MBS Favorite Books Read in 2011

I had a great year of reading with the majority of the books falling in the 4 plus range. In these favorites you may note that I recommend Authors as much as specific books!
This is to share for general and for one of my 2012 Challenges. 
HERE ARE MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS of Favorite reads from 2011 - They are in no particular order.

1.  Paranormal SciFi Romance: The Project Universe series by Pauline Baird Jones.  I recommend you start in order with Book 1, The Key. (I have not yet posted all of my reviews of these except for the short story in Dreamspell Steampunk; I'm linking as they are posted.)
Steampunk; overall rating 4.25; my rating for Steam Time by Pauline Baird Jones 4.5.

2. Awesome writing and different plot: 

To Be Sung Underwater 

by Tom McNeal; 

Fiction; my rating 5.0.

3. Fun Steampunk - start with book one in the series! I love this series on audio.
Audible Soulless 
by Gail Carriger; 
Paranormal, Steampunk; my rating 5.0.

4. I really enjoy this Author and loved the Study Series!

Audible Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) 

by Maria V. Snyder; 

Sci Fi, Dystopia; my rating 4.75.

5. Encouraging and motivational:
Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike; Motivational; my rating 5.0. 




Five more to make the top ten (although it was hard to willow down the field):

1. Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer; Inspirational Comedy Adventure; my rating 5.0. 
2. Cover Me by Catherine Mann; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
3. Making Waves by Tawna Fenske; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.75.
4. Audible Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, YA; my rating 4.75.
5. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson; Mystery; my rating 4.5. 

Oh - I am adding two more:  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
and Divergent - which I haven't reviewed yet.

AND:  Here is the list of all of the books I rated 4.75 and 5.0 from the 251 books I read in 2011.
There are wonderful books to pick from in different genres!  My full reading list for 2011 can be found HERE.

1. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore; Mystery; my rating 4.75.
2. To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
3. House Divided (America Libre Trilogy) by Raul Ramos y Sanchez; Fiction, Political Thriller; my rating 4.75.
4. Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
5. I Am The Chosen King by Helen Hollick; Historical Fiction; my rating 5.0. 
6. Audible Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) of by Maria V. Snyder; Sci Fi, Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
7. Audible Outside In (Harlequin Teen) by Maria V. Snyder; YA Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
8. Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
9. Audio Maeve Binchy Collection; Women's Fiction; my rating 4.75. 
10. Face of Danger by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
11. Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer; Inspirational Comedy Adventure; my rating 5.0. 
12. SEALed Forever by Mary Margaret Daughtridge; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
13. Audible Soulless by Gail Carriger; Paranormal, Steampunk; my rating 5.0.
14. The Soldier by Grace Burrowes; Historical Romance; my rating 5.0.
15. Audible Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
16. To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal; Fiction; my rating 5.0.
17. Changeless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel, Book 2 by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
18. Audible Iron Kissed: Mercy Thompson, Book 3; by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal - Werewolves; my rating 4.75.
19. Cover Me by Catherine Mann; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
20. Making Waves by Tawna Fenske; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.75.
21. Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike; Motivational; my rating 5.0. 
22. Audible Blameless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
23. Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance; my rating 4.75.
24. Heartless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fourth by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
25. Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee; Fantasy; my rating 4.75. 
26. Audible Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75. 
27. Audio All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen; Mystery Suspense;  my rating 4.75.
28. Paper Angels by Billy Coffey; Inspirational; my rating 4.75. 
29. Audible Divergent by Veronica Roth; Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
30. Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces  by Roy Peter Clark; Nonfiction, Self-Improvement; my rating 5.0.
31. Audible Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, YA; my rating 4.75.

MBS Completed Reading List for 2011

These are the 251 books I read in 2011. The book title links will take you to either my review or an online link for the book  I have included books I read for eTreasures although I have not rated those. The number after the month is the number of books read in that month.
I didn't expect to read this many as it averages out to over 20 a month. This is really too many when you consider the time to review and post too.
I didn't originally plan in the editing books and the judging/survey books but I now know to plan for them.  I am working up a reading plan for 2012 which I will post this week.


