Winner of ARC Copy Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

First let me say thank you to everyone who entered. I had to agree with the majority that I prefer the ARC cover.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winner of

Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne 

by Margaret Irwin

I will email Bitsy for her mailing information and choice of bookmarks if desired.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 28, 2010

Welcome to the First Week of Advent: A week of Expectation, Hope, Watching and Waiting.

This morning we had a missionary from South Korea with a bit of a film that was an eye opener to the conditions there and in North Korea. 
We also celebrated communion so there was only a short sermon.
Pastor pointed out that Christmas is a Season for Singing. He noted three Songs to be aware of:

1. The Song of Deliverance: See Exodus, 15:1-19, 2 Samuel 22:50 and Psalms 18:49
2. The Song of Redemption: See Luke 2:13-14
3. The Song of Eternity: See Rev 5:9-10

I chose the following video for two reasons. 

It is a beautiful hymn reminding us to
Rejoice at the Coming of Emanuel. 

Also, the pictures flash images from
all tribes of people reminding us that, 

although Israel is a favored nation, 

Christ comes for ALL who will receive Him.

A Verse for Today:
2 Samuel 22:50 New American Standard Bible

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name.

We pray in anticipation:
Father, may your Kingdom come. May your will be done now on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ONE AND ALL!

Try not to over eat. :)

It looks like I will be offline for the next few days. My DH decided to go to our second house, the A Frame, about 30 miles out in the country, to celebrate in the woods. He did all the work and I just have to show up. But there will be no Internet. So unless I get to Internet on Friday I will not be back on until Saturday.

I may not be posting Friday Pick this week as I need to get going since he is waiting for me.  I do have a new box of books to add but I am pressed for time now to set up the picture. I think I am the only person on this block still in the office. :( 
Look for the Friday Pick Winner post on Saturday probably.

Meanwhile - There is so much to be thankful for
and I hope everyone will  

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND GIVE THANKS!

Book Review and Giveaway: Synarchy Book 2: The Ascension by D.C.S.

This unique series is bound to keep your attention with fast paced action.
Synarchy Book 2: The Ascension by D.C.S.

• Paperback: 442 pages
• Publisher: SVT Publishing, LLC (July 30, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0578062186
• ISBN-13: 978-0578062181

Genre: Science Fiction Thriller
My Rating: 4.5

Product Description
"We're villains, as much as we are capable of being heroes..." A lifetime ago, Stefano Vasco Terenzio saw one way to maneuver his family into a game of betrayal against an unbeatable enemy; walking into a bullet. A generation later, what started with one man's ego will determine the fate of the whole word. For centuries The Brotherhood and their Gods, the Anunnaki have hidden in plain sight among us. For centuries they have lied, sacrificed man by the thousands, and manipulated humanity into their service. As the clock ticks closer to December 21st, 2012, they will stop at nothing to keep their control of planet Earth. In the thrilling sequel to Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening, the end is only the beginning. Secrets emerge that will challenge the core of everything you think you believe. All the while a team of scientists must make sense out of the fantastical, and the tenuous link holding together the one family that can save humankind, shatters.

Review: I found both Book 1 and Book 2 to be well written with a uniqueness and intensity that kept me eagerly engaged.

In this second book in the series we see a bit more into the backgrounds and personalities of the Terenzios, the Italian mafia family protagonists whom we met in the first book. We also see more of the misguided family members as the villains who are working with the controlling Brotherhood.  Here too we find more aliens taking sides, including warrior angels, pixie or faerie angels, creatures of light (Pleiadians) and the reptilian enemies, the Anunnaki, and their messenger gargoyles.

The story is full of high, vivid emotion and fast paced action.  The author does a great job with tight writing that seems to provide constant movement towards the climatic battle between the good guys seeking Ascension and the bad guys trying to block it.

I love how both books have quotes at the beginning of each chapter (something I like in books.)  Here is an apt early quote in this book:  "Some of the biggest men in the United States... are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it."  Woodrow Wilson.

The story lends itself to quotes observing political tyranny and self awareness which are quite remarkable and fitting. One thing the story put me in mind of, which I am sure it is designed to, is various conspiracy theories, but particularly those regarding the power, control and hidden evil doings of The Brotherhood.

After the climax in this story, and the loss of quite a few of the characters, I am really curious as to what happens in the next books. Of course I shouldn’t say the characters are lost as they have only transitioned to another plane or level and perhaps will be back as new characters if there is more reincarnation.

If you like a fast paced action thriller, with a bit of paranormal help in the battling, I think you would really enjoy this series!

Thank you to the author and Pump Up Your Book Promotion for offering both books for GIVEAWAY!
Some lucky person or persons is/are going to get to win Book 1 and Book 2. I couldn’t decide whether to host the giveaway as a set or separate winners. I think the winner of Book 1 would want to read Book 2 and the winner of Book 2 will want to read Book 1 first. So I will let the entrants pick how this giveaway goes.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. REQUIRED:  When you comment say “Set” if you think both books should be given as a set to One Winner OR say “Separate” if you think there should be separate Books to TWO Winners. Majority rules.

2.  Visit the author's website and tell me something you found there. Good for three extra entries.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Seven total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on December 10, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Winners of Audio Book Don't Blink by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Winners of

Don't Blink
 

by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

I will email Beverly S, Diana and Georgia the Hachette form to complete within 72 hours of notice.
Thank you to all who entered.