gifted storyteller.

Well written books, especially ones with strong characters, may make great movies. I am a big fan of various popular culture flicks such as Harry Potter and the Pelican Brief. Who can argue with the classics Gone with the Wind, The Color Purple, or even to some extent Ordinary People? Some books are made into TV mini-series with success; case in point, Roots, North and South, and The Thornbirds. I do, however, have reservations concerning books being made into TV movies. Condensing a well crafted 300+ page novel into a two hour TV movie, not counting time for commercials, is a daunting task not often done well.

It was with some trepidation I began following Lifetime television's promotions of four Nora Roberts books being made into TV movies. After CBS's disappointing treatment of Sanctuary several years ago, I turned on the television last evening to watch Angels Fall with skepticism. The cast was talented, the cinematography and location beautiful, and the story was cohesive. It was not a bad movie, but I could not stop myself from comparisons with the book. In my estimation, the movie fell short. Three more of Nora's novels, Blue Smoke, Montana Sky, and Carolina Moon, will be shown on Lifetime in the upcoming weeks. Time will tell.

Book alert! Nora has an excerpt from her upcoming J.D. Robb release, Innocent in Death, on her website. It's publication date is February 20th. I've printed it out and will be reading the first chapter at lunch today.

Tags: Nora Roberts, Lifetime movies, Angel Falls, Books & TV movies

Trilogies, a perfect set of three?

Having recently completed the final book in Nora Robert's newest trilogy, The Circle Trilogy, I found myself going back through some of her other trilogy/series. Most of are paperbacks; some with her current publisher Jove, and the older ones were Harlequin and/or Silhouette. Were I'm concerned, Nora Roberts could put her name on a cereal box and I'd buy it to read, same with Jayne Ann Krentz (or any of her other names) and Jennifer Crusie. Though the latter does not "do" trilogies, I did just buy her newest novella Hot Toy in a Christmas anthology Santa Baby. Anyway, after I finish a trilogy by a particular author I find myself compelled to go back through and read my favorite titles contained other trilogies they have published. I've noticed recently that most often, though not always, the book I am drawn to is the middle of the series. Consider these Nora Roberts titles:

• The Circle Trilogy
  Morrigan's Cross (2006), Dance of the Gods (2006), Valley of Silence (2006)
• In The Garden Trilogy
  Blue Dahlia (2004), Black Rose (2005), Red Lily (2005)
• Key Trilogy
  Key of Light (2003), Key of Knowledge (2003) , Key of Valor (2004)
• Three Sisters Trilogy
  Dance Upon the Air (2001), Heaven and Earth (2001), Face the Fire (2002)
• The Irish Trilogy
  Jewels of the Sun(1999), Tears of the Moon (2000), and Heart of the Sea (2000)
• Dream Trilogy
  Daring to Dream (1996), Holding the Dream (1997), Finding the Dream (1997)
• The Stars of Mithra
  Hidden Star ( 1997), Captive Star (1997), Secret Star ( 1998)
• The Concannon Sisters
  Born in Fire (1994), Born in Ice (1995), Born in Shame (1996)

... and these Jayne Ann Krentz titles:

• Eclipse Bay
  Eclipse Bay (2001), Dawn in Eclipse Bay (2001), Summer in Eclipse Bay (2002)
• The Curtain
  Amaryllis (1996), Zinnia (1997), Orchid (1998)

There are obviously more linked books than these, but they are nice sampling of what I mean. So I wonder, what is it about the magic number three? And, why do I usually like the middle book in the series. Keep in mind I am not an author and have no training either in the craft or as a reviewer of this genre of book. But it is my theory nonetheless. Here goes; I think the first book is "burdened" by setting up all three titles as well as having it's own story; the last book has to wrap everything up and stand alone; and this leaves the middle book free of obligations to do anything but tell a story. Obviously the theory is not without its flaws, in some instances I liked the first or last title best. And I haven't even touched on the magic of three within a single title like in The Three Fates or Montanna Sky. Regardless, I will be finishing Key of Valor this evening for the fifth or sixth time and will be saving my new Crusie for the weekend.

As long as these talented ladies keep writing, I'm a happy camper.

(Sigh, should it take four times for a post to publish? I think not!)

Tags: Romance novel trilogies, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, Romance novels, Romantic fiction, Great reads!

Ooooh, oooh, I'm a happy girl

It's a good day. I have my very own copy of the newest J.D. Robb, aka Nora Robert's, book Born in Death (which I will savor regardless of the lackluster review by Publishers Weekly posted on Amazon), my very own copy of the new Sugarland CD, Enjoy the Ride, and a small bag of Ghiradelli caramel filled chocolate squares.

The chocolate is fleeting, but was a tasty snack while watching Dancing with the Stars.

Waiting, reading & workshops

I'm waiting for a reading class to finish, they are in the library doing language arts textbook evaluations because I have finally convinced faculty it's easier to drag the kids to the books than drag the books to the kids, and doing some computer updates up before heading out to a pre-conference marketing workshop. (pause) Now that everyone has left, in addition to reshelving the curriculum books I had to drag chairs back to their homes and reset tables. While doing so, I'm reminded of a book I read some time ago, All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned In Kindergarten, by Robert Fulgham. I have the book at home somewhere and can not quote specifics, but I know for sure one of the things was "put things back where you found them."

It brought to mind a post I read yesterday on Read Roger, Ten Rules to Live By. He discussed "The Rights of the Reader" by Daniel Pennac andpointed readers to a downloadable PDF poster of these rights illustrated by Quentin Blake. Last night I picked up the third book of the new Nora Roberts trilogy, Valley of Silence, and used rule #2, the right to skip. Why? As many readers, I get invested with characters in a trilogy and want to know what happens. I am secure in the knowledge that Nora will provide either a happy ending or an ending to make me happy. This particular trilogy has a main character who is a vampire (not a fan of that), so I wanted to make sure his "after" was what I wanted for him. Note, I didn't say what might be right for the character, but what I wanted for the character. While not being a fan of the increasing vampire genre in romance fiction, Nora Roberts is a wonderful storyteller who draws me in regardless. Luckily, in this instance they ended up being one in the same. I was 95% sure they would be since the foreshadowing and the storyteller were indicating as much, but I didn't want to be disappointed.

No, reading the end of the book does not ruin the book. No matter how it ends, the journey to get there will be quality and I'll finish. That is unless, of course, I am looking at Pennac's rule #3, "The right not to finish a book." I have pretty much broken myself of the habit, but sometimes I just have to peek. As to Valley of Silence, Nora still has to finish off the bad guys, let good triumph over evil (yes!), and bring the story full circle. Something to look forward to later this evening.

Only another week until Born in Death hits the shelves. After reading the excerpt from Nora's web site, I'm chomping at the bit to have it in my hot little hands. I just finished re-reading Memories in Death for the umpteenth time and am more than ready for more of Eve and Roarke's story.

Tags: Valley of Silence, Nora Roberts, Born in Death, JD Robb, Read Roger