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Wednesday, February 22, 06:37:29pm

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"POSTING GUIDELINES"

Welcome to the REBEL Romance Readers message board! We are not sponsored by ANY authors & ALL authors are welcome to join the fun! We LOVE "newbies"! If you share our love of romance reading, have a great sense of humor, and are NOT of the "faint of heart", we'd love to have ya join the "FAMILY"!

BOOK RELEASES FOR 2011 HUGHIE VOTING!

"THE RBL/HUGHIE RATINGS!!!!"
Use them to let us know what you think of your latest read!!!!!
STORY RATING
1- Don't waste your money.
1 If you have it, it's worth the read but goes back to the ubs.
2 Good story, but probably goes to the ubs.
3 I like everything this author writes, but they've done better.
4 This is a keeper.
4+ Rare find, must find everything this author has written.
5 THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS BOOK!!!!!

SEX/LOVE SCENE RATING
Limp=> Bad, little or NO SEX AT ALL!
Erect==> Good sex toward the end.
Boner===> Good sex half-way through and thereafter.
STIFF====> Good sexual tension throughout the book, and when it happens, you feel you've been there already.
HUGH=====> GREAT SEX in the first 1/4 of book and throughout the book.

• CELEBRITY IN DEATH is out today! -- Beaty, Tuesday, February 21, 02:03:01pm
  Anyone started it yet? I just bought it online but won't have time to even start it till this weekend - drat!
  

  
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  • I'll be downloading it off Audible tonight...I stayed up late last night, hoping they would post it...but they didn't...it was there this morning, but I didn't have time to download it. So I put it on my wish list and will download it tonight. I'm going to even stop reading what I'm reading to start this one!!! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, February 21, 02:20:41pm
  • hi on order from the library list. sound good i can't wait (NT) -- ann2, Tuesday, February 21, 06:21:18pm
  • I've read the reviews at Barnes & Noble and they say it's fantastic. I'm holding out ordering it because I'm going on vacation in less than 2 weeks and I want to have it with me to read while soaking up the sun. LOL - it's a bit of a torture waiting. I soooo love the characters. (NT) -- Diane, Wednesday, February 22, 05:12:30am

  ---

• Downton Abby. Anyone watch it. It's like watching a historical romance novel come alive. The costumes, the setting, the romances. THIS is what we want to see! WHY can't TPTB understand we want MORE of this? So many wonderful romance novels they can bring to TV. If only! -- Diane, Monday, February 20, 05:03:20am
  
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  • I've never seen it.....my aunt watches it though. Only brit-com I really get into is "Keeping Up Appearances" and thats not a historical, but it is hilarious. (NT) -- Robin, Monday, February 20, 07:16:49am
  • :::raising hand:::: It's AWESOME. I still have 2 more episodes to catch up on for Season 2...I don't want it to end...but I can't wait to finish Season 2...it's like a book you love...you want to read it...but you're sad when it's over. Anyhow...EVERYONE should watch this show...it's GREAT!!!! If you've missed it...you can watch Season 1 & 2 on PBS.org...you won't regret it. It starts off a little slow...but just wait...you'll be hooked in no time!!! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, February 21, 02:19:05pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Sunday, February 19, 02:01:27pm
  
  
  
  
  Sorry I'm late, Sue Z!
  I hope your day was the bestest!
  

  
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  Replies:

  • Hey Lady! Have a great birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, February 20, 07:17:16am
  • Have a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Monday, February 20, 03:37:18pm
  • Happy Birthday Sue Z!!!! Hope it was great!!! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, February 21, 02:22:23pm

  ---

• Under the category: THINGS YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW. I love J. D. Robb/Nora Roberts writing - especially the In Death series you ladies introduced me to. Are you like me? Are their questions in a series you'd like to see answered (to your "satisfaction"), but are just a tad afraid to find out for fear it MAY bring an end to the series? For instance: Will Eve and Summerset EVER get beyond their "first impressions" and become TRUE friends? Will Eve EVER make Captain - and eventually Commander? Will Eve and Roarke EVER have a child? Will Eve's nightmare's end? Would you like to speculate on those questions? What about a series you are reading that you have some questions you'd like to see answered to YOUR "satisfaction"? -- Diane, Thursday, February 16, 03:18:27pm
  
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  Replies:
  • Question 1 - I sincerely hope not. I think they already have the trust of good friends. They just need to not show that friendship. It wouldn't work. Question 2 - I say yes. But she won't leave the streets like most Captains. Question 3 - not in the near future. But I'm betting on twins. It's the only way she'll do it twice. *G* Question 4 - I think the New York to Dallas episode took care of most of that. I still see her not enjoying rape and abuse in her cases but I think the nightmares will lessen. Great questions, Diane. (NT) -- Beaty, Thursday, February 16, 08:58:39pm
    • Question 1 - I think they already got past those first impressions and are friends - they just won't admit it lol. Question 2 - I think they'll have to give it to her - she deserves it and they know it. Question 3 - I think when the series does come to an end Robb will grant that wish - I think Belle is doing a lot to help Eve. Question 4 - I think New York to Dallas had Eve come to grips with her past, and I'm hoping for a major emotional "growth spurt". (NT) -- Diane, Friday, February 17, 04:11:59am
      • Hey, Beaty? Who do you think is the candy thief? (NT) -- Diane, Friday, February 17, 01:48:19pm
        • Peabody *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, February 19, 01:49:21pm
          • I'm wondering if it's the Commander. He's the only one left behind while the others are out on the street doing their jobs. I hope we learn some day. (NT) -- Diane, Sunday, February 19, 03:37:11pm
            • Feeny - I think the candy thief is Feeny. (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, February 22, 01:45:10pm

  ---

• And the winner is ... -- ROBIN, Monday, February 13, 11:59:57pm
  
  
  Here they are - the winners of the Fourteenth Annual RBL Romantica Hughie Awards!
  
  
  
  
  
  !DIVA OF ROMANCE!
  
  LINDA HOWARD
  
  Considering how many of us always talk about & enjoy her books, it only stands to reason that Linda Howard would receive the most nominations for Diva of Romance - a well-deserved honor for this long-time author of both historical and contemporary romance and suspense.
  
  
  
  HILDY HUGHIE FOR FAVORITE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  
  TEXAS BLUE BY JODI THOMAS
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ENGLISH/SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  
  DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS BY MADELEINE HUNTER
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  
  THE OTHER GUY’S BRIDE BY CONNIE BROCKWAY
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
  
  BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY ROBYN CARR
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY
  
  BREAKING POINT BY PAMELA CLARE
  
  A runaway favorite as always!
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE
  
  RED-HOT SANTA BY TORI CARRINGTON
  
  
  
  FAVORITE VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/SHAPESHIFTER PARANORMAL
  
  LOVER UNLEASHED BY J.R. WARD
  
  
  
  FAVORITE FUTURISTIC/OTHER WORLD PARANORMAL
  
  NEW YORK TO DALLAS BY J.D. ROBB
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL PARANORMAL
  
  ONE MAGIC MOMENT BY LYNN KURLAND
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE PARANORMAL
  
  SHADOWFEVER BY KAREN MARIE MONING
  
  
  
  FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE
  
  NEVER ENOUGH BY LAUREN DANE
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY
  
  THE UNQUIET BY J.D. ROBB, MARY BLAYNEY, PATRICIA GAFFNEY, RUTH RYAN LANGAN AND MARY KAY MCCOMAS
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TITLE
  
  NEW YORK TO DALLAS BY J.D. ROBB
  
  
  
  FAVORITE AUTHOR
  
  J.D. ROBB / NORA ROBERTS
  
  
  
  FAVORITE NEW-TO-YOU AUTHOR
  
  MARIE FORCE
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HERO
  
  Roarke (In Death Series by J.D. Robb)
  
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HEROINE
  
  Eve Dallas (In Death Series by J.D. Robb)
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - MALE we have a tie!
  
  Ranger (Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich)
  
  And Ian McNab (In Death Series by J.D. Robb)
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - FEMALE
  
  Delia Peabody (In Death Series by J.D. Robb)
  
  
  
  FUNNIEST BOOK
  
  ANY MAN OF MINE BY RACHEL GIBSON
  
  
  
  HOTTEST BOOK
  
  LOVER UNLEASHED BY J.R. WARD
  
  
  
  MOST TOUCHING BOOK
  
  NEW YORK TO DALLAS BY J.D. ROBB
  
  
  
  FAVORITE RE-READ
  
  IN DEATH SERIES BY J.D. ROBB
  
  
  
  
  
  Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - and to the ReBeLs who took the time to vote and making this such a great Hughie Awards happening!
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
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  • Woo Hoo! Congratulations authors. And thank you for so many wonderful hours of enjoyment. I am absolutely THRILLED to see so many of my favorites up there. It is sooooo hard to choose because so many books are sooooo special and mean sooooo much. And thank you RBL and the wonderful ladies who take care of this GORGEOUS board and keep track of the books and the voting. You are ALL a treasure and very much appreciated. (NT) -- Diane, Tuesday, February 14, 03:54:43am
  • Thanks so much! This completely made my day! I am so thrilled and grateful to know you all enjoyed BREAKING POINT so much. I had to finish the book in the two months after my spinal surgery, so I was afraid I wouldn't even get it done. I'm SO glad you enjoyed it. THANK YOU, RBL Romantica! (NT) -- P.C. , Tuesday, February 14, 11:10:03am

  ---

• -- Beaty, Sunday, February 12, 08:11:12pm
  
  
  
  
  Have a great one, Debee!
  
  

  
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  Replies:

  • Have a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Sunday, February 12, 08:55:36pm
  • Sorry I'm late Debee, hope your birthday was great! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, February 17, 05:02:24pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Saturday, February 11, 07:50:14pm
  
  
  
  
  I thought, with your sense of humor, you'd enjoy this one. *VEG*
  Happy Birthday!
  Hope it's wonderful, Bee!
  

  
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  • Bee, hope your day is TERRIFIC!! Love the cartoon too!*G* (NT) -- , Saturday, February 11, 11:37:00pm
  • HAHAHAHAHA!!! (NT) -- Michele N., Sunday, February 12, 10:09:22am
  • Hahhah Bee, you sly dawg! Happy birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, February 17, 05:03:01pm

  ---

• A new to me author -- Michele N., Saturday, February 11, 03:08:59pm
  Hey, has anyone ever read Kasey Michaels?
  
  I just read her three book trilogy
  The Taming of the Rake
  A Midsummer Night's Sin
  and the final one- Much Ado About Rogues and I thought it grand.
  I'm not a huge reader of Regency books as a rule but every now and again a story line piques my interest and I want to check it out. I'm So glad I did!
  What a fun series, interesting characters and challenging romances.
  I have no idea how they'd measure up for readers who are avid historical romance readers but they sure made me happy.
  Thought I'd pass the info along.
  
  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to everyone!!!
  Michele N.
  

  
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  ---

• WE INTERRUPT YOUR READING/VIEWING TO BRING YOU AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: THE RACE IS CLOSE! -- Robin, Friday, February 10, 07:24:54pm
  Hey everyone! The HUGHIES race is on, and many of the categories are VERRA CLOSE!
  
  Email ballots were sent out, and further down on the board is the official ballot that was posted here so that you can copy/paste your votes that way if you'd rather.
  
  If you have any problems with getting your ballot to me, let me know ASAP and I'll assist any way I can.
  
  You can go back to your normal viewing/reading pleasure now.
  
  Thanks!
  Robin
  

  
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  Replies:

  • Here's my e-mail just in case (NT) -- ROBIN, Saturday, February 11, 12:40:29am

  ---

• Wanted to thank you ladies for the sexy birthday wishes! My internet time is limited with so much going on in daily life, but thanks for remebering me and thinking of me always! -- Nally, Friday, February 10, 09:40:52am
  
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• -- Beaty, Thursday, February 09, 08:17:14pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Sarah R!
  Have a great one!
  

  
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  Replies:

  • Have a great birthday Sarah R (NT) -- Robin, Friday, February 10, 01:45:35pm
  • Better late than never, Hope you had a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Saturday, February 11, 12:39:25am

  ---

• VOTE

  -- , Tuesday, February 07, 12:51:23pm
  

  LADIES PLEASE VOTE!! WE DON'T ASK YOU TO PARTICIPATE MUCH ANYMORE THIS IS THE ONLY THING WE REQUEST SO PLEASE TAKE A MIN. TO EITHER RESPOND TO THE E-MAIL YOU RECEIVED OR COPY & PASTE THE LIST BELOW IN A BLANK E-MAIL & SEND IT TO ROBIN.
  
  IF YOU HAVEN'T READ MANY BOOKS YOU CAN VOTE FOR THE AUTHORS YOU LIKE & THEIR BOOKS OR JUST VOTE ON THE CATEGORIES YOU WANT TO!

