tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28909822750550242342024-02-08T05:48:34.342-05:00Cynthia's BookshelfCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-485734308329560962024-01-29T19:22:00.001-05:002024-01-29T19:22:23.263-05:00Books read in 2024<p> 1. The Love Plot by Samantha Young (323 pgs)</p>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-1740308389425298082023-01-03T12:12:00.007-05:002023-12-05T22:37:49.673-05:00Books read in 2023<p> 1. One Night on the Island by Josie Silver (346 pgs)</p><p>2. Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler (373 pgs)</p><p>3. Nantucket News by Pamela Kelley (300 pgs) *AB</p><p>4. The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park (344 pgs)</p><p>5. Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice by Harper Lin (246 pgs) *AB</p><p>6. The Naked Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann (396 pgs)</p><p>7. The Lost Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann (378 pgs)</p><p>8. Buried in the Stack by Allison Brook (320 pgs) *AB</p><p>9.. The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller (300 pgs)</p><p>10. Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey (365 pgs)</p><p>11. Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook (320 pgs) *AB</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p># of books: 11</p><p># of pages: 3,688</p>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-60708554255435472232022-01-03T13:49:00.025-05:002022-11-16T18:01:26.177-05:00Books read in 2022<p>1. The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans (300 pgs)</p><p>2. A Nantucket Affair by Pamela Kelley (226 pgs) *AB</p><p>3. 25 Days 'til Christmas by Poppy Alexander (342 pgs)</p><p>4. Bad Cruz by L.J. Shen (342 pgs)</p><p>5. The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones (305 pgs)</p><p>6. Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson (308 pgs)</p><p>7. Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller (278 pgs)</p><p>8. What's Left of Me by Kristen Granata (300 pgs)</p><p>9. Wait for Me by Deborah Garland (317 pgs)</p><p>10. Heartbreak for Hire by Sonia Hartl (309 pgs)</p><p>11. Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller (313 pgs)</p><p>12. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (379 pgs)</p><p>13. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey (353 pgs)</p><p>14. Nantucket Weddings by Pamela Kelley (238 pgs) *AB</p><p>15. Expressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes by Harper Lin (246 pgs) *AB</p><p>16. Inked 8 by Stephanie Brother (302 pgs)</p><p>17. Tempt Me by K.A. Tucker (296 pgs)</p><p>18. Break Me by K.A. Tucker (304 pgs)</p><p>19. Teach Me by K.A. Tucker (296 pgs)</p><p>20. Surrender to Me by K.A. Tucker (304 pgs)</p><p>21. Nantucket Threads by Pamela Kelley (224 pgs) *AB</p><p>22. Double Shots, Donuts, and Dead Guys by Harper Lin (250 pgs) *AB</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p># of Books: 22</p><p># of Pages: 6,532</p>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-15194127496170872122021-01-05T14:49:00.027-05:002021-12-28T18:25:23.755-05:00Books read in 2021<p>1. The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans (251 pgs)</p><p>2. Christmas in London by Anita Hughes (277 pgs)</p><p>3. Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler (402 pgs)</p><p>4. He Saw Me First by M. Johnson (239 pgs)</p><p>5. Asher Black by Parker S. Huntington (307 pgs)</p><p>6. Everything I Can Never Have by M. Johnson (211 pgs)</p><p>7. When the Grits Hit the Fan by Maddie Day (316 pgs)</p><p>8. A Double Dose of Love by Kathleen Fuller (285 pgs)</p><p>9, One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus (372 pgs)</p><p>10. Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien (291 pgs)</p><p>11. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (363 pgs)</p><p>12. Courting Emily by Amy Lillard (483 pgs)</p><p>13. Float Plan by Trish Dollar (254 pgs)</p><p>14. The Nantucket Inn by Pamela Kelley (245 pgs)</p><p>15. Lattes, Ladyfingers, and Lies by Harper Lin (296 pgs) *AB</p><p>16. Lorie's Heart by Amy Lillard (497 pgs)</p><p>17. Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves by Harper Lin (306 pgs) *AB</p><p>18. Logan Likes Mary Anne! The Baby-Sitter's Club Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin & Gale Galligan (176 pgs)</p><p>19. Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks by Harper Lin (278 pgs) *AB</p><p>20. To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne (278 pgs)</p><p>21. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (361 pgs)</p><p>22. The Last Affair by Margot Hunt (329 pgs)</p><p>23. Shipped by Angie Hockman (321 pgs)</p><p>24. Nantucket Neighbors by Pamela Kelley (290 pgs) *AB</p><p>25. Glass Word by Victoria Aveyard (440 pgs)</p><p>26. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams (339 pgs)</p><p>27. King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard (507 pgs)</p><p>28. Falling by T.J. Newman (285 pgs)</p><p>29. Nantucket White Christmas by Pamela Kelley (244 pgs) *AB</p><p>30. War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (657 pgs)</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"># of books: 30<br /># of pages: 9,900</div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-84842474957384804772020-01-09T18:39:00.017-05:002020-12-27T10:20:32.672-05:00Books read in 20201. Read and Gone by Allison Brook (320 pgs) *AB<br />
2. The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell (336 pgs) *AB<br />
3. Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan (384 pgs)<br />
4. Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes (291 pgs)<br />
5. Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys by Harper Lin (312 pgs) *AB<br />
6. The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller (320 pgs) *AB<br />
7. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (320 pgs) *AB<br />
8. The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict (340 pgs)<br />
9. The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle (320 pgs) *AB<br />
10. Destination Wedding by Robyn Neeley (202 pgs) *AB<br />
11. Caroline’s Secret by Amy Lillard (360 pgs)<br />
12. Dawn and the Impossible Three: A Graphix Novel by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan (160 pgs)<br />
13. Holiday Wedding by Robyn Neeley (222 pgs) *AB<br />
14. Death with a Dark Red Rose by Julia Buckley (293 pgs)<br />
15. Kristy’s Big Day: A Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan (160 pgs)<br />
16. An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller (289 pgs)<br />
17. A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller (302 pgs)<br />
18. Falling by Jane Green (400 pgs) *AB<br />
19. Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson (337 pgs)<br />
20. Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan (295 pgs)<br />
21. Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout (504 pgs)<br />
22. White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout (400 pgs)<br />
23. Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout (480 pgs)<br />
24. Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout (384 pgs)<br />
25. Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout (113 pgs)<br />
26. Frankly in Love by David Yoon (406 pgs)<br />
27. Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout (360 pgs)<br />
28. Wait for You by Jennifer L. Armentrout (384 pgs)<br />
29. Trust in Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout (352 pgs)<br />
30. Surprised by Love (An Amish Family Novella) by Kathleen Fuller (77 pgs)<br />
31. Building Trust (An Amish Family Novella) by Kathleen Fuller (71 pgs)<br />
32. Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian (448 pgs)<br />
33. Be with Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout (384 pgs)<br />
34. Beach Read by Emily Henry (357 pgs)<br />
35. Breach of Crust by Ellery Adams (304 pgs) *AB<br />
36. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (528 pgs)<br />
37. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas (407 pgs)<br />
38. Saint by E.M. Snow (360 pgs)<br />
39. Malice by E.M. Snow (291 pgs)<br />
40. Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington (702 pgs)<br />
41. One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus (359 pgs)<br />
42. Pretty Reckless by L.J. Shen (363 pgs)<br />
43. Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian (521 pgs)<br />
44. Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout (504 pgs)<br />
45. Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout (600 pgs)<br />
46. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine (306 pgs)<br />
47. Flipped for Murder by Maddie Day (317 pgs)<br />
48. Broken Knight by L.J. Shen (352 pgs)<br />
49. The Dilemma by B.A. Paris (340 pgs)<br />
50. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (272 pgs) *AB<br />
51. Fight or Flight by Samantha Young (361 pgs)<br />
52. Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn (303 pgs)<div>53. Margaritas, Marzipan, and Murder (288 pgs) *AB</div><div>54. Angry God by L.J. Shen (386 pgs)</div><div>55. Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien (326 pgs)</div><div>56. Vicious by L.J. Shen (340 pgs)</div><div>57. The Last Flight by Julie Clark (302 pgs)</div><div>58. Eden by E.M. Snow (377 pgs)</div><div>59. The Lies that Bind by Emily Giffin (335 pgs)</div><div>60. Ruckus by L.J. Shen (370 pgs)</div><div>61. Scandalous by L.J. Shen (332 pgs)</div><div>62. Grilled for Murder by Maddie Day (315 pgs)</div><div>63. Boy-Crazy Stacey: A Graphix Novel by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan (176 pgs)</div><div>64. Credence by Penelope Douglas (487 pgs)</div><div>65. The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler (390 pgs)</div><div>66. An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Barbara Cameron (433 pgs)</div><div><br /></div><div>
<br />
<br />
# of books: 66<br />
# of pages: 22,748</div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-66884669729935953502019-03-02T22:30:00.002-05:002019-12-21T11:00:22.118-05:00Books read in 20191. As Old as Time by Liz Braswell (484 pgs)<br />
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me? by Mindy Kaling (222 pgs) *AB<br />
3. Stay with Me by J. Lynn (438 pgs)<br />
4. Kitchen Canary by Joanne C. Parsons (153 pgs)<br />
5. Death Overdue by Allison Brook (352 pgs) *AB<br />
6. The Teacher’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller (320 pgs) *AB<br />
7. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris (352 pgs) *AB<br />
8. Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse by Harper Lin (284 pgs) *AB<br />
9. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (384 pgs) *AB<br />
10. One Day in December by Josie Silver (416 pgs) *AB<br />
11. The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willis and Karen White (403 pgs)<br />
12. Fall with Me by J. Lynn (376 pgs)<br />
13. Tempting Fate by Jane Green (352 pgs) *AB<br />
14. Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams (304 pgs) *AB<br />
15. Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley (276 pgs)<br />
16. Forever with You by J. Lynn (370 pgs)<br />
17. Educated by Tara Westover (352 pgs) *AB<br />
18. The Last Resort by Marissa Stapley (361 pgs)<br />
19. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (384 pgs) *AB<br />
20. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella (434 pgs)<br />
21. Peach Pies and Alibis by Ellery Adams (304 pgs) *AB<br />
22. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (352 pgs) *AB<br />
23. Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline (400 pgs) *AB<br />
24. The Farmer’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller (304 pgs) *AB<br />
25. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult (356 pgs)<br />
26. A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller (291 pgs)<br />
27. An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller (287 pgs)<br />
28. A Stranger on the Beach by Michelle Campbell (352 pgs) *AB<br />
29. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella (368 pgs) *AB<br />
30. Pecan Pies and Homicide by Ellery Adams (304 pgs) *AB<br />
31. Shamed by Linda Castillo (304 pgs) *AB<br />
32. A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena (336 pgs) *AB<br />
33. A Dark and Twisting Path by Julia Buckley (273 pgs)<br />
34. The Ticket by Heather Grace Stewart (244 pgs) *AB<br />
35. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary (336 pgs)<br />
36. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han (336 pgs) *AB<br />
37. Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan (448 pgs) *AB<br />
38. The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian (354 pgs)<br />
39. Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams (304 pgs) *AB<br />
40. Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand (272 pgs) *AB<br />
41. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena (320 pgs) *AB<br />
42. A Hand to Hold by Kathleen Fuller (265 pgs)<br />
43. Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand (288 pgs) *AB<br />
44. Death Waits in the Dark by Julia Buckley (283 pgs)<br />
45. Happy Birthday, Samantha! by Valerie Tripp (62 pgs)<br />
46. Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand (256 pgs) *AB<br />
47. Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber (256 pgs) *AB<br />
48. Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand (320 pgs) *AB<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
# of books: 48<br />
# of pages: 15,592Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-50593701848175313172018-04-15T09:32:00.001-04:002018-12-26T12:29:36.386-05:00Books read in 20181. Adrift by Paul Griffin (228 pgs)<br />
2. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen (343pgs)<br />
3. Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict (272 pgs)<br />
4. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (308 pgs)<br />
