Audio Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terril

This is an engaging and fascinating time paradox tale.

All Our Yesterdays
by Cristin Terril
Narrated by Meredith Mitchell

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins 
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-18-14
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Listed as Suspense but could be considered Sci FI
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
| Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 7 - 12
"You have to kill him." 
Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain. Only Em can complete the final instruction. She's tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside. Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America's most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James's life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina's hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

Review:
Marina is a young teen who loves the wealthy, genius boy next door, James. As a prodigy James has few friends. Marina has always stuck with him even as he struggled through his growing phases and through the death of his parents. He also has a best friend, Finn, who has hung with him at their private school. James has been raised by his older brother who is a U.S. Senator being prepared as a possible future president. James goal is to help the world be a better place.

James was mocked by many classmates as a social misfit far above his years in brilliance. As he matures he finally grows into his body and all the girls are after him even though they are still in high school and he has moved onto college levels and private mentoring. Marina has loved James for so long she can’t imagine not being with him. She puts up with Finn because he is James friend and she will do whatever it takes to support James. She is excited when it appears that James is finally seeing her as more than the “kid-sister’ neighbor girl except the night ends in tragedy.

In the future, Em and Finn are adjacent cells n a military prison where they resist against ‘the Doctor’ and ‘the Director’. They are subjected to repeated deprivations and tortures because they refuse to give up Em's hiding place for highly important scientific notes regarding a time machine. The creation of the machine has created a totalitarian government with restricted freedoms resulting in rebellion.

Em uncovers a cryptic message that says “You have to kill him”. Apparently she has gone back in time before as this is the fourteenth message on the paper with all the other alternatives having been crossed off. Em and Finn escape with help from a surprising source. Now they must plan how and when to end the nightmare that they have lived for the past four years. And Em has to determine if she can kill to protect those she loves the most.

This is a very engaging and fascinating time paradox tale. The author changes time and viewpoints from Em in the future/present and Marina in the past. This makes for a very interesting blend and kept me engaged as I learned the characters and their histories. The time travel created opportunities to ponder the consequences and options. There were a few details that some might say violate the paradox rules of time travel. But since it is fiction the author gets to make the rules, right? There were times when I didn’t like Marina’s insecure and clingy character (not to mention teenage angst) and I was glad she matured into a stronger person. I suspected the twist before it was revealed but I still thought it was really well plotted. I recommend this to readers who like the twists created by time travel dilemmas.

Audio Notes: Meredith Mitchell did a good job with the narration. The characters were distinguishable and the emotions, danger and intensity are carried through the narration. I enjoyed the story through the audio presentation.

I received this title through Audio Sync 2014. It was paired with the classic JULIUS CAESAR by William Shakespeare, which I may have to listen to just to clarify the pairing. This qualifies for Audio Challenge, TBR Double Dare and TBR.

Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff

This is a fine practical guide to living in the now as you prepare for your dream job.
Quitter
by Jon Acuff


Narrated by: Jon Acuff
Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-03-15
Publisher: Ramsey Press
Genre: Non Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Have you ever felt caught between the tension of a day job and a dream job? That gap between what you have to do and what you’d love to do?
I have.
At first I thought I was the only one that felt that way, but then I started to talk to people and realized we’re becoming the “I’m, but” generation. When we talk about what we do for a living we inevitably say, “I’m a teacher, but I want to be an artist.” “I’m a CPA, but I’d love to start my own business.” “I’m a _____, but I want to be a ______.”
All too often, when we search for an answer to this dilemma people tell us that dreaming big means you, “Quit your day job, sell everything you own, and move to Guam.” But what if there was a different way?

What if you could blow up your dream without blowing up your life?
What if you could go for broke without going broke?
What if you could start today?
What if you already had everything you needed to begin?

From figuring out what your dream is to quitting in a way that exponentially increases your chance of success, Quitter is full of inspiring stories and actionable advice. The book is based on 12 years of cubicle living and my true story of cultivating a dream job that changed my life and the world in the process.
It’s time to close the gap between your day job and your dream job. It’s time to be a Quitter.

Review:
Jon Acuff tended to quit his jobs until he realized that he was not moving forward toward his dream job leaving a trail of 'failure', and financial problems, in his wake. This book gives Jon’s advice on how to begin building on your dream job by emphasizing positives within each job you have. Jon shares his good, and not so good, experiences that led him to success. He gives sound, practical advise that can be used by anyone who has a dream job or dream work to strive for.

I enjoyed the forthright examples and wisdom that are provided. Jon makes the point that success is not always measured by worldly terms of wealth or fame. Too often people sacrifice integrity, friends and even family in the mad climb up the ladder. Those people miss out on the more important aspects of life - basic security, contentment and love. Jon notes that, especially for those serving God, we should be living our lives and sharing God’s gifts along the journey to achieving our God given dream.

