Blog Tour: Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire - Starts 10/25 SPECIAL 10/27

Follow the Blog Tour and Join the Twitter Party on OCTOBER 27 for a day of ROXANE ST. CLAIRE twitter chat with extra giveaways!
Check back here on MBS blog for the Author Guest Post, my review and giveaway on November 3, 2010.

For the TWITTER PARTY:

Date: Oct. 27
Hashtag: #rstclaire
Author Twitter: @RoxanneStClaire
Twitter Party Central: @ForeverRomance
Activities: Absolutely anything you can tweet about, but for clarity: we will tweet and retweet reviews, giveaways, author features, and any discussion relating to @RoxanneStClaire or any of her books.  Please don't forget to add the #rstclaire hashtag.

Author Image

Author Bio

Facebook

@RoxanneStClaire on Twitter

Visit RoxanneStClaire.com


Participating Blogs:
10/25/2010 http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway
10/25/2010 http://diana-book-of-secrets.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As
10/25/2010 http://simplystacie.net Giveaway
10/25/2010 www.cherylsbooknook.blogspot.cm Review, Giveaway
10/25/2010 http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
10/25/2010 http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/ Giveaway
10/25/2010 www.rockville8.blogspot.com Q&As
10/26/2010 http://bridget3420.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
10/26/2010 http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway, Q&As
10/26/2010 http://blog.imbookingit.com Review, Giveaway
10/26/2010 www.rexrobotreviews.com Review, Giveaway
10/26/2010 www.kmomjdk.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
10/27/2010 http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/ Giveaway
10/27/2010 http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As
10/27/2010 http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com Giveaway
10/27/2010 www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com Giveaway
10/27/2010 www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com Giveaway
10/28/2010 my-book-views.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
10/28/2010 www.novelthoughts.wordpress.com Guest Blog
10/29/2010 http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
10/29/2010 http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway
10/30/2010 http://www.rundpinne.com Review
10/31/2010 myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
11/1/2010 http://avidbookaholic.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway
11/1/2010 www.thebookgirl.net Review, Giveaway
11/1/2010 http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
11/1/2010 http://j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
11/2/2010 http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As
11/3/2010 http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
11/3/2010 http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
11/4/2010 http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com Review
11/5/2010 http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
11/5/2010 http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
11/5/2010 www.amusingreviews.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway

It's Monday! What are you Reading October 25, 2010?

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

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.

As usual, I had another good reading week, finishing three print books and two Kindle short reads.

I posted three reviews with Giveaways and five winner posts. :)

As noted before I may not get to review the books I read from my TBRs or as fillers so I will be giving a rating and a short summary comment on those in these Monday posts.

I only got to visit a couple of  "It's Monday" posts last week. I visited a couple of review blog links from Cym's Wednesday Review party and I also visited a handful from the Enquiring meme (linked below).
I am still limited by work commitments - real estate, legal and publishing - that need to take priority over commenting and reviewing. :)

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

• It's Monday What are You Reading? October 18, 2010

•  Review and Giveaway 2 Copies of Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury

•  Review  and  ARC Giveaway of Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 22, 2010

• Book Review and Giveaway of The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood by Margaret Campbell Barnes

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 24, 2010.

• Enquiring Minds want to know Meme

Finished Reading:

 
PB:  The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood 
by Margaret Campbell Barne 
The Review and Giveaway were posted Saturday.

 

PB:  Making of a Gentleman
by Shana Galen.
The review and ARC Giveaway 
are linked above.

PB:  Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories
by Jeffrey W. Turner.
This is a different sort of read - like a journal of emotions.
I will post the review and Giveaway Tuesday this week.

Kindle: I read these just for fun 'till I could get some of my review books loaded. :)

Outta the Bag (Me, Myself and Why? Prequel)

by  MaryJanice Davidson.

This is an author I have wanted to read - 
The Queen Besty series looks sort of fun.

I thought I would try the free prequel. 
It was a little crazy but, yes, fun.

I may not rush out to buy her books 
but I will hopefully read some in the future.
Rating:  3.75

Has anyone else read her?

Product Description

From New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson, comes OUTTA THE BAG the hilarious prequel story to her upcoming novel ME, MYSELF AND WHY, the first in a brand new series. In OUTTA THE BAG, Clive Better—the better-than-best plumber in town—attends a speed dating event where—instead of attempting to score phone numbers—he recounts his recent run-in with a freaked-out cat and a sexy-but-psychotic woman that has left him confused, scratched up, and rather aroused. 

Kindle: Tween Hopeful and Hopeless by Sam Cheever. I met Ms. Cheever online in a yahoo group and then in person at the RWA Conference Booksale day in Orlando, June 2009. I enjoyed the first book in this series, Tween Heaven and Hell, (my review is posted on Amazon) and I have the second one, Tween a Devil and His Hard Place, to read.  
There is always plenty of action with Astra and her Devil friends. Rating: 4.0

Product Description
Part of the Dancin’ With The Devil series.What do you do when a bunch of dark world types steal magic from the Hopeful souls in Saint Peter’s kingdom to capture the Heavenly Gates and infiltrate the Big House? Astra Q Phelps does what she always does—kicks ass, blows [stuff] up and prays! [Word change is mine.]

Audio: --------

Line Edits: I will be uploading a new Fantasy release this week: The Fourth Son. A bit different fantasy story. 

Currently reading:
PB:  Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell. This is proving to be a fun read! I hope to post the Review and ARC Giveaway on Thursday.

Product Description
Even in a small town the drama is larger than life...
Cleo Quinn doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along. Handsome and attentive, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting her as if he'd never been away.
Meanwhile Cleo's sister Abbie has a problem of her own-husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she's determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage?
The sisters are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places...

Kindle:  A Halloween Collection Anthology: Sweet from Victory Press. This is one of the books I am giving away in my Halloween Giveaway. I thought I would read this right before Halloween. I am enjoying the first story, Go On Without Me.

Product Description
Five complete sweet stories to satisfy your romantic cravings by five talented authors. Go On Without Me by Markee Anderson Lydia Sanders is spending a lonely Halloween until Ian shows up to make sure she's not depressed. They go for a drive then the car dies in the middle of nowhere in the rain. They have no cell phone reception. Their only hope is an old house within walking distance and the two eerie people inside. At midnight? On Halloween? Honor Cafe by Charlotte Raby Adrianne is satisfied running her cafe for the homeless and believes her life is complete, until she falls in love with a debonair stranger who wants his meals after hours and in the dark. She must find out what he's hiding and if their love is true or cursed. Halloween Witness by Rita Hestand When the local town drunk sees a murder committed on Boot Hill on Halloween night, will anyone pay any attention to his story? Sheriff Joe Grubbs, though skeptical, investigates and finds the new grave. Now, he has a job to do and risks losing the love of his life. It's a harrowing Halloween night in Haleyville, Texas. The Memory Charmer and the Boy Next Door by Christine E. Schulze Imprisoned in a basement, at the mercies of an oddly powerful incubus, Elissa tries to escape many times. But the giant tarantula guards his master's toy well. Then a glimmer of hope appears. A boy moves in next door who knows things-secrets from the very heavens. Can he help her escape? Or will the incubus destroy him? I Love Pie! by Kate Kindle Tony Gullo, a burnt-out-on-life New Yorker, takes an unexpected trip to the country with a friend. On the side of the road he sees a haunting sight. A beautiful woman stands poised on the roadside, seemingly in a trance. When the men stop to offer assistance, she flees into the woods. How will he ever find this beautiful creature, if she really exists.

Audio: Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family by Glenn Plaskin.  There is more to this than just a dog story.  I have one disc to go so I hope to post the Review and Hachette Giveaway on Wednesday.

A personal memoir by bestselling author and celebrity journalist Glenn Plaskin, KATIE is a moving story about a man who discovers the true meaning of family after adopting a cocker spaniel puppy. Through the magnetic personality of his mischievous dog, the author soon makes powerful connections with several of his down-the-hall neighbors in a high-rise located in the unique Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. First, Katie trots into the lives of Pearl and Arthur, a warm-hearted elderly couple just a few doors down from Glenn. Later, John, a single Dad, and his rambunctious young son, Ryan, also move in and are seduced by Katie's charms....read more.

