Cheli's 4th qtr shooting for 101020 in 2010!

I decided to break things up by quarter so I'm starting 4thquarter here. I'm doing the full 101010 plus a bonus category of 20 in honor of the century. I may add additional bonus categories at the end, if I finish before 10/10/10. Here is my 3Rd Qtr Thread.

** indicates books I own

Here are my candidates for the categories. I may follow this list and then again, other books may pop up that fit just as well. These are just possibilities. If I have cross them off, they were used in the challenge.
I. Cuddle up with a good cozy mystery (repeat from 999)
The chocolate Cat Caper**
The Chocolate Bear Burglary**
The Chocolate Frog Frame-up**
Murder on St. Mark's Place**
Finger Lickin' Fifteen
Death on Demand**
Design for murder**
The Diva Runs out of Thyme**
Death at Bishop's Keep**
Gilt by Association**
Dead Cat Bounce**
Jane & the Unpleasantness at Seagrove Manor**
Homicide in Hardcover**
Murder is binding**

II. Civil War and its Leaders
Lincoln President-Elect : Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861
Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney
Lincoln and his Admirals
The two American Presidents : a dual biography of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis
Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee**
Tariffs, Blockades, and Inflation: The Economics of the Civil War
Desperate engagement : how a little-known Civil War battle saved Washington, D.C., and changed American history
Confederate Ordeal: The Southern Home Front : The Civil War
The South vs. the South: How Anti-Confederate Southerners Shaped the Course of the Civil War
Why the South lost the Civil War
The Reconstruction Presidents

III. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Mastered by Love**
First comes Marriage**
Then Comes Seduction**
At Last Comes Love**
Everlasting**
Irresistible**
Gates of Trevalyan**
Taste of Innocence**
Queen's Bastard**

IV. Miss Austen and Her Relations (Pride & Prejudice lives on!)
The Exploits and Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy** - Elizabeth Aston
The True Darcy Spirit - Elizabeth Aston**
The Second Mrs. Darcy** - Elizabeth Aston
Darcy's Temptation**
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One** (Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy) - Sharon Lathan
Loving Mr. Darcy: **Journeys Beyond Pemberley - Sharon Lathan
The Pemberley Chronicles: A Companion Volume to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice**: - Rebecca Ann CollinsThe Women of Pemberley**: A Companion Volume to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (The Pemberley Chronicles)
The ladies of Longbourn : a companion volume to Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice
Mr. Darcy's Daughter: The acclaimed Pride and Prejudice sequel series (The Pemberley Chronicles)

V. Surprise - Books I find and want to read /group reads(repeat from 999)
The Picture of Dorian Gray (group read January)
The Three Musketeers **(group read Feb/Mar)
The Scarlet Pimpernel (group read 7/14)
Dressed for death
Lace Reader
Lost Symbol
Great Expectations
Call of the Wild (#neverstoptrying)
The 19th Wife
Empire of Ivory
Mister Monday
Over Sea, Under Stone

VI. Crafts, Cooking, and Hobbies (repeat from 999X2)
Knit One, Kill Two
Needled to Death
A Deadly Yarn
A Killer Stitch**
A Murderous Yarn **
Hanging by a Thread**
Hooked on Murder**
Murder in miniature**
Death by Cashmere**
Through the Grinder**
Plum Pudding Murder
Apple Turnover Murder**
Died in the Wool**
The Mournful Teddy**
The Clockwork Teddy**
The Crafty Teddy**
The False-Hearted Teddy**

VII. I HEARD THEM(repeat from 999X2)

RED Badge of Courage
This Republic of Suffering
Don't know much about the Civil War
Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief
With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln
Team of Rivals (Lincoln cabinet)
A House Reunited
Borderline 1/24/10
Her Fearful Symmetry 5/27/10
The Art of Racing in the Rain 8/25/10
In Big Trouble
No! I don't want to join a book club
Someone to Love
The Sugar Queen
Seducing an Angel
Hardly Knew Her

VIII. Who/What/When/Where/How/Why? - Bios/history (Repeat from 999)
Polk : the man who transformed the presidency and America
The California Gold Rush and the coming of the Civil War**
The Impending Crisis (civil war bkgrd) joycepa
1858: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant and the War they Failed to See
Lincoln at Gettysburg : the words that remade America
Zachary Taylor : Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest
Millard Fillmore:Biography of a President
Expatriation of Franklin Pierce: The Story of a President and the Civil War
James Buchanan by Jean Baker
Over the edge of the world:Magellan's terrifying circumnavigation of the globe

IX. Books found on the Internet/thru LT/at the library/in a bookstore (repeat from 999)
Lost Throne**
First lady of the Confederacy : Varina Davis's Civil War
Mrs. Robert E. Lee: The Lady of Arlington
If the South had won the Civil War
Yankee Women sjmccreary
The Brutal Telling (group Read April)
A Separate Country**
Eggs Benedict Arnold**
Decoding the Lost Symbol**
My Name is Will**
Wives of Henry Oades**
A Summer Affair**
Future Hope** abandoned

X. A Full Course Meal
Cocktails - Whiskey Sour
Salad - Crazy salad : some things about women
Bread and Butter - Fax me a bagel
Soup - Chicken soup for the soul
Seafood - The oyster wars of Chesapeake Bay
Meat Entr�©e - Dead Meat
Wine & Cheese - The Bordeaux Betrayal
Dessert - Eat Cake
After Dinner Drinks - Clash of cavalry; the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863
Coffee or Tea - Sex, Murder and a Double Latte**

And I'm doing a bonus category of 20 books for the century!

BONUS - Niagara Falls 20 CATEGORY Overflow (repeat from 999X2)

I. Cuddle up with a good Cozy Mystery
CATEGORY COMPLETED




1. Dressed for Death
2. Hail to the Chef
3. Eggs Benedict Arnold
4. Murder on St. Mark's Place
5. Teaberry Strangler
6. Chocolate Cat Caper
7. Chocolate Bear Burglary
8. Chocolate Frog Frame-up
9. Death on Demand
10.Homicide in Hardcover

II. Civil War and its Leaders CATEGORY COMPLETED
1.Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter
2.Team of Rivals
3.Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief
4.Desperate engagement : how a little-known Civil War battle saved Washington, D.C., and changed American history
5.Red Badge of Courage
6.This Republic of Suffering
7.Confederate Ordeal: The Southern Home front
8.The South vs. the South: How Southern Anti-Confederate Southerners Shaped the Course of the Civil War
9.The Civil War at Sea
10.Lincoln and His Admirals

III. Love is a Many Splendored Thing CATEGORY COMPLETED
1. True Colors
2. Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
3. Mastered by Love
4. The Valcourt Heiress
5. First Comes Marriage
6. Then Comes Seduction
7. Seducing an Angel
8. The Promise of Lumby
9. The Marriage Spell
10.Twilight

IV. Miss Austen and her relations (Pride & Prejudice lives on!)
1. Matters at Mansfield (or the Crawford Affair)
2. Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One
3. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
4. Loving Mr. Darcy : Journeys beyond Pemberley
5. The Pemberley Chronicles
6. The Women of Pemberley
7. Netherfield Park Revisited
8. Ladies of Longbourn
9. Mr. Darcy's Daughter
10.

