I like the simplicity, smooth use of colors and nice transitions. Your overall layout is relaxed and easy on the eyes. I especially liked your button idea - though I think you should move it higher up on your sidebar, give it the attention it deserves.

You have alot of blog links - this is great advertising but I think you should move those toward the bottom of the sidebar. I found them distracting since there were so many.

Good use of pics to break up the text. I enjoyed reading your articles, even though most of them were very short. I'd really be interested in knowing what you liked about The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks? Or why you like this author in particular. You just gave me a tease - perhaps that was your intention.