Sunday, February 6, 2011

Sunday Salon: Sharing Two Books

Do you get to read as much as you’d like to?

I don’t. There are so many wonderful books out there and I just keep finding more when I should be reading what I already have. But, that the fun part, isn’t it?

It’s Sunday Salon and another week is gone. It’s time to gather around our computers, relax with a cup of our favorite beverage, and compare books we’ve enjoyed.

The books I share today were unexpected finds and not in my TBR stack.


Fellow blogger and Danish author Dorte H. just recently had a collection of her cozy/humorous flash fiction published as an e-book.

CANDIED CRIME is a volume of 13 short stories that will have you saying, “ahh,” “hmmm,” and laughing out loud.

I sat down to read one story and had finished half the book before I realized it. They are humorous stories of mushrooms, misunderstanding, a woman’s love for her dog, and red slippers to mention a few.

With works like CANDIED CRIME, I have a better appreciation of e-books. According to Dorte’s blog, she is  thinking of a second volume featuring her more serious flash fiction - can’t wait. This is a fun read.

Dorte H blogs at DJ’s Krimiblog

Candied Crime, DJ’S Daim Stories, Vol. I by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, Smashwords, @2011, e-book, 48 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This e-book was provided to me by the author. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.


This delightful children’s book came to my attention through my work with the newspaper. The book features the wonderful illustrations of Jill Dubin of Atlanta, GA.

Australia is home to a number of unique animals. OVER IN AUSTRALIA introduces children to these animals in an enjoyable and educational way.

The book features 10 Australian species. However, a mysterious ‘hidden’ animal has been added to each animal’s page by Illustrator Dubin. Dubin uses cut-paper illustrations and includes tips for youngsters on how to create their own.

In addition, there is a fact or fiction section and information on each of the amazing animals including the hidden ones.

The book is geared toward youngsters ages 3 to 8 and will have them learning while enjoying this pleasant read which is done in a rhyming style.

Over in Australia: Amazing animals Down Under by Marianne Berkes, Illustrated by Jill Dubin, Dawn Publications, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-58469-136-5, Paperback, 32 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

What did you read this past week? Was it something unexpected or was it in your TBR stack?

20 comments:

  1. I was so pleased to see Dorte's stories come into print!

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  2. Thank you very much for writing about my stories!

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  3. Ooooh, OVER IN AUSTRALIA sounds like a book I would absolutely adore! Love Australian animals!

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  4. Mason - Thanks for posting about Dorte's stories! Folks, they really are terrific, so please check it out!! The Australian animal book looks great, too :-).

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  5. Thanks for the new choice.. Love hearing about books I might not otherwise notice.

    To answer your question... No I don't always get to read as much as I'd like. I'm trying to remedy that, but it takes a while to free up time.

    As always ... thanks for your blog.

    Lou

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  6. I want them both. You always make books sound so likeable.

    T

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  7. I haven't read for awhile (usually means I haven't been to the gym since I read on the treadmill)...gonna have to change that

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  8. I stuck to my stacks this week, but in preparing next week's choices, I veered off the expected course to include some recent downloads for my Kindle. More about those on Monday.

    For last week, here's my SUNDAY SALON

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  9. I'm the same way Mason- always veering off course with books I just HAD to pick up because they were so tempting! ;-) And it is a lot of fun!

    Thanks so much for the review of Candied Crime! Without a little word of mouth from great bloggers, some great writers can be overlooked. I'm going to check her blog!

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  10. These look terrific - I think the school should get the 2nd one for the library. Thanks for the tip!

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  11. Kerrie, I agree. I think she did a lovely job.

    Dorte, you're welcome. I enjoyed the book very much. It's hard to pick a favorite stories but I think it would be about the red slippers. :)

    Dez, Over in Australia is a delightful book. There were a couple of animals I didn't know about.

    Margot, I agree Dorte's stories are terrific. She pulls you in and then throws in a twist you weren't expecting.

    Lou, if you're like me when you do have free time that you think you'll get to read - life gets in the way and you wind up doing something you hadn't planned with your time. Good luck.

    Alex, even adults will enjoy the book. We're all kids at heart. :)

    Teresa, or I should say Sis, I think you'd enjoy both of these like I did.

    Vicki, I like the idea of reading on the treadmill. Maybe I should try listening to my mp3 player (I keep books on it instead of music) and give the treadmill a try. Lord knows I need it. LOL

    Laurel, I must admit I'm thinking more and more about e-readers lately. One would be handy. Looking forward to your post next week.

    Suzanne, it is fun finding new books we didn't know about. Hope you enjoy Dorte's blog and her book. She always has a fun post.

    Jemi, you're so right. Over in Australia would make a great book for school. It not only teaches about animals, but counting and rhyming.

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  12. Other writers have told me that to become a writer you have to start thinking and acting like one.

    If you knew how much difference a post like this - and all your wonderful comments - make.

    Thank you for your encouragement and support, folks!

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  13. I love eating mushrooms so reading about them would be just as yummy lol. This book sounds great :o) And Aussie animals are beautiful.

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  14. I just finished reading Pat Conroy's "My Reading Life." It's a firsthand account of how reading shaped his life. Great book for people who love books. I also finished Bill Cosby's "Fatherhood" this week.

    Am now reading Ethel Wilson's "Swamp Angel" and Leslie Land's "The 3,000 Mile Garden."

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  15. I am reading Pat Conroy as well, my newly discovered favorite author. I read The Prince of Tides and am now into South of Broad. Also read U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton. Loved it so much will now go back and read all the previous ones in this series.

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  16. Dorte, you are definitely a writer and I hope you continue with your intriguing flash fiction, as well as other genres.

    Niki, if you like mushrooms you will definitely get a laugh out of Dorte's book. I agree, Aussie animals are beautiful.

    Charleydog, I have Pat Conroy's MY READING LIFE in my TBR stack. Looking forward to reading it.

    KarenG, I understand Sue Grafton's books are good. I haven't read any yet but she's on my wish list.

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  17. Both sound like awesome books. I really do need to invest in an e-reader now.
    Thank you.

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  18. Both sound like awesome books. I really do need to invest in an e-reader now.
    Thank you.

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  19. Hi Mason .. Dorte's "Candied Crime" - sounds 'delicious'?! Wonderful idea .. good luck to her .. and then the Australian book - so imaginative for the kids ..

    Thanks for the tips re the books - always good to know .. cheers Hilary

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.