V. Surprise - Books I find and want to read - Group Reads CATEGORY COMPLETED





1. The Picture of Dorian Gray
2. Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: Modern Tales for Our Life & Times
3. Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: Once Upon a More Enlightened Time
4. The Complete World of Greek Mythology
5. Ella Minnow Pea
6. The Brutal Telling
7. The Three Musketeers
8. Her Fearful Symmetry
9. A Separate Country
10.The Scarlet Pimpernel

VI. Crafts/Hobbies/Cooking in the background





1. Plum Pudding Murder 1/13/10
2. Apple Turnover Murder 4/3/10
3. Died in the Wool: A Knitting Mystery
4. Death by Cashmere 4/24/10
5. Knit One, Kill Two 6/7/10
6. Knit in Comfort 6/15/10
7. Eggsecutive Orders 7/3/10
8. Through the Grinder
9. Latte Trouble
10.A Murderous Yarn

7. I HEARD THEM (Audiobooks) CATEGORY COMPLETED



1. Venetian Betrayal 1/18/10
2. Borderline 1/24/10
3. Empire of Ivory 3/3/10
4. The Charlemagne Pursuit 4/1/10
5. Victory of Eagles 4/21/10
6. Death and Judgment 4/26/10
7. Sea of Monsters 4/30/10
8. Titan's Curse 5/7/10
9. Battle of the Labyrinth 5/22/10
10.No, I Don't Want to Join a Book Club! 6/10/10

VIII. Who/What/When/Where/How/Why? - Bios/history CATEGORY COMPLETED!!




1. Polk : the man who transformed the presidency and America
2. Zachary Taylor : Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest
3. The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War
4. Millard Fillmore
5. Millard Fillmore: Biography of a President
6. Franklin Pierce:Young Hickory of the Granite Hills
7. President James Buchanan
8. The Impending Crisis
9. 1858: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S Grant and the War They Failed to see
10. Tariffs, Blockades, and Inflation: The Economics of the Civil War

IX. Books I found out about on the Internet/at the library/in a bookstore CATEGORY COMPLETED




1. The Lost Throne 1/8/10 4 stars
2. My Name is Will 1/19/10 ½ star
3. Decoding the Lost Symbol 2/14/10 3 stars
4. A Second Helping 3/27/10 3 stars
5. The Wives of Henry Oades 3/31/10 2 stars
6. The Agency: A Spy in the House 4/7/10 4 stars
7. Hush: A Novel 4/11/10 4 stars
8. The Power of Half 5/1/10 3½ stars
9. Lumby Lines 5/13/10 4½ stars
10.God of the Hive 5/27/10 4 stars

10. Full Course Meal CATEGORY COMPLETED



1. Cocktails - Whiskey Sour 1/15/10
2. Salad - Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century 3/23/10
3. Bread and Butter - Fax me a bagel 4/2/10
4. Soup - Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul 5/15/10
5. Seafood - The Oyster Wars of Chesapeake Bay 5/16/10
6. Meat - Turkey Day Murder 7/14/10
7. Wine & Cheese - The Bordeaux Betrayal 7/27/10
8. Dessert - Eat Cake 8/15/10
9. After Dinner Drinks - Clash of cavalry; the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863 9/9/10
10. Coffee or Tea? - Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte 10/30/10

BONUS 20 CATEGORY
NIAGARA FALLS Overflow (repeat from 999X2)


1. The Mapping of Love and Death 6/12/10
2. The Demigod Files 6/15/10
3. Stealing Lumby 6/21/10
4. Lumby's Bounty 7/10/10
5. The Good Daughters
6. Bury Your Dead 8/23/10
7. The Art of Racing in the Rain 8/25/10
8. The Last Olympian 8/30/10
9. Hooked on Murder 9/3/10
10.In the Bleak Midwinter 9/5/10
11.Killer Angels 10/5/10
12. Fiber and Brimstone 10/24/10
13.Among the Mad 10/28/10
14.Over the edge of the world:Magellan's terrifying circumnavigation of the globe 11/13/10
15.If the South had won the Civil War 11/18/10
16.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 11/20/10
17.A House Reunited 12/13/10
18.At last comes Love 12/21/10
19. 315085::call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee 12/29/10
20.

I love the pictures you've got for each category.

#96 The South vs. the South: How Southern Anti-Confederates Shaped the Course of the Civil War

Author: William W. Freehling
Read: September 28 - October 7
Format: Hardback 206 pages
Source: Public library ILL
Subject: Civil War, Confederate preparedness
Category: Civil War and its Leaders
Genre: History
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, SYLL, TIOLI,
Stars: 2½

In the various discussions/writings about the Civil War, several reasons have been presented as to why the South lost, but in this book, noted historian William Freehling offers readers an additional cause for the defeat of the Confederacy. Usually historians cite the overwhelming forces and industrial development of the North as the major contributing factors, but in this book, we are shown that the framework of the Confederacy itself, may have been to blame.

The Confederacy was composed of three different sections - the Cotton states of the deep south, the middle South, and the Border States. The most vital section was the border states (Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland) and due to their failure to secede and join the struggle, the Confederacy was hampered by a lack of manpower and transportation ports (St. Louis, Louisville, Baltimore). Divided loyalties had far more white soldiers from these states joining the Union Army as well as the industrial contributions made.

The Black population of the South also was a major factor- not simply because of the issue of slavery - but because of the volume of manpower that the North was able to utilize after Emancipation. The South lost its forced labor for creating fortifications while at the same time the North gained valuable manpower to supplement the troops.

Victory, however, was secured by the 13th Amendment. The Blacks (who had wisely assisted their struggle by doing anything to help the Union as well as fighting against their former masters) had proven themselves not to be insurrectionists, barbarians, but patriots for the Union cause. By supporting the Union in all its endeavors, the Blacks gained the white support in the vote for the 13th Amendment which finally broke the South.

