Its Monday what are you reading November 30, 2009

Join this meme at:

J. Kaye's Book Blog

Finished this week:

PB:  Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf. A vocabulary Workbook for unlocking the SAT, ACT GED and SSAT. A very interesting concept. Review to be posted soon here at my blog. Giveaway coming.

Maggie: A Savannah Dog by Pat Andres. A cute children's book.  Review to be posted soon at my blog. Giveaway coming.

Kindle2:  Christmas Sin by Ed Williams.  Ed's tells a true Christmas story from a teenage male POV and with filled with Ed's rough humor!  Review to be sent this week to YGR.

Time Plains Drifter by Cheryl Pierson.  A western historical.  Reading and reviewing as part of series on my blog. Review to be posted here tomorrow.  Giveaway in progress.

Audible: ---------

Audio CD: Hope for Animals and Their World by Jane Goodall. I am enjoying this recounting of successful conservation efforts.  Review to be posted soon.  Hachette Giveaway in progress!

**************************

Currently reading:

PB:  Don't Look Down by David Laing Dawson. A thriller about four murderers, 18 to 81, in a forensic psychiatric ward. Reading and reviewing for author through Bostwick.

Evidence of Angels by Suza Scalora. A gorgeous book!  Reading and reviewing for the author. Giveaway coming.

Kindle2:  Wayward Angels - Wounded Warriors Book 4 by Karen Wiesner.  25% into this good story! Reviewing for the author and YGR. Giveaway coming.

Play it Loud by Gina Lee Nelson. 75% done. I am really enjoying this! Reviewing for Between the Lines/WRDF.

Didn't get to this last week so its still Next up:  Keeper of Her Heart by Therese Travis.  A short, sweet Inspirational. Reviewing for YGR.

Then:  The Dragon & The Rose by Gini Rifkin.  Historical Romance. Reviewing for Between the Lines/WRDF.

Audible: (March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo, my own TBR - continuing very slowly!)

Audio CD: True Blue by David Baldacci.  A high profile murder mystery/thriller. I'll be listening to this as a "listen along" with J.Kaye! Review will be posted here.  Giveaway to be posted this week.

Giveaway! It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale - FIVE Copies

It Happened One Night

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446406902
• ISBN-13: 978-0446406901

(Grand Central, November 09) Lana Biel longs to leave her family’s Vermont wildflower farm so she can travel and see the world. And her sister Karin wants nothing more than to put down roots and conceive the child she and her husband just can’t seem to have. When a lighthearted fling with a mountain biker leaves Lana expecting, she finds herself tumbling headlong into motherhood while her sister Karin can only look on.
For help, Lana turns to Eli Ward, a professional meteorite hunter and her best friend for the last ten years. But Eli’s keeping secrets that could turn their friendship on its head. As the Vermont seasons change and the flowers in the wildflower meadows begin to fade, Lana must make some meaningful decisions about her family, her friendships, her love life, and her dreams.
Romantic Times says 4.5 Stars! “Lisa Dale is adept at weaving beautiful, romantic, heart-wrenching stories. She pays attention to the finest details, and the effect knocks the wind out of you. Every single scene,… character conflict and reaction is perfect. The only downside is that the story concludes, which means our time with these wonderful characters comes to an end.”

Many thanks to Hachette and to Anna for this giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Comment here telling me if you always wanted to travel or were happy staying home! And out of curiosity tell me if you think your "at home" will have a white Christmas!  I'm in Florida so no snow for me!
Please include your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. Leave a separate comment for each entry or you'll only be entered once. (This method is used to make it easier to put the entries into the random generator!)

(Three total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE FIVE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on December 13, 2009. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2009

This is the first Sunday of Advent - a day of hope and waiting. Our Pastor gave a message on "Waiting for Christmas." 
Although he didn't say these words precisely, it struck me near the end of the sermon that we should be waiting - not so much for Christmas but more appropriately - for Christ!