         JANUARY (20)

1. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore; Mystery; my rating 4.75.
2. How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling; Historical romance; my rating 4.5.
3. Audible: Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost; Paranormal Romance, vampire; my rating: 4.0. 
4. The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
5. The Bricklayers Helper by Amy Corwin; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
6. Coming Back by Marcia Muller;  Mystery, Female PI; my rating 3.75.
7. Sins of Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75.
8. Blood Prophesy by Stefan Petrucha; Paranormal - Vampire; my rating 3.75. 
9. My Immortal Assasin by Carolyn Jewel; Paranormal - Mage and Demons; my rating 4.25.
10. Audio Book Hell's Corner by David Baldacci; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
11. Love Transposed by Pepper O'Neal and Chelsy Day. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild Anthology (eTreasures.)
12. Love Potion 2-14 by Pepper O'Neal. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild (eTreasures.)
13. The Bachelor by Heather Hiestand. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild (eTreasures.)
14. The Boss Wore Red by Delle Jacobs and SamMarie Ashe. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild (eTreasures.)
15. The Wrong Target by Sherry Gloag. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild (eTreasures.)
16. The Hollywood Hookup by Chelsy Day. Novella for Cupid Gone Wild (eTreasures.)
17. Alas Babylon by Pat Frank; Sci Fi, post apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
18.  Kiss At Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe; Paranormal - Black Widow plus; my rating 4.5.
19. How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
20. The Taste of Innocence CD Audio (Cynster Novels) by Stephanie Laurens; Historical Romance; my rating 3.5.
    FEBRUARY (17)
21. Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
22. I Drean of Genies by Judi Fennell; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
23. In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
24. Love From the Ashes by Patricia Andres (eTreasures.)
25. Step on A Crack Audiobook by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge; Thriller; my rating 4.25.
26. To Tempt a Rake (Circle of Sin) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
27. The Righteous by Michael Wallace; Thriller; my rating 4.5.
28. A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor by Robert Pielke; Alternate History; my rating 5.0.
29. ΕΞΙΣ gods, ghosts and battered cellphones by Anne Abad (eTreasures.) 
30. The Big Show Stopper (A Pinky and the Bear mystery) by Ken Dalton; PI Mystery; my rating 3.25.
31. The Werewofl Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.
32. Everyone Loves a Hero: ...and that's the problem by Marie Force; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
33. Audio Book The Collectors by David Baldacci. Thriller; my rating 3.75.
34. Audio Book The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham; Nonfiction; my rating 4.25.
35. Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. 
36. 13, rue Thérèse: A Novel by Elena Mauli Shapiro;  Fiction; my rating 4.5.
37. To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
    MARCH (19)
38. My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas; Historical Romance; my rating 3.5.
39. House Divided (America Libre Trilogy) by Raul Ramos y Sanchez; Fiction, Political Thriller; my rating 4.75.
40. Taste Me by Tamara Hogan; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.
41. Late Harvest by Suzanne Barrett; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
42. God Wars: Living With Angels by Rob Tobin; Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
43. The Linen Queen: A Novel by Patricia Falvey; Fiction; my rating 4.5.
44. Audible: Pale Demon: Library Edition (The Hollows) by Kim Harrison; Paranormal - witches plus; my rating 4.5.
45. Audible:The Becoming (The Anna Strong Chronicles, Book 1) by Jeanne C. Stein; Paranormal Romance - Vampire; my rating 3.5.
46. Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
47. Highland Heat by Mary Wine; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
48. Rogue Oracle by Alyna Williams; Fantasy, Suspense; my rating 4.5. 
49. Audible:How Come They Always had the Battles in the National Parks? by Peter Bales; History; my rating 4.0.
50. I Am The Chosen King by Helen Hollick; Historical Fiction; my rating 5.0. 
51. Audible Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) of by Maria V. Snyder; Sci Fi, Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
52. Audible Outside In (Harlequin Teen) by Maria V. Snyder; YA Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
53. Merely Magic by Patricia Rice; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
54. The Healing Code by Alexander Loyd and Ben Johnson; Non Fiction; my rating 4.5.
55. Legacy by Jeanette Baker; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
56. Audible The Iron King (Harlequin Teen) by Julie Kagawa; fantasy; my rating 4.0.
    APRIL (15)
57. Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione;Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
58. A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.5.
59. Woman of Honor (Kingdom of Arnhem, Book 1) by Nicole Zoltack; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
60. Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
61. Audio Maeve Binchy Collection; Women's Fiction; my rating 4.75. 
62. Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado; Spirituality, Religion, Inspiration; my rating 4.5.
63. Audible One Second After by William R. Forstchen; Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