In the end, it was the South's lack of recruiting the support of the black population which finally ended the South's hope of defeating the vast numbers of the North.

This book was informative, but a bit academic and very dry reading. While it gave the reader new insight into the actual reasonings for the South's defeat, it's not a book I would recommend unless someone was looking for very detailed information concerning the Civil War.

#97 The Valcourt Heiress

Author: Catherine Coulter
Read: October 8 - October 11
Format: Trade paperback 352 pages
Source: LibraryThing ER program
Setting: 13th century England
Category: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, BOSC, TIOLI
Stars: 3

This is the story of Merry who is the daughter of the Earl of Valcourt. Upon his death, Merry becomes a pawn of her mother, a reputed witch who is planning to sell her daughter and her inheritance to Jason of Brennan. Trying to escape her fate (dressed as a boy), Merry struggles with Jason's men and is rescued by Garron of Kersey. Following him to his new holdings in Warham, Merry convinces the residents of the ravaged property that she can help them if they shield her identity.

Upon the arrival of Garron in Warham we learn of an attack by the Black Demon that killed nearly all the inhabitants and destroyed all the goods of the estate. The evil force was searching for silver coins that Garron's older brother supposedly stole before his death. The Story progresses as Merry and Garron both take on new roles at Warham and eventually the mystery of the Black Demon and Merry's mother both unite for a climax that is a bit predictable.

I enjoyed the book but the romance wasn't concentrated enough, the mystery was lacking in the clues department, and overall, the characters were a bit one dimensional. I think that needed a bit more editing and character development.

#98 First Comes Marriage

Author: Mary Balogh
Read: October 12 - October 14
Format: Audio Overdrive -and paperback 388 pages
Source: Public Llbrary (audio) - my library paperback
Setting: 19th century England
Category: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, BOSC, TIOLI, AUDIO
Stars: 2½

Elliott Wallace, Viscount Lyngate has come to the small town of Throckbridge and all the young ladies are in a twitter because there is to be an assembly with dancing and the Viscount is coming. Little does the town realize this is just the start of the shakeup that the Viscount brings to the residents. At the dance the only lady that he deigns to dance with, is the Widow Dew, one of the Huxtable sisters, but not the pretty one, the very plain one.

The days following he disrupts the Huxtable household by informing them that Stephen, the youngest, is now the Earl of Merton and that they need to move to Warren Hall where Stephen, until his majority, will be trained to take over his responsibilities. Elliott realizes that the sisters will need to be introduced to London society and since there is no one who can sponsor them that they know, he will need to marry sooner than he planned to provide that service. He agrees to marry Vanessa Dew so that she can serve as her sisters' sponsor. Their love story unfolds.

First, let me say that I love Mary Balogh's books. Se writes love stories in a series surrounding a family. She is one of my favorite authors, and this is her newest, the first in the Huxtable Series. I've read 20+ of her books and this is the first one that really disappointed me. I kept waiting for the plot to develop and it never got there. There was no conflict, no mystery just a simple love story that really did have much of a bite. These are the first two Hero/heroine/ that didn't grab me. I just hope that the series is better.

#99 The Civil War at Sea

Author: Craig L. Symonds
Read: October 12 - October 19
Format: Hardback 170 pages
Source: Public library ILL
Subject: Civil War, naval operations
Category: Civil War and its Leaders
Genre: History
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, SYLL, TIOLI,
Stars: 3

When people think of the Civil War, rarely do naval campaigns come to mind, I know I never put the tow together until I began researching the books that dealt with this conflict and I was surprised to find that there were many from which to choose. This book details the contributions and shortcomings of both the Union and Confederate navies to the outcome of the War between the States.

Knowing that the Civil War was not exactly anticipated, one would think that the combatants would not have been prepared for naval operations at the beginning of the war, but the Union had actually been adding and improving its naval forces since the Mexican American War. With the advent of steam powered propulsion, Americans needed additional vessels for the protection of their coastline as well as the trade vessels that moved goods from port to port, so between 1854 and 1859, 24 new steam powered naval vessels were ordered built in three different classes with the latest armaments including larger guns, explosive shells, and ironclading. Even with these improvements, they were still more maneuverable than the old sailing vessels.

The South however, had difficulties with their naval forces because of lack of materials to produce new vessels or convert older vessels with ironclading and more accurate and powerful guns. The Confederacy did manage to commission several vessels to built in England, however, because of the neutrality, delivery was not possible in several instances. Many members of the US Navy from Southern states at the start of war resigned their commissions and headed home to enlist in the Confederate navy only to find the shortage of ships on which to serve.

Lincoln's first policy change in 1861 concerning the navy was to order a blockade of all the major harbors of the South to prevent the Confederacy from receiving goods needed to build and enhance their naval vessels. The blockades were not totally successful in prevent the blockade runners from reaching the Southern ports but the blockades were effective enough to demoralize the citizens of the Confederacy as the war progressed.

The Union Navy also combined with the army on several occasions to assist in major victories - Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Charleston - though normally there was a rivalry between the two factions.

While the Union Navy did not end the war and the Southern navy didn't win the war, each managed to triumph in battle against the other during the 4 years of conflict. Eventually, however, it was the ability of the Union navy to prevent delivery of goods and additional vessels as well as aiding with troop movements and supply lines, which shortened the war.

This was a very well written book detailing the naval vessels that were developed for both the North and South and how they were used in different battle situations. The drawings and paintings there were included were extremely helpful in allowing the reader to see how the old fortifications and forts were no longer able to stop the newer and better equipped vessels. Not a large book by size but large on detail.

The Civil War at Sea sounds terrific, Cheli. I definitely have that on my Civil War book list for 11 in 11 next year.

You've read some good books in that area.

I have read some really good ones, but there have been some duds too.
I still have a few more to go - Lincoln and his Admirals, The Call of Duty: Robert E. Lee, A House Reunited and I really want to try to get If the South had won the Civil War. That one I think would be really interesting after all I've read.

I've gotten some great ideas for my husband from your Civil War readings.

Fiber and Brimstone

Author: Laura Childs
Read: October 14 - October 24
Format: 328 Pages
Source: unsolicited ARC from author
Subject: Halloween in New Orleans, ponzi schemes
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI, BOSC
Category: Niagara Falls - Overflow
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Stars: 3½

Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava Gruiex are fashioning a massive puppet to appear in the Halloween Monsters and Mayhem Torchlight Parade. Stepping out for fresh air, they discovered the body of Brett Fowler, one of the organizers.

