MBS- 2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge Completed

The Challenge requires 1 book per letter of the Alphabet. That I completed.

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge

Hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book

Check rules and sign up HERE.

It’s an alphabet challenge!!! The challenge is to read one book that has a title starting with every letter of the alphabet.
You can drop the A’s and The’s from the book titles as shown below. For those pesky Q, X AND Z titles the word with the challenge letter can be anywhere in the title.

However, I was working this 2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge in expanded mode.
I was trying to fill the Alphabet with TBR books, ebook and audio if possible, as well as new books.
(A for audio; E for ebook; P for print; TE for Tour; AE for author ebook).
Books 1 and 2  will be TBRs: 1 = print or ebook and 2 = audio/Audible. 
Books 3 and 4 will be; new books: 3 = NG (NetGalley), TE (tour ebook) or AE (author ebook) or P (print).
4 = new audio/Audible titles. A ABB (Audiobook Boom); A ABJ (Audiobook Jukebox); A (Audible).
Summary of 2016 Completion:

I was able to listen to an Audio TBR for all but five letters: N, Q, X, Y and Z. (I could have done N but lost track.)
I missed six letters for ebook or print TBR which was really a failure to plan since I have so many books to choose from! I had even covered Q, X, Y and Z and still missed six.
I only missed new ebook/print titles by five: O, S, X, Y and Z.
I missed new audio titles by eight: J, K, Q, V, W, X, Y and Z.

I think I will try again for a full 4 slate in 2017.
I already have TBR audio titles for all letters lined up of 2017.
I can easily cover ebook/print TBRs if I plan properly for 2017 - I may have to list them.
I think if I pay attention to pick up new titles where needed I could fill the letters with new titles too. Maybe all but Q, X, Y and Z - but I can try!

Title (author to be added if not in yet) and to be linked to review when posted.
A1. (P/E TBR) Arena by Karen Hancock
A2. (A TBR) A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1) by Deanna Rayborrn
A3. (NG) Admiral (An Evagardian Novel) by Sean Danker
A4. (A 2016) Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck
B1. (NG TBR) Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1) by Marcus Sakey (Rec'd Dec 2015);
B2. (A ABJ TBR) Buster the Military Dog by Will Barrow (Rec'd Dec 2015)
B3. (TE) Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley
B4. (A Narrator) Bad Deeds by Robert Bidinotto
C1. (NG TBR) Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley by W.E. Lawrence (Rec'd Dec 2015)
C2. (A TBR) Classic Love Poems
C3. (TE) City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold
C4. (A ABB) The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz
D1. (NG-TBR) The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9) by Darynda Jones (Rec'd Dec 2015)
D2. (A TBR) Daemon by Daniel Suarez
D3. (NG) Dear Emma by Katie Heaney
D4. (A ABB) Defects: The Reverians by Sara Noffke
E1. (TE TBR) Emmy Nation Undercover Suffragette (Rec'd Dec 2015 for iRead BookTour)
E2. (A TBR) The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, #1) (Abridged) by Robert Jordan; Mark Rolston Narrator
E3. (NG) Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake (Rec'd Dec 2015)
E4. (A 2016) Enforcing Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 6 by A. American
F1. (E-Author TBR) The Feral Sentence: Part One by G. C. Julien
F2. (A TBR) For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger (Audible 12/15)
F3. (E) First Fruits by Brad Duncan
F4. (A ABJ) Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave
G1.
G2. (A TBR) Grave Surprise: Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 2 by Charlaine Harris
G3. (E) Guardian of Paradise by W. E. Lawrence
G4. (A ABB) Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault
H1.
H2. (A TBR) Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips;
H3. (NG) Hold Your Breath (Search and Rescue) by Katie Ruggle
H4. (A ABJ) Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel by S. H. Jucha
I1. (NG TBR) Inquisitor by Mitchell Hogan (Rec'd Dec 2015)
I2. (A TBR) In the Event of My Death by Michele Hauf (Goodreads Author), Debbie Irwin (Narrator)
I3. (T) Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens
I4. (A) In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale by Robert McCallum
J1. (NG TBR) Jessica’s Christmas Kiss by Alison May (Rec'd in Dec 2015)
J2. (A TBR) (The) Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure by Brian D. Anderson
J3. (TE) Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3 by Barbara Venkataraman
J4.
K1.
K2. (A TBR) Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
K3. (NG) Keepsake for Eagle Cove by M. L. Buchman
K4.
L1.
L2. (A TBR) Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde
L3. (NG) Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye
L4. (ABJ) Loreena's Gift by Colleen M. Story
M1. (P TBR) Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (LBC purchased in Nov 2015)
M2. (A TBR) Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia
M3. (NG) Much Ado About Highlanders (The Scottish Relic Trilogy) by May McGoldrick
M4. (A ABB) Making Amends by Melinda Clayton
N1. (NG TBR) Night Study by Maria J. Snyder (Rec'd Nov 2015)
N2.
N3. (TE) Nobody But You (Cedar Ridge) by Jill Shalvis
N4. (A ABB) Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III
O1.
O2. (A TBR) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
O3.
O4. (A ABJ) Only Ever You by Rebecca Drake
P1.(NG TBR) (The) Path of the Bullet by MC Jacques (Rec'd Dec 2015)
P2. (A TBR) Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan (Audible free book 2015)
P3. (P LBC) Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent by Robin Parrish
P4. (A ABJ) Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette by Jeaniene Frost
Q1. (E TBR) Quiet As They Come by Angie Chau
Q2.
Q3. (E Author) Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection by Barbara Venkataraman
Q4.
R1.
R2. (A-TBR) Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb (Audible 12/15)
R3. (TE) Rarity from the Hollow by Robert Eggleton
R4. (A ABB) Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1, by Jay J. Falconer
S1. (NG TBR) Steamborn by Eric R. Asher (Received in Dec 2015)
S2. (A TBR) Straits of Hell by Taylor Anderson (Audible 11/2015)
S3.
S4. (A ABJ) Singular by David F. Porteous (ABJ Jan 2016)
T1. (P TBR) Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul (LBC Print purchased Nov 2015)
T2. (A TBR) To Live Forever by Jack Vance
T2. (A TBR) Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by Anthony Vicino (Rec'd from author Dec 2015)
T3. (TE) Those Who Walk in Darkness by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
T4. (ABB) Tarah Woodblade: The Bowl of Souls Book 6 by Trevor H. Cooley
U1. (E TBR) Unicorn Western by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant
U2. (A TBR) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Audible 2/15)
U3. (NG T) Ultimate Courage by Piper J. Drake
U4. (A Narrator) Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen
V1. (ETBR) A Very Holly Christmas by Sheila Roberts
V2. (A TBR) Variant by Robison Wells
V3. (E PBL) Violets in February by Clare Revell
V4.
W1. (NG TBR) What We Find by Robyn Carr (rec'd 12/2015)
W2. (A TBR) What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
W3. (NG) Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3) by Marcus Sakey
W4.
X1. (A TBR) X Minus One: Protective Mimicry (October 3, 1956) by Algis Budrys, Ernest Kinoy – adaptation (Audible 12/31/15)
Y1. (E TBR) The Yellow Line by Kitrin Haas
Z1. (E TBR) Zombies at the Door: Planning for the Inevitable by Charlie Pulsipher