64. Face of Danger by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
65. Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
66. Audible Glory in Death by J.D. Robb; Mystery/Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. 
67. Audible Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal Romance - werewolves plus; my rating 4.5.
68. Silicon Self by Kirtimay Varma; Satirical Sci Fi; (eTreasures.)
69. Riddle of Berlin by Cym Lowell; International Thriller; my rating 4.25.
70. Audible First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. 
71. Audible Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb; Mystery/Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
    MAY (25)
72. Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain by Margaret Irwin; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25. 
73. Coming Home by Joy Brooks; Novella for Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology; (eTreasures.)
74. Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer; Inspirational Comedy Adventure; my rating 5.0. 
75. Desperate Measures by Cindy Cromer; Mystery; (eTreasures.)
76. Hood (The King Raven Trilogy Book 1) by Stephen Lawhead;Historical Fiction; My Rating 3.5.
77. Audible One Foot in the Grave Night huntress Book 2 by Jeaniene Frost; Paranormal Romance - Vampires; my rating 3.75.
78. Audible DarkFever: Fever, Book 1 by Karen Marie Moning; Paranormal Romance - Fae; my rating 4.0.
79. The Guardian (Return of the Highlanders) by Margaret Mallory; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
80. Be Careful What You Wish For by Sibel Hodge; Mystery, Romance; my rating 4.25.
81. Going Cowboy Crazy by Katie Lane; Contemporary Romance; my ratings 4.0.
82. Make Mine a Bad Boy by Katie Lane; Contemporary Romance; my ratings 4.0.
83. Audible Fancy Pants by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
84. The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones; Paranormal Suspense; My Rating 4.25.
85. SEALed Forever by Mary Margaret Daughtridge; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
86. Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack; YA Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
87. To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack; YA Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
88. Blood Bound: Mercy Thompson, Book 2 by Patricia Biggs; Paranormal Romance - Werewolves; my rating 4.5. 
89. Audio Book Poirot Investigates Vol 1 by Agatha Christie; Classic Mystery; my rating 4.5.
90. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn; Paranormal; my ratings 4.5.
91. Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn; Paranormal; my ratings 4.25.
92. Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Mary of Carisbrooke by Margaret Campbell Barnes; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
93. Book Review of Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
94. Audible 39 Clues, Book 1: The Book of Maze by Rick Riordan; Ages 9-12; my rating 4.0.
95. Audio Book A Morning for Flamingos by James Lee Burke; Detective Mystery; my rating 4.25.
96. Her Dreams Come True by Miranda Heart; novella in Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology (eTreasures.)
JUNE (21)
97. Audible The Devil Who Tamed Her by Johanna Lindsey; Historical Romance; My Rating 4.25.
98. Virgin by Cheryl Brooks; Sci Fi Romance (erotic); my rating 4.25. 
99. Audible Soulless by Gail Carriger; Paranormal, Steampunk; my rating 5.0.
100. The Soldier by Grace Burrowes; Historical Romance; my rating 5.0.
101. Audible Rapture by Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
102. From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice by Neil Cullan McKinlay; Memoir; my rating 4.25.
103. Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
104. Audible Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins; Military Thriller; My Rating 4.0.
105. Prairie Lily by Georgina Sellwood; novella in Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology (eTreasures.)
106. Audible Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime thriller; my rating 4.25.
107. Ex-Girlfriends United by Matt Dunn; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.0.
108. Demons Prefer Blondes by Sidney Ayers; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
109. Wish You Were Here by Phillipa Ashley; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0
110. Bedtime Stories for Dogs by Bruce Littlefield; Childrens; my rating 4.25.
111. To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal; Fiction; my rating 5.0.
112. Changeless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel, Book 2 by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
113. My Dangerous Pleasure by Carolyn Jewel; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
114. Taming Rowan  by Suzanne Barrett; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
115. Escape to Love by Cher Green; novella in Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology (eTreasures.)
116. Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier; Christian Fiction; my rating 3.75.
117. Audible Iron Kissed: Mercy Thompson, Book 3; by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal - Werewolves; my rating 4.75.
     JULY (29)
118. The Showboat Affair by Gwyneth Greer; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
119. Audible On The Way to The Wedding by Julia Quinn. Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
120. Josette by Danielle Thorne; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
121. In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.
122. When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher; Christian Romance; my rating 4.25.