As usual, Carmela, against the wishes of her police detective boyfriend, gets involved in the investigation and puts herself as well as Ava into several serious predicaments. Along the way, these two ladies attend all the special events that New Orleans has to offer for the ghoulishly inclined.

This is the 8th book in the Scrapbooking Mysteries series and I have to admit that I've missed the last few, but I'll have to go back to read them because it seems that interesting events took place which reflect in this story. Not that you can't enjoy this delightful cozy all by itself, because I think that this is my favorite in the series so far. The background events and descriptions, this time, were a refreshing change of pace and was a perfect setup for Halloween to come.

#101 Then Comes Seduction

Author: Mary Balogh
Read: October 15 - October 25
Format: Audio 10 CDs -and 567 pages
Source: Public Library (audio) - my library book
Setting: 19th century England
Category: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, BOSC, TIOLI, AUDIO
Stars: 3½

The seduction of Katherine Huxtable was supposed to be an easy wager for Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, but just at the moment when was upon him Monty drew back and his non-existent conscience prevented him from taken advantage of the beautiful country mouse.

Three years later, they meet again and circumstances force them into a marriage that could destroy them both, or become their salvation.

This is the second in the Huxtable series and it far surpassed the initial installment. Mary Balogh wins again.

>22 cyderry: I stopped reading the scrapbooking series because I just didn't get into it very much. It sounds as though it may have improved.

#102 Among the Mad

Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Read: October 24 - October 28
Format: Audio 8 CDs -and 471 pages
Source: Public Library
Subject: chemical warfare development, WWI survivors,
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI, AUDIO, SYLL, RTT
Category: Niagara Falls - Overflow
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Stars: 3½

Maisie Dobbs in 1931 witnesses the suicide of a man who apparently had been injured during WWI. She tries but is unable to prevent the tragedy from happening, and starts reliving the horrors of her time during he war.

Because of her efforts she is drawn into a rapidly advancing chemical warfare attack on the city of London - first 6 dogs are targeted, then 50 birds, 1 man - all the while the authorizes are warned by demands asking for better treatment and pensions for ex-soldiers.

Maisie while working with Scotland Yard on this investigation, is also endeavoring to aid Billy's wife Doreen and get her the best mental health care possible as well as her friend who is spiraling near to alcoholism.

The book paralleled the different types of mental illness - those resulting from war, depression, and alcohol dependency and yet it flowed so effortedlessly because of Maisie's character's involvement in all the aspects of the story. Seeing the mental health issues described from the 1930 POV in comparison to the 21st century - the reader can see that there has been improvement in the medical handling but that there is still room to go. I've read the first in the series and now this one - definitely need to go find the others.

>25 cyderry: I have Maisie Dobbs on my list for next year. It sounds as though there is some depth to these books.

You're really closing in on your challenge! I'm really impressed with all those Civil War books and Presidential biographies!

#103 Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte

Author: Kyra Davis
Read: October 25 - October 30
Format: 328 pages
Source: Private library
Subject: writer's plots,
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI
Category: A Full Course Meal - Coffee or Tea?
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Stars: 3½

Sophie Katz is such a typical and yet unusual character that I was captivated from the beginning. Sophie is exotic - half black, half Jewish of Eastern European descent - a mystery writer with friends that match - a gay hairdresser, a best friend who owns and operates a sex toy shop and has both a wannabe vampire boyfriend and a sister as pure as the driven snow, add a mother and sister so self-centered that they are only upset when they aren't the first contact when Sophie is in danger (not worried that she's in danger) and you have a combination that amuses and entertains.

At the beginning of this entertaining cozy mystery, Sophie realizes that people she knows, or has had contact with are being murdered and the crime scenes are exactly as she describes in one of her books. The police don't believe her, especially when she tries to convince them that she is the next target of the killer.

The ensuing mayhem keeps the reader turning the pages to see what other havoc Sophie can wreak. A fun cozy and series I will definitely continue.

OCTOBER RECAP
Well, October was extremely busy with some travelling/vacation and the arrival of a new granddaughter! I'm surprised that I managed to read 9 books - histories, mysteries and a couple romances, as usual and I finished another category!

The best of the month was - Among the Mad .
The worst of the month - The South Vs. The South just too dry and academic

I. Cuddle up with a good cozy mystery (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

II. Civil War and its Leaders 9/10
The South vs. the South: How Anti-Confederate Southerners Shaped the Course of the Civil War
Civil War at Sea

III. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing 6/10
The Valcourt Heiress
First come Marriage
Then Comes Seduction

IV. Miss Austen and Her Relations (Pride & Prejudice lives on!) 5/10


V. Surprise - Books I find and want to read /group reads (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

VI. Crafts, Cooking, and Hobbies (repeat from 999X2) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

VII. I HEARD THEM (repeat from 999X2) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

VIII. Who/What/When/Where/How/Why? - Bios/history (Repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

IX. Books found on the Internet/thru LT/at the library/in a bookstore (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

X. A Full Course Meal 10/10
10. Coffee or Tea - Sex, Murder and a Double Latte
COMPLETED CATEGORY

Xi. Niagara Falls - Overflow 10/20
Killer Angels
Fiber and Brimstone
Among the Mad

I hope to keep up in November but big projects are currently in progress so time for reading has been curtailed. I will be reading some of the following books:

Seducing An Angel
Over the Edge of the World
Lincoln and his Admirals
Promise of Lumby
At Last Comes Love
The Exploits and Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy
The Women of Pemberley
Netherfield Revisited
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee
Lumby on the Air
If the South had won the Civil War
The ladies of Longbourn


I know that this is very ambitious, but time is running out and I need to get moving on my challenge.

Congratulations on your new granddaughter, Cheli! She's absolutely beautiful! And the little grandson, too!

You're doing really well on your challenge, including the Overflow.

Yes, congratulations on the newest addition to your family. Hope you get lots of reading time this month!

#104 Lincoln and His Admirals

Author: Craig L. Symonds
Read: October 31 - November 10
Format: Hardback 366 pages
Source: Public library
Subject: Civil War, naval operations
Category: Civil War and its Leaders
Genre: History
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, SYLL, TIOLI,
Stars: 3

When I chose this book to read, I didn't look very carefully and therefore, didn't realize that it was the same subject by the same author of Civil War at Sea. That said, the majority of the information included in this book was the same as CWatS just organized a bit differently with a few different events included. I would suggest reading one or the other, not both because there is basically little difference.

