Book Review: Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley by W.E. Lawrence

This is a fast paced and exciting ‘Indiana Jones’ style adventure with romance.

Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley
by W.E. Lawrence

File Size: 2617 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Publication Date: January 4, 2016
ASIN: B01A7PZ3MM
Genre: Action Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In 1940, James Fleming, the original British secret agent, races on a high-stakes mission to track down the lost Incan treasure of King Huascar. Along with Kate Rhodes, a policewoman on leave from Ohio, he decodes clues and faces the challenges of the Chakana designed to allow only the most devoted to escape alive.

Among the ancient ruins of Peru, disaster hides around each corner as they battle Incan death traps and an international artifact smuggler who will do anything to acquire the hidden wealth. If James and Kate fail, the Nazi’s Third Reich could win WWII and take over the world. Intrigue, danger, adventure, and even romance abound in this quest to save the free world.

Review:
James Fleming was a young British Officer in training in America when he was rescued from a marshy bog by the lovely, young Kate Rhodes. Years later he is surprised when Kate shows up in Peru looking for her brother, a missing archaeologist. Kate has accompanied a professor of antiquities who is helping unravel the puzzle of an Incan decoding machine marked by the Chakana, an Incan cross shape. Such hidden instructions usually lead to a treasure of gold!

James isn’t in Peru for a treasure hunt exactly. He is undercover trying to catch a big time smuggler, Soros, who poses as a legitimate artifacts dealer. Solos is intent on finding gold to invest in the Nazi’s Third Reich so it is of utmost importance that James stop him from getting to the treasure. Soros is smart and ruthless. He will torture for information and kidnap parties of interest to get what he wants.

James and Kate make a good team hunting and collecting the clues needed to complete the decoding box. Many of the clues require two people and not just any two, but two lovers. James and Kate figure they can pretend or bluff their way through the challenge but the Incan traps have planned otherwise.

I greatly enjoyed the puzzle challenges and the dangerous escapes that James and Kate face and mostly conquer. I was a little surprised by the intensity of the sexual scenes in a story set in the 1940s, but what was I thinking? Twenty somethings are sensual beings whether in the 1880s, the 1940s or present day. Given Kate’s strong minded independence, standing up for herself as a police officer in a man’s world, I shouldn’t have found her liberated behavior that surprising.

The story moves at a good pace with Indiana Jones type of villains and dangers. The writing is crisp and flows well. The relationship between Kate and James is warm and I enjoyed how the ending left room for future development and adventures for the pair. There were several good history tidbits that I liked and found informative. This is worth the purchase for readers who enjoy action and adventure with romance.

(There was a glaring misuse of grammar that should have been caught in editing. Since I read a NetGalley version I will not note the specific phrase here but I will note it in my comments to the publisher.)

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare, C on Alphabet Soup and March 2016 TBR Challenge.

Book Review: The Cracked Spine: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton

This is a delightful, engaging cozy mystery with grand characters and an interesting setting.
The Cracked Spine: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery
by Paige Shelton

Series: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery
File Size: 1422 KB
Print Length: 305 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (March 29, 2016)
ASIN: B0151U7X3A
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Wanted: A bold adventurer who wants to travel the world from a comfortable and safe spot behind a desk that has seen the likes of kings and queens, paupers and princes. A humble book and rare manuscript shop seeks a keenly intelligent investigator to assist us in our search for things thought lost, and in our quest to return lost items to their rightful owners.

Never an adventurer, no one was more surprised than Delaney Nichols when she packed her bags and moved halfway across the world to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a job at The Cracked Spine, a bookshop located in the heart of the city. Her new boss, Edwin MacAlister, has given her the opportunity of a lifetime, albeit a cryptic one, and Delaney can’t wait to take her spot behind the desk.

The Cracked Spine is filled with everything a book lover could want, each item as eclectic as the people who work there; the spirited and lovable Rosie, who always has tiny dog Hector in tow; Hamlet, a nineteen-year-old thespian with a colored past and bright future; and Edwin, who is just as enigmatic and mysterious as Delaney expected. An extra bonus is Tom the bartender from across the street, with his cobalt eyes, and a gentle brogue—and it doesn’t hurt that he looks awfully good in a kilt.

But before she can settle into her new life, a precious artifact goes missing, and Edwin’s sister is brutally murdered. Never did Delaney think that searching for things lost could mean a killer, but if she’s to keep her job, and protect her new friends, she’ll need to learn the truth behind this Scottish tragedy.

Review:
Delaney, who loves books and old things, was laid off from her museum job in Kansas where she has lived her whole life. When she sees an ad for a ‘bold adventurer to search for lost things’ she decides to journey to take a job at ‘a humble book and rare manuscript shop’…in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Delaney arrives in Edinburgh excited to start her job at The Cracked Spine. She is helped by a friendly cabdriver, Elias, who practically adopts her. Delaney meets her boss, the wealthy and seemingly eccentric Edwin, and co-workers, the young acting student, Hamlet, and a mostly cheery bookkeeper, Rosie, with her shoulder ‘drape’ dog, Hector. Delaney spends one day with Edwin at a secretive auction where she meets three of his friends who express worries about Edwin and his sister, Jenny, who was supposed to join them but didn’t show. Before Delaney can even explore the overstuffed bookshop with its secret nooks, or learn her duties at work, tragedy strikes when Jenny is murdered.

