Book Review: Codename Lazarus: The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead by A.P. Martin

This is an engrossing, and thought provoking, story of espionage during WWII.
Codename Lazarus: The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead
by A.P. Martin

File Size: 982 KB
Print Length: 365 pages
Publisher: Troubador (July 15, 2016)
ASIN: B01IKY3UD6
Genre: Espionage, WWII
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Spring 1938 and Great Britain is facing potentially lethal threats: the looming war with Germany; the fear that her Secret Service has been penetrated by Nazi agents and the existence of hundreds of British citizens, who are keen to pass information to her enemies.
John King, a young academic, is approached by his Oxbridge mentor to participate in a stunning deception that would frustrate Britain’s enemies. As King struggles to come to terms with the demands of his mission, he must learn to survive in a dangerous and lonely ‘no man's land’, whilst remaining one step ahead of those in hot pursuit.
Adapted from a true story, ‘Codename Lazarus’ takes the reader on a journey from the dark heart of Hitler’s Germany, across the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the horrors of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the London Blitz, before reaching a thrilling and decisive conclusion, from which none of those present emerges unscathed.

Review:
John King is a graduate student who is completing two years of research in Heidelberg, Germany. As he and friends gather to commemorate his last days in Germany in 1933, he is saddened that one of his best friends has joined the SS - the Schutzstaffel, paramilitary, surveillance forces under Hitler. His friend, Joachim Brandt, rejects John for socializing with other friends who are Jewish. Joachim becomes angry that John does not show proper deference or respect to Joachim’s new uniform and life choice. From this point on the lives of these young men are on different paths.

John helps two half-Jewish friends, Rachel and David, to leave Germany to find careers in Britain while being helped by John’s parents. He later finds their parents in need of rescue and tries to arrange to get them out of Germany to safety.

A few years after returning to Britain, John is asked to return to Germany under the guise of ‘security research’ interests, while observing what he can of German activities. This work expands as John is asked to fake his own death so that he can become an intelligence operative infiltrating the German intelligence network in Britain.

The story describes the covert training that John is given and the planning for his accidental death. It then moves to his experiences as he steps into the role of a German Abwehr agent leading several sympathizer cell groups. The story pace picks up in the last quarter. John’s former German friend, Brandt, who has been undercover in America, is reassigned to Britain. His activities set him on a collision course with John's world. David, the other friend whom John helped move to England, has become a cop tasked with investigating the meager leads to a cell leader known as “Lazarus”. David is pulled in to help find German infiltrators and his path weaves towards Brandt and John’s tense confrontation.

The history is interesting with strong detail of physical settings, as well as social and political sentiments. The author does a good job describing the devastation and fears, first at battle scenes at Dunkirk, and again during the German bombing of London and surrounding communities. The author also portrays the impressive strength and resilience of the British people. The detail makes this story very engaging, if a bit slower in pacing. There were a couple of awkward point of view shifts and stronger editing might have helped to move the story through better action. I was wrapped in the intense climax when the book abruptly ended, leaving me with several questions.

This is a worthwhile read, especially for history buffs interested in life-like details of the earlier years of WWII. I also found the portrayed thought processes of the German and Russian sympathizers interesting as it made me more aware how citizens could betray their country with justifications of different political ideologies, including fascism, communism and socialism.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, Mount TBR and “L” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

This is light, fun, sweet romance.

A Talent for Trouble (Ladies of Distinction Book #3)

by Jen Turano

File Size: 1360 KB
Print Length: 354 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)
ASIN: B00CIUJYZM
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?
Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.
Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

Review:
Felicia had convinced herself that she was to marry the local preacher. She conducted herself as 'piously' as she could for four years trying to gain his affections. When the preacher married someone else, Felicia had to rediscover who she truly was. According to her family and friends Felicia is a good person with an impulsive nature… and a talent for trouble.

Felicia’s friends coerce Grayson, Lord Sefton, to begin to escort her so that other men of society will see she is available. Grayson had a rebellious, wild youth that sent him off to China. After tragedy struck he returned home and learned to control himself to protect his young daughter.