^{Verses for today:}

^{Luke 3:4-6 New International Version}

⁴As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
   "A voice of one calling in the desert,
   'Prepare the way for the Lord,
      make straight paths for him.
 ⁵Every valley shall be filled in,
      every mountain and hill made low.
   The crooked roads shall become straight,
      the rough ways smooth.
 ⁶And all mankind will see God's salvation.


I hope that you will each be a person who marvels at the true message of the Christmas season!

More Giveaways This Weekend Around the Book Blogging Net!!

HURRY - LOTS OF THESE ENDING November 29, 30th or December 1!

Three sweet books for children at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS! Ending November 30 and December 1.

Enter to win Missing by Ronda Gibbs Hinrichsen at Anne Bradshaw's Place! Ends December 2.

If you are able to contribute a bit you may want to consider Emma's Bike.  Under the post you will see a link called Merry Christmas and that explains a bit about Emma and her Bike!

Arcs of Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater are being given by Bites! Ends December 3.  And check out other contests listed on her right sidebar.

Enter to win Not Like You or Beautiful or The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope or When the Whistle Blows or 3 winners for The Encyclopedia of Immaturity Vol 2 at Mrs. Magoo Reads.  Ending November 29 through December 3!


J. Kaye's Book Blog December Giveaways so far!  Ending December 11.

List of December giveaways:

SOUL CATCHER (Book 1: The Outsider Series) by Leigh Bridger

THE ACCOUNTANT'S STORY by Roberto Escobar Gaviria

CRY FOR THE MOON by William Angelo Woodall

SCHOOL OF FEAR by Gitty Daneshvari

GHOST IN THE MACHINE by Patrick Carman

PROSE. POEMS. A NOVEL. by Jamie Iredell

HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK by John C. Maxwell

CHEATING DEATH by Sanjay Gupta

PERMISSION SLIPS by Sherri Shepherd

CHEATING DEATH by Sanjay Gupta

THE LIAR IN YOUR LIFE by Robert Feldman

NURTURESHOCK by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

$20 PER GALLON by Christopher Steiner

I DRINK FOR A REASON by David Cross

THE SEDUCTION OF SNOW WHITE by Cathy Yardley

KISS OF CRIMSON (Book 2, Midnight Breed Series) by Lara Adrian

RICH DAD'S CONSPIRACY OF THE RICH by Robert T. Kiyosaki

SECULAR SABOTAGE: HOW LIBERALS ARE DESTROYING RELIGION AND CULTURE IN AMERICA by William A. Donohue

Winners of The Gate House by Nelson DeMille

CONGRATULATIONS TO FIVE WINNERS:

 

 

Marjorie

Judy

Sheila (Bookjourney)

Ellie

and 

Nancye

I have e-mailed the winners for information to be sent within 72 hours!  Thanks!

 Again - thanks to Hachette and to Valerie for this giveaway!

 

THE GATE HOUSE by Nelson DeMille

Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway

{photo courtesy of Flickr}

This will be the first of my FRIDAY PICK Giveaways.  I don't really have books floating around everywhere like that great photo but if you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books!  And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!!
So I want to share my book bounty! (And my DH would love for me to get rid of some of my books!!)

Every Friday I will post a group of books. A winner will be drawn the next Thursday and that person will be sent the book of their choice. 

Most of these books have been gently read! Some are new that I have not read but am not likely to get to.

Since the titles look a little hard to read and I'm not sure if you can click and make this larger I'll list the tiles and authors:

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Married at Midnight (Anthology) Kathleen Woodiwiss, Jo Beverley, Tanya Anne Crosby & Samantha James

A Jockey's Life by Dick Francis

Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Net Force - One is the Lonliest Number by Tom Clancy

Everlasting by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peritti

A Time to Kill by John Girsham

Unlaced by Kristina Cook

Love in Bloom by Shelia Roberts

Tamed by a Laird by Amanda Scott

Jerusalem Vigil by Bodie & Brock Thoene

Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding

Never Seduce a Scoundrel by Sabrina Jeffries

Almost Single by Advaita Kala

TO ENTER:
Leave a comment WITH YOUR e-mail and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from this week's choices!
Easy peasy!!  Help these books find a new home!!