Delaney has a special knack for finding lost things, especially books. It seems that a special item has gone missing and it may be related to Jenny’s murder. Was she killed because of the object? Did the object lead Jenny to the wrong people? Were any of Edwin’s friends involved? Even Hamlet is carefully questioned by the detectives. Delaney enlists the help of her new friend, Elias, to run her around town to do her own questioning of suspects, while Elias’ wife helps put together pieces of a torn letter Delaney slipped out of Jenny’s apartment. As Delaney relentlessly pursues the murder mystery, she gets the chance to flirt with sparks of romance with a handsome barman who owns the smallest pub in Edinburgh.

I was pulled in by Delaney’s warm character, and the promise of a fun story, within the first chapter. I liked each new character as they were introduced and enjoyed the character development. The mystery was well plotted with a twist that kept the murderer a surprise till the end. Not only is Delaney's investigation engaging, I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions and the Gaelic accents that the author shares.

This is a wonderful cozy mystery and I do hope there will be more in this series with these friendly and quirky characters. I noted this book is offered in audio. I listened to the sample and I think it would be a really fun listen. I am inclined to check out more series by Paige Shelton in the meantime. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a good, cozy mystery with warm characters and lovely setting.

I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare as I selected this back in December, 2015.

Audible Book Review: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10

I LOVE this series!
Destroyermen: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 17 hrs and 34 mins
Series: Destroyermen, Book 10
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-05-15
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Alternate History
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Matt Reddy's old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker has been mysteriously transported to an alternate version of earth. Here, WWII is no longer raging, and Reddy and his crew have been trying to find a new place for themselves in this strange new world.
Now, along with the felinoid Lemurians and Imperial allies, they fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians' ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered. As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance as a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last - and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
©2015 Taylor Anderson (P)2015 Tantor

Review:
I was excited to start the latest in this series. Captain Matt Reddy is leading the Alliance, consisting of Americans, Lemurians and Imperial British, in the strange alternate world where he and his Destroyerman battleship, Walker, have ended up. The allies are facing fights on several fronts. They have captured Grik City and have every expectation that the Griks will be back in swarms to try to recapture their “Celestial Home”. Some of the Grik leaders are craftier than when Matt first faced that enemy and they present more of a challenge.

On another front, Don Hernan and the awful bloody monks of the Dominion are trying to retake Fort Defiance. Commander Sinji has set up the defense in preparation of this expected attack, but now the human troops have been weakened by mosquito borne illness. Sinji will have to use brutal strategy and hope for reinforcements to prevail.

Meanwhile a new force has approached Japanese ‘General’ Kurokawa seeking his aid. The madman general had formerly aligned with the Grik but is planning his own revolution so that he can become ‘supreme emperor’ of this strange world.

I love the action and the connections between characters. Even the evil leaders, and their different level of troops, are portrayed with character growths. There is a good bit of military weaponry and multiple battles. Although I may not understand all of the technicalities I still like the strategy and the intensity of the action. I appreciate Mr. Anderson’s wonderful imagination and how he adds in new elements to set up storylines for the next installment. I will be anticipating the next book! I'm glad I only have to wait until June.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job on these narrations. He has multiple voices for the different characters, with some new Scottish brogue and Italian accents added in this installment.

Check out the artwork, plane models, maps and ship silhouettes at the author's new Website.

Also check out my prior reviews:

Into the Storm -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75

If you like the reviews, please follow this link to Audible and click the yes button on the “was this review helpful”.

I had this title in my own Audible library (credit purchase in 2015). It qualifies for Audio Challenge, S on Alphabet Soup Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge.

Book Review: The Path of the Bullet by M C Jacques

This is a fast read and engaging mystery.

Path of the Bullet

by M C Jacques

File Size: 1846 KB

Print Length: 196 pages

Publisher: Matador (November 24, 2015)

Publication Date: November 24, 2015

ASIN: B018ITMGK6

Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

A ruthless assassin at large in the UK and heading for a target in Cambridge… an office steaming with jealousy and passion… a hero’s body found in a war museum and a disconsolate man – gnawed at by ghosts from his distant and recent past – charged with finding the murderer.

With a steadily increasing fusion of murder, intrigue and suspense, the floundering Mark McKay finds himself thrown onto a hotbed of deception, fraud, incest and even a neo-Nazi’s murderous intent.

Set in Cambridge at around the turn of the millennium, The Path of the Bullet, the first of the new Cambridge Mysteries series, explains how McKay forsakes his hermitic existence on the Lincolnshire coast and becomes attracted to the beautiful city of Cambridge in both mind and body.