Felicia was delivering food and clothing to some seedy parts of town when her pony refused to move. Next thing Felicia is helping an elderly man who stumbled on the sidewalk. She helped him into a nearby pub where no respectable young lady should go. Felicia strides into one inappropriate situation after another. Fortunately, Grayson seems to be following her and is able to extricate her from most of the troubles. But Grayson has a past that has followed him from China and Felicia has managed to insinuate herself in the midst of his troubles.

Grayson is attracted to the lively young woman but feels his past makes him unacceptable for someone as good as Felicia. Can these two find forgiveness and grace to accept their past and find a future with love?

This is light, easy and enjoyable reading. Once you get past the first couple of pages and Felicia’s true personality is released, she is a hoot! Grayson thinks he has done awful things, and perhaps he did. But underneath he is a good man and it takes Felicia’s acceptance and shared grief with his sister for Grayson to begin to believe there may be redemption. The faith messages are lightly woven in.

The ladies’ book club members enjoyed this author before and we agreed it is nice to pick up a reliable, easy read once in a while. We recommend this to readers who enjoy light, clean romance.

This was Ladies Book Club read for March. It qualifies for 2017 Mount TBR.

GIVEAWAY:

One (very gently read) PRINT COPY - US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) April 29, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 2/26/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring... by Vanita Oelschlager

This is a lovely way to share classic poetry with children.
Ivy in Bloom:
The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past
by Vanita Oelschlager (Author),
Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)

Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Vanita Books (April 1, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0980016277
Genre: Children, Poetry
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Ivy In Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. ""I stare out the window,"" she says on the first spread of brown and gray, ""looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing."" But then Spring comes when ""March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest."" And Ivy's ""heart dances with daffodils."" As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color. Ivy In Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

Review:
This lovely story opens with Ivy inside a somber room, frustrated by the gray smudge of winter. She is looking forward to the colors of spring! She goes out on a cold, cloudy March day and sees the signs of winter still around her. She is even anxious for puddles and finally April comes and “Spring arose from its wintry rest.” Ivy's world comes alive with color.

Somehow I thought there would be poems shared with whimsy illustrations. Rather than full poems, and more appropriately for children, there are one or two lines or phrases enhanced with delightful illustrations. The lines are familiar and some I knew the poet. (Several of the poets are mentioned in the blurb.) Thankfully, at the back of the book the poems and poets are shared with the line from Ivy’s world highlighted. This makes the book a fun way to share classic poetry with younger children.

The fully illustrated pages are wonderful – not overly complex but full of energy and fitting to the text. Most of the poetry lines blend smoothly although one or two seemed a bit forced. Still, it is a delightful experience and learning tool. I look forward to sharing this with my granddaughters. I recommend this to others who would like to share the joy of poetry with children.

I think late winter and early spring is a good time to read this.
I received this from NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "I" for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better by Dave Eggers

This is an introduction to the book The Circle which will be released as a movie this month.
We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better
Written by: Dave Eggers
Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-27-13
Publisher: The New York Times
Genre: Fiction, Preview
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A million people, a billion, wanted to be where Mae was at this moment, entering this atrium, 30 feet high and shot through with California light, on her first day working for the only company that really mattered at all.
A story from The New York Times Magazine, adapted from The Circle, a new novel by Dave Eggers.
Listen to the rest of The Circle and listen to more from The New York Times.
©2013 The New York Times Company (P)2013 The New York Times Company

Review:
Mae, with the help of a friend, got invited to interview for a job at the prestigious company known as The Circle. She is thrilled to get the position and is promptly pulled into training. She is provided with the latest technology phone and tablet and a helpful coworker immediately sets them up so that everything is interactive with the company. As a new employee she is soon provided with clothes, shown all the onsite store and facilities that are available, and introduced to her onsite lodgings, so she doesn’t have to go home for anything.