Book Review: Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May

This is a charmingly, sweet little romance touched with Christmas magic.

Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3)

by Alison May

File Size: 2344 KB

Print Length: 148 pages

Publisher: Choc Lit (December 12, 2015)

ASIN: B0193VF2GI

Genre: Romance, Holiday

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Real Christmas miracles only ever happen in the movies – don’t they?

When Jessica was fifteen, she shared the perfect kiss with a mystery boy at a Christmas party. It might have only lasted a moment, and the boy might have disappeared shortly afterwards but, to Jessica, it was just a little bit magic.

Fourteen years later, and Jessica is faced with a less than magical Christmas after uncovering her husband’s secret affair. And, whilst she wouldn’t admit it, she sometimes finds herself thinking about that perfect Christmas kiss, back when her life still seemed full of hope and possibility.

But she never would have guessed that the boy she kissed in the kitchen all those years ago might still think about her too …

Review:
Jessica, aged fifteen, shared her first lovely kiss with a mysterious boy at a Christmas party. The moment helped Jessica believe in Christmas magic and years later she was married at Christmas. Unfortunately, within the first year of marriage she discovers that her long time beau, now husband, Patrick, has been unfaithful. He has promised the affair is over and they are about to celebrate Christmas with family when Jessica overhears her husband sweet talking to someone else on the phone. Stunned she bundles up, grabs a bottle of Bailey’s and heads out walking the city. Eventually she ends up at the flat of Cora, the young woman with whom Patrick had the summer affair.

Jessica is met at the door by a man who looks vaguely familiar. He tries to comfort her as Cora proclaims her innocence as she has witnesses that she wasn’t on the phone at the time of the conversation. Lucas, known to his friends and flat mates as Alan, is shocked to recognize the girl he kissed years before --- before his life crashed around him. Lucas has never forgotten the bright, sweet young girl he kissed on Christmas. He never really expected to get to see her again. His life has been wrapped up with hiding his true identity as he stays busy with his volunteer work and taking care of his injured, alcoholic father. Is it possible that he can become reacquainted with Jessica and broaden his isolated life?