Winners of Nancy O'Berry's Wonderful Giveaway!

Thank you everyone who participated in Nancy's Wonderful Giveaway and for all the supportive comments! As a reminder, the Great Wonderful prize package consists of:

* A CD that contains pdf copies of not just Stormy Weather, but three more of Nancy's books: Holding on to Hope, Giving in to Charity and Destination Daytona!
* A Print copy of Having Faith, the first book in the Sweetbrier Series.
AND
* A Pink Canvas Book Tote with the Stormy Weather cover on it.

I am happy to announce the Grand Package winner is:

Housemouse, Please send your snail mail address to me for Nancy to get you the book and CD!

I selected four others to win the book Stormy Weather and those winners are:

edmontonjb               Rebecca                         Abi           

and                creatnchris

I am arranging the Gift Certificates for the book and will e-mail that to these four winners!

Thanks again everyone!
All winners were selected using Random.org generator.

Giveaway! FIVE Copies of Hope For Animals by Jane Goodall- Audio Book

HOPE FOR ANIMALS AND THEIR WORLD by Jane Goodall

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

At a time when animal species are becoming extinct on every continent and we are confronted with bad news about the environment nearly every day, Jane Goodall, one of the world's most renowned scientists, brings us inspiring news about the future of the animal kingdom. With the insatiable curiosity and conversational prose that have made her a bestselling author, Goodall-along with Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard-shares fascinating survival stories about the American Crocodile, the California Condor, the Black-Footed Ferret, and more; all formerly endangered species and species once on the verge of extinction whose populations are now being regenerated.

Interweaving her own first-hand experiences in the field with the compelling research of premier scientists, Goodall illuminates the heroic efforts of dedicated environmentalists and the truly critical need to protect the habitats of these beloved species. At once a celebration of the animal kingdom and a passionate call to arms, HOPE FOR ANIMALS THEIR WORLD presents an uplifting, hopeful message for the future of animal-human coexistence.

More thanks to Hachette and to Anna for this giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the AUDIO CD:

1. Comment here telling me the name of an endangered species if you know one - if you don't then you need to read this book! :o) Please include your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. Leave a separate comment for each entry or you'll only be entered once. (This method is used to make it easier to put the entries into the random generator!)

 (Three total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE FIVE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on December 18, 2009. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

$15.00 GC Thank You Giveaway For Followers!!

Whoo Hoo! I am thrilled to celebrate passing 150 (152!) followers!!

This giveaway will last for two weeks. It is for only the 152 people who are following as of this post!

This will be for a $15.00 gift certificate, online or gift card, of the winner's choice so it can be accessible hopefully to international followers too!

Since everyone included in this is already a follower you only need to make One entry!  Leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you win!

But I do have a question -
Do you prefer one larger prize with one winner ($15.00 to one winner) or do you like the idea of smaller prizes and more winners ($5.00 to three winners; or $10.00 to one and $5.00 to second winner)??? I am setting up a poll so that you can let me know your answers on this! Look for the poll on the sidebar! And there will be a poll regarding multiple book giveaways too!

The contest will remain open until Wednesday December 9, 2009 at midnight central time, with the winner to be announced on Thursday morning!

I really do want you to follow the blog but I couldn't resist that sign!!
Thanks again to each and every one of you for your support!!!

Review of I Can See You by Karen Rose, Audio CD

Title: I Can See You Audio CD

Author: Karen Rose
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (July 15, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0-446-53834-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-446-53834-3
Buy Link

Rating: 5.0 / You GOTTA Read

Reviewed by: MarthaE

Blurb: Eve Wilson was the victim of the villain in Don’t Tell, an assault which resulted in disfiguring injury. After the incident, Eve retreated into the virtual realm, seeking refuge from the public eye. Now, with the help of a surgeon, her face is mostly restored and she has returned to the real world. Now a graduate student, her goal is to research the use of the virtual world as therapy to improve self-esteem. But when a string of suspicious suicides connected to her Internet activities leads homicide detective Noah Webster to her door, Eve is forced back into an intoxicating world of Web sites, alternate identities, and secret passions. A world where her experience and expertise are key … and where she becomes a player in a deadly game, trapped in the fight of her life.