Although she picks the work up quickly, at the end of the week she is approached by some of her ‘support group’ who express concerns about her lack of socializing with her “team”. She changes her online socializing to spend hours online to increase her socializing ratings.

I didn’t realize as I listened to this that it is just the introduction to the full novel. The author quickly sets the stage for a creepy situation where Mae’s life is immersed in, and manipulated by, The Circle. This clearly raises issues of giving up control and privacy. I found the premise interesting and am curious to know where the story goes and what creates the suspense/thriller elements. On the other hand, I was not so pulled in that I wanted to push through over 500 pages. There was some unnecessary bad language liberally used by Mae’s friend. I liked getting a glimpse of the setting and Mae’s character. I will be waiting for the movie.

Audio Notes: Dion Graham's narration fits well with the high tech sort of energy of the story. He reads at a quick, sharp pace that captures the 20 something excitement of the protagonist. He manages to capture the variety of male and female voices with youthful enthusiasm. The narration is definitely a good fit for the book.

This was from my Audible TBR shelves (2013). It qualifies for 2017 Audiobook and Mount TBR Challenges.

Book Review: Ashes by Steven Manchester

This is a fascinating view of family issues and, more importantly, life choices.
Ashes
by Steven Manchester

File Size: 5134 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (February 21, 2017)
ASIN: B01NBWB1FT
Genre: Family Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Please see the Book Feature and Giveaway Post for more information about the author and a chance to win this book.

Middle-aged brothers Jason and Tom Prendergast thought they were completely done with each other. Perceived betrayal had burned the bridge between them, tossing them into the icy river of estrangement. But life – and death – has a robust sense of irony, and when they learn that their cruel father has died and made his final request that they travel together across the country to spread his ashes, they have no choice but to spend a long, long car trip in each other's company. It's either that or lose out on the contents of the envelope he's left with his lawyer. The trip will be as gut-wrenching as each expects it to be . . . and revealing in ways neither of them is prepared for.
At turns humorous, biting, poignant, and surprisingly tender, ASHES puts a new spin on family and dysfunction with a story that is at once fresh and timelessly universal.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER, 2017 LOS ANGELES BOOK FESTIVAL
WINNER, GENERAL FICTION, GREAT NORTHWEST BOOK FESTIVAL

Review:
Jason and Tom Prendergast are brothers who don’t see that they have much in common except an abusive father whom they both consider an SOB. Their father, who raised the boys, has died and left a letter for them that they can only claim if they join together to take his ashes across country. They must provide picture proof to the attorney to be entitled to open the letter. Both men are reluctant as they are middle aged men who have been estranged for years – once by a childhood betrayal which was compounded by an adult betrayal. Yet their curiosity compels them to proceed.

Jason is a tough prison guard who takes no guff from anyone. Tom is a college professor who appears to have a meek, passive-aggressive nature. Although neither brother is initially very likeable, the author uses the road trip to reveal the depths of the characters, their emotional barriers and vulnerabilities; their dreams and disappointments in life. The men have matured through different career paths but they discover that each has strengths the other doesn’t have and they have a common tie in their love and caring for their children.

Family drama is not my usual book selection. (As a former divorce attorney, I have seen my fair share of dysfunctional families.) I selected this story for review because I was curious to see how the author dealt with the theme. Kudos to Steven Manchester as he made this drama engaging and relatable.

I was impressed how Mr. Manchester slowly showed the brothers their common core and their unique strengths. I was fascinated by the many issues that were subtly addressed through the journey: police profiling, truckers, child custody, volunteering to help others, relational religion versus liturgical religion, the meaning of honor in life and the most important legacies of life.

There is a good bit of gritty language and a few crude scenes – both not my favorite reading. On the other hand, there is wonderful phrasing and an excellent portrayal of lives that may hit close to home for many. I’m not sure if it is too much of a spoiler but I feel compelled to share one lesson that I loved that was expressed in this story. The brothers discover, as they share their memories and current situations, that we make the choices how to live our lives despite our parents, spouses or careers. We can choose to do right or wrong and we can choose to be angry and bitter or move on and find our own happiness.

