Book Review and Giveaