Thanksgiving in the U.S. is just a day away. The turkey is thawed in the refrigerator; pies are made; and our cleaning frenzy is at an end. All in the name of tradition...a tradition that I really enjoy.

In honor of the holiday, here's a list of things my children are thankful for:

1. Indoor plumbing... "You never know how much you depend on [it] until you're out there in the woods with a roll of toilet paper, trying to decide between the pine and the maple." (from ds1, 13, the camper)

2. Home... "'Cause it's not cold ... and not food-less." (ds2, age 9 on Dec. 1st)

3. Chocolate, fuzzy animals, and hot guys... "They make the world go around." (dd2, age 16)

4. Pie and cars... "I like pie."(dd3, age 10)

5. Fleecy blankets... "They're warm and snugglie and my cat likes them." (dd1, age 18, after complaining: "No fair, [dd2] got all the good ones!")

And I am thankful for each of them...and their daddy. :)

What are you thankful for?

Paperback heaven

After a long spell of feeling I had nothing to read, I now have three books to choose from. The trouble now is -- which one do I read first?

First is DEADLY HARVEST, book two in the latest series by one of my favorite authors, Heather Graham. I adored the first in the series, DEADLY NIGHT. It is a wonderful read filled with suspense and ghosts.

So far, DEADLY HARVEST is just as suspenseful with imagery that sends a shiver down your spine. There are also plenty of characters that keep you guessing about the villain's identity. Ms Graham is a masterful storyteller -- her greatest asset is her ability to create stories that seem very plausible. Stories that have you jumping at shadows or looking over your shoulder at night.



Second is from another favorite author, Kerrelyn Sparks. Her Love at Stake series is fantastic -- sexy, funny and highly entertaining. All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire is her latest offering ... quite a mouthful for a title, but so far the story is good. Very engaging. And I think all her fans have been waiting for young Ian to get his chance at "true love".

Third is the thirteenth Dark-Hunters book, One Silent Night. Honestly, I bought this mostly because I have to see what happens next. I'm not so sure I'm loving the stories as much as I once did.

I will add that I'm still plowing my way through the epic ACHERON. Yes, I finally broke down -- after finishing my last novel -- and started reading it. I'm presently about half-way through. Partly because the book is so dang long AND because I've had to put it down from time to time.

My opinion? Does anyone really care? LOL. Probably not, but I'll give it anyway. The writing itself is good: ie, vivid, absorbing details and a lot of raw emotion. As a writer and storyteller, I completely understand why Ms Kenyon started ACHERON at the point where she did. I also know she's never been one to hold the punches when torturing her characters. *Torture being a literal term here.*

However, I find his backstory to be ... I don't know. A bit much? A little hard to take? Not unbelievable, really, just ... depressing. Very, very depressing. And right now 'depressing' is the last thing I need.

But I will finish it, because I bought the hardcover AND I have to see what type of women could possibly be up to the challenge of healing such a man. She'll have to be one incredible character.

So, what are you reading?

Birthday surprises

My very talented and thoughtful children made me this wonderful bat birthday cake... AND found this adorable bat mug for a present. My kids are great.