5. All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin (331pgs)<br />
6. An Amish Summer by Shelley Shepherd Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Irvin (372 pgs)<br />
7. Samantha’s Surprise by Maxine Rose Schur (67 pgs)<br />
8. A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley (273 pgs)<br />
9. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn (427 pgs)<br />
10. The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer (309 pgs)<br />
11. The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond (414 pgs)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
# of books: 11<br />
# of pages: 3,344Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-34087200504998853422017-03-06T19:36:00.001-05:002017-08-04T16:56:00.344-04:00Books read in 20171. The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout (474 pgs)<br />
2. The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen (374 pgs)<br />
3. Wait for You by J. Lynn (360 pgs)<br />
4. Trust in Me by J. Lynn (318 pgs)<br />
5. Be with Me by J. Lynn (376 pgs)<br />
6. Losing It by Cora Carmack (255 pgs)<br />
7. Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty (415 pgs)<br />
8. The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure (364 pgs)<br />
9. Meet Felicity by Valerie Tripp (69 pgs)<br />
10. A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand (404 pgs)<br />
11. Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter (304 pgs)<br />
12. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (458 pgs)<br />
13. Meet Samantha by Susan Adler (61 pgs)<br />
14. Siracusa by Delia Ephron (285 pgs)<br />
15. Samantha Learns A Lesson by Susan Adler (61 pgs)<br />
16. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (383 pgs)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
# of books: 16<br />
# of pages: 4,988Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-42060101464694663502016-01-06T06:19:00.000-05:002016-11-20T09:17:54.353-05:00Books read in 20161. <b>Naomi's</b> <b>Christmas</b> by Marta Perry (333 pigs)<br />
2. <b>A Reluctant Bride </b>by Kathleen Fuller (297 pgs)<br />
3. <b>Winter's Awakening </b>by<b> </b>Shelley Shepard Gray (274 pgs)<br />
4. <b>Peace </b>by Shelley Shepard Gray (229 pgs)<br />
5. <b>A Son's Vow </b>by Shelley Shepard Gray (262 pgs)<br />
6. <b>The Husband's Secret </b>by Liane Moriarty (394 pgs)<br />
7. <b>Salt to the Sea </b>by Ruta Sepetys (391 pgs)<br />
8. <b>Room</b> by Emma Donoghue (321 pgs)<br />
9. <b>My Life Next Door </b>by Huntley Fitzpatrick (394 pgs)<br />
10. <b>Saint Anything </b>by Sarah Dessen (417 pgs)<br />
11. <b>The Boy Most Likely To </b>by Huntley Fitzpatrick (425 pgs)<br />
12. <b>A Daughter's Dream </b>by Shelley Shepard Gray (238 pgs)<br />
13. <b>What I Thought Was True </b>by Huntley Fitzpatrick (407 pgs)<br />
14. <b>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child </b>by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne (308 pgs)<br />
15. <b>Trapped </b>by Michael Northrop (232 pgs)<br />
16. <b>A Sister's Wish </b>by Shelley Shepard Gray (243 pgs)<br />
17. <b>The Woman in Cabin 10 </b>by Ruth Ware (340 pgs)<br />
18. <b>Nerve </b>by Jeanne Ryan (294 pgs)<br />
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<br />
<br />
# of books: 18<br />
# of pages: 5,899Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-42792381452283816682015-09-27T16:51:00.002-04:002015-12-29T06:55:03.239-05:00Books read in 20151. <b>Brain Rules for Baby</b> by John Medina (275 pgs)<br />
2. <b>The Way Life Should Be</b> by Christina Baker Kline (271 pgs)<br />
3. <b>Dark Places</b> by Gillian Flynn (538 pgs)<br />
4. <b>The Storyteller</b> by Jodi Picoult (460 pgs)<br />
5. <b>The One and Only </b>by Emily Giffin (413 pgs)<br />
6. <b>Gabriel's Bride </b>by Amy Lillard (302 pgs)<br />
7. <b>The Christmas Visitor</b> by Lynda Byler (231 pgs)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Number of Books:</b> 7<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 2490Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-87768127215243037142014-01-01T12:23:00.000-05:002014-06-15T12:27:25.491-04:00Books read in 20141. <b>Fear</b> by Michael Grant (509 pgs)<br />
2. <b>Don't Want to Miss A Thing</b> by Jill Mansell (418 pgs)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Number of Books:</b> 2<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 927Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-25520212866390811682013-01-13T18:06:00.000-05:002013-12-02T19:03:36.480-05:00Books read in 2013<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <b>Christmas in Sugarcreek</b> by Shelley Shepard Gray (239 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <b>Forbidden</b> by Tabitha Suzuma (454 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <b>Lone Wolf </b>by Jodi Picoult (421 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <b>Nadia Knows Best</b> by Jill Mansell (463 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <b>I Scream, You Scream</b> by Wendy Lyn Watson (300 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. <b>School of Fear </b>by Gitty Daneshvari (339 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. <b>Scoop to Kill </b>by Wendy Lyn Watson (267 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. <b>You Against Me</b> by Jenny Downham (413 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. <b>A Simple Spring</b> by Rosalind Lauer (369 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. <b>Where We Belong </b>by Emily Giffin (372 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. <b>A Simple Autumn</b> by Rosalind Lauer (377 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. <b>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</b> (435 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13. <b>A Gift of Grace</b> by Amy Clipston (314 pgs)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Number of Books:</b> 13</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Number of Pages:</b> 4,763</span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-59462985310301580352012-01-02T09:27:00.000-05:002013-05-20T08:21:47.458-04:00Books read in 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The Thorn </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">by Beverly Lewis (344 pgs)</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Judgment</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> by Beverly Lewis (325 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. <b>Hate List</b> by Jennifer Brown (405 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4. <b>The Mercy</b> by Beverly Lewis (303 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5. <b>The Secret of the Old Clock</b> by Carolyn Keene (180 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6.