Problems finishing books (also a review of The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley by Kindal Debenham)

So, I've been struggling to keep up with this blog each week. I can't seem to read books fast enough because real life keeps interrupting.

I was halfway through reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and then the book was due back at the library right before we had to leave for a family reunion to Utah. So, I have put in a request for it again because there is a waiting list. A small one but a waiting list none the less. I was really liking it too! But I am mad because I spent all that time reading and now there is no review to show for it at the end of the week. bah! I want to finish a book! 

I am currently halfway through Sara Zarr's  How to Save a Life but am finding it way too depressing to continue. What can I say? I like happy books. I didn't think this book was going to be quite so sad or so full of tragedy ridden cliche. I am really tired of the mom's boyfriend being abusive plot line. Tell another story people!!!!! I am sorry. This is mean to the author Ms. Zarr. I really did like her other books, but this one is just too much.

In addition I just read my husband's novel manuscript The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley. I actually finished it and I must admit it has been the most enjoyable read out of the three titles I've mentioned. It was funny, charming and just a fun ride. I think my husband is a brilliant writer. There were typos and mistakes, but I challenge you to show me another author that can write such a tight plot line in only a second draft! It is seriously AMAZING! But maybe I only admire this skill because I can't plot a story to save my life. I can't tell you the number of times my husband's clear-sighted advice has helped me to wrangle in my stories that never seem to end.

Anyway Hector is an Investigator entrenched in the streets of Victorian Era London. In true steam-punk style the world has been affected by a material called the Distillation. This material once discovered in the vast regions of the Arctic began to change the face of the world. The distillation was appreciated first as a catalyst for machinery and inventions across many disciplines, and then it became apparent that it had serious side-effects on those humans that had handled it so carelessly. Mutations began to appear among the populace, mutations that seemed to reflect the inner character of those who came in direct or prolonged contact with it.

So, now Hector not only solves ordinary run of the mill crimes, but crimes that involve golems, trolls, werewolves, and other once human creatures out to fulfil the bidding of their evil crime lords. Nearly out of funds to sustain his housing and food costs Hector takes on two investigating jobs after his American friend, a Ms. Patricia Anderson gives his name over as a reference. The first involves the assassination attempt of a Lord Pevensly, a nobleman renowned for his generous charitable contributions and controversial stances in Parliament. The second, the vandalism of a vulnerable school for children affected by the Distillation.

So, there is the blurb. My favorite character has got to be Ms. Patricia Anderson herself, a bold pants-wearing, carbine-toting, woman straight from the wild-west. She is totally in love with Hector and Hector is totally in love with her, but they just won't admit it yet! So frustrating those two. So, my husband is planning a sequel, but he won't start writing it till September. What shall I do? I miss the book already. sigh. I am already giving him hints about what types of scenes he should insert.

I would like to see Benjamin and Hector do such and such I say...

Oh, and you have to do this plot-line sometime! It would be hilarious. *wink wink*

Dear Hubby! When will Hector and Patricia kiss? huh? huh?   

He is quite gracious to bear my annoying prodding, but I think he is just happy that I actually like the book. I hope one day you all get to read this manuscript in book form. I would like to have enough money to have my husband write at home all day. I'd bring him sandwiches at lunch time and make sure he got to play with our little one everyday just when she was the happiest, and not fussy and grumpy. or screaming in the middle of the night for a hour straight just cause she wants to. Arrggg! Also, that means I'd get more books about Hector Kingsley in a very prompt fashion. plotting plotting....anyone want to be his patron? You will get lots of free books. It is tempting isn't it?

Baby girl is here!

On March 24th our beautiful baby girl was born at 11:54 pm. She is already two weeks and 4 days old, and already growing by leaps and bounds. She is a good little eater and I am very pleased with her progress. She has dark blue eyes, and ashy blonde hair on her head.

So, this little tyke has been the reason why this blog has been dormant for the last few weeks. I hope to start posting reviews again either this friday or next friday. Still trying to recover and organizie life around a demanding little newborn. I still have books to read and review. I also have been working on other interesting projects that I shall reveal at a later date.

until later!

What is that huge pregnant girl up to?

So, unfortunatly I don't have a book review for you today. I haven't written one for a while, though I could. I read Airborn and Matched and still haven't written up reviews for them. Maybe tomorrow, perhaps.

My brain power doesn't seem to focus on books currently, but on the little tyke, who will be here in about a month!

April 1st people! That's a month away! So excited.

I'm thinking about breastfeeding, and labor, and cuddling that small little being against my chest and nuzzling her soft hair. If, of course, she has hair.

If I'm not thinking about her, I'm thinking about taking care of my busy and sick (flu this week) husby. I hate making him eat pre-packaged food for too long. That stuff kills the taste buds and the soul. So, I cook and try to keep our sink from overflowing with dishes. I also like to wear clean clothes, a lot. Especially, when I am big and uncomfy my clothes can at least be comfy!

Then, I must think about my students. We have to get through the next few weeks together. Really, I must give them what I can, even if I feel like a walking zombie. I can't just make them watch movies for the next three weeks cause really I don't have enough movies and in addition-- I would feel like crap. Feeling like crap sucks so I will continue to do my job the best I can even if we are both grumpy about it.

It's like I always say....If you already know it is going to be a bad day you might as well be happy about it. (The husby thinks that this makes no sense. pah. It makes perfect sense! )

So, I shall not leave you comfortless, though. I have a cool link to share with you all. My dear friend Aneeka has started a web comic. I know she's my friend and so I am biased, but really I am so dang proud of her! She has worked really hard to learn how to draw and has done better than a lot of start-up web comic people in my opinion in the art department. The story is also pretty interesting, about a girl who lives in a virtual reality and really really wants to participate in a huge game competition, but can't seem to make the cut.

Go read about her adventure at Not a Villan.

Announcement!

So, I have news. Good news.

I'm pregnant.

Yea!

I am very excited. I am about ten weeks along, and we had our first ultrasound today. It was very cool. The little tyke was wiggling around and we got to see its heart beat. Everything was normal and the baby looked healthy.

We are thrilled.

I'm due April 1st and I have been feeling great.
I really can't ask for more.