It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 25, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family. I am glad to see she is reading and blogging a bit.


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 plan to take time Monday to remember our Service men and women and give thanks for all they do.
Can you believe it is almost the end of May?  My office is still busy. We have a massive State Data Call due June 1 that we have been working on and will upload this week.

My reading was good if not alot. I only finished two books, one ebook and one audio.   I posted three reviews (one with giveaway) and posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited early in the week but then had computer troubles again as well as being tired at night.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 18, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5. 

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Rafflecopter Ended 5/22/2015.

• Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 22, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 5/28/2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #204 Comment Giveaway 5/23/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 5/302015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 24, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Virgin River
Written by: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
This was an enjoyable listen.
I won't get this review posted until next week due to three scheduled blog tours this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle

Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
by Christi J. Whitney
This has unique elements and is an engaging story.
I will post the review on May 27 as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Sebastian Grey dreams of a girl. But when she turns up at school, Sebastian realises that this isn’t your average teenage fantasy.
Sebastian Grey always thought he was a fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in his foster brother’s tattoo shop.
But when strangers arrive in town, Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed. Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s been dreaming about turns up at school.
Now Sebastian must protect this girl at all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
I am about 25% in this and enjoying it.
I will post my review on May 29
as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?

The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.

Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.

2. eBook/Kindle

Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
I really enjoyed the first two books and am looking forward to this.
Review and Giveaway to post on May 30. I received this from Hachette/Forever.
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar-and achingly handsome-Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for . . .

3. Print

The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
I am now 3/4 of the way through this.
I am taking time to digest the information.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21
Written by: Stephanie Laurens
Narrated by: Matthew Brenher
I am enjoying the beginning of this story.
I selected this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
What happens when fate, love, and passion collide?
The number one New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of two lovers irrevocably linked by destiny and passion.
Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspects of his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention - not in the way Lucilla Cynster does, even though she lives miles away.
For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force him to return to the countryside - only to discover that his uncle, the laird, is ailing, a clan family is desperately ill, and the clan healer is unconscious and dying. Duty to the clan leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from the last woman he wants to face.
Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting - increasingly impatient - for Thomas to return and claim his rightful place by her side. She knows he is hers - her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. And, at last, he's back. Even though his returning wasn't on her account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance fate hands her.
Thomas can never forget Lucilla, much less the connection that seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he's adamant he does not want.
Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitability of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs - one so much stronger than reason?
©2015 Savdek Management Proprietary Limited (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle

FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I started this and then looked at my schedule and realized I needed to read books due for review so this is on hold till the end of the week.
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
Click on book title for full description.

5/3/15- I am up to date on Bible reading but not the daily Devotions. I am only reading those sporadically.
I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

May Scheduled -
No specific date: The Cancer Solution by Jack C. Westman
5/27/15 Tour Review Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
5/28/15 Tour Review The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato
5/30/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

I posted three reviews last week which still left two audios that I plan to post together. I also have three tour titles to post this week.
I still have have three NetGalley titles for tours, two of which will post this week, and two separate selections.  I hope to get to a TBR eBook again next week.

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received two review titles this week and one print win.
Of course I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.
Oops! I keep forgetting to include the SYNC YA Audiobooks - there are really great pairings!
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from the author for tour with Pump Up Your Book for Review 6/17:

The Ark
by Laura Liddell Nolen
There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

Received from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Written by: Rachelle J. Christensen
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
This looks like a fun Cozy Mystery
although it is described as Romantic Suspense..
"With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you listening long into the night."

Won

I won this title at a COYER Giveaway from Kristen at
The Book Monsters
The win was a choice of print book under $15.00
I am not sure where I saw this title but it caught my eye but it looked like a good Romantic Suspense.
DO NOT TELL ME NO (Intrepid Women Book 1)
by Kathryn Jane
Thank you Kristen!

Purchased

I resisted again this week. :-)

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015.

Dodger
by Terry Pratchett
Read by Stephen Briggs

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Read by Anton Lesser

Over the past week I added 42 free Kindle titles to my library - again I had a lot of the offered titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.