#105 Seducing an Angel

Author: Mary Balogh
Read: October 15 - October 25
Format: Audio 10 CDs - equivalent 567 pages
Source: Public Library (audio)
Setting: 19th century England
Category: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, SYLL, TIOLI, AUDIO
Stars: 3

Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton, has the features and disposition of an angel but underneath he can be tough as nails when needed. While at a Ton ball he is accosted by Lady Paget, a notorious widow believed to have axed her late husband to death. Not fearful he decides to become the lady's protector and ends up delving into the circumstances that placed her in her situation of the day.

The story was entertaining, however, I found the characterizations were not the best of Mary Balogh. Lady Paget's companion does an about face in her opinion of the Earl of Merton in less than 30 pages - first refusing to meet him and then becoming his champion. Lady Paget also has characterization issues - at first filled with independence, then wimpy, then independent again. I got the impression that this book was rushed a bit and didn't get the full editing process.

#106 Over the edge of the world:Magellan's terrifying circumnavigation of the globe

Author: Laurence Bergreen
Read: November 1 - November 13
Format: Audio 14 CDs - equivalent 480 pages
Source: Public library
Subject: exploration and discovery
Category: Overflow
Genre: History
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, SYLL, TIOLI, RTT,Endless Europe
Stars: 3

It's hard to believe that Magellan who was as important as he was to history, doesn't even get a first page hit in Google - if it's not a GPS, Magellan is nothing. Magellan was the first person who set out and proved that by sailing west you can get to the east.

At the time of Magellan's expedition that was a great rivalry between Spain and Portugal. When Magellan was denied support from his own country (Portugal) he turned to King Charles of Spain. With Spanish backing, Magellan's expedition was the best-equipped during the age of Discovery. Even with this only one ship of the 5 that set out returned filled with the spices for which they had searched. The captain was dead, more than 200 of the men had died either from scurvy, drowning, torture, or execution.

the story was filled with tales of mutiny, cannibalism, disease, orgies, superstitions, and religious zeal. I found it fascinating.

#107 The Promise of Lumby

Author: Gail Fraser
Read: November 1 - November 15
Format: Paperback 411 pages
Source: Barnes & Noble
Setting: Northwestern USA
Subject: exotic animals, prejudice, government auctions
Category: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI, BOSC
Stars: 3½

When your spirits are low, when you're feeling lonely or depressed, when just need to feel that there's a better place in this world other than where you are - pick up a Lumby book and your spirits will lighten, you'll laugh out, and you'll feel that indeed there is a better place if only in your imaginative travels to this quirky little town.

Ellen Campbell has been Lumby's vet for many years and now she's retiring - only the town doesn't seem to understand that fact. She's told her clients, the Town Council, even advertised her practice for sale, but the townsfolk just won't believe until she sells to Tom Candor and heads off into the sunset. But Tom, who has come to Lumby to hide away from his past, gets more than he bargained for - he finds his soul mate and the courage to face his past and move forward.

Lumby's regular citizens are still as delightfully funny and refreshingly quirky as in the previous books. The process of gaining a new vet, losing a new vet, and persuading his return with his own zoo couldn't be told better. I've one more in the series and looking forward to it immensely.

>34 cyderry: It's nice to know that this series is continuing to be uplifting and delightful. I'm planning to start the 2nd book as soon as I finish the 2 books I'm working on now -- neither of which is very uplifting (one about King Philip's War and the other about World War I).

I'm not sure how you have the rest of the year planned out, but I wanted to let you know that I now have The Lost Symbol and also The Red Pyramid, which I think we talked earlier about doing as group or tandem reads. The Lost Symbol doesn't fit into my categories, but could be a bonus; The Red Pyramid could fit in, though I have others that also will, and I think there was some talk about a group read in the 11 in 11, too. Please let me know if either of these are on your schedule for this year!

>34 cyderry: - I'm hoping to get back to this series next year. I have 2 & 3 on those shelves of mine just wanting to jump off and into my hands I'm sure. I started my sister on this series as a Christmas present the year the 1st book came out and gave her one each year. Of course she gave them back to me to read so I see this as a win-win. We were both hooked on the Jan Karon Mitford series and this seemed like it would be just as good. And it seems to be.

35>> Ivy, I have a kids category next year and have the Red Pyramid and Lost Hero earmarked for that. I also have the series for the Nicolas Flamel characters selected for the Kids category, I read the first and enjoyed it, and since I'm a big HP fan, had to see if Flamel was as interesting in this series as well. I also chose Bridge to Terabithia and The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia. The kids should be a lot of fun next year.
I have Lost Symbol marked for my leftovers category next year as well.

36>> dudes- my sister (tututhefirst) told me about the Mitford series, so I'm going to start that one next year. I've got the last Lumby book and I'm hoping to fit in this year for bonus, if not next year's leftovers!

After I finish my current mystery, Laura Childs scrapbooking series, I plan to read the second Lumby book, Stealing Lumby.

I'd like to get going into the Mitford series next year.

I'm starting the Mitford series next year too.

If the South had won the Civil War

Author: MacKinlay Kantor
Read: November 16 - November 18
Format: 127 pages
Source: Barnes & Noble
Subject: Civil War
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI, BOSC
Category: Overflow
Genre: History
Stars: 3

Have you ever wondered if a decisive historical event had happened differently, how the world would have been effected? This tiny little book was filled with how one man pictured the world events that would have occurred if the South had successfully defeated the Union forces in the Civil War and won their independence.

MacKinlay Kantor takes two events, turns them around, and progresses from that point. The two events that the author changes are the Battle of Gettysburg and a riding accident of Ulysses Grant. The effects of Grant's riding accident is death several weeks before the Battle of Vicksburg. Having no other competent general, the Union forces are easily driven off and the Confederacy maintains its control of the Mississippi. The Battle of Gettysburg is a decisive victory for Lee and the Army of Virginia and they move on to Washington DC and capture Lincoln and the Nation's Capitol.

By the end of 1863 the War of Southern Secession is over and the Confederate States of America are recognized as an independent nation. The USA capital is moved from Washington DC to Columbus Ohio (renamed Columbia) and the CSA capital is moved from Richmond to Washington DD (District of Dixie).

Several other interesting projections are the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on the same day, different city, same assassin, Robert E. Lee's CSA presidency, the voluntary abolition of slavery by the CSA in 1888, Cuba as a member state of the CSA, and the eventual reunion of Texas Republic, CSA and USA.

