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Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Book Review: Forbidden by F. Stone

This is a gripping, page turner!
Forbidden
by F. Stone
File Size: 904 KB
Print Length: 385 pages
Publisher: Romance Under Fire (December 12, 2016)
ASIN: B01N2TNTS5
Genre: Suspense, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories
Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, a devout Muslim and police captain becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. Captain Sharif is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.
The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.
Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.


Review:
Eliza, a Canadian paramedic, traveled to the City of Samara to work with an American Habitat team. Eliza struggles with crippling PTSD episodes as she tries to recover from a traumatic loss a few years past. The Habitat convoy is diverted to a police compound where they are massacred. The real police engage the terrorists at the last minute, rescuing a terrified Eliza. Captain Sharif, a devout Muslin, takes Eliza into custody, first to confirm she wasn’t part of the attack and then to keep her safe.

Sharif’s superiors threaten his family if he doesn’t cover-up the killings and silence the sole surviving witness. Sharif struggles to find a way to save Eliza, even acting behind her back. Eliza respects Sharif’s dedication to his faith and to his duties as an officer of the law. She knows that he is trying to protect her but she doesn’t appreciate not being privy to the plans to hide her away.

Sharif is forced to lie to the CIA agent who arrives to find the bodies of the Americans and bring in the killers. Sharif must intensify his efforts to obtain proof of the corruption in his own government as the CIA agent holds him under suspicion.

Sharif and Eliza grow in friendship as they share close spaces and learn of each other’s vulnerabilities. Eliza knows that she does not fit in Sharif’s world and any relationship between them is forbidden. Sharif, who has convinced himself that he is not worthy of love, struggles to maintain his strict code of honor even as he is drawn to the brave, impetuous Eliza. Can they find the strength to acknowledge their love, assuming they can survive the multiplying threats to their freedoms and their very lives?

The plot is wonderfully crafted with well-developed characters, nonstop suspense and a good twist to the ending. The setting and political environment make an effective backdrop and I found the Muslim elements very interesting. Ms. Stone adds to this an improbable but beautiful romance.

The primary characters are real, flawed and courageous. It was natural to root for them to beat the enemy and accept their love for one another. I also liked the secondary characters and would like to read more about all of them. There were some typographical errors but the story is well worth reading. I hope to try more of Ms. Stone’s work very soon. I highly recommend this story to readers who like action packed suspense with romance.

I picked this up in December from a source new to me: Reading Deals. This qualifies for 2017 TBR and “F” in 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Book Review: Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery by Kate Kingsbury

As I hoped, this is a light, enjoyable cozy mystery.
Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
by Kate Kingsbury

File Size: 2222 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (January 10, 2017)
ASIN: B01NAH09KG
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Melanie West is getting her life back on track after a messy divorce when her grandmother, Liza Harris, asks her to open a B&B with her. Together, Liza and Melanie purchase a purportedly haunted mansion on the Oregon coast and jump right into clearing out the cobwebs. But while attempting to remove wallpaper in an upstairs bedroom, the new B&B owners stumble upon a very real skeleton in their closet.
The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner of the B&B, but no one in town seems to want to say much about her. As the inn owners try to juggle renovations with their own amateur investigations, their grand opening looms closer and closer--and a friendly ghost in their walls starts playing tricks. But it all comes crashing to a halt when a new body is found stabbed to death on the beach below the inn--the victim chillingly close in resemblance to Melanie herself.
It seems someone doesn't appreciate newcomers prying into the small town's past, and now it's up to Melanie and Liza to get to the bottom of these murders to save their business...and their lives


Review:
Melanie has moved away from the city and a stressful divorce. She has joined her grandmother, Liza, to open a B&B in a purportedly haunted mansion in a small town on the Oregon coast. Rumor is the ghost is a laughing ghost, causing Liza to pick the name: The Merry Ghost Inn. There is plenty of remodeling to complete but as they begin to remove wallpaper they discover a hidden closet with a skeleton.