The story is told in alternating views from Jessica to Lucas which helps keep it interesting and moving well. Their emotions are engaging, sweet and charming and I was rooting for them all through the book, even with the set-backs. The writing flows well making this an easy, quick read. I note that there are other “Christmas Kiss” stories by Ms. May involving some of the other characters in this book. I am guessing that they would each be as charming. I recommend this to romance readers who will enjoy the addition of Christmas magic in the story.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dare and “J” on Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul

Treat yourself to this delightful, magical read!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella
by Donita K. Paul

• File Size: 432 KB
• Print Length: 242 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)
• Sold by: Random House LLC
• ASIN: B003EI2EIQ

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.
This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Review:
Cora has accepted her lone life style having successfully removed herself from her negative family environment. She is preparing for Christmas with careful shopping, including a gift for the person whose name she selected at her work department. Her hunt for the right gifts has her stumbling upon a hidden shopping area on Sage Street and an unusual bookshop called Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s. While making her selections she is surprised when her boss’ boss, Simon Derrick, appears in the store. Cora arrives home and discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball in her bag and she isn’t sure what to make of it.

All the young women at work show some interest in Simon, their handsome co-worker, but he is totally oblivious to the women in the office. Simon is surprised to see Cora at an obscure bookstore, but he is pleased when she helps with a gift recommendation. Simon arrives home to his warm, loving family. He is prepared to read a story to his specially challenged sister, Sandy. When he discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball, Sandy declares her desire to go with him.

Cora and Simon keep bumping into each other and Cora agrees to give her ticket so Simon can take Sandy to the ball. The mysterious matchmakers at the bookstore and the antique costume store are set on making sure that Simon and Cora go to the old fashioned ball but they didn’t realize they would have to work so hard to get this off beat pair together.

We found this quickly moving story absolutely charming. Cora is no social butterfly and Simon is no playboy – far from it. They are loners who are good people who deserve to find loves of their own. Simon’s family members, especially Sandy, are lovely characters who add to the story with their warm personalities. The bookstore and costume dress crew are fun old men and ladies who have special skills at matchmaking. Their work with this pair will face a few challenges including Cora’s sister who makes an unexpected and unwelcome visit.

Although some might think it strange to include magical elements in a Christian story the author presents them as part of God’s ‘fantastical’ creation. It didn't bother me at all and the faith messages are sweet and simply shared.

All of the ladies in book club agreed that this was a delightful read. We are interested in trying other works by Ms. Paul. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light, fun romance with a touch of Godly magic.

This title was our Ladies Book Club in December. I had picked up inexpensive, irregular print copies for my friends and I was lucky to find the ebook on sale!

(If I can get a copy back from one of my ladies, I'll add a giveaway. Unfortunately the discounted prices are all gone.)

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge

Hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book

Check rules and sign up HERE.

It’s an alphabet challenge!!! The challenge is to read one book that has a title starting with every letter of the alphabet.
You can drop the A’s and The’s from the book titles as shown below. For those pesky Q, X AND Z titles the word with the challenge letter can be anywhere in the title.
I like to try to get the exact first letter and I was successful with that last year. We'll see how it goes this year.
I am also going to keep two lists this year. The primary one will be the main list - mostly TBRs I hope. The second list will be review titles, NetGalley and audios to see if I can complete the alphabet with those books too. :-)

Title (author to be added if not in yet), date acquired
A A Curious Beginning Audible 9/15
B
C Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer 2/14
D Destroyermen Audible 11/15
E
F For Honor We Stand Audible 12/15
G
H His Lady Mistress 2009; Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Audible 8/14
Heir of Novron: Riyria Revelations, Volume 3 by Michael J. Sullivan Audible 4/13
I
J
K
L Lost in a Good Book Audible 3/12
M Monster Hunter Audible 11/15
N
O Old Man's War by John Scalzi Audible 2/13
P Predator One 4/15
Q
R Reunion in Death Audible 12/15, Red Rising Audible 1/15
S Snowbound 2009
T Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul; Romance, Fantasy, Inspirational; my rating 4.5.

U Unbroken Audible 2/15
V
W
X  X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories; Vintage Sci Fi; my ratings 4.5, 4.25 and 4.25.

Y
Z


NetGalley and Review Titles:
A
B Brilliance (NG)
C Chakana (NG), City Of Gold (review tour 2/23)
D 
E Emmy Nation Undercover Suffragette (review tour 2/18)
F
G
H
I Immurement by Norma Hinkens (review before 2/20)
J Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May; Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
K
L
M
N Night Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder; Paranormal, Fantasy; my rating 5.0.
O
P Path of the Bullet (NG) Q R S Steamborn (NG)
T Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino; Sci Fi, Mystery; my rating 4.5.

U
V
W
X
Y
Z