I've never before read a book that was an "alternate" history so this was extremely thought provoking for me. I can't say that I believe that even if these two events had happened as projected that I would expect the history to happen as written here, but it definitely made me stop and think.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J. K. Rowling
Read: November 10 - November 20
Format: 784 pages
Source: Barnes & Noble
Subject: Fantasy, Wizardy, Magic
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI
Category: Overflow
Genre: Youth, Fantasy
Stars: 5+

This was a reread for me. Just as good the second time around!

I need to reread Deathly Hallows. Saw part 1 in the theater this weekend and had several what? moments.

That's why I reread it - I wanted to be ready when I saw the movie.

#110 The Marriage Spell

Author: Mary Jo Putney
Read: November 22 - November 27
Format: Audio 10 Discs equivalent 384 pages
Source: Public Library
Subject: Wizardy, Magic, regency England
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, AUDIO, SYLL
Category: Love is a Many Splendored Thing
Genre: Romance
Stars: 3½

Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, is hunting with his friends when his horse stumbles and he is thrown. Severely injured he is taken to the home of a healer. The female wizard Abby Stanton, great healer of the region, conducts a healing circle repairing Lord Frayne's broken neck saving his life. But the payment that had been arranged was marriage.

Abby offers to release Jack from the promise, but being a man of honor, Jack maintains that he will wed her. Their romance is amusing and filled with the discovery of Jack's magical aspects. Though the Ton is not enamored of wizards, with Jack's and his sister's sponsorship, Abby is accepted into society.

This was my first book by Mary Jo Putney but I will definitely look for more.

#111 Women of Pemberley

Author: Rebecca Ann Collins
Read: November 18 - November 29
Format: Paperback 272 pages
Source:Barnes & Noble
Subject: Pride & Prejudice character expansion
Category: Miss Austen and Her Relations (P & P lives on!)
Genre: Fiction
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI
Stars: 3

This book was really a series of short stories starring the next generation of Pride & Prejudice characters - Elizabeth's daughter Cassandra, Jane Bingley's daughter Emma, Aunt Gardiner's daughter Emily, Col. Fitzwilliam's daughter Isabella, and Elizabeth's daughter-in-law Josie. It was amazing how their different stories still managed to blend together and advance the original characters from young lovers to grandparents.

NOVEMBER RECAP
Well, November was just busy,busy, busy! I'm surprised that I managed to read 8 books - several romances, several histories, some fiction.

The best of the month was - Promise of Lumby .
Won't count re-read of Harry Potter.
The worst of the month - Lincoln and his Admirals just a bit redundant from Civil War at Sea

I. Cuddle up with a good cozy mystery (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

II. Civil War and its Leaders 10/10
Lincoln and his Admirals
COMPLETED CATEGORY

III. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing 9/10
Seducing An Angel
Promise of Lumby
The Marriage Spell

IV. Miss Austen and Her Relations (Pride & Prejudice lives on!) 6/10
The Women of Pemberley

V. Surprise - Books I find and want to read /group reads (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY
VI. Crafts, Cooking, and Hobbies (repeat from 999X2) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

VII. I HEARD THEM (repeat from 999X2) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

VIII. Who/What/When/Where/How/Why? - Bios/history (Repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

IX. Books found on the Internet/thru LT/at the library/in a bookstore (repeat from 999) 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

X. A Full Course Meal 10/10
COMPLETED CATEGORY

Xi. Niagara Falls - Overflow 16/20
Over the Edge of the World
If the South had won the Civil War
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I hope to finish up in December but my agenda is pretty full so time for reading will be curtailed. I will be reading the following books to complete my Challenges:

Twilight
A House Reunited
Netherfield Park Revisited
The ladies of Longbourn
The Exploits and Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy
Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee
Mr. Darcy's Daughter
Lumby on the Air
Dead Cat Bounce

That's just one more book than you read in November, Cheli. You can do it!!

I like the Elizabeth Aston series! Good luck with finishing the challenge -- you can do it!

I figure with recovery time where I'm just sitting around and no traveling, I can just make it especially since I've already started 3.

#112 Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer
Read: November 28 - December 6
Format: Overdrive Audio equivalent 631 pages
Source: Public Library
Subject: Vampires, Young Love
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI , AUDIO, SYLL
Category: Love is a Many Splendored Thing
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Stars: 3

This book has been at the forefront for several years and yet I resisted reading it until now. I have to say that what I expected is not what I got. I had been told by reviews and other readers how great this book and series were but I was disappointed. In fact, I was tempted several times to abandon the book, but continued to the end. I can understand why the younger generation (teenagers - 20's) is fascinated by the story of Edward and Bella but for me, it just didn't click. I doubt that I will read the next one anytime soon.

Netherfield Park Revisited

Author: RebeccaAnn Collins
Read: November 30 - December 8
Format: Paperback 290 pages
Source: Barnes & Noble
Subject: Pride & Prejudice character expansion
Category: Miss Austen and Her Relations (P & P lives on!)
Genre: Fiction
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI
Stars: 3

This book is third in the series of the Pemberley Chronicles and details the life Jonathan Bingley, the oldest son of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley from Pride and Prejudice. At this point in the saga of the Bennet sisters, both Jane and Lizzie, are grandparents and are confronted with various tragedies and joys. They still have to deal with Lydia's inappropriate behaviour as well as problems of the day.

Of the three books so far, this is the best IMO because it is not as disjointed as the previous books. The Pemberley Chronicles and Women of Pemberley were so busy introducing the next generation that the character development was lacking but since this book concentrated on Jonathan Bingley, it read much better - smoothly integrating the other characters from the previous books.

YES. That was my reaction to Twilight (on audiobook) as well -- supreme disappointment, temptations to abandon, and in my case, actually quite a bit of scoffing. There are a few images from the book that have stuck with me, but the story really didn't do it for me. I'm glad not to be alone in my "so.. this is it?" reaction. It's possible I may yet enter this massive vampire fad, but it won't happen through Twilight.

>51 cyderry: & 53 That was pretty much my reaction, too. But, like Cheli says, I can see how it would appeal to teenage girls and young women; I did think she did a good job of capturing what it's like to be a high school girl and focusing on the things that they're interested in. My teenage niece loved them, and one of my daughters read the whole series. The first one was more than enough for me.

pammab, vampires aren't my thing, either, but I did like Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire better than Twilight and read a couple more books in the series. But then I'd had enough of that one too...