I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with finding a perfect job and finding contentment. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old. Although I have long since reached work that I find satisfying, there are areas where I can apply some of Jon’s recommendations to make my life even better.

Audio Notes: Jon did his own narration. I appreciated his enthusiasm and clear sharing in the narration, and it was nice that he added insights while narrating that weren’t in the book. The only difficulty is that he speaks almost too fast at times. There are also suggestions that a reader might want to refer back to so this might be better in print for many readers.

My son recommended this audiobook to me as a free read that I picked up over a year ago. This qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge, TBR Double Dare and Q on Alphabet Soup.

Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker

This ended up being a crazy fun listen!
Legendarium
Written by: Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
Narrated by: Robert Rossmann

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-20-14
Publisher: Kevin G. Summers
Genre: Humor, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In every generatioen, certain writers are chosen to be protectors of The Legendarium, a metaphysical library that exists at the nexus of the multiverse. Inside this library are doorways that lead to every world ever created in literature. There are forces of evil constantly at work to destroy the library and send the world back into an age of darkness. Now, in a time of growing illiteracy, two heroes are chosen to defend The Legendarium. Bombo Dawson, newly published author and the hero of Michael Bunker's novella Hugh Howey Must Die!, and Alistair Foley, aspiring author and Bombo's harshest critic, become unlikely partners in a mission to protect The Legendarium. Their adventures will take them across the worlds of literature, but will hostile enemies learn to work together before the accumulated knowledge of all of humanity is lost forever?
©2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers (P)2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers

Review:
When I started this I was a bit startled by the opening strangeness with post-zombie-apocalypse comments. Bombo Dawson is a heavy set, doughnut loving author who has released his first novel to reasonably good reviews. Unfortunately the book received a one star, scathing review from Alistair Foley, a professor and maybe aspiring author. These two odd characters are chosen as ‘heroes’ to protect the secret Legendarium where all books are protected as any work may have influenced someone along the way. Though hostile toward one another, Bombo and Alistair have to work through their animosity if they want to save the multiverse of publishing works that have impacted people and thereby history throughout time. If they don’t work together then the world they have known will never exist.

Once you get beyond the strange beginning the irony and timeliness of the story became very amusing. I enjoyed the forays into several classic stories like Through the Looking Glass and Moby Dick and a few others that I was not familiar with. There are snide comments about current electronic publishing and classics that might never have been published in today’s industry.

This turned out to be a fun listen, especially while attending an EPIC (electronic publishing industry coalition) conference. Anyone who loves literature and has interest in the reviewing world should enjoy the irony.

Audio Notes: Robert Rossmann does a really good job of adding to the fun of this story. He gives good portrayals for the unlikely heroes and for author legends like Tolstoy, Hemingway, Twain and more. The narration enhanced the story for me.

This was a free audible I downloaded in Dec 2014. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Double Dare, plus L on Alphabet Soup.

Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael

This is a very light and easy listen.
Finding Mr. Right
Written by: Emily Carmichael
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-09-09
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Chick Lit, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Finding Mr. Right is a heartwarming tale for romantics and animal lovers. Amy Cameron has had a run of incredibly bad luck. Her husband and best friend are murdered, together, because they were having an affair - then her house burns to the ground!
The last thing Amy needs is another man. But her deceased, traitorous, gal-pal is sent back to Earth to make up for her indiscretion and find Mr. Right for Amy. The only catch - she comes back as a ratty, little Welsh Corgi named Miss Piggy.
©1998 Emily Krokosz; (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Amy is a nice woman who made the mistake of marrying and relying on the wrong man. It is hard enough to discover that your husband has been murdered, but even worse to learn he was with your best friend who was a female version of a ‘tom cat’. Things look bleak for Amy when her house burns down a short time later.

Amy is trying to recover from the pain of betrayal and loss. She is focused on making her own living as a freelance photographer, and rescuing an abandoned Welsh Corgi, rather than finding a man. She knows this newly rescued dog, dubbed Miss Piggy, has some strangely human mannerisms but she has no way of knowing that the dog is her traitorous best friend sent back to help Amy find “Mr. Right”.

Jeff is a veterinarian who has a laid back practice and enjoys volunteering at the local shelter. When Amy arrives at the shelter to foster a dog he is immediately interested in the understatedly attractive widow. He continues to make efforts to see Amy even with interference from the dog with rather strange behaviors.

Miss Piggy, who speaks in first person as Amy’s deceased friend, Lydia, has been assigned the task of finding the right new husband for Amy. Although disgruntled with the task, Lydia realizes that she must do her best or she may be stuck in this doggie body forever. Lydia doesn’t see any potential in Jeff with whom she had one boring date. Instead Lydia champions the interest of a successful, handsome, TV reporter who was a friend of Amy’s cheating husband.

