Giveaway and Interview with Author Karen Wiesner - Join Us!

Please join me over the next several days for a series interview with Award winning author Karen Wiesner!
Karen Wiesner is an accomplished author "with 72 titles published in the past 12 years, which have been nominated/won 99 awards, and 11 more releases contracted for spanning many categories and formats."
Ms Wiesner will be giving away an autographed trade paperback of WAITING FOR AN ECLIPSE, Book 2 of The Wounded Warrior Series.

I have now read all six books in this wonderful series and am very pleased to have the chance to learn more about and share information about this talented author!
I will be posting the Giveaway later this week with the interview posts.  Although commenting on the interviews will not be a mandatory entry, they will gain a bonus entry. :)

Review and Giveaway - The Higest Stakes by Emery Lee

The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee
Paperback: 560 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402236425
ISBN-13: 978-1402236426
Author Website

Rating: 4.25 of 5

A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman’s world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won… and lost…

Product Description
The breathtaking origins of thoroughbred horse racing. A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman-s world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won... and lost...
She’s lonely and neglected, but she knows horses...
Charlotte Wallace is orphaned and alone until a sympathetic stable boy takes her under his wing and teaches her everything about thoroughbred racing. In the process, the two discover in each other a love destined to be thwarted at every turn...
If only he could, he’d take her away with him forever...
Robert Devington has tried everything to persuade Charlotte’s uncle to allow them to marry. Then an ill-fated friendship, a scandal in the making, and one desperate act of folly rob them of their love and his livelihood... Dead set on retribution, all Robert’s hopes are hanging on one small horse-his only chance to reclaim his land, his dignity, and his love, against all odds...

Review: This is wonderfully engaging and rich debut novel. The history of thoroughbred horse racing is woven into a star-crossed romance with a truly authentic feel.

The Product Description does a good job of summarizing the story although it doesn’t really say that Robert’s pride stands in his way quite often. Robert is bright, determined and a bit too proud sometimes. His extreme risk taking in the racing realm was a bit frustrating for me and his hot headed stubbornness definitely got him into trouble.

Charlotte is a girl after my own childhood heart when I loved being outside with the horses (farm horses, not thoroughbreds). She falls in love with a groomsman but her Uncle wants to use her as a pawn. She is strong minded and faithful but stuck in the society she was born to. Although she is willing to take a risk on Robert he isn’t willing to take one on her without proving himself first.

There are several good secondary characters that give added depth to the story.  Charlotte's Uncle is a country squire seeking to build up a renowned and prosperous stable. Robert's good friend from their war service is particularly complex and plays a surprising role in Robert's misfortune.

I enjoyed the history of how all thoroughbred horses started from three specific Arabian stallions imported to England. The details of the owners and horse racing were wonderfully presented by factual information placed smoothly in conversation and description. Those details were extremely well researched and the writing fit the setting and time period so it seemed quite authentic. You could feel the excitement of the horse races and the intense emotions of the participants - both men and noble beasts.

I would not describe this as light, but it moved at a good pace with all the action in racing and war settings. It is a very enjoyable read. Wonderful for those who like historical romance with real history and those who like horses and those who love romance that has to overcome multiple obstacles.

***************************************************

Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebook for this fine book.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THIS VERY GENTLY READ ARC:

1. Comment on the review telling me a little something you know about horses or horseracing or have you ever been to a real horse race?  Please leave your e-mail!

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

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

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on May 21, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Mailbox Monday May 3, 2010

This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page

I got in several review books and these books that I won or purchased.

I didn't get to post this last week. I don't have a working camera right now so I didn't get a picture of my latest haul.  I got 50 - that's right 50! - books for $15.00.  Cool right?

Last week I got in Forget Me Not: A Novel (Crossroads Crisis Center) by Vicki Hinze. I was VERY pleased to win this as I really like this author even if I haven't read anything by her in a couple of years.
I won it at The Toy Box Years. [Check out Jennifer's Blog Birthday Month of Giveaways!] Thank you Jennifer and Ms. Hinze for this book!

Product Description

A mysterious incident leaves Susan Brandt dead---and her husband, Ben, devastated. Three years later, a similar accident occurs. The victim looks exactly like his late wife and carries Susan's name on a crisis center's card---but this woman survives. When somebody wants her dead, will Ben risk his life and his heart to save her? 352 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

It's Monday! What are you Reading May 3, 2010?

This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I visited lots of wonderful blogs at Blogmania - its was great fun! I will definitely plan on participating in September!
I did get a couple more reviews done.
Reading went well since I had some travel time.

Finished:

PB: Traction - Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman This was presented very well, laying out a step by step plan for your business focus and success.
Reviewing for YGR Reviews.

Product Description

Do you have a grip on your business, or does your business have a grip on you? Don't let common problems and frustrations run you and your business. Get a grip and gain control with the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Inside Traction, you'll learn the secrets of strengthening the Six Key Components of your business. You'll discover simple yet powerful ways to run your company that will give you and your leadership team more focus, more growth, and more enjoyment. Based on years of real-world implementation in over 100 companies, the Entrepreneurial Operating System is a practical method for achieving the business success you have always envisioned. Successful organizations are applying it every day to run profitable, frustration-free businesses -- and you can too.

PB: Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet by Jonathan Merritt
This is quite lovely. There will be a review and Hachette Giveaway posted this week.

Publisher's Description

In GREEN LIKE GOD, Jonathan Merritt gently and insightfully observes that the bible has a lot to say about environmental problems like unclean water, material waste, over consumption, air pollution, and global warming. In fact, Jonathan writes that "in the book of Genesis, God went green and never looked back." Relying heavily on scripture, Jonathan gives the case for green living, but not because it's trendy and hip. Rather, it's part of living rightly as a believer. It's an act of obedience to our Creator-God.