I like that the characters surprised me at times. The end of the journey and its aftermath have an emotional surprise and impact. I recommend this to readers who do enjoy family drama and especially to readers who might have estranged family members. This story provides a perspective that is worth reading.

I received this from the author and Providence Book Promotions in December 2016. It qualifies for 2017 NetGalley, Mount TBR and “A” in 2017 Alphabet Soup Challenges.

Another book I enjoyed by Mr. Manchester: The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit.

Book Review: Glenfiddich Inn by Alan Geik

The history in this story is fascinating.
Glenfiddich Inn
by Alan Geik

File Size: 922 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0692345655
Publisher: Sonador Publishing (December 11, 2014)
ASIN: B00QXE80GI
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

One hundred years ago August 1915, the Great War was beginning its second year. Nobody thought the initial battles would last long-and yet it soon evolved into the most devastating, horrific war known to man. It would continue in its senseless brutality for two more years—ultimately dragging the United States into it.
It’s America in 1915—
The still distant Great War in Europe creates unexpected opportunities for the Morrison and Townsend families in Boston while, at the same time, they watch with dread as the ferocious conflict reaches across the ocean.
William Morrison’s boss, the bank president Joe Finnerty, is also a relentless con man. Whether it’s elaborate stock frauds, war profiteering or just dipping into a widow’s trust account—Finnerty’s ever-cheery amorality both captivates and repels William.
William’s wife, Margaret is also captivated—but for her it is with wireless voice transmissions. It’s called “radio,” and while she is certain it will soon transmit a voice, even music, for as much as several miles, she is dismayed by its use on the battlefields of Europe.
Margaret’s sportswriter brother Byron Townsend covers the Boston Red Sox and its simpleton teenage sensation, Babe Ruth. He believes the World War will be the defining event of his generation and he intends to go to the front lines as a journalist.
Byron’s wife, Helen, shares Margaret’s passion for radio. They form a strong bond in their quest for independence—a bond that will be severely tested by love affairs and patriotism.
But after a German torpedo sinks the ocean liner, the RMS Lusitania, no one’s life will ever be the same again.

Review:
William Morrison, is a bank employee of an ‘Irish’ con man who is very like a mobster without the mob. William was raised by his aunt and uncle who owned a struggling inn – the Glenfiddich Inn. Although his childhood was a struggle, William was lucky in love, snagging the hand of the lovely (and sexually mischievous) Margaret Townsend. Margaret is the daughter of wealthy news mogul George Townsend. Margaret’s brother, Byron, is a sportswriter who gets to see the Boston Red Sox, and its crude sensation, Babe Ruth, up close. Byron is fed up with the routine and shallowness of sports reporting and longs to be a foreign correspondent on the frontlines of the World War.

Although women are not yet prevalent in the work field, Margaret and her sister-in-law, Helen, become involved with the birth of the radio. The women are convinced that the radio will change the picture of news reporting. This would be true if the government would allow it to be used by the public. Instead, when the United States gets pulled into “the great war’, the government takes control of the radio technology for its own use.

This story follows the Morrison and Townsend family members as they struggle through a depressed economy, corruption, censorship, emerging technology, burgeoning feminism, political unrest and the plague. At times I felt the story was disjointed but this was because the author moved among the threads following the escapades of the four main characters while weaving in the interaction and impact of the extended family.

The blurb notes that William was ‘both captivated and repelled’ by his boss’s amorality. Similarly, I was fascinated and repelled by this frank microcosm of life in Northeast America (New York and Boston) 1915 - 1919. I didn’t care for the foul language and the casual adultery even though it seemed to fit the characters and is probably more realistic than I would like. I have not read much about WWI and I was captivated by the historical details. The author reveals strong research through characters used to show ‘first hand’ views of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, the emergence of the radio, German attacks along the eastern shore and the insidious censorship of the war news that extended even to the rapidly spreading, deadly flu pandemic.