The police think the victim might be the wife of the previous owner, a woman who has been missing for many years. Before the lead detective can get very far into the investigation he is called away to a current day murder. Melanie and Liza are juggling the renovations hoping they can complete them within their tight budget and in time to open for the upcoming season. The closed off room is off limits and might impede their efforts to have the Inn ready on time.

Liza and Melanie decide to do some sleuthing on their own. They discover that the town folk are rather tight lipped about the missing woman. Still, when they discover one lead, it leads into more and before long they have several suspects. The situation becomes more difficult as Melanie spies her ex-husband driving in town and runs into him at a party where he makes it clear he wants her back. Melanie begins to have some near miss accidents from a car that is suspiciously like her ex’s. Then a woman who looks a lot like Melanie from the back is killed on the beach near the Inn.

Melanie adopts the murdered woman’s dog, Max, who was with his mistress on the beach and now has his own traumas to recover from. It appears that someone may be trying to scare the ladies off the investigation, and if that doesn’t work maybe fire will. Meanwhile someone -- or maybe the merry ghost -- is laughing and playing tricks by moving objects in the house.

Liza, in her mid-fifties, and Melanie, in her early thirties, make a good pair and likeable characters. Max is a nice addition and there may be some romance in the future as Liza is playing at a little match making.

The story moves along at a quick pace, with light humor and hints of the ghost mystery. The killer was not my first (or second) guess, which I thought was well done by the author. This is a fine example of “cozy mystery” and I recommend it to those who enjoy the genre. I would like to read more in the series and learn more about the Merry Ghost.

I received this title in December from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge, 2017 TBR and “D” in my 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Sunday Post January 15, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 16, 2017


I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I think I am glad to end one week and start another. I had to cover for staff who were out at conference so I juggled my files to the side again. I will probably work Monday (holiday) to work on law files.
The week started out cold for us but got warm by Wednesday. I am keeping the those in the north in prayer due to ice storms.

Reading was very good. My new car lets me plug in the Kindle or mp3 to read to me through the speakers - I love that! I finished four books total: one print, two ebooks and one audible. I posted a celebration post, two reviews (one with giveaway) on the blog and one review at Goodreads. I also posted all of my usual memes plus 2017 Challenge posts.

I think I visited over 30 blogs this past week which was very fun!
My shout out this week is to Laurel-Rain Snow at Rainy Days and Mondays. Laurel-Rain has several blogs and posts numerous reviews (see also An Interior Journey) and interesting content. She is always faithful to reply to comments (which I admire but have not found time to do) and visit back to visiting bloggers.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

Finished Reading:
1. Print (i-Read Book Tour)


The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping
by Alla Campanella (Author), Ken Massey (Author)
Tour review for this title is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




2. Audible (ABB-Narrator)


We
Written by: Yevgeny Zamyatin
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
This Vintage Sci Fi was especially interesting for the time and author.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG)



Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery

by Kate Kingsbury (Author)
This was a fast, fun read. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.




4. eBook/Kindle (TBR- Reading Deals)


Forbidden
by F. Stone
I picked this up in December from a source new to me: Reading Deals.
I am very glad I did: good thriller (romantic suspense).
I will post a review this week.
Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories
Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, a devout Muslim and police captain becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. Captain Sharif is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.
The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.
Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.



