Partial Book Review: A Cedar Key Christmas by Terri DuLong (part of the Holiday Magic anthology)

A Cedar Creek Christmas by Terri DuLong (in the anthology Holiday Magic by Fern Michaels, Cathy Lamb, Mary Carter and Terri DuLong)

Publisher: Zebra

Publish Date: November 1, 2010

384 pages
Fiction, Christmas, Romance

My Review:
Why I read this: I finished and reviewed Terri's latest Cedar Key book, Casting About and she sent me the anthology because I whined about wanting to read  more about Cedar Key :)

How is the novel driven: Character-driven

My thoughts: I wanted  more of Cedar Key after reading Casting About and this was a delightful taste of the small town and it's inhabitants.  In this brief and fun installment we meet Josie and her daughter Orlie.  These two are as close as mother and daughter can be and I really enjoyed their relationship.  In these days of books filled with teen angst and dislike of parents, I really enjoy Ms. DuLong's take on positive parent-children relationships while still keeping them real feeling.  This isn't Leave it to Beaver, but it's happy and positive.

It's amazing that in this short of a book Ms. DuLong could show character development, but she does it wonderfully.  I loved watching how Josie handled things and how she grows and changes through the book.  I really liked her as a character and saw her as a strong female without being too domineering.  I also liked Orlie, she's a young girl with a good head on her shoulders and respect for her elders that a lot of children seem to lack.  She's fun to read about.

The storyline is interesting and as usual with this book, the whole town turns out.  There are glimpses of people from previous books and new books.  I think stories in anthologies are tricky when you are use to writing longer books, but Ms. DuLong balances story development and character development well in this short format.  I didn't feel cheated of a story, in fact I felt like I had read a whole book - she puts a lot into the 100+ pages she has in this book.

If  you are wondering if you can read this story out of order - yes you can.  You can read any of the Cedar Key stories by themselves.  They are all crafted in a way that they stand on their own.  Though for the whole Cedar Key experience I do recommend reading all three, Spinning Forward, Casting About and A Cedar Key Christmas.

I can't seem to get enough of Cedar Key and while A Cedar Key Christmas has satisfied me for the moment, I can't wait until she releases the next book next year.

My Rating: 4.75/5.0


About the Book:

Mistletoe, magic, twinkling lights, and stolen kisses. . . Experience all the wonders of the holiday season with these four irresistible stories. . .
"Holiday Magic" by Fern MichaelsSki shop manager Stephanie Marshall is counting on a holiday bonus so she can put a down payment on a home for herself and her daughters. But her handsome boss, Eddie O'Brien, has his own Christmas wish--one that could lead to a lifetime of loving. . .
"A Very Merry Christmas" by Cathy LambMeredith Ghirlandaio's to-do list is already overflowing, between keeping her B&B afloat, directing the town's holiday concert, and trying to avoid rancher Logan Taylor. Doesn't he know Meredith's through with men--even rugged, alpha, drop-dead-gorgeous men? Then again, some vows were meant to be broken. . .
"A Very Maui Christmas" by Mary CarterTara Lane has the perfect plan to avoid another hellish family holiday--fly to Maui. Too bad her family decided to follow suit. But a laid-back handyman is about to prove you don't need snow to have a sparkling, sexy Christmas. . .
"A Cedar Key Christmas" by Terri DuLong Single mom Josie Sullivan is proud of her young daughter, Orli, for helping local fisherman Mr. Al restore his crumbling home. And when Mr. Al's nephew, Ben, pays a visit, Josie realizes just how much Christmas magic one good deed can bring. . .
About the Author:

You can read about Terri on her website here.

FTC Information: I received this book from the author for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.

Book Review: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

Publisher: Revell

Publish Date: October 1, 2010

176 pages
Fiction, Christmas, Christian

My Review:
Why I read this: I received a description from the publisher and thought it sounded like a delightful Christmas read.

