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How Many in 2012?

Book 113: Christmas Train

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: David Baldacci

Description: 

Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington D.C. to L.A in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost. The Christmas Train is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how wedoget second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, is banned from flying when a particularly thorough airport security search causes him to lose his cool. Now, he must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas with his girlfriend. To finance the trip, he sells a story about a train ride taken during the Christmas season.

My Thoughts: 

Okay...so this one was a roller coaster for me. I knew it wasn't going to be typical Baldacci but I really don't know how I feel about it. At times I really liked it (especially the surprise ending) but other times I couldn't wait to stop reading it, and almost gave up a few times, because I was bored. Not my favorite Baldacci but I guess it was a good enough Christmas story and made me want to ride a train. 

My Grade: B-

Book 112: A Parfait Murder

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Wendy Lyn Watson

Description: 

When Tally's cousin Bree spots her deadbeat ex-husband strolling the Lantana County Fair with a fat wallet and a vixen on his arm, she immediately files for back child support. But when his lawyer is found dead, things get a little sticky. Did Bree serve up a dish of cold, sweet revenge? Or is she another hapless victim of a parfait crime?

My Thoughts: 

I love these books. Seriously, I am so glad I was recommended reading them randomly by Good Reads website. The third in the series was not disappointing. Once again it had twists and turns that kept me guessing until almost the end of the book. I don't know if Wendy Lyn Watson is planning on continuing the series or not, I really hope she does, but I will definitely be reading more of her books soon!

My Grade: A+

Book 111: Ruthless

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Sara Shepard

Description: 

For years scandal has rocked Rosewood, Pennsylvania—and high school seniors Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer have always been at the center of the drama. They’ve lost friends, been targeted by a ruthless stalker named A, and narrowly escaped death. And it’s not over yet.

Aria’s love life is on the fritz. Emily’s exploring her wild side. Hanna’s kissing the enemy. And someone from Spencer’s past—someone she never thought she’d see again—is back to haunt her.

But none of that compares to what happened last spring break. It’s their darkest secret yet and guess who found out? Now A is determined to make them pay for their crime, and the only thing scarier than A is the fear that maybe, just maybe, they deserve what’s coming to them.

My Thoughts: 

Yet another Pretty Little Liars. I have to admit I was afraid I would be getting tired of these by now, but this one kept me reading and guessing what was going to happen next. I think there are at least two more planned after this one so I am excited to see those and see what happens. Whereas these girls do not have the best morals per say, the drama keeps me wanting to read. 

My Grade: A+

Book 110: The Key to Midnight

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Dean Koontz

Description: 

Joanna Rand left the U.S. ten years ago to sing in a Japanese nightclub. Ever since, she's been plagued with nightmares of terror. There is only one man who can help her—Alex Hunter. Ten years ago he saw her picture in the papers—as a senator's daughter who had disappeared. Now he has to bring her memories back to her, memories of a past more terrifying than they dreamed possible...

My Thoughts: 

This book was suggested to me by a co-worker. It is the second Koontz I've read and I really enjoyed it. I will admit near the middle of the book I got bored but I enjoyed the story. The end had the surprising twist that I always love in books. I just started reading Koontz recently and he did not disappoint me with this one, I look forward to reading more of his novels! 

My Grade: A

Book 109: Spring of Candy Apples

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Debbie Viguie

Description: 

They're fun! They're quirky! They're Sweet Seasons---unlike any other girls' books you've ever read. You could call them alternative, God-honoring chick lit. Join Candy Thompson on a sweet, lighthearted, and honest romp through the friendships, romances, family, school, faith, and values that make a girl's lie as full as it can be.

It's the end of Candace's senior year, and life's getting sticky.

A promotion to The Zone's Candy Counter means Candace gets to create gooey treats all day long. She is a finalist for The Zone's college scholarship (Florida anyone?), things with Kurt are getting really weird, and she's bothered by all the questions about her future. Not unlike the challenge of making candy apples, Candace struggles to resist getting stuck and believe in what is truly at her core.

My Thoughts: 

The last in the series. I still love reading about a theme park, since I worked in one for so long. This was very predictable but still a good read. All four of these books are fast paced and good stories. I look forward to reading them again soon.

My Grade: A+

Book 108: Kill Alex Cross

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: James Patterson

Description: 

The President's son and daughter are abducted, and Detective Alex Cross is one of the first on the scene. But someone very high-up is using the FBI, Secret Service, and CIA to keep him off the case and in the dark.

A deadly contagion in the water supply cripples half of the capital, and Alex discovers that someone may be about to unleash the most devastating attack the United States has ever experienced.