Review:
Mark McKay has personal issues but responds promptly to the call of a friend to investigate the murder of a soldier at the Royal War Museum. As McKay begins to interrogate the workers, he discovers there have been numerous acts of sabotage kept quiet. He also gets several leads that point to one female employee, Sarah Millar. There is a theory that the killing may have had connection to a terrorist cell. McKay visits the bar and café near Sarah’s apartment, running into several Arab characters.

McKay gets help through email research provided by an American journalist who was an old college friend. He also coordinates with the local police. McKay gets mugged early in the investigation. Later a second body is discovered with two different bullet wounds that confuse the investigation even more.

The story starts out and moves at a very fast pace. In the first few pages it is easy to be confused by multiple suspects but the author repeats the list at about 12% making the characters and their connections clear as they are explained to McKay. I liked McKay’s character and I really liked the British jargon and descriptive, fast tone of the writing. It felt the story was on fast forward which was disconcerting for that first 10% but after that I liked it. The story and action blended well to keep me engaged. There is a bit of time jumping where the author moves forward in time so that some of the comments are reminisces but I found that to be an interesting technique. I would be interested to read more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fast, PI centered mystery.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck

This is an engaging dystopian following book one. They both have an agenda to educate the public to the dangers of the Agenda 21 policies. 
Agenda 21: Into the Shadows
Written by: Glenn Beck
Narrated by: Jeremy Lowell, January LaVoy

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-06-15
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The sequel to Agenda 21, from number-one New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Glenn Beck.
"I knew those men were our enemies, but they, like everyone else in the Republic, were nothing more than servants. Rule followers. They had no choice. But I did. I had a choice and I made it. I knew then and there that, no matter what happened, I would never go back. Never."
It was once named America, but now it is just "the Republic". Following the worldwide implementation of a UN-led program called Agenda 21, the once-proud people of America have become obedient residents who live in barren, brutal Compounds and serve the autocratic, merciless Authorities.
Citizens mainly keep their heads down and their mouths shut - but Emmeline is different. When the Authorities took her mother away, she started questioning the world around her. What happened to her mom? Why is everyone confined to grim living spaces and made to eat the same food cubes every day? Why was her own baby taken from her to be raised in the Children's Village? And are the rumors that somewhere out beyond the fence live those who got away during the Relocations - the so-called shadow people - really true?
When Emmeline's questions lead to the realization that she will never see her child again, she decides to escape the Compound with her partner David and their baby Elsa. Fleeing the armed enforcers of the Earth Protection Agency, and facing the unknown for the first time in their lives, Emmeline and David run into the shadows in the desperate hope of finding something they'd only heard stories about from those who'd lived before the Relocations: freedom.
©2015 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Review:
Americans no longer own their own land or choose their own jobs in this society. The people have been relocated to government compounds where they live under the dictates of the Republic authorities who make the rules. Food and water are rationed and children are separated from their parents. Emmeline was able to get a transfer to a new job working at the Children’s Village so she could be near her baby, Elsa. Then she overhears the leaders say that they are going to send the children to another location.

Emmeline has already lost her first assigned mate and her parents. Emmeline convinces her loving partner, David, to help the small family, including an 8-year-old boy, Micah, escape to the lands outside the fences. David’s parents soon follow with the hope of leading the authorities away from their children. Those seeking freedom find help from surprising sources but will they be able to outpace the armed pursuers?

The Earth Protection Agency (EPA) sends out a crew to search for the rebellious citizens. They will bring the adults back to be punished as an example to others. The children are to be brought back to the farm because they are an important resource to be raised to be obedient workers. The EPA crew is led by an experienced chief who is proud and arrogant. He is annoyed that three of his team are new, including a female trainee. This is one of the first females put into the program and he sees only one use for an attractive female out in the field.

This story picked up right where the first book, Agenda 21, ended. I questioned Emmeline and David running out with little in supplies and knowledge. Still, I enjoyed the strength of Emmeline’s independence and determination and I loved the inquisitive and helpful character of Micah as they learned to forage and find shelter. The story presents a distinct difference between the characters seeking freedom and the power hungry and selfish authorities.

The story moves at a good pace and kept me interested. I liked how the authors wove the themes of freedom and God’s grace into the action and relationship dialogues. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dystopian stories that focus on the struggle for freedom.

Audio notes: The alternating narration between Jeremy Lowell and January LaVoy makes the story move very well. They both did a good job with the characters and made the story more engaging for me.

This was from my Audible library and qualifies for Audio Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge. It also qualifies for “A” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

This has good characters and engaging action and suspense…plus a dog. :-)

Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2)

by Ronie Kendig


File Size: 1045 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (May 1, 2013)
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
ASIN: B00C1T441O
Genre: Mystery Suspense, Military, Christian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Aspen Courtland is out to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog, Talon, knows where to look. Problem is, after a brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon’s afraid of his own shadow. The search is on, but when one mistake means disaster, can Talon muster the courage for one last mission?

Review:
Aspen Courtland was in the military service, but not in combat. She manages her own activities to keep fit, including boxing. She is working with her missing brother’s combat tracking dog, Talon. Aspen is half preparing for the chance to go abroad to look for her brother. If only she had a hint that he was alive and where to look.

