Book #2 in 2010

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky.

This story sucked me in, almost from page 1. I finished the book (338 pages) in two days - a record for me.

Three teenage girls make a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. Life, of course, is not as simple and happily-ever-after as a teenager imagines it. News of the pact disrupts life in their small town and in their families, but ultimately, life goes on.

Four stars. Chick-lit for sure.

Book #1 in 2010 (Audio)

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. Read by Nicole Poole (June), Stafford Clark-Price (Michael), James Frangione (Lucius), Danielle Ferland (Maggie) and Jennifer Ikeda (Claire).

15.25 Hours

This is not my favorite book by JP, but I did enjoy it. Her ability to create characters that the reader cares about is outstanding. I felt sympathy for Lucius and hoped for a reprieve for Shay. I come away from this novel with mixed feelings about the death penalty, something I've always supported in the past.

3.5 stars

Success Rate

I finished only 39 books in 2009. That is a success rate of 75%, or a failure rate of 25%, I suppose.

I will again strive for 52 in 2010.

Book #39 (Audio)

Dirty Laundry by Tori Carrington. Read by (my favorite) Anna Fields.

A fun, little mystery. Easy to follow with some interesting plot twists. As always, Anna Fields is a joy to listen to. This book is apparently part of a series featuring Sofie Metropolis. Sofie and company give an interesting peek into the life of Greek Americans along with a good story. I will be seeking out other books from this series.

Four stars. Maybe there'd be fewer without Ms. Fields narrating.

Book #38 (Audio)

The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner. Read by Emily Janice Card, Kirby Heyborne, and Kirsten Potter.

Confession: I don't like multiple readers for the same book. Otherwise, this was an interesting and suspenseful story. I was never sure until the end whodunnit. I have read and enjoyed Lisa Gardner's book before and this one was just as good as I expected.

I am going with a 4 star rating. Had it been narrated by Anna Fields (impossible, now) I probably would have gone with 4.5. Go figure.

Book #37 (Audio)

Dogs and Goddesses by Jessifer Crusie, Anne Stuart and Lani Diane Rich. Read by Renee Raudman.


I don't usually enjoy fantasy, but I loved this book. The reader did a fabulous job of changing voices for each character, especially the dogs. Yes, talking dogs. I've always wished I could understand what my pets were saying. If only I had some temple tonic.


I see that Amazon reviewers only gave the book 3 stars, but I'm going with 4 stars for the audio book. Would it have been less enjoyable without Ms. Raudman's skills? Who knows, I'm just glad I had a chance to listen to this story.

Book #36

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber.

A cheery, little Christmas love story. Very easy to read. No big surprises. You're never surprised with Debbie Macomber, but you're not disappointed either.

Four stars for romance lovers, 3 for the average reader. I'll go with 3.5 since I fall somewhat in between.