Book Review: Night Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

Great installment! Start at the beginning and enjoy lots of entertainment from this series.

Night Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 978 KB
• Print Length: 448 pages
• Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 26, 2016
• ASIN: B015CJXXSY

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: Worth a 5.0 in my book!

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek…secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Review:
I remembered how Shadow Study ended and was anxious to read this story. I was pleased that all my favorite characters were present and there was plenty of action. Tensions are growing between Sitia, the home of Yelena’s magical training and friends, and Ixia, Valek’s homeland where Yelena is serving as a liaison between the territories. Unfortunately, the Commander has selected a new training security chief and is challenging Valek’s loyalty.

Yelena is vulnerable due to the loss of her magical abilities and other issues. She is in danger from a criminal, Owen Moon, who has been trapped and escaped several times. Janco, Ari and Leaf are included in the team to investigate how Owen Moon escaped, what his secret project is and where he might have gone. Moon has powerful magic and powerful friends. Valek and Yelena discover that Moon is working with and as a guest of the Commander which puts Yelena and Valek in extreme danger. The Commander challenges Valek's loyalty and sends him off to investigate thefts at a far edge of Ixia.

Yelena chooses to return to Sitia to try to convince the Counsel of the danger posed by Moon and his connection to the Commander. Leaf, with the help of his father, Esau, learns information that sends him back to Sitia with important discoveries about Moon’s project which threatens the safety of Sitia.  They find a new enemy upon their return and they won't find help from the magicians this time.

I loved the intrigue and usual antics involved in the team work of Yelena, Valek, Janco, Ari, Leaf and even Kiki, Yelena’s wonderful Sandseed horse. Fisk and his crew of street smart, child spies play an important role together with a few new characters who come as a surprise, especially to Valek. This story has lots of betrayal and action with some added emotions and charming romance.

I devoured this pretty quickly pursing the excitement. I was holding my breath at points of crisis as I rooted for the heroes. This isn't totally perfect but it is worth a 5.0 in my book. I recommend the whole series but do suggest a new reader start with the original Study trilogy before this set. It will be well worth the reading enjoyment.

I am very glad I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, N for Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

On January 26, 2016 the day of NIGHT STUDY's US release, Maria V. Snyder is doing a LIVE online Ask Me Anything segment at 6:00 p.m. PST and you're invited! Here's the link: http://www.inkitt.com/ama/mariavsnyder
MVS says "Be kind! ;)"

For details on the tour and giveaway links go here.

Audible Book Review: The Very First D**ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor

This was a quick fun listen that introduces the sometimes zany series.
The Very First D**ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive
Written by: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Jodi Taylor

Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
Series: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 0.5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-19-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Audible is delighted to bring you an exclusive, author-read production of The Very First Damned Thing. Hear it here first, months ahead of the EBook publication.
Jodi Taylor reads the long-awaited prequel in her Chronicles of St Mary’s series, as Dr Bairstow struggles to set up St Mary’s as we know it in a world still scarred by the ravages of civil war.
Ever wondered how it all began? It’s two years since the final victory at the Battersea Barricades. The fighting might be finished, but for Dr Bairstow, just now setting up St Mary's, the struggle is only beginning.
How will he assemble his team? From where will his funding come? How can he overcome the massed ranks of the Society for the Protection of Historical Buildings? How do stolen furniture, a practical demonstration at the Stirrup Charge at Waterloo, students’ alcohol-ridden urine, a widowed urban guerrilla, a young man wearing exciting knitwear and four naked security guards all combine to become the St Mary’s of the future?
©2015 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible Ltd.

Review:
This is the prequel to the Chronicles of St Mary’s series. It is a quick introduction to the primary characters and how the time traveling troupe of St Mary’s began. Dr. Bairstow, the founder and head of the Institute of Historical Research, first has to convince his benefactors to provide the funding… such as it is. Perhaps giving them a demonstration in time travel observation is the best method to win them over? Next Dr. Bairstow has to recruit his staff, from security to cook to crazy scientists.