Cardinal was raised in a very difficult situation. Now he is a government “asset” staying low and waiting for the chance to find his missing protégé, Austin Courtland. He finally gets the “go ahead” and reaches for another resource that he needs to locate Austin: Talon. Cardinal doesn’t tell his secrets – to anyone. He won’t be telling Aspen his connection to her brother but he needs the dog. What Cardinal didn’t plan on was Aspen as the handler who has to come along with the dog to find Austin.

Aspen, Talon and Cardinal, and a few friends, go to Africa to try to pick up the trail where Cardinal thinks he last saw Austin. Talon has bonded with Aspen but it isn’t clear if he is totally ready as he is still suffering from PSTD. Things become very tense and the team comes under fire. Aspen grows closer to Cardinal and tries to make him break from his secrets. Then a threat comes to challenge Cardinal with Aspen and Talon witnessing.

Cardinal is a dark loner and wonderfully conflicted character. His darkness is balanced – and challenged -- by Aspen’s sweet nativity and trust. I enjoyed the conflicted romance, the action, the dog element and the faith references, even though I thought there could have been some capitalizing on God’s control.

I (and the other book club ladies) really enjoyed the story as a whole. However, there are issues. The story bounces between characters but this is a style that Ms. Kendig uses. I have read some of her other military books and she jumps between scenes and characters as the story builds so that was okay for me. A couple of the characters have multiple aliases so you have to figure out who is who. I recognized several of the characters from the Quiet Professionals series by Ms. Kendig. The underlying conspiracy of corruption involves some of those characters without having filled in backstory. It would have been nice to provide that connection although it isn’t totally necessary to enjoy this story. There were also unexplained or loose ends: how was some of the intelligence of the enemy obtained? How did everyone get time off at the end?

So it wasn’t perfectly executed but it was still engaging. I recommend it to those who enjoy military action, military dogs and of course a romance with a rogue hero.

I picked this title up at a good price last November for our Ladies Book Club. I count it for TBR Triple Dare, March 2016 TBR Challenge and "T" in Alphabet Soup.

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for eBook

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

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 only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 14 , 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 14, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb

This is another grand crime thriller for Eve, Roarke and Peabody.

Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
Series: In Death, Book 14
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At exactly 7:30 p.m., Walter Pettibone arrived home to over a hundred friends and family shouting, "surprise!" It was his birthday. Although he had known about the planned event for weeks, the real surprise was yet to come. At 8:45 p.m., a woman with emerald eyes and red hair handed him a glass of champagne. One sip of birthday bubbly, and he was dead.

The woman's name is Julie Dockport. No one at the party knew who she was. But Detective Eve Dallas remembers her all too well. Eve was personally responsible for her incarceration nearly ten years ago. And now, let out on good behavior, she still has nothing but bad intentions. It appears she wants to meet Dallas again - in a reunion neither will forget...
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc

Review:
NY homicide detective, Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and her successful businessman-husband, Roarke, have returned from a relaxing vacation. Initially Eve has no pressing cases so she pulls a cold case and begins to work it with her aide, Peabody. Soon a murder comes in to pull Eve's attention so she gives the cold case to Peabody as a side assignment as they begin the pursuit of the new murder.

Very quickly Eve suspects the MO of a female killer she put behind bars years before. Sure enough, the woman has been released from prison and has lined up targets, including Eve and Roarke. This sets up conflict between the strong-headed couple as they jockey for ways to protect each other and to capture the deadly enemy.

Peabody's intriguing parents arrive to make matters interesting on the home front. Eve isn't the most comfortable hostess and now she has to play nice with this unusual and sensitive couple.

Eve's chase of the murderer has Roarke accompanying her to Dallas and Italy. I laughed over the city girl's reaction to the country setting, keeping in mind the futuristic aspects that result in Eve being unfamiliar with farm smells and critters.  On the other side of the globe, Eve has to work her way through the red tape of the Italian police hoping to get to their suspect before she slips back to US where she is likely to go after Roarke.

As always, there is plenty of good action and police procedure as well as engaging dialog. There is emotional trauma as Eve faces her childhood memories in Dallas. I liked how Peabody’s parents came to appreciate her skills and career choice as she got to cut her teeth on a case of her own. There is some POV, head hopping that works with this series.

This is a reliably wonderful series with each book presenting police suspense and personal conflicts among the characters. Although the stories could be read out of order I recommend starting at the beginning so you can enjoy the development of the character relationships.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen once again does a stellar job of narration. She added the voice of the villain and Peabody’s parents to her already wonderful range of characters. I always enjoy the listening experience for this series.

This is from my own Audible Library, picked up last year. It does qualify for my Triple Dog Dare, my Audio Challenge and R in my Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review and Feature: City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold

This is an entertaining, action packed adventure with the plus of police procedure.
City of Gold (Matthew Connor Adventure Series Book 1)
by Carolyn Arnold

File Size: 585 KB
Print Length: 375 pages
Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. (November 27, 2015)
ASIN: B016LLDQIY
Genre: Mystery Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Action-adventure books for the mystery lover. In this series, modern-day archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor travels the globe with his two closest friends to unearth treasure and discover legends the world has all but forgotten. Indiana Jones meets the twenty-first century.

Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death...

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in India. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse--the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

Review:
I generally begin my reviews with a synopsis of the story. However, in this instance it would be repetitive of the blurb which covers the summary very nicely.  There are some interesting personal dynamics and conflicts that add to this adventure.

Only a handful of close friends - Robyn, Cal and a few others - know that Matthew is more than an archaeologist. He hides the truth from his father who is funding the adventures of the elusive Gideon Barnes and becoming increasingly annoyed that the hunter refuses to appear at the gala events celebrating his priceless finds.  Although I don't agree with Matthew's estrangement and immature attitude towards his father it makes some sense and adds a side conflict to the story 

Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is suddenly taken by someone who thinks they can trade her for an Indian statue that Matthew recovered. As Matthew bargains with Sophie's kidnapper he recognizes the hand of an old nemesis. Matthew cannot deliver the statue but he offers the lure of bigger treasure: the lost city of Paititi, or the City of Gold.

Matthew, Robyn and Cal rush off to Bolivia with two goons along to keep them honest and in hand. Matthew leads the team in the jungle like Indiana Jones, solving puzzles within tunnels and hopefully dodging deadly traps. Tensions are high and not everyone is careful enough to make it out of the jungle alive.

Meanwhile, back home, Sophie suffers the fears and trauma of being kidnapped. The greedy villain isn’t aware that Matthew has tasked the household butler (and treasure researcher), Daniel, with finding clues to locate Sophie from the proof of life videos. Also a bulldogged police detective is investigating the nice car found in a seedy part of town that leads him to a missing young woman who has connections to the mayor's son.

This is definitely akin to an Indian Jones story set in modern times. There is very fast paced action and danger in one scenario with some good investigative twists at the home front. The two lines of the story worked well to keep interest moving and to make the book more than just a fun, albeit deadly, treasure hunt. I appreciated the bits of police tactical details that were included to balance out the hi-jinks of the hunters.

The touchy relationship between Matthew and Robyn is another dynamic that added intrigue.  I wondered about their past history and I was rooting for them to pull together. Since this is the first in the series I imagine more may be shared about their relationship in books yet to come. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun thriller and mystery, topped with a touch of romance and a touch of family drama.

I received this title through Great Escape Virtual Tours for an honest review. It qualifies for C on my Alphabet Soup challenge and for TBR Triple Dog Dare.

City of Gold
(Matthew Connor Adventure Series Book 1)
Hardcover: 314 pages
Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc (November 27, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1988064666
ASIN: B016LLDQIY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international best-selling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.™

Carolyn was born in a small town, but that doesn’t keep her from dreaming big. And on par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives in a city near Toronto with her husband and two beagles, Max and Chelsea. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:

Website Twitter Facebook

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AU
Barnes & Noble Apple iBooks Kobo

Click HERE for a full list of Tour Participants and to find other reviews, author interview and excerpts.

Video on the painting for the cover:

(If you have any trouble viewing the video try the direct link to YouTube:

https://youtu.be/-JJIa9OStuM )

Book Review: Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens

This is very engaging with action, danger, courage and sci fi elements.

Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One
(A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel)
by Norma Hinkens

• File Size: 4089 KB
• Print Length: 261 pages
• Publisher: Dunecadia Publishing; 1 edition (December 9, 2015)
• ASIN: B0197BHT1K

Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The earth’s core overheats. The sovereign leader vanishes. A young girl is the survivors’ only hope.
What little land is habitable is patrolled by cutthroat gangs of escaped subversives, but that’s not the greatest threat facing sixteen-year-old Derry Connelly, her brother Owen, and a ragged band of Preppers holed up in a bunker in the Sawtooth Mountains. Mysterious hoverships operated by clones are targeting adolescents to extract their genes. Owen, is one of the first to disappear. To save him, Derry must strike a deal with the murderous subversives, and risk a daring raid to infiltrate the heart of the extraction operation.
But will the rookie leader falter when forced to choose between her brother and a clone who ignites something inside her she didn’t know was possible?

Review:
Derry Connelly is curious and brave. She and her older brother, Owen, live in a bunker with others who have survived an earth meltdown. There are several communities all struggling to scavenge supplies while ducking hovership sweepers that suck up teens and removes them to Craniopolis, a research facility. That is the prime danger but there are dangers from rouge subversives who take what they want and kill without a second thought.

Derry has a mentor in an older woodsman, Big Ed. He is her closet friend after her romantic interest, Jakob, who is from a family that lives apart and eschews all violence. Derry is unsure of one man who has joined the ranks of the bunker inhabitants. Mason claims to be former military; he is big and strong and shows no emotion which causes Derry to distrust him.

When Jakob and Owen disappear, Derry is determined to break into Craniopolis and free them before they become nothing more than genetic resources and body parts. Big Ed and Mason agree to help her… once they evade the rogues who want the hidden hovership.

There is plenty of action as the heroes struggle first against the brutal subversives and then have to face the security guards within Craniopolis. The head scientist is clearly a mad man and he is determined to continue his work no matter what lives he has to ruin.