This is a really fun story and easy listen. I enjoyed Jeff’s persistence to show Amy he would be a good and secure companion, unlike her first husband. I like how Amy’s character was able to grow beyond her past and the demeaning husband to expect more. I also enjoyed the mystery as it developed. Even though it was fairly obvious, it was still fun to watch Amy as she stepped into danger before completely piecing together all the connections.

The writing is solid and the switch from third person view to first person is well done and effectively used. The story is light and the dog view adds humor. Readers should be in the mood for light mystery and fun instead of expecting any great literature or thriller. I was in the right mood and would enjoy another book by this author when looking for a book of similar easy and light entertainment.

Audio Notes: I will admit that when I first stared listening I wasn’t sure if I would like the narration. Once I accepted that the narration fit well with Lydia’s selfish view of life it flowed well. I would be willing to try other audio books narrated by Barbara Rosenblat.

This book was from my own Audible Library as a selection from 11/2012. This qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge, the TBR Double Dog Dare and F in my Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton

I enjoyed this engaging, ‘vintage’ sci fi story.
The Beast Master
Written by: Andre Norton
Narrated by: Richard J. Brewer

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Beast Master, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-15-09
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Left homeless by the war that reduced Terra to a radioactive cinder, Hosteen Storm - Navaho commando and master of beasts - is drawn to the planet Arzor, to kill a man he has never met.
On that dangerous frontier world, aliens and human colonists share the land in an uneasy truce. But something is upsetting the balance, and Storm is caught in the middle. He had thought the war was over - but was it?
©2005 Andre Norton; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Hosteen Storm was raised on Terra where he learned Navaho discipline and gentle but firm handling of animals. When war decimated his home world of Terra he became a commando for the Planetary Confederacy forces with a designation as beast master. His superior was reluctant to let him go due to the volubility of the Terran survivors. But Storm has survived a year without incident and there is no apparent reason for his superiors to withhold permission for him to travel to Arzor, a frontier world. Storm travels with his special team with whom he has special telepathic abilities: two meercats, a dune cat and an eagle.

Storm has not let anyone know his history and the reason he seeks access to Arzor. Storm makes his way on the frontier planet by proving his value to a man hired to drive cattle and horses. Storm shows his skills by managing a horse who is added to his team.

One of the other drivers is immediately hostile to Storm who has learned to observe carefully and watch over his shoulders. Storm makes a friend with a young Norbie who is a native people whose anatomy precludes them from vocal talk so they have developed sign language that Storm picks up fairly quickly. It seems their culture is very similar to that of Storm's early life. But there are other native tribes and natural land hazards, including floods and huge beasts, that threaten the men on their trek.

The crew reaches a way-station after surviving the wild hazards. There Storm runs into the man he is seeking but he is surprised and unprepared for the character of the man. Storm takes on another job with an archaeological research group. They run into problems too and Storm uncovers evidence of a danger that no one has expected on this planet. He must survive the wilds and enemy attacks to get word of the danger to those who can take action. He is met with surprising revelations before it is over.

Hosteen Storm is a wonderful hero. I really enjoyed the whole package of characters, animals and plot with secrets and dangers. I was impressed by the engaging writing and the extent of the plot especially considering this was written in 1959. I was surprised that I had never read this series (which apparently is not really followed in the movie of same name). I look forward to reading more books by Andre Norton.

Audio Notes: Richard Brewer does a good job with the narration. He gives enough distinction to the characters to make it interesting. I became engrossed in the story and the narration made this an easy read for me which I finished in one day.

This is another title in my Audible Library from 9/2011. It qualifies for Audiobook challenge and TBR Double Dare.

Book Review: Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart

I was delightfully pleased by this warm-hearted, sweet romance.

Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)

by Jillian Hart

• File Size: 379 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (January 15, 2014)
• ASIN: B00HAZ6C2I

Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Steeple Hill (February 12, 2008)
Book Description
Montana Territory in 1883 was a dangerous place—especially for a blind woman struggling to make her way through an early winter snowstorm. Undaunted, Noelle Kramer fought to remain independent. But then a runaway horse nearly plunged her into a rushing, ice-choked river, before a stranger's strong, sure hand saved her from certain death.
And yet this was no stranger. Though she could not know it, her rescuer was rancher Thad McKaslin, the man who had once loved her more than life itself. Losing her had shaken all his most deeply held beliefs. Now he wondered if the return of this strong woman was a sign that somehow he could find his way home.

Review:
Noelle became blind due to an injury during a carriage accident that killed her wealthy parents. She lives in Montana territory with her Aunt and Uncle and several younger female cousins. Noelle manages to live a fairly normal, if reserved, life with thier loving support. But she has put her dreams of love and family behind her especially since, before the accident, the love of her 16 year old heart left her behind to go wandering and cowboying.