Once he is awarded the old campus of St Mary’s to house the organization, he has to manage to work around the Society for the Protection of Historical Buildings so that he can remodel the buildings for labs and travel base with all the necessary security and precautions. Since funds are scarce, the staff find an interesting source for furniture to help make the place a home.

I enjoyed the humor especially as Bairstow found just the right team and brought them together one by one. If you have read (or listened) to any of the series, you will get to find out how the Institute came to exist and how the staff came to join St Mary’s. If you have not yet experienced the fun of meeting the characters then this is a quick, enjoyable way to do it. I also enjoyed the bit of history that comes along with the story.

I recommend this as a quick, fun way to get a feel for the series. It is lovely that this is a free audiobook.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the audio presentation by the author, Jodi Taylor. Her voice suited the tale and it was interesting to get her personal inflection on the characters as they were rounded together. Although I imagine the reading would be good too, I was glad to get to listen to this short beginning.

This was a free audiobook from my own library. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 22, 2016

Happy Friday.
Thanks for continued prayers (for my nephew). No word yet so we stay in pray as they seek a second opinion.
This has been a bit of a push week at work. Had to be up and out by 7am three mornings. That is not my favorite thing.
We had the coldest two days so far but it is warming a little now with another cold dip this weekend. I have been saying prayers for so many facing blizzards and hazardous road situations.

I have posted a new set of books. :-)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the January 15 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one blocked title(s).
AUTO: 
Becky gets Bride

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 15 Pick:
Llehn gets a GC

MaryP gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Why does this 2016 look like it's on ice?

Image found at Smashwords.

New Book Goup #63 January 22, 2016
(I have the picture and will try to get the list up before I crash. Sorry no links right now.)

PAIRS:
Victoria Alexander: The Pursuit of Marriage (slight creasing) and When We Meet Again
Shannon Drake: Reckless and When we Touch
James Patterson: Black Friday and Hide and Seek (both have spine creasing)
SINGLES:
Presidential Antidotes by Paul F. Boller, Jr.
Undercurrents by Stella Cameron
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight
Moving Target by Cheyenne McCray
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes
Walking After Moonlight by Karen Robards
Forgotten Promises by Denise Skelton
A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks - hardback

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015

Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
The Bride Thief by Susan Spencer Paul
Bride by Stella Cameron (Seam creasing) (*)
An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley (*)
Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton
The Maiden Bride by Linda Needham (hardback)
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

ANTHOLOGIES:
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 918+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audio Book Review: Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives by Will Barrow, Isabel George

This is an engaging and interesting listen.

Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives
Written by: RAF Police Flight Sergeant Will Barrow, Isabel George
Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-27-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Personal Memoir
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
"With some dogs you share a boil-in-the-bag breakfast and maybe a blanket on a cold desert floor. Some you wouldn't leave in charge of your Grandma unless you wanted to find out just how fast the old girl could run. But if you're very, very lucky, there will be the one dog you would lay down your life for - and for me that dog is Buster."
Buster, an English springer spaniel who has served his comrades and his country with unstinting devotion, has saved thousands of lives. This is the story of his partnership with RAF Police Sergeant Will Barrow, told by Will himself, describing how each came to save the other's life. It is a relationship that produced some heroic feats - including sniffing out explosive vests that led to the arrests of two suicide bombers - in the dust and desert heat of Afghanistan and beyond.
Buster, uniquely, has served five tours of duty in three theaters of war (Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan) - more than any other military dog. He also won the prestigious Crufts Friends for Life Award in 2012 and has gone on to become the official lifetime mascot of the RAF Police, the only dog in history to have been honored in that manner. A best friend in dog's clothing, an RAF dog with his mossy feet firmly on the ground, Buster is truly a dog in a million.
©2015 Will Barrow (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This audiobook shares the story of how Buster becomes RAF Police Sergeant Will Barrow’s partner. They travel on several active war tours in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Buster actually served five tours although not all were with Will. Although Will and Buster face danger in many different search scenarios, there is no real gore shared. The story is told by Will, giving descriptions of their bases and desert dwellings and providing wonderful images of Buster’s friendly personality. The book makes it clear that Buster, and dogs like him, help provide strength and courage to their partners and to other troop members who are grateful to know the skills and talents the dogs bring to the arena.