123. Audible Into the Storm: Destroyermen, Book 1 by Taylor Anderson; Sci Fi/Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
124. Audible Day By Day Armageddon by J L Bourne; Apopcalyptic; my rating 4.25.
125. Audible Predator: A Novel by Terri Blackstock; Christian Crime Mystery; my rating 3.75. 
126. Dreamspell Steampunk by Pauline Baird Jones; Steampunk; my rating 4.25. 
127. Payback in Wayback by Lynda Coker; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
128. Touch if You Dare by Stephanie Rowe; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
129. Cover Me by Catherine Mann; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
130. Six Undisclosed Novella (for judging.)
131. Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4. 25.
132. Change Anything by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillian; Self Help Nonfiction; my rating 4.25.
133. Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel by Sue-Ellen Welfonder; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
134. Tamed by a Highlander by Paula Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 3.5.
135. Lady of Seduction by Laurel McKee; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
136. Audible Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan; Paranormal Romance; my rating 3.75.
137. The Fear Principle by B.A. Chepaitis; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25. 
138. So You Want to Write a Guest Post;  by Jaime McDougall; How to - Nonfiction; my rating 4.5. 
139. Secrets in the Fog: Danny's First Love by Ellen Spain; Summer Prom Night Anthology (eTreasures.)
140. The Fear of God by B.A. Chepaitis; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25. 
141. Audible One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury; Inspirational; my rating 4.25.
142. A Gentleman Never Tells by Amelia Grey; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
143. Quest For Magic by Jean Hart Stewart Book FIVE of the series, Songs of the Mages; Paranormal - mages; my rating 4.0.
144. Making Waves by Tawna Fenske; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.75.
145. Undisclosed Book for Harlequin Survey.
146. Sword of Virtue by Joy Brooks; Fantasty (eTreasues.)
     AUGUST (18)
147. Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake; Historical Christian Romance; my rating 4.5.
148. Confessions of an Improper Bride >by Jennifer Haymore; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
149. Undisclosed Book for Harlequin Survey.
150. Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike; Motivational; my rating 5.0. 
151. Audible Blameless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
152. Venetia by Georgette Heyer; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
153. Tears of God by Laurie McBain; Historical Romance; my rating 3.5.
154. Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance; my rating 5.0
155. Audible Beyond Exile: Day by Day Armageddon by J. L. Bourne; Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
156. Lexie's Choice by Deb Logan; Summer Prom Night Anthology (eTreasures.)
157. The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
158. Midnight Waltz by Jennifer Blake; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75.
159. Get Er Done by Michael Martel; Nonfiction; Business; my rating 4.5.  
160. A Tale of Two Prom Dates by Evie Alexis; Summer Prom Night Anthology (eTreasures.)
161. The Vampire Next Door by Ashlyn Chase; Paranormal Romance; my rating 3.75.
162. Audiobook Review The Cay by Theodore Taylor; Middle School Adventure; my rating 4.25.
163. Heartless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fourth by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
164. The Gift by Kat Deacon; Summer Prom Night Anthology (eTreasures.)
     SEPTEMBER (21)
165. Lady of the Storm by Kathryne Kennedy; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
166. Midnight on Julia Street by Ciji Ware; Historical Fiction/Time Travel Romance; my rating 4.25.
167. Undisclosed (for judging.)
168. Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Colby; Christian Romance; my rating 3.75.
169. Love is Blind and It Don't Pay the Bills  Either by Karen Wiesner; Inspirational Romance; my rating 4.25. 
170. Undisclosed (for judging.)
171. Audio Crescent Lake by David Sakmyster; Horror, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
172. Life After The Undead by Pembroke Sinclair; Zombie, YA (eTreasures.)
173. Undisclosed (for judging.) 
174. Kingdom of Summer by Gillian Bradshaw; Historical Fiction/Fantasy Romance; my rating 4.5.
175. Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
176. Audible The Ghosts of Ragged Ass Gulch by Bill Pronzini; Mystery; my rating 4.0.
177. The Lonely Mile by Allan Leverone; Thriller; my rating 4.5.
178. Life is Not a Stage by Florence Henderson; Memoir; my rating 4.25.
179. Soylent Red by Jamieson Wolf; Horror (eTreasures.)
180. No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
181. A Christmas Gift by Diane Craver; Inspirational; my rating 4.5.
182. The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft; Inspirational; my rating 5.0. 
183. Tenderfoot by Amy Tupper; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
184. Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee; Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
185. Audible Tailspin: FBI Thriller #12 by Catherine Coulter; Romantic Suspense; my rating 3.75.
OCTOBER (24)
186. Audio Immortal by Gillian Shields; YA (or tweens?); my rating 3.75.
187. The Christmas Secret by Candace Hall; Children; my rating 4.5.
188. Audio Storm Runners by Roland Smith; YA, Adventure, my rating 4.0.
189. Afterlight by Joseph Corsentino; Fantasy, Graphic Novel; my rating 4.25.