<b> Miranda's Big Mistake</b> by Jill Mansell (475 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7. <b>The Fiddler</b> by Beverly Lewis (323 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8. <b>Fifty Shades of Grey </b>by E.L. James (514 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9. <b>Chalked Up</b> by Jennifer Sey (289 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10. <b>Lies</b> by Michael Grant (447 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11. <b>Plague</b> by Michael Grant (492 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12. <b>Smile </b>by Raina Telgemeier (214 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13. <b>Always a Witch</b> by Carolyn MacCullough (276 pgs)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Number of Books</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">: 13</span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Number of Pages</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">: 4,587</span></span></div>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-68668314131390010602011-01-01T19:47:00.009-05:002011-12-19T23:24:47.469-05:00Books read in 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gone</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> by Michael Grant (558 pgs)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Vampire Kisses</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> by D.S. Foxx (174 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Silver Chair</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> by C.S. Lewis (243 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Horse and His Boy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> by C.S. Lewis (224 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5. <b>How I Live Now</b> by Meg Rosoff (194 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6. <b>Rumor Has It </b>by Jill Mansell (404 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7.<b> Shiver</b> by Maggie Stiefvater (390 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8. <b>Hunger</b> by Michael Grant (590 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9. <b>Linger</b> by Maggie Stiefvater (360 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10. <b>On Mystic Lake</b> by Kristin Hannah (404 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">11. <b>Forever </b>by Maggie Stiefvater (386 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12. <b>This World We Live In</b> by Susan Beth Pfeffer (239 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13. <b>The Hostile Hospital</b> by Lemony Snicket (255 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14. <b>The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook: What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love and Healing</b> by Bruce D. Perry (246 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">15. <b>Grace </b>by Shelley Shepard Gray (268 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16. <b>A Simple Winter </b>by Rosalind Lauer (388 pgs)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Number of Books:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 16</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 5,323</span></span></div></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-19744506002806623972010-01-01T23:05:00.000-05:002011-01-01T19:47:31.530-05:00Books read in 2010<span style="font-family:arial;">1. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">New Moon</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> by Stephenie Meyer (563 pgs)<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Life As We Knew It</span> by Susan Beth Pfeffer (337 pgs)<br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Breaking Her Fall</span> by Stephen Goodwin (408 pgs)<br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel: Claudia and Mean Janine</span> by Ann M. Martin/Raina Telgemeier (162 pgs)<br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fallen</span> by Lauren Kate (452 pgs)<br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</span> by C.S. Lewis (248 pgs)<br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Girl Who Played with Fire</span> by Stieg Larsson (630 pgs)<br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">On Chesil Beach</span> by Ian McEwan (203 pgs)<br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">House Rules</span> by Jodi Picoult (532 pgs)<br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leaving Paradise</span> by Simone Elkeles (303 pgs)<br />11. <span style="font-weight: bold;">When the Heart Cries</span> by Cindy Woodsmall (326 pgs)<br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mockingjay</span> by Suzanne Collins (390 pgs)<br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart of the Matter</span> by Emily Giffin (368 pgs)</span><div><span style="font-family:arial;">14. <b>The Dead and the Gone</b> by Susan Beth Pfeffer (308 pgs)<br />15. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Once a Witch</span> by Carolyn MacCullough (292 pgs)<br />16.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Making Choices</span> (Everwood) by Laura J. Burns (179 pgs)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">17. <b>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</b> by J.K. Rowling (341 pgs)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">18. <b>Night Road </b>by Kristin Hannah (385 pgs)<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Number of Books:</span> 18</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Number of Pages:</span> 6427<br /></span></span></div></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-25665101253515468052009-09-14T18:09:00.003-04:002009-09-14T19:08:58.764-04:00In A Reading Rut<span style="font-family:arial;">Ugh, so for the past two weeks I've been in a sort of reading rut. I was incredibly excited about starting a book that's been sitting on my bookshelf for about a year now: </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:arial;" >The Stolen Child</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> by Kieth Donohue. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While the book is decent enough and there are parts that I have genuinely enjoyed so far...overall, this particular reading experience has been lacking. I don't find myself looking forward to picking up the book to continue reading. I think it's mostly because there are parts that are just slow moving and kind of boring, which is unfortunate because the premise is really interesting. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now, I bet I know what you're thinking. Why don't I just stop reading the book and start a new one?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Because I have issues. lol. I am one of those people who can't <em>not</em> finish a book, even if I dislike it (although there have been a few exceptions: </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:arial;" >Little Earthquakes</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> and </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:arial;" >Macbeth</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> are examples.) It bothers me if I don't finish what I start (it took me 3 months before I finally gave up on </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:arial;" >Little Earthquakes</span><span style="font-family:arial;">!) and I'm always hoping that maybe the book will get better if I just read a little bit further...