We often think of military or search dogs as German Shepherds or maybe Labradors. But Buster is a springer spaniel search dog. I love how the author portrays Buster’s human-like emotions and expressions. He reflects friendliness, sarcasm and stubbornness to name just a few. Buster sounds like a dog you would love to give a big hug to. I recommend this to readers who like dogs and those interested in how a military dog works in his search modes.

Audio Notes: James Langton does a nice job with the narration. The accent fits the author and provides an easy and direct presentation.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge, B in the Alphabet Soup Challenge, and Triple Dog Dare.

Audible Book Review and #Giveaway: Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino

This is engaging futuristic suspense mystery and action.
Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1
Written by: Anthony Vicino
Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-17-15
Publisher: Anthony Vicino
Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
We tried to kill ourselves. We had the weapons. We had the desire. Somehow, we failed. Humanity survived. Go figure.
They called it the Dissolution, but it's been a couple hundred years and if you ask around, nobody in Unity remembers what all the fuss was about. What everybody had been so willing to die for. Nobody cares.
I don't, at least. I've done my part. Worked Time Vice for the better part of 20 years putting the bad guys into a Stream dream. Now I want out.
The numbers on my arm tell me I'll be dead soon. Less than a day left. I can live with that. What I can't live with is knowing a Unity leader helped Malcolm Wolfe, the man who murdered my wife and a million other innocents, escape prison.
Finding Malcolm means uncovering secrets that could tear Unity apart from the inside. But if I don't stop him, there probably won't be a Unity to save anyhow.
Looks like we might get a chance to wipe ourselves out after all. Now I just got to catch him before my numbers catch me.
©2014 Anthony Vicino (P)2015 Anthony Vicino

Review:
Tom Mandel was once a well-respected Time Vice cop. Now he is counting down the last day of his government allotted time, drowning his sorrows and regrets in the lower slums of a polluted world. Tom doesn’t particular care that he is going to die since it will allow him to exit his drug hazed life and join his wife, Diana, in death. He even trades his most valuable possession, a key that connects him to Diana, in exchange for not being given more time to work off a debt.

At least Tom didn’t care about dying until his old partner and friend, Alaina Raines, wakes him from a stupor to tell him that Malcolm Wolfe has escaped prison. Malcolm is the man who murdered Tom’s wife, along with millions of other innocent people. In spite of his degraded condition, Tom will use his last breath to try stop Malcolm from killing the rest of humanity.

Tom and Alaina set off to investigate, barging in on the prison warden to learn how the escape happened. They soon learn that a highly influential Unity leader facilitated the escape. Now Tom and Alaina are dodging the authorities, even as they brazenly confront the Unity council. Tom and Alaina face certain death until they are surprisingly helped by a super talented fighting girl and an old man. As Tom learns more about a rebellion conspiracy, he begins to learn secrets about his own past. He knew he had lost memories, stolen by Malcolm, but he had no idea the extent of his loss or the part he was designed to play in the rebellion.

This story is full of futuristic themes of life controls and high tech technology that includes nanites of all sorts: healing, weapon, protective and killing nanites. There are creative vehicles, creative clothing and of course creative weapons. The story twists and turns with secrets while Tom suffers one pummeling after another. (Really? How many beatings can one guy survive? I guess as many as are offered until your time clock punches out.) There are also the age old themes of power, political and financial greed.

The primary characters are intense and strongly flawed. The addiction aspects are interesting even as they are repellent. I enjoyed the rather resigned, bit dark, tone of the story told from Tom’s first person point of view.

This is a story that bears re-reading (or re-listening) as the reader untangles the twists to a bit of a surprise ending. I think it would make a good movie; one you would watch several times to make sure you get all the hints and keep track of the political intrigue and the players. It is a story about time but not time travel as I initially thought. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic intrigue and action.

