It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 22, 2014

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.

The week was good and didn't seem quite so tiring. I enjoyed Saturday half day with the kids all helping with clean-up tasks around the house. Of course that means Monday I will stress a bit over the work I didn't do on Saturday. I plan to go in a little early. 
I enjoyed my reading but just barely finished the ebook and the 15hr audio.  I did get three reviews posted along with the usual memes. :-)

I enjoyed visiting  a good group of blogs early in the week. Never got back to visit more later.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 15, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday September 15 2014.

• Book Review: Neverhome by Laird Hunt; Historic Fiction, Civil War; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 19, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 9/18/14.

• Audio Book Review: Dead Case at Deadwood, Deadwood Mystery Book 3 by Ann Charles; Mystery, Humor; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: The Night Vistor by Dianne Emley; Mystery, Paranormal Thriller, my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #169 Comment Giveaway 9/20/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 9/27/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 21, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Shades of Moonlight
by Karen L. McKee
This presents an engaging story 
set in an ancient land of spirit belief- Burma.
I received this as part of StoryBundle 
a couple months ago.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible-Audio/MP3

Title: The End is Nigh: Apocalypse Triptych
Author: John Joseph Adams, Hugh Howey
Narrator: Mur Lafferty, Rajan Khanna, Kate Baker,
Lex Wilson, RalphWalters, Jack Kincaid,
Norm Sherman, James Keller, Anaea Lay
I discovered lots of new-to-me authors in this interesting collection. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.

Currently (about to read) reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Global Predator
by Jack Maclean
I didn't get to start this last week.
I will start on Monday.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible-Audio/MP3

The Red Shoelace Killer
by Susan Sundwall
Narrated by: Lee Ann Howlett
I'm looking forward to listening to this which looks like a fun mystery.
I received this from the author/publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
First in the Minnie Markwood Mysteries: Minnie Markwood can out-sleuth Miss Marple any day of the week - in her imagination. But when a real killer begins to target Minnie and her young sidekicks, reality trumps imagination big time. Who's buying up all the red shoelaces at the mall and stalking a cashier? Is it the killer who terrorized Minnie on the highway and kidnapped her coworker?  It soon becomes frighteningly clear that Minnie's onto something, and The Red Shoelace Killer's days are numbered.
©2012 Susan Sundwall (P)2014 Susan Sundwall

3. eBook/Kindle

Mistletoe on Main Street
by Olivia Miles
This sounds like a fun read to get in the holiday mood.
Received from Forever/Hachette through NetGalley
as part of Blitz to post on October 2, 2014.
Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .
Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night.
Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?
Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.

4. Print

Seattle Cinderella: (Romancing America)
by Gail Sattler
This is our book for Ladies Book Club on October 4 so I thought I would get it started.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
Cinderella lives—except her name is Cindy and she resides in Seattle! Cindy is forced to run her late father’s muffler shop. Will her step-sisters’ shenanigans and Luke Princeton’s charms only make her life even more unbearable? Cindy’s step-sister Annie has reformed her ways. But how will she prove it to the man she loves? Step-sister Zella is writing her own love story. But is she using a poison pen? Cindy’s godmother, Farrah, has caught the attentions of a younger man. Does she have the courage to love again? How far will God go to give these women a happy-ever-aft.

I am up-to-date my daily Bible reading. This past week old testament readings are from Isaiah and are a bit longer than some days. Very interesting prophesy reading though.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for two educational, non-fiction ebook releases which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several novels in print -- also polishing.

I still have some books carried forward and I still hope to read at least one of my own TBRs this month. I am staying up to date on completing reviews the week after they have been read. 

September Scheduled -
---Nothing new for September but have a nice blitz for October 2. 

NetGalley - To be read in August thru September:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Global Predator by Jack Maclean  (to read this week)
The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate  (for Nov)
Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles (early Oct)
It Happened at Christmas by Debbie Mason (early Oct)
What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series) by Grace Burrowes (Oct)

Authors:
From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There are Cyperpunk and Supernatural Bundles available now - soooo tempting!
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Still many requests to consider and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
The Red Shoelace Killer by Susan Sundwall (listening)

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - Winter's Passage - Done

Sunday Encouragement September 21, 2014

This morning in Sunday School we had a partial message watching part of a study video by Perry Stone.
In church the praise and worship time led to an overwhelming presence of God. Pastor never got to his message as he allowed the spirit to have time in a message, time of dedication and prayer, and more worship. It was very awesome.