NEXT UP in AUDIO - depending on which, if either, I can get my DH to listen to on our drive west: 

Don't Blink by James Patterson and Howard Roughan.

OR

Room: A Novel  by Emma Donoghue


Line Edits: I hope to finish formatting two more books for release by the end of the week.

Upcoming books:  

PB:  I have one October Sourcebook left: Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne by Margaret Irwin so I hope to read that this week.

PB:  Also I am going to read Edge of Sight (The Guardian Angelinos) by Roxanne St. Claire. That is due for November 3 Hachette Review, Giveaway and Guest Post.
We will be hitting the road on Saturday October 30 to drive to Monterey, California for our son's graduation from the Defense Language Institute. DH decided he wanted to drive across country to see some sites (or sights) instead of just flying. I want to finish the two print books above as I already packed four more for the two week trip.  The rest will be read on Kindle or Audio.

I am also starting The Forever Queen: Sometimes, a desperate kingdom is in need of one great woman by Helen Hollick. The review is not due until November 18 but the book is 621 pages and I have seven books set before it in the first two weeks of November so I am getting a jump by starting this one. I will switch to the Kindle version when it becomes available so I won't carry this one on the trip.

Kindle:  I have received five author ebooks for reviews/interviews with giveaways in the November.  

I have eight good Sourcebook print books (including Forever Queen) lined up for November and December with book giveaways. Plus three Hachette books for November tours; three blog tours for Pump up Your Book Promotion and several author review/giveaways too. I'll be posting the line up early November. Am I busy enough do you think?

Enquiring Minds Want to Know Meme Week 8, October 21, 2010

This meme is hosted by Dollycas Thoughts for Thursdays - which are hard for me to make.  The goal is to get to know our fellow bloggers and visitors better. Each week Dolly asks some questions for us to answer and then link up. I am late doing the post but I am trying to to participate as I would like to learn more about blogger and follower friends.

So here are the Week 8 Questions

1.  Do you ever feel like no one is reading your blog?
I do feel that way sometimes. Pretty much I know people read the giveaways. But I know too that some people are like me, they may read the emailed post or even check out the blog but not always comment. 
I still like to do the reviews, giveaways and a few memes.  It does make my day brighter when I see encouraging and positive comments. Even a comment on a review giveaway that the review was helpful is pleasing as that is part of the purpose of the blog.

2.  Would this meme work better for you if it was offered on a different day?
Thursday is normally a review and giveaway day if I have one ready. Even if the day is open, mid week is hard to post because of my work commitments. This time problem exists on every week day so I wouldn't make a decision based on my input. Sometimes it is easier for me do memes - at least prepare them for posting - on the weekend.  If you sent the questions or topics to me early I might be able to get my post ready earlier.  :) 

3. Do you think there are already too many similar memes out in the blogisphere and I should stop this one?
I am not aware of a similar meme. The blog hops just pop in and say "hi." I like the concept of learning more about other bloggers and followers. 

Extra question this week.

4.  If I were to continue with Enquiring Minds do you have any advice or changes you would like to see.

Keep it simple so it can be quick. Maybe only one question each week as that is still 52 questions a year and it would be quicker to participate. And I think you just need to give it time.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 24, 2010

This morning we celebrated communion, remembering God's sacrifice, His Love and Grace. Pastor reminded us that the Spirit seeks to live within us. There He can guide us with a still, small voice if we will be open to listen.

I thought this song was appropriate today.
Grace Flows Down and Covers Me.

A Verse for Today:

1 Corinthians 1:3 (New Living Translation)

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

We were also reminded today how fleeting time may be. A healthy older gentleman in our church family, who was so sweet and dedicated to the Lord, fell off the third rung of a ladder and died from the resulting injuries yesterday. We know he is safe with God but our hearts hurt for his family.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Passionate Brood by Margaret Campbell Barnes

This book is a rich tapestry of fictionalized history.
 The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood by Margaret Campbell Barnes.