Audio Notes: Adam Verner does a grand job with the narration. He captures the mix of laconic, dark, intense and determined moods of Tom. Verner also provided suitable voices for the other characters, including an appropriate creepy and sinister tone for Malcolm. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I would like to hear other novels narrated by Verner.

I am thankful to have received this audio title from the author for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio Challenge, "T" on Alphabet Challenge and TBR Triple Dare.

AUTHOR'S GENEROUS GIVEAWAY

Three copies of eBook (format choice of winners)
One copy of the Audiobook (through Audible gift)!

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 wherever winner can receive ebook or for Audible credit.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 29, 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 29, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Winners November and December 2015

I am finally getting around to announcing the last two and posting all the winners from November and December.
Winners can always be found on the right sidebar a week or so after being announced and always on the Giveaway page. (Friday Pick and Sharing Beyond Books winners are in that link as well as the weekly posts and sidebar.)

Some of these are tour wins so winners should check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers. I am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)] Email: mesreads AT gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

Giveaway Ended November 13, 2015

Book Blast with Giveaway: They All Fall Down by A.K. Mason
$50.00 GC Check Rafflecopter for Winner



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Giveaways Ended November 22, 2015

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Merry Mary by Ashley Farley
$50.00 GC - Check Rafflecopter for winner.



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Giveaway: Katt's in the Cradle: A Secrets from Lulu's Cafe Novel by Ginger Kolbaba, Christy Scannel 
2 Print WINNERS:  LINDA K and MEREDITH M


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Giveaway ended December 1, 2015

Giveaways (print and ebook): You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama
by Daniel García Ordaz;
Winner Print:  BECKY W
Winner eBook: BN100


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Giveaway ended December 2, 2015


Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne
5 Copies - Check Rafflecopter



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Giveaway Ended December 4, 2015

Audio Book Tour Review with Giveaway: Murder on Safari: A Thriller by Peter Riva
10 Copies of Book and 2 $25.00 GCs
Check Rafflecopter for Winners.


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Giveaway Ended December 12, 2015

Giveaway: A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction Book #1) by Jen Turano
Two Print Copies; US Only.
WINNERS: DIANE S and SUE F


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Giveaway Ended December 20, 2015

Giveaway: Raven Saint by MaryLu Tyndall
One Print Copy; US Only.
WINNER: RITA

Sunday Post January 17, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 18, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 am getting back into the routine of court hearings at work. 
We spent four nights in our RV and the new memory foam mattress work well. Too bad the internet did not. 
Now we are remodeling my bathroom which leaves an opening to the cold attic. So we will probably spend another few nights in the RV this week.
Reading was good and I finished four books, 2 ebooks and 2 audios. I posted three reviews and the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting  a little bit early last week but then I didn't have internet so I will be trying to make up for it this week. 
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 10, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 11, 2016.

• Book Review: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9) by Darynda Jones; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: The Feral Sentence: Part One by G. C. Julien ; Dystopian, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 15, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/21/2016.

• Book Review: Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May ; Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #236 Comment January 16, 2015; Open Worldwide. Ends 1/23/16.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 17, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3)
by Alison May
This was lovely. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/ MP3

Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives
Written by: RAF Police Flight Sergeant Will Barrow, Isabel George
Narrated by: James Langton
This was very engaging.
I will post my review this week.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

The Very First Damned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive
Written by: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Jodi Taylor
This was a quick fun listen from my own library.
Publisher's Summary
Audible is delighted to bring you an exclusive, author-read production of The Very First Damned Thing. Hear it here first, months ahead of the EBook publication.
Jodi Taylor reads the long-awaited prequel in her Chronicles of St Mary’s series, as Dr Bairstow struggles to set up St Mary’s as we know it in a world still scarred by the ravages of civil war.
Ever wondered how it all began? It’s two years since the final victory at the Battersea Barricades. The fighting might be finished, but for Dr Bairstow, just now setting up St Mary's, the struggle is only beginning.
How will he assemble his team? From where will his funding come? How can he overcome the massed ranks of the Society for the Protection of Historical Buildings? How do stolen furniture, a practical demonstration at the Stirrup Charge at Waterloo, students’ alcohol-ridden urine, a widowed urban guerrilla, a young man wearing exciting knitwear and four naked security guards all combine to become the St Mary’s of the future?
©2015 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible Ltd.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Night Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder
This is very good: danger, intensity and emotion.
I received this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP3