190. Audible Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; paranormal romance/YA; my rating 4.5.
191. Where Tomorrow Waits by Jane Peart; Inspirational, Historical; My Rating: 4.0.
192. Undisclosed (for judging.)
193. Ketchikan Man by Ciara Lake; Brides and Dark Secrets Anthology (eTreasures.)
194. Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie'; Fantasy;  my rating 4.25.
195. Summons: A Goblin King Prequel by Shona Husk.
196. The Goblin King by Shona Husk; Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0.
197. Audio Unmeasured Strength by Lauren Manning; Memoir/Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
198. Undisclosed (for judging.)
199. The Weeping Bride by Pembroke Sinclair; Brides and Dark Secrets Anthology (eTreasures.)
200. Undisclosed (for judging.)
201. The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
202. Audio TimeSplash by Graham Storrs; Fantasy/sci fi; my rating: 4.25.
203. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley; Fantasy/Time Travel; my rating 4.5.
204. Undisclosed - for judging. 
205. Unleashed by Sara Humpheys; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
206. Audible Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
207. The Path Home by Caedem Marquez; Contemporary Romance; my Rating: 4.0.
208. Uttlerly Charming by Kristine Grayson; Fantasy Romance; my rating 4.0.
209. I Didn't Ask to Be Born by Bill Cosby; Comedy; my rating 4.0.
NOVEMBER (21)
210. AudioBook No Rest for the Dead by Various Authors; Mystery; my rating 4.25.
211. The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen; Sci Fi thriller;  my Rating: 4.25.
212. Too Wicked to Wed by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance;  my rating 4.5.
213. Sierra Bride by Suzanne Barrett; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
214. Audible Bone Crossed: Mercy Thompson, Book 4 by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal Romance - werewolves plus; my rating 4.25.
215. Deliciously Sinful by Lilli Feisty; Contemporary Romance;  my Rating: 3.75.
216. Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
217. Gift of the Heart by Suzanne Barrett; Contemporary Romance, Novella; my Rating 4.25.
218. Renegade Hearts by Anne Patrick; Inspirational Romance;  my Rating: 4.5.
219. Match Made in Heaven by Shari MacDonald; Contemporary Romantic Comedy; my rating: 4.0.
220. The Storm that is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones; Paranormal Romantic Suspence; my rating: 4.25.
221. The Sinner by Margaret Mallory; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75.
222. The Highland Hero by Amanda Scott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
223. I Never Thought I'd See the Day by Dr. David Jeremiah; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.
224. Seduced by Darkness by Cher Green; Brides and Dark Secrets Anthology (eTreasures.)
225. Embrace the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
226. Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes; Historical Romance;  my rating: 5.0. 
227. In Winter's Shadow by Gillian Bradshaw; Historical Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
228. Audio Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
229. The Chronicles of Quant by Nibi Soto; YA, Adventure; my rating 4.0.
230. The Highlander's Heart by Amanda Forester; Historical Romance;  my rating 4.5.
     DECEMBER (21)
231. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis; Contemporary Romance;  my rating 4.25.
232. Audio All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen; Mystery Suspense;  my rating 4.75.
233. Audio Prequel to Timesplash by Graham Storrs.
234. A Clockwork Christmas Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Romance; my rating 4.25
235. Hot Zone by Catherine Mann;my rating 4.5.
236. Book Review of Zero Day by David Baldacci; Thriller; my rating 4.0.
237. Paper Angels by Billy Coffey; Inspirational; my rating 4.75.
238. Demons Like it Hot by Sidney Ayers; Paranormal Romantic; my rating 3.75.
239. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
240. Book Review Holiday Kisses Anthology; Contemporary Romance Anthology; my rating 4.0.  
241. Audible Divergent by Veronica Roth; Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
242. Three-Day Town by Margaret Maron; Mystery; my rating 4.0.
243. Carrie Goes Off the Map by Phillipa Ashley; Contemporary Romance;  my rating 4.0.
244. Audible Perfect Shadow: A Night Angel Novella by Brent Weeks; Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
245. Audible Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb. Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5.
246. Christmas Wish by Joy Brooks; Christmas Novella (eTreasures.)
247. Souls on (B)oring Street, [Denim Blues Mystery Book 3] by Karen Wiesner; Mystery, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
248. Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces  by Roy Peter Clark; Nonfiction, Self-Improvement; my rating 5.0.
249. Finished through the year Audible The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean.
250. Audio The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck; Contemporary fiction; my rating 4.5.
251. Audible Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, YA; my rating 4.75.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 2, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was another good reading week to finish off 2011. I completed four books and posted FIVE reviews!  I posted  two ARC giveaways and one Flash giveaway.  As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway and Saturday Sharing Beyond Books plus back to the Sunday post. 
I have been working on Challenge posts so I will be posting those tomorrow.