How is the novel driven: Character-driven

My thoughts: A fun delightful Christmas read, I'm not usually one for seasonal-reads, but books like this one could make me want to read more of them.  Christmas at Harrington's is a quick read, a mere 178 pages, but a lot is packed in those pages and it makes for a great read for the busy Christmas season.

I loved getting to know Lena and some of the townfolk in this book.  Lena is just getting out of prison and is trying to figure out how to adjust to normal life again.  She has no real ties so thinks starting over in new town is the way to go.  Life seems to throw interesting things at her as she starts off and the story moves quickly.  It seems very realistic but fun at the same time.  I found myself really loving Lena and I wasn't sure I would at the start.  She's a good person through and through and that shines through.

The Christian focus of this book is there but it's not the beat you over the head kind.  It's subtle.  Lena does things like stand up for the fact that Christ is a part of Christmas and she's honest and caring.  She's trying to get past the Christianity she thought she knew (the type that preaches almost everything you do is wrong) to the true kind that looks for goodness while holding you accountable at the same time.  The caring, loving kind that all people should be regardless of their religion.  That's what this book shows, and it shows it through a magnificent cast of characters.  Sure there are some bad apples in the bunch, but that makes the good really shine.

And good really shines in Christmas at Harrington's.  I can see me re-reading this one during the Christmas season year after year because it really shows some of the true meaning of Christmas and does so in a wonderful way.  I believe Ms. Carlson has hit a homerun with this one and I will continue to seek out her books in the future (I already love her young adult novels).


My Rating: 4.75/5.0


About the Book:

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret? This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

About the Author (from author's website):

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Website 
Facebook

FTC Information: I received this book from the publisher, Revell, a division of Baker Books for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.

Gratitude Giveaway

It's time for another giveaway hop hosted by the wonderful Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer.  What can be more fun.  This one runs from 12:01am November 17 - 11:59pm November 28.  Plenty of time to get to all 180+ blogs participating.  I know I plan on hopping.  I will announce winners (I promise) by December 4th.  I'm actually keeping things simple this time.

So what am I giving away?  First I have an international giveaway open to all wherever The Book Depository will deliver free, which is one book of $15 or less value of your choice.  The second giveaway is a choice of 3 books from the list below and this one is open to US/Canada only.

So simply fill out the form.  You don't have to be a follower, but I would love for you to be one if you like the blog.  I also love Goodreads friends, twitter followers and the like, see my sidebar.

Good luck everyone and Happy Thanksgiving early to US readers!

List of books (and I'll be adding more over the giveaway time)


Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson 
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Casting About by Terri DuLong (ARC)
Last to Die by Kate Brady (ARC)
Running from the Devil by Jamie Freveletti
Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
and more to come when I get a chance to go through my pile more . . .


If the form doesn't work for you, you can view it here:  https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dF91ZlJhdVRoNjB2NEVaODRHcmVtZVE6MQ

Winner Time

Hi everyone - it's time to draw all the winners from my giveaways lately.  I apologize for the delay - but you know how it is when life gets in the way :)

All winners will be notified today, if you haven't been notified, email me at crystalfulcher (at) ec (dot) rr (dot) com with your mailing address.

Thanks everyone for entering, and get ready - my Gratitude Giveaway goes up tonight, plus more giveaways in the future as well.

Solitary by Travis Thrasher:  Vicki Wurgler

Matched by Ally Condie:   J L Jackson

 

Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason: Bethie

Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven: Alexa

 

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn:  Courtney @ Stiletto Storytime

What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen:  Jacinda (jacmom)

Hot House Flower by Margot Berwin:  Mary Jacobwitz

And here are the winners of other giveaways:

CSN Store $65 Gift Code:  Kathyluman

Somewhere Along the Way by Jodi Thomas:  Simply Stacie

Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young:  Taffy

Congrats to all the winners!

Be back soon . . .