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm unsure whether I'll finish the book or not. Perhaps I might just put it aside for a while and pick it up later. I just hate wasting valuable reading time not enjoying a book and then not reading at all because I'm not looking forward to picking up the book again. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What do you all do when there's a book you're reading and not able to get into?</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">How far do you read to give it a chance? And am I the only one who has a hard time abandoning a book?</span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-17417669700591033702009-09-07T15:05:00.005-04:002009-09-07T22:39:51.967-04:00Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/35767552.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 275px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/35767552.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Title:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Catching Fire</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Author:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Suzanne Collins</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Publisher:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Scholastic</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Publication Date:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> September 1, 2009</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Genre:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Young Adult, SciFi/Fantasy, Dystopian</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Summary (from book flap - SPOILERS FOR THE HUNGER GAMES):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned hsi back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely conivnced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Review:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> The wait for this book was almost unbearable. September 1st could not come soon enough. I was horrified when I realized that the closest bookstore to my house did not open until 9am, meaning I'd have to wait until I got out of work to hold a copy of the book in my hands! But the wait was worth every single second.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Catching Fire </span><span style="font-family:arial;">does not disappoint and is just as engrossing as </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >The Hunger Games</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, with a mix of action and violence that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the novel. Collins does a great job at fleshing out her characters and giving them depth. <span style="font-family:arial;">I felt like I </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >knew</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Katniss and Peeta and the residents of District 12. It's as if they were my own friends and family. There's nothing I love more than being so completely invested in such a vast set of characters. There are certain characters to whom I become emotionally attached. I've tried to explain this to other people but so far all I've gotten is a bunch of "Are you crazy?" looks. But this is one of those books. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I love the strength of these characters. Katniss is independent, strong-willed and has such a sense of compassion for those around her. It is characters like this that I am thankful for; because I hope that when I have children, they will have great characters in books to look up to.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you have not read </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >The Hunger Games</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> please run, do not walk, to the nearest bookstore/library to get a copy. If you have read </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >The Hunger Games,</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> well, what are you waiting for? Go pick up </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Catching Fire</span><span style="font-family:arial;">! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now if I could just be patient for the third book in the Trilogy...a feat I don't think I'll be able to accomplish ;)</span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-67912259291902358662009-09-01T19:47:00.005-04:002009-09-01T19:54:46.238-04:00Teaser Tuesdays<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Teaser Tuesdays</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> is a weekly book meme hosted by MizB over at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">Should Be Reading</a></span><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:</span><br /><ul><li style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Grab your current read</li><li style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Open to a random page</li><li style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page</li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >BE CAREFUL <u>NOT</u> TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >(<em>make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!</em>)</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Share the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-family:arial;" ></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Title</span> & <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Author</span>, too, so that other TT participants can add their book to their TBR list if they like your teasers.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;"><u>My Teasers:</u></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >"Between the covers, a book can be a sin. I have spent many hours in such a waking dream, and once having learned how to read, I could not imagine my life otherwise."<br /><br />~ p. 102, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Stolen Child</span> by Keith Donohue</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-89065091576727250222009-08-31T22:05:00.008-04:002009-08-31T23:03:19.460-04:00Award Time!<span style="font-family:arial;">First, I need to apologize for the incredible lateness of this post. I fully intended to do this much sooner, but between work and some family issues I've been away from the computer for a while. I'm hoping to rectify that this week and get back on track!</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">I'd like to express my thanks to the people that passed along these awards to me. It astonishes me that a) I received any awards at all and b) People are interested enough to actually read my new blog. It's been great getting to find so many other people with a similar interest and passion in books and reading =)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;">Jenny from <a href="http://takemeaway-jennala9.blogspot.com/">TakeMeAway</a> gave me <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Zombie Chicken Award</span>!