Thad has returned home to help his brother take care of his ailing mother and their struggling family ranch. Thad had loved Noelle when he was 19, but her father made him realize that he couldn’t give her the things that her wealth and position had prepared her for. He had heard about her engagement to another wealthy beau and hoped his heart could stand the sorrow of seeing her with someone else. Thad shocked when he rescues a run-away horse and carriage to discover that Noelle is blind and living with relatives. At first he thinks, and hopes, she will not know who he is. After all, even if she did recognize him he is sure that she could never forgive him for breaking her young heart.

Noelle knows the voice of her rescuer. She doesn’t want to remember the love and doesn’t want to forgive. As Thad helps her Uncle who is trying to learn to manage horses, Noelle experiences again the tender care and responsibility of the young man she loved even though she can’t reconcile that with the boy who abandoned her. Then she learns that there were secrets behind Thad’s desertion that change her perceptions. Still, she believes he deserves a wife who isn’t damaged - a wife who can share building a homestead with him - things she doesn’t think she can do.

This is a truly heart warming story. It is also beautifully written. I was repeatedly struck by the wonderful prose and phrasing that just made the warm story and the historical setting that much richer. I really liked how Ms. Hart portrayed the aspects of Noelle’s blindness. She continually shows the extra efforts necessary for daily tasks which is quite interesting. Ms. Hart does a beautiful job in revealing the underlying characters of Noelle and Thad as they struggle to overcome their hurts and fears to find the joy of their first love. The story moved along nicely as an easy read.

There is some repetition of the self-doubt themes that could become aggravating but still I loved the story and loved the writing. I checked my reading lists and see that I read one book by Jillian Hart in 2005. I have three I have collected in print and three more in my Kindle library. I will work my way to them soon. I recommend this to readers who, like me, are sometimes ready to take a break from the fast pace to enjoy a sweet, warm-hearted romance.

Excerpts:
Noelle:  How did she tell him the truth? She ought to be crying for her uncle, but the tears were for herself. For him. She held on to those bright pieces of joy like a miser did his last pieces of gold. They were shivers of happiness she could not stand to remember. They were bits of sorrow she could not forget. (location 1295.)

Thad: I"'ll never let you fall." He used that wondrous voice of his against her, replete with humor and unspoken dreams. Quiet, secret dreams that had her heart opening and her wishes coming to life. (Location 2493.)

I have had this title in my Kindle library as a free book since 2009. It qualifies for COYER, TBR Double Dare, and 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.

Since this book has been re-released again in 2014 (as well as 2012 which I have also)
I have copied my original purchase order to make sure I get credit in the TBR Pile Challenge:

Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart

Purchased: May 4,2009

Price: $0.00

Order Details

Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

I am pleased to recommend this as a delightful, character driven, sweet romance.

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne

• File Size: 475 KB
• Print Length: 379 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0373779070
• Publisher: Harlequin HQN (October 28, 2014)
• ASIN: B00K9ZWH7K

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright.
Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!
Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.

Review:
Eliza is a widow with an adorable 5 year old daughter, Maddie. Eliza closed her apartment in Boise to take a new job as manager of the Haven Point Inn in a small town. They arrive in town to discover the Inn burning down. Eliza is short on funds and has no place to go. To make a difficult day worse, Eliza is bumped in the cross walk by a car sliding off an ice patch. The driver of the car is the very handsome Aidan Caine who has recently purchased half of the town Eliza has a past reason to dislike the billionaire “Geek God” and some of the local merchants aren’t very happy with him either.

Aidan offers Eliza a temporary job as a housekeeper, organizer to prepare his new lakeside lodge for the Christmas visit of his family which consists of about 25 people: father, stepmother, siblings with spouses and children plus dogs. Eliza wouldn’t accept charity but this is a job offer too good to pass up for work she can do while sending resumes for new jobs.

Everyone loves Naddie even before they learn she has health issues. Maddie and Eliza manage to pull the intense, workaholic Aidan out of his office for some moments of fun. As Eliza and Aidan stay up late they share friendship and secrets. Aidan has his own reasons for taking time off from work and gathering his family together for a visit. When he discovers Eliza’s secret it sends him off to hide in his office working, even as his large, warm family arrives and begins their festivities.

Aidan has never slowed down enough to think about a wife and children. But now Eliza and Maddie have him seeing a side of life he has been missing. Aidan is struck by Eliza’s effectiveness, charm, devotion and patience. Although Eliza could easily fall for Aidan she is reluctant to lose her heart to another man who will put his work before family. Can these two recognize the gifts they could share before the holidays are over and Eliza leaves?

