On Reading, Crochet, Blogging and Balance

This is the one I just finished,

what I'm reading now, what's next,

and the cardigan that never ends!

This week I've found myself reacting (over reacting if I'm honest) to my frustration with a new computer as well as with Facebook and social networking in general.  See here's the thing - I want to be part of this world wide web, but I'm struggling with it.  It seems to be consuming me in a way that feels unhealthy.  I sit poised in front of the laptop for hours at a time - shoulder burning, wrist hurting yet I can't pull myself away!  I thought I was getting better, but lately I'm certain that's not true.  I enjoy my time on the computer, but I'm neglecting other things that I have always loved - like my family!! How important is it that I have a perfect Facebook Page? (like that's even possible!) Or that I tweet multiple times a day? Or that I read my feed updates the moment the come in? Or that I too have hundreds of things pinned on Pinterest? It can't be so important that I stop doing the things that brought me to begin blogging in the first place!
So today I make a decision.  To set some limits.  Computer work in the morning.  Crochet in the evening and family and reading in between.  Will I succeed? Who knows! But writing it down gives it meaning and importance, and I'm fearful if I don't I might suffer some unpleasant consequences!

Although I'm not sure how, I have gotten a fair amount of reading done lately.  Earlier this week I finished Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick.  If you're not familiar with Ms. Quick here's a bit of back ground: It's actually a pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krantz.  As is Jayne Castle. What?!? One person with three names? Yep.  It took me a while to figure her out but I finally got it straight. 

Amanda Quick writes novels set in the past.  Jayne Ann Krantz writes in contemporary times and Jayne Castle's novels take place in the future.  She usually writes in series (often trilogies) with one book by each author making up the group.  Confusing right? The thing that makes it all okay for me is that I enjoy her books.  Not so much things in the future, but the others always seem to work, so I'm willing to accept her multiple personalities. Her formula is pretty consistent - murder/mystery, a love story, and paranormal energy / psychic talents.  This book is no exception.
The Crystal Gardens is the first book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series.  (I expect that there will be three, but I'm not sure and I couldn't find any info from the usual sources).  Set in a time that is unidentified, but clearly the past, in Little Dixby which is "far from the streets of London", we are introduced to Novelist and Professional Companion Evangeline Ames.  Ms. Ames has taken refuge in a rented cottage to mend and restore her well being following an attempt on her life. 
Lucas Sebastian is the new owner of Crystal Gardens, and Ms. Ames' landlord.  The Gardens, which he inherited from his recently departed uncle, possess mystical powers and energy that draw the two toward it (and each other) while terrifying the townspeople.  Following a second attack Ms. Ames takes shelter in the Garden.  Together she and Mr. Sebastian attempt to determine who is trying to murder her and why.
In addition to this main story line several sub plots develop creating unexpected twists, an interesting blend of intrigue, romance and paranormal treasure hunting!  So what did I think?  I enjoyed it.  It felt a bit familiar, but I've read many of her books - and being predictable isn't always a bad thing.  It's light (well for murder!),  it's easy and kept me interested all the way through. A good escape from the everyday and I'm sure I'll read the next in the series.
With Crystal Gardens finished, I immediately dove into The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark.  Another mystery, this one involving murder, adultery and a parchment thought to be the only know writing of Jesus Christ! Be sure to stop back and see how I liked this one.

I'm linking up today's post with An Accidental Knitter.  She's been running something called the Thursday Book Challenge.  Although interest may have waned some, I'd doing my part to help revive it - because I think sharing books once a week is  a great idea! If you're interested drop by and give her a nod. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Alrighty friends, that'll do it for today.  So glad you came on by.  Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!