Book #75 - Northern Lights by Nora Roberts

Another great one from Nora Roberts. My sister-in-law and I both think you cannot go wrong with one of hers. I was skeptical about this one because I wasn't sure she culd hold my attention for the 700+ pages of this book. However, I truly enjoyed her descriptions of the beauty and wild of Alaska, the love story, and the crime. I found on page 472 there was a very profound line about heroism that I want to share with my avid reader(s). "Heroism's just doing more than you want to do or think you can. Sometimes it's just doing the crappy things, the unhappy things other people won't do. I feel as though this will probably be the last book I will read this year. Ironic that I started and ended the 100 book mission with Nora. Maybe it wasn't a full 100 books, but 75 isn't to shabby for anyone!

Book #74 - The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry

This was another classic thriller from Steve Berry, and it was well worth the wait. Again, Cotton Malone and Cassopeia Vitt were in this book, but this one took them on a wild ride to the back country of China. This one gave us insight to the political structure and past history of China while tying in a fast paced story line. I found myself wondering how much of this book was true. Other than what you learn in your middle school history class, you hardly hear of China. So much is done to close out the world their government. I highly recommend this book, even if you haven't read his other books, you can catch on to the relationships between the characters. I guarantee that after reading this book, you'll get all of is other books. He's a tremendous writer and his books are so enjoyable.

Book #73 - Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts

I actually started this book prior to reading the Grisham book and finally got around to finishing it. It is the first book in the Garden Trilogy, and I have to say that Nora really let me down on this one. Unlike her other series of books, I have no interest in scrounging up the second book. For whatever reason, I did not feel the connection to the characters in this book. I thought the plot was a little forced, and the ending was far too rushed. I'm excited I'm done because Steve Berry's new book came in the mail next week. School ending next week too, so much more time can be dedicated to my hobby.

Book #72 - Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

This is the fourth, and unfortunately final, book in the bride quartet series, and it was worth the wait to see how Parker's story turned out. Nora weaved another unique and believable love story with this one, and I found on the last pages I was tearing up while making a goofy smile. I feel a small sadness that the journey with these four women is over because Nora does such an exceptional job of making you feel a part of the story rather than just a spectator. Again, I want to see what the future weddings will be like, if they will have children, if they will all continue to live on the Brown Property, etc. I highly recommend the entire series for an easy yet blissful read.

Book #71 - The Confession by John Grisham

So, it took me a month, but I've finally finished this book. Please do not take that as a reflection on this book and what I thought of it. Between school, Will, and pregnancy fatigue, I just haven't been reading like I was at the start of the year. This book was excellent. Grisham makes the reader take a deep, hard look at the death penalty and the severity of executing the wrong guy. Talk about a mistake that cannot be undone. Initially, I thought the most gut-wrenching part of the book was when Donte was put to death and exonerated the next day, but I was wrong. The last page, held the most sickening realization in the book...people just don't care, and the death penalty will remain the status quo. Why is it that the conservative right sees no problem with executing adults with no remorse or feeling that they have broken one of the ten commandments, but the very same people go crazy on a woman who chooses not to carry a unwanted pregnancy to term. I'm not trying to make this blog a political statement or express my beliefs. Rather, I'm simply trying to bring to light an incredible double standard that seems to be more pronounced from day to day.

Book #70 - The Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Like the previous in this series, it is light-hearted and fairly suspenseful. Previous books always started with Hannah Swensen (local busy-body) finding a dead body within the first 2 chapters. However, the author mixed it up this time. It took nearly 200 pages for the murder to happen because the author used a little flash back flash forward to tell the story. It made it far less redundant. Ended with another near-death experience for the heroine and of course she helped catch the bad guy. Book was again loaded with new recipes for cookies and other treats, and I have to say that I was for the first time enticed enough by three of them to run copies and perhaps try them.

Book #69 - Pendragon by D.J. MacHale

This is a book that I would never have picked out for myself for two main reasons. First, it is written for middle schoolers, and second, it is sci-fi. But, when I told my students at the start of this year that I was trying to read 100 books this year, one of the young ladies asked if she brought me a book, would I read it. I said of course. It is has been sitting on my desk for about a month, and I thought I'd better read it or I'd disappoint my student. I have to say that it was a great book. Very creative and really kept me interested. Although the language was simpler, I did not get the feeling I was reading something that was too juvenile for me. This is the type of book that will keep kids reading, and I'm really glad that it was recommended to me.