  
  

  
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  • Sent mine in!!! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, February 07, 07:16:11pm
  • Sent mine right away. Come on, ladies - it's FUN. (NT) -- Diane, Wednesday, February 08, 05:42:08am
  • C'mon ReBeLs - This is our famous Hughies - we've been doing these awards every year since 1998. Authors look for them - we even send hard copy awards to the winners in each category. Rachel Gibson has hers hanging on her office walls - we get such wonderful thank yous from all the authors! Robin, Linda and Beaty did soooo much work this year, taking them over for me when I became ill - please honor them and our wonderful romance authors for all the hard work they've done by sending in your vote - it only takes a couple minutes and it means sooo much - to me, too. Thanks for supporting Robin, Lin, Beaty, and me AND our authors!!! (NT) -- Judy, Thursday, February 09, 07:54:54pm
    • EXACTLY, Judy. THIS is what I wait for all year long - to see who tops the various lists. If MY "favs" win! (NT) -- Diane, Friday, February 10, 08:56:45am
  • Sent mine, though there are several categories where I don't know any of the authors and most of my voting is on the favourite author basis. (NT) -- Louisa, Thursday, February 09, 11:33:53pm

  ---

• Time to vote for the Hughies! -- ROBIN, Monday, February 06, 10:08:45am
  HERE THEY ARE - the finalists for the 2011 RBL Romantica Hughie Awards! In each category, you will find the books/authors/characters which received the most nominations. They are listed in alphabetical order by the authors' last names - NOT by the number of nominations received.
  
  
  
  Many of you have received an official ballot via email; if you have not, just click on my name above and request one from me. You may also vote directly from the board - just copy and paste this post on a blank email.
  
  
  
  To vote: ERASE ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT THE ONE YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR IN EACH CATEGORY! This is important, because any category with more than one entry left in it will NOT be counted! You do NOT have to vote in every category!
  
  
  
  2011 RBL Hughie Awards Finalists
  
  
  
  DIVA OF ROMANCE!  - This was a TIE. We are hoping you can help us break the tie. We are leaving this category OPEN for the voting but unlike the nominations you may only choose one author. Remember the rules; To qualify for the DIVA OF ROMANCE! award, an author should be recognized as a leader in the genre, and must have an impressive career of at least 10 years with at least 10 books published. The previous winners in this category, Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, Liz Carlyle and Lisa Kleypas, may not be considered.
  
  
  
  HILDY HUGHIE FOR FAVORITE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
  
  Come a Little Closer - Dorothy Garlock
  
  Kissing Comfort - Jo Goodman
  
  Texas Blue - Jodi Thomas
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ENGLISH/SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
  
  The Many sins of Lord Cameron - Jennifer Ashley
  
  An Unlikely Countess - Jo Beverly
  
  Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeleine Hunter
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
  
  The Other Guy's Bride - Connie Brockway
  
  The Ranger - Monica McCarty
  
  Tamed by a Highlander - Paula Quinnk
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
  
  Bring Me Home for Christmas - Robyn Carr
  
  Any Man of Mine - Rachel Gibson
  
  Loose Ends - Tara Janzen
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY:
  
  BREAKING POINT - Pamela Clare
  
  When You Dare - Lori Foster
  
  Loose Ends - Tara Janzen
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE:
  
  Red-Hot Santa - Tori Carrington
  
  Just a Cowboy - Rachel Lee
  
  Copper Lake Secrets - Marilyn Pappano
  
  
  
  FAVORITE VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/SHAPESHIFTER PARANORMAL:
  
  Dark Predator - Christine Feehan
  
  Lover Unleashed - J. R. Ward
  
  Blood Challenge - Eileen Wilks
  
  
  
  FAVORITE FUTURISTIC/OTHER WORLD PARANORMAL:
  
  Burning Skies - Caris Roane
  
  New York to Dallas - J.D. Robb
  
  Treachery in Death – J.D. Robb
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL PARANORMAL:
  
  One Magic Moment - Lynn Kurland
  
  Taken by the Cowboy - Julianne Maclean
  
  Return of the Rose - Theresa Ragan
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE PARANORMAL:
  
  Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning
  
  The Darkest Secret - Gena Showalter
  
  Envy - J. R. Ward
  
  
  
  FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE:
  
  Never Enough - Lauren Dane
  
  Mesmerized - Lauren Dane
  
  Doms of Dark Haven (anthology) - Cherise Sinclair, Sierra Cartwright and Belinda McBride
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY:
  
  The Lady Most Likely - Connie Brockway, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James
  
  It Happened One Season - Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro and Candice Hern
  
  The Unquiet – J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan and Mary Kay McComas
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TITLE:
  
  Breaking Point - Pamela Clare
  
  Slow Ride - Erin McCarthy
  
  New York to Dallas - J. D. Robb
  
  
  
  FAVORITE AUTHOR:
  
  Liz Carlyle
  
  Karen Marie Moning
  
  J. D. Robb / Nora Roberts
  
  
  
  FAVORITE NEW-TO-YOU AUTHOR:
  
  Lauren Dane
  
  Jennifer Estep
  
  Marie Force
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HERO:
  
  Dare, When you Dare, Lori Foster
  
  Jericho Barrons, Shadowfever, Karen Marie Moning
  
  Roarke, (In Death series, J D Robb)
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HEROINE:
  
  Risa Jones, Darkness Unbound, Keri Arthur
  
  Natalie Benoit, Breaking Point, Pamela Clare
  
  Eve Dallas, (In Death series, J D Robb)
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - MALE:
  
  Ranger, (Stephanie Plum series, Janet Evanovich)
  
  Charles, (In Death series, J.D. Robb)
  
  Ian McNab, (In Death series, J D Robb)
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - FEMALE:
  
  Lula, (Stephanie Plum series, Janet Evanovich)
  
  Dr. Mira, (In Death series, J D Robb)
  
  Delia Peabody, (In Death series, J D Robb)
  
  
  
  FUNNIEST BOOK:
  
  The Dragon Who Loved Me - G.A. Aiken
  
  Explosive Eighteen - Janet Evanovich
  
  Any Man of Mine - Rachel Gibson
  
  
  
  HOTTEST BOOK:
  
  When You Dare - Lori Foster
  
  Slow Ride - Erin McCarthy
  
  Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward
  
  
  
  MOST TOUCHING BOOK:
  
  Now a Bride - Mary Balogh
  
  New York to Dallas - J D Robb
  
  Lover Unleashed - J.R.Ward
  
  
  
  FAVORITE RE-READ:
  
  McKenzie Series – Linda Howard
  
  In Death series - J. D. Robb
  
  Lover Avenged - J.R. Ward
  
  
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  1) It was quite difficult to decide where to place some of the paranormals this year, especially because they contained elements of different categories within the same book - a group of ReBeLs worked on this for a couple days. However, no matter which category you nominated any book in, I counted it toward its final placement/category.
  
  
  
  2) The deadline for returning your votes to me is next Sunday, February 12th, at 6:00 p.m. east coast time.
  
  
  
  
  
  LET THE FUN BEGIN!
  
  
  
  

  
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  • I got mine in, how about the rest of you? Come on ladies this is only once a year we ask for you to support a vote anymore so get on it!!! (NT) -- , Tuesday, February 07, 12:45:00pm
  • Done (NT) -- Cindy O, Wednesday, February 08, 02:56:15pm

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, February 05, 09:55:34pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, BAM!
  Enjoy your day!
  

  
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  Replies:

  • What a fantastic way to start the day! Thank you, Beatty!!!! (NT) -- , Monday, February 06, 05:11:52am
  • Have a GREAT DAY!!! (NT) -- , Monday, February 06, 08:38:58am
  • Whew hoo! Have a wonderful birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, February 06, 03:24:31pm

  ---

• Tomorrow is my birthday and I can't wait to check the RBL site! WooHoo! -- , Sunday, February 05, 03:20:50pm
  
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• Hughies Tie-Breakers Needed - Deadline Extended

  -- Robin, Sunday, February 05, 08:23:20am
  Ladies we have sooo many ties that we REALLY need your help so if you haven't voted yet PLEASE do so today we MUST break these ties!
  
  
  
  The Hughie Awards process has two parts - first comes the NOMINATIONS part; then, once the nominations have been received and tallied, the FINAL VOTING takes place. The NOMINATIONS part of the Hughies process is important, because ONLY the TOP THREE nominees in each category will be eligible for the FINAL VOTING.
  
  
  
  Rules for Nominations
  
  
  
  1) Some of you have already received a Nominations Form by email. If you have not received one, just click on my name above to get a blank email form. Then highlight the categories listed below, and copy and paste them on the email. Type in your nominations and send this e-mail to me.
  
  2) You may nominate as many books/authors/characters in each category as you want. You do NOT have to make nominations in every category.
  
  3) The books must have been published or reissued in print in 2011.
  
  4) Please include the titles of the books and the authors' names.
  
  5) The DIVA OF ROMANCE! category differs from the others in that THE WINNER OF THIS CATEGORY WILL BE DETERMINED ENTIRELY BY HOW MANY NOMINATIONS SHE RECEIVES!!! In other words, we will not be voting on the top three nominees in the VOTING part of the Hughies process. The NOMINATIONS will be tallied, and the author with the most NOMINATIONS will be the winner. The winner will be announced at same the time that the other winners are announced. To qualify for the DIVA OF ROMANCE! award, an author should be recognized as a leader in the genre, and must have an impressive career of at least 10 years with at least 10 books published. The previous winners in this category, Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, Liz Carlyle and Lisa Kleypas, may not be considered. As with the other categories, you may nominate as many authors who qualify as you wish! Remember, the author with the MOST NOMINATIONS will win this category!
  
  
  
  
  
  2011 Hughies Categories
  
  
  
  DIVA OF ROMANCE! -
  
  
  
  HILDY AWARD FOR FAVORITE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance with a setting in the American colonial period, a western, an Americana from the early 1900s, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ENGLISH/SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance set in England or Scotland after 1500, including the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance set in the Medieval time period, a romance about Vikings or pirates, a unique location, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE (Harlequin, Silhouette, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/SHAPESHIFTER ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE FUTURISTIC/OTHER WORLD ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE PARANORMAL ROMANCE (a romance about witches, one involving magical powers, a fantasy, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE (a romance classified as erotica by the publisher) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TITLE (a romance with the cleverest, catchiest, or most appropriate title) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE AUTHOR -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE NEW-TO-YOU AUTHOR -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HERO -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HEROINE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - MALE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - FEMALE -
  
  
  
  FUNNIEST BOOK (most LOL moments) -
  
  
  
  HOTTEST BOOK (most ice cubes needed) -
  
  
  
  MOST TOUCHING BOOK (most tissues needed) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE RE-READ (a romance, with any publication date, that you return to again and again; a "comfort read") -
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To help you remember romance books released in 2011, you will find the titles which were listed at the RBL New Releases each month at:
  
  
  
  2011 Romance Book Releases
  
  
  
  E-mail your nominations to me by next SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th!!! Nominations will close at 6:00 p.m. east coast time on that day! Once all the nominations have been tallied, I will post the top three nominees in each category (except for Diva) for the final voting.
  
  
  
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Sorry the deadline is tonight at 6pm eastern time! PLEASE SEND IN YOUR CHOICES!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, February 05, 08:26:35am
  • (NT) -- HTML Fairy, Sunday, February 05, 11:12:44am

  ---

• -- Beaty, Saturday, February 04, 09:17:54pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Roberta!
  Ahhhh - Marcus. Isn't he gorgeous?
  Have a great day!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Hope you have a TERRIFIC DAY!! (NT) -- , Sunday, February 05, 08:25:32am
  • Oooh Marcus :), definetly gorgeous. Thank you so much! I plan on having a wonderful day and this is the perfect way to start the day :) (NT) -- Roberta, Sunday, February 05, 10:09:26am
  • You can't help BUTT to have a great birthday with Marcus as your AmbASSador. LOL, Have a great bday! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, February 05, 04:47:18pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Friday, February 03, 06:25:15pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Nally!
  I'm Late! I'm Late!
  I hope your birthday is progressing nicely.
  Hope it's been wonderful!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Have a WONDERFUL DAY!!! (NT) -- , Saturday, February 04, 09:51:03am
  • Sorry I'm late,hope it was a good one! (NT) -- Bo, Saturday, February 04, 07:19:19pm

  ---

• I have a free book! -- Emma Holly, Friday, February 03, 05:27:15pm
  Hey, RBLs! I almost forgot to tell you: my werewolf cop romance HIDDEN TALENTS is free right now at amazon. The offer is good through Saturday, so go pick it up if you want it.
  
  Here's the link: http://amzn.to/y6V3np
  
  Hope everybody's doing good!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • I love that book! (NT) -- Ann , Friday, February 03, 06:08:33pm
    • Thanks, Ann! (NT) -- Emma, Friday, February 03, 07:21:05pm

  ---

• HUGHIES HUGHIES HUGHIES!! -- Robin, Thursday, February 02, 03:02:56pm
  Hey everyone, I just sent out a reminder email about HUGHIE NOMINATIONS! I know some of you have already sent yours in, sorry if you got the email anyway.
  
  For the rest of you, please consider taking a few minutes to send in some nominations.
  
  Even if you didn't read a lot of 2011 books, you can still vote for DIVA OF ROMANCE!, Favorite Re-Read, Favorite Author (which is a different category than the Diva!).
  
  So come on ladies, get those lists out and lets get some nominations in - so that we have good representation from all different genre's and reading tastes.
  
  Thanks!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  

  ---

• Linda W go look at the photo again! hint....look for the petson on the room! VERY creepy!! -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, February 01, 11:00:26pm
  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:
  • OOPS I meant IN the room...not on! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, February 01, 11:02:32pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Wednesday, February 01, 07:30:28pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Michelle!
  Have a great one!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!! (NT) -- , Wednesday, February 01, 07:36:58pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!! ALSO ANY OTHER BIRTHDAY PEOPLE I MAY HAVE MISSED! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, February 01, 10:57:56pm
  • Happy Birthday! Hope its a good one. (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, February 02, 02:57:44pm

  ---

• The February releases are up! -- Beaty, Tuesday, January 31, 08:29:45pm
  Following is a direct link to the list. You can always find the list with the link at the top of the board.
  
