Carol's Notebook – Page 665

The Turkey’s Treat by Marie Sanderlin Metroke

August 25, 2009August 25, 2009 by CarolNo Comments

The Turkey's Treat by Marie Sanderlin Metroke, illustrated by Victor Guiza It's four days before Christmas, and young Jeff Watson just wants the perfect holiday - tree, turkey, and snow covering the ground. Mother Nature takes care of the weather, but the Watson family still has a lot to do before the big day. Picking out a turkey is at the top of young Jeff's list. But he never imagined the tasty dish would be one that talks back! Follow Jeff and his delightful family as they find that selecting a Christmas turkey is a lot more difficult when you have to catch it yourself. The uproarious hijinks that follow land Jeff in the emergency room - and bring the family closer together. But when he gets a hold of his feathered friend, Jeff might find the plucky gobbler is just too adorable to put on a plate. Through it all, Jeff discovers the true meaning of Christmas is about more than just...

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

August 24, 2009August 25, 2009 by Carol5 Comments

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben Tia and Mike Baye never imagined they'd spy on their kids. But their sixteen-year-old son Adam has been unusually distant lately, and after the suicide of his best friend Spencer Hill, they can't help but worry. Within days of installing a sophisticated spy program on Adam's computer, they are jolted by a cryptic message from an unknown correspondent that shakes them to their core "just stay quiet and all safe." As if Mike Baye isn't dealing with enough, he also learns that Lucas Loriman, the sweet kid who grew up next door, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. As the boy's doctor, Mike suddenly finds himself in possession of an explosive secret that threatens to rip the Loriman family apart at the seams. Nearby, while browsing through an online memorial for Spencer, Betsy Hill discovers a surprising detail about the night of her son's death. Before she can find out more, Adam disappears, taking the truth with...

Mailbox Monday

August 24, 2009August 24, 2009 by Carol4 Comments

Thanks to Marcia at The Printed Page for hosting Mailbox Monday. I found one book in my mailbox this week, but I think it'll be a great one. I won it at Peeking Between the Pages. Thanks, Dar! Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross For a thousand years men have denied her existence--Pope Joan, the woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to rule Christianity for two years. Now this compelling novel animates the legend with a portrait of an unforgettable woman who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept. When her older brother dies in a Viking attack, the brilliant young Joan assumes his identity and enters a Benedictine monastery where, as Brother John Anglicus, she distinguishes herself as a scholar and healer. Eventually drawn to Rome, she soon becomes enmeshed in a dangerous mix of powerful passion and explosive politics that threatens her life even as it elevates her to the highest throne in the Western world. What books found their way to your...

Giveaways in Blogland

August 22, 2009August 24, 2009 by Carol2 Comments

I thought I’d let you know some of the giveaways I ran across this week. As always, my current giveaway is listed on my sidebar and make sure you check out West of Mars- Win a Book! where there's always a ton of links to great contests, interviews and guest posts. Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London, at Seductive Musings (ends tonight, August 22, US and Canada, no PO boxes) Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji, at Savvy Verse & Wit (ends August 24, International) The Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King, at Stop, Drop & Read (ends August 31, International) School of Fear or The Makedown by Gitty Daneshvari, at Stop, Drop & Read (ends August 31, North America and Europe) Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, at Life After Jane (ends August 31, International) The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, at Wordsmithonia (ends August 31, International) The White Queen by Philippa Gregory, at Booking Mama (ends September...

Game Night- Horus

August 21, 2009August 24, 2009 by CarolNo Comments

Amber got a new book this week, Egyptology, and happened to notice that the picture on the book matched a picture on the box of a game we have on our shelves, Horus. So, I decided to spotlight that game today, although we've only played a couple of times. It's rated ages 10 and up, but I may give it a try with Amber, connecting it to her new book. Horus Designer: Jean Vanaise Manufacturer: Mayfair Games Year: 2008 Players: 2 - 4 Time: 60 - 90 minutes Ages: 10 and up Seize your destiny and reign supreme over the land of Egypt! Discover your inner Pharaoh with Horus, as players journey to ancient Egypt's sacred Nile valley in a struggle to control the land of Kemet. Guide the course of the sacred river, cultivate the land surrounding it, build a holy necropolis to thwart your foes, and earn the blessings of the Horus temple as you seek to unite the valley into one great kingdom! My thoughts: This is...