<br /><br /><center> <a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/?action=view&current=zombiechicken.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/zombiechicken.jpg" alt="Zombie Chicken Award" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.</span><br /><br />1. Alaine at <a href="http://alainereading.blogspot.com/">Queen of Happy Endings</a><br />2. Lisa at <a href="http://bookblabbing.blogspot.com/">Book Blab</a><br />3. Mandy at<a href="http://eoseventeen.blogspot.com/"> Edge of Seventeen</a><br />4. Nikola at <a href="http://cunninghamfan.blogspot.com/">Nikola's Book Blog</a><br />5. J. Kaye at <a href="http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/">J. Kaye's Book Blog</a><br /><br />I also received the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your Blog Rocks!</span> award from Jenny at <a href="http://takemeaway-jennala9.blogspot.com/">TakeMeAway</a> and Lisa at <a href="http://bookblabbing.blogspot.com/">Book Blab</a>!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/?action=view&current=blogrocksaward.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/blogrocksaward.jpg" alt="Your Blog Rocks Award" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />I'd like to pass this along to:<br /><br />1. Faye at <a href="http://fayeflamereviews.blogspot.com/">Ramblings Of A Teenage Bookworm</a><br />2. April at <a href="http://readingisthespiceoflife.blogspot.com/">Good Books & Good Wine</a><br />3. Natalie at <a href="http://thebookinn.blogspot.com/">The Book Inn</a><br />4. Rebrebs at <a href="http://countrebulacomments.blogspot.com/">Count Rebula's Concepts & Comments</a><br />5. Linda Ellen at <a href="http://bambireads.blogspot.com/">Bambi Reads</a><br /><br />And lastly, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Super Comments Award</span>, which I received from Jenny at <a href="http://takemeaway-jennala9.blogspot.com/">TakeMeAway</a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/?action=view&current=you_dont_say_award.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Awards/you_dont_say_award.jpg" alt="Super Comments Award" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />1. Linda Ellen at <a href="http://bambireads.blogspot.com/">Bambi Reads</a><br />2. Faye at <a href="http://fayeflamereviews.blogspot.com/">Ramblings Of A Teenage Bookworm</a><br />3. Krista at <a href="http://carmen-krista.blogspot.com/">Life or Something Like It...</a><br />4. Alexia at <a href="http://alexia561.blogspot.com/">Alexia's Books and Such</a><br />5. Jenny at <a href="http://takemeaway-jennala9.blogspot.com/">TakeMeAway</a> (Yup, I'm re-awarding it to you! lol ;-) )<br /><br />Thanks again, everyone - These awards made my day! I hope everyone is having a great start to their week :)<br /><br /></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-81810822501751843502009-08-23T09:56:00.006-04:002009-08-23T21:44:19.676-04:00Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/thegirlwiththedragontattoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 216px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/thegirlwiththedragontattoo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Title:</span> The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</span> Stieg Larsson<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher</span>: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group (Vintage)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</span> June 23, 2009<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span> Mystery/Thriller<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary (from back of book): </span>Stieg Larsson's <span style="font-style: italic;">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</span> combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into a complex and atmospheric novel.<br /><br />Harriet Vangar, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel voncition, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of iniquity and corruption.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Review: </span>I remember the first time I saw this book when I was browsing at the bookstore and initially didn't think much of it, only sparing a quick glance at the cover before I passed it by. It wasn't until a few months later that I took notice of the book for a second time and took a closer look before finally making my purchase.<br /><br />Initially, the first 30 or so pages started off a little slow for me but very quickly picked up - boy, did it pick up! The worst thing about some crime novels is when you figure out the ending early on and I was a little skeptical that I wouldn't be engaged enough and that the novel would be predictable. I wondered whether the story would live up to all the hype I was hearing about it. Thankfully, my skepticism was unfounded. I became entranced by the unsolved murder of this young girl, Harriet, and the drama that surrounds the mystery.<br /><br />I found myself wanting to know more about two of the main characters as I made my way through the novel. Their own history and storylines were just as compelling to read about as the murder investigation, which I found especially true of two of the main characters: Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander<br /><br />All in all, this was a fantastic book that was nothing like I expected or thought it would be. The content is, at times, extremely disturbing and keeps the reader on the edge of her (or his) seat. There were certain points in the story when I literally got chills while reading. It's wonderful to really not know what's going to happen when you turn the page and being just as shocked or astounded as the characters are. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Played-Fire/dp/0307269981/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_b"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Girl Who Played with Fire</span></a>.<br /><br />This is only the fourth book review I've written since I started my blog earlier this month and I've found myself being unsure of how much of the plot and characters to talk about without giving too much away that also doesn't just leave the review at, "I liked it!" or "I hated it!." For me, one of the best things when I'm reading a book is to make all the discoveries along with the characters and experience things with them. So, for now I've gone with a less is more approach. Hopefully I'll get the hang of this whole reviewing thing eventually!<br /><br />This is also the first book I have completed for the <a href="http://cynthiasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/08/olympic-challenge-london-2012.html">Olympic Challenge - London 2012</a>. 