  
  
  February Romance Releases
  
  
  If you find something I've missed on the list, please let me know so I can add it. This is the list we use for the Hughies at year end so I'd like it to be complete.
  Hope you find something you like.
  
  
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  

  ---

• HUGHIES! It is time to send in your nominations!! I have several favorite categories, including this one: -- Robin, Monday, January 30, 10:29:27am
  I love the DIVA OF ROMANCE! category and since I already posted below about those, today I think I'll talk about my other favorite category:
  
  FAVORITE RE-READ (AKA comfort read). For whatever reason 2011 was the year of the Re-Read for me. Two thirds of what I read were repeats.
  
  What is the book that is your 'go to' book when you need a reliable read that will make you feel good, something that you can snuggle up with in your recliner chair and just enjoy?
  
  There are many out there for me, such as McKenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard. Love me some Wolf and Mary.
  
  How about Only His by Elizabeth Lowell. Caleb and Willow are the sweetest.
  
  Causing Havoc by Lori Foster is also great, it is hot, has a little suspense, lots of humor and sweetness too.
  
  See Jane Score or It Must Be Love by Rachel Gibson are also great for a funny and heartwarming re-read.
  
  Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas? Who can resist Derek?
  
  Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips...Bobby Tom is yummy, and Grace is just his match.
  
  Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland. Kendrick will melt anyones heart, for sure.
  
  Who would pass up James Malory in Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey? Not me, I'm ready to sail today!
  
  Also like The Secret, Saving Grace, The Bride and The Prize by Julie Garwood. Funny, heartwarming and hot medieval guys with big swords. LOL
  
  Judith McNaught's Until You also is a go-to read for me.
  
  How about you? Who you gonna vote for in this category?
  
  Robin
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  

  ---

• -- Beaty, Sunday, January 29, 07:55:48pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Beth!
  Hope your day was wonderful!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • OH MY!!!!!! Talk about abbs??? WOW!! OH also hope you have a TERRIFIC B-Day (NT) -- Linda (Cicoe), Sunday, January 29, 08:22:09pm
  • Whew hoo! Happy Birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, January 30, 05:26:29am
  • Thanks for remembering an absentee! And in such an alluring way - you just know how to drag me out of lurk-dom :-) (NT) -- Beth, Tuesday, January 31, 08:49:16am

  ---

• One For The Money -- debbie O, Sunday, January 29, 02:17:31pm
  Not to take any attention away from the Hughies but... has anyone seen One For The Money yet? I'm planning on going but not this weekend. I was just wondering......
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Heather and I saw it yesterday Debbie. I liked it - it's not Oscar material by any means, but it entertains, and although most of the back ground details were glossed over, the main story points were faithful to the book. No, it was not an unabridged verbatim adaptation of the book - but movies from books rarely are. Jason O'Mara has the most beautiful eyes I have seen in a long time - I also found myself distracted by his chest/abs -- which are also quite impressive. *lol* And I'm a Ranger girl. I will probably buy it on DVD when it comes out. (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 29, 06:17:00pm
  • Me! Me! I was very happy that they stayed so close to the book. It was enjoyable & I'd love for them to make more of these books into movies. I think as the books progress they get better & we get to know more about everyone. My one compliant was that in updating things they changed the car. A 53 Buick is a MUCH better fit for her indestructible back-up car. LOL (NT) -- Linda (Cicoe), Sunday, January 29, 08:17:22pm

  ---

• DIVA OF ROMANCE! Let the campaign begin -- Robin, Sunday, January 29, 11:17:10am
  I’ve been thinking about the DIVA OF ROMANCE! category and there are so many that are worthy. If I was a campaign manager, I’m not sure who I’d promote the most! Here are some of my nominees this year, with a highlight or two.
  
  See inside, there are many and I didn't want to take up too much room on the board.
  
  Who are YOU considering?
  
  Robin
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • -----> in here -- Robin, Sunday, January 29, 11:19:56am
  • I agree, Robin, so many are worthy. I decided I needed to look up who the past DIVA's were. 2007 was Nora Roberts. 2008 was Karen Marie Moning. 2009 was Liz Carlyle. 2010 was Lisa Kleypas. (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, January 29, 12:12:19pm
  • I can't believe how many DIVAS OF ROMANCE! are out there! Can't wait to see who wins this one. (NT) -- Robin, Monday, January 30, 10:17:58am

  ---

• -- Beaty, Sunday, January 29, 04:13:47am
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Pat T!
  Have a fabulous day!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Happy Birthday! This guy reminds me of Tarzan, so I'll wish you a 'swingin' time! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 29, 05:34:20am
  • Hope you are having a fantastic birthday! (NT) -- debbie O, Sunday, January 29, 02:13:55pm
  • Sorry I'm late hope you had a WONDERFUL DAY!! (NT) -- Linda (Cicoe), Sunday, January 29, 08:25:46pm

  ---

• TIME TO NOMINATE FOR THE HUGHIES!

  -- ROBIN, Saturday, January 28, 07:17:43am
  Yes, it's time to choose our favorite romance books of 2011 for the Fourteenth Annual RBL Romantica Hughie Awards!
  
  
  
  The Hughie Awards process has two parts - first comes the NOMINATIONS part; then, once the nominations have been received and tallied, the FINAL VOTING takes place. The NOMINATIONS part of the Hughies process is important, because ONLY the TOP THREE nominees in each category will be eligible for the FINAL VOTING.
  
  
  
  Rules for Nominations
  
  
  
  1) Some of you have already received a Nominations Form by email. If you have not received one, just click on my name above to get a blank email form. Then highlight the categories listed below, and copy and paste them on the email. Type in your nominations and send this e-mail to me.
  
  2) You may nominate as many books/authors/characters in each category as you want. You do NOT have to make nominations in every category.
  
  3) The books must have been published or reissued in print in 2011.
  
  4) Please include the titles of the books and the authors' names.
  
  5) The DIVA OF ROMANCE! category differs from the others in that THE WINNER OF THIS CATEGORY WILL BE DETERMINED ENTIRELY BY HOW MANY NOMINATIONS SHE RECEIVES!!! In other words, we will not be voting on the top three nominees in the VOTING part of the Hughies process. The NOMINATIONS will be tallied, and the author with the most NOMINATIONS will be the winner. The winner will be announced at same the time that the other winners are announced. To qualify for the DIVA OF ROMANCE! award, an author should be recognized as a leader in the genre, and must have an impressive career of at least 10 years with at least 10 books published. The previous winners in this category, Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, Liz Carlyle and Lisa Kleypas, may not be considered. As with the other categories, you may nominate as many authors who qualify as you wish! Remember, the author with the MOST NOMINATIONS will win this category!
  
  
  
  
  
  2011 Hughies Categories
  
  
  
  DIVA OF ROMANCE! -
  
  
  
  HILDY AWARD FOR FAVORITE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance with a setting in the American colonial period, a western, an Americana from the early 1900s, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ENGLISH/SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance set in England or Scotland after 1500, including the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE (a romance set in the Medieval time period, a romance about Vikings or pirates, a unique location, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE (Harlequin, Silhouette, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE VAMPIRE/WEREWOLF/SHAPESHIFTER ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE FUTURISTIC/OTHER WORLD ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE UNIQUE PARANORMAL ROMANCE (a romance about witches, one involving magical powers, a fantasy, etc.) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE EROTICA ROMANCE (a romance classified as erotica by the publisher) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE TITLE (a romance with the cleverest, catchiest, or most appropriate title) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE AUTHOR -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE NEW-TO-YOU AUTHOR -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HERO -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE HEROINE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - MALE -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER - FEMALE -
  
  
  
  FUNNIEST BOOK (most LOL moments) -
  
  
  
  HOTTEST BOOK (most ice cubes needed) -
  
  
  
  MOST TOUCHING BOOK (most tissues needed) -
  
  
  
  FAVORITE RE-READ (a romance, with any publication date, that you return to again and again; a "comfort read") -
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To help you remember romance books released in 2011, you will find the titles which were listed at the RBL New Releases each month at:
  
  
  
  2011 Romance Book Releases
  
  
  
  E-mail your nominations to me by next SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th!!! Nominations will close at 6:00 p.m. east coast time on that day! Once all the nominations have been tallied, I will post the top three nominees in each category (except for Diva) for the final voting.
  
  
  
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Oh my, I was so busy playing catch up from last years awards list that I really didn't read that many new books, and they are all in 2 categories. I did have some great reads from last years Hughis though. *G* Thanks so much for doing this and putting together the new book release list. Next year I will try to read a new book each month and try more categories. Also I need to check in more often :) (NT) -- roberta, Saturday, January 28, 10:31:12am
    • That's fine Roberta, I didn't have many to nominate but I still vote for authors I like & books I know I'd enjoy!*G* (NT) -- , Saturday, January 28, 04:38:11pm
    • It really doesn't matter how many books you've read - if you liked them, go ahead and nominate them. You wouldn't believe how many times ONE nomination or one vote has changed the outcome of a category - including DIVA!!! And you can always nominate your fave authors for Diva and your fave "comfort read" - those are wide open categories. Plus - it's great to see you posting again, Roberta! (NT) -- Judy, Saturday, January 28, 08:02:56pm
  • I didn't read as many new books last year as I wanted to although I did buy many. This year I've already read 3 new books (not published in 2012, but still new to me) instead of all the re-reads I usually do. (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 28, 06:43:43pm
  • trying to turn off the BOLD *g* (NT) -- Ann, Saturday, January 28, 08:11:06pm

  ---

• NEW LINK AT TOP OF BOARD! -- , Thursday, January 26, 11:59:13am
  We'll be starting the campaign for the Annual Hughies in a few days! So if you want to start thinking & refreshing your memory about your votes I just put a link at the top of the board for the releases for 2011. So check it out & start thinking about who your nominations will be.
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Thanks Linda! This list will come in handy!! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, January 26, 04:40:12pm
  • Awesome! You know I need the link - every year. *lol* (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, January 26, 05:29:29pm
  • Thank you! It is very helpful :) (NT) -- roberta, Saturday, January 28, 11:18:40am

  ---

• BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS II HAHAHA!!! -- SKYE OżO, Monday, January 23, 07:21:01pm
  
  
  Anyone ever hear of two scifi series featuring female leads
  called 'Vatta's War'(5bks) by Elizabeth Moon (she used to co- write with Anne McCaffrey) the other is the Honor Harrington series by(25)bks David Weber!
  
  Both have VERY strong female lead characters as well as a steady stream of interesting and quirky characters!
  
  If any of you have ever read these series I would be interested in knowing what you think of the books!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • I tried the first book of the Honor Harrington books and couldn't get through it, alas. Maybe I should try again. I haven't read the others. Thanks for the suggestions! (NT) -- maggie, Monday, January 23, 07:35:14pm
    • Took me awhile to get thru it too but......the end was worth it! I am still going to try a couple others in the HH series! Now Vattas War is good right away only 5 books here but sooooo interesting, exciting and well worth the reading effort! Try the library so you don't have to pay for them! (NT) -- SKY OżO, Monday, January 23, 08:20:21pm
  • My son reads Anne McCaffery, but it's looked a little more sifi then I like. (NT) -- , Tuesday, January 24, 02:34:13pm
    • Your son has good taste, Linda. Anne's older books are great, and I guarantee that you will like them. Not so much sci/fi as a different world and the culture which has grown as a result of that world. Dragons are seriously cool. ;-D Read them in order. (NT) -- Frances, Tuesday, January 31, 02:08:05pm
  • Can't help ya with these, never heard of them. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, January 24, 03:10:39pm
  • I LOVE Elizabeth Moon's other series, but haven't read this one. (NT) -- Ann, Saturday, January 28, 08:12:35pm
  • I find I had a lot to say... So I posted it inside... -- Merry, Tuesday, January 31, 01:03:40pm
    • BTW, if you go to Baen Books website, some of these books are available for free download. Much as I hate, as a bookseller, to recommend downloads, the price is right! (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, January 31, 01:16:11pm

  ---

• WARNING!!!! Info you gift card users!! -- , Friday, January 20, 03:27:19pm
  OK so I had a gift card & I put it onto the Barnes & Nobel web site to use as I purchased books. So I bought several books & it had been a few months since I purchased anything, so yesterday when I realized I was about 6 books behind on Emma Holly! I went to buy them & after the first book it said that it was charged to my credit card. I thought what the HELL???? So I called B&N & they said sorry we don't show a gift card on file....
  
  I don't know about you but I usually throw away a gift card once I use it, & I figured putting it on file at the web site was close enough. Anyway since it was a special gift & had a picture of who gave it to me I'd saved it. So I was able to key it in again & use it for the other 5 books I bought. So just a heads up they couldn't tell me why what had happened & had absolutely NO record of my card.
  