I did get to visit almost 25 blogs last Sunday and Monday! Having the extra day helped. :-)

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

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 26, 2011.

•  Recognizing WHY We Celebrate.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Carrie Goes Off the Map by Phillipa Ashley; Contemporary Romance;  my Rating 4.0. Ends 1/6.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway:  Three-Day Town by Margaret Maron; Mystery; my Rating 4.0.  Ends 1/6.

• Book Review: Souls on (B)oring Street, [Denim Blues Mystery Book 3] by Karen Wiesner; Mystery, Inspirational; my Rating 4.0. 

• Final MBS Flash Giveaway. Ends 12/31.

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 30, 2011.  Open Worldwide. Ends 1/5.

• Book Review: Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces  by Roy Peter Clark; Nonfiction, Self-Improvement; my Rating 5.0. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #29 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 1/6.

•  Sunday Words of Encouragement January 1, 2012.

• Audio Book Review: The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck; Contemporary fiction; my Rating 4.5. 

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

 

Souls on (B)oring Street [Denim Blues Mysteries Book 3]

by Karen Wiesner 

A nice mystery -Review linked above.

2. Print

 

Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces [Hardcover]

by Roy Peter Clark

A great tool - Review linked above.

3. Audible

Linger
• UNABRIDGED
• by Maggie Stiefvater
• Narrated by Jenna Lamia
This is a great audio listen as well as a good story.
I hope to review Shiver and Linger this week. Read from my Audible TBR.
Publisher's Summary
in Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past...and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves...and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love - the light and the dark, the warm and the cold - in a way you will never forget.

4. Audio

  

The Snow Angel

by Glenn Beck

Nice listen - Review linked above.

Line Edits/Releases: No finished edits or releases this week.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 

The Second Sonata

by Nathan Patrick Hardt

I am mid-way through this.  

It is quite interesting although I am curious where it will end.  Reading for the Author.

Product Description

Awake? Asleep?

Living, breathing, dreaming?

After crawling miraculously unscathed from a pulverizing car accident, Nicholas returns to his life to find that little is as it had been and even less is what it seems. With a newfound appreciation for life and an insatiable thirst to discover all it has to offer, he wastes no time beginning to mend damaged relationships and reconcile so much time squandered and forfeit.

At the behest of a charismatic but cryptic stranger, Nicholas takes every opportunity to seize upon his borrowed time, reuniting with loves long since lost. But even as his life is shaping to become everything it always could and should have been, Nicholas is increasingly certain that something is dreadfully amiss, uncovering mysteries lurking within every shadow and secrets behind each blessing.

Unsure of whether his journey of sudden self-awareness is being aided or daunted by this enigmatic chaperone, Nicholas must face the raw and painful truths creeping just beyond his senses, make decisions of dire and mortal consequence, and confront his most haunting of judgments before at last discovering the horrifying fate buried deep within the gathering darkness that has always been awaiting his return.

Painted within these pages is a simple reflecting pool of each of our lives and loves, our most joyous celebrations and mournful regrets, and a journey upon which we must all one day embark.

2. Print
 

52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You
by Brett Blumenthal This just arrived.

I am already one third through 
and I am excited about it.

I was asked to review this for Amazon Encore.

WATCH FOR A GIVEAWAY TO ENCOURAGE WINNERS TO JOIN WITH ME IN PUTTING THIS TO USE!!

