New Year's Resolutions

Trying to think of something to write about this snowy Wednesday evening that might appeal to people just before we head into another wintry holiday. We're brainstorming to get ideas for the book display by the front desk and wondering what might appeal to readers heading into the new year. Most people want to start the year off with a clean slate and a list of things they're going to do better this year. With that in mind, we're thinking of getting some of the self-help, diet, and exercise books from storage at the dance academy and putting them within easier reach.

So what are the top 10 resolutions that most people make for the New Year? About.com says these are the top 10:

1. Spend more time with family

2. Fit in Fitness

3. Tame the bulge

4. Quit Smoking

5. Enjoy life more

6. Quit drinking

7. Get out of debt

8. Learn something new

9. Help others

10. Get organized

Sad to say, Wikipedia says while 52% of resolution makers are confident they will succeed, only 12% actually achieve their goals.

USA.gov at http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml has a list of links that just might lead you to information that will help you keep your resolution this year.

Susan

Celebrate the Season Through Story!

New Year's Eve Murder By Meier, Leslie 2006-11 - Kensington Publishing Corporation 9780758207005 CHECK CATALOG Elizabeth has won mother/daughter winter makeovers in Manhattan from "Jolie" magazine and Lucy is in. When self-absorbed fashion editor Nadine Nelson falls mysteriously ill and then dies, and Elizabeth gets rushed to the hospital with symptoms that are disturbingly similar to Nadine's, it's up to Lucy to dress down a killer before the ball drops in Times Square. Original. …More

Not Another New Year's By Ridgway, Christie 2007-01 - Avon Books 9780061140211 CHECK CATALOG From the "USA Today" bestselling author of "Must Love Mistletoe" comes a "delightfully warm and funny" (Jennifer Crusie) novel about one woman who vows that this New Year's "will" be different. Original. …More

Sunset in St. Tropez By Steel, Danielle 2002-06 - Delacorte Press 0385335466 CHECK CATALOG In her 55th bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores the seasons of an extraordinary friendship, weaving the story of three couples, lifelong friends, for whom a month's holiday in St. Tropez becomes a summer of change, revelation, secrets, surprises, and new beginnings . . . As Diana Morrison laid the table for six at her elegant Central Park apartment, there was no warning of what was to come. Spending New Year's Eve together was a sacred tradition for Diana, her husband of thirty-two years, Eric, and their best friends, Pascale and John Donnally and Anne and Robert Smith. The future looked rosy as the long-time friends sipped champagne and talked of renting a villa together in the South of France the following summer. But life had other plans . . . Just two weeks after New Year's, tragedy strikes the heart of their close circle, as Robert Smith suffers a sudden, unexpected loss. Without hesitation, Diana and Eric, Pascale and John rally to his side, united in their support, love, and shared grief. Convinced that a change of scenery is just what Robert needs, they urge him to join them on the Riviera in August. But as they soon discover, the ramshackle old mansion they rented in St. Tropez--sight unseen--is far different from the exquisite villa and sun-drenched gardens touted in the brochure. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling. Beds collapse beneath them. All while a would-be housekeeper in a leopard-skin bikini and six-inch heels sashays through the house with a trio of yapping poodles at her heels. But the biggest surprise of all is the woman Robert invites to the villa as his guest--a lovely, much-younger film actress with mile-long legs and a million-dollar smile. Diana andPascale hate her on sight. But the men are dazzled. And amid the crumbling furniture and the glorious sunsets, the strained relationships and the acts of forgiveness, more surprises are in store for the villa's occupants. With the last days of summer fast approaching, each couple finds themselves changing in unexpected ways, as old wounds are healed, new love discovered, and miracles unfold...all beneath the dazzling sun of St. Tropez. By turns wise and moving, heartbreaking and wickedly funny, Danielle Steel's new novel is about forgiving without forgetting, about the sorrow that shadows our lives and the hope that saves us. And it is about once-in-a-lifetime friendships . . .the kind that heal, sustain, and change us forever. …More

The New Year's Quilt By Chiaverini, Jennifer 2007-11 - Simon & Schuster 9781416547556 CHECK CATALOG From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Christmas Quilt" and the Elm Creek Quilt series comes a heartwarming account of New Years traditions at Elm Creek Manor. …More