GREEN LIKE GOD is at once practical, prescriptive, and conversational in tone. The author looks at a number of trends with tips to help the reader wade into the world of creation care living. An appendix includes suggestions of things we can do. In addition, the book includes interviews with everyday Christians to tell the story of the journey to environmental stewardship among people of faith.

This is the book that Christians are longing for and need today. Written for a new generation of Christians who are struggling with how to deal with the important issue of creation-care and green living, GREEN LIKE GOD is both highly relevant and theologically sound. It will have a profound impact on how Christians live and interact with the world today.

PB: Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale
This was magical! I will post a review soon. This is a re-release by Sourcebooks. I can do a giveaway for this ARC too.

A man damned by suspicion and innuendo
Dreadful rumors swirl around the impoverished Irish lord known as "The Devil Earl." But Faelan Savigar hides a dark secret, for even he doesn't know what dreadful deeds he may be capable of...
A woman cursed by the gift of "sight"
Roderica Delamore fears no man will ever want a wife who can read his every thought and emotion, until she encounters Faelan. As the two find their way to each other against all odds, Roddy becomes determined to save Faelen from his terrifying and mysterious ailment. But will their love end up saving him...or destroying her? A breathtaking historical romance filled with poignancy, darkness, love, and an unexpected twist of Gaelic magic...

Kindle2: --------

Audible: --------

Currently reading:

PB:  Eureka Point by Betty Ann Harris
About 2/3rds done - I like the characters and the plot. 
This is a book I won - it is really nice to read some of my own TBR!I really liked the cover too!

Product Description

Looking for your knight in shining armour? Running as fast as you can, trying to avoid danger, into the arms of safety or is it? Katie Montgomery, learns that her estranged husband, Craig Montgomery, has been deceiving her and is involved with a dangerous South American drug cartel. He becomes a fugitive and leaves Katie alone and in danger. The FBI is afraid that the drug cartel thinks Katie may know all about their drug operation, and to protect her the FBI assists her in assuming a new identity. Then enters Tom, the FBI special agent assigned to protect her. He is totally smitten with her and will do anything to protect her. They fall for each other but Katie cannot allow herself to give in and show her true feelings. Unexpected twists and turns keep you on your toes as you root for Tom, who turns out to be the modern day knight in shining armor. Are you up to finding out about a Special Agent?

PB:  The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter.  I am reading this as part of the first Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club! There are four stories together in this book. We are reading one each month.  The first story is Sunrise in the West. I have just started this.
My review is to be posted May 18.

Product Description

A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.
Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers-Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David-vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall...
Originally published in England as four individual novels, The Brothers of Gwynedd transports you to a world of chivalry, gallant heroes, and imprisoned damsels; to star-crossed lovers and glorious battle scenes; and is Edith Pargeter's absorbing tale of tragedy, traitors, and triumph of the heart.

Kindle2:  Nothing chosen yet.

Audio CD:  Black Hills by Dan Simmons   

I started this on my drive to the airport last week. Very interesting so far. Reviewing for YGR.
I got interrupted on this because I somehow shorted out the radio in the car. That wasn't all - now the car won't start.  OOPS!

Description:

It is an epic tale of a Lakota Sioux named Paha Sapa ("Black Hills") whose life spans the decades of perhaps the greatest change in America's history. When Paha Sapa, a young Sioux warrior, "counts coup" on General George Armstrong Custer as Custer lies dying on the battlefield at the Little Bighorn, the legendary general's ghost enters him - and his voice will speak to him for decades to come.
Seamlessly weaving together the stories of Paha Sapa, Custer, and the American West, Dan Simmons depicts a tumultuous time in the history of both Native and white Americans. Haunted by Custer's ghost, and also by his ability to see into the memories and futures of legendary men like Sioux war-chief Crazy Horse, Paha Sapa's long life is driven by a dramatic vision he experienced as a boy in his people's sacred Black Hills.
In August of 1936, a dynamite worker on the massive Mount Rushmore project, Paha Sapa plans to silence his ghost forever and reclaim his people's legacy-on the very day FDR comes to Mount Rushmore to dedicate the Jefferson face.

Audible:  Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder.  I really LOVED her Study series so thought I would squeeze this in while waiting for the car and car radio to get fixed.  I like Opal and am interested to see where the story will take her.

Product Description

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

Same old story:  I am still working on writing more reviews!

Upcoming books: - I don't think I will get to any of these before the end of the week so these will probably be next week books.
Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo.  Hachette book with giveaway.

Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine. Another Hachette book with giveaway.

Cool Giveaways in the Book Blogging World!

There are always some great giveaways going on around the book blogging community.  You know that at least once a month I try to list some upcoming contests. Sometimes I enter and sometimes I get busy and forget to go enter myself! :0)

Hurry for this follower giveaway at Rayment's Readings, Rants and Ramblings!  Two books totaling up to $22.00 at Book Depository.  Ends May 5, 2010.

A Book-Lovers'Reveiw is having a fabulous "Guess Who?" YA/Teen Author Challenge Contest & Giveaway with weekly winners through October and three Grand Prize packages!! Good for those of you who know your YA/Teen authors! Which doesn't include me.

 

 Jillian at Random Ramblings is having a very nice followers giveaway. $20.00 at Book Depository plus three Percy Jackson books! Ends May 24, 2010.




Chelleyreads at Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks posted a Box full of Books Giveaway!  Ends June 2, 2010!