Review: This is a gripping suspense and wonderfully sensual romance between two injured but determined souls.

Eve is a very strong, brave young woman – a survivor fighting her way back to life in the “real” world. She has finally come out of hiding where she has been recovering from her own physical and mental injuries. Just as she is making progress and pursing her graduate studies she becomes aware of murders that link back to the virtual study she is in charge of.
 Noah has his own past demons that he is struggling with. At first he tries to resist the pull he feels towards Eve but finally he decides that she is worth risking the possible pain involved with a new intimate relationship. But can he convince Eve to really step out and live a full live instead of a half, safe existence?

Meanwhile, Eve is trying to follow virtual clues for the killer and providing the only leads the special Detective “Hat force” have. That puts her at the point of danger! If Noah wants to have any relationship with Eve he is going to have to keep her alive first!

Although I suspected who the killer was, there were several suspects and two avenues of threats going on that kept the suspense high throughout this book. It was a bit long but I would be concerned that clues, or tension or the nuances of the struggling relationship between Eve and Noah might be lost in an abridged version. The narrator did an excellent job with the various voices and personalities that were portrayed.

This had all the elements I look for in a really top notch romantic suspense – lots of mystery wound in with tortured characters and sensual conflict! I have not read this author before but based on this book I will look forward to reading more of her books!

A Giveaway - Be Thankful - and What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

This is the Sweet and Sensual Romances Group game today courtesy of Blogthings! The link is below my result.  Here is what I am:

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together.

People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

Here is the link to find out What Part of Thanksgiving are You?

Now you can do the quiz and let me know about you or not.  But please DO tell me at least ONE THING you are THANKFUL for this week! 

I'll start - I am THANKFUL for my DH who cooks for me and lets me read alot! *BG*
I am in a giving mood and am posting a daily Giveaway for at least the next week and maybe more.  (I left my list in my briefcase at work!)  There will be new Hachette Giveaways, the 150 Followers Celebration Giveaway, several book Giveaways and a couple of special item Giveaways.  So check back!!

Today's Giveaway will be...... This wonderful apron I had specially made by a lady friend at my church!!  It has two nice big pockets and ties around the waist.  I guess I should have hung it on someone to model but I didn't think of that at the time! 

TO ENTER:

1. Do what is highlighted in blue above - tell me something you are Thankful for! Please include your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. Leave a separate comment for each entry or you'll only be entered once. (This method is used to make it easier to put the entries into the random generator!)

(Three total entries possible.)

* This Giveaway is open Worldwide! I'll foot the postage for international as an extra Holdiay gift should someone overseas win!! =o)

This Giveaway will close midnight Central time December 4, 2009  - so I can get it in the mail in time for the holidays!

Monday's Mailbox November 23, 2009

This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page
I got in some more great books last week!

I won three books from October Giveaways:

From Libby's Library News I won The Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder.  I do like Highlanders!!

Thank you Neas!!

(Neas has 20 days of Giveaways going on if you check her blog!)

I won Bo's Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNichol from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.  A Christian story of a "restorative exploration of God's unbridled grace"!

 Thank you Sheila!

I won Run for Your Life by James Patterson at Revenge of the Book Nerds! Patterson is always a reliably good read!

Thank you Jamie!

Then a week or so ago on ManicReaders group I caught a Giveaway hosted by author J.Rose Allister.  J.Rose sent me a Sudoku book and some goodies (including some candy which my sweet Granddaughter shared with me!)  My DH likes to do the Sudoku puzzles so this one is for him!  Thank you JRose!

And the final book received last week was from Signet Eclipse for a Twitter win!  The book is Winter Kiss - A Dragonfire Novel by Deborah Cooke.   A hunky shape-shifting dragon - sounds good! (And a nice cover too!)  Thank you Signet Eclipse!!

What are You Reading Monday November 23, 2009

Join this meme at:

J. Kaye's Book Blog

Finished this week:

PB: (I never got to the Print book this week.)

Kindle2: Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout.  I really enjoyed this paranormal that I read for Blog with Bite!  Review posted here.

Avenging Allaire by Margie Church.  A very good sexy romantic suspense.  Read for the author. Review will be posted on my blog soon.

Kismet by Kissa Starling.  This is a charming story of octogenarians finding each other after circumstances separated them at high school!   Read for the author.  Review to be posted here soon.

Audible: ----------

Audio CD: End the Fed by Ron Paul. A thought provoking look at money manipulations!  Review to be sent to YGR this week.

**************************

Currently reading:

PB: Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf. A vocabulary Workbook for unlocking the SAT, ACT GED and SSAT. A very interesting concept. Reading and reviewing for the Author.

Kindle2: Christmas Sin by Ed Williams.  Ed's unique rough humor telling Christmas tales from his youth and home town.  Reviewing for YGR.

Next up:  Keeper of Her Heart by Therese Travis.  A short, sweet Inspirational. Reviewing for YGR.

             Time Plains Drifter by Cheryl Pierson.  A western historical.  Reading and reviewing as part of series on my blog. Review coming up next week.  Giveaway in progress.

              Wayward Angels - Wounded Warriors Book 4 by Karen Wiesner.  Continuing this really good series! Reviewing for the author and YGR.

Audible: (March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo, my own TBR - continuing very slowly!)

Audio CD: Hope for Animals and Their World by Jane Goodall. I am enjoying this recounting of successful conservation efforts.  Reviewing for Hachette.  Giveaway coming up!

Sunday Words of Encouragment Novmeber 22, 2009

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week I hope everyone remembers to pause and say Thank You to the Creator who made us who we are and gave us all the bessings that surround us.

A Thanksgiving Verse:
1 Chronicles 16:34 NRSV
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.

I pray that you may each look around you and see blessings this week!

Winners of Tamed by a Laird

We have five Winners of Tamed by a Laird!

CONGRATULATIONS

                   Jake                   Housemouse                   Mitz

                                   Virgina                   Theresa

Winners have been notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond with snail mail info or new winners will be picked! 

Thank  you everyone you entered!

AND THANK YOU TO HACHETTE AND ANNA for the books!

The Second Reading Challenge

This second Christmas challenge meme is being hosted by

The True Book Addict

The rules are posted at that site but this challenge is to read 1 to 3 Christmas novels, short stories or books about Christmas lore.  The challenge starts November 26 and runs to December 31st, 2009.

I have some different books I plan to read for this challenge:

1. Holly and Mistletoe by Susan Mallery
2. The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
3. Exiles from Christmas by Sandra Sooko

2009 Holiday Reading Challenge

This meme is being hosted by All About {n}

The rules are posted at her site but basically the challenge is to read 1 to 5 books which are holiday related - Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.  The challenge starts November 20 and runs to December 31st, 2009.

I always LOVE to read Christmas books in late November and December so I am glad to do this!

Here are the books I plan to read for this challenge:
UPDATED 11/29

1. Christmas Sin by Ed Williams - 11/29 read; review to be posted at YGR.
   
2. Christmas for the Cowboy by Patricia Bates - I won this a month or so ago and realized I could add it!
   
3. Look What Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna
4. The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland

A GREAT WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY! PLUS DONATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH!

Author Nancy O'Berry has a new release that is coming out November 26, 2009.  It is special because all of the proceeds are being donated to Cancer research!

Here is the donation information:

All the proceeds from this book are being donated to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Tidewater fund. If you would like to make a donation or get in contact with them, please use the following website and address:

http://www.komentidewater.org/

119 S. Witchduck Rd., Suite 85

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Komen’s National Breast Care Helpline:

To speak to someone about breast health and breast cancer concerns, please call 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure.

But there is hope.

Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure national website, komen.org, offers comprehensive information about breast cancer risk factors, early detection and screening, diagnosis and treatment. Developed in conjunction with the Harvard School of Public Health, the site offers a one-stop resource for all the latest information on the disease.

I saw Nancy's announcement and told her this was wonderful as my own dear mom died of cancer when I was only 21.  She was a young 48.

Nancy offered to do a Giveaway to encourage others to buy the book! Let me give you some info on the book then make sure you check out everything in this GREAT PRIZE PACKAGE below the book blurb!!

STORMY WEATHER

Nancy O'Berry

Mainstream Romance: Contemporary

ISBN: TBA

Cover Artist: Nancy Donahue

Editor: TBA

Word Count: 17,460

Release Date: TBA

Nancy's Red Rose Publishing Link

As a woman, Lauren Phelps has suffered the worst life can throw at her. The loss of her breast, the rejection of her husband, a divorce can she pick up the shattered threads of her life and continue?

Cole McGuire met Lauren Phelps through a mutual friend, his mother. When Lauren took a medical leave of absence, he wondered if he would ever see her again. When she returned to Teague and Marshalls, he made sure she was transferred to his office. Now divorced, he wondered if he stood a chance to woo her.

Can Lauren learn to love again after the storm?

Sounds like an interesting story right? Now here is the prize package that Nancy has so graciously offered!

    *  A CD that contains pdf copies of not just Stormy Weather, but three more of Nancy's books: Holding on to Hope, Giving in to Charity and Destination Daytona!

    * A Print copy of Having Faith, the first book in the Sweetbrier Series.

AND

    * A Pink Canvas Book Tote with the Stormy Weather cover on it.

Isn't that a GREAT WONDERFUL Package!

Here are the lovely covers!

THANK YOU NANCY!




PLUS for every ten entrants I will pick a winner at the conclusion of the Giveaway to receive a download copy of Stormy Weather provided from me.  International entries will be accepted for these extra Giveaways so please let me know if you are overseas and entering for the extra Giveaway instead of main prize package!  International entrants will be counted toward the "ten" entries but eliminated for the main drawing. 

TO ENTER:

1. Comment here telling me your favorite charity. Please include your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. Leave a separate comment for each entry or you'll only be entered once. (This method is used to make it easier to put the entries into the random generator!)

5. Visit Nancy's Blog and leave a comment there and come back and tell me you did.

(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on November 26, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all non international entries.

REVIEW- Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout

Title:  Queene of Light
Author:  Jennifer Armintrout

Publisher: Mira Books (September 29, 2009)
Genre:  Paranormal (but I would label it Fantasy)
Pages:  384 pages
ISBN-10: 0778326624
ISBN-13: 978-0778326625
Buy Link

Rating: 4.5 of 5




Blurb:  An unimagined destiny an undeniable passion.
In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder—creatures of myth and fairy tale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings Underground, to colonize the sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities.

But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony, and soon two Worlds emerge: the Lightworld, home to faeries, dragons and dwarves; and the Darkworld, where vampires, werewolves, angels and demons lurk

Now, in the dank and shadowy place between Lightworld and Darkworld, a transformation is about to begin…

Ayla, a half faery, half human assassin, is stalked by Malachi, a Death Angel tasked with harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates, forging a bond neither may survive. And in the face of unbridled ambitions and untested loyalties, an ominous prophecy is revealed that will shake the Worlds.

 Review:  A unique fantasy setting and a very interesting plot make this an engaging read.

Ayla had a rough childhood growing up on the streets without the love of family or friends.  She is primarily a warrior, often sent on assignment into the Darkworld.  When she is not fighting Ayla is looking for a way to survive as best she can in a very harsh and difficult world.  Her mentor, who is the Queene’s brother, Garret, appears to cherish Ayla but as the story goes on you realize he has a nefarious reason to want her as his mate.

Malachi is a Death Angel who has lost his immortality as a result of his first encounter with Ayla.  Now he is abandoned and alone in Darkworld.  He sets out to kill the assassin who caused his fall.  Ayla and Malachi should want to kill each other on sight, but instead they are drawn by an attraction that neither understands!