Product Description

Whether as New Year’s resolutions, birthday wishes, or daily promises, most everyone vows at some point to make a major life change. But change is easier said than done, especially when it comes to better managing our wellness amidst the chaos of everyday living. Fortunately, wellness coach and award-winning writer Brett Blumenthal has devised a way to inspire and motivate her readers to live healthier and make positive changes in their lives. Although Blumenthal’s method is not a quick fix, it is a surprisingly simple one: make one small change per week, for fifty-two weeks, and at the end of a year, you’ll be happier and healthier. After all, it is the small changes that are the most realistic, instead of trying to overhaul your lifestyle all at once. 52 Small Changes addresses all areas of wellbeing, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, mental wellness, and even the health of one’s home environment. By guiding readers through these changes at an easy, manageable pace, Blumenthal provides an engaging roadmap to lasting results and “a happier, healthier you.”

3. Print (+Audible)
 

Bossy Pants

by Tina Fey

This has a lot of humor but I having issues with the gritty language. Reviewing for Little Brown and Company.

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2011

Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.

She has seen both these dreams come true.

At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon -- from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.

Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.

(Includes Special, Never-Before-Solicited Opinions on Breastfeeding, Princesses, Photoshop, the Electoral Process, and Italian Rum Cake!)

4. Print
 

Love Engineered  
by Jenna Dawlish  

I have just started this from my "won books" box.

I have been interested in it for some time.

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Shortlisted for the RNA New Writers' Award. It's 1855 and Louise Thomas, owner of a large estate in Devon is ready to fall in love, but only if she can find a man who will put up with her thirst for knowledge in the engineering and scientific world.

Charles Lucas is one of the country's top Engineer's, tipped to be the new Brunel. He is too busy with his work for love - especially with a member of the gentry. When he meets Louise, she interests and intrigues him like no woman before. But he must make some serious decisions when he hears disturbing rumours about her.

I am also listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 
I finished the Bible and will start again!

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases. Then we will be starting with new submissions again.

January - I have 12 books listed below plus the four listed above = 16 for January. Hmmm - four a week may be okay.
I am using NetGalley now so the (NG) means NetGalley.

Scheduled:
1/11 Scrumptious by Amanda Usen with Author Interview
1/13-18 Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
1/14 Deeper Water Tides of Truth Series, Book 1) by Robert Whitlow - for Ladies Book Club
1/18 Miss Hildreth Wore Brown, Ancedotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd with Author Guest Post and Giveaway

Sourcebooks
A Demon Does it Better by Linda Wisdom (Paranormal Romance) by Linda Wisdom

LB&Co
     The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
     The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi
Orbit
(NG) Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan
Thomas Nelson
(NG) Smitten Anthology

Others:
Harlequin: A Cold Creek Secret by Raeanne Thayne
(NG) Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1] by Karen Wiesner
Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] by Karen Wiesner

[To be posted - I am setting these up for January interview/feature days since I didn't get them in this year:
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Audio Book Review: The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck

This is an emotional story set at Christmas time but sharing messages for anytime of the year.

The Snow Angel

By Glenn Beck and Nicole Baart

Read by: Ron McLarty and January LaVoy

Simon & Schuster Audio, October 2011
Unabridged Compact Disk, 6 disks
ISBN-10: 1442345527
ISBN-13: 9781442345522

     Genre:  Christian Fiction
     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
A heartwarming novel from Glenn Beck, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Sweater and phenomenally popular radio and television host.

Rachel Price’s one happy memory from her childhood is of playing outside with her father, Mitch, on a cold and snowy day. In that moment he took her hands in his and called her his angel. She felt safe, loved, and protected. Rachel’s mother dies in a car crash a few years later—a sudden and unresolved ending to a complicated relationship. Mitch’s reaction to certain realities surrounding the death pushes Rachel away and confirms her fear that Mitch never truly loved her at all.

Years later, Rachel’s daughter, Lily, is the only light in her dark life. Rachel is consumed by an abusive marriage but too afraid to escape. On Christmas Eve, Rachel’s husband raises a hand to Lily in a moment of aggression that finally snaps Rachel out of her docile state. She realizes immediately that she must protect her daughter in ways her own parents didn’t protect her and remove Lily from the situation. Through the help of an old and dear friend, Rachel has a safe place to go, but first, she must say goodbye to her father.

As the snow falls on this Christmas Eve, Rachel learns that it’s never too late to start over. The Snow Angel is a tale about family, forgiveness, and learning to treasure our memories while allowing ourselves to move forward.

Review:
This is a heart wrenching story of a woman growing beyond childhood abuse and neglect, beyond marital oppression and abuse, to a place of personal fortitude and even forgiveness.

