Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)32 Comments



Good morning!  I am sipping away at my first cup of coffee this morning.  I mentioned yesterday during the morning meandering about a book review format that I was excited to try out.  I did that yesterday starting with my review of Worst Case.

The idea was to make the reviews have a bit more of my personality, a bit of “Book Journey, One persons journey through books and coffee.”  So that is what I did.  I actually had fun doing it.  I added:

  • Book Journey traveled to:  ______________________
  • some type of coffee related tip about the area the book is about
  • page number or CD count
  • Cover thoughts

On my left sidebar you will see a new “Where Have I Been?” map and that I am still working on but it is so far a lot of fun.  On this map that I am making through Google Maps I am charting out where the books I have read this year are from.  What I am finding most interesting about that is how many books I have read this year that are set out of the US.  I have read books centered around London, England, Italy, South Africa…  (I have a lot more to enter yet too)

If you click on the link to see the map zoom it out by using the little bar on the left side of the map and clicking the minus sign.  I have no idea why when you enter it is fully zoomed in so you see nothing.  If you click on the blue pegs, it pops up with the book cover, title, and links back to my review.


So I am off to prepare for my day.  I have a meeting at 8:30 am across town, a recap of the home show we had a month ago.  I am excited to hear how it went overall.  Then I am in my office for the afternoon and probably gym with my friend Heidi after that and tonight, I am making BLT’s and we are watching SURVIVOR!

**  A fun pondering moment coming up in a few hours….


Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (Audio)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

Book Journey traveled to:  New York

Best Coffee in New York:  gimme! coffee

Audio CDs:  6

Cover:  Eye catching…. makes you fully aware you are stepping into a suspenseful mystery


Described by Patterson himself, as a “speeding freight train” I would have to toot my horn in agreement.  Worst Case is the third book involving Detective Michael Bennett and his family.  The first book being Step On A Crack where Michael Bennett, father of 10 kids (yes 10) sadly loses his wife and falls head first into a crime that will start your heart pumping.  The second book Run For Your Life ,(and this is where I came in) Michael juggles home life, sick kids, and a killer who calls himself the teacher. The audio was incredible and the killer – just the right level of creepy.

Which brings us to Worst Case.  Michael Bennett finds himself partnered up with the FBI and Emily Parker is who works with him on this case.  Not only is she smoking hot, she is incredibly smart, and they pair up nicely for this new crime wave.

What’s the crime?  Seems New York’s wealthiest families are having their kids snatched and held hostage.  The kidnapper isn’t after ransom, which would be the first thought…. no, he instead quizzes the kids on their pampered lifestyles and their knowledge of those less fortunate than themselves.   The thing that drive this “one french fry short of a happy meal” kidnapper over the edge is that these rich kids and their families go about their lives living high and noses raised above the reality of the worlds poverty issues.

What Patterson and Ledwidge have done here is create another can’t put down, or in my case, can’t stop listening to, suspense story that left me at times sitting in my car in the garage long after I had returned home just to hear what was going to happen next.

I have really enjoyed the story line of the Bennett family.  Having a main character Detective not be your typical bachelor type is refreshing.  The fact that he juggles a full family life, as well as a hard full time career is something that I find to be a great combination.

Comparing this book to a freight train?  Yes James.  Absolutely.

I received my review copy from Hachette audio

Morning Meanderings

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)19 Comments


Good Morning!  Coffee Cup and I are sitting here this morning on the verge of what looks to be a beautiful day.  I was just thinking about a discussion going on at a blog I was reading earlier this week about review layouts.  The discussion (and I am so sorry but I do not recall where I seen this at) revolved around if we had a set layout for our reviews.  Such as:  some of us, write our own synopsis of the books we review, or we link to other reviews of the book, or include the page number and/or genre, links to purchase, ratings…  the list goes on and on.

So…. as I look at my new (and hopefully improved) blog name, I tried to think of a more designed review style and actually came up with a few ideas that have me not only excited for this blog, but I think I can apply one of the steps to my book club group as well.

I don’t want to give it all away…. and as in all things, there may be tweaking as I go…. but the new review layout will show up on the review that I am posting later today.  And that is all I am going to say about that.  😉


According to my local weather on Google, today is the last of the nice sunny days for a while.  Looks like rain tomorrow through Friday which hits the bummer scale for me as that means no biking or rollerblading.  It does however mean reading time and that is good as I am so loving the Michael Sullivan series and can not wait to review the first three books of his series.

I leave you with this…. I have been in such a Potter mood lately.  I recently listed to the second book on audio (which I HIGHLY recommend) and since then I have been jonesing for book three.  Must…. stay….. strong….

However – my dear friend Heidi who knows about my Potter addiction, sent me a link to the following video.  I had seen this before but it is still so fun!

Have a great day everyone!