Yes I have contest winners to draw and a new giveaway to set up and I will do all of that.  I'm in a bit of a reading funk.  I've been playing with the hubby and kids.  Doing some sewing (SIL's baby shower coming and of course Christmas) and playing some computer games.  What I haven't been doing is reading and that is kind of depressing.  But I go through this.  So if you are waiting on the giveaway winners, be patient, I'll get back to reading and the blog in the next few days.  So stay tuned, I will be back :)

Book Review: Last Exit in New Jersey by C.E. Grundler

Last Exit in New Jersey by C.E. Grundler

Publisher: Amazon Kindle Editions

Publish Date: November 14, 2007

289 pages
Contemporary Romance

My Review:
Why I read this: I received an email from the author, thought the premise was interesting and accepted it for review.

How is the novel driven: This is really tough to say - the plot is the driving factor, but truthfully the characters are essential and how they act and change is just as important in the plot.  Ms. Grundler has weaved an amazing book marrying the both the plot and the characters.


My thoughts: While Last Exit in New Jersey might be considered noir, if you don't read noir-type books, don't let that discourage you.  While dark with flawed characters, I would consider this the type of book that noir lovers and non-lovers alike would love.  If you love gripping suspense and flawed characters then this is the book for you.

Mixing up a bunch of characters, throwing them all together and then putting a suspense plot on top is what Ms. Grundler does.  But it's not that simple and it's not a jumble. Please read her post on Creating Suspense and it will give you a better feel for the novel and how she goes about creating suspense.  In the book everything seems to be happening off the page, while you are reading about the characters and how they are dealing with this situation that it seems like none of the parties involved understand.  I loved how Ms. Grundler weaved the lives of the characters together and how it just all seems to fit.

I liked Hazel and Micah.  I liked learning about Hazel little by little.  She reminds me somewhat of Lisbeth in the Millenium trilogy by Stieg Larrson without as much baggage.  She's tough like Lisbeth, there's some baggage but not as much, but she's shy and she's vulnerable but she will do all she can to protect those close to her.

It's interesting to try and figure out who the true bad guys are and trying to figure out what will happen next.  The book flowed well and I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see what would happen next and how it would all turn out.  The suspense is wonderfully done and this book has to be one of my favorites of the year because of the great suspense and the different feel to the book as a whole.  You honestly don't feel like you are reading a typical book when you read Last Exit in New Jersey.  It's fresh, it's suspenseful and has great characters. 

My Rating: 4.75/5.0


About the Book:

Nice young ladies from the Garden State really shouldn’t be dumping bodies at sea. Then again, 20 year-old Hazel Moran is anything but your typical Jersey girl. Raised aboard a schooner and riding shotgun beside her father in their old tractor-trailer truck, there's little on the road or water that she can't handle; it's her people skills that need work. Normally that isn’t an issue – behind the wheel of a Kenworth most people tend to leave her alone. But when Hazel and her father become the targets of some unsavory characters hunting for her blue-haired cousin, their stolen tractor-trailer truck and a delivery that never arrived, she knows it's time to heed a lesson learned from her favorite hardboiled paperbacks: playing nice will only end in tears.

For ten sweltering days Hazel navigates the Garden State's highways and shorelines, contending with a suspiciously wealthy stranger, white trash, Born Agains, appliance salesmen, an unstable stalker and his curiously troublesome companion. It'll take all her ingenuity, not to mention some fishing tackle and high voltage, if Hazel hopes to protect her family and unravel this tangle of greed and betrayal. And anyone who gets too close, no matter their intent, will discover just how dangerous shy little Hazel truly can be as she sets in motion a twisted plan to uncover the truth, settle some scores, and if possible not wind up dead in the process.

Somewhat hard-boiled, slightly noir, Last Exit in New Jersey is an offbeat tale that travels from a Delaware Bay ghost-town to metropolitan north Jersey, where boats and big rigs set the scene for danger, suspense, dark humor and an unlikely bit of romance.