Currently reading:
1. Print (LBC / First Book of 2017)



All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life
by Mark Batterson

I am not finished with this yet as I am spending time and marking passages.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible (TBR)


X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series
Written by: Ray Bradbury , Philip K. Dick , Robert A. Heinlein , Frederik Pohl , Theodore Sturgeon , Isaac Asimov , Ernest Kinoy , George Lefferts
Narrated by: Old Time Radio
I am enjoying these vintage sci fi stories. :-)
X Minus One was a half-hour science fiction radio series broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958, in various timeslots on NBC. Initially a revival of NBC's Dimension X (1950-51), X Minus One is widely considered among the finest science fiction dramas ever produced for radio. The first 15 episodes were new versions of Dimension X episodes, but the remainder were adaptations by NBC staff writers, including Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, of newly published science fiction stories by leading writers in the field, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl, and Theodore Sturgeon, along with some original scripts by Kinoy and Lefferts.
Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit", Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven", Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", Pohl's "The Tunnel Under the World", J. T. McIntosh's "Hallucination Orbit", Fritz Leiber's "A Pail of Air", and George Lefferts' "The Parade".
The program opened with announcer Fred Collins delivering the countdown, leading into this introduction (although later shows were partnered with Galaxy Science Fiction rather than Astounding Science Fiction):
"Countdown for blastoff.... X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one.... Fire!" [Rocket launch SFX] "From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future; adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction presents...X Minus One.
©2012 BN Publishing (P)2012 BN Publishing



3. eBook/Kindle (NG)


Terminal Regression
by Mallory Hill
I received this through NetGalley. It releases 1/17/17.
WINNER OF THE SECOND ANNUAL AUTHORSFIRST NOVEL CONTEST
Laura Baily's life is meaningless. In a world where purpose and passion are everything, Laura feels as though she has no place and no business even existing. Her life is forfeit, and it would be better for everyone if she simply ended it, if she simply got a ticket for a train to oblivion and faded from memory.
But what awaits her at the end of the line isn't death but Terminal B – a community of people more like her than she considered possible, including the beautiful, tormented Will Noble. Though Laura still thinks little of her own life, the lives of others begin to fascinate her as never before. And when those lives become imperiled, Laura discovers the last thing she ever expected to find on her way out of the world: a mission and a reason to live.
Compelling on both a human and global scale, TERMINAL REGRESSION is a novel of rare power and humanity. It is the story of a tomorrow that teeters on the edge of utopia and dystopia and a resigned outsider who might just change it forever.



4. Audio (ABJ)


Goliath
By: Steve Alten
Read by: Christopher Kipiniak
I like the sound of this.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Terrorism. Acts of oppression. The threat of nuclear war. What if one madman aboard a vessel could end these fears forever?
Commander Rochelle “Rocky” Jackson is aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan when the “unsinkable” naval vessel and its entire fleet are attacked from the depths and sunk. As Rocky struggles to stay alive, a monstrous mechanical steel stingray surfaces, plowing through the seas it now commands.
The US Navy–designed Goliath is a futuristic nuclear stealth submarine in the shape of a stingray. Simon Covah, a brilliant scientist whose entire family were the victims of terrorism, has hijacked the sub. Believing violence is a disease, Covah aims to use the Goliath and its cache of nuclear weapons to dictate policy to the world regarding the removal of oppressive regimes and nuclear weapons.
Could the threat of violence forge a lasting peace?
But there is another player in this life-and-death chess match: unbeknownst to Covah and the Goliath crew, the Goliath’s biochemical computer brain has become self-aware—and it’s developing its own agenda.
© 2002 by Steve Alten



January 15, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed three new books and posted three reviews which leaves me two due for 2016 reads and four for 2017.
I am still expecting some new audio titles.
I now have 18 (-2 read/reading) NetGalley Titles and 13+ author titles in my queue.


We did get an ebook release out but waiting for covers for two prints releases.
New on the eTreasure's NetGalley page this week:

Fantasy/horror The Cagulant by Jared Gullage





Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two more NetGalley titles plus a review audiobook.
I picked up another Audible Daily Deal.
Not sure how but I picked up a large number of free kindle titles. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
I received these two titles from NetGalley:
Someone to Hold (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh
"Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery..."
I always enjoy Ms. Balogh's books.