#114 A House Reunited
Author: Jay Winik
Read: November 30 - December 13
Format: AUDIO LECTURE Equivalent 400 pages
Source: Public Library
Subject: End of the Civil War
Category: Overflow
Genre: Lecture series
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book,
Stars: 1½

I'm confused as to how to review this "book". This was a collection of lectures on audio spoken by Professor Jay Winik telling the facts and details of the end of the Civil War and its effects on the United States. The information and revelations that were presented were fascinating and very thought provoking. In that instance the "book" was good but the delivery of Professor Winik left much to be desired - he was very repetitive as if any students of his lectures weren't paying attention and lacked imagination in changing the words so that he was constanting repeating himself on discriptive words.

Can't say that I would recommend this "book" to anyone.

A Cheli report:

As many of you may know, my sister Cheli (cyderry) had some 'female' surgery today. We were waiting all day for news since her husband Tim was to call Mom who was then supposed to call the three sisters.....

Well, the town crier (AKA Mom) fell asleep and forgot to call me telling me that Cheli is safely out of surgery, the doctor has pronounced her ok, and she is already complaining about the food - they offered beef broth (Cheli:"YUCK") strawberry jello (Cheli hates strawberries- her majesty only eats raspberries) and cranberry juice (Cheli: "It tasted funny - I only really like grape juice.)

Good signs all--she'll be home on bed rest by this time tomorrow, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her posting by early Thursday. I will also post this on her other threads.

Thanks, Tina!

Cheli, so glad to hear that you're doing well! I look forward to seeing you back on LT soon!

Glad to hear Cheli's doing well, looking forward to having her back here.

Glad to hear Cheli is recovering nicely!

That is great news!

Hey, hope you are back home and feeling great soon, Cheli!

Hope your recovery goes smoothly and passes quickly!

#115 Ladies of Longbourn

Author: Rebecca Ann Collins
Read: December 8 - December 18
Format: Paperback 320 pages
Source: B&N
Subject: P&P Sequel
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI ,
Category: Miss Austen and Her Relations (P & P lives on!)
Genre: Romance
Stars: 3

The tales of the descendants of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet continue in this 4th installment by Rebecca Ann Collins. Here we follow the story of Anne-Marie Bingley, Jane's oldest grand-daughter. She has suffered the loss of her husband (we find that it was just a marriage of convenience) and see her struggle to open a new Children's hospital in the Netherfield Area. The story is worry Austen's characters but lacks Austen's style.

Hi, Cheli! Glad to see that you're reading and posting!

Cheli, so glad you're feeling well enough to read and then get online to comment about it. Hope your recovery continues uneventfully.

My concentration has a small problem - I keep dozing off in the middle of what I'm reading - I may finish the 1010 Challenge (1½ books left) but may fall a few short on my +20 century add-on. Oh, well. better luck next year.

#66 I'm having that same problem, Cheli, and I'm not even recovering from surgery.

Glad to see that you're getting back into the swing of things.

I wish every one a peaceful and happy holiday!


Christmas Glitters Graphics

Happy Holidays Cheli!

Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Merry Christmas and Get Well Soon!

#118 Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee

Author: J Steven Wilkins
Read: December 27 - December 29
Format: Hardback 332 pages
Source: Barnes & Noble
Subject: Robert E. Lee
Category: Overflow
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI, BOYS
Stars: 4½

"Any man honored by both his enemies and his compatriots is a man worthy of our closest attentions" and Robert E. Lee is definitely a man worthy of attention. Even to this day, Northerners and Southerners maintain that his character was above reproach.

Historians of his day as well as those of current day, respectfully and unequivocally state virtues that made him the man he was - spiritualism, devotion to family, courage, dedication to duty, self-control, self-denial - the list goes on and on.

Realizing that Lee embodied these incomparable traits, how was he drawn to become the focal point of the Confederacy's battle for independence? The inner core of Robert E. Lee was a Virginian. Throughout his early life, his dedication to duty - whether it be the care of his ailing mother, his own family, or military service (he never received a demerit while attending West Point) - Robert E. Lee always put duty above all else. So that when his native state seceded from the Union, Lee felt compelled to go with her. He wrote to his sister "With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native state, with sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword."

Lee's military genius was recognized by both North and South. It is frequently commented that if Lee had been in command of the Northern forces (a position offered to him and which he declined), the Civil War would have ended in 6 months, possibly a year at most. He took command of the Virginia forces and immediately increased discipline, ended favoritism, instituted work details, improved supply service, and removed incompetent officers in such a way as not to disgrace them maintaining their support to duty.

As commander of the forces, when errors occurred in combat, he was the first to assume the responsibility rather than identifying others to blame. His men saw only the nobility of the man even in treatment to his enemies. It is unfortunate that such a great man will always be remembered as the general a losing cause rather than the man of principle and dignity that he truly was.

I thought that this was a tremendous book detailing the dignity and service of this great man. I would recommend it to anyone looking to see how a military man could also be a man of peace and gentility.

#117 Mr. Darcy's Daughter

Author: Rebecca Ann Collins
Read: December 19 - December 26
Format: Paperback 289 pages
Source: B&N
Subject: P&P Sequel
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI , BOSC
Category: Miss Austen and Her Relations (P & P lives on!)
Genre: Romance
Stars: 3

The tales of the descendants of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet continue in this 5th installment by Rebecca Ann Collins. Here we follow the story of Cassandra Gardiner, Elizabeth's daughter. She has seen the devastative impact of the death of her sister-in-law on her younger brother, Julian, and assumes the responsibility of not only the rearing of his son but also aiding her father in the management of Pemberley. This book added a bit of a mystery which added one of Lydia's sons to the mix. The story is worthy of Austen's characters but still lacks Austen's style.

#116 At Last Comes Love

Author: Mary Balogh
Read: December 20 - December 26
Format: Overdrive Download Equivalent 533 pages
Source: Public Library
Subject: arranged marriages
Category: Overflow
Genre: Romance
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, Audio
Stars: 3½

The third installment of the Huxtable saga, this story is centered around the oldest Huxtable - Margaret/Meg who at the age of 30 realizes that marriage is not a guarantee for her. When her father passed away 15 years prior, Meg made a promise that she would take care of her younger siblings and therefore she bypassed her opportunity to marry her first love, Crispin Dew. When she hears that he is a widower, she tells him that she is betrothed thinking that she will finally accept a Marquis that has been asking her to marry him for several years. On the night that she makes this decision, the Marquis informs her that he is marrying someone else and so Meg is in a panic and attaches herself to Duncan Pennethorne - an earl, yes, but notorious for abandoning a woman on her wedding day to run off with her sister.

Duncan is in dire straits, his grandfather is about to cut off his income if he doesn't marry in the next few weeks and given his reputation finding an acceptable bride could be difficult. Meg and Duncan literally collide and their story has fascinating twists and turns until the final resolution.

