A Verse for today:
Psalm 3:3 KJV
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Today I prayed for health for certain family members, direction for some others and assurance of peace for us all.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday Words of Encouragement September 12, 2010
This morning we spent a large part of the service with testimonies of how God helped individuals through financial and physical struggles. That underlines my God-given faith and reliance. Yet my heart was sorrowing as I could not seem to put aside the remembrance from yesterday. So I have chosen this song which is appropriate to 9/11 but also to any sudden death, whether it is a loved one or a stranger.
A Verse for today:
Today I prayed for health for certain family members, direction for some others and assurance of peace for us all.
A Verse for today:
Today I prayed for health for certain family members, direction for some others and assurance of peace for us all.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Blogfest at BBB and Other Blogs!
I didn't sign up for Blogfest this time around as I am participating in BBAW this week here at MBS and I am doing Blogmania at eTreasuresPublishing blog later this week. I will be posting the eTreasures (eTP) Blogmania sponsers later today.
BUT Blogfest is going strong starting at A Journey of Books and covering over 2700 sites. AND there is a chance to Win a Kindle 3 at Bitten By Books Blogfest Giveaway!
While I mention BBBs contest I will give my readers here a tip that eTreasures is giving a Kindle 3 as part of the Blogmania package too, so I hope you check it out September 15-16!!
While I mention BBBs contest I will give my readers here a tip that eTreasures is giving a Kindle 3 as part of the Blogmania package too, so I hope you check it out September 15-16!!
Review - The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
A well written tale of human emotional struggles great for a summer read.
The Island: A Novel (Audiobook CD)
by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Review: This is an engaging drama touching on lots of human emotions from grief, joy, guilt, despair and love, all encompassed in the art of living everyday lifes.
The four women each go to the rustic cottage in Tuckernuck with very different feelings and goals. Mother Birdie’s primary goal is to help normally vibrant Chess open up about why she unexpectedly ended her engagement and to help her overcome the grief when her ex fiancé tragically died. Chess just wants to hide in her own sorrow and guilt which is often the way of the severely depressed. The depression was probably the only emotion I had difficulty relating too.
Sister Tate, a computer wizard and tomboy, is willing to try to help reach Chess but secretly she fantasizes about pursuing her childhood crush on Barrett, who is now the new caretaker for the Island. Is there any chance that he will be available and that she could attract him now that Chess is not in a position to be as flirty as she was when they were all teenagers?
Aunt India isn’t sure about going back to the cottage which contains many memories of her famous artist husband who committed suicide 15 years earlier. But she is willing to be there for family and maybe she will think through her recent situation involving a star, female, art pupil.
Birdie has left behind a new romance with Hank who had unexpectedly swept her off her feet. But she runs into problems when she tries to connect with Hank at a distance. Surprisingly, and rather sweetly, she reaches out to her ex husband for support.
Again, as with The Castaways, I enjoyed how this author presents the story by chapters from the perspective of each of the four women. You are pulled along wanting to know the history and secrets that will be revealed and the future prospects for each character.
The narrator did a fine job of presenting the emotions and keeping a good flow. Although I am not big on drama or “chick” lit, I like how this author is able to wrap you in a world of emotions set in a location that is totally distinct. If you enjoy a book chock full of emotion I think you will like this book and this author.
Enter the Giveaway for a chance to win one of three copies of the audiobook thanks to Hachette and Anna.
The Island: A Novel (Audiobook CD)
by Elin Hilderbrand- Audio CD
- Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (July 6, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 160788240X
- ISBN-13: 978-1607882404
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Description:
Birdie Cousins has planned a getaway with her daughter Chess on rustic, charming Tuckernuck Island off the coast of Nantucket, a chance to bond before Chess's upcoming marriage. Birdie's been through a difficult divorce herself, so she knows the big commitment that marriage entails. She's only recently dared to tiptoe back into the waters of romance.