My Thoughts: 

This wasn't my favorite in the Alex Cross series, but not my least favorite either. At times I was bored because it was similar to Along Came A Spider...but then again at times I couldn't put it down. I am wondering if there will be any more Alex Cross books after this one. All in all, an okay one for me. 

My Grade: A

Book 107: Overbite

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Meg Cabot

Description: 

Meena Harper is a soap opera writer turned psychic demon hunter who still carries a torch for her vampire ex, Lucien Antonescu—Dracula's morally ambivalent son. Not only is Meena caught between her love for the elusive vampire and her attraction to the hot, but cryptic, demon hunter Alaric Wulf, she's also torn between protecting innocent humans and saving Lucien's soul. Now Lucien returns with a dangerous and mysterious new scheme, while a troop of gung-ho Vatican vampire hunters roll into town. Written in Cabot's usual charming style, this sequel to Insatiable bears the marks of second book syndrome: pages spent awkwardly retelling past events; aimless wandering from subplot to subplot; and the inclusion of characters from the previous book who turn out to be irrelevant to the current story. Full of riffs on everything from The Vampire Diaries to Anita Blake, the book is never quite gripping enough to work as a real vampire drama or funny enough to work as a parody, but may still delight Cabot diehards and vampire completists.

My Thoughts: 

I liked this one better than the first in the series but I am still not crazy about them. I mean they are okay and probably the best vampire books I've read and Cabot's style that I love so much is present but I am still not sure. The story-line is good, again better than the first one and it was a quick read. I may try it again later but for now I'll just say it was okay.

My Grade: B

Book 106: Vengeance

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Kate Brian

Description: 

After the shocking revelation that Reed and Noelle are descended from witches, and the harrowing ordeal at Reed’s birthday party that followed, the Billings Girls are faced with their final test: getting out of Easton alive.

My Thoughts: 

The last book of the Private series...I have to say I was actually a little disappointed. Though the ending was nice it really sort of made me want more (especially after reading the last of the Privileged series recently). As always, Reed is the definite hero but, I loved Noelle's role too. I don't know what Brian has in store for her fans next, but the Private series will certainly be missed by me...

My Grade: B+

Book 105: Always Something There To Remind Me

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Beth Harbison

Description: 

Can you ever really know if love is true? And if it is, should you stop at anything to get it?

Two decades ago, Erin Edwards was sure she’d already found the love of her life: Nate Lawson. Her first love. The one with whom she shared everything—dreams of the future, of children, plans for forever. The one she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. Until one terrible night when Erin made a mistake Nate could not forgive and left her to mourn the relationship she could never forget or get over.

Today, Erin is contentedly involved with a phenomenal guy, maneuvering a successful and exciting career, and raising a great daughter all on her own. So why would the name “Nate Lawson” be the first thing to enter her mind when her boyfriend asks her to marry him?

In the wake of the proposal, Erin finds herself coming unraveled over the past, and the love she never forgot. The more she tries to ignore it and move on, the more it haunts her.

Always Something There to Remind Me is a story that will resonate with any woman who has ever thought of that one first love and wondered, “Where is he?” and “What if…?” Filled with Beth Harbison’s trademark nostalgia humor and heart, it will transport you, and inspire you to believe in the power of first love.

My Thoughts: 

I could not wait to read this and was not disappointed at all. I loved how one chapter would be flashback and the next present day. It was a great story and one any girl can relate to for sure. This was my first by Harbison, I think she may have one or two other books out which I will definitely read. It was a fun quick, read which I will be reading again at some point!

My Grade: A+

Book 104: Kill Me If You Can

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: James Patterson

Description: 

Matthew Bannon doesn't just survive a frightening attack at Grand Central Station; this poor New York art student walks away with the prize of a lifetime: thirteen million dollars worth of diamonds. What young Bannon doesn't yet realize at the beginning of this James Patterson novel is that prize might come at the price of his life. He's being targeted by not one, but two assassins, and nothing in his expensive aesthetic education can prepare him (or us) for the adventures that lay before him in this new James Patterson thriller.

My Thoughts: 

I hadn't read a Patterson in a long time. I sort of got tired of him, which is hard for me to believe! Anyway, I really enjoyed this one. Although, I do have to admit it got a little slow now and then but all in all a good story. I can't say it was way different then some of his others (maybe I've read too many) but it did have a few shockers in it. 

My Grade: B+

Book 103: Beauty Queens

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Libba Bray

Description: 

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to emall. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

My Thoughts: 

Okay I have to admit...I really liked this one. Sure it was sort of weird...I mean the whole premis was strange but I actually enjoyed reading it. I thought it was a little long (with all the ''commercial breaks'' and all) but all in all a fun read. 