I know my reviews are posted out of order, blame the drugs!

I am reading a different book about Robert E. Lee, and I have to agree that he was an admirable man. I think what I admire the most is that he was so seldom critical of others, even when they really goofed up. He just didn't spend any time complaining in public. What an unusual trait! And one that I could certainly stand to work on.

Cindy, I agree. How many times do we see people trying to blame others rather than stepping up and accepting the responsibility themselves? was just absolutely in awe of this man's spirit - his sense of duty never seemed to waiver and belief in God was always in the forefront. Truly, truly an admirable man....too bad there aren't ones like him still around.

I finished the last of my 1010 books but will fall one short of mny bonus challenge. I suppose I could count the 2 books that I got about halfway through - 2 halves make a whole right? O well, I'll post the last book shortly.

#119 The Exploits and Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy

Author: Elizabeth Aston
Read: December 29 - December 31
Format: Paperback 352 pages
Source: B&N
Subject: P&P Sequel
Challenges: 101020, 75 Book, TIOLI , BOSC
Category: Miss Austen and Her Relations (P & P lives on!)
Genre: Romance
Stars: 3

This book is the second installment of the P&P sequels by Elizabeth Aston. I read the first one in 2009 which prompted me to investigate and find that there are dozens of books that use Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as the foundation and go from there.
This story is about the youngest of Elizabeth and Darcy's 5 daughters - her impetuousness, the troubles it gets her into and how pride and prejudice are carried into younger generations. It was a fun read quickly bringing to mind the first installment antics and the very Austen-like characters.

CHALLENGE RECAP
Well, 2010 had some tremendous books and not so tremendous. Here's the recap of some of my favorites and how the year broke down.

The best of the year was - Bury Your Dead .
Won't count the re-read of Harry Potter.
The worst of the year - My Name is Will as well as two abandoned books - Future Hope and The Inheritance

I. Cuddle up with a good cozy mystery
Best of the Category - Hail to the Chef

II. Civil War and its Leaders 10/10
Best of the Category - Team of Rivals

III. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
Best of the Category - Mastered by Love

IV. Miss Austen and Her Relations (Pride & Prejudice lives on!)
Best of the Category - Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One

V. Surprise - Books I find and want to read /group reads
Best of the Category - The Brutal Telling
VI. Crafts, Cooking, and Hobbies
Best of the Category - Died in the Wool

VII. I HEARD THEM
Best of the Category - Death and Judgment

VIII. Who/What/When/Where/How/Why? - Bios/history
Best of the Category - The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War

IX. Books found on the Internet/thru LT/at the library/in a bookstore (repeat from 999)
Best of the Category - Lumby Lines

X. A Full Course Meal
Best of the Category - Bordeaux Betrayal

Xi. Niagara Falls - Overflow
Best of the Category - Bury Your Dead


Book Talley for 2010:

Books Acquired 110 (30 read ) - 29 ER/ARC /Blog giveaways, 43 Nook books (23 Free classic books, 38 purchases)
Books Read Owned 52 (Pages: 20,563 )
Books Read Borrowed 26 (Pages: 7,220 )
E-books - 3 (Pages - 1,464)
Audio Books heard 38 ( 450½ hours, equivalent 12,041 pages) 32 borrowed

Total Completed
119 books - 38 audio books, 3 Nook books, 27 Hardbacks, 51 Paperbacks - 41,288 pages

Genre Summary:

Nonfiction:
History: 25
General : 3

Fiction:
Novels: 9
General : 13
Thriller: 10
Young Adult : 12
Mystery: 20
Romance: 14
Historical Fiction: 10
Classics: 3

January: 0 pre-owned : 8 borrowed : 2 ARC - 10 books.
Best of the Month: The Lost Throne
February: 3 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 1 new: 2 ARC - 12 books.
Best of the Month: The California Gold Rush and the coming of the Civil War
March: 1 pre-owned: 5 borrowed: 0 new: 2 ARC - 8 books.
Best of the Month: Empire of Ivory
April: 3 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 1 new: 4 ARC - 14 books.
Best of the Month: Brutal Telling
May: 1 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 0 new: 3 ARC - 10 books.
Best of the Month: Lumby Lines
June: 1 pre-owned: 3 borrowed: 3 new: 2 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Stealing Lumby
July: 5 pre-owned: 3 borrowed: 3 new: 0 ARC - 11 books.
Best of the Month: Lumby's Promise
August: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 2 new: 2 ARC - 10 books.
Best of the Month: Bury Your Dead but a close second was Team of Rivals.
September: 3 pre-owned: 7 borrowed: 0 new: 0 ARC - 10 books.
Best of the Month: Desperate Engagement
October 3 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 0 new: 2 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Among the Mad
November: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 2 new: 0 ARC - 8 books.
Best of the Month: Over the Edge of the World
December 4 pre-owned: 2 borrowed: 2 new: 0 ARC - 8 books.
Best of the Month: Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee

Top Ten of 2010
Bury your Dead
Team of Rivals
Lumby Lines
The California Gold Rush and the coming of the Civil War
Desperate Engagement
Brutal telling
Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee
God of the Hive
Mastered by Love
A Spy in the House

Best Biography...................Call of Duty: The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee
Best Mystery.....................Bury Your Dead
Best Romance....................Promise of Lumby
Best History.......................Team of Rivals
Best Historical Fiction..........Killer Angels
Best Chick Lit.....................Mastered by Love
Best Fiction.......................Lumby Lines
Best Thriller.......................The Lost Throne
Best Classic Fiction.............Pride & Prejudice
Best General Fiction............Ella Minnow pea
Best Re-read......................Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
Best Youth........................A Spy in the House
Best Fantasy.....................Empire of Ivory

Of the 119 books I read in 2010 - 71 were on my list on January 1st. So I read 60% of the books I orginally picked out for the year - not bad.

I hope everyone enjoyed their reading this year as much as I did.

My 11 in 11 thread is here - http://www.librarything.com/topic/96710

Great recap, Cheli. Looking forward to another good year.

Happy New Year Cheli. Congrats on finishing your challenge and I second the great recap comment. Wow!

Happy New Year! And thanks for all the recommendations I got on here!

Congratulations on the challenge, Cheli!

Your recap is really interesting. And so detailed!

Great job! I'm in awe of your statistics. See you in 11. Going to star you now.

I posted the last review of my 2010 reading in message #78.

See you all in 2011!

Congrats, Cheli! Your stats are fun. :)