Read, Remember, Recommend by Rachelle Roger’s Knight

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)37 Comments

I love to keep notes of what I read and what I felt about the book.  Before I blogged these thoughts, I put them in binders, the result being several large journals filled with books I read and my thoughts about them.  I treasure these books in my own writing.

Now with the blogging taking over my hand written version, I still like to take notes and of course jot down titles of books that others recommend to me.  These notes go on backs of grocery receipts or whatever piece of paper I can find at the time and inevitably get lost resulting in the sheepish phone call of,

“What was the name of that book you were telling me about?”

When I received this book,, Read, Remember, Recommend for review I was thrilled with what it had to offer.  Not only is there spaces to record what I have read and what I recommend, but also the books I have loaned out to others.  The front of the book is pages of award-winning books with spaces for you to check if you have read them, recommend them, or want them.

This is the type of book that any book lover should have.  I am thinking with Mother’s day coming up it would make a great gift for all the mom’s out there who enjoy reading.

I thoroughly am enjoying my copy!

See the Teen Version here

I received my copy of this book for review from the Author.

Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens by Rachel Roger’s Knight

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)15 Comments

I love to see teens read.  It’s like reading… the next generation.  When I had the opportunity to review Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens I jumped at the chance.  As an adult I love the version of this book made for me, but was thrilled to see the genius that went into this one.

What do I mean?  The lists of books in the early pages are award-winning books – YA Literature.  In the introduction, teens are encouraged to try other genres that maybe they hadn’t thought they would like or never had the opportunity to read.  The books recommended and listed have an age next to them so teens can know at what age the book was written for.  I enjoyed looking through the titles of the books and wanting to read some of them myself.

The record keeping part of the books where you keep track of the books you want to read is just in a fun layout that will appeal to teens.  Journal pages and pages to write your own recommendation… this is a teen readers way to organization and possibly new books and authors.

I was in love with this book from the first time I flipped through its pages.  There are thousands of reading suggestions in this book!

See the adult version here

I received my copy of this book for review from the Author.

Morning Meanderings (the story of a bike ride…)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)28 Comments


Good Morning friends of books!  🙂  I hope everyone’s weekend was super fabulous!  If you follow whats happening over here between many cups of coffee than you know I had my first bike ride of the season this past Sunday at the Ironman in Lakeville, MN.  The Ironman is a 30, 65, or 100 mile bike ride.  It is called the Ironman because at the end of April in Minnesota the weather could be anything from freezing cold, rain, and even snow.

This year I went with my friend Amy who was experiencing her first long distance ride.  Our goal:  The 65 mile route.  We had completed a few short rides here in town.  Last week she and I completed a 32 together, and I ran that route twice during the week as well as a ride into work so before we left for Lakeville I had 70 miles on my bike from last week.

The morning of the ride was miserable.  After a beautiful week of sun and seventies, we woke to rain, wind and 40 degrees.  We put on our bike wear and rain gear and headed out the door.

My complaint about the Ironman ride is that within two miles of the start, you have to choose which route you are taking.  You turn right for the 30 mile, and go straight for the 65.  As awful as the weather was we made the decision together to turn right and do the 30.

In some ways I kicked myself for not pressing on to the 65 but as we rode and fought hills and wind, I think we made the right choice.  Amy agreed that she will do other rides with me this year and I know we will get in longer rides.  I have one coming up in June that is 150.  150 period.  There is no option of a shorter route.

4,600 Riders this year at the Ironman

When we were done we packed up the bikes, received our participant t shirts, and drove back towards St Cloud where we enjoyed lunch at Mongos Grill.

While it wasn’t everything I had hoped for, I had a blast hanging out with my friend and I am excited to do more rides with her.

My next ride is May 8th, it is a ride for MS also in the cities and it is a 65.

So that’s my weekend.  Came home feeling good but tired.  Rollerbladed with my friend Wendy yesterday for 18 miles…. legs are feeling that a bit this morning.  🙂  I am hoping to go riding with her later today.  Of course now that the Ironman is over, the weather looks like it is going to be nice all week.

Registration and starting line

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)118 Comments

It’s still Sunday evening and I arrived back home from the Ironman Bike Ride about 4 hours ago.  I am tired but had a blast hanging with Amy!  Thanks Amy!   😀

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I love being a part of this and I hope you do too!  As part of this weekly meme I love to encourage you all to go and visit the others participating in this meme.  I offer a weekly contest for those who visit 10 or more of the Monday Meme participants and leave a comment.  You receive one entry for every 10 comments, just come back here and tell me how many in the comment area.


Last weeks winner (using Random.Org) was:

Laurel

Congratulations!  Please choose an item out of the PRIZE BOX and email me your choice with your mailing address as well!   journeythroughbooks@gmail.com

*** I will be adding to the prize box yet this week!


So what happened here at Book Journey This past week?

I chatted with the incredible Kay Cassidy and her feeling now that her book Cinderella Society is on the book shelves!

Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman If you like adventure, and want to read of an incredible true journey, get a hold of this book.