Derry has to face the horrors in the facility and find her courage along the way. I became engaged with Derry, her friends, and her dog, Tucker, early and remained engaged throughout the story. There is aid from some surprising sources that gives hints to allies for the next book in the series. This read very quickly and I am eager to read the next book. I recommend this to those who enjoy action in a dystopian setting.

I received this from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review. This qualifies for “I” in Alphabet soup challenge and for my TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Book Review: Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1) by L Davis Munro

This is thought provoking, eye opening and a wonderful read!

Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1)
by L Davis Munro

File Size: 2613 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018RBXQ9U
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

A fascinating glimpse into often-overlooked aspects of women’s history, Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette follows a young typewriter girl as she struggles to survive on her own in 1913 London.
Emmy’s wages are far from sufficient to feed and clothe her properly, so when she’s offered a better-paying job with Scotland Yard she doesn’t hesitate to accept—even though it means spying on the seemingly harmless Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). She soon meets Edith, a wealthy suffragette, who promises to show Emmy the ropes.
When a man from her past takes over the Scotland Yard task force and questions her loyalty, Emmy accepts a risky mission from the WSPU to prove her value to both sides, only to wind up endangering herself and Edith and wondering for what or whom she’s actually fighting.
Honest, yet hopeful, about the hardships facing women in the early twentieth century, this story honors the human struggle for equality and serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of standing up for your beliefs.

Review:
Emmy is a young woman who makes a desperate choice to leave her home and set up life on her on in London. In 1913 jobs for women are scarce but, after learning how to type, Emmy secures a position at Scotland Yard, typing police reports. She struggles to eat each day and still save money for new boots.

Emmy is offered an increase in pay (and clothes!) to infiltrate the Women’s Social Political Union (WSPU). She is to report the names of the agitators and warn the department of any destructive and embarrassing activities so they can be nipped in the bud. Emmy meets a wealthy suffragette, Edith, who takes Emmy under her wings and shows her how to help in the movement. Slowly Emmy gains recognition and becomes closer to the leaders, learning more valuable information.  Meanwhile, Emmy develops a friendship with her “body guard”, Colin, who watches over her and helps her when she faces difficulties with her sweet landlady.

Emmy is surprised when a man from her past is appointed her new boss. He challenges her loyalty, accusing her of being 'one of those suffragette women' seeking independence. To show her commitment to get the important information, Emmy volunteers for a risky mission. She and Edith face serious danger and have to determine how much the movement means to them.

I found this to be a wonderful bit of history that made me think about, and appreciate, what the suffragettes did to help the cause of women everywhere! I enjoyed watching Emmy’s character grow. Even as a sweet young woman she isn’t afraid to take a stand when she sets her mind to a decision. However, her motives change as she gains a better understanding of her past and present choices. I liked the gentle, growing friendship with Colin and the fact that their friendship faces challenges that have to be sorted out.

The writing is in present tense from Emmy’s view which is interesting. There is good description and detail, even in some difficult situations. The story moved along well and kept me eager to find out what happened next. Now I have to wait for the next book to discover where Emmy goes with her new found courage and decisions.

Although this is a book for those who like historical fiction, I highly recommend this as a wonderful read for all women -- and men too; anyone who might be interested in the struggles women faced gaining the right to vote and be heard as more than just dutiful wives. Grab this book up at only $.99 and enjoy while learning history!

I received this for an honest review as part of iRead Book Tour. This qualifies for E on my Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare as I received this at the end of 2015. 

SEE GUEST POST AND GIVEAWAY NEXT POST!
 

Buy the book:  Amazon   Book Depository

Author's Bio:
L. Davis Munro holds a master’s degree with a focus on women’s suffrage theatre and works in theatre and dance. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and her dog.

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

See the video trailer:

Tour Schedule:

Feb 15 - Working Mommy Journal - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 15 - Amie's Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 - Jorie Loves a Story - review / author interview

Feb 16 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review

Feb 17 - Laura Fabiani - Top 500 Amazon.ca Reviewer - review

Feb 17 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - guest post

Feb 18 - Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 19 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway

Feb 22 - Book Reviews Nature Photos and Everything in Between - review

Feb 22 - History from a Woman's Perspective - review

Feb 23 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Feb 23 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Feb 24 - Sahar's Blog - review

Feb 25 - Laura's Interests - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 26 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others

This was a lovely read for Valentine's week.

Classic Love Poems
Written by: William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning
Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 22 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-09-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Poetry
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
For anyone who's in love - or hopes to be - what greater celebration could there be than to hear the world's greatest love poetry read lovingly by Richard Armitage? With 15 poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more, Classic Love Poems is a listening treat for Valentine's Day - or any day.

Included in this collection are:
"How do I love thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe
"To Be One with Each Other" by George Eliot
"Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
"Bright Star" by John Keats
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
"The Dream" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe
"I carry your heart" by e. e. cummings
"She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron
"Give All to Love" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
This was lovely and too short at 22 minutes. Listening made me remember how much I enjoyed reading these classics in my youth. The nice thing is that this is quick enough to listen to over and over. I recommend this to anyone who wants a quick remembrance of the joy of poetry and especially the themes of love, inspiration and hope of love.

