The Gilded Lily by Deborah Swift, 471 pages

This was a historical fiction book I was sent to review by Night Owl Reviews.

The Daughters by Joanna Philbin, 275 pages

I managed to mess up and read the second book in this series, so I had to go back and read the first one. It was funny and well written.

I Saw Zombies Eating Santa Claus by S. G. Browne, 201 pages

This was a hilarious zombie book I was sent to review for Night Owl Reviews. Lisa would love it.

Renfield Slave of Dracula by Barbara Hambly, 306 pages

The story of Dracula as told through Renfield's point of view. It was a very good twist on a classic vampire story. Fans of Dracula shouldn't miss this entry.

The Art of Men by Kirstie Alley, 301 pages

I'm a fan of biographies, and Kirstie Alley always struck me as a funny person. This book was really nothing but fluff, but was a fun read that gave me a little bit of a backstage view of Hollywood and the people she knew. I also enjoyed the little bit about Patrick Swayze and North and the South, both of which I'm a big fan of.

Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell, 320 pages

I'd seen a review for this book and it sounded intriguing. I've read some of the original Tarzan books and have always liked them. Plus, I'm a fan of any book that tells the story from the female point of view. It was really well done and held my interest, while staying true to the original storyline. I recommend this to Tarzan fans and those who have yet to discover the stories.

Totally Mad, 253 pages

A look back at the history of Mad. I enjoyed getting to learn about the history of Mad but it would have been nice if the comics had been a little bigger so I could read them without so much trouble.

December Dread by Jess Lourey, 278 pages

This was a good book in that we get to see Mira let go of her past a little bit while working towards her future. These monthly murder mysteries are always intriguing and a good read.

November Hunt by Jess Lourey, 280 pages

I'm a fan of these monthly murder mysteries. I can't believe I'd missed November's entry.

The Provincial Lady in Russia by E.M. Delafield, 344 pages

This was the final book in what has been a really enjoyable series. I must say this one was a little disappointing because it wasn't nearly as funny or witty as the previous books.

Three Girls and a Guy by Francine Pascal, 179 pages

I keep getting closer and closer to the end of this series.

The Heroines by Eileen Favorite, 233 pages

This was the December book club book. I didn't really enjoy it that much when I read it a few years ago, but it was a better read the second time. Still wasn't my favorite book, it should have been name The Victims.

The Pigeon Pie Mystery by Julia Stuart, 313 pages

This was a very quirky mystery set in late 1800s England. I really enjoyed it.

The Little Lady Agency and the Prince by Hester Browne, 613 pages

Sometimes you just need a light, fluffy romance to unwind and relax with. This was a great read for that. Melissa runs an agency in London devoted to helping men become better, aka princes. But she's getting ready to move to Paris to marry her American fiance. Before that can happen, her grandmother asks for help in sorting out a friend's grandson, who's an actual prince. The problem is he's more cad than prince. The challenge is not falling in love with the prince in training.

Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky, 247 pages

I'm a fan of the behind the scenes books of different industries and nonfiction books galore. So hearing about a new, funny novel about the hotel scene sounded like a treat, and the book delivered. Jacob Tomsky started out as a valet, was a housekeeping manager, and spent years on the front desk. So he knows the dirty little secrets that go on and offers up tips to get a great room, and the hard work that goes into keeping that room clean.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, 435 pages

I've been rereading the Harry Potter books as Samantha's been reading them. It's been a while since I'd read the early books and I'd forgotten just how good they were. It's been really great watching Samantha discover the magic for herself.

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, 160 pages

I'd seen the previews for this movie but didn't really want to see it since it looked really creepy. And, I'll read a creepy book way easier than I'll see a creepy movie. Then I discovered it was based on a book. This was very Victorian, a proper English ghost story. It was enjoyable, would be a great book to read on a dark fall night with the lights turned down low.

How to Steal a Dragon's Sword by Cressida Cowell, 355 pages

This series has become very sad and doesn't look like it's going to have a happy ending at all. But I can't keep myself from reading each and every book as they come out.

How to Break a Dragon's Heart by Cressida Cowell, 299 pages

This is a wonderfully sweet series, that is funny and full of adventure. I check these books out and never even show them to my kids since I want to read them first.

Twelve Drummers Drumming by C. C. Benison, 374 pages

This was an intriguing murder mystery, set in England with a widowed vicar as the main character.

On My Own by Francine Pascal, 179 pages

I know Jason in Reference is counting down until I'm done with this series.

Split Decision by Francine Pascal, 179 pages

Each book gets me closer to the end.

Bad Girl by Francine Pascal, 177 pages

It's really strange to see Elizabeth go all rebel in these books.

All About Love by Francine Pascal, 181 pages

I keep getting closer and closer to the end of Senior Year.

Tales from Missouri and the Heartland by Ross Malone, 142 pages

Ross Malone is a Missouri author who coming to the library for the December Coffee Talk. This book was a little bit like "The Rest of the Story" vignettes by Paul Harvey. It was very entertaining and a good read. I'm thinking that I'm going to buy his books and get them autographed as a Christmas present for Mom. She would really enjoy them.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler, 325 pages

This was a little difficult to read at times because it rang so true. I wouldn't have picked this book up but I'm glad we read it for book club.

Take Me On by Francine Pascal, 176 pages

Another Sweet Valley High Senior Year Book. I may not have them all done this year, but I'm getting close.

Breathers by S. G. Browne, 310 pages

I just got sent the sequel to this book to review "I saw Santa Claus Eating Mommy" so I wanted to read the first book. This is a unusual twist on the zombie genre, with the zombies having awareness but no rights. So what happens when a zombie decides he wants the right to live a normal life? I really enjoyed this book, it was funny and twisted, making it a great read for those who like zombie books.

Camp Foxtrot by Bill Amend, 252 pages

Sometimes when life is just too crazy, a nice comic collection will help calm everything down and make me laugh. Foxtrot is still really good at that.

The Return of the Lone Iguana by Bill Amend, 126 pages

I've been reading Foxtrot for years and years, and sometimes there is nothing better than reading one of the collections before falling asleep.

In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz, 320 pages

"A Tale Dark & Grimm" by this author was a darkly delicious children's book featuring some of the fairy tales told as they were originally intended, scary and creepy. So, finding a new book was a great treat. This one has Jack (Jack and the beanstalk, Jack the Giant-Killer, Jack jumps over the candlestick), the Princess and the Frog, the Emperor has no Clothes, and other fairy tales. One of the highlights of this book that had me laughing out loud is the narrator. He warns the reader throughout, and is abashed when he forgets. If you like your fairytales Grimmtastic, this is a definite must read.

The Lady of Secrets by Susan Carroll, 429 pages

I was sent this one to review by Nightowl Reviews. While not my favorite, it wasn't a bad read.

Lucky Stuff by Sharon Fiffer, 306 pages

I'm a fan of these books featuring Jane Wheel and her passion for collecting. I was very excited to get this one sent to me to review.

The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania by Tracey Miller-Zarneke, 160 pages

I was sent this to review for Nightowl Reviews and it's a beautiful coffeetable book. The artwork and design time that went into this movie is astounding.

Beauty's Release by A.N. Roquelaure, 238 pages

I'd remembered these books because of all the hoopla over the 50 Shades books. It had been a decade or two since I'd read these books but I didn't want to request them via inter-library loan. I was talking with a friend about books we loved and it came up that she owned these books. I traded my Trueblood comics for her Sleeping Beauty books for us to read. Boy, these make the 50 Shades books look very tame.

Beauty's Punishment by A.N. Roquelaure, 226 pages

I'd remembered these books because of all the hoopla over the 50 Shades books. It had been a decade or two since I'd read these books but I didn't want to request them via inter-library loan. I was talking with a friend about books we loved and it came up that she owned these books. I traded my Trueblood comics for her Sleeping Beauty books for us to read. Boy, these make the 50 Shades books look very tame.