To Live Forever 
Written by: Jack Vance
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
Originally published in 1956, this is one of my books for Vintage Sci Fi month. This is from my own Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
Waylock had been granted eternal life - but now he was killing on borrowed time.
Gavin Waylock had waited seven years for the scandal surrounding his former immortal self to be forgotten and had kept his identity concealed so that he could once again join the ranks of those who lived forever. He had been exceedingly careful about hiding his past. Then he met the Jacynth. She was a beautiful 19-year-old, and Gavin wanted her. But he recognized that a wisdom far beyond her years marked her as one who knew too much about him to live. As far as she was concerned, death was a mere inconvenience. But once the Jacynth came back, Gavin Waylock's life would be an everlasting hell.
©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audiobooks

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1)
by Marcus Sakey
This is a contemporary Sci Fi for Sci Fi Experience.
I received this through NetGalley.
In Wyoming, a little girl reads people’s darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking. They’re called “brilliants,” and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way. Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in—and betray his own kind.
From Marcus Sakey, “a modern master of suspense” (Chicago Sun-Times) and “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly), comes an adventure that’s at once breakneck thriller and shrewd social commentary; a gripping tale of a world fundamentally different and yet horrifyingly similar to our own, where being born gifted can be a terrible curse.
A 2013 Edgar Award Nominee
“The kind of story you’ve never read before.” —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher Series
“Ridiculously good. I love this story so much.” —Gillian Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Gone Girl
Nominated for the Edgar, Lovey, Sideways, and Prometheus awards.

3. Audible/ MP3

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James
This is another Vintage Sci Fi from 1966. I will start this when I finish To Live Forever. This has been in my Audible Library since 2011 so it is a good TBR listen too.
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.

January 3, 2016
We start again "In the Beginning" reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews for last week and carried one forward to set up giveaway. I will have four to post this week.
I have eight titles on my NetGalley shelves so I will be continuing to work on those.

NetGalley friends please check out eTreasures' titles available now:

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

TBR Triple Dog Dare update: I have resisted purchases now for 17 days although I was tempted this week!
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

No new review titles this week. I still have plenty to read. :-)

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added (only) 43 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 17, 2016

This morning our Sunday school teacher is away with the Band of Brothers building the church in Haiti (in spite of obstacles thrown in the way by Satan). My husband is disappointed that his age causes him to be less able to help so he didn’t go.

Our Sunday school teacher’s father-in-law shared part of his testimony. He was not raised with church and a Bible, yet he was touched and called by God, first as a boy and then as a 22 year-old when he was saved at a tent meeting. It is fascinating and wonderful to hear the old tales of how God worked through lives and provided for ministers by unexpected gifts because they didn’t get paid large salaries back in the 40s and 50s. Brother Hall, now 90, will tell us more next week.

Pastor’s Sermon was titled “Changed by the Fire.” He noted that our bodies get older but our minds can continue to grow. The more of God we seek the more we can grow in our relationship with him. The prophet in the last book of the Old Testament tells us that God does a refining work on His people. Malachi 3:1-3.

God is portrayed as the smelter who takes the ore (or raw material) and heats it to the point that imperfections rise to surface and are burned or skimmed off. Gold is an incredible metal that is malleable and shiny. It can be beaten to a thin layer and one ounce can be stretched over 50 miles!  People like it best in its shiny form but to become something beautiful it must be processed and refined.