  Make sure you always keep a card until it's totally used up!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Thanks Linda! I'll keep better track, cuz I think I have about $150 in B&N cards!! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, January 21, 07:04:08pm
  • Linda, I got gift card with my Nook last year too! I always refilled as needed, however B&N eventually informed me that a new state law only allows a certain amount of refills per gift card! Ask your look store about this! Hope this will help! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, January 23, 07:02:12pm
  • Excellent advice. I always throw mine away, too. I'll keep them from now on. (NT) -- maggie, Monday, January 23, 07:30:30pm
  • I have a Kindle gift card to use - will definitely keep hold of it for future reference. Thanks for the heads up. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, January 27, 02:07:56pm

  ---

• -- Beaty, Wednesday, January 18, 08:21:13pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Debbie D!
  It's been so many days without a birthday I almost forgot.
  Have a great one!
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • WOHOO! Thank you! Love the eye candy too :-) (NT) -- Debbie_D, Thursday, January 19, 06:50:27pm
    • Happy Birthday Debbie D! (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, January 19, 07:46:57pm
  • Happy Birthday girl! Have a nice one. (NT) -- Robin, Friday, January 20, 03:04:31pm
  • Sorry I'm late, hope your day was GREAT!!! (NT) -- , Friday, January 20, 03:14:37pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIEO!!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, January 23, 07:04:01pm

  ---

• HELLO!! -- Beaty, Sunday, January 15, 12:23:09pm
  Anyone out there?
  
  Obviously nobody is reading the best thing ever! *G* So what else are you doing to entertain yourself? TV got you hooked? With DVRs we never again have to watch something we don't want to. They are a WONDERFUL invention. No commercials! Love it!
  
  Hope everyone is having fun - whatever you're doing.
  
  Remember that old show about the robot---can't remember his name - Johnny something---I need IMPUT!
  
  Let me know how you are.
  

  
  [ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Hey Beaty, I'm just enjoying a snowy long weekend here in the Pacific Northwest. I did the crock pot thing yesterday, I am reading an Anne Gracie book on my I pod. We went up to the pass and went x country skiing this morning. It was snowing here but it was beautiful sunshine on the pass. Now just hanging out with a fire going, surfing the web and looking forward to one more day of the weekend. Monday's a holiday for us federal worker types and I'll take every three day weekend they give me. How the weather in your neck of the woods? Are you getting the cold, do you have any snow? (NT) -- debbie O, Sunday, January 15, 06:51:40pm
    • Hey Debbie! I sounds like a wonderful relaxing weekend for you. I get one day off - enjoy the others for me! Our weather has been unseasonably dry and warm. That's supposed to stop this week. DH just told be to be expecting a colder night than we're used to. Enjoy! (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, January 15, 08:04:26pm
  • Got hooked into Spencer Quinn's mystery series (4 books in all, so far) - the Chet and Bernie books. Chet tells the stories for his doggy viewpoint (he's an almost-was K-9 dog who failed the final test, thanks to a cat and some other things he can't quite recall). Bernie Little is Chet's human partner, a West Pointer wounded in "a desert war" and an ex-cop. The mysteries are intriguing - missing persons, murder, elephant-napping. The viewpoint is quirky, being from Chet's brain - the thought processes are pretty much what one would expect from a canine... All he really wants is to make Bernie happy by grabbing a perp by the pants leg. His attention span is a bit short -squirrel!- but somehow, he earns his kibble and Slim Jims and helps to solve the case at hand. And, no, Chet does not speak human talk; but he understands a lot of it. I've gone through three and a half of them in a week. The first one is "Dog On It", the second is "Thereby Hangs A Tale". (NT) -- Merry, Sunday, January 15, 06:57:47pm
    • You always read the most unique books, Merry. Thanks for the description. I now have them on my list. (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, January 15, 08:09:03pm
      • Hope you enjoy them! It's amazing, sometimes, what comes across the desk at the store, or that I find in BookPage, Publishers' Weekly, or Library Journal. Not to mention RT, of course... You read these little one-paragraph reviews, and something sounds intriguing, and the next thing you know, your husband is grumbling about hauling an entire series home from his job at the library. *G* (NT) -- Merry, Monday, January 16, 08:56:02am
        • The fourth book was really terrific. He did sort of re-use a theme, but a really god read, nonetheless. (NT) -- Merry, Saturday, January 21, 12:21:56pm
        • My local library has just reopened. I wonder if I can find a single guy working there who would do that for me. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, January 27, 02:12:02pm
  • Well, I'm having a 3 day weekend too and for once did NOT spend the whole thing cleaning and doing chores. I'm still spending time with Roarke (Indulgence in Death) and am almost finished. We had my Aunt over for our Christmas celebration on Saturday and played cards and ate. Saturday night we had company and movie night (The Loser's - love that movie!) and we ate then too. Sunday was Church, shopping and out to dinner with the hubby....and then the Golden Globes which I enjoyed, I thought the host was much better this year and not as cruel (and there were TOO many mermaid dresses last night! LOL) Today is car maintenance, laundry and cleaning out 200 emails. Getting ready tomorrow for the new season of JUSTIFIED to start on FX Network, great show! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, January 16, 09:05:20am
  • I'm really enjoying "Once Upon a Time" on Sunday nights. A super evil queen, plucky heroine, uber-cute kid. It's really good. Also reading the latest Kelley Armstrong, "Spellbound." I'm enjoying the snow here in Seattle because it means I don't have to go anywhere, especially since today is a holiday. Except for some errands today. There are ALWAYS errands. Hope everyone is doing well. (NT) -- maggie, Monday, January 16, 10:47:24am
  • Hi reading some books from the library, watch tv on the net, watching movies on netflix,, and trying to get caught up bills,weather is nice here in florida no snow beth2! (NT) -- ann2, Monday, January 16, 09:51:10pm
  • Short Circuit had a robot named Johnny 5, that was the name he gave himself once he got away from the establishment.*G* Then there was Lost in space but the robot there wasn't named Johnny. (NT) -- , Sunday, January 22, 10:00:50pm

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• Hi everyone, Happy New Year, still living in Florida, don't miss the snow at all, still trying to get my drivers license, waiting to get my birth certification in pa, Still trying to get caught up on my reading books from the library, Maybe this year will be better for everyone,. Trying to get my stuff in storage to florida too, What's everyone been reading? -- ann2, Sunday, January 08, 09:39:19pm
  
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  • I'm reading in paperback Death Magic - the newest in the Eileen Wilks lupi series. In ebook I'm on the 4th book in the Kylie Chan series about the Turtle. In audio I'm listening to Ilona Andrew's newest - Fate's Edge. Just finished the newest Robyn Carr Coming Home for Christmas. I can't seem to put down the Chan's. I want to find out what's happening next. The other three are continuations of series by autobuy authors. Enjoy that sunshine! We're having an unusually warm winter ourselves. We'll definitely pay for it later. (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, January 10, 07:18:24pm
  • Finally got my drivers license in florida today, now to get my tags for the car.still reading library books. now if the computer would not crash again the second now, i am going to get my niece to check it . (NT) -- ann2, Wednesday, January 11, 01:48:32pm
  • I am reading Indulgence In Death and I already got a tear in my eye in the first 12 pages. These books are awesome (beware though there are some graphic murder scenes) and you MUST read them in order. Glad you are getting settled in Florida. I'm hoping for a moderate (8-10 inches) snow storm or two up here. (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, January 12, 04:13:22pm
    • Hi robin i read all jd, books so far in order, i don't miss the snow at all. it was 75 here on new years day (NT) -- ann2, Thursday, January 12, 09:10:36pm

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• BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS. How do we decide? And what about series? -- Robin, Saturday, January 07, 06:27:55am
  I'm thinking I'm gonna do it. I really am. I'm thinking I'm gonna read Part 4 of a four part series FIRST. I know its against the rules but hey, sometimes I'm a rebel. (Hahahaha)
  
  I just read about Gaelen Foley's MY RUTHLESS PRINCE and it has all the elements I love: Someone who has loved someone for years but they've never gotten together AND a tortured hero.
  
  But after reading about the first three and how everyone has been waiting for this guy to have his story, I KNOW how much more richer it will be to wait and read them in order.
  
  Anyone else read this INFERNO CLUB series?
  
  Series Series Series. I have so many series that I have started but have fallen behind on.
  
  1. The Dark series by Feehan. I'm about 4 behind on this one...and while I have 2 of the 4 here, I'm still behind. Lately I have to be in a mood for para's.
  
  2. Darkhunters by Kenyon. I'm woefully behind on these although again, I have many of them here. I think the last one I read was Val's story. I never even got to Ash yet and of course everyone was waiting for his story!
  
  3. In Death series by J.D. Robb. I'm about 3 behind on this one too even though I keep buying them and having them here.
  
  4. Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich. I'm only one behind on this one (18) and I have it here.
  
  5. The I-Team series by Pamela Clare. I read the first one, loved it and then bought books 2 and 3 when they came out but haven't read them yet. And then there are books 4 and 5 to get to. I keep hearing that everyone's fave is Marc I believe? But I have to read these in order. LOL
  
  6. Madeleine Hunter's jewel series, I read the first 2 and have the second two here, but alas, haven't read them yet.
  
  7. Lori Foster's romantic suspense series The Edge of Honor, where I read the first one (When you Dare) and loved it, bought 2 and 3 but haven't started them yet.
  
  8. I also have a Linda Lael Miller series that I started (the McKettricks) but I don't think I'll EVER get all those read. LOL
  
  And then I have so many series here to begin, but I feel like I want to finish these others up before I start a new one, you know?
  
  I have a Jodi Thomas and Dana Ransom series here (thanks to Beaty!). The Ledbeater series here (east of peculiar, etc) thanks to Ann, and the whole Marsha Canham series here, 2 different series I believe. Plus about 200 others in my TBR stack.
  
  If I just concentrated on reading what I have, and didn't buy any more books, at the rate that I read (about 65 a year), I'd never buy another book for 2.5 years. But we know that is not gonna happen. How can I resist these lovely new releases?
  
  I actually used to try and make a rule "If you buy a book NEW, you must read it within 30 days of buying it". That didn't last long though...
  
  So do you read series? Do you keep a list and try to keep up? Do you ever feel behind? Do you read out of order? Do you buy new books and they just sit, unread for 6 months before you get to them? Am I the only one out here keeping track?
  
  Have a great weekend everyone! I'm on my way to Barnes and Noble later to spend a gift card. LOL What to buy, what to buy? Hahahahhaha
  
  Robin
  

  
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  • My goal is to have enough books when I retire so I don't have to buy any more. Mainly cuz I won't be able to afford them. I'll be going back to the library. *G* Really I have enough built up to read that I'd have plenty to read and reread for the rest of my life. I read my series favorites immediately - start them the day they come out in fact. Laurell K - J D Robb - Suzanne Brockmann - Pamela Clare - Stephanie Plum series -Tara Jantzen - and there are so many more! That keeps me busy - but there are plenty waiting in the wings. And I'm always looking for a new-to-me great author! (NT) -- Beaty, Saturday, January 07, 07:07:14pm
    • One good thing Beaty about Ebooks is that you won't have to worry about where to store all these books for when you retire, right? (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 08, 01:28:08pm
    • But, but, Beaty.... IS there such a thing as "enough books"? I didn't think that was possible.... I mean, I have a whole shop full of books and can still manage to find something else I "need" at someone else's shop, or the library... Just greedy, I guess. (NT) -- Merry, Monday, January 16, 09:01:24am
  • HA...and I you don't have Robyn Carr or the Marie Force series yet?!?!!?! You already know abuot Robyn Carr...I'd get on it if I were you...because I think, as of right now, there are 14 or 15 books...she is cranking them out. Marie Force's "Fatal" series is AWESOME...if you like J.D. Robb...then you'll love Sam and Nick in Force's "Fatal" series. That's only 3 books and 1 novella right now...so you can catch up pretty quickly. The 4th book is coming out in February. Get the first one "Fatal Affair" and you will be hooked...trust me Robin!!! :) As for Pamela's I-Team...I hate to tell you to do this...but READ Marc's book...it is AWESOME...and my favorite of all of them....but I know you will LOVE Julian from book 2 too!!! (NT) -- Heather, Saturday, January 07, 08:14:33pm
    • Heather Heather Heather! YOU of all people have been a major candidate for the READ THEM IN ORDER campaign, and NOW you tell me I can break the rules? LOL I was actually thinking about the series I AM caught up with and I felt a little better....but I still have many to go. I already have Julians story so I'll do that one next, in order, like a good girl. I've also decided that I've read too many re-reads and I'm going to force myself to at least alternate (if I read 1 re-read, then I have to read 1 new to me book). And you and I have similar reading tastes so I KNOW I will like the Fatal series if I start them. You got me hooked on Erin McCarthy's race car books and I finally got #2 and have it here. I can't wait for Suzanne and Ryder, cuz I bet they will get back together in another book soon. (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, January 08, 01:24:57pm
  • Robin, I am reading the McKitterick series now too! I hope you realize there is a set of 20th Century relatives too! :D (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Sunday, January 08, 06:39:16pm
    • Yes Skye, I found that out. Thanks! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, January 09, 01:45:59pm
  • I've been hemming and hawing trying to figure out which new book to start my year off with and was bored by everything I picked up. So I picked up Indulgence in Death and I KNOW I will never be bored with Roarke and Eve. Its been since Mar 2011 since I read an In Death book, and I have 3 here in hardback, so I'm due.... (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, January 11, 02:26:26pm
  • I'm reading some short story that I can't remember who told me to get but it's only 68 pages & so far it's totally strange to me. It's by Darynda Jones & I just noticed it says it says it's a Charley Davidson story so does that mean it's a series? Who recommended this to me? We need to talk.*G* (NT) -- , Saturday, January 14, 11:51:41pm
    • Might've been me, hon. I've read the series-to-date, and they're terrific. She's Death, right? Try "First Grave on the Right", and "Second Grave on the Left". The next book comes out this month - "Third Grave Dead Ahead". Thanks for the heads-up on the novella/shirt story; I'd missed it! Darynda is new, but I think she'll go far in the paranormal/urban fantasy genre. (NT) -- Merry, Monday, January 16, 09:09:58am
      • Ummm. "SHORT" story, not "shirt"! Ooopsie. (NT) -- Merry, Monday, January 16, 09:11:40am
  • I am constantly behind on the series that I read. I am behind on Kenyon's Dark Hunters, Feehan's Dark series along with many others. I just can't keep up with all the great authors out there. (NT) -- Louisa, Friday, January 27, 02:06:34pm
  • I can certainly relate to this. I have so many series going that I don't think I will ever catch up. It's mostly RBL's fault and the Hughie awards from last year :), ha ha. The only ones I am caught up on are J.R. Wards black dagger series and Fallen Angels seires, and G.A. Aikens Dragon series. If I ever get off my butt and learn HTML I might list them all for you. I do tend to read in order, but sometimes cheat too *G*. I usually print a book list off the authors website and then check them off as I go. Is J.D. Robbs Death series a good one to cheat on. There are so many and I have only read the first 5. (NT) -- roberta, Saturday, January 28, 10:54:08am
  • I am also caught up on Karen Marie Monings Fever and Highlander series. I love her books. (NT) -- roberta, Saturday, January 28, 10:57:19am

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• HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! :D -- SKYE OżO, Tuesday, January 03, 11:52:58pm
  
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• The January releases are up! -- Beaty, Sunday, January 01, 11:30:31am
  Following is a direct link to the list. You can always find the list with the link at the top of the board.
  