Family drama is not a genre that I seek out but every once in a while I fall into one because of other elements. In this story it was the historical details that caught and kept my interest. The characters are rather shallow but developed sufficiently for the storyline. The writing style and language fit the historic period from the outset, making me feel as if I was watching a vintage movie. I would recommend this to readers who like strong historical detail.

I received this ebook from the author in 2016. It qualifies for my 2017 Mount TBR Challenge and "G" on 2017 Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: The Blue Hour by Isabelle Simler

This is a delightful, visual view of nature.

The Blue Hour
by Isabelle Simler

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Hardcover: 42 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(February 20, 2017)
ISBN-13: 978-0802854889
Genre: Children, Nature
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

A lovely and tranquil celebration of nature
The sun has set, the day has ended, but the night hasn't quite arrived yet. This magical twilight is known as the blue hour. Everything in nature—sky, water, flowers, birds, foxes—comes together in a symphony of blue to celebrate the merging of night and day.
With its soothing text and radiant artwork, this elegant picture book displays the majesty of nature and reminds readers that beauty is fleeting but also worth savoring.

Review:
The ‘blue hour’ is that twilight time when sun has gone down but the dark of night has not yet arrived. The sky, the water, the fauna, animals and birds shine out softly, in all sorts of glorious blues. The images are beautiful and I really loved how the creatures are located on the final pages in their native countries. The only problem I had was that the text was very small to read, even on my computer. I was glad that my granddaughters were reading with me as the eight-year-old was able to read the story for us.

This is very lovely. I do recommend this as a wonderful, delightful book to share with young… and old.

I received this book through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and Mount TBR Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Linesman by S. K. Dunstall

I really like the characters and the unique storyline in this. I’m ready to listen to more.

Linesman
Written by: S. K. Dunstall
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-15
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
First in a brand-new, thought-provoking space opera series.
The lines. No ship can traverse the void without them. Only linesmen can work with them. But only Ean Lambert hears their song. And everyone thinks he's crazy.... Most slum kids never go far, certainly not becoming a level 10 linesman like Ean. Even if he's part of a small and unethical cartel, and the other linesmen disdain his self-taught methods, he's certified and working. Then a mysterious alien ship is discovered at the edges of the galaxy. Each of the major galactic powers is desperate to be the first to uncover the ship's secrets, but all they've learned is that it has the familiar lines of energy and a defense system that, once triggered, annihilates everything in a 200 kilometer radius. The vessel threatens any linesman who dares to approach it, except Ean. His unique talents may be the key to understanding this alarming new force and forever reconfiguring the relationship between humans and the ships that serve them.
©2015 S.K. Dunstall (P)2015 Recorded Books

Review:
Ean Lambert is a linesman but his skills are different than most linesmen. Lines are paths of energy which serve specific purposes on space ships. Lower lines (1 through 5) control more basic systems not needed for space travel, and these are on planets too. The technology is not completely understood and no one yet knows the purpose of lines 7 and 8. Most linesmen have a special extra sensory perception and have been taught to manipulate the lines by pushing them into place to keep them working properly. The linesmen are certified at the highest level, 1-10, that they can manipulate.

Ean’s contract is with one of the least respected cartels but Ean was glad to sign on for the training and the chance to become a linesman. His boss did manage to get him certified as a Level 10, although it was all a bit unorthodox because Ean doesn’t manipulate the lines like the others. He hears the songs of the lines and sings to them – and they respond. Ean doesn’t get the respect the other high linesmen get, but while other 10s were out at the ‘confluence’ trying to learn the secrets of an alien ship, Ean has been busy fixing lines on many ships and gaining a reputation as a reliable, if strange, linesman.