This is a character driven story set in a lovely small town setting. The primary characters, including Maddie, are well developed and their connection and growing friendship are delightful. The secondary characters, townsfolk and Aidan’s family, are fun too.

I have enjoyed other stories by Ms. Thayne and I like the easy flow and warm charm of her stories. I found this to be an easy, charming and engaging read. This may be presented as a small town romance but it is really bigger than that. This read very comfortably as a stand alone as I have not read any other stories in this series. And you wouldn't have to save this for Christmas as it could warm you anytime of the year. I highly recommend this as a very sweet, fun read to those who enjoy contemporary romance.

This is my last NetGalley selection from 2014. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare, and winter COYER.

Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

This has a good relation conflict supported by a background full action and danger.
Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig

• File Size: 1054 KB
• Print Length: 371 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1624163181
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (November 1, 2014)
• ASIN: B00LQ26B7C
• Genre: Military Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an “other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

Review:
Brian, “Hawk”, is an intense special forces soldier. Although his father belittled him and made him feel stupid, Hawk has always been smart and is a whiz at electronics and computers. Hawk is part of the Raptor team that is in Afghanistan trying to track down terrorists that have breached American communications systems.

Fekiria is a young Afghan woman who has resisted her father’s attempts to marry her to his choice of suitable husbands. She has secretly become an Afghan Air Force pilot. Fekiria has been taught all her life to hate the Americans and her home experience has made her distrustful of any man since the ones she knows only seek to control and limit her.

Fekiria’s duties as a pilot place her in a situation where she is threatened with exposure of her secret and with harm to her Christian friend who secretly operates a home school teaching young girls. Fekiria is horrified when her aircraft controls are manipulated to target the secret school. At the last moment a nearby building is attacked and Fekiria is equally horrified to learn it was a safe house for her cousin’s fiance and the men of his unit, the Raptor Team.

Hawk and Fekiria had met once before and the sparks had flown. He is arrogant and flirty and she is haughty and resistant. Now Hawk discovers she was the pilot that bombed his team but she is in the midst of trying to protect her friend and the children. Before Hawk can get back to his team and learn what is going on with Fekiria he must help her get the children to a safe place. Even when they get caught in a blizzard he assures Fekiria that he will stay with them until he gets them to safety.

I enjoyed these troubled and vulnerable characters who have past indoctrinations and prejudices to overcome. Can they risk allowing feelings to penetrate their carefully shielded hearts? There is plenty of action and danger to add to the emotional tension of the story. I also like the quiet and consistent Christian message that is shared through several important secondary characters.

There are  mysteries that remain at the end of this story. The underlying thread of a mole and hacker infiltrating the American system is carried forward from the first book and continues to the next. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy military action as a background to personal relationship conflict. I look forward to the next book.

I received this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, the TBR Dare and as H for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 by Margaret Daley

This is wonderful, gripping Christian romantic suspense.

Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1
(The Men of the Texas Rangers series)
by Margaret Daley

• File Size: 584 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0071OOB1M

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

Review:
Kate Winslow is a daughter of society who has opened the Beacon of Hope School, a home for young girls rescued from the streets. These are teens who were either run-aways or lured into drugs and prostitution. The girls have lived under the manipulating, demanding, frightening thumb of those who use abuse and fear to control the girls and keep them quiet. Even with Kate’s sincere hope, faith and love, and a supporting staff, it takes a long time for the girls to trust.

Wyatt is a Texas Ranger who has volunteered for a special task force to fight a child prostitution ring. Wyatt's investigation into the death of a young girl leads him to the Beacon of Hope School. Wyatt joins Kate to help find Rose, who has gone missing from the home.

Kate’s mother has never liked her daughter’s involvement with ‘those girls’. When she hears of the missing girl she pulls the funding she has given the school. Now Kate has to worry about finding alternate funding while she copes with finding Rose and the fragile condition of the other girls.

Meanwhile Wyatt is coping as a single parent with a 14 year old daughter, Maddie, and a mother who has trouble with keeping to any project or boyfriend for any length of time. Maddie is at an age where she views her father as overprotective, especially with peer pressure pushing her to seek independence.

There is plenty of tension and suspense as Wyatt and Kate ferret out clues that bring them closer to the local leader of the prostitution ring. But Wyatt and Kate have no idea how close to home the bad guys are.

Ms. Daley pulls the reader in with the natural, true to life characters and the strong, suspenseful plot.  I enjoyed how Kate continually looks to the Lord for help and shows that faith to the girls.  The writing is crisp and reads smoothly. All of the ladies in book club agreed that this is one of the best books we have read in a while. I had read the third book, Scorned Justice, in this series two years ago and enjoyed it too. I highly recommend this series and this author to those who like Christian based, romantic suspense.