When Chess abruptly breaks off the wedding and her fiancé shockingly dies in a rock climbing accident, it leaves Chess feeling guilty and deeply depressed. Birdie circles the wagons, convincing her younger daughter Tate, and her own sister India to join them on Tuckernuck for the month of July. Secrets and intrigue soon make their way to the surface, as Elin Hilderbrand once again weaves a masterful story of summer suspense.
Review: This is an engaging drama touching on lots of human emotions from grief, joy, guilt, despair and love, all encompassed in the art of living everyday lifes.
The four women each go to the rustic cottage in Tuckernuck with very different feelings and goals. Mother Birdie’s primary goal is to help normally vibrant Chess open up about why she unexpectedly ended her engagement and to help her overcome the grief when her ex fiancé tragically died. Chess just wants to hide in her own sorrow and guilt which is often the way of the severely depressed. The depression was probably the only emotion I had difficulty relating too.
Sister Tate, a computer wizard and tomboy, is willing to try to help reach Chess but secretly she fantasizes about pursuing her childhood crush on Barrett, who is now the new caretaker for the Island. Is there any chance that he will be available and that she could attract him now that Chess is not in a position to be as flirty as she was when they were all teenagers?
Aunt India isn’t sure about going back to the cottage which contains many memories of her famous artist husband who committed suicide 15 years earlier. But she is willing to be there for family and maybe she will think through her recent situation involving a star, female, art pupil.
Birdie has left behind a new romance with Hank who had unexpectedly swept her off her feet. But she runs into problems when she tries to connect with Hank at a distance. Surprisingly, and rather sweetly, she reaches out to her ex husband for support.
Again, as with The Castaways, I enjoyed how this author presents the story by chapters from the perspective of each of the four women. You are pulled along wanting to know the history and secrets that will be revealed and the future prospects for each character.
The narrator did a fine job of presenting the emotions and keeping a good flow. Although I am not big on drama or “chick” lit, I like how this author is able to wrap you in a world of emotions set in a location that is totally distinct. If you enjoy a book chock full of emotion I think you will like this book and this author.
xxx
Enter the Giveaway for a chance to win one of three copies of the audiobook thanks to Hachette and Anna.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Giveaway - Five Copies of Sin Undone by Larissa Ione
If you like snarly action with demons, werewolves, vamps and other shifters check out Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5)
by Larissa Ione
Author Photo and Bio
Five Fun Facts
Author Article: "Bond of Brothers"
Sneak-a-Peek at Larissa Ione's Desk
"Join" the Fans of Larissa Ione on Facebook
Follow @LarissaIone on Twitter
Friend Larissa on MySpace
Visit LarissaIone.com
1. For your main entry Check out the Author's Five Fun Facts, OR Bond of Brother's article, OR take a sneak peak at the Author's desk OR check out the Author's blog and tell me something you found interesting at any one of those sites.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
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.
4. For TWO extra entries comment on the review post.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL! Five winners!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close 10 PM
(Central) on October 1, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
by Larissa Ione
Five Fun Facts
Author Article: "Bond of Brothers"
Sneak-a-Peek at Larissa Ione's Desk
"Join" the Fans of Larissa Ione on Facebook
Follow @LarissaIone on Twitter
Friend Larissa on MySpace
Visit LarissaIone.com
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. For your main entry Check out the Author's Five Fun Facts, OR Bond of Brother's article, OR take a sneak peak at the Author's desk OR check out the Author's blog and tell me something you found interesting at any one of those sites.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
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.
4. For TWO extra entries comment on the review post.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL! Five winners!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close 10 PM
(Central) on October 1, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries. Review - Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5) by Larissa Ione
If you like a hot story with lots of shifters and demons...this book fills the bill!
Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5) by Larissa Ione.
Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Sinead, known as “Sin” has shut off her feelings since she was abandoned by her twin brother, Lore, at age 17 when they learned that they are both demons who have to have sex to survive. Okay .... that will give you pause right there. You can imagine that she is smart and skilled to have survived her years of slave status until she finally gained some control of her life as a master assassin. Problem is, as cold, bad and nasty as she may seem, she apparently is too nice and has difficulties accepting assassin contracts. This makes her hated by her frustrated crew of assassins who are vying for her position of authority.
Con is a Dhamphire, which is a cross between a living vampire and a werewolf. He is a death defying, risk taker who has found some fulfillment in working as a paramedic at Underground General, the warg (werewolf) hospital. He is a love ‘em, bite ‘em, leave ‘em sort of guy - partially because he can’t risk becoming addicted to the blood of one female or it may result in her death.
She started the plague that is killing the werewolves and she feels extremely guilty for the resulting deaths. Now she is dodging attacks from the warg community as well as from her assassin team. She is working with her brothers to develop a vaccine or find a cure...if she can live long enough between the attacks and Con’s growing addiction.
Con and Sin start out in an antagonistic situation but slowly he becomes intrigued by her and then starts to protect her. Sin views herself as unlovable so she doesn’t welcome or trust the help of others, even from her newly discovered demon brothers who aren’t quite sure of Con’s involvement with their sister.
Although there are implications of perversions, and the language is definitely raw, this story is well written with a good plot, lots of action and likeable characters. When it started I wasn’t thrilled with demon characters but they weren’t as bad as they might have been. It seems the author is trying to show the good side of demons. The glossary at the beginning didn’t cover all of the terms, but I was able to catch on after a bit. I think that it would probably be easier to follow this book if you had read some of the earlier books in the series but still this was a kicking book.
Thanks to Hatchette for the book to read and review. Check out the giveaway for a chance to win one of five copies!
Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5)
by Larissa Ione.- Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (August 24, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0446556815
- ISBN-13: 978-0446556811
Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Review: This is raw and highly sexual - not for everyone - but a well written and action packed story.Product Description
HER TOUCH IS DEADLY
As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.
HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED
Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.
Sinead, known as “Sin” has shut off her feelings since she was abandoned by her twin brother, Lore, at age 17 when they learned that they are both demons who have to have sex to survive. Okay .... that will give you pause right there. You can imagine that she is smart and skilled to have survived her years of slave status until she finally gained some control of her life as a master assassin. Problem is, as cold, bad and nasty as she may seem, she apparently is too nice and has difficulties accepting assassin contracts. This makes her hated by her frustrated crew of assassins who are vying for her position of authority.
Con is a Dhamphire, which is a cross between a living vampire and a werewolf. He is a death defying, risk taker who has found some fulfillment in working as a paramedic at Underground General, the warg (werewolf) hospital. He is a love ‘em, bite ‘em, leave ‘em sort of guy - partially because he can’t risk becoming addicted to the blood of one female or it may result in her death.
She started the plague that is killing the werewolves and she feels extremely guilty for the resulting deaths. Now she is dodging attacks from the warg community as well as from her assassin team. She is working with her brothers to develop a vaccine or find a cure...if she can live long enough between the attacks and Con’s growing addiction.
Con and Sin start out in an antagonistic situation but slowly he becomes intrigued by her and then starts to protect her. Sin views herself as unlovable so she doesn’t welcome or trust the help of others, even from her newly discovered demon brothers who aren’t quite sure of Con’s involvement with their sister.
Although there are implications of perversions, and the language is definitely raw, this story is well written with a good plot, lots of action and likeable characters. When it started I wasn’t thrilled with demon characters but they weren’t as bad as they might have been. It seems the author is trying to show the good side of demons. The glossary at the beginning didn’t cover all of the terms, but I was able to catch on after a bit. I think that it would probably be easier to follow this book if you had read some of the earlier books in the series but still this was a kicking book.
Thanks to Hatchette for the book to read and review. Check out the giveaway for a chance to win one of five copies!
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