Ean’s life is suddenly changed when his contract is bought by an angry woman from the Lancastrian Princess. Ean was raised in the slums of Lancia so he doesn’t have warm feelings towards their rulers. The crew doesn’t welcome him warmly, although the lines do. Slowly the crew, especially the ship’s owner, Michelle, her high-ranking bodyguard, Abram, and eventually the ship’s captain, Helmo, begin to appreciate Ean’s unique talents. When they realize that Ean can communicate with the mysterious alien ship, he quickly becomes their secret weapon. He discovers line 11 on the alien ship, learns the purposes of the other lines and realizes that he can use the lines collectively. Which is a big help when enemies first try to attack the alien ship and then try to kidnap Ean.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Ean and the lines. (I suppose some might relate if they have a car or other object they pat and croon too.) The story is told in third person primarily focused on Ean but rotating to other characters too. One of these is Jordan Rossi, an arrogant, rival Level 10 who thinks Ean is crazy and dangerous. Ean is assigned his own bodyguard, Radko, and I like her no nonsense attitude. There is political intrigue that Ean becomes entangled in even though he doesn’t fully understand it all.

The story is full of strong, likeable characters and has a fresh storyline full of action and intrigue. The writing flows well; mostly at a quick pace. When I had to turn it off, I was anxious to get back to listen to more. This book has an appropriate ending but there is clearly more for the next book and I look forward to continuing the adventure.

Audio Notes: Brian Hutchison does a wonderful job with the narration. He gives each character their unique personality, flair and emotions, and his narration flows so well that you aren’t conscious of the reading. There are a few slower points in the story and he manages to maintain a good flow even through those. The narration definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this story and I highly recommend this in audio format.

This book is from my Audible Library (September 2016). It qualifies for my 2017 Audio, Mount TBR and “L” in Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: From London with Love: Rebellious Brides by Diana Quincy

This is quite a nice historical romance.
From London with Love: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy

File Size: 5089 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Publisher: Loveswept (February 7, 2017)
ASIN: B01GYPPMLG
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

With wedding bells ringing and a killer stalking from the shadows, a former British spy makes up for lost time with the one that got away in this thrilling Regency romance from the author of Spy Fall and License to Wed.
Emilia St. George is moments away from marrying the admired grandson of a duke when the man who once jilted her decides to kidnap her at the altar. It’s the second time in five years Hamilton Sparrow has ruined her wedding day, and Emilia isn’t about to forgive him. The mere sight of her ex-fiancé revives painful memories—and, most regrettably, aching desires that refuse to be ignored.
Scanning the guests at Emilia’s wedding, Sparrow spots a familiar face: an assassin he recognizes from his days as a spy in France. Whisking Emilia away, he’s pleasantly surprised by her newly formed curves. Could this be the same flame-haired slip of a girl once promised to Sparrow? And does the fop she still insists on marrying realize what a prize she is? True, Sparrow left Emilia at the altar. But he’s afraid that the only way to right that particular wrong is to risk the one thing he’s always guarded: his heart.

Review:
Emilia is about to marry the grandson of a duke when she is swept out of the church by Hamilton Sparrow, the man who jilted her five years before. Emilia is still hurt by Hamilton’s abandonment and she doesn’t understand why he has to ruin her second wedding even if he claims that she is the target of an assassin. The fact that a bullet flies by their heads as they flee does give some strength to Sparrow’s pronouncement.

Hamilton snatched Emilia after he spotted an assassin who he recognized from his spy activities. He was quick to react and once he finds himself protecting Emilia he feels he must solve the mystery of why she is a target. Hamilton thought he had a good reason to leave Emilia behind five years earlier, but the more time he spends with her the more he thinks that he made a mistake. Yet he loved a woman once who betrayed his trust. He doesn't plan to let that happen again.

There are several potential suspects who might want her dead, even her fiancé, although he would do better if they were married first. Ms. Quincy does a good job blending the danger and mystery with the growing relationship between Hamilton and Emilia which is warm and lovely. The characters are nicely developed and make the story more engaging. There is some fun banter but also some rather base descriptions. The couple of sexual encounters are on the visual side but still tastefully done.

The story moves quickly and I enjoyed the twists and turns that complement the romance. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance with a mix of mystery, and sweet, sexy romance.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and TBR Challenges.