I picked this book up  in print for my Ladies Book Club. I have had the ebook in my Kindle library since July 3, 2012. It qualifies for my COYER event, TBR Double Dog, and as Author I Really Like in my 2015 Full House Challenge.

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Audio Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

This is delightful and entertaining.
Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren

Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Audible.com Release Date: May 8, 2012
ASIN: B0081CDUII
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
It isn't easy being Sunday's child, not when you're the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true. When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical.
One night, Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland - and a man Sunday's family despises. The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction to this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?
©2012 Alethea Kontis; (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Enchanted is a charming story of the woodcutter’s seven daughters and sons, focusing on the youngest daughter, Sunday. The story incorporates features of many well known fairy tales, including the frog prince, the bean stalk, Cinderella’s lost slipper and many more.

Each of the girls relates to the character traits stated in the old name rhyme. Sunday generally lives up to being 'bonnie and blithe and good and gay' even though she doesn’t always want to be good and gay. She wants more than sitting at home and doing chores. She loves the stories her father tells and writes her own thoughts and stories in a journal. She is careful to write the history of her family as there is some suspicion about what happens if she writes about possible future events.

Sunday finds a frog in the woods and begins a friendship, reading him her stories. She kisses him a few times but nothing happens. One day she kisses him and rushes home not realizing that the spell has finally been broken by their love for each other.

Prince Rumbold, restored from his frog state, returns to the castle where he has learn to live again as a young man. He also has to face the dark forces that included the spell. The Prince wants to go after Sunday but he knows her family resents the King and everyone at the palace. Can the Prince and his friends stop the evil before another of Sunday’s siblings is lost? Will he be able to convince Sunday to love him as a human and leave her family to be with him?

I really enjoyed this fun fantasy. There were twists and turns and varied interesting talents of Sunday and her siblings need to use to defeat the dark magic. The whole story was entertaining.

Audio notes: Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job of narrating this tale. She uses inflection beautifully to enhance the sensitive, sweet moments and the intense, suspenseful dangers. I highly recommend this story in Audio.

I received this audiobook through the SYNC Audio Program in August, 2013, paired with the Classic: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by Lewis Carroll, Narrated by Miriam Margolyes (Bolinda Audio).

This is part of my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, the 2015 TBR Pile Challenge and the TBR Double Dog Dare.

Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria

I loved the constitutional and immigration issue discussions in this book.
The Founders' Plot
by Frank Victoria

File Size: 406 KB

• Print Length: 192 pages
• Publisher: Frank M. Victoria; Limited edition (June 1, 2012)
• ASIN: B0088DBQ8Q
• Genre: Political Thriller
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
When California Governor Michael J. DiGrasso pushes through a tough immigration law, the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional, but the decorated Vietnam veteran refuses to accept the ruling. This ignites a clash between federal, state, and judicial power that threatens to jar the country’s political and justice systems. And it leaves the governor’s long-time friend, President of the United States, Martin W. Ballard, with the decision of whether to federalize the California National Guard to enforce the Court’s order.Tension increases when Elizabeth Stern, a savvy member of the opposition party tries to ram through a new immigration law that will pass judicial review. An expert in back room legislative machinations, she’ll go to any length to force the governor to obey the Court decision, and her devious maneuvers throw DiGrasso’s personal and professional life into turmoil.One sub-plot involves DiGrasso’s close personal friend, Congressman Manuel Mendoza, who is indicted for taking bribes. Another concerns two Mexican families in the country illegally and the tragedies that befall them because of the new immigration law.The unfolding of these interwoven events creates a tense, fast-paced thriller that parallels the current tumult over illegal immigration and the on-going debate on Constitutional interpretation that will leave readers craving for the eventual outcome.

Review:
Michael (Mike) J. DiGrasso was elected as Governor of California on a platform promoting a tough immigration law. He gets a strong law passed by a favorable legislature but then has to struggle to enforce it especially as sanctuary city mayors resent the law. A bigger issue arises when the law is challenged and the appeal process results in the US Supreme Court declaring the law unconstitutional. Mike has determined that the Supreme Court has overstepped its function and he refuses to abide by their ruling.

A particularly determined Senate Minority leader is intent on bringing down the Governor by any means possible. First they will try to race through a more lenient immigration bill that will not be overturned. Second they will seek impeachment. All of this stress creates tension between Mike and his wife, including the fact that the opposition is willing to stoop to blackmail with a past indiscretion.

Meanwhile Carlos and his friend, Julio, are concerned about Carlos and his family being deported to Mexico. They have managed to make good money including owning the apartment building where they live. Carlos has also earned significant funds by participating in an illegal activity. Although Carlos wants to stop this activity, his superiors are not going to take that nicely.