The story rocks between poignant memories of Mitch and Rachel.  Mitch is an Alzheimer’s patient struggling with the unfamiliarity of the nursing home.  He has flash back memories of his beloved wife whom he also feared and loathed because of her drunken meanness.  Mitch’s friend reminds him that he has a daughter whom he loved but Mitch is sure that he failed her.  Yet, as Christmas nears, his befuddled mind anticipates a visit from the young girl in the photo that he treasures.  

Rachel portrays a perfect family to hide that she is in an abusive marriage. The sophisticated husband she adored as a senior in high school has become her controlling, oppressive jailor, isolating her from friends, verbally belittling her and sometimes physically hurting her.

Rachel has maintained an image for the sake of their 11 year old daughter, Lily. But Lily is old enough to realize that all is not rosy.  Rachel’s husband forbid her to see her father or her employer/surrogate parents, Max and his wife. Now Max has called Rachel to help him complete his last major tailoring order. Rachel begins to sneak out in the afternoons. Soon Lily is helping too and demanding to know why her mother has to help Max in secret. Lily also wants to meet her grandfather. Lily shows her maturity and child’s wisdom as she points out that her mother doesn’t have to protect her because “God is my shield.”

At the insistence of her daughter and Rachel’s new friend, the pastor’s wife, Rachel slowly reveals the pain of her childhood memories - an alcoholic mother who neglected or abused her. Then a distant father who didn’t protect his daughter and whose seeming indifference drove Rachel to a marriage where she found a new abuser. Through her revelations and her husband’s continued behavior Rachel finally realizes that he will not change and she must take control to change her own life and protect Lily from the potential lash back.

The emotions of Mitch and Rachel seem so real that I wondered how the author could know the frustration and fears to express them so well. I liked the secondary characters as well. The story is not preachy yet has a soft faith message of individual worth and forgiveness. The narrators do an excellent job of conveying the emotional struggles. The male narrator catches the wavering confusion and frustration of Mitch and the female narrator does a good job for Rachel and for the Swedish accent of Max.  As the final events of the story unfold I found myself holding my breath against threatened tears - you might not want to listen to the last disc while driving! Will Mitch recognize Rachel and will Rachel forgive her father? You won’t know until the ending.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Audiobook Jukebox for this audiobook to review.

One additional comment - I had a college raise their eyebrows when they noted I was listening to a book by 'Glenn Beck.'  I encourage everyone to not let any political feelings prevent you from enjoying this lovely story.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 1, 2012

First - let me wish one and all a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Over the Christmas week I had planned out a post for Sunday. God had other plans - of course!
We had an awesome Sunday School lesson followed by a spirit-filled communion service with a good New Year's message from our pastor. There is too much material for one post so I am choosing the Sunday School message first.
I will condense and paraphrase the lesson that was written by our wonderful teacher.

Imagine yourself a soldier and this message is coming from your commanding officer.

Troops! I have gathered you together to pass on a message from our Supreme Commander in Chief.  You need to be prepared for the War of 2012!

Our enemy has been prowling to and fro to find weaknesses where he will attack. He is going on the offensive as he fears his time may be growing short! Be aware of his camouflage: deception, distraction and misdirection. He has an arsenal of weapons he will use wherever and whenever possible: doubt, confusion, fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of loss, lust, greed, depression, threats, intimidation, shame, guilt, loneliness, disease and more. Note that many of these are mental weapons although there are physical weapons too.
He will use booby traps, mine fields and roadside bombs - ieds to wound us and weaken our troops.
Use your personal guide to discern the camouflage and dangers.
The enemy will set up blockades to supplies so make sure you are prepared physically and mentally. Work together; be a band of brothers; let the strong help the weak; do not allow any friendly fire and leave no one behind.
If you hear reports make sure you authenticate them with your manual. If you get caught in a bad situation don't hesitate to call for backup.  Dig in your line, stand firm and wait for reinforcements. Do not retreat.

We have fire power to help us in the fight. Be aggressive, not passive. Use the powerful name and influence of our Supreme Commander in Chief.  Don't fear the enemy but make sure you put on all of your armor (Ephesians 6) every day so that you have the necessary protection and weapons for this fight.
Then move forward with assurance that, with your Supreme Commander in Chief in charge, you will have peace and spiritual victory in 2012!

What a great message!

Here is a song we sang in service that fits this message better 

than the one I had picked out ahead of time.

A verse for today:

Romans 13:11-12 New International Version (NIV) The Day Is Near

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

I am praying that in 2012 I will be more 'God conscience' in every moment of every day.