"All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality -- the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape."
--Author Christopher Benson

WE HAVE MOVED!!!! PLEASE COME TO THE NEW ESCAPE WITH DOLLYCAS INTO A NEW BOOK!!!!!

YOU WILL LOVE THE NEW BLOG!!!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Bullet Work by Steve O'Brien

A & N Publishing
Available Now
ISBN-10: 0982073593
ISBN-13: 978-0982073599

There is a world of owners, trainers, hot-walkers, grooms, vets, stall muckers that all work behind the scenes of horse racing.  These people work on the "backside" of this highly competitive world.  It is here that this story takes place.  

As Opening Day approaches to this Virginia racetrack, horses are dying. As the season progresses more horses are killed.  All in a scam to extort money from the trainers by some unknown person or group who want to be paid to keep the horses safe.  

This becomes personal for the lead character of this book, Dan Morgan as one of his prize horses is targeted.  Dan with the help of a very special young man, who seems to have a gift with horses, begin a mission to try to find out who is behind these awful killings and shut down the extortion scam all while keeping themselves from becoming the next targets.

My knowledge of horse racing before reading this book was pretty minimal.  I have watched races like the Kentucky Derby on television so I know horses run around a track and people bet on who will win, place or show.  This book gave me quite an education in the art of horse racing, from the learning which horses can run in each race, to the life behind the scenes of the track.

The story was also very interesting as to the lengths some people will go to to pad their own pockets.  O'brien writes a great story of mystery leaving us guessing until the last chapter as to the culprits responsible for the deaths of the horses, but he also lets us fall in love with the character of AJ and then breaks our hearts.  

The book is fast paced and while the story revolves around the extortion mystery, I found it more of a story of loyalty, trust and friendship.  A race horse costs a great deal of money depending on age and talent so the owner has to trust the people he puts in charge of their care. The employees of the owner must be loyal not only to the owner but each other and give the horse the best care possible.  But beyond all that what resonated for me was the friendship that developed between the young, AJ and Dan Morgan. An owner and a man who did probably the lowest of jobs on the "backside".  There was a connection from the moment they met, that at first was resisted by AJ, but as the story progressed so did that friendship.  AJ was a special person with a special gift, Dan was the only one to truly recognize this.  

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read and will look forward to seeing more from this author.  He does have another book out Elijah's Coin thats looks very good and highly acclaimed.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent
 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Cadence Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY!!!!! - What a Week!!!





Welcome to
Feel GooFriday!!!

Erika had found that a lot of her bloggy friends reading posts about being positive, so she thought she might try her very own meme. She just wanted everyone to feel good and have some happy thoughts as you begin the weekend.  Go over to her blog for the details.

"The Girl" is busy constructing a new website so for the time being this feature is being hosted by lia sophia tomgirl.  She has a great blog, be sure to check it out!

Really having a hard time this Friday for things to Feel Good about this Friday.
1. The sun is shining today in Wisconsin finally, but more rain is headed our way.
2. The Royals had a nice wedding.
3. I "met" some wonderful new authors this week that will be Guest Posting on my blog later this summer.

But my brain and heart keeps going back to the devastation caused by the tornadoes that hit the south eastern parts of the U.S. Over 300 people dead, thousands injured, many missing, so many homeless, or without power and phone service.  The pictures I have seen on the internet and the news just break my heart.  

It even caused quite the religious discussion in our house about God letting storms devastate one area and not another.  

What would make me Feel Good this week is if everyone would pray, donate your time or money if you are able to help the many people affected by these deadly storms.  Be thankful for what you have, hug your kids and grandkids.  Tornadoes or other natural disasters can happen anywhere as we saw earlier in the year with Japan and in previous years with Katrina and other hurricanes.  Each day of our lives is a gift and we never know how or when disaster may strike us or our loved ones. I am sending virtual (((hugs))) to all my friends, family and followers who are too far away for real ones. I hope you will pass them along to everyone you can.

What made you Feel Good this week?
I hope you will take just a moment to share it with me.


Thursday, April 28, 2011

A WORLD I NEVER MADE WINNER!!!



Victoria Z.
has won my gently read hardcover of 

Thank you to everyone who entered!
Winner chosen by Random.org

Stay tuned for more
Reviews, Recommendations, 
Random Thoughts & Giveaways!!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

ENQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW - WEEK 35



No, I am not a new Tabloid Reporter, but this is a feature so 
that we can all get to know each other better.  

This feature will be open from Thursday at 12:01 A.M. and close on Monday at 11:59 P.M. to allow those that want to participate over the weekend the opportunity to do so when they have more time.  So you may want to check back on Tuesday or check the previous week's link on Thursday to view everyone's answers.