1 down...201 books to go! =)<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Played-Fire/dp/0307269981/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_b"></a><a href="http://cynthiasbookshelf.blogspot.com/search/label/Olympic%20Challenge%20-%20London%202012"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-49391246649828854862009-08-20T20:11:00.002-04:002009-08-21T08:36:47.954-04:00Throwback Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Meme%20Icons/throwbackThursdayGreen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 100px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Meme%20Icons/throwbackThursdayGreen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Throwback Thursday</span> is a weekly event hosted by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jenny</span> at </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://takemeaway-jennala9.blogspot.com/2009/08/throwback-thursday_20.html">TakeMeAway</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> where we recognize those older books...an older book you've always wanted to read, or one that you have read and love; maybe one from your childhood; or review an older book -- how about even a classic!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This week's throwback is:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ramona Quimby, Age 8</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"> by Beverly Cleary</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/13702142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 276px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/13702142.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><u>Description from Amazon.com:</u> <span style="font-style: italic;">From the first day of third grade, when Ramona Quimby meets her eventual nemesis Yard Ape, life moves on at its usual wild pace--usual for the boisterous Ramona, that is. Soon she is accidentally squashing a raw egg into her hair at the school cafeteria, being forced to play Uncle Rat with her annoying young neighbor, and, worst of all, throwing up in her classroom. The responsibilities of an 8-year-old are sometimes daunting, especially in a family that is trying to squeak by while the father goes back to school. But Ramona is full of too much vim and vigor to ever be down for long. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I remember devouring through the Ramona Quimby books early on when I was in elementary school. The adventures and crazy predicaments that Ramona always managed to find herself in were incredibly entertaining. I definitely identified with aspects of Ramona and lived vicariously through her hijiinks on those rainy days when I stayed inside to read. It is certainly a book series that I hope my kids (when I have them) will enjoy just as much as I did. Plus, while I was typing up this post I was googling about the book and realized that they are making a movie! <span style="font-style: italic;">Ramona and Beezus</span>. It's not set to be released until 2010, but it will be interesting to see one of my favorite children's books on the big screen.<br /></span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-3313029215492722092009-08-17T20:45:00.003-04:002009-08-17T20:57:51.863-04:00It's Monday! What are you reading?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Meme%20Icons/on_mondays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Meme%20Icons/on_mondays.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">It's Monday! What are you reading?</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a weekly event hosted by </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/">J. Kaye's Book Blog</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> that celebrates what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This week I am reading Stieg Larsson's novel </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> - which I am completely and utterly enthralled by so far and I'm only 100 pages in! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Last week I finished </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://cynthiasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-lord-of-flies-by-william-golding.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord of the Flies</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> by William Golding. </span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-13159748447248708392009-08-17T20:07:00.004-04:002009-08-17T20:19:21.061-04:00MASSIVE Giveaway at Princess Bookie's Blog<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Cindy over at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cutelittlecindy.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-contest_12.html"><span>Princess Bookie</span></a> is hosting an absolutely massive giveaway.<br /><br />Check out all the books she has up for grabs:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hush Hush</span> by Becca Fitzpatrick</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ARC<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Along For The Ride</span> by Sarah Dessen ARC</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kiss of Life</span> by Daniel Waters ARC</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shiver</span> by Maggie Stiefvater ARC</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Troy High </span>by Shana Norris ARC</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love You Hate You Miss You</span> by Elizabeth Scott ARC</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reincarnation</span> by Suzanne Weyn</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ARC<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lovestruck Summer</span> by Melissa Walker</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Death by Series</span> by Linda Gerber (3 books total)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">10. a <span style="font-weight: bold;">5 dollar giftcard from Walmart </span>(you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( <span style="font-weight: bold;">Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You</span>)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Suite Scarlett</span> by Maureen Johnson<br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire </span>By Kristin Cashmore ARC<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for <span style="font-weight: bold;">CATCHING FIRE</span> BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it) </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">AND <span style="font-weight: bold;">a book of your choice</span> (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)</span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">How amazing is this contest? Head over to </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://cutelittlecindy.