  
  
  January Romance Releases
  
  
  If you find something I've missed on the list, please let me know so I can add it. This is the list we use for the Hughies at year end so I'd like it to be complete.
  
  
  Happy New Year, RBLs!
  

  
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  • Thanks! I see a couple I might be interested in, and I had no idea they were being released this month. Again, RBL provides all my reading informational needs! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, January 02, 05:51:44am

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• -- The RBLs!, Friday, December 30, 08:50:02pm
  
  
  
  
  Hey DebbieO!
  We have a puzzle for you. One even Stephanie can't figure out.
  
  Ranger or Joe? Joe or Ranger?
  
  The following pages will give you a few reminders to help you make your decision.
  Be sure to stop back when you're done to give us the result. *G*
  Just click on all of the exploding cars (they seem to follow Stephanie everywhere, too)
  to continue through the card. We've hidden them the best we can.
  Enjoy!
  

  
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  • Happy Birthday Deb! Love you. (NT) -- Sandra, Friday, December 30, 09:10:06pm
  • WOW what a hard choice you have!!! *EG* Can't wait to see who you pick. (NT) -- , Friday, December 30, 11:30:53pm
  • Wow! What a difficult choice! Since it's your birthday, I say take 'em both! Have a wonderful day. (NT) -- Maggie, Friday, December 30, 11:36:56pm
    • I agree with Maggie!! Happy Birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, December 31, 04:56:54am
  • Thank you guys for a great card and the birthday wishes. I am a Ranger girl. If I have to make a choice I'll go for the guy that doesn't have to follow the rules! Morelli is a cop he has to follow the rules, Ranger would be a total opposite from me.....perfect! (NT) -- Debbie O, Saturday, December 31, 03:55:58pm
  • Ooops! I'm late (busy with family) but I hope you had a FABULOUS day Debbie! (NT) -- Ann , Sunday, January 01, 12:19:59pm
  • I'm super late...but hope you had a wonderful birthday Deb!!! (((hugs))) (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, January 03, 05:30:33pm

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• Ticket prices, Movies, and empty hampers (oh my!) -- Robin, Friday, December 30, 01:33:16pm
  The floors are mopped, the bathrooms are clean, both clothes hampers are just about empty and the dishwasher will be run/emptied tonight. We are ready for our weekend company.
  
  Only thing left to do is maybe throw some pumpkin bread in the oven and cook some brown rice and veggies (I like to have that on hand so that if I want to have a snack, I won't dive for the potato chips or cookies -- and they are great sides to go with anything (not the chips/cookies, but the rice and veggies) :)
  
  We have our niece and her two toddlers coming for the weekend. We always spend New Years Eve together, and have since she was a teenager. Then it became her and a friend or two, then over the years it changed to her and her boyfriend, then he turned into a husband and now they have two kids! He has to work though, but her sister in law may come instead.
  
  We play games, eat, watch movies, laugh, eat, watch the ball drop on tv, eat - you get the idea.
  
  Then on New Years Day, my dh fixes a BIG pancake breakfast here and we sit around moaning after stuffing ourselves. Should be fun. :)
  
  Anyone else have plans? Gonna party? Gonna play it low key?
  
  I would still like to go see WE BOUGHT A ZOO with my other niece, but don't know if I can fit it in this weekend or not. We did manage to see Sherlock Holmes the week before Christmas and it was pretty good.
  
  And oh yeah, what happened to matinee's? Used to be before 6pm, you got a cheap ticket. NOW, its before 11:55 am for a cheap ticket. Then a mid-day ticket price til 3:55pm and then regular prices after that. Sheesh! Like they don't earn enough on the popcorn!
  
  Anyhow, No matter what you do for New Years, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a prosperous and healthy and blessed New Year ahead!!
  
  Robin
  

  
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  • Sounds like fun Robin, NYE is my daughters birthday so I've been going to her house for years to eat, snack & play games. It's a quiet night & I usually leave about 10 or 11 to come home & wake the DH up to say Happy New Years.*G* (NT) -- , Friday, December 30, 11:37:50pm

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• -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 28, 07:56:59pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Happy Birthday to you, Chez!
  How can you do Christmas without snow?
  And a very Happy New Year, too!
  Hope it's great!
  

  
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  • Snow? Who cares about snow? LOL Happy Birthday Chez (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 29, 02:32:42pm
  • Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 29, 03:57:49pm
  • Happy belated birthday Chez! Sorry I am late and I hope your day was wonderful. (NT) -- Sandra, Friday, December 30, 08:45:27am
  • Thank you so much, he looks scrumptious lol. Had a lovely day with the family. Thank you all (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 31, 03:11:55am

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• A belated Merry Christmas to all! -- maggie, Tuesday, December 27, 10:57:32pm
  I'm glad to hear everyone is more or less in one piece and enjoyed the holidays. I had a very nice, very busy few days and now I will sit down and digest - literally - all the excitement. Bee fed me delicious clam chowder on Christmas Eve, and then yesterday we went to see Sherlock Holmes and went to dinner and had fabulous food. Now it's time to diet!
  
  Here's hoping 2012 brings much happiness to all so that this time next year we can all say what a great year it's been!
  

  
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• I hope everyone had a good & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! -- SKYE OżO, Monday, December 26, 11:28:15pm
  
  
  
  Sorry this is so late.....way too much time in stores! Right
  up til late Christmas eve!
  
  HAPPY NEW YEAR in advance....just in case! LOL!
  

  
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  • Same to you! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 27, 02:06:14pm
  • You too ! (NT) -- Robin, Saturday, December 31, 04:56:12am

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• Merry Christmas to my ReBeL friends! -- Judy, Sunday, December 25, 08:12:38pm
  I hope you all are having as nice a Christmas Day as I have had. I was able to spend present opening time with the grandboys and dinner at my sister's. I had planned to do the dinner, but was hospitalized again for a few days last week, so my sister stepped in and made the meal. And my dh picked strawberries (yes, we can do that already here in FL) to have on top of cheesecake for dessert. Then the dh and I came home and watched Jean Shepard's "A Christmas Story" - such a cute and funny movie!
  
  Some of you may have read below that my seven-year-old grandson had informed his dad that he didn't believe in Santa (or the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy) anymore. Well, he decided to hedge his bets and left an elaborate handmade card for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Here's the note in the card (notice how he got his full name in there two times):
  
  "Dear Santa! From: Merritt Rice
  I have bene exster good this year. Can you plesy give me a new DSIxl rmre.
  Love, Merritt Rice
  I Love you Santa!"
  
  I do love the spelling - we figured out that rmre means armor - it's a Nerf cover for the hand-held DSI game.
  
  Then, when they were outside testing Santa's gift - remote controlled monster trucks - he spied pieces of carrot and carrot tops in the driveway. He turned to his dad and said, "See, Daddy, see?" and shook his head up and down as if all were proven to be true. He never mentioned the fact that Santa didn't give him the gift he requested (he already has one in good shape), and played with his monster truck almost all day.
  
  I'm in total agreement with Bo and Merry - I'd just as soon forget 2011 (at least most of it) and am looking forward to a healthier 2012. And I also wish all of my ReBeL friends a healthy and happy New Year!
  

  
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  • That is so cute... Gotta love a kid who hedges his bets! (NT) -- Merry, Monday, December 26, 11:41:15am
  • Fresh strawberries on the cheesecake! Wow, YUM YUM YUM. Sounds like it was a great holiday. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 27, 02:07:02pm
  • Beyond sweet! Kids always manager to make us smile. I pray that 2012 will be a banner year for you, and everyone here at RBL! (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:43:34pm
  • LOL Judy, as you I'm sure know I had NO PROBLEM reading the note & saw nothing wrong with the spelling..*EG* Hope everyone has a GREAT NY!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 29, 04:15:47pm

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• Merry Merry! Christmas that is -- Beaty, Sunday, December 25, 08:50:42am
  To all my friends - lurkers and posters - far and near - Merry Christmas from my house to yours.
  
  I hope 2012 treats you even better than what you experienced in 2011. Enjoy your family and friends to the mostest - 2011 showed me that they will not always be there, so treasure every moment. Create many memories. Just Enjoy!
  
  Cyber Hugs to all!
  
  
  

  
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  • Thanks Beaty! You too. By the way. I ordered Robyn Carr's Virgin River book about COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS that just came out in Nov 2011. The plot is one of my faves. I haven't read ANY of these books yet...do you think I'll be missing out too much?? I wanted to try the series, but the first book doesn't appeal to me so I didn't....I know I'm not supposed to read out of turn, and like in the IN DEATH books, its the back stories that are so RICH with secondary characters and all that, but is this series the same way?? (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 27, 02:05:55pm
    • Robin...DO NOT read "Come Home For Christmas" first. In my opinion...and I ADORE the VR series...but this book sucked! It was a huge disappointment to me. I thought I liked the plot...but the heroine is almost engaged to another guy at the start of the book, and I felt she didn't properly end that relationship before she got frisky with ther hero. If you started with this one...you might build your framework for the whole series after this book...and you just can't...because this book shouldn't even be a part of the series IMHO. The first book of the series...starts off very slow...and you'll want to put it down...but keep reading...stick to it...and you will love it...and each book after just brings that town alive. (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:40:47pm
      • Okay Heather, you convinced me. I ordered it from the library, so its not a problem to send it back....thanks for your input! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 28, 05:27:47pm
        • Hey, Robin! I'm about half way through "Come Home for Christmas" and I don't totally agree with Heather. I love this series - very traditional romance. I really enjoy watching the town grow. It's a "too good to be true" feeling, but then traditional romance has that feeling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And - in order to watch the town grow correctly - you must read them in order. *G* (NT) -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 28, 06:11:24pm
          • Thanks Beaty for your input too! Okay, I can decide if I want to read this book when I get to it in numbered order, right? LOL (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 29, 02:35:04pm
  • And back at you Beaty! (((HUGS))) (NT) -- Heather, Tuesday, December 27, 06:44:16pm

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• Merry from Merry! -- Merry, Saturday, December 24, 04:57:39pm
  Just swinging by to wish everyone a big, happy holiday.... Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Joyous Solstice! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah (nothing like being right on time....) too!
  
  I'm tempted to go along with Bo on 2012 - pfui on this year... I swear nothing has gone right around here since the middle of August, from a fall at work to vertigo that put me in the ER, to a bad reaction to a medication that has left me half-crippled and housebound for the last couple months. But I've graduated to wheels on my walker, my very bad foot-drop has returned to near normal, and I'm on track to be able to try stairs, maybe, next week. After all, now I can sort-of step up on a six-inch exercise step... A 7-inch step cannot be far away, now. Send out those RBL vibes for more patience and stamina, please!?
  
  Been reading a LOT lately, but can't seem to concentrate for long on anything. But I just received a copy of Jade Lee's *Wicked Seduction*, so that trend may be changing for the better - thanks, Jade!
  
  Oh, and I have a question about our wallpaper hunk... doesn't the fur on that hat tickle??????
  