Links to all previous can be found by clicking the Enquiring Minds Want To Know page in the right sidebar for those who missed a week or two and want to catch up on everyone's answers.  To do that please link up using the actual post link  instead of the link to your entire blog so people can find your "Enquiring" posts easier. 

If you are just joining this feature 
WELCOME!!!!! 
We all become friends/followers but most of us will never meet in person, this feature is to help us all get to know each other better.

Each Thursday I will post 3 questions for you to answer 
that you can copy and post on 
your blog with your answers. 
You don’t have to be a blogger to participate either. I will be using a Linky List for the blogs to use to participate and follow each other around to get to know each other, but if you are not a blogger just answer the questions in the comment section following the post on your favorite blog. Please feel free to click on the links and visit other blogs too.  

This way we not only get to know other bloggers, 
we get to know our followers too.
I am really excited about this meme 
and hope many more people will join the fun!!!!!

Are you interested?

WEEK 35 QUESTIONS

1. What is your shoe size?

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

3. How many do you actually wear regularly? 


Now be sure to copy and paste the information and your answers into your blog, then come back to link up, so we can come to your blog and read your answers.

I hope you will come back to this meme every week and tell your friends so we can all get to know each other better and get the answers to all the questions 
Enquiring Minds Want To Know.

MY ANSWERS:

1. What is your shoe size?

To allow for the swelling that occurs in my feet I wear a size 10.

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?


This is really an unfair question for me because you will never believe me.  I own 4 pairs of shoes.  They are tennis shoes in black, white, red and blue. I have to have a shoe that ties to stay on my paralyzed foot, so all my pretty sandals, clogs, and dress shoes were sent to Goodwill long ago.  If I every really need to get dressed up, I will probably search for a show like a ballet shoe, but we keep things pretty casual around here.

3. How many do you actually wear regularly? 

All four depending what matches my amazing outfit :)






Now it's your turn! 
Let's get to know YOU!!
This Enquiring Mind Wants To Know!



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Cozy Wednesday - Mind Your Own Beeswax by Hannah Reed

Welcome to another Cozy Wednesday, 45 degrees and rainy here today and for the last few days.  Someone has stolen Spring and I wish they would bring it back.  I may have to get one of the amateur sleuths from one of my cozies on the case to solve the mystery of Who Stole Spring in Wisconsin?

Maybe Hannah Reed can help me out, not only does she live in Wisconsin, but her Queen Bee Mystery Series is set in Wisconsin as well.  I can't wait to tell you about the second book in the series.

Cover Design
by Judith Lagerman
Cover Illustration
by Trish Cramblet
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
Published by The Penguin Group


A Queen Bee Mystery
2nd Book In The Series


Release Date: May 3, 2011

Story Fischer, her honeybees, her wonderful store, and bullet points are back. Only some of the honey bees are trying to escape, a whole hive empties out and leads Story to "The Lost Mile," the place where the legendary Lantern Man is said to reside. It is a little less than a mile long and had been logged at one time.  Now a road has been cut through the middle of it and young saplings of pines and maples are flourishing.  Many of the residents of Moraine, Wisconsin believe the story of the Lantern Man is just an old tale made up to keep kids away from the area as it is a place teenagers have used for parties for years.

A former resident of Moraine has also returned and gone missing so while Story is searching for her bees, the rest of the town is looking for Lauren Kerrigan.  Story finds her bees in a tree but will need help getting them back to the hive.  In the meantime she helps look for Lauren and is quite surprised when not only Lauren but another town resident are found dead almost in the exact spot in the woods where Story found her bees.

You know Story is not going to mind her own beeswax when it comes to these murder investigations.  The whole town is buzzing and she will have a honey of a time searching through a swarm of clues to solve these murders.


Not only do I love these mysteries but the characters are absolutely priceless.  Story is the perfect protagonist, Story's mother never fails to crack me up, her sister speaks in texting lingo, LOL, her grandmother is so lovable and loyal, her maybe boyfriend is a hunk and the Realtor from hell, Lori,  just adds pure delight to these stories. Plus Ben and Dinky make the story even more special.

Hannah Reed is an extraordinary writer.  This story is sharp, well written, engaging and full of excitement. This perfect cozy mystery is definitely a must read for all mystery lovers. This book is a really sweet treat and even includes some honey recipes in the back. Everyone will be buzzing about this book and you do not want to miss out on the fun.  You will be "BEE" very entertained, this is a honey of a book and a honey of a series. 

