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WW Ladies Book Club
March 5, 2008


Yesterday I finally completed my 6 week maintenance portion of the Weight Watchers program and am now an official lifetime member.  WooHoo!!  What does that mean?  I'm free...literally.  I don't have to pay anymore, as long as I stay within my weight limit.  So now I've got money to burn.  Hmmm....what books shall I buy??

The WW ladies have some suggestions:

La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock

Read by Joyce
 
Cesca Marinelli has been in the dark, literally, for over 200 years.  Trapped under a building in St Augustine, Florida, she's uncovered during the renovation of an old house.  She has not been unaware of the passage of time, however, and is able, with the help of her friends and her TV, to integrate smoothly into modern society.  As any young woman would do, she plays bridge, rides her bicycle, and, of all things, learns to surf.  She even has a job as a tour guide for the historical city.  When one of the tourists is later found dead with puncture wounds, Cesca is the first to come under suspicion.
 
It's a Mystery!  That took me by surprise; I expected to be reading a dark paranormal, a fluffy chick lit, or a romantic comedy, all of which I might enjoy, but I had an exciting moment of revelation when I realized that this "Gidget with fangs" book was a for real Whodunit.  Bright, charming, imaginative, romantic, sexy and suspenseful are all words that describe La Vida Vampire.  If I were to use a numbered rating system, I'd give it at least 3 1/2 Dolphins.


Alice At Heart A book from the Waterlillies Series by Deborah Smith

Read by  Judy
.

Who are the Water People and the Landers? I had never heard these terms before and they sure piqued my curiosity.  Deborah tells a the story of a very unique, or maybe not so unique, southern Family and it's many secrets. The story vividly tell of the lives, challenges and tragedies of an extended family.

Some secrets are better left untold, yet the truth is really the only thing that can allow us to be free to forgive and grow our relationships.

After reading this story I will always wonder about the musical geniuses of the world and listen more closely to the songs I hear when I am by the water. Perhaps they are calling me to another destiny.  I can't wait to read the next in the series.

 
The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison

Read by Joyce
 
Kim Harrison continues her intriguing and complicated world in this 6th book of the series.  Her heroine, Rachel Morgan, a witch, is a sort of private detective in a small business with a couple of friends, and she has gotten involved with all sorts of magical beings in her Cincinnati area.
 
Halloween season is a high time in The Hollows and everyone magical is anticipating the days of celebration.  Rachel's holiday activities are hampered when someone raises a demon to kill her, and she has to figure out who, where and why fast before it succeeds or expands its efforts to her family and friends.
 
A reader can become addicted to the fast-paced action and the colorful characters.  I sure did/am.  



A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock

Read by Loretta
 
Wouldn't it be exciting to run a household in "merry old England" - (and sometimes not so merry?).  Imagine having 30 EXTRA footmen, maids and stable boys hired to help with a dinner and a ball!  Not to mention the army of servants already kept busy by this small family.
 
Toss in a murder or two, an elopement, a plot to assasinate young Queen Victoria, and all of it written in the quaint manner of a nineteenth century novel.   Good, good reading!!




Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Read by Joyce
 
When Mackayla Lane goes to Dublin to search for her sister's murderer, she learns she is a Sidh-Seer.  With the rare ability to see through the glamour of the Fae, she sees that most of them are horrifically ugly monsters, and all of them, even the beautiful ones, are deadly.  When Jericho Barrons saves her life and offers her further protection, Mac knows it isn't her beauty and charm that induces him, but the fact that she has the ability to sense and find Fae Objects of Power, rare and valuable items that he wishes to own.  Enigmatic and darkly attractive, Barrons is a powerful man himself, and Mac is disturbed that she doesn't know the source of his power, but is, for the moment, more concerned that he can keep her alive.  In this second book of the Fever series, Mac learns more about her own background and gifts, and begins to decide what her obligations are, beyond her own need for revenge.
 
I've been listening to the audio book version of the Fever series (twice each, with repeats in the future), which are read by Joyce Bean, who does a fine job of portraying Mac's sweet southern-belle innocence growing into a hardened, driven warrior.  Karen Marie Moning has blended the ancient romantic legends of the Fae with their more frightening aspects, recalling the nightmare quality of the stories as they were told in the dark over the centuries.    