Audio Notes: Richard Armitage does a superb job reading each of these grand, classic poems.
It makes for an engaging listen.

This was from my TBR Audible library received as a free read in February 2015. This qualifies for Audio and Alphabet Soup Challenge and also TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Book Review and Giveaway: Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America)

This is a delightful collection of Christmas miracles... with a touch of mistletoe!

Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America)
by Jennifer AlLee, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson,
and Gina Welborn

File Size: 3099 KB
Print Length: 355 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (September 1, 2013)
ASIN: B00EF5N9FY
Genre: Inspirational Fiction, Christmas Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Spend a heartfelt Christmas on Schooley’s Mountain as four generations make a house a home. Carpenter Stephan Yost vows to build a precocious spinster a home by Christmas. Civil War widow Mary Ann Plum learns the greatest peace on earth comes from giving and receiving love. Olympia Paris must protect the orphanage she grew up in from a man intending to play Father Christmas to most of the town. Joy Benucci turns to a modern-day Scrooge to save a transitional home for foster kids. Will Christmas be a season of miracles in their lives?

Review:
Tis the Season by Carla Olson Cade; Rating 4.5
Schooley’s Mountain, NJ 1820
Annaliese is a beautiful young woman who has determined that she will remain single to take care of her widowed father, Dr. Braun. They travel from New York city to the resort village on Schooley’s Mountain each summer where many elite visit for the special spring mineral waters.

Stephan Yost is a respected and successful carpenter. He has watched Annaliese from afar but is fearful to approach her. He is sure that she would not accept a simple carpenter but even more he feels unworthy to receive love after he left his first love behind. Even though he was away during wartime he feels that he abandoned the young woman he once loved. When he discovers another secret from his past he is even more certain that he is beyond redemption.

I immediately liked these two characters and the young boy, Rory, who ultimately brings them together. Through the simple view of a child the author shows God’s great love and grace that can redeem the greatest sin. The story is warm and charming. I would like to read more works by Ms. Cade.

Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn; Rating 4.5
Schooley’s Mountain, NJ 1868
Deputy Sheriff Ezekiel Norcross is a caring, loving son and public officer. His tasks include delivering the orphan children to their new parents and new lives at Christmas. This year there is one extra child and he is determined that the bright, nine-year-old girl will not go to the home of an elderly widow where he is sure any child will be more a servant than a loved family member. Although he knows the woman he loves has said she doesn’t want children Zeke manages to have Marianne appointed as temporary guardian to Polly.

Marianne cares for Zeke but knows that he wants a family and she is certain she cannot be a mother. After all, her own mother thought Marianne was worthless and Marianne was barely a good wife to the man who was so kind to take her out of her miserable family life. She knows that she doesn’t know how to love children. Besides, Zeke’s mother, who is Marianne’s neighbor holds some animosity towards her that keeps the women at odds.

Again these are wonderful characters who grow by seeing themselves through the eyes of a child. It takes the joy and eagerness of an orphaned girl, and the regret and confession of an older mother to show Marianne that she can never be or do enough to make God love her… but that he gives love unconditionally with mercy and forgiveness.

Midnight Clear by Lisa Karon Richardson; My Rating 4.5
Schooley’s Mountain, NJ 1910
Olympia Paris was raised by a wonderful woman in the orphanage. She has gathered about her a half dozen young ones who are her family now. But she is struggling to raise the money to pay the taxes to keep the house where they live. Olympia works hard just to provide food and now her charges have begun to do small tasks and acts to help raise money too. Although there is concern, the cook/housekeeper is quick to remind her not to fret – “The Lord hasn’t gone anywhere.” The children accept this faith to a varying degree with some standing firm and others hoping to have their faith proved true.

Thomas Carstairs was another orphan who grew up with Olympia. He moved away and worked himself, step by step, up the ladder of success. He has returned to his childhood community with plans to bring work to the area by remodeling the old Inn as soon as he buys the building at the upcoming tax sale. Thomas has always loved Olympia and had no idea she was living at the old building taking care of another generation of orphans.

Olympia has only ever loved Thomas. But she cannot forgive him if he continues with his plans to take away their house. He thinks they are a burden to her and just doesn’t understand that they are her family.

Jonathan is the oldest boy in Olympia’s care and he is brash and troubled. He reminds Thomas of himself. Thomas learns a lesson as he helps Jonathan cope with people who demean the orphans. Olympia learns that it isn’t the house that keeps a family together. But can Thomas and Olympia find a common ground to bring them together?

This story shares a message of how we see ourselves and how we treat others. The author uses the characters to share messages of learning to move beyond our past and become more with God’s grace.

Comfort and Joy by Jennifer AlLee; My Rating 4.5.
Schooley’s Mountain, NJ, Modern Day
Joy was raised in the foster-care system and knows how difficult it can be for teens to transition from a foster home to life on their own. She established Comfort House to give young people who are cut loose from the foster care system at aged 18 to have a safe place to learn life and work skills. Joy has been able to raise funds and manage the facility with the help of the low rent agreement with the owner of the house.