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (October 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402242050
• ISBN-13: 978-1402242052
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 (A good book but not necessarily a "need" to read and not for everyone.)

Description:

A Spirited Retelling of King Richard the Lionheart and the Third Crusade

"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England’s historical novelists.”
—Chicago Tribune

In this compelling novel of love, loyalty, and lost chances, Margaret Campbell Barnes gives readers a new perspective on Richard the Lionheart’s triumphs and tragedies. Drawing on folklore, Barnes explores what might have happened if King Richard’s foster brother were none other than Robin Hood, a legendary figure more vibrant than most in authentic history. Thick as thieves as Richard builds a kingdom and marshals a crusade, the two clash when Robin Hood so provokes the king’s white hot temper that Richard banishes him. The Passionate Brood is a tale of a man driven to win back the Holy Land, beset by the guilt of casting out his childhood friend, and shouldering the burden of being the lionhearted leader of the Plantagenets.

Review: This started slowly but once I relaxed into the story I enjoyed it.

It will help if you start with the understanding that this is Historical FICTION.  Focus on the fiction.  Because this tells the tale of real historical people I (as others I am sure) was tempted to verify the accuracy of the chronology, conquests, loves and familial relationships.  That struggle remained during a good part of the book.  You may have seen some reviews that denounce the story for not being historically factual.   It may be noted that the book was initially published in 1944 and certainly the research abilities we have at the touch of a keyboard were not available then. I finally decided that if I treated it all as fiction I would enjoy it more... and so I did.

Richard’s military prowess and crusade campaign seem to be loosely based in fact. The chivalry and brutality may both be exaggerated.  The relationship with Robin Hood makes for an interesting story but is not consistent with the stories of Robin Hood as they have been popularized.  This created part of the “factual” inaccuracy for me. However it is likely that the popular stories of Robin Hood are fictional interpretations of folklore so they should not be deemed “factual” anyway.

What I found most interesting about the book was the consistent passionate portrayal of the Plantagenet family members: the controlling King Henry, the matriarchal and strong-minded Queen Eleanor, Henry the intense elder son, Richard the stubborn, warrior knight, Johanna (Joan) the lively sister, and John the youngest, covetous and contentious son and brother.  The early part of the story includes Robin as Richard’s foster brother, the son of Richard’s nursemaid. As Richard is the French raised son, Robin is portrayed as the promoter for the welfare of England and particularly of the common Englishman.  Robin and Richard are the closest of friends and Robin often serves as a calming influence and diplomatic intervener for Richard. They don’t always see eye to eye and this reaches a disastrous end when Robin calmly refuses to do as Richard desires,  provoking the King’s stubborn and blind fury. Although Robin does not appear much directly after the first third of the story, his influence remains by the effect of his absence in Richard’s life.  Robin’s influence is partially summed up in these phrases on pages 253-254 when Johanna, also raised with Richard in France, describes Robin saying: “...he showed us England....There was something in Robin that English people have–a sort of independence of soul...”

I enjoyed the author’s portrayal of Richard’s courtship and strong (if not completely faithful) love of his wife, Berengaria. Unfortunately Richard’s greatest love was military strategy and the Crusade. These ultimately cost Richard his kingdom, his bride and finally his life. Yet he is remembered for his bravery in those crusades as Richard the Lionheart.

The author had managed to wrap me into the personalities so that I was greatly saddened by the ending.  This is an often true-to-life sentiment that Berengaria makes during a quarrel with Richard near the end of the book, as Richard finally begins to see her sacrifice and frustrations with his military pursuits:“That’s just the tragedy, isn’t it?  Two people living together–thinking they know each other–and they’ve no idea...”

There are arranged marriages, political alliances, maneuvering and betrayal. There are emotional shortcomings and revelations. There is jealousy, hatred and love with lots of conflict throughout.  I enjoyed the depth of the writing and I believe if you read the book with the premise that it is not intended to be an accurate accounting of history, then it can be enjoyed as a fine romantic, historical fiction.

 xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment on the review and/OR tell me how picky you are about historical accuracy and/OR tell me why you think you would like this book.

Please leave your e-mail!

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

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

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

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on November 5, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.