The Quilter's Kitchen By Chiaverini, Jennifer 2008-10 - Simon & Schuster 1416583297 CHECK CATALOG Continuing in the tradition of Chiaverini's bestselling holiday offerings, "The Christmas Quilt" and "The New Year's Quilt," this work tells the story of how Chef Anna, one of the newest members of the circle of quilters, comes to write the official cookbook for Elm Creek Quilts. …More

The Poseidon Adventure By Gallico, Paul 2006-04 - Penguin Books 9780143037620 CHECK CATALOG This edition of Gallico's classic novel features cover art from the 1972 cultclassic motion picture. …More

Miracle By Steel, Danielle 2005-06 - Delacorte Press 0385336330 CHECK CATALOG It is New Year's Eve when the storm of the century hits northern California. In a quiet neighborhood in San Francisco, amid the chaos of fallen trees and damaged homes, the lives of three strangers are about to collide. For Quinn Thompson, what happens in the storm's wake will bring down a barrier he has built around himself since his wife's death. For neighbor Maggie Dartman, it will spark friendship at a time when she needs it most. And for Jack Adams, a carpenter who will repair Quinn's and Maggie's homes, the storm brings an opportunity: to help two people and to be repaid with the greatest gift of all. As three lives come together and a unique friendship is forged, something extraordinary begins to happen...Maggie, still grieving a loss, slowly comes alive again-and Jack finally shares a painful secret he has hidden for years. But at the center of the friendship is Quinn. A man who has scaled heights of success in business, Quinn is now adrift, waiting as builders put the finishing touches on his newest passion, a 180-foot yacht he plans to sail around the world. Looking back at all he missed with his family while he built his empire, Quinn is consumed by guilt, focused only on escaping to the sea. But as his plans near completion, and his friendship with Maggie begins to change, Quinn faces a choice-between a safe haven and an adventure of the heart. The choice he makes will affect other lives as powerfully as his own. And it will take him on an extraordinary journey-and into a second, terrifying storm, one that will bring him danger...or deliverance. Danielle Steel brings us miracles big and small-the kind we are blessed with and those we give to others. With a subtlehand and a flawless touch, she has written a novel that soars with hope, and makes us laugh, cry, and care. …More

The Mysterious Mr. Quin By Christie, Agatha 1987-01 - Berkley Publishing Group 0425103536 CHECK CATALOG Just after the stroke of midnight, entering like an actor on cue, Mr. Harley Quin sparked new life into a quiet New Year's Eve celebration. Or was 'life' the right word? For Quin was no ordinary guest. He had come to unmask a murderer... …More

The Devil's Teardrop By Deaver, Jeffery 1999-08 - Simon & Schuster 0684852926 CHECK CATALOG "It's New Year's Eve, December 31, 1999, and Washington, D.C., is under siege. Early in the day, a grisly machine gun attack in the Dupont Circle Metro station leaves dozens dead and the city crippled with fear. A note delivered to the mayor's office pins the massacre on the Digger, a robotlike assassin programmed to wreak havoc on the capital every four hours - until midnight. Only a ransom of $20 million delivered to the Digger's accomplice - and mastermind - will end the death and terror. But the Digger becomes a far more sinister threat when his accomplice is killed in a freak accident while en route to the money drop. With the ransom note as the single scrap of evidence, Special Agent Margaret Lukas calls upon Parker Kincaid, a retired FBI agent and the top forensic document examiner in the country. Somehow, by midnight, they must find the Digger - before he finds them."--BOOK JACKET. …More

Tis the Season to Be Murdered By Wolzien, Valerie 1994-10 - Fawcett Books 044914920X CHECK CATALOG Exhausted after shopping and party-planning, Susan Henshaw is glad she hired "The Holly and Ms. Ivy" to cater her annual New Year's bash. But when half the team, notorious ladies' man Z Holly, is found strangled in a van full of helium balloons, Susan starts hunting for a killer--and a way to save her party. …More

Merry Christmas - From All of Us!

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About Writing Mysteries - P.D. James

P.D. James is coming out with a new book on writing, specifically, writing detective novels. NPR interviewed her this morning, listen to what she had to say:

P.D. James Interview

Celebrate the Season through Story!

I'll Be Home for Christmas By Miller, Linda Lael Author Mulvany, Catherine Author Leto, Julie 2006-09 - Pocket Books 9780743442275 CHECK CATALOG The magic of Christmas comes alive with four new contemporary stories in an anthology of works by Miller, Catherine Mulvany, Julie Leto, and Roxanne St. Claire. Original. …More

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy By Macomber, Debbie, Cathy 2007-10 - Center Point Large Print 9781602850521 CHECK CATALOG Alone at Christmas, Greg Bennett feels his life has been a waste. Sixty years old and he has no one to spend the holiday with -- and no one who cares. Greg knows he's made mistakes, hurt people, failed in all the ways that matter. As a young man, he fathered a child he never acknowledged. He deserted a friend in his hour of need. He abandoned his own brother, who he hasn't seen in years. And he and his wife are in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. Listlessly wandering through the streets of San Francisco, Greg finds himself in a church -- and he whispers a simple, heartfelt prayer. His prayer finds its way to the Archangel Gabriel, who assigns his favorite angels -- Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy -- to Greg Bennett's case. Gabriel knows that very soon, Greg will need all three. …More

Shrouds of Holly By Kingsbury, Kate 2007-11 - Berkley Publishing Group 9780425218495 CHECK CATALOG While decorating for a Christmas reception, Cecily sends her husband Baxter and stable manager Samuel into the woods to cut some fresh holly. Their one-horse carriage returns--with the unwelcome gift of a dead body--and Baxter and Samuel are nowhere to be found. …More

Sweet Revenge By Davidson, Diane Mott 2007-09 - William Morrow & Company 9780060527334 CHECK CATALOG The "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Double Shot" delivers another knockout novel featuring Colorado caterer Goldy Schultz, who's catering a holiday breakfast but finds murder on the menu. Includes recipes for Charles Dickens-inspired dishes. …More

Till Morning Is Nigh: A Wortham Family Christmas Novella By Kelly, Leisha 2007-10 - Revell 9780800718879 CHECK CATALOG A Christmas of Healing It is December of 1932, just one year after the Worthams and the Hammonds lost both a dear mother and a selfless friend in one terrible night. What would certainly be a bittersweet occasion turns to crisis when George Hammond disappears, leaving his many children worried and alone. Can Julia Wortham restore hope and joy to so many forlorn children? With too many mouths, too little money, and a mysterious illness taking hold of some of the children, she has her doubts that God will pull them through. But she wasn???t counting on the miracle of a simple, paper nativity. …More

Unwrapping Christmas By Copeland, Lori 2007-10 - Zondervan Publishing Company 9780310272267 CHECK CATALOG It's that time of year again, and with excitement and high expectations, Rose has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way. In this whimsical, uplifting story, she discovers the true meaning of giving. …More

Where Angels Go By Macomber, Debbie, Cathy 2007-10 - Mira Books 9780778325154 CHECK CATALOG BookPage Notable Title Christmas is a time for angels. Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are back, and these three irresistible angels love their assignments on Earth. They often find themselves in trouble, but somehow things always work out for the best. …More

Let There Be Suspects By Richards, Emilie 2006-12 - Berkley Trade Pub 9780425213070 CHECK CATALOG Now that a chalk outline no longer marks their front porch, Aggie Sloan-Wilcox and her minister husband can turn their attention to the living--or so they think. In the second book of this series, Aggie's despised former foster sister comes for Christmas and turns up dead. It's up to Aggie to find the real murderer. Original. …More

Blue Christmas By Andrews, Mary Kay 2006-11 - HarperCollins Publishers 0060837349 CHECK CATALOG A BookPage Notable Title Bestselling author Andrews brings back the lovable characters from Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze for a new funny and touching story that offers a little Christmas cheer with delicious Southern recipes throughout. …More

A Carol for Christmas By Hatcher, Robin Lee 2006-10 - Zondervan Publishing Company 9780310257769 CHECK CATALOG What would you give up for love? For Carol, it was her most precious dream: her passion to sing. But was her sacrifice worth it now that her marriage is losing its spark? In this heartwarming novella, two people discover the true essence of Christmas and its power to rekindle the flames of love. …More

A Christine Feehan Holiday Treasury By Feehan, Christine 2006-11 - Pocket Books 9781416537601 CHECK CATALOG Available together for the first time in a handsome hardcover edition are three paranormal romance holiday novellas by "New York Times" bestselling author Feehan--"After the Music, The Twilight Before Christmas," and "Rocky Mountain Miracle." …More

The Christmas Candle By Lucado, Max 2006-10 - Westbow Press 1595541470 CHECK CATALOG BookPage Notable Title View Author Video Clip Journey back to a simpler time, to a small English village where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. Except at Christmas time. That's when a mysterious angel suddenly appears in a lowly candle maker's shop. When the holy and the human collide in a way that only God could imagine. …More

A Christmas Caroline By Smith, Kyle 2006-12 - William Morrow & Company 9780061119873 CHECK CATALOG "The Devil Wears Prada" meets "A Christmas Carol" in the hilarious new holiday offering by the author of "The Love Monkey." …More

A Christmas Guest By Perry, Anne 2006-09 - Thorndike Press 9780786288168 CHECK CATALOG Cantankerous and vinegar-tongued Grandmama, from Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, is the leading character in this Christmas novel. Grandmama arrives on a holiday visit and discovers that a fellow guest--an outcast from her own family--has been murdered. …More

A Merry Little Christmas: Unto Us a Child...Christmas, Don't Be Late By Palmer, Catherine Author Hart, Jillian 2006-11 - Steeple Hill 0373785712 CHECK CATALOG This two-in-one combines Palmer's "Unto Us a Child," in which a bachelor discovers babysitting and the woman who turns his life upside down, with Hart's warm "Christmas Don't Be Late" which finds millionaire Colton Nichols determined to keep his distance from his neighbor until he reads her son's letter asking Santa to heal his sister's illness and his mom's broken heart. …More

Christmas Letters By Macomber, Debbie, Cathy 2006-10 - Mira Books 9780778323495 CHECK CATALOG Catherine O'Conner has a knack for writing Christmas letters for other people. When she meets psychologist Dr. Wynn Jeffries, she begins to fall in love, despite their opposing opinions on Christmas. …More

A Christmas Secret By Perry, Anne 2006-11 - Ballantine Books 9780345485816 CHECK CATALOG With this brand-new volume, "New York Times" bestselling author Anne Perry continues what is now her annual tradition--a seasonal stand-alone mystery that reunites readers with Dominic and Clarice Corde, who are charged with solving the brutal murder of the local vicar. …More

A Christmas to Remember: A Cape Light Novel By Kinkade, Thomas Author Spencer, Katherine 2006-10 - Berkley Publishing Group 0425211843 CHECK CATALOG Two "New York Times" bestselling authors take a journey into the Cape Light of Christmas past. …More

Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! By Baumbich, Charlene 2006-11 - Penguin Books 0143037919 CHECK CATALOG Just in time for the holidays comes a Partonville Christmas story that all Dearest Dorothy fans will have on their wish list . …More

Eve's Christmas By Dailey, Janet 2006-10 - Zebra Books 9780821780176 CHECK CATALOG A small town Christmas is just what Luck McClure wants for his young son. The snow's coming down and the tallest tree on the lot is tied to the top of his car. Along comes Eve Rowland to help. Shy and sweet, the music teacher makes his heart skip a beat, and when Luck takes Eve in his arms, it suddenly becomes the most wonderful time of the year. Original. …More

Finding Noel By Evans, Richard Paul 2006-10 - Simon & Schuster 9780743287036 CHECK CATALOG BookPage Notable Title At Christmas, an unhappy young man helps a woman find her family; from the author of The Christmas Box. …More

The Gift of the Magi and the Purple Dress By Henry, O. 2006-10 - Collins Design 9780061138805 CHECK CATALOG Internationally recognized illustrator Raschka brings O. Henry into a new century. Full color. …More

The Great Santa Search By Guinn, Jeff 2006-11 - Jeremy P. Tarcher 9781585425136 CHECK CATALOG This follow-up to Guinn's bestselling "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" and "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas" takes readers on a sleigh ride through the history of Christmas in America that lands smack-dab in 2006, as a new reality TV show threatens to destroy the true spirit of Christmas. …More

The Handmaid and the Carpenter By Berg, Elizabeth 2006-11 - Random House 1400065380 CHECK CATALOG A BookPage Notable Title In this wonderful novel about love and trust, hope and belief, Berg, the best-selling author of We Are All Welcome Here and The Year of Pleasures, transports readers to Nazareth in biblical times to reimagine the events of the classic Christmas story. …More

High Heels and Holidays By Michaels, Kasey 2006-11 - Kensington Publishing Corporation 9780758208828 CHECK CATALOG Mystery author Maggie Kelly is getting ready to celebrate her first Christmas with Alexandre, Viscount Saint Just--her once-fictional, now very real sexy hero and boyfriend. Before they can curl up on the couch to watch "It's a Wonderful Life," a seriously disgruntled grinch delivers death threats to all the authors who contributed to a mystery collection--a list that includes Maggie. …More