I really got hooked into this story right away.  I enjoyed the unique world and the various characters described by the author.  I thought each of the primary characters in the story was defined with uniqueness and developed through his or her behavior.  There was action from the beginning that pulled me in and I felt the story moved along with a good tension. There were times when I just did not want to put the book down!  As the story approached the end I realized that this wasn’t going to finish and there must be a sequel.  I was a little disappointed because I was anxious to see what happened and the end of this book was weakened as the fate of the protagonists, and the world, was left up in the air.

I got the sense the author may have been trying to present a deeper message but I wasn’t in the mood to ponder it out!  Besides, I don’t always need a message to enjoy the read and I did enjoy this.  I will want to read the next book to uncover where the prophecy is headed! Maybe then I'll think on the message.

Interview with Author Cheryl Pierson - Part One: The Writing Process

M: Hello Cheryl, welcome!
Please share with us: What made you want to write in the first place?


Cheryl: Hi Martha. Thanks so much for putting together this wonderful series of reviews and interview questions! I appreciate this opportunity so much.

I think I have always wanted to write—my mom used to bring along a pad of paper and a pencil to keep me occupied in church. I didn’t draw much, but I did practice my letters A LOT. I used to write stories and poems in elementary school, and never did stop doing that. I wish I had kept everything I wrote, but a lot of it got thrown out when I was a teenager.

M: I don’t remember the pad and pencil in church but I can relate to the poems in school. I bet your work would be interesting for you to look back on.

Would you say you write from experiences or imagination?

Cheryl: I think my stories are purely from imagination, but my characters and settings are drawn on experience and upon people and places I’ve known in my life. (I should say, all except my truly “evil” characters, the villains, and those are mainly due to an overactive imagination.)

M: HA! I’m glad you only have to imagine those villains and that they are not anyone you have experienced.

Did you need any help staying motivated or getting any element of your stories to cooperate?

Cheryl: No, usually not. Although, as with most writers, some stories “write themselves” and others can be a bit more difficult to bring to fruition. I’m a “pantser” so I tend not to do much if any plotting at all, but my stories always take shape as I hoped they would and come about to a satisfactory ending.

M: It must be great when the story writes itself! I’m sure that sounds lots easier than it is!

With this new release how many books will you have out? What genres are they and do you have plans to write in any other genres?

Cheryl: Time Plains Drifter, to be released December 1 through Class Act Books, will be my second novel. It is my first time-travel/paranormal, and it takes place for the most part in 1895 in Indian Territory, although I truly wouldn’t classify it as a “western romance.”

My first book, Fire Eyes, was a western romance through and through. It was released in May through The Wild Rose Press.

I have a contemporary romantic suspense novel, Sweet Danger, coming out with The Wild Rose Press, but have no release date set as of yet. Hopefully sometime this next year.

And I’ve sold many short stories of all different genres to anthologies such as Chicken Soup and the Adams Media Rocking Chair Reader series.

M: I noticed those anthologies on your website and wondered about those. I’ll look forward to your suspense novel.

How about your Christmas short story? Is that contemporary?

Cheryl:  No, it’s another historical western, and one of the best things I’ve written, as far as I’m concerned. It’s got a touch of the paranormal in it—a miracle that happens on Christmas Eve—and that’s where the title came from, A NIGHT FOR MIRACLES. It will be available through The Wild Rose Press December 2, for $2.00. To read the blurb about the story and see if it might be something you’d like, go to:
A Night for Miracles

After December 2, you can link to my author page at The Wild Rose Press to purchase A NIGHT FOR MIRACLES, as well as my other stories and books that are already available with The Wild Rose Press. (Fire Eyes and my FREE READ, Until the Last Star Burns Out, are already available at my author page here.) UNTIL THE LAST STAR BURNS OUT is FREE and is also an historical holiday short story.

Please join us tomorrow November 19, 2009 with Sumana at I READ for Part Two – Questions about the Promoting Process.

Don't forget to comment here and on each event for extra entries but make sure that you enter the GIVEAWAY AT THIS LINK!