I loved the first half of this book that expounds on the history of the American founders, the separation of government powers, constitutional issues, government finagling and, most importantly, examples of the Supreme Court improperly stepping into the legislative realm through court orders. The description of difficulties for government dealing with illegal immigrants and for the problems the people face personally were also very interesting. I liked the secret plot that supports the title.

The second half of the book lost some momentum as it turned into more personal drama. The story followed personal issues of Mike, especially after he was the victim of an assassin attempt. The author also followed family and work problems faced by Carlos and his friends. The author did wrap up details at the end even though it felt a bit forced and incomplete.

The writing had a good flow with better pacing in the first half and drama in the second. There was good individual character development with some normal and unusual quirks. The final result was engaging although I would have liked it better if it had stayed more with the political and social issues instead of diverging into the drama issues. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys constitutional issues and stories involving political and personal effects of immigration issues.

I received this from New Shelves Distribution for an honest review.

Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by: Michael J. Sullivan

This is fun, quick entertainment! 

FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)
Written by: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 54 mins
Series: The Riyria Chronicles
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-17-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.
This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find.
©2014 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Royce, the thief, and Hadrian, the ex-mercenary, have joined to create a business known as Riyria. They take odd jobs to recover lost objects or escort travelers and seekers. Once again they have stepped into a job that brings trouble. They were hired by a candlemaker to help gather pieces of a treasure map and then locate the treasure. The problem is that the treasure belonged to a dwarf who not only left mixed, riddling clues, but the passage is riddled with traps.  One of the clues was possessed by a pig farmer who insisted on joining the treasure hunt. Now he is sorry he came along as the four escape one monster only to get trapped in another room. They face another puzzle and have to make the right choice of action if they want to survive and escape.

I enjoyed the puzzle and the moral in the solution. There is plenty of action and fun dialogue to make it interesting even though short. I enjoyed the main protagonists in Volumes 1 and 2 of The Riyria Revelations. I have Volume 3 in my Audible library and plan to listen to that soon. I was glad to pick up this free story that gives a short, quick visit with Royce and Hadrian. If you haven't read in the Revelations or Chronicle series this is a good way to get just a little taste of the excitement and fun. If you have read any of the other books you will no doubt want to grab this morsel to enjoy. The story can easily be read or listened to without having read the other works, although I recommend the whole series.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds does a wonderful job with this quick story. He manages voices for each of the characters that conveys a bit of their personalities that fit into the tale. I am looking forward to listening to Reynolds on Heir of Novron.

This is a very quick story from my own TBR library. It qualifies for TBR Double Dog Dare, and COYER and Audio challenges.

Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh

I loved the conflicted characters in this enchanting historical romance!

Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel
by Mary Balogh

• File Size: 1932 KB
• Print Length: 394 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0451469666
• Publisher: Signet (October 28, 2014)
• Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
• ASIN: B00JJXUZMM

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman.…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.

Review:
Agnes was content with her first marriage which was a practical arrangement with an older neighbor. Now she is content as a widow living in the country with her unmarried, older sister. She attends a dance at the home of her friend and is delighted to dance, not once but twice, with the gorgeous, charismatic, and rather enigmatic Viscount Ponsonby. Agnes is completely smitten but accepts that she will never see him again. Flavian returns to the community six months later and, to Agnes’ consternation, he not only flirts with her but proposes to her. She is confused and afraid to risk the passion she fears may be involved in their relationship.

Flavian is one of the Survivor’s Club. His head wounds left him with memory lapses and rages. He had to relearn even how to speak and he still stutters a bit. That doesn’t stop the ladies from flocking after him. Yet he struggles with memories of his childhood sweetheart, Velma, who broke their engagement when he was injured and married his good friend instead. His friend has died and Flavian's mother, sister and others are clearly planning on bringing him back together with Velma. Instead, Flavian finds Agnes to be ‘enchanting”, sensible and "safe"...promising a place of peace amid his tumultuous mind.

Agnes accepts Flavian’s rather sudden and not so romantic proposal. They are married quickly with their Survivor’s Club friends as witnesses. But they will still have to face the daunting task of meeting their parents and introducing Agnes to the ton.  Rumors threaten some scandal which makes it even more difficult for the pair to reluctantly share their secrets, learn to trust and accept their own growing feelings.

I always enjoy the warm characters that Mary Balogh creates. There is a charming range of natural emotions from fear and sorrow, to joy...and of course, love. The conflict in the human drama is appropriate to the time period and setting and allows for an engaging romance that grows from only enchanting to something much richer. The writing flows beautifully for a lovely reading experience. I highly recommend this series to readers who love historical romance. Ms. Balogh is a favorite author for me and a ‘must read’ author in this genre.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley. This will qualify for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare and Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

This is a wonderful time management book focusing on Biblical principles.
Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

• File Size: 277 KB
• Print Length: 99 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1581349130
• Publisher: Crossway Books (June 26, 2007)
• ASIN: B00283PQDS

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 5.0 content but 4.5 due to editing errors.