About the Author (from author's website):

I've spent far too much time around boats and trucks, sailing, working on engines and generally not behaving according to expectations. I live in northeast New Jersey with my husband, three dogs and assorted cats. Growing up aboard boats, I've sailed the region's waters single-handed since childhood, and done a little of everything from boat restorations and repairs to managing a boatyard and working in commercial marine transportation. My work has been published in Boating on the Hudson, Offshore Magazine and DIY Boat Owner Magazine. I divide my time between working on Annabel Lee, my 32' trawler, and writing. My first novel, Last Exit In New Jersey, is now available, and I'm currently moving ahead with the second in the series, No Wake Zone.

Website

FTC Information: I received this book from the author for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.

Guest Post: Creating Suspense by C.E. Grundler

Please join me in welcoming author, C.E. Grundler to My Reading Room.  She has taken time out of her busy schedule to join me here today with a wonderful guest post about Creating Suspense.  I really enjoyed reading it and I hope you do to.  I think you will find it fascinating as well.  Tomorrow I will have a review of her novel, Last Exit in New Jersey which is really good so far.  So without further ado, please welcome C.E. Grundler.

First off, I’d like to thank Crystal for inviting me to be a guest blogger here today and giving me the opportunity to share a post with her readers. I’ll admit at first I wasn’t sure what to write, but I decided to explore a topic a friend and I were discussing the other day: creating suspense. From an author’s perspective, writing a mystery, thriller or suspense novel is a tricky thing.  As I wrote Last Exit In New Jersey my goal was to keep readers on edge as events unfolded; to keep them turning pages as they wondered what might happen next. I deliberately set my characters into the worst situations I could imagine, and then figure what else could go wrong. Just when things seemed as though they couldn’t get any worse, they still managed to, and then some. To create a mood of tension it was vital to reveal to readers just the right amount of information… no more and no less. As I wrote, one amusing concept served as my guide: Bruce the shark. Some of you may have heard of the Bruce, the mechanical shark (technically 3 sharks) from ‘Jaws,’ nicknamed in honor (or perhaps dishonor) of Spielberg's lawyer. And yes, that’s where the name for the shark in ‘Finding Nemo’ came from as well.

In my opinion, what makes Jaws an outstanding movie, what elevates it beyond a mere ‘monster’ movie is in a large part due to what you DON’T see. You know there’s something out there. You see a thrashing girl, a severed limb, a chewed up boat… but no shark. You know it will appear but you don’t know when. Abruptly it’s there, only to slip out of sight just as quickly and your anxiety rises even further. The truth is this elevated suspense was never part of the original script. ‘Bruce’, the mechanical shark, was malfunctioning through much of the production. But schedules were tight and filming had to continue, so the production crew worked around the shark’s absence by alluding to its presence. Docks were destroyed, those yellow barrels appeared and were towed back under, and of course, there was that famously ominous music. But watch Jaws and see how often the shark actually appears on screen. It’s not much. Yet the end result was a far more terrifying movie that focused the plot around the small group of people as you watch them face to this unseen threat. I truly believe if Jaws had been made today it wouldn’t be half the movie it is; with modern CGI special effects it would be too easy to show too much. The movie wouldn’t have run up against the obstacles it encountered, things would have gone more smoothly, on schedule and on budget… and so much would have been lost.

How does this tie to my writing? When I first began Last Exit In New Jersey, and again now with No Wake Zone, I set out with a plan. I wrote out a rough outline of the story from beginning to end, then began tackling each individual passage. As I proceeded certain characters developed more than I’d originally expected, leading into new plotlines and taking the story in new directions. But I didn’t let my original ‘script’ lock me in place and I didn’t try to force my characters to follow their lines. If they came up with better dialog and action, I went with the flow. And I left the mechanical shark off the screen, instead hinting to what threat might be lurking just out of sight, letting the reader sense its presence through other means. I made it clear there was something bad out there, but like my characters, readers didn’t know its true nature, or when or where it would appear. I wanted readers to focus on the characters, to care about them, to know they’re in danger, but not the extent of it or what the hell would happen next. As with mechanical sharks, sometimes it’s what we can’t see that scares us the most.