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by A.N. Roquelaure, 253 pages

I'd remembered these books because of all the hoopla over the 50 Shades books. It had been a decade or two since I'd read these books but I didn't want to request them via inter-library loan. I was talking with a friend about books we loved and it came up that she owned these books. I traded my Trueblood comics for her Sleeping Beauty books for us to read. Boy, these make the 50 Shades books look very tame.

The Provincial Lady in Wartime by E.M. Delafield, 349 pages

I've reached the totally sad place of being at the end of this series. I've really enjoyed these books written as the diary of a lady in England during the 1930s and beginning of 1940s. This one covers England's entry into war against Hitler, and, as only Delafield can do, is completely hilarious and irreverent. These have been a wonderful treat to read.

Off the Grid by P.J. Tracy, 305 pages

I've been hooked on the Monkeewrench books since the very first one. I like seeing how Grace has grown and opened up, and the mysteries are dark and well-crafted. This one combined terrorists with the sex trade, and threw in an Indian reservation. I really enjoyed reading it.

The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman & Jay Bonansinga, 277 pages

Lisa has reviewed this book already so I will just say I'm a big fan of The Walking Dead, be it tv, graphic novels, or books. It's people stripped down to their core essential, be it good, bad, or just plain human.

My Mother Was Nuts by Penny Marshall, 326 pages

I've been a big fan of Penny Marshall ever since I first saw Laverne & Shirley as a child. I can remember going as her one Halloween with a big L on my sweater. But I never realized just how connected she was to the Hollywood scene and what movies she had directed. Her book was just as funny and slightly twisted as she always had struck me as being. It was also enjoyable getting a behind the scenes look at Laverne & Shirley and an explanation for the final season that had only Laverne.

The Highly Effective Detective Goes to the Dogs by Richard Yancey, 329 pages

Teddy Ruzak is one of the most fumbling detectives of all times. But he is sweet and funny, reminds me a lot of Barney Fife. I really enjoy this series.

Last To Die by Tess Gerritsen, 338 pages

I've been a fan of the Tess Gerritsen books for probably at least 10 years now, but the last few books have just gotten really strange. It's not that they're bad books, they're just not as good as the first ones were, at least in my opinion.

The Daughters Break the Rules by Joanna Philbin, 276 pages

The daughters of the extremely wealthy and famous learn how to deal with their parents fame in their own life. Written by Regis Philbin's daughter, so it reads pretty true.

You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News by Cracked.com, 295 pages

Brought to you by the same great minds that create Cracked.com, which is a hilarious website, this features segments such as The Four Most Badass Presidents of All Times (yes, Teddy Roosevelt is on the list), the Six Cutest Animals That Can Kill You (the platypus is a freaky animal), and Four Great Women Buried By Their Boobs. I laughed out loud through a lot of this book.

Emma by Jane Austen, 506 pages

I'd forgotten how much I love this book, it had been way too long. This is a beautiful version.

Murder Most Austen by Tracy Kiely, 291 pages

A murder mystery set in a Jane Austen fan gathering in Bath, England. A must read for Jane Austen fans.

Haunted Joplin by Lisa Livingston-Martin, 142 pages

This examines some of the haunted spots in Joplin. One of the best things about this book is the history that is laid out, explaining what happened in those areas. Plus, my name is mentioned, so that alone makes it an awesome book.

I, Jane by Diane Haeger, 386 pages

A historical look at Jane Seymour, reminiscent of Philippa Gregory and Carolly Erickson. I love getting these books from NightOwl Reviews.

Seance for a Vampire by Fred Saberhagen, 285 pages

Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, really how could a book get any better?

Half Upon A Time by James Riley, 385 pages

Jack is the son of the Jack and the Beanstalk story, but he doesn't feel the same urge to go adventuring that his father and grandfather had. But when a princess falls from the sky, Jack is thrust into a bigger adventure than he ever imagined. May has discovered that she is the granddaughter of Snow White, who has been kidnapped. With the help of Jack she must try to save her grandma in a world she had no idea existed.

I always love fairy tale retellings, and this was a very good entry in the field. Hopefully it won't be a long wait to the next book in this series.

Broken Angel by Francine Pascal, 181 pages

Sweet Valley High, senior year.