To find out more about Hannah or to sign up for her Email List go to her webpage.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of  Penguin Publishing . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

HOPPY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA BLOG HOP WINNERS!!!



TO
SHANNON S.
WHO HAS WON
Sleeping With Anemone: A Flower Shop MysteryDirty Rotten Tendrils: A Flower Shop MysteryNight of the Living Dandelion: A Flower Shop Mystery
THE KATE COLLINS PACKAGE!!!

AND
RICKI M.
WHO HAS WON 
Beaglemania (A Pet Rescue Mystery)A Crafty Killing (Victoria Square Mystery)Cookie Dough or Die (A Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery)
THE FIRST IN A SERIES PACKAGE!!

Thank you to everyone who entered 
and to all my new followers and 
those that have been following here for some time.
I really love sharing my books with others along with my 
Book Reviews, Recommendations & Random Thoughts.
I hope you will all stop by here often 
and tell your friends.

Winners were chosen using Random.org

Please take a moment to enter the 
new giveaway posted today for 
The Beach Trees by Karen White.  
Just click on the picture in the left sidebar to go to the original post to enter.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent


A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber

Published by MIRA
A Blossom Street Novel
Available Today!!!
ISBN-10: 0778329836
ISBN-13: 978-0778329831


Bethanne Hamlin has recovered very well since her husband left her for another woman.  She had started her own business and it has been very successful.

Her daughter Annie, will be starting her last year of college and she helps her mom with her business.

Bethanne's ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, is planning to drive from Seattle, Washington to Vero  Beach, Florida to attend her 50 year high school class reunion.  This trip will not happen if her daughter Robin as anything to say about it.

Three women all at different places in their lives, all facing some important decisions.  Bethanne's ex-husband has made it known he wants her back now that his second marriage has fallen apart.  Can she forgive him for all the pain he has caused her? She is no longer the same woman he left behind.  Annie thought her boyfriend was going to propose marriage and instead he broke her heart by telling her he was going to travel Europe with friends for a year, just expecting her to wait  for him.  Ruth is going back to see old friends, but there is one special friend she really wants to reconnect with so she can apologize for for hurting them.

Bethanne and Annie decide to travel cross country with Ruth to give them time to make the right decisions and with them going along Ruth's daughter can't keep her from a trip she has been planning for almost 50 years. Packed up and with their route mapped out they head out for the trip of a lifetime. But "A Turn in the Road" can make a well-planned excursion have a few unexpected surprises.  This turns out to be a trip that will change the lives for several people, especially Ruth, Bethanne and Annie.

You can never go wrong with a Debbie Macomber book.  This is not your normal Blossom Street Novel except that is where we first met Bethanne back in A Good Yarn.  The story takes us on a wonderful adventure with three wonderful strong women.  I found myself worrying if I was going to like the ending, which way was the author going to take us.  Debbie's endings always seem to come with a little surprise, like all good books should.  The entire story was a pure pleasure to read. I hope the author includes updates on these characters in future Blossom Street editions. This is a perfect "escape" book and can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.  

Check out Debbie's Web Page to find out about all her fantastic books already out and the new ones coming soon.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Beach Trees by Karen White Giveaway Sponsored by Book World


RELEASE DATE MAY 3, 2011

From the time she was twelve, Julie Holt knew what a random tragedy can do to a family. At that tender age, her little sister disappeared-never to be found. It was a loss that slowly eroded the family bonds she once relied on. As an adult with a prestigious job in the arts, Julie meets a struggling artist who reminds her so much of her sister, she can't help feeling protective. It is a friendship that begins a long and painful process of healing for Julie, leading her to a house on the Gulf Coast, ravaged by hurricane Katrina, and to stories of family that take her deep into the past.

This giveaway is sponsored by Book World.
http://www.bookworldstores.com/

Book World, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a family owned independent chain of full-service book stores located throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. 


We started our first store in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in 1976 and have grown to over forty-five stores. It’s our goal to offer the communities we serve the best selection of reading material in the area. 


You will find an extensive selection of both hardcover and paperback books for all age groups. Along with current bestsellers, you will find books in every category with a strong emphasis on regional and nature titles. 


Our staff works diligently to bring you a tremendous selection of periodicals which at last count included over 3,300 magazine titles. Book World is also proud to feature educational toys and children’s products, such as Melissa and Doug. Customer service is truly our number one priority. Each store has a staff of booksellers from the community who are ready to work with you, help you find what you need, and deliver the service you expect. If you can’t find a title in our stores our staff can special order almost any title requested. Book World is truly “your local store and so much more!”