  
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• I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and hope you spend a wonderful time with your family and friends! I have been MIA for a long time but will try for a long post soon! Hugs! -- SusanZ., Saturday, December 24, 03:15:38pm
  
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  • Susan! Good to see you again - will look forward to hearing about how you're doing and any trips you've taken around Europe! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, December 25, 07:48:26pm

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• Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!! -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 06:58:50am
  Hi all.Hope everyone is done (or mostly) with the Christmas crazies and ready to actually enjoy it.I have a few last-minute things to buy/do today,and have to work a half day tomorrow,and then I can relax.I've been meaning to post for a few days,but life just gets the better of me all the time.I've had it with this year.F*CK 2011.I've had way too many people I love and care about either pass away or get seriously injured.Add a couple more,now.Hubby's 89 yr old Grandma passed away on the 13th.She was a sweet,funny lady and will be missed.I have fond memories of playing cards with her,just talking with her,or even listening (while trying and failing to keep a straight face)to her argue with someone,which usually ended up in her saying 'Uh-huh.And you $hit,too!' in a decisive tone that effectively ended the argument.She slayed me with that.Then my husband cut right through his pinky tendons the other night while cutting up some chicken for dinner,so we had to go to the ER and spent close to 12 hrs there at the hospital while they did the surgery immediately,pretty much.So now he will be a house-hubby for a while so it can heal.Never fear,Nurse Ratched is here.But the doc said the surgery went great so that's a relief.
  
  Kiddos are doing okay,although the boy has been very belligerent for about a week,and only cleaned up his act a couple days ago.Too bad for him that Santa DID notice and decided not to buy a couple things on that list.I'm a Scrooge like that.Plus I remember being a jacka$$ to my Mom one year shortly before Christmas,and she took everything back except a much needed new coat.It worked,I never acted up like that around Christmas again,and I still remember it about 25 years later,so there you go.Little girl has been pretty good and will get what she wanted.
  
  Haven't had time to read much,in fact,I still have a couple books waiting that I bought with last years gift card LOL.Hopefully I'll get to those right after Christmas.What I have read has mostly been from my autobuys.One thing I love about the last book in a series is when you are about halfway through it,or even close to finished,and you can sit back and marvel at this turn or twist of events and go 'Wow!!! How did they do that?' when you KNOW it was not planned from the beginning because the first story did not even HAVE the character that links it with the last one.I know I'm not making any sense *G* but it always amazes me to see this happen,for it to all work out and be woven together so flawlessly.
  
  Anyways,here's hoping your Christmas is beautiful and bright with family and friends.I miss my Mom like crazy & always will,but I am starting to celebrate her life in small ways,rather than dwell on her death.I got a cake on her b-day a few weeks ago and we each made a wish for her.I tell funny stories of her to my kids when they ask or even if something strikes me and I remember,and it comforts all of us and keeps her close in our hearts.
  

  
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  • ((((Bo))))) I've missed seeing you here! Sorry to hear about your husbands mishap, but glad he is okay!!!! I didn't have the best 2011 either but I know 2012 will be so much better!!! This week I bought a Snoopy dog that stands up and dances when you press the button on his hand and he dances like James Brown almost, to the snoopy dance song for Christmas. It is so funny and cute. I liked it, and then thought "Do I really need more stuff like this when I have so much I don't even put out anymore?" But then I turned it on again in the store and liked it still and then it hit my as to WHY. It reminded me of my mom. We used to tease her about doing the "snoopy dance" so I got it - and It makes me smile to think of her dancing with Snoopy. We gotta have those fond memories that we can share of our loved ones, it makes the holidays seem more full somehow. Have a GREAT Christmas and New Year too!! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, December 23, 01:40:32pm
  • Bo good to see you here! I always miss when your not around. Glad the DH is going to be OK & that your getting through the holidays with good thoughts. I totally agree with you about the boy being bad!! They have to learn that Santa does pay attention.*G* Have a GREAT holiday! (NT) -- , Friday, December 23, 09:45:39pm

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• -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 21, 08:11:49pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Holidays & Happy Birthday, Su!
  Hope it's wonderful!
  

  
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  • Lots of mistletoe for you Su! Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 22, 03:39:12pm
  • Hope you have a TERRIFIC DAY!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 22, 06:54:33pm
  • Happy birthday Su! (NT) -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 06:05:26am

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• Holiday check-in -- Robin, Wednesday, December 21, 07:19:55pm
  How's everyone doing?
  
  I still haven't baked. I guess the good folks at the local grocery will be helping me out. LOL.
  
  Over the weekend I did manage to clean the house, get a few last minute gifts, go to church, go to dinner and see Sherlock Holmes 2 (love Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law together!) with my Aunt. So it was a good weekend.
  
  Started to do a 're-read' of an iconic book that was so awesome to me when I first read it about 10 years ago. Now? I'm not getting into it. Not sure why. Maybe I need to STOP doing so many re-reads and start some new books where I'm surprised by what is going to happen?
  
  I usually LOVE my re-reads because they are a comfort. AND since its the busy holiday season, if I happen to get busy and not pick the book up for a few days, I still know where I am without having to go back and catch up. You know what I mean?
  
  Do you do re-reads during the holidays? Are you able to read at all?
  
  Guess thats about it for an update....
  
  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and happy new year too!
  
  (((Hugs)))
  Robin
  

  
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  • I really don't do many rereads, Robin. I have too many books sitting on my TBR shelf to spend very much time on rereads. I figure I'll have reread time after I retire. I've kept all of the books I enjoyed so I can do just that. I think I'll have to live till I'm 100 in order to enjoy them all. Of course, since I'm not going to remember the books I read 20 years ago anyway it'll be like reading new books instead. *G* Have a great holiday, Robin. (NT) -- Beaty, Wednesday, December 21, 08:20:42pm
  • Me to I just don't have the time to re-read. I read so slow to begin with that I don't dare take the time to read them a second time.*G* I'm ready for the holidays & here's wishing everyone a GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 22, 06:59:08pm
  • I don't have time to read right now,but I do know what you mean,it's easier to keep track of an oldie but goodie you've already read,than to try and keep track of something new that you're still processing.I like Beaty's idea about them being like new books many years later *G* My baking will consist of using my Pillsbury cookie coupon and trying to slice the dough I manage not to eat into nice neat little circles *G* (NT) -- Bo, Friday, December 23, 07:13:57am
    • Hahahhah, Bo, you sound like me! Viva la' Pillsbury! (NT) -- Robin, Friday, December 23, 01:32:05pm

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, December 18, 06:58:45am
  
  
  
  
  Have a great one, DebbieH!
  

  
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  • Hi Debbie H - Have a fun-filled day! (NT) -- Judy, Sunday, December 18, 05:51:15pm
  • Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Robin, Monday, December 19, 02:24:31pm
  • Hope you had a GREAT DAY!! (NT) -- Łinda, Monday, December 19, 04:33:04pm
  • HAVE A VERU HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :D (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, December 19, 09:50:24pm

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• The last few weeks have been insane. My husband had a hip replacement in 2004 which went very well, and was scheduled for the other hip today. But we got a call from our primary doctor that during the surgeon's pre-admission testing they found a "problem". That was on a Thursday, they made us wait to see him on a Monday to tell us from 2004 to now he'd had a heart attack! Dr. sent hubby to cardiologist a week later and the following day (this past Tuesday) they did a catharization. Seems he had a "silent heart attack" - something quite common and NOT painful. BUT he wouldn't need stents OR open heart surgery because his heart grew NEW vessels around he damaged portion of the heart. This IS quite RARE. So they put him on a medication and will review in 30 days. In the meantime they'd cancelled his hip surgery and had to reschedule for Dec. 29. I wanted to let you know to be alert to your body. Sometimes "strange" things can happen. -- Diane, Thursday, December 15, 04:42:49pm
  
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  • Sorry to hear this, but glad he is okay! Wow, the human body is amazing!! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 15, 05:55:24pm
  • Diane - This is the second time I've heard of silent heart attacks - a friend's husband was also told he'd had at least one of them. Really scary! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 16, 08:12:59pm
    • We've learned a great deal in the last few weeks. When we tell people that he "grew" new vessels they think we are joking. But they are called collateral vessels and sometimes they simply "turn on" and take over. From what I understand science is trying to "replicate" that with things like stem cell research, etc. He also surprised the doctor with his cholesterol - 150. In addition to THESE very "strange" events - there are several more - I'll fill you in after his hip surgery. (NT) -- Diane, Saturday, December 17, 08:26:17am
  • WOW Thanks Diane, I'd never heard of such a thing. This group has always shared things with us & it's nice cause I can't tell you the different things we've learned over the years from each other sharing so many things we've picked up one way or another. Again THANK YOU for the info!! (NT) -- , Saturday, December 17, 11:27:32pm

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• 2012 is shaping up nicely! -- Robin, Wednesday, December 14, 03:26:15pm
  Whew hoo! 2011 is going out with a bang and 2012 and is looking good!
  
  In December, we get the new SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 movie and I BOUGHT A ZOO movie. I want to see both and haven't been out to the movies in so long, I've forgotten how to wait in line.
  
  In January 2012, we get the ONE FOR THE MONEY movie. AND my brother is coming home for a visit for the first time since our Mom passed in 5 years ago. I did see him in Arizona in 2009 for a family reunion, but it will be nice to have him home for a visit too.
  
  In February 2012, we get RAINSHADOWN ROAD from Lisa Kleypas and I can't wait. If you want to read an excerpt: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/
  
  (Yes, I'm one of Lisa's Diva's!)
  
  Anything that you are looking forward to either for Dec 2011 or the beginning of 2012?
  
  Robin
  

  
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  • I'm looking forward to Eloisa James's THE DUKE IS MINE at the end of December - and, stretching it a little, JD Robb's CELEBRITY IN DEATH in February. I'd love to see the Stephanie Plum movie, but can't go out to places like theaters yet - so will have to wait for the DVD. (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:29:32pm
    • Hey Judy what about a Drive-in? Do you guys have any left there. We have one still home here in Sac. I'm looking for most of the same things you guys are looking forward to. I just went to see New Years Eve & it was surprisingly good even had a kind of surprise ending!*G* (NT) -- , Wednesday, December 14, 10:51:53pm
      • No drive-in nearby that I know of - surprising, since this is FL and it could be open year round. I did get a DVD of "The Help" today - I read the book and loved it, and have read great things about the acting in the movie. My son took me shopping this afternoon - we hit Kohl's, Target, and WalMart and finished all the shopping for the boys. It was a beautiful day and I was glad to get out in it! (NT) -- Judy, Thursday, December 15, 03:59:13pm
        • And the 7 year-old did tell his dad that he doesn't believe in Santa anymore - he has decided that it's family members who give the presents. He also figures that all the other "special people" - Easter Bunny, tooth fairy, etc. - are family too. And, of course, his 5 year-old brother was there listening and taking this all in. Kinda' sad. However, they're still getting their "big" gift from Santa this year at least. :) (NT) -- Judy, Thursday, December 15, 04:05:30pm
          • If they dress up for Halloween, you'll still have that at least! LOL. Glad you got out to go shopping. Awesome! (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 15, 05:57:26pm
          • I told my kids that if they didn't want to believe in Santa etc then they quit getting gifts & candy so that pretty much shut them up.. LOL (NT) -- , Saturday, December 17, 02:26:43pm

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• -- Beaty, Sunday, December 11, 07:44:18am
  
  
  
  
  I'm a day early since I'm out of town tomorrow on business.
  This is a bit of a naughty Santa.
  Enjoy him! *G*
  Happy Birthday, Lynda/WA!
  

  
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  • Hope you have a TERRIFIC DAY!! (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 10:36:10am
  • Lynda/WA, enjoy your special birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 07:12:09pm
  • Lynda - Hope your birthday was terrific! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:30:45pm

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• Hi Everyone, long time no see. -- Chez, Sunday, December 11, 12:00:45am
  Well, it's been a while since I've posted, but I look in every now and again. This year has been a bit of an Annus Horribilus like the Queen had a few years ago. Lots of little crappy things happening and taking up most of my time. Aging parents with many health issues and a busy business and family means that I feel pulled in so many directions.
  
  I've missed many birthdays ... so Happy Birthday to everyone and may you have received a gorgeous naughty piccie to celebrate.
  
  I've still managed to fit in a fair bit of reading and must admit that I have been logging them on Goodreads so I can remember just what I have read and tag ones I want to keep an eye out for. It's a great resource for this as it's free (I love me a good FREE). Still love my paranormals and urban fantasy books, but throw in a touch of historical when I see one from a favourite author.
  
  You know what I never see much of anymore .. medievals. I miss them a bit. I went back and did a reread of some Julie Garwood favourites.
  
  Anyhow, just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope next year is blissfully happy and full of good cheer for each and everyone of you.
  

  
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  • Hey Lady! Sorry to hear that you've been having a rough go of it. I hope 2012 is lots better for you! I've looked at Good reads but I just log my stuff on a plain old Excel spreadsheet and that seems to work for me. There ARE medievasls out there but you just have to look for them. They are my fave time period! Take care and thanks for stopping by. (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 05:04:37am
  • I remember signing up for Goodreads, but I haven't kept it up. I use an excel spreadsheet so I can keep up with my list on my ipod. Wonderful to see you! Happy Holidays to you and yours. (NT) -- Beaty, Sunday, December 11, 10:12:08am
  • Chez, Great to see you. I know what you mean about busy with family health issues, I'm still lucky to have my parents & their over all health is OK but some of their issues take me to help & trying to keep their appointments, my DH & my own is quite a feat.*G* But I'll take that any day!! Good to see you pop out of lurk mode. I also miss some of the mid-evils, seems like the publishers think we can only like one period or genre at a time. LOL (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 07:43:47pm
  • Hey Chez - Great to see you posting. I'm sorry to hear you've had a tough go lately - hopefully 2012 will bring happy days. I agree about missing medievals - I re-read Garwood's too, and Jo Beverley's, Denise Domning's, Jane Feather's (my faves), Madeline Hunter's (also faves), Anita Mills' (great series), and Elizabeth Lowell's. Now that you've got me remembering these terrific series, I'm going to have to get out some re-reads! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:43:12pm

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• -- Beaty, Saturday, December 10, 10:00:59pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Sherrilyn!
  Have a great one!
  