God has plans for us if we are willing to allow him to put us through the fire. We learn as we mature. God, the Holy Spirit, looks for teachable or open moments when we are willing to be stretched and changed. Many times we find that we cannot change ourselves, but if we surrender control, God can change us. There are times we must let God use trial and trouble in our lives to help us to reach a new level of relationship with Him. God is like the refiner’s fire. We are to trust Him and allow Him to direct our life. We can find joy in yielding and allowing Him to work in us.

I found this song, which is new to me, but fits the message today.
Refiner's Fire by Steve Green.

A Verse for today:
Zechariah 13:9 (NIV)
9 This third I will put into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

Lord God, I am thankful each day that You called me even in my childhood play time. Help me to continue to seek a closer relationship with you as I mature into my older years.

Sharing Beyond Books #236 January 16, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
This has been a week of cold and a week getting back in the trenches at work.
The cold had us out in the RV and I didn't have internet for four nights.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I enjoyed the answers that were shared about what high school reading we "hated". Seven specific titles were shared. Three people didn't have the same lists or had no required reading. Two people loved all books, one couldn't remember hating any and one didn't hate any. Alyn didn't hate the titles but hated the required reading pace. Miki hated them all due to having to read books with no hope. Now that is an awful experience.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #235 comments is: #10 Alyn who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #236

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: 1) Do you enjoy book challenges or do you limit yourself to just a few??

I do enjoy book challenges but just a few are enough now. Even with the ones I do, I miss most of the quarterly reports and check-ins. Still, the challenges help me select books from my vast shelves.

Image found at Hot Copas.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Rosebud asks: 1) Do you enjoy book challenges or do you limit yourself to just a few??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 January 23, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May

This is a charmingly, sweet little romance touched with Christmas magic.

Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3)

by Alison May

File Size: 2344 KB

Print Length: 148 pages

Publisher: Choc Lit (December 12, 2015)

ASIN: B0193VF2GI

Genre: Romance, Holiday

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Real Christmas miracles only ever happen in the movies – don’t they?

When Jessica was fifteen, she shared the perfect kiss with a mystery boy at a Christmas party. It might have only lasted a moment, and the boy might have disappeared shortly afterwards but, to Jessica, it was just a little bit magic.

Fourteen years later, and Jessica is faced with a less than magical Christmas after uncovering her husband’s secret affair. And, whilst she wouldn’t admit it, she sometimes finds herself thinking about that perfect Christmas kiss, back when her life still seemed full of hope and possibility.

But she never would have guessed that the boy she kissed in the kitchen all those years ago might still think about her too …

Review:
Jessica, aged fifteen, shared her first lovely kiss with a mysterious boy at a Christmas party. The moment helped Jessica believe in Christmas magic and years later she was married at Christmas. Unfortunately, within the first year of marriage she discovers that her long time beau, now husband, Patrick, has been unfaithful. He has promised the affair is over and they are about to celebrate Christmas with family when Jessica overhears her husband sweet talking to someone else on the phone. Stunned she bundles up, grabs a bottle of Bailey’s and heads out walking the city. Eventually she ends up at the flat of Cora, the young woman with whom Patrick had the summer affair.

Jessica is met at the door by a man who looks vaguely familiar. He tries to comfort her as Cora proclaims her innocence as she has witnesses that she wasn’t on the phone at the time of the conversation. Lucas, known to his friends and flat mates as Alan, is shocked to recognize the girl he kissed years before --- before his life crashed around him. Lucas has never forgotten the bright, sweet young girl he kissed on Christmas. He never really expected to get to see her again. His life has been wrapped up with hiding his true identity as he stays busy with his volunteer work and taking care of his injured, alcoholic father. Is it possible that he can become reacquainted with Jessica and broaden his isolated life?

The story is told in alternating views from Jessica to Lucas which helps keep it interesting and moving well. Their emotions are engaging, sweet and charming and I was rooting for them all through the book, even with the set-backs. The writing flows well making this an easy, quick read. I note that there are other “Christmas Kiss” stories by Ms. May involving some of the other characters in this book. I am guessing that they would each be as charming. I recommend this to romance readers who will enjoy the addition of Christmas magic in the story.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dare and “J” on Alphabet Soup.