Daughter Of Mine by Laura Fabiani – an incredible look at a beautiful country!

Did you see the Gimble that I found? It holds you books open – free hand!  Hallelujah!

hold still by Nina Lacour a book I picked up at a bookstore in Florida and I loved it!

100 Cupboards by N D Wilson (A wonderful YA read!)

I listed many new giveaways!

Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling (Audio review that blew me away!)


Checking out the flavor of the week:



I need to complete Fablehaven… I am so close and it is so good!


Titanic 2012 is almost done as well and my goal this week is to get this wrapped up so I can pass it on to Ryan at Wordsmithonia who picked it for me to read and then I am giving it to him.

Read, Recommend, Remember and Read, Recommend, Remember for Teens  are drool worthy books that I have been loving and will be reviewing these books this week.

The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano is a book I am not only reviewing for Hachette – but it is my book club read for May!  Got to love that!

So – what are you reading this week?  I am anxious to stop by all your blogs this week and see what is happening!  Sign the Linky below so we can all stop in and see what you are reading!  (I am bringing coffee and scones!)


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Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…

Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling (Audio)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)30 Comments

Book Journey traveled to Fictional London

Coffee Connections:  The Elephant House of Edinburgh,  is where J K Rowling wrote most of the first Harry Potter book.

9 cds

Cover Love:  Yes, the cover of this second book is perfect to attract kids of all ages!

Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys were so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor and a spirit who haunts the girls’ bathroom. But then
the real trouble begins–someone is turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself!

I kept hearing from everyone how amazing the Harry Potter books were on audio so I went out and found the second book on audio at my library, and it was everything I was told it would be – and more.

What amazes me continuously about J K Rowling and the Potter books is, I never get tired of them.  I can’t put my finger on it but I loved them all the first time I read them…. loved them when I read them all again a couple of years ago…. and now going through them again – if anything I love them more.

Why?  I ask myself the same question.  I keep thinking as I get older, and read more books, the magic I found in the wizardly world will fade…. but it doesn’t.  If anything – just the opposite happens and I find each trip to Hogwarts to be more magical.

The audio was fantastic.  I much own them some day.  Reader Jim Dale was astounding and his voices for the different characters was spot on.  I could have sworn Hagrid was the same Hagrid I hear in the movies.  Moaning Myrtle – yup…. he could do her voice well too.

And what hit home for me this time around was the Weazley Twins, Fred and George.  As they are up to their typical trickery…. I had to smile as I pictured J K developing these two delightful characters.  Here she was, no teens of her own – but she had these two spot on… For that matter, she has them all spot on.  Ron is a perfect younger brother, trying to make his own name in the world, Hermoine is fantastic and well – do we even need to discuss the incredible and amazing Harry?

“Now, behave, won’t you?  Won’t you, Fred? And you, George?”

— Molly Weasley

A thoroughly enjoyable audio that I would recommend for the whole family.

I received the copy I listened to from my local Library

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments



Ok…. I have to get something off my chest.  Natalie from The BookInn left a comment earlier this week and in the comment she hummed Lollipop, Lollipop…. Oh lolly lolly pop.

Well…. that just made me smile.  And then… I went to work that day and it was in my head.  Wouldn’t go away…. even played it on You Tube at work…. my co workers thought I had finally cracked.  I am sure they were gathering around to see who won the kitty for guessing my “day she cracks date”.  😀

And now… yes days later… still…. in… my…. head.  So Natalie, I now have to pass it on to others.  And also thank you because I don’t think I have ever listened to the whole song before but I have now 🙂


I am leaving today with Amy to stay overnight in the cities for tomorrow mornings Ironman Bike Ride.  Our goal is 65 miles…. if the weather cooperates, I believe we can do it.  I am super pumped to do this with her.  I have done these bike tours for years but this is her first time so I am hoping she really has a good time because I want her to do more of them with me.  😀

I will still be around throughout the weekend.  I have reviews coming up and if you have not checked out the giveaway link lately do so because I have many new book giveaways going on.

Have a great day!


Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (GIVEAWAY!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)36 Comments

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for allowing me to have three copies of this book for giveaway

Winners have been drawn and this giveaway is now closed.

PRESUMED INNOCENT brings to life our worst nightmare: that of an ordinary citizen facing conviction for the most terrible of crimes. Prosecutor Rusty Sabich is transformed from accuser to accused when he is handed an explosive case–that of the brutal murder of a woman who happens to be his former lover.

How To Enter this Giveaway

I love a good mystery!  To enter this giveaway leave a comment here with the title and author of a mystery style book that you really enjoyed.

Want more chances to win?

For two extra chances to win, become a subscriber  (or be a current subscriber) of this blog (do this in the upper right side bar) and let me know in a separate comment here

Blog about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment and receive two more entries

Twitter about this giveaway or link tot his giveaway on Facebook and let me know here for another entry

This giveaway will end on May 2.  USA and Canada entrants only please.