Evan Lancaster is a handsome attorney who appears at Joy’s door. Evan’s family has had personal experience with the foster-care system in a different way and it has brought much pain. He has been told that Joy is just taking advantage of the system so he has no qualms telling her that he has inherited that house and that she is being given 30 days to vacate.

Evan soon begins to see that Joy really cares for her charges and he realizes that misconceptions have led to an injustice. But things have gone rather far and he may have a hard time putting things right.

I enjoyed how the author uses an eager news reporter to fan the flames of conflict between the beleaguered Joy and her teens and the big powerful lawyers threatening their home. There is a personal influence that plays a part in that conflict too. I appreciated Joy’s firm stand on faith, trusting that things would turn out right, and her encouraging Evan and his family to find that forgiveness can bring healing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Each of the stories shares a wonderful, gentle message of faith. The stories are warm and charming. All of my book club ladies loved the book, even if some thought that the quick romances were somewhat unrealistic. Since I know from personal experience that quick romance can happen that didn’t bother me one bit. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy charming, clean romance with inspiring messages of faith. I will be glad to read any of these authors again.

This was a book selected for Ladies' Book Club. It qualifies for M on Alphabet Soup Challenge and my TBR Triple Dog Dare.

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:
One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for eBook

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit one of the Authors: Jennifer AlLee,  Carla Olson Cade, Lisa Karon Richardson or
Gina Welborn and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) February 21, 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after February 21, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

Excellent narration enhances this fascinating sci fi classic.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-11-06
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In what is considered one of Heinlein's most hair-raising, thought-provoking, and outrageous adventures, the master of modern science fiction tells the strange story of an even stranger world. It is 21st-century Luna, a harsh penal colony where a revolt is plotted between a bashful computer and a ragtag collection of maverick humans, a revolt that goes beautifully until the inevitable happens. But that's the problem with the inevitable: it always happens.
Winner of the 1967 Hugo award, this novel marked Heinlein's partial return to his best form. He draws many historical parallels with the War of Independence, and clearly shows his own libertarian political views.
©1965 Robert A. Heinlein; (P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Review:
Luna was set up years ago as a penal colony where prisoners were sent to serve time. They do not have cells and the peace keepers are few since there is no place to escape to. There are no laws but common sense rules of society have developed over the years that maintain order. There is now a large population of free people on Luna, either having served their time or having been born free. But the Warden still governs and he answers to Luna Authority which keeps the population at a level of slavery by controlling the exports and finances.

Manuel, “Mannie”, Davis is a free born citizen who lost an arm in a work accident. He now has a collection of six or seven arms designed for specialized purposes. Mannie works as a computer technician on the main computer that controls the life systems on the moon. When the computer asks about a joke, Mannie realizes that it has become “sentient”. Mannie, with his new friend “Mike” (the lonely computer), inadvertently ends up as one of a handful of leaders of a revolution to free Luna.

Mannie meets a beautiful young activist, Wyoh, at a political rally he attends mostly out of curiosity. The event is interrupted by a police raid and the police, and a few citizens, are killed. Mannie leads Wyoh out of the crowd to a safe place, ultimately bringing her into his interesting family farm. Wyoh is named a fugitive, and Mannie’s longtime friend, Prof, is suspect, but Mannie has not caught the eye of the authorities. The three enlist Mike to help them as they form an Emergency Committee to Free Luna.

The revolutionists have limited weapons and know that they are facing the vast technological resources of Terra. Their best secret is Mike with his analytical skills and circuits of control. Mike warns them that their circumstances are more urgent than they know when he predicts starvation in only seven years. After some brainstorming with Mike the leaders recognize that they do have a weapon they can use… they will become like David slinging stones at Goliath.

I became fascinated with the society make-up of Luna, the differences resulting from the lesser gravity and the values developed. The marriage and family system was creatively adjusted to accommodate large family groups with multiple husbands and wives. The set up and progress of the Revolution is interesting study in strategies.

Mike’s multiple roles as a friend, co-conspirator, party leader and political satirist make him a wonderful character. I enjoyed Prof’s initial manipulations of the temporary council and later efforts to direct the nature of the ‘new government’. I grew very attached to Mannie who tells the story, first person, as a form of memoir of the revolutionary years. The language is a mixture of English and Russian with a few other words thrown in. Mannie was an easy going fellow who didn’t choose to be a leader but stepped up, with support of his friends, to complete the mission, even if the results weren’t quite as planned.

The story has a great blend of humor, social and political issues, revolutionary strategy, danger, and that touch of irony I now anticipate as an element of science fiction. I highly recommend this as a fun and intriguing story.

Audio Notes: Lloyd James does a great job with the narration. The Russian accent for Mannie is at first surprising but soon becomes friendly and natural. James nails the multiple personalities of Mike and does a good job with the other characters too. I was delighted by the story and the audio.

This is another Vintage Sci Fi from 1966. This has been in my Audible Library since 2011 so it is a good TBR as well as qualifying for Audio Challenge.