Review - FIRE EYES by Cheryl Pierson

Title:    Fire Eyes
Author:  Cheryl Pierson
Genre:  Historical Western
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link
ISBN:  1-60154-470-7
Heat Rating: Hot (per TWRP)
Author Website:  Cheryl Pierson



Rating:  4.25 of 5.0


Blurb:  Beaten and wounded by a band of sadistic renegades that rules the borderlands of Indian Territory, U.S. Marshal Kaed Turner understands what the inevitable outcome will be for him: death. But Fate and a war party of Choctaw Indians intervene, delivering him instead to a beautiful angel with the skill to heal him. Jessica Monroe has already lost a husband and a brother to the outlaws who tortured Marshal Turner. As the rugged lawman lies bleeding on her bed, she faces a difficult decision. Can she afford to gamble with her heart one last time? For when Kaed recovers, he is sworn to join the other Territorial Peace Officers in their battle to wipe out the renegade gang once and for all. When vengeance is done, will Kaed keep riding? Or will he return to claim his future with the beautiful woman the Choctaw call "Fire Eyes?"

Review:  This story jumps into the heat of action and moves into a very strong romance!

Jessica is a really lovely character.  She has suffered but is brave, compassionate, patient and willing to help others.  The Choctaws call her “Fire Eyes” for the strength of determination and courage they see in her eyes!  She may be inwardly frightened of the Indians, but she is not going to show her fear but instead stands with her chin up and her eyes blazing.  Now they have brought this very handsome, independent and nearly dead Marshall Kaed to her, expecting her to keep him alive. She wants to heal him but doesn't want to lose her heart to a man she knows will leave.

Kaed is rugged, smart and determined to get the bad guys.  He was partially raised by the Choctaws so he knows them as family and friends.  But he doesn’t fit in their world any more than he fits in the world of the settled and refined Whiteman.  Kaed is an independent roamer, not the type to settle down.  Having to stay for some time to heal with a beautiful angel and a sweet baby girl puts some dangerous thoughts in his head.  He doesn’t want to commit to staying but he sure finds Jessica hard to resist and what will happen to her if he leaves?

I really like the background that the author blends into the story to show us the history and nature of the characters.  I had a good understanding of the actions of the characters because I learned a bit of what makes them tick.  This applies to the very nasty villain, Fallon, the other Marshals and even Standing Bear, the Choctaw chief who is Kaed’s Indian “father.”

The story jumps right into some strong action.  Then there is the touching development of the relationship between Jessi and Kaed that gives us a lot of the character background.  The story returns to the marshals trying to save two more young girls kidnapped by Fallon and his Brigade.  The plot is action filled with good guys chasing the bad guys and loved ones in danger!

There is some rough language which fits with the rough cowboys and some time period appropriate violence.  The love making is steamy but very loving.  The true story here for me is how the hero and heroine need each other and how Kaed, particularly, reaches his decision to commit!  A very enjoyable read.  (And a beautiful cover too!)

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway for Ms. Pierson's books and comment here for an extra entry!

Monday's Mailbox November 16, 2009

This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page    

I got in some great books the last two weeks!

Thank You to Isalys and Vanessa at Book Soulmates where I won 
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell.

I attended an Author Chat with Denyse Bridger at the Long and Short Romance Review Yahoo Group and won a download of Hidden in The Mist.  Thank you LaSR and Denyse!

LaSR has chats on Wednesdays hosted by very gracious author Pauline Baird Jones and there is always a winner from the chat.

I also won from the LaSR chat a choice of books or download.

I received a download of  Don't Fence Me In by Marianne Arkins.

 

Thank you Pauline and
Marianne and Judy at LASR.

I commented on an interview with author Nicola Cornick at The Good Bad and the Unread and won THREE books - The Brides of Fortune Trilogy!!!  THANK YOU TGTBTU and Nicola!!
[I have to go buy the Prequel!]

Nicola sent a very nice note on a postcard with a gorgeous setting of Tomermoy, Scotland.  I was going to include a pic of that but I can't get my color scanner to work right now!