Book Review: Dawn Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

This is a wonderful continuation and conclusion to a great series!

Dawn Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

File Size: 2483 KB
Print Length: 480 pages
Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2017)
ASIN: B01HB7N984
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

Review:
Pregnant Yelena and Valek are struggling to find allies to help fight the Cartel headed by Bane. The Cartel have drugged the masses of magicians and Sitians, even the Sitian army, so they believe Bane’s lies that the Commander from Ixia is planning to attack. As if that isn’t enough to worry about, Yelena needs to stay hidden as the Mosquito and other assassins have been sent to kill her. Valek sneaks out to try to remove the Mosquito only to face his own assassination attack from Onora, who has taken Valek's place as the Commander's top assassin.

Yelena and Valek have relied on help and sanctuary from Fisk and his ‘guild’ of street informers. But Fisk and his young people become targets for the enemy too. Meanwhile, Yelena’s brother Leif, his wife Mara, and Yelena’s and Leif’s father, Esau, are sure that there is a specialty plant that Bane is planning to use to further his plans for control. Before they can get to the city they are surrounded and Leif is the only one to escape.

Ari and Janco have been off on a separate mission and they have uncovered news that will be helpful if they can get it safely to Yelena and Valek. They are all too ready to jump back into the thick of things even as the allies face one dangerous situation after another. It seems almost everyone is going to risk a turn at capture and several clever rescues are required before the group can put the big rescue plan in action.

It was a joy to have all the characters, including Valek’s siblings, share in the grand scheme to save Sitia. I loved having Kiki and the other horses as active characters even if Yelena couldn’t talk to Kiki because the baby was blocking her magic. The interaction and banter among the friends – an extended family – is delightful. I liked that the love and chemistry between Yelena and Valek is clearly shared without the need for graphic scenes. I was very much impressed with how well all the details were carried forward from the earlier books and wrapped up nicely.

This has been a wonderful series and, although I was pleased with the skill of this final installment, I am sorry to see the series close. It almost makes me want to go back to the beginning and start again!

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and TBR Challenges.

Book Review and Giveaway: All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life

This is an inspiring and challenging book to help reshape and refocus the path of followers of Christ.
All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life
by Mark Batterson

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Reprint edition (January 20, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0310341825
Genre:Spiritual Growth, Spirituality
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

From the blurb:
The Gospel costs nothing. You can’t earn it or buy it. It can only be received as a free gift which is compliments of God’s grace. It doesn’t cost anything, but it demands everything. It demands that we go “all in,” putting all that we have into God’s hands. And that’s where we get stuck―in spiritual no man's land. We’re afraid that if we go all in that we might miss out on what this life has to offer. It’s not true.

The only thing you’ll miss out on is everything God has to offer. And the good news is this: if you don't hold out on God, God won't hold out on you. Readers will find Batterson’s writing filled with his customary vivid, contemporary illustrations as well as biblical characters like Shamgar and Elisha and Jonathan and . . . Judas.

No one has ever sacrificed anything for God. If you always get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all? The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice. At the end of the day, our greatest regret will be whatever we didn’t give back to God. What we didn’t push back across the table to Him. Eternity will reveal that holding out is losing out.

The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.

Batterson writes, “For many years, I thought I was following Jesus. I wasn’t. I had invited Jesus to follow me. I call it inverted Christianity. And it’s a subtle form of selfishness that masquerades as spirituality. That’s when I sold out and bought in. When did we start believing that the gospel is an insurance plan? It’s a daring plan. Jesus did not die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.”

Review:
I suspected this would be an inspiring book to start the year and I was right. The author challenges the followers of Christ to go “all in”; to take a leap of faith; to make a decision to surrender everything and trust in God’s will and direction. In the very first section the author raises the question “Who’s Following Who”? The author observes that many Christians make their plans and expect God to follow when we should be seeking God’s plan so we can follow Him.