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2007
Overwhelmed. Miserable. Exhausted. These are often the words that women use to describe their high-demand lifestyles. How are women who are always on the go expected to cope with the demands of work, family, and ministry?
Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw, recognize the needs of Christian women today. Shopping for Time offers the solution to women who truly desire to glorify God with every use of their time.
These authors offer five tips to help ladies do it all without becoming overwhelmed: rise early, sit down, sit longer (occasionally), choose friends wisely, and take fifteen minutes. By weaving biblical principles of God's Word into these keys, these authors give women practical advice on how to fulfill-and excel in-their daily responsibilities.

Review:
This is a lovely time management guide based on biblical principles. It is direct and on point while being very quick and easy to read. The authors relate to personal, everyday life experiences. Most people can relate to planning a shopping trip, as when you go to the market or outlet mall. Even those, like me, who do not shop a lot, usually make a list or have a purpose when heading to the store. This book compares our purposeful intent in shopping to ‘shopping’ for time with the intent of doing what God wants to do in our lives.

The focus of the book is to PLAN to make time for God and the most important priorities in our lives: family, relationships and service. The arguments are extrapolated from Ephesians 5:15-16 which states: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. The goal is to “assist you to bring glory to the Savior through every season” of your life. The authors list and discuss five tips to manage our time to be fruitful in our service to God.

Not all of the tips or tools suggested are new but, for me, they are given with new insight and with the best purpose of all. The underlying message confirmed to me is the biblical foundation of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)  I don’t feel I can describe too much detail without giving spoilers. However, consider that I marked 45 notes out of 99 pages! Also I have instituted a new method to add to my Bible study with two questions the authors suggest.

The only reason I did not rate this book as 5.0 is due to the errors in the kindle version.  There were repeats in phrases and the letter “u” came out as “v” throughout. It is still easily read but the errors are distracting and off putting. I would encourage the authors and publisher to go back and clean up the text.

I really enjoyed the tips and the great nuggets in this little gem. It was a perfect book for me as the first book of 2015. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to spend more time serving God.

This is the book I chose for my First Book 2015.
It is from my 2009 TBR Kindle list and qualifies for: 2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge; Full House Reading Challenge 2015; The 2014-15 Winter COYER challenge; The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge, The TBR Double Dog Dare

The TBR Double Dog Dare

The TBR Double Dog Dare

Hosted by James Reads Books

Full rules can be found HERE.

James says that The TBR Double Dog Dare is not really a reading challenge but a dare.
All you have to do to win the TBR Double Dog Dare is to read only from your TBR pile between January 1 and April 1.
I think this may be the hardest for me to achieve if it wasn't for the "exceptions.". Fortunately the rules, or non-rules, are flexible and you can exempt review books, arcs and book club books. With those exceptions I certainly have enough books to meet this dare. I even realized I have many Audible titles on my TBR that I can read during this three months too. I do expect overlap with other TBR and Audio challenges. :-)

I have been mindful of reading for COYER (and TBR DOUBLE DARE) so that other than selecting two audible books per month from my automatic subscription I have purchased NO books since December. I have only added six NetGalley books and six review books since the beginning of January. So, except for free Kindle books I have done well reading from my own TBR piles!

JANUARY
1. Book Review: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw; Nonfiction, Motivational; my rating 4.5.
2. Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
3. Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
4. Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.
5. Book Review and Giveaway: Amish White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter; Amish, Christian Fiction; my rating 3.75.
6. Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0.
7. Book Review: Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett; Sci Fi Thriller;  my rating 4.25.
8. AudioBook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal; Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
9. Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5. 
10. Book Review: Starship Blackbeard by Michael Wallace; Sci Fi, Action Adventure; my rating 4.75.
11. Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0. 
12. Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria; Political Thriller; my rating 4.25.
13. Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.
FEBRUARY
14. Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25.
15. Book Review and Giveaway: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 by Margaret Daley; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. 
16. Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
17. Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
18. Book Review: The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup by David S. Brody; Mystery, Historical Theories; my rating 4.0.
19. Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
20. Book Review: Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.5.
21. Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
22. Audible Book Review: Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
MARCH
23. Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
24. Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.0.
25. Book Review and Print Giveaway: Interlude in Death, In Death 12.5, by J.D. Robb; Futuristic Crime Mystery; my rating 4.5.
26. Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.

Completed: 26 books from my TBR shelf out of 39 titles read before April 1. 10 of these were NetGalley or audio review titles picked up in 2014 but that still left 16 TBR books in the first three months so I am pleased with that. It exceeded the 13 new titles (all reviews and none purchased). :-)