The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace)
by Carolyn Miller
"Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions."
I saw this last week on Monday Mailbox at Vera @ Luxury Reading.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also received an audiobook from the author:
It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise
Written by: Rob J. Hayes
Narrated by: Schatzie Schaefers
"Set in a new world of corruption, deceit and thievery; mixing magical fantasy and alchemy punk with a healthy smattering of airshippery. It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise follows Jacques Revou and Isabel de Rosier, a couple of charlatans at the top of their game."

Won
NONE

Purchased
I am still tempted by the Audible Daily Deals.

The More of LessThis week I again picked up only one for $2.95:
The More of Less
Written by: Joshua Becker
Narrated by: Joshua Becker

"It's time to own your possessions instead of letting them own you. After all, the beauty of minimalism isn't in what it takes away. It's in what it gives."
I am sooo ready for this!

Free

I added a whopping 87 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 15, 2017

This morning we had another good Sunday School lesson (Opportunities to Glorify God) which I will share another day. Our worship service started with lovely praise and worship.

We had a guest missionary, Jeff Knight, speak to us. Jeff and his wife, Angie, are a couple who were members of our church until about five years ago. At that time, they started moving toward the mission field with multiple mission trips to Bolivia. Now they are full time missionaries and will be returning to Bolivia once Angie completes chemo and radiation for breast cancer. They are showing great faith in God as they push through this physical setback. Although they might question “Why?”, instead they have seen God’s hand in this as they get to witness with Angie’s doctors and other patients during treatment!

Jeff shared how they set off to build a church in a small community in Bolivia. The town is 60 years behind what we are used to. They still use horse and buggy – no cars. Families live in small, one or two room, houses. They were worshiping outside in a lot. When the team began building the church, Jeff and Angie noticed a school next door, beyond the wall. Jeff and an interpreter went next door to ask the principal if they could speak with the children. The principal was a believer and agreed. Now the ministry has built four churches and held crusades to reach children in many local schools. As part of the ministry they deliver gospel bracelets and New Testament Bibles in Spanish to each student.

Jeff shared the experience of a 13-year-old girl who was raped at age 12 and now has a baby of her own. The girl lives with her mother and the baby, named Genesis, for ‘new beginning’. The young lady wanted to return to school but was unable to as long as she had the financial responsibilities of her home. The members of the ministry team made their own financial commitment to help cover financial needs for this family so the girl could return to school. They have set this up as The Genesis Project and now they support other students who make the choice and commit to meet the grade requirements.

A local ten-year-old is making the gospel bracelets; a local church sewing group is making dresses for the school girls. This is such a beautiful work and everyone can participate. Some are called and sent to the field, some are called to give financial support and some are called to pray. We all can share in the mission work, as God has directed His followers!

Jeff played a video of the Bolivia children which had "I Give Myself Away" as the background.
I decided that was a perfect song today.
A Verse for Today:
Mark 16:15
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."


Lord, help me do my part by prayer and financial support and showing your love in my daily life style.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Sharing Beyond Books #286 Comment Giveaway January 14, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I continue to hope everyone is staying safe and warm during the icy winter weather or the rainy summer weather -- on the otherside.

This was a fun question and here are the comfort foods:
6 go for ice cream; 3 go for soups (or stew or chili); 3 go for grilled cheese (or bacon cheeseburger); chocolate was mentioned 3 times (one was hot chocolate); and potatoes, macaroni & cheese, pizza, and popcorn each got a mention. Good foods all!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #285 comments is: #8 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #286
(One Question.)
Marjorie asks: What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning??
I roll out of bed, pick up my phone (used for alarm), my mp3 player (always handy for bed time), and water glass and take them all toward the bathroom. I then read my Bible passages before I shower; I get ready and go to work. I usually eat breakfast at work (omelet and bacon), unless I am off to court when I just take a breakfast bar.
Here's some encouragement for you!
Image result for Waking up routine
Image Found at Full Circle Living..

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share: Marjorie asks: What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday January 21, 2017 at 5 PM central.

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