Bottom Line:   Today is National Learn What Your Name Means Day.  Barbara ~ Foreign, strange.  Ok, I knew about the strange part, but foreign?

Posted by Barbara Vey on March 5, 2008 | Comments (47)


March 4, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Lorraine Heath commented:

Joyce: Your review of La Vida Vampire is spot on! I had the privilege of an advance read and I adored it!




March 4, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Suzanne Welsh commented:

Good morning Barbara! Joyce I have to agree with your review. I had the joy of doing an advanced read for an interview with Nancy coming up on Romance Bandits blog. I loved this book!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Diana Cosby commented:

I've preordereed La Vida Vampire and now I'm totally pscyed to read this book! I'll be watching my mail box now! :) Diana Cosby His Captive/Alexander MacGruder His Woman/Duncan MacGruder/Dec 08 www.dianacosby.com




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Joe C. Ellis commented:

Nancy writes with a great voice. Put your stakes and silver bullets away. You'll be rooting for Cesca before you finish reading page one.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Rhonda commented:

NICE--thanks for the recommendations! I'll have to check them out, especially La Vida Vampire!!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Jenn commented:

I can't wait to read La Vida Vampire, it's on my must-order list and sounds like it will be a sterling debut for Nancy Haddock!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
gena showalter commented:

I loved La Vida Vampire and Bloodfever! Great books by great authors!!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Marcia Colette commented:

La Vida Vampire is at the top of my must-read list. April 1st can't come soon enough.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kara Lennox commented:

I can't wait to get my hands on La Vida Vampire. It sounds like everything I love to read!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kara Lennox commented:

I can't wait to get my hands on La Vida Vampire. It sounds like everything I love to read!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Nancy Cochran commented:

Can't wait for La Vida Vampire, Nancy has a wonderful voice and a great sense of humor.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Terry Spear commented:

Looks like a great book! I love mysteries and a paranormal mystery--even better! Can't wait to get mine. Terry Spear, Heart of the Wolf




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Edie Ramer commented:

I'm waiting for La Vida Vampire to come out too! Thank the ladies for all their great blurbs. After reading their blurbs, I'm adding two other books to my list too. :)




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Jane Graves commented:

I also got to read an advance copy of La Vida Vampire. What a great book!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
LaDonna commented:

I'm waiting for LaVida Vampire too! It sounds like a real winner, and like Edie I found another jewel or two in the reviews. Thanks for providing a great review place, Barbara! Love it here.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kim Lenox commented:

Great recommendations, all around! I've already got LaVIDA VAMPIRE on my to-buy list. I think I'll add A FOREIGN AFFAIR too!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kim Lenox commented:

Great recommendations, all around! I've already got LaVIDA VAMPIRE on my to-buy list. I think I'll add A FOREIGN AFFAIR too!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kathy Calarco commented:

I'm always looking for a book with a surprise plot - one of those "WHOA! I did not see that coming" moments. LaVida Vampire appears to have all the right elements for just that, not to mention, some very quirky twists - a surfing vampire tops it!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kay Thomas commented:

I'm looking forward to La Vida Vampire. The heroine sounds like great fun!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Margie Lawson commented:

Cesca from La Vida Vampire fanged me. I'm now her twin. :-))) Kudos to Nancy Haddock. I got to read a few chapters of La Vida Vampire (ARC) and I am hooked! BARBARA -- Kudos to you on tapping into your Steely Self-Discipline for Weight Watchers. Have fun celebrating with new books, instead of Godiva!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Tracy Garrett commented:

What's not to love about a surfing vamp? I've been waiting (not so patiently) for La Vida Vampire's release. Only a few more weeks until April 1.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Shari Anton commented:

Since Vampires aren't my 'thing', I'll have to take a closer look at Alice at Heart and A Foreign Affair. Thanks for another round of great blurbs, ladies!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Maureen McGowan commented:

La Vida Vampire sounds terrific! I love a good mystery and a mystery with vampires? Even better.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kay commented:

I preordered La Vida Vampire because I've been hearing so much fabulous buzz about it. Now I really can't wait to read it!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Kay commented:

I preordered La Vida Vampire because I've been hearing so much fabulous buzz about it. Now I really can't wait to read it!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Amie Stuart commented:

Ok I'm totally intrigued by La Vida Vampire (like my TBR pile needs more books but oh well!). I finished Bloodfever this last weekend and OMG I can't wait for the third book *fangirl squeel* *sigh*
Amie
www.amiestuart.com/blog




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Karen Duvall commented:

I haven't read La Vida Vampire yet, but it's on my to-buy list.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Francis Ray commented:

I've only heard/read fantastic comments about La Vida Vampire. Sounds as if this is an all-nighter. I can't wait. Francis Ray - Not Even If You Begged




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Tawny Taylor commented:

All these books sound great! But I wanted to pop in and offer huge congratulations on your Weight Watchers success!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Leighanne Sara commented:

I loved La Vida Vampire! I too had the privilege of an advanced reading copy. There's a whole mess of quirky characters you can't help but fall in love with.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Neringa commented:

Is it possible to TIME ZAP ahead to April so that I can read about Cesca! The anticipation for the whodunit is exciting.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Sherry Winstead commented:

I have read an advanced copy of La Vida Vampire and am already looking forward to the sequel, even before this one has hit the book stores.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Ana commented:

Wow with all these great comments and great review about La Vida Vampire, I will have to check it out. I enjoy reading vampire stories.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Helen Scott Taylor commented:

First, congratulations on your Weight Watchers success. I have heard many good things about La Vida Vampire. As I love vampires and mysteries this book is perfect for me. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I see it received 4 1/2 * top pick from Romantic Times as well!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Helen Scott Taylor commented:

First, congratulations on your Weight Watchers success. I have heard many good things about La Vida Vampire. As I love vampires and mysteries this book is perfect for me. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I see it received 4 1/2 * top pick from Romantic Times as well!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Beth Andrews commented:

Congrats on your WW success! That is awesome *g* All of these books sound fantastic and I'm really looking forward to reading La Vida Vampire! April can't get here soon enough *g*




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Beth Graves commented:

Can't wait to read La Vida Vampire...I'm a huge Nancy Haddock fan! :-) Congrats on WW....I hit lifetime myself so I know what an achievement that is!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Beverley Bateman commented:

Like others, I'm waiting for La Vida Vampire. Great cover, and it's getting great reviews. Way to go Nancy.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Lynn Michaels commented:

LaVida Vampire is fabulous! I read an ARC and can't wait to buy a copy so I can read it again. This book is a grand slam. Congrats, Nancy!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Christy commented:

Ooh, Alice At Heart has me very intrigued!!! I'll definitely be on the look out for that when I go back to the book stores! And a big CONGRATS Barb for becoming an official lifetime member at WW!!!!!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Maureen Sheehan commented:

Viva LaVida Vampire! I was privileged to get a sneak peek of this super vamp book. The characters and the premise rock. I love vampires ... can't get enough of them! Patiently waiting for book #2 and #3! BIG, BIG CONGRATS TO NANCY!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Jessica S. commented:

I'm so excited for the release of LA VIDA . . . I've been anticipating it for months! Go, Nancy, go!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Robin Haseltine commented:

I am soooo looking forward to my copy of La Vida. From the snippets I've read so far, Nancy's voice is beautiful, her writing exciting. Loved reading all the great reviews here.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Marty Tidwell commented:

Go, Nancy!I can't wait to read La Vida. And I love Deborah Smith so I'll be buying that one, too.




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Missy Taylor commented:

Just finished The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison. Definitely recommend the whole series!




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Nancy Haddock commented:

Deborah Smith, Kim Harrison and Karen Marie Moning all rock, and I'm a fan! Now I have to add A Foreign Affair to my list of must-reads! Thanks to Joyce for a dream blurb, and thanks to everyone for the lovely comments on La Vida Vampire. I hope you'll enjoy the book ...by a beach if you get the chance! Barbara, congratulations on your WW achievement! I am in awe of that Steely Self-Discipline! Light, Nancy




March 5, 2008
In response to: WW Ladies Book Club
Victoria commented:

La Vida Vampire sounds unique and fun. Can't wait to read it!





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