  
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  • Happy Birthday Sherri!! (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:53:06pm
  • Happy Birthday!! (NT) -- Robin, Sunday, December 11, 05:05:02am
  • Hope it was a GREAT DAY! Sorry I'm late. (NT) -- , Sunday, December 11, 10:38:22am
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRILYN!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Monday, December 12, 06:09:29pm
  • Sherrilyn - Happy belated birthday - hope you had a great day! (NT) -- Judy, Wednesday, December 14, 08:44:53pm

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• Quick holiday survey! -- Robin, Thursday, December 08, 01:48:35pm
  Lets do a quick survey:
  
  1. #1 Christmas romance book you like to read over each year (or one that you can't wait to get your hands on this year).
  
  2. #1 Christmas themed movie you can't wait to see each year.
  
  3. #1 decoration that you always put out, and it wouldn't be Christmas without it.
  
  4. #1 Baked good you can't wait to make/share/buy/eat this Christmas.
  
  5. #1 Christmas themed CD that you like to listen to in order to get in the mood for the holidays.
  
  Here are my answers:
  
  1. Home for the Holidays by Johanna Lindsay (who doesn't want to spend a little holiday time with James Mallory?)
  
  2. It's a Wonderful Life
  
  3. Scooby Doo Candy Jar that talks like Scooby when you get candy out. My mom gave it to me along with a Scooby Doo charm for my charm bracelet one year and it means so much to me.
  
  4. I love making (and eating) pumpkin bread!
  
  5. Vince Guiraldi trio (Theme from Peanuts Christmas).
  
  Now its your turn! Go!
  
  Robin
  

  
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  • The Enchanted Christmas Cat (?) It's an anthology probably from 2006 or 2007 -my favorite is the Nalini Singh Changling story. Movie is BATCHELOR MOTHER with Ginger Rodgers and David Nivens; my russian stacking santas - I can't even BEGIN to spell the correct name for them *g*And my leaded chrystal tree that I light a tea light candle behind the tree - the light refracts through the chrystal tree and looks awesome. Shortbread. Any Trans Siberian Orchestra CD - they rock! (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, December 08, 07:58:31pm
  • 1) Any Mary Balogh Christmas story ...2) A Charlie Brown Christmas ... 3)Collection of creches ... 4) Grandmother's soft sugar cookies ... 5)Harry Belafonte 33rpm hi-fi record from the '50s! Great question ideas, Robin! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 04:36:17pm
  • The Christmas Brides L L Miller - The Polar Express- M giant stuffed Chihuahua that sings 'Felice Navidad' - Pumpkin Any thing - mostly a song...LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Friday, December 09, 09:43:10pm
  • 1. Fates Edge by Ilona Andrews (I don't have one I reread). 2. White Christmas 3. Quilted JOY banner made by my mother. 4. Plum Pudding with Brandy Custard and Ice Cream. 5. Carols by the Crooners, it was a cheapie, but has all the Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, etc. ones. Love it. (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:52:39pm
  • 1. Here Comes Santa Claus by Sandra Hill, Kate Holmes and Trish Jensen . Scrooge with George C. Scott3. Christmas Bear that reads Night Before Christmas 4. Grandchildren’s Sugar Cookies 5. Carol of the Bells by the Trans Siberian Orchestra (NT) -- CindyO, Monday, December 12, 03:19:42am

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• New version of SURRENDER out now -- P.C. , Wednesday, December 07, 09:27:04pm
  Hi, y'all,
  
  It has been a while since I've been here. Things have been busy, as always, and I've been racing to get DEFIANT, Connor's book, done by the end of this month. In case it's been so long that you've totally forgotten who he is, he's the youngest MacKinnon brother in the MacKinnon's Ranger series. So you've been waiting for this book since 2008.
  
  But I realized you might not know that SURRENDER and UNTAMED, Iain and Morgan's books, were being reissued with new material. SURRENDER was reissued yesterday with a new cover and new scenes, while UNTAMED will have the 25 pages that the editor cut restored. It will be out on Jan. 2.
  
  DEFIANT will be out on July 3.
  
  I figured there are those of you who wouldn't be very happy with me if I didn't let you know.
  
  In the meantime, I hope you're all doing well. I miss you!
  
  Hugs,
  P.C.
  

  
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  • Thanks PC, I'm one of those who wouldn't be happy! Are they going to be reissued/issued in E form? *G* It's also good to see you back. Hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday season! (NT) -- , Thursday, December 08, 01:17:20am
    • YES, Linda, it is out in ebook format again, and this time it's free of all the silly scanning errors that the first publisher put in it. (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 09:58:48pm
  • Hey lady! Great to see you posting. Good news about the books. (NT) -- Robin, Thursday, December 08, 07:53:43am
    • Thanks, Robin! (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 09:59:58pm
  • This will give me a good reason to re-read SURRENDER and UNTAMED - not that I need one, of course, as I love this series. Having grown up in New York State, and having taught NYS history in the "old days," these books really appeal to my sense of nostalgia - as well as several other senses! :) (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 04:42:50pm
    • Hi, Judy — Upstate NY is such an amazing place, isn't it? I'm glad you like Iain, Morgan and Connor, too! (NT) -- P.C. , Friday, December 09, 10:01:22pm

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• Speaking of hot books ... -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:57:52pm
  we don't talk much about Susan Johnson anymore - once a ReBeL fave and one of the "breakthrough" hot writers who, along with Bertrice Small, wrote about taboo subjects. She has a new book out today - SEDUCTIVE AS FLAME. This is the fifth book in her latest historical series - the others are: AGAIN AND AGAIN, GORGEOUS AS SIN, SEXY AS HELL, and SWEET AS THE DEVIL. If you want lots of hot hot sex, try 'em - you'll like 'em.
  

  
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  • Thanks Judy, I haven't read her in a few years, I'll pick up the first & see what I think.*G* (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 10:17:31pm
  • I saw that Judy! I did read AGAIN AND AGAIN, but have not tried the rest. (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:46:33am

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• -- Beaty, Tuesday, December 06, 07:50:02pm
  
  
  
  
  Happy Birthday, Krissy!
  Hope it's wonderful!
  

  
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  • Hope your birthday is special, Krissy! (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:59:09pm
  • Krissy, hope you have a WONDERFUL DAY, full of love & happiness!! (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 10:16:29pm
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY Krissy! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:47:04am
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISSY!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Wednesday, December 07, 08:41:41pm
  • Super late, but Happy Birthday Krissy (NT) -- Chez, Saturday, December 10, 11:53:45pm

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• Having issues with the board -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:31:04pm
  So I have tried to post my promised book list but it really does not want to post. I keep getting internal server errors.
  

  
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  • Looks like it posted below, Louisa. Thanks for doing this for us. I've read and really enjoyed some of Joey W Hill's erotica. Some of that is m/m. Have you read her? (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, December 06, 07:43:45pm
    • I've not heard of her, but I am always happy to add another rec to my list. Thanks! (NT) -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 11:15:13pm
      • I can't believe I'm going to beat Beaty to the punch: NATURAL LAW -- you must read Natural Law. (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:30:41pm
        • Found like a dozen books with that title. Who is the author? (NT) -- Louisa, Thursday, December 08, 01:29:45pm
          • The NATURAL LAW Ann is talking about is by Joey W Hill - the author I mentioned above. One of the BEST erotica books I've ever read. (NT) -- Beaty, Thursday, December 08, 06:57:44pm
            • Thanks. Checked it out at Goodreads and it looks very good. Will have to get it asap. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, December 10, 07:32:18am
        • What Ann said about Natural Law. It is one of my all-time favorite books. I LOVE me some Joey Hill. (NT) -- maggie, Friday, December 16, 05:24:25pm

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• What I have been reading.... -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:03:27pm
  So here is the list I promised of some of the books I have enjoyed reading in the last couple of years. I will keep it as short as I can and just go with my absolute favourites.
  
  Before reading further, please be aware that all of these books are male/male gay romances, so if they are not your cup of tea feel free to skip. If you are open to the idea and looking for a change then here goes.
  
  Conquest by S J Frost
  Rock stars and drama and comes with a great sequel in the form of No Fear.
  
  The Soccer Field is Empty by Mark Roeder
  Technically this is a young adult/coming of age story rather than a romance. It is also one of a series, although out of the whole series, this is probably the only one that stands on its own. I am also of the firm opinion that this should be required reading at any school where prejudice still lingers. Read it with tissues handy.
  
  Love Jamie & Love Grant by A K M Miles
  Two books with two of the sweetest heroes you can imagine.
  
  Quinn's Heart by Cassandra Gold
  Another one with a sweet hero and set in Disneyland Florida, so makes me want a vacation there every time I read it.
  
  Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
  Australian football and the prejudices within the sport made for a great read, even for someone like me, who has no interest in sports at all.
  
  The Boy Next Door by G A Hauser
  Another first love story, though the ending was a little abrupt for my liking.
  
  Breathe by Sloan Parker
  Get the tissues ready if you read this one too.
  
  Razor Burn by Scott and Scott
  A good mystery to this one as well as the romance and it has some great plot twists in it.
  
  Strawberries for Desert by Marie Sexton
  Opposites attract in this story that makes you look twice at stereotypes.
  
  The Little Boy Lost series by J P Barnaby
  The first book is Enlightened and it is another first love, coming of age story. (Yes another - are you spotting a pattern here?) There are four books out so far and the fifth is out in January with a sixth to follow in April. Not sure if that is all of the series or not but it is certainly keeping my interest.
  
  Past Lies by Shayla Kersten
  Worth the read just for the reactions of the mothers of the two heroes at the end.
  
  For funny and light reads then anything written by Ethan Day. If I am feeling down and need something to cheer me up this is the author I go to first.
  
  If anyone is interested in any of these then you can either ask me here or visit my Goodreads bookshelf. This is the link to where they are sorted by rating.
  
  http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4744394?page=2&sort=rating
  
  All the books listed above are on the first four pages of the list. See, I did keep it shorter than I could have. According to my stats there are 68 total books rated with 5 stars on it. :-)
  

  
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  • Have you ever read TA Chase, or JL Langly? If you like AKM Miles, you should like TA Chase and/or Langly. (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:43:30pm
    • Read T.A. Chase's Tabloid Star series. J L Langly is an author I have heard about but not read anything by yet. Better bump her up my list. :-) (NT) -- Louisa, Thursday, December 08, 01:25:54pm
      • Her "with/without" series is a favorite of mine. Also Laura Baumbach. (NT) -- Ann , Thursday, December 08, 08:01:33pm
        • Laura is another one I have heard of but not read yet. So many authors so little time. Since I am relatively new to the genre (only a couple of years) there are many in that category. (NT) -- Louisa, Saturday, December 10, 07:33:38am

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• Coming out of lurk mode ... -- Judy, Monday, December 05, 10:06:41pm
  and trying to "ketchup" with the board:
  
  First, belated Happy Birthdays to all I've missed - I love that Beaty keeps up with all of our birthdays, both our "oldie" ReBeLs and our "newbies" - it's such fun to see the names pop up and to be able to send good wishes to our RBL friends all over the world!
  
  Next, I LOVE the Christmas wallpapers, Lin - and the Christmas-themed releases page, Beaty. I always wanted to change that border to be more in sync with each month, but didn't know how. In case you haven't realized it by now ReBeLs, Beaty is our resident programming genius.
  
  Next, I read and laughed my way through EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. I really highly recommend it! Though Evanovich never includes "hot" sexual content in her Stephanie Plum books, the sexual plot element in this book surprised me - plus she dragged out the mystery surrounding it and, for once, I didn't figure it out ahead of time.
  
  And reading way down the board, Merry - Lipitor definitely can cause the symptoms in your legs that you describe. My dh was prescribed Lipitor, but could not take it - he didn't have the muscle problems, but fell asleep all the time - like in the middle of breakfast, after a good night's sleep. There are other drugs on the market that do the same thing as Lipitor - and they're generic, so cost much less.
  
  I feel pretty good about my Christmas shopping, thanks to Amazon - have purchased gifts for my dh, son, and ex-dil (son and d-i-l were divorced a year ago, just as I became ill - but all was done in a very agreeable way - they have separate houses 10 minutes apart and share custody of the two boys - they are each 5 minutes from us, and we are all on truly friendly terms - she went out with the boys the first day of strawberry season this week, and picked a batch for me and a batch for our son - so sweet - both the berries and her!). Since I can't go out shopping yet, tomorrow I'll order from Harry and David for the six nieces and nephews and their families, and the dh's sister and husband. I still have to think of something for my sister and brother - maybe gift cards for Outback Steakhouse (something the dh can go buy). Our son is doing all the shopping for the two little guys and bringing the stuff to our house to hide - we'll sort everything out when he's done, to decide which gift will be from each of us and which will be the Santa gift (probably the last year for Santa, as the oldest just turned 7 - kinda sad).
  
