Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Demon Does it Better by Linda Wisdom

This is fast paced and great fun!

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402236727
• ISBN-13: 978-1402236723

      Genre: Paranormal Romance
      My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
 

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
A MADHOUSE IS NO PLACE FOR A CURIOUS WITCH...
After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked his happening. Patients are disappearing, and Lil wants to know why.
AND DOUBLY DANGEROUS FOR A DEMON...
Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all-a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What's behind the gorgeous chameleon demon's late-night escapades?
Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other-and creating a whole new kind of magic.

Review:
Lili is a lively witch Doctor - as in healer.  She has returned to the San Francisco hospital where she worked years before to try to find out why one of her good friends disappeared. Lili is to work closely with the insane patients in the Asylum. The hospital is designed for supernatural beings and the upper floors are well maintained and bright under the command of a dragon of a nurse - literally - she’s a tough dragon shifter. Unfortunately the wizard doctor in charge of the mental Asylum has left that area like a dungeon. 

Jared is one of the patients kept in the dark. He is a demon who once massacred a pack of vampires, getting him banned from his own clan as too dangerous.  The guard trolls love to rough him up. Lili wants to help all of the patients but especially Jared. There is torture going on and a locked lab that Lili must investigate.

Jared is a shadow demon and uses the shadows to sneak out and visit Lili.  She knows it is unprofessional to date a patient but Lili can’t help but be drawn to Jared. When he visits her he is clean, kind, charming, funny and darkly sexy. And he is astounded that she treats him as 'human.'

These are two really warm and likeable characters.  There’s also a snarky side kick cat, Cleo, and lots of other supernatural beings. There is mystery, tension and courting leading up to a sweet but sexy romance which comes along at an appropriate distance in the book blending into the action of the story.  The writing flow is easy and makes a good package with the fast action, humor and warm romance. I have wanted to read the Hexed series by this author but haven’t had the chance yet. I am so glad I read this and now I want to read her books even more.

Here is an example of the snarky humor:
When staying out of the way of her cat’s claws, Lili says:  “...been there, done that, treated the scratches.”

This book is set in San Francisco, CA  for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author and ARC challenge lists.


TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there.  This is required for entry.

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

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

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 4. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow

I highly recommend this book!

Deeper Water (Tides of Truth Series, Book 1)

by Robert Whitlow

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595541322
• ISBN-13: 978-1595541321

 Genre:  Christian Fiction
My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2008

The Tides of Truth novels follow one lawyer's passionate pursuit of truth in matters of life and the law.

In the murky waters of Savannah's shoreline, a young law student is under fire as she tries her first case at a prominent and established law firm. A complex mix of betrayal and deception quickly weaves its way through the case and her life, as she uncovers dark and confusing secrets about the man she's defending--and the senior partners of the firm.

How deep will the conspiracy run? Will she have to abandon her true self to fulfill a higher calling? And how far will she have to go to discover the truth behind a tragic cold case?

Review:
My notes on completing this book: Wow! Slow start but picks up; easy reading, awesome and unique plotline; engaging warmth and deep faith.

The book opens upon the scene of an elderly black man poling his aluminum johnboat in the deep marshy waters of a Savannah river. Moses is fishing in the dark of night and he is distressed by the faces he sees in the water that apparently bring old memories he would rather hide from.  The reader won’t know for a bit how Moses ties in to the story of the main protagonist, a young law student, but all will become clear soon enough.

Tammy Lynn is a second year law student who is able to secure a summer internship with a prestigious law firm in Savannah. This is a wonderful but scary opportunity. Tammy Lynn  has been raised in a close knit, deeply religious and conservative family. She has been home schooled and her first real experiences outside of her small home community have been as a student at the University of Georgia.  She has not made lots of friends at school because she is rather clearly different:  she never wears pants, she doesn’t date, drink or party. 

Tammy Lynn secretly sent her resumes out under the name of “Tami”. Although she doesn’t
mean any disrespect to her parents it appears to be a step into another phase of life. She will not be going to Savannah without the approval of her parents and without a clear answer from God to their, and her own, prayers.  That is how the family operates in life. God is their guide in all decisions and they do not rush, but wait until they have an answer.