The passages that Pastor gave before benediction were for affirming and strength in the times of trouble.
1 John 4:17-18 Amplified:
17 In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].

Philippians 1:27-28  Amplified
27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).
28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

I was looking for a song of strength and steadfastness; a song recognizing we have no need of fear of the world if our faith is in Christ.  I found some really wonderful songs by Don Moen put to video (thank you Mich and others). It was a hard choice but this is the one I selected for today:

Your Love Never Fails!

Verses for Today:
Psalm 112:6-8
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

Lord - I give thanks that I stand assured in my belief that God is my Creator, Christ is my Redeemer and the Holy Spirit is my Counselor and Comforter.

Sharing Beyond Books #169 Comment Giveaway September 20, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
And -- another week bites the dust! I had a nice half day with the grandkids and friends. They came over to help "pick up sticks" from the yard and we helped P-Pop clean the garage too. It was very productive.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
We are pretty much split on the amount of time we spend on the computer. Nine of us spend about 8 to 10 hours a day while seven spend 2 to 4 hours on the computer each day. A couple of you share the computer with other family members so that impacts the amount of time they spend.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #168 comments is: #7 Nicole who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #169 (One Question.)

Q1. Jess1 asks: Is there a food that you were always indifferent to for many years, but later ended up liking a lot??

A: As I child I never liked cottage cheese, in fact it made me gag. But now I like it, particularly with fruit. 

Image found at PopSugar.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Jess1 asks: Is there a food that you were always indifferent to for many years, but later ended up liking a lot??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday September 27, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley

This is a strong mystery with good twists.
The Night Visitor
by Dianne Emley

• File Size: 1340 KB
• Print Length: 272 pages
• Publisher: Alibi (September 16, 2014)
• Sold by: Random House LLC
• ASIN: B00IWTTPMK

Genre: Mystery, Paranormal Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
In bestselling author Dianne Emley’s chilling new paranormal thriller, a beautiful woman’s romantic past comes back to haunt her in the form of an otherworldly visitor seeking justice.
Gorgeous and successful, Rory Langtry seemed to have it all. Daughter of a movie star and sister of a supermodel, Rory was engaged to sexy artist, Junior Lara. But her bright future went dark one terrible, bloody night that left her sister dead and the accused murderer—Junior—in an extended coma.
Now, five years later, Rory appears to have put the past behind her. She has a wonderful new fiancé and heads a successful cosmetics company. Yet dark secrets threaten. Across town, Junior lies close to death but before he departs he seeks to clear his name.
It starts with a feeling. It turns into a vision. Soon Rory is having sensations that only Junior could experience—from the horrifying to the erotic. Then she learns details about the awful night that only Junior could know, newfound knowledge with potentially fatal consequences. When another act of violence rocks her family, Rory plunges deeper into the unsolved mystery, led by an inexplicable visitor to a dangerous time and place where all will be revealed at last. But until then, Junior will not let her go.

Review:
Junior was an extraordinary artist and was happily looking forward to his life with his beautiful fiance, Rory. Rory is a beauty in her own right but she feels overshadowed by her movie star mother and supermodel sister, Anya. Junior did a gorgeous painting of Rory and Anya insisted that he paint her too. Junior was reluctant but Rory encouraged him to do it for the exorbitant fee Anya agreed to pay. But the night the painting was finished Anya and Junior are found lying in a pool of blood. Anya is dead, her painting is slashed, another unknown painting is missing, and Junior is severely injured.

Junior spends the next five years diminishing in a coma. His brother, Daniel, develops a strange affinity as he cares for Junior. Junior’s family is bitter and angry not only at Junior’s suffering but because Junior was accused of murdering Anya before attempting suicide.

