I was lucky enough to read a portion of this book early on and can't wait to snatch it off the shelves. Jana DeLeon has exactly the right voice to pull off this great premise!

I just finished Michele Bardsley's BECAUSE I'M THE VAMPIRE, THAT'S WHY last night and loved it. I write dark, angsty stuff, and I need to read something light or I'd probably wallow in constant depression. Her style is just flat-out funny--even though I'll admit she managed to get me a little teary eyed in one scene. Loved it!!

Speaking of our old TV faves, have you read that "Marcia Brady" is writing a tell-all? Cannot wait. Otherwise... this week, I'm indulging in Barbara Nadel's "Balthazzar's Daughter." I picked it up simply because the smart folks at Felony and Mayhem wrote "If you like Donna Leon, you'll like this" on the cover -- and I do! This is a little harder-edged than my usual reading, but c'est la vie. Meanwhile, what I'm REALLY waiting for is a new Lauren Willig (Masque of the Black Tulip). Isn't there one due? - clea www.cleasimon.com

Since I brought it up: the wonderful Lauren Willig's last book, "The Deception of the Emerald Ring" is NOW OUT in paperback. (I'm going to get it this weekend). Her next in this really fun Regency series is "The Seduction of the Crimson Rose," and due out in January. Think smart funny swashbuckling 19th C espionage (that is the regency period, isn't it? Maybe I have that wrong).
and... Barbara, since you suggested it, yes, my next book, CRIES AND WHISKERS pubs in December (and can be ordered now). Cats and mystery, and a touch of romance (of course!)
clea
www.cleasimon.com

I just finished _The Fox_, Sherwood Smith's excellent (and challenging) sequel to _Inda_. Some people might be skeptical of using literary and fantasy in the same sentence, but these books are definitely both: the narrative structure is unique, flowing from one point of view to another seamlessly, and the elements of magic in an original world (full of detailed culture and snippets of language) blend beautifully.

I've just started the Play Dirty by Sandra Brown. It's very intriguing.

It seems to have taken forever but Diana Gabaldon's "Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade" just pubbed and that's my weekend reading. Fortunately, it's a 'two-fer' year as a collection of Lord John stories will be pubbling in late November.

I LOVED Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. It's a book for anyone who enjoys Alice Hoffman. Magical book, with just a touch of romance. I'm reading Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally by Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon after hearing them on NPR. I couldn't live like they do, and, I wouldn't have wanted to survive on food from within 100 miles. It's a fascinating book, though. Lesa Holstine, www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com

I just finished Marian Keyes, ANYBODY OUT THERE and loved it. I'm about to start Edith Layton's BRIDE ENCHANTED. I've followed Edith since her Regency romance and can't wait to see what she does with paranormal. Her humor is so elegant...

Just this minute finish listening to Margaret Maron's Winter's Child. I enjoy keeping track of Judge Knott and her extensive family. Now I'm back to Jamie Fraser-goody.

Thanks Barb---always so good to read your latest reads/suggestions! So look forward to your blog!

I just finished a ms of Barbara Freethy's Silent Run for a quote and loved it! It hooked me from the first page And, of course, romance! It's a page-turner, with lots of twists and turns. I'm currently reading Lee Child's Persuader (which I think may be his most deadly!), Carla Cassidy's Paint it Red, and, as sort of a cherry sorbet between those heavier courses, Rachel Gibson's Tangled Up in You.