My Grade: A

Book 102: Rumor Has It

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Jill Mansell

Description: 

Rumor Has It sizzles with Mansell's signature fresh sense of humor, poignancy, and happy ending with a twist.

Newly single Tilly Cole impulsively moves to a small town, only to find she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the most desirable man Jack Lucas, whose reputation is beyond bad. Tilly has no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost. But she finds the thoughtful, caring guy she comes to value as a friend doesn't seem to fit the town's playboy image. Should she listen to her friends or her heart? Is Tilly being mature and sensible or running away from the love of her life?

My Thoughts: 

This was my first Jill Mansell book and I absolutely loved it. Not to sound silly but usually I don't care for the books with characters who speak with British accents. This one didn't bother me as much and I loved the story. You could help but love Tilly and even be able to relate to her from time to time. I definitely will be reading more of Mansell's books!

My Grade: A+

Book 101: Cruel Love

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Kate Brian

Description: 

After escaping from the Brenda T. Trumball Correctional Facility for Women and stealing the identity of rich socialite, Ariana Osgood finally thought she was on the path she always believed she deserved. But her past caught up with her and she is forced right back to her old ways, making everything she wants seem further out of reach. And some familiar faces are back to make things even worse for her.

The Privilege series comes to and end with all the suspense, romance, drama and, wherever Ariana is concerned, murder you'd expect.

My Thoughts: 

Well, the last in the Privilege series and I have to say I am shocked how it ended. I really enjoyed reading these six books, and I am sure I will in fact re-read them. Quite a few surprises in this one, I found myself not able to put it down (just as I do all of Kate Brian's books). I am sad it's over but look forward to reading this series again.

My Grade: A+

Book 100: Scoop To Kill

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Wendy Lyn Watson

Description: 

During the local college's annual Honor's Day festivities, a graduate student is killed. When the English professor suspected of his murder also meets an untimely end, Tallulah Jones steps out from behind the counter of Remember the a-la-Mode to clear the professor's name-before anyone else gets put on ice...

My Thoughts: 

I absolutely love Tally. She is a great character. I just love this series and cannot wait to read the next one!  The way the book is written definitely keeps you guessing until the very end. I am usually fairly good about guessing the answer to the mystery...not with these books, which makes them really fun to read. This was a great book to end my 100 books quest!

My Grade: A+

Book 99: Last Christmas

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Kate Brian

Description: 

Last Christmas reveals the secret of what really happened before Private began—-and the shocking truth will change everything for fans of Kate Brian's bestselling series.

My Thoughts: Of course I had to read the prequel to The Private Series by Kate Brian during my ''quest''. Since 99 has always been my favorite number, I figured I'd read it as my next to last book in my 100 books or more. This one was good, I actually felt sorry for Arianna and hated Thomas, which is a different opinion from when I read the Private books. It's the same secrets and drama but we all know I love them. 

My Grade: B

Book 98: Never Have I Ever

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Sara Shepard

Description: 

My perfect life was a lie.

Now I’d do anything to uncover the truth.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I’m gone—that I’m dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games—games that ruined people’s lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me—and now Emma—dead.

My Thoughts: I liked the second ''Lying Game'' much better than the first, not that I didn't like the first one. Yes, it's still very reminiscent of Pretty Little Liars, but I feel like it took more twists and turns than I expected. I look forward to reading the third one (which I don't think comes out until next year). Hopefully Shepard won't drag on the mystery too, too long though and we (as readers) can find out what happened to Sutton!

My Grade: A+

Book 97: I Scream, You Scream

Barnes and Noble's Description:

Written by: Wendy Lyn Watson

Description: 

Recently divorced Tallulah Jones is mortified when she's stuck scooping sundaes for her two-timing ex-husband-and his bodacious new girlfriend, Brittanie-at his company luau.

But when Brittanie drops dead, Tally is suddenly the prime suspect in her murder investigation. To catch the killer, Tally will have to dip deep into her small Texan town's darkest secrets and churn up stories some would prefer to keep in the past. But can she uncover the real culprit before a murder charge puts her dreams on ice for good?

My Thoughts: I thought this was a great book. Yet another mystery series (even though I think there are only 3) I will be continuing to read. I had never read anything by Wendy Lyn Watson before and I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It had ice cream and a mystery, what could be better? The characters were great and the mystery kept me guessing. I recommend this for anyone who is looking for a new and fun mystery to read.

My Grade: A+