I think this challenge would be awesome and wonderful if put into practice at a young age; certainly before we choose a course of study, a career path, a mate for life. Sadly, that doesn’t happen so much. We have all made mistakes, seeking our own selfish desires, rather than waiting for God to lead, open doors or deliver the right mate. As Batterson notes, we are taught a fierce individual independence which is inconsistent with surrendering to our God. Fortunately, Batterson reminds the reader at the end that “God wants to do amazing things” and He can do them through us if we allow Him to.

It is not simple though to always know God’s Will. I fear that some people might read this book and be discouraged or feel guilty, although I am sure that Mr. Batterson does not intend that reaction. Rather he hopes to elicit a conviction… as he says, a decision.

If all believers truly commit to the complete message of Mr. Batterson’s book then we all might become like Mother Teresa. Even the author doesn’t live such a live and I don’t see that as the calling for each of us. However I do agree that we need to commit our lives to God and trust Him in ALL things. To me it means living a life of integrity and doing the very best job where I have been planted and sharing His love and the good news of His salvation. This determination has grown stronger in my life as I have grown in my understanding of God’s Word. It has been strengthened by the personal times I have experienced God’s hand in my life -- protecting me, blessing me (and my family) and delivering us from troubles, financially, physically and emotionally.

From beginning to end I made notes in this book; I underlined and highlighted. It is a book that I will look at often to remind me of where I need to be; who I need to trust; who is in control. I know that I have failed to respond to God’s nudging at times and I think the challenge and encouragement from this book will help me to focus and respond more readily.

Some people reading this book might make a major change in their lives. Others, myself included, see in it a recognition that we can do better in our daily lives. It is not always about doing a big thing, but it is always about doing even small things well and for the right reason – all to the glory of God. All of the ladies in book club agreed that this book motivates us to think differently and change, even if in small ways.

This was our Ladies Book Club choice to start the year and my pick for First Book. When I started reading I knew I could not just speed through it like I do with fiction. 
This qualifies for my TBR challenge and “A” in Alphabet Challenge.

I always try to buy an extra copy of my Ladies' Book Club books so I'll have one for giveaway. This time I had given all of the books out but one person gave it back after reading so I have a gently read copy for giveaway plus I will add an eBook copy for international giveaway!

GIVEAWAY:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY - US Only

Kindle ebook - International Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US for Print Copy; all others for Kindle eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) February 25, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 2/26/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series

This is a wonderful collection of classic sci fi short stories where, as the intro to the weekly show states: "you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds."
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

• Length: 20 hrs and 5 mins
• Radio/TV Program
• Release Date:02-04-13
• Publisher: BN Publishing
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
This audio book consists of stories originally broadcast on radio in 1955. The dramas are very engaging and I enjoyed the voice production and background sounds. Each story runs about 25 minutes so they are great for little snippets although the introduction and ending credits for each one become a little annoying. I could just picture an older generation sitting in front of the radio listening.

My favorite was Heinlein's “The Green Hills of Earth” which tells the tale of a space mechanic who protects the ship when automation fails. He becomes a beloved space “sailor” traveling along the freight lines and writing songs to sing on his guitar. A very special song is about the green hill of his home planet.

Another one that I really liked was George Lefferts' "The Parade". A wealthy man asks a slick public relations man in New York to prepare a plan to announce “the Martians are Coming.” The PR man is thrilled to have the high paying job and thinks the ad plan is for a new spectacular movie. The campaign will culminate in a gala parade to introduce “the Martians” to the city.

The stories are classic sci fi with the twist of irony I have come to expect in science fiction. There is a bit of humor and a strong dose of creepy horror. I do think it is fun that some of the stories treat the 1970s or '90s as a future world. I recommend this to those who enjoy vintage sci fi and like the idea of the broadcast format.

Audio Notes: If you have ever listened to an old radio broadcast you know how they are presented with good actor voices and background stories, including music building to enhance the mystery and danger.

This is from my Audible library, picked up in 2016 and planned for Vintage Sci Fi. It qualifies for my 2017 TBR and Audio challenges and “X” in Alphabet Challenge.