The Book of Lies - Brad Meltzer

I think the author borrowed from Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code. A lot. It was the same idea. Tracking down an illusive item from the Bible using nothing more than a handful of clues that were embedded in plain sight for all the world to see. But this story became secondary as Cal rediscovered his father and himself.

The more prominent story was the story of Jerry Segal and the trauma that led him to create Superman in a row house in Cleveland in the 30s. That was more fascinating to me than the pursuit of the murder weapon with which Cain murdered Abel. It parallelled Cal and his father's relationship to the extent that there was a need for understanding and forgiveness on the part of the son. I don't think Jerry was ever able to forgive his father for leaving him, no matter that it wasn't by choice or illness.

Overall, it was a clever little story. I was able to see who a few of the "mysterious" characters were well before they were exposed in the storyline. Predictable? Yes. Enjoyable? In the end.

Nano afterward

I tried. I really did. I started out the month with a strong idea and was consistently doing more than the day's average. I felt good and proud of myself that I was keeping up with it. Right up until I got sick. >:o(

I was sick with two head colds back to back for most of the month. Between that, my commute, helping friends to move, and just life, I didn't get to finish Nano this year. I was also borrowing my husband's laptop. Since I couldn't really appropriate it all the time without feeling guilty, I didn't get to do as much as I wanted. Phooey on me.

Next year, it will be different. My loving mate bought me my own laptop for me to do with as I will. I'll be able to write, surf the net, and generally cause havoc on Facebook all I want without feeling like I have to give up my possession of the computer "to be nice." :o) I'm planning on finishing this year's Nano work too. There's always the Kiwi Writer's Mini Challenge in January: 20,000 words of new material in a month. And then there's SoCNoc in June.

And Nano next November ... I'll finish someday.

The White Queen - Philippa Gregory

I'm torn. While I love the Tudor series, I didn't get that same sense of accomplishment when I finished this book. It also seemed to come to an abrupt end like The Constant Princess. It was almost as if Ms. Gregory said to herself, "Oh, I probably should finish this," and just stopped writing.

It's the story of England before it becomes a united land under Henry VII. Edward marries in secret and brings his bride to the court afterward. And all hell breaks loose from there. Brothers betray each other. Secrets are let out. There is murder, mayhem, and witchcraft to deal with.

I had a difficult time getting through this one. I found Queen Elizabeth too conniving for me. Or maybe I'm just tired of the intrigue found at England's court. I don't know. As this is the first in a new series, I may just wait to pick up the second book.

Bed of Roses - Nora Roberts

OK. I've been on a total NR kick lately. I listen to a LOT of her audiobooks in the car on the way to work. I tend to read books and then go and listen to the audiobook later.

I preordered Bed of Roses and felt that little tingle of anticipation. New release from one of my favorite authors? What's not to love, right? So I got the box from Amazon (a day early from their shipping estimate, might I add), opened it and the packaging inside, picked up the book and settled down to read. I think my husband brought me food at one point. It appeared in front of me anyway.

I wanted to love it. But I didn't. It is the story of Emma Grant and Jack Cooke. She is the florist at Vows, a successful wedding planning company and venue in CT. She creates all the arrangements for the company for their various events from weddings to baby showers to 50th anniversary parties. Jack is a friend of the group and their architect when they need space planning or additions created.

They come together in the book and it was ... predictable. I think what bothered me most was that there wasn't enough of a struggle on Emma's part. She had a fairy tale life, a fairy tale job tailored to her, and pretty much fell in love effortlessly. There was a bit of annoyance when it came to Jack's hesitation but that was it.

I liked it. I think I may have to read it again. But this is the first NR book in a while I didn't automatically love the first time out. So now I'm sad.

Black Hills - Nora Roberts

I just finished listening to this a few days ago. I liked it but I think I prefer her trilogies better. It's a fairly simple reason why too. I just like getting to know the characters more thoroughly in a series. Nora Roberts writes complex characters, especially her female leads and I feel that some of them need a longer story arc to shine.

Lil was one of those characters. Dr. Lillian Chance set her mind to her life's work when she was just a child. It was fascinating to read through her childhood and young adulthood to see that purpose solidify. There was a man though. There's always a man. :o) His name was Cooper Sullivan and he was troubled as a kid. A product of a broken home, his grandparents provided the stability he longed for. He became a cop in defiance of his father's wishes and then resigned after a terrible accident over which he had no control.

Lil and Coop came together early in their 20s, too early perhaps. It didn't last. Couldn't as he had something to prove to people. Mostly himself. When he came back in his 30s, he'd proven "it" whatever it was. His new focus was to work on the farm, the only place he'd ever considered home after his grandfather was unable to do so.

As it happens, Lil came under siege because of a misguided man. They had a connection in his mind, as warped as it was. He threatened her and all she'd built. The refuge where abused animals were offered sanctuary. Her staff. Herself. Her family. All threatened due to their connection with her.

As usual, there's suspense and romance in a Nora Roberts novel. All told with that special something Ms. Roberts brings into her stories. They make me wish I could write like that. Maybe someday.

I'm tossing myself into the creative pool again

I'm participating in NaNoWriMo. It stands for National Novel Writing Month. Basically, it's the writing equivalent of the 100 yard dash. You get one month (November) to get to 50,000 words. Once you do and your word count is verified, you win. Not money. You get the pride in yourself that you were able to achieve something that most people dream of. Writing The Great American Novel.

Some from Nano have had their novels published. Check out the website www.nanowrimo.org ... it's a great time. It's nuts and you'll make yourself crazy if you decide to participate but completely satisfying.

Maybe this year I'll actually finish. I started it last year and abandoned it as I wound up hating my characters. This year, I'm doing a series of short stories. Either way, I'm determined to make to 50K.

See you all at the finish line!

An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon (no big spoilers)

Good EFFIN Lord! I have to wait another THREE YEARS to find out what happened? Really? REALLY?

I didn't realize how much I missed Jamie and Claire until I opened this book. I found Roger a bit whiny at first. I know he's been through a lot but I guess I don't really get how a trip back through the stones would be enough to shake the foundation of his faith and make him turn away from being a minister. Maybe I missed that part.

There was so much going on in this book. You can really see how closely Ms. Gabaldon is starting to weave the net that binds them all together. It is like that net is being slowly tightened around the characters and pulling them closer & closer to each other.

I'm not giving away too much except for the fact that I enjoyed it. The roller coaster was in effect for this one as well. I found the Lord John bits a tad boring but then I'm not a fan of his as a whole. I feel sorry for William and can't wait to find out where Jamie went and what they're up to.

OK ... really. I'm not giving away anything else. But MUST you make us wait so long for the next one?