"Picture the Dead" by Adele Griffin

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. I was initially curious about the book because it sounded like a new twist on the usual ghost story. WOW! I completely devoured this book. I couldn't put it down! The main character, Jennie, loses her brother and fiance in the Civil War and is left grieving with an unsupportive distant aunt and uncle. The book picks up when her cousin returns from battle and the family turns to a photographer who can supposedly capture the images of the deceased in photos. This was a haunting love story, filled with twists and turns. I generally don't read anything historical, so for me to be so enthralled with this book really says something about the author's writing. The book is beautifully illustrated with Jennie's "scrapbook" of photos, letters, and mementos that give us extra glimpses into her life.

As an additional bonus - I was thumbing through the book and realized on the title page a note from the author, Adele Griffin, that had been inscribed so close to the book's beautiful title that it looked like a piece of lace - "Embrace the Unexpected". This book certainly taught me to do just that!

"Intertwined" by Gena Showalter

This book initially intrigued me because the main character has 4 souls trapped inside his head--kind of like a paranormal multiple personality disorder. It was difficult to get into because you have to try to keep up with the main characters and the companions in his head, all of which have a point of view. On a 5 star rating, I was considering giving it 3 stars...then I hit the middle of the book. WOW!! New characters were introduced, action picked up, plot twists came out of nowhere and I found myself not being able to put it down! Around page 200, I was online ordering the sequel so I would have it waiting on me as soon as I finished this one. I am truly glad I stuck out the initial slowness. Definitely a 5 star book, with a completely unexpected, exciting ending!

JK Beck's "When Pleasure Rules"

Another winner from JK Beck! I was very excited to delve back into the world of the Shadow Keepers and all the same characters from book one (plus some new and exciting ones)! I thought it was a little harder to get into than the first book, despite being familiar with characters/setting, but the action picked up and never stopped! I will be eagerly awaiting the release of book three at the end of this month!!

"Mini Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella

This was a really good Sophie Kinsella book. Pretty "standard" Becky behavior throughout. Her daughter Minnie, though, is HILARIOUS! And this book had a surprise ending and definitely makes you truly hope Sophie writes another Shopaholic book! Loose ends...ahhhh!!!!!

"Prophecy of the Sisters" by Michelle Zink

I loved this book! It was unlike any "paranormal" book I've ever read. Two sisters are forced into fulfilling a prophecy that battles good and evil and turns them against everything they once believed in or held dear. Completely unexpected twists and interesting characters! And though considered YA, it really was fitting for adults too on the story line (no teen angst, just wasn't sex-filled). I am ITCHING to get book 2, which I have already ordered online...just waiting on it to arrive!

"The Eternal Ones" by Kirsten Miller

Surprisingly a lot of reviews weren't so great for this book, but I loved it. I was originally intrigued by the Ouroborous mark on the front since this is like the 3rd or 4th book I've read that featured this and the author put a whole new spin on it, including the element of reincarnation!! It had a great amount of paranormal, romance, mystery, history...WONDERFUL! It was full of twists and turns and the ending was a shocker. I sure hope there's a sequel!!