  I've decorated the house with some of my Christmas "collections" - wooden Santas from Russia - creches from Germany, Mexico and the US - representations of Christmas trees - a potted Norfolk pine with little ornaments on it from Germany, Russia, Austria - my angel collection from all over - and various candles. We gave our tree and most of the tree ornaments (the unbreakable ones for now - two young boys plus a cat in his house - nuf said) to our son. He set the tree up, and then we went over yesterday afternoon to watch the boys help him decorate it - a nerve-wracking but fun experience. Afterwards, we pigged out on Japanese and Thai takeout - yummm!
  
  I'm going to attempt to do a simple Christmas dinner here for 6 adults and the two boys - baked ham (Paula Dean - yummy ham!), plain baked white and sweet potatoes, orange jello salad with crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges (my recipe: drain off and save the juice from the canned pineapple - the kind packed in its own juice - and then use that juice as part of the cold water required to make the jello - drain the oranges, too, but don't use that juice in the jello), fresh steamed green beans, pickles (a must-have for my son and me - we eat them all between the two of us), and pumpkin bread and rolls. My sister will make her yummy no-bake, no-egg key lime pie (it's green, so we figure it's Christmasy) for dessert - she's going to make two of them, actually. :) The dh will make Christmas cookies - again, pretty unorthodox ones - my grandmother's recipe for soft sugar cookies (sprinkled with red or green sugar sprinkles before baking), and his mother's chocolate drop cookies (frosted with vanilla icing and sprinkled with red and green too). He also makes the pumpkin bread!
  
  So here I am, looking forward to Christmas - who'da thought??? I'm sooooo in a happy place right now!!!
  
  
  PS - Someone mentioned bean soup - our son takes the ham bone and makes the bean soup for all of us after Christmas. Another yummm!
  

  
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  • Hey, Kiddo! It's WonderFUL seeing you post. And now you seem to have more energy than I do. Enjoy your holidays and give those grandbabies a hug from me, too. (NT) -- Beaty, Monday, December 05, 11:34:07pm
  • Judy - I'm so glad to know you're feeling better. Wishing you the best of the season and a continued recovery. (NT) -- Beth, Tuesday, December 06, 01:34:21am
  • I loved Explosive Eighteen too. She's always good for a laugh!! Judy it's great to see you here too.. Have you taken a close look at the font for the Book release button? See if you can figure it out, Beaty & I found & used it with YOU in mind... Have a GREAT Holiday!! (NT) -- , Tuesday, December 06, 01:37:00pm
    • Okay, I give up - I can't figure it out. Of course, I never figured out our RBL title letters either until it was discussed on the board, and I'd been programming using it for years. I do like the idea of having the button on the board - very handy. (NT) -- Judy, Tuesday, December 06, 07:28:08pm
      • Think evening with us in the Poconos and Vegas Judy -- You have to look really, really closely. Try staring at the capital letter N.....*G* (NT) -- Ann , Wednesday, December 07, 06:38:22pm
        • Dominoes! Beaty's favorite game! (NT) -- Judy, Friday, December 09, 07:28:44pm
  • I'm so excited to see you posting again I just hardly know what to say. I am enjoying Explosive 18 also but it is taking me a couple days to read because I don't have much spare time lately. I am so impressed with all your energy so and have a fantastic holiday season and I'm sure you are treasuring every single moment. I haven't done any baking yet going to have to get some done this weekend. (NT) -- debbie O, Tuesday, December 06, 09:45:24pm
  • Wow, Judy! If I lived closer, I might want to ride over your house the day AFTER Christmas because it sounds like you will have MEGA leftovers! I want to do some baking but I'm not using white sugar if I can help it, so am trying to gather recipes that are more healthy but have that 'sweet' that we all want during this time of year. Seems like an ideal set up for the son and dil split, must make it a little easier on the kids too. Enjoy all the festivities!! (NT) -- Robin, Wednesday, December 07, 11:54:27am
  • Thanks, Judy, for the encouraging words... I do believe the Lipitor had something to do with my sudden inabilities; of course, no doctor will come out and flat agree with me, but it's just WAY too much to be coincidental to ignore. And yes, I was always sleepy, too - I would wake up, just to take a nap! I just hope that eventually things get back to whatever passes for normal, really soon, though! (NT) -- Merry, Friday, December 09, 01:21:44pm

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• Checking in -- Beaty, Sunday, December 04, 10:23:36am
  How is everyone surviving the holiday crazies?
  
  I'm sitting here trying to figure out my next read. I'm thinking EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. Has anyone read it yet? She always makes me laugh.
  
  Made bean soup yesterday and am considering which of my many holiday recipies I won't be able to live without making this year. *G* Heather turned me on to cashew brittle when we were in DC around the holidays and I found a recipe for it. It's entitled Buttery Cashew Brittle. Since I don't have a store that carries anything like it here in the boonies I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know if it turns out. I'm not much of a kitchen person.
  
  Hope your weekend isn't too stressful!
  

  
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  • Hi Beaty, I have jusy started this book. Seems really good and funny of course...just like all the others in this series! ENJOY! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Sunday, December 04, 06:20:52pm
  • I'm about half way through Explosive 18 & it's funny as always.. Only thing after all this time isn't it about time she starts getting just a little better at her job??*G* Just a thought. (NT) -- , Sunday, December 04, 10:16:45pm
  • Did my shopping (most of it) last Friday. Now I have to face the wrapping. *quakes with fear* (NT) -- Louisa, Tuesday, December 06, 12:32:42pm
  • I'm done for the year, just gotta do some baking soon....am doing a Lisa Kleypas re-read of the first of the Hathaway books. (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, December 06, 04:57:34pm

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• MIA ... -- Judy, Tuesday, November 29, 05:25:11pm
  As a few of my RBL friends know, I have been very ill since mid-September. However, things are beginning to look up! :)
  
  Last year at this time, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone. I did very well on chemo - you would not even have known that I was ill - and went into remission in June. However, at the end of August, the myeloma came back with a vengeance. My oncologist immediately sent me to the Mayo Clinic - one of their three major centers is in Jacksonville, only an hour drive from our house - how lucky is that??
  
  After a month of tests (they even tested me for Legionnaires' Disease!), while I became sicker and sicker with fevers spiking day and night, the doctors found no infection to explain my illness - so they decided that it was the myeloma itself that was causing it. They hospitalized me and gave me a "killer chemo cocktail" for four days in a row - after 17 more days (in other words, 21 days in all for the cycle), they would test for the myeloma and see if I were in remission.
  
  Then, three days after the cocktail, as I was struggling to return to normal from all that poison that had been dumped into my body, a report came back from one of the long-growing lung sample tests that had been sent away - I had fungus in my lungs! I had developed fungal pneumonia, which explained the fever spikes! And because the chemo cocktail had now wiped out all of my white blood cells, I had no way to fight this type of pneumonia. At this point, the doctors told me that I had less than a month to live IF they could not find a way to get my body to develop new white blood cells by the end of the 21 day cycle - and that there was only a small possibility that they could do so. As you can imagine, this is when we all hit "rock bottom" - my family and I spent three days huddled in isolation in my hospital room, tying to cope with this news and contacting other family members and close friends.
  
  In the meantime, the doctors and nurses (and I do believe I owe my life to a few of the incredible nurses who spent their entire shifts dripping transfusions, plasma, and a multitude of drugs, electrolytes, fluids and untold other medications into me - at one time, I counted 12 tubes being emptied into my body - luckily through a huge "port" that had been embedded in my chest cavity) worked furiously to detox me and to get my white blood count to move up from zero. For nine days, it remained there - then, on the tenth day (with only 5 days to go to the end of the cycle), it was 0.3. Talk about jubilation in my hospital room - the nurses were all coming in and cheering, the doctors had huge smiles, I called everyone on the phone. The next day it was 1.1, and it continued to climb from there - on the last day of the cycle, it was 1.99 - and 0.5 was all that was necessary to fight off the fungal pneumonia! So they kept me a couple days longer to be sure I was stabilized, over the detox from the chemo, and sent me home.
  
  I've had a couple setbacks since I've been home - the doctors at Mayo are trying to come up with a formula of chemo (taken from the humongous one they gave me in the hospital) that is not too toxic for me, to continue fighting the myeloma. I just received their second try yesterday - the first try was too strong. When they get it right, my doctor said that I can stay on it forever if it keeps working! I also have been going to Mayo twice a week for hydration drips. I've lost almost 20 pounds (my legs look anorexic!), and my hair has fallen out.
  
  BUT there are many positive things happening in my life now, and I am in a "good place": tests show NO sign of the pneumonia, I can now walk without a walker, I'm decorating for Christmas, I have a killer appetite (gained 4 pounds over Thanksgiving alone), I have appointments scheduled into February (a positive sign in itself!), my dh has learned to cook and clean and do laundry and grocery shop, and I have oodles of time to read and watch TV (The Food Network now vying with HGTV as my fave station). And I think Reny has the right idea (yes, I've been lurking since I started to feel better) - time to get out my Mary Balogh Christmas books to help celebrate what is, especially this year, a truly joyous season.
  
  I have learned - or really re-learned, as I've always felt this way - that family and friends are THE MOST IMPORTANT things in life! With their love and strength and support, I was able to keep a fighting spirit, determined to win the battle I faced. I especially want to thank ReBeLs Beaty, Robin, Linda, Ann, DebbieO, Sandra and Heather for their caring support from the beginning last year - and especially since I became ill this fall. Beaty has graciously taken over the monthly releases calendar for me, and is overseeing other programming things that I did for RBL. Robin is going to work on the Hughies this year (have you been keeping track of your 2011 faves?). I've said it before, but I must repeat - I have made some wonderful lifelong friends here at RBL. Who could have imagined that such diverse women with such different backgrounds from such different areas of the country would bond as we have? RBL became such an important part of my life - and I am so thankful that it did!
  
  Love to you all!
  

  
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  • Well Judy, I am so stunned all I can say is...GOD BLESS YOU!!!! (NT) -- SKYE OżO, Tuesday, November 29, 06:09:22pm
  • Glad you are feeling better, hon!! It is so great to see you posting!! (NT) -- Robin, Tuesday, November 29, 06:14:50pm
  • Dear Lord, Judy! I'm so glad things are looking up for you... From here on, it's all good news, I hope and pray. Please continue your healing with thoughts of tons of RVL Good Vibes winging their way to you. (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, November 29, 06:28:06pm
    • Ummm.... That should be *RBL* vibes! Typo. Sorry (NT) -- Merry, Tuesday, November 29, 06:29:27pm
  • I'm rejoicing with you, Judy! I've still got one more glass of wine in my bottle to toast to your continued health. DH feels I've been enjoying it way too much. *G* ((((HUGS)))) Oh, yeah. Wait till you see the December releases. I did a Christmas background. It's going to be a very humpy....err....happy Christmas! *VEG* (NT) -- Beaty, Tuesday, November 29, 07:21:02pm
  • OMG, Judy. What an awful, terrifying experience, and what a great family you have. You're so right - it's these kinds of life crises that make you realize what's important. Hope you fully recover fast! Major hugs. (NT) -- NicoleJ, Wednesday, November 30, 07:01:46am
  • It sounds as if you have a great team effort going. I found I reread Mary Balogh and JD Robb during some long sleepless nights. Love, family, relationships and basic kindness are so important in life. I am so happy you are winning your fight and have so much support. (NT) -- Reny, Wednesday, November 30, 11:31:14am
  • (((((Judy))))) you have been through he!! and back and I am so glad it turned around for you!!!! I know the Mayo clinic has superior staff &treatments,I'm so glad you were able to get help there and that they aren't too far from you.I admire your courage & determination and hope you just keep feeling better and better every day.We love you lady,keep those heels dug in and don't give an inch!!!! (NT) -- Bo, Wednesday, November 30, 12:08:30pm
  • Sending lots of *hugs* and well wishes. (NT) -- Louisa, Wednesday, November 30, 01:58:23pm
  • Well, just seeing your name in a post here makes my day!!! I can't tell you how good it feels to "see" you here among us again!! You know all the hugs & good vibes I'm sending your way! (NT) -- , Wednesday, November 30, 05:49:18pm
  • Sweet, Judy, you hang in there! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm a 20 year survivor of breast cancer. Did chemo and radiation. You hang in there! It WILL get better. (NT) -- Diane, Thursday, December 01, 08:17:56am
  • Wow Amazing..what the human spirit can achieve. (NT) -- Nally, Friday, December 02, 11:55:06am
  • Oh, Judy! I am so sorry you've had to go through this! I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better and am sending good thoughts and prayers that your health will continue to improve (NT) -- Love, Maggie, Sunday, December 04, 12:31:33pm
  • Well, what a time to pop in for a look at my lovely RBL. I wish you all the very best Judy, you are a truly inspirational woman and I will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad to hear you're reading lots and aren't we lucky to have such a gloriously portable hobby for just such things as this. Take care sweet lady. (NT) -- Chez, Monday, December 05, 12:13:28am
  • OMG, Judy! I have tears in my eyes thinking of you going through all of that. ((((((((Hugs)))))) Gosh, but hugs just aren't enough! I'm so glad you pulled through and that you had doctors fighting so hard for you, and nurses, too. And you, yourself, must be one heck of a fighter. I'm sending you lots of love and big hugs and good wishes that the hardest part of this is behind you and that you're heading toward a beautiful Chrismtas and a New Year of health and happines and all the miracles you need. (NT) -- P.C. , Wednesday, December 07, 09:36:03pm

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