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-contest_12.html">this post</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> to enter and if you tell her where you heard about the contest you'll get an extra entry! </span><br /></div></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-21379287224542348912009-08-14T21:09:00.010-04:002009-08-14T22:05:37.537-04:00Friday Finds<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >MizB</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> over at </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Should Be Reading</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is hosting a fun meme called </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Friday Finds</span><span style="font-family:arial;">: What great books did you hear about/discover this week?</span><br /><br /><u style="font-family: arial;">My finds:</u> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/hushhush.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 193px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/hushhush.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/Girlinthearena.jpg"> </a></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >H<span style="font-family:arial;">ush, Hush</span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > by Becca Fitzpatrick<br /><br /><u>Description from Amazon:</u><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.</span><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">drawn to him against her better judgment.</span></p><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.</span></p><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/Girlinthearena.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 211px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/Girlinthearena.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Girl in the Arena</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">by Lise Haines</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><u>Description from Amazon:</u><br />Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. <i>Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories.<b> </b></i>And most importantly: <i>Never leave the stadium when your father is dying.</i> The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of <i>The Hunger Games</i> and <i>Fight Club</i>, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/Heck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 206px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/Heck.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Heck:</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wh</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">ere the Bad Kids Go</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> by Dale E. Basye</span><br /><br /></span> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><u>D</u></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u style="font-family: arial;">escription from B&N:</u></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br />When Milton and Marlo Fauster die in a marshmallow-bear explosion, they get sent straight to Heck, an otherworldly reform school. Milton can understand why his kleptomaniac sister is here, but Milton is—or <i>was</i>—a</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > model citizen. Has a mistake been made? Not according to Bea “Elsa” Bubb, the Principal of Darkness. She doesn’t make mistakes. She personally sees to it that Heck—whether it be home ec class with Lizzie Borden, ethics </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >with Richard Nixon, or gym with Blackbeard the pirate—is especially, well, <i>heckish </i>for the Fausters. Will Milton and Marlo find a way to escape? Or are they stuck here for all eternity, or until they turn eighteen, whichever comes<br /> first?</span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2890982275055024234.post-5852556032969061112009-08-14T20:34:00.004-04:002009-08-17T22:01:31.976-04:00Review: Lord of the Flies by William Golding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/157322612201_SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 202px;" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy61/cynsbooks/Book%20Covers/157322612201_SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Title:</span> Lord of the Flies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</span> William Golding<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</span> Riverhead Trade<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</span> This Edition: August 1997; Originally: 1954<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span> Fiction, Dystopian<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary (from back of book): </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord of the Flies</span> is an adventure tale in its purest form, a thrilling and elegantly told account of a group of British schoolboys marooned on a tropical island. Alone in a world of uncharted possibilities, devoid of adult supervision or rules, the boys begin to forge their own society, their own rules, their own rituals. With this seemingly romantic premise, through the seemingly innocent acts of children, Golding exposes the duality of human nature itself - the dark, eternal divide between order and chaos, intellect and instinct, structure and savagery. The book's terrifying escalation of violence seems as inevitable as it is chilling. It engrosses, it challenges, and it reveals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Review:</span> This is one of those books that, once you read it you wonder why the heck you hadn't read it <span style="font-style: italic;">sooner</span>. I had certainly heard of The Lord of the Flies - my brother actually had a beat up copy in high school that I'm not sure he ever read.<br /><br />To put it succinctly, this starts out as an amazing tale of adventure that evolves into so much more than I imagined. It's fascinating to follow along with the group of boys who are stranded on an unknown island and what they go through while trying to survive. It really made me think about what I would do at that age in a similar situation - being young, no adults to tell you what to do, scary things in the forest that keep you awake at night, and deciding who is going to take the role of leader...and whether or not you'll listen to him.<br /><br />And then there is the dissent and the violence. It is chilling. There were parts where I was reading and almost holding my breath because I felt like I was in the shoes of the character, terrified about what could happen next. Almost as if I were watching all the events unfold right in front of me.<br /><br />In the words of Golding himself,<span style="font-style: italic;"> "the theme is an attempt to trace the defect of society back to the defect of human nature."<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">If you are like me and have apparently been living under a rock all these years not having read this book, add it to your wishlist. In my opinion it is definitely worth it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857745800923997131noreply@blogger.com4