Rory is devastated by the death of her sister and the rumors that swell around the alleged murder/suicide tragedy. She begins a foundation to help “the other victims,” TOV. Rory is engaged to a new love and preparing for a special foundation fund-raising. But Rory experiences some strange dizziness and visions.

The primary detective thought there were holes in the conclusion that Junior was the killer but the victim’s wealthy family put pressure on closing the case quickly. When Daniel tries to assassinate Rory during her speech the murder investigation is brought alive again and the detective begins to uncover some very strange events.

This story drives a strong punch. It is upfront and crass in some ways. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked the characters and I didn’t like some of the ugly language. However, as the story progressed, I became more engrossed in the mystery, the eeriness and the twists. Bit by bit the author reveals details and family secrets through emotional memories. I actually had another culprit in mind for most of the book so I enjoyed the surprise when the facts were disclosed. Ms. Emley does a great job combining the mystery and paranormal elements in this taunt thriller. I recommend this to readers who don’t mind a bit of paranormal in a strong mystery with good twists.

I received this thriller through NetGalley.

Audio Book Review: Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3 by Ann Charles

An engaging, fun listening experience (but be prepared for some use of foul language).

Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3

Written by: Ann Charles

Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Series: Deadwood Mysteries, Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:06-17-14

Publisher: Made for Succes

Genre: Mystery, Humor, Paranormal

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Click on book title for full description.
Publisher's Summary
"Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn. No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree." – Violet Parker
Real estate agent Violet "Spooky" Parker stumbles upon a body-part theft ring at the local funeral parlor and suspects her caustic coworker has a hand in it - or maybe a foot. Can Violet discover what's in the crates that the crooks are sneaking out of the mortuary in the dark of night? Or will she end up in one of them herself - in pieces?
©2012 Ann Charles (P)2014 Made for Success

Review:
Violet Parker is a single mother working as a real estate agent where she is in competition with her sarcastic nemesis, Ray. Ray is sure that he will out perform “Blondie” to get her out of the office. Meanwhile Violet is sure that Ray and his friend, George, have some nefarious business going on over at the funeral home that George owns.

Violet has a history of stumbling into trouble that includes strange, as well as dangerous, circumstances The local police detective and fire chief are very familiar with finding her where she doesn’t belong. In this episode Violet has located a headless body on the ranch of one her customers which is delaying her sales efforts. While the police are investigating that grim situation she takes on another client who is new in town but asked specifically for her.

Cornelius is a strange, Lincoln-look alike, who wants to buy an old hotel. He is interested in the property because he is a “ghost whisperer’ who loves to restore haunted buildings! Violet doesn’t believe in ghosts and doesn’t want her associates, especially Ray, to realize how crazy Cornelius is. She agrees to visit the hotel with Cornelius so he can test the authenticity of the ghostly claims. She brings along her secret love interest, Doc, who not only believes in ghosts but can see and speak with them. Cornelius and Doc begin to think that Violet is some type of ghost conduit drawing in the spirits to the high-tech seance. Unfortunately one of the spirits she brings out is a demon-like version of the murderer she was involved with from a prior book.

There is a lot of humor in the bumbling investigations that Violet makes at the funeral parlor, dragging along her best friend and/or dirty “Old Man” Harvey, her client and Detective Cooper’s uncle. There is also a lot of sass in the characters and dialogue even if the writing includes quite a bit of cliches. The old and odd phrases have a very down home twist and tone that make them fun. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the twisted mysteries although only one mystery was solved while other investigations were left hanging. I was disturbed by the amount of unnecessary swear language which were a distraction for me.

I have a feeling this would be better if the stories are read in proper sequence. Too bad I realized only after I finished that I already own books one and two on Kindle. I was thinking I might not continue the series because the language hurts my soul – it makes me cringe. However I may go backwards and try book one sometime in the future to see if I can bypass the poor language easier in reading than in listening form.

Audio Notes: Caroline Shaffer does a very effective job with the narration. She captures the snarky humor and quirkiness of the characters. The narration made the story flow quickly and I recommend the book in audio for those who enjoy an engaging, fun listening experience.

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Opening lines:

Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn.
No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree.

I received this title from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review.