There is so much that goes on in this story as Tami is challenged at work and in social and personal situations. She meets many people who are clearly different from her upbringing.  Her convictions are constantly bombarded.  The other female intern is Jewish and although not orthodox, she has cousins who are.  Julie challenges Tami’s boundaries but she also respects her convictions.

The third intern is a young man, Vince, from Yale.  He is serious, brilliant and a Christian, albeit a more mainstream Christian.  Then there is the law associate who is to mentor her, Zach. She discovers that he was raised in a Christian communal group in California.

Both Zach and Vince show interest in Tami so in addition to being given new challenges at work she also faces the new situation of ‘dating’ or for her it is more like old fashioned ‘stepping out’ to get to know each other better. But first she must seek her parent’s approval.

Meanwhile, one of her work assignments is developing into a mystery that may involve senior members of her own firm. Who can she trust to help her? Is she willing to risk her future career chances if she stands firm to protect a client against what she views as a conflict with the firm?

Of course I like that this book and series are about a law student and include scenes in law firms and court - I felt pretty much at home.  I liked the easy writing style and the plot flow that makes it clear there can be other stories with these characters. I particularly like that this story is steeped in faith.  It is not religious dressing or preachy but it is full of relational depth where Tami and her family rely upon God for direction in all things. This story concludes the criminal mystery but the relational issues are open to move on to the next story!

Our ladies book group all loved this book and one friend had already started the second in the series before we met. There is a study guide at the back to help deepen group discussions.

This book is set in Georgia  for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author challenge list.

I have two new books from our group reading - a couple of us end up reading on Kindle or Nook.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the print book - Two Winners:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there.  This is required for entry.

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

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

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 4. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Hounded:The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne

This is a fun and engaging listen.
Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

UNABRIDGED

by Kevin Hearne

Narrated by Luke Daniels

 Genre: Fantasy
 My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0


 

Publisher's Summary

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review:  This is fast paced with good action.
Atticus tells the tale explaining his history and introducing some friends and enemies.  His friends include his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, with whom he speaks telepathically.  The dog is a fun character and his voice and narrow minded focus reminded me of the dog in the movie UP.  Atticus’ friends also include his lawyers (I know that’s surprising but he is a good client), who consist of a werewolf pack and a vampire who is available at night. Then there is Morrigan, the Chooser of the Slain, who shows up as a large crow.  It’s not quite clear if she is friend or foe although she has promised not to come for Atticus as long as he keeps annoying his long time enemy Aenghus Og, a petty and power hungry Celtic god.

Many centuries ago Atticus’ left a battle with a magical sword and Aenghus wants the power the sword would give him. Morrigan, and others, begin to visit to warn Atticus that, after all these years, Aenghus has located him and is determined to get the sword. The attacks start with Atticus battling a few faeries who have been sent to assassinate him. Then he and Oberon get threatened by a park ranger and police while hunting with the Huntress goddess.  With each fight we learn more of Atticus’ defenses and secrets.

A local witch coven joins the melee and again it isn’t clear if they are friend or foe. When Oberon and one of the wolfpack lawyers are kidnapped Atticus’ recruits backup from some other strange friends, including a powerful witch trapped in the body of a friendly barmaid. Although friends are there to help in the rescue, this time Atticus must face Aenghus one on one and death's messenger is standing by waiting for one of them.

I like Atticus as a character. Even though he is a powerful druid who has lived for thousands of years he is not obnoxiously arrogant like some of the ‘god’ characters. I enjoyed the fast paced action, the variety of characters and the mixed relationships. The narrator did a great job with the different voices, some humor and lots of tension.  I look forward to listening to more books in this series.

I picked this up at Audible based on high ratings and positive reviews.
I'll be linking this to Arizona for my Where are you Reading map and it will be added to my Audio, New Author and Just for Fun Challenges.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 23, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I completed three (and one midway) books last week and posted four reviews, two with giveaways, and one author guest post.  (I was hoping to post five reviews but didn't get the fifth up so this week will likely see five reviews.)  As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post. 

I visited a dozen or so blogs last Sunday and Monday but barely any visits later during the week. *Sigh.*

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

• It's Monday What are You Reading? January 16, 2012.

• Book Review: The Second Sonata by Nathan Patrick Hardt; Contemporary Fiction; my Rating 4.25. 

• Book Review and 2 Copy Giveaway: A Cold Creek Secret by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25. Ends 1/27.

•  Guest Post Books and Bellies by Olivia deBelle Byrd, Author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd .  Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

• Book Review: Smitten Anthology; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25. 

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 20, 2012.  Open Worldwide. Ends 1/26. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

•  Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print
 

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

The review, author guest post
and Giveaway linked above.

2. Print/Kindle
 

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

This was a lot of fun to read. 
I'll post the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Sourcebooks.

3. Print
 

The Rook

by Daniel O'Malley

This was sort of wacky action - I liked it.
I'll be posting the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Little Brown & Co.

Line Edits/Releases: Nothing new this week.

Currently reading:

1. Kindle
 

Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1]

by Karen Wiesner

I am halfway through this and it is very engaging! 

I really want to learn how they resolve their conflicts.

Product Description Book One Family Heirloom: Accepting God’s will A Proverbs 31 wife wonders, does “submissive” mean giving up having anything of her own?

Thirty-seven-year-old Tamara Wolfe married her childhood sweetheart, Robert, right out of high school and proceeded to have a passel of children who fill her life to capacity. With the last of her children in preschool, Tamara decides to make a business out of her long-time love of creating designer gift baskets. She doesn’t expect Robert to be against it from her first word.

Robert has always prided himself on giving Tamara the option of staying home to raise the children, just as his father did before him. Since birth, it’s been drilled into him that a man who doesn’t provide for his family is the worst kind of loser. What will happen if her business takes off? She won’t have time to take care of the family. Worse, maybe she won’t need him anymore.

Although they’d agreed years before their family was complete, Robert considers that perhaps the cure for Tamara’s restlessness is another baby.

Tamara prays for wisdom. All she wants is a small space of time for herself. Is she being selfish? Or is God leading her to continue being an outdated model of the Proverbs 31 wife--submissive, but never equal?

2. Audio MP3
 

Grant Me Timely Grace

by Timothy Woods

This is a twisting conspiracy.
I got stalled as my MP3 player died.

I'll get started again this week 
when a new player arrives.
Reviewing for Crossroad Press through AudioJukebox.

Product Description

Washington, D.C., June 1863. It is the week before Gettysburg, and the nation's fate hangs in the balance.

[... see more at title link.]

I am preparing these two for next week - February 1, 2012 blog tour stop with mini author Q&A.

3. Print/Kindle
 

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties) 

by Kendra Leigh Castle 

Reading for Forever Romance Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Product Description 

Two separate worlds . . .

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

4. Print  
 

Firelight (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

Reading for Forever Romance 

Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Book Description

Series: Darkest London | Publication Date: January 31, 2012

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 

[Reading until I get a new player.]

Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around1989 so I will enjoy it again.  I am at Leviticus.

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

January - I had 16 total for January, plus added Audibles. I will probably start at least one of these this week but the others will slide into February.
I am using NetGalley now so the (NG) means NetGalley.

LB&Co
     The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

Orbit
(NG) Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan

Others:
(NG) Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] by Karen Wiesner

[To be posted - I am setting these up soon for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012

Our senior Pastor is still away with his ailing father. Our associate Pastor presented another sermon continuing along the theme of last week that we are only sojourners here. He reminded us that we should leave behind our old ways, our old thoughts and our old memories when we follow Christ. We should not be repeatedly looking in the rearview mirror or looking over our shoulder but rather we should focus our eyes on what lies ahead.  If we look behind then the front of the 'board' (surfing, sailing, bicycling, even driving) will veer off track.

Remember that things of this world are on the way out and will give way to a new order. Jesus' call is radical. There will be a cost to abandon all we know and love to follow Him. We must fight against the worldly ways and strive for the greater things that are not of this world.

I was searching for the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and found many  good videos.
This one has different verses with the well known chorus.
I liked the additional words so I am sharing this with the traditional hymn words below.


Lyrics:
O soul, are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's a light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

# Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are

His Word shall not fail you - He promised
Believe Him, and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect Salvation to tell

A different version that is called "soaking music" and is extremely soothing can be found here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2dS5ZZ8e8&feature=related

Verses for Today: 

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

We prayed today, both at church and in our lunch connect gathering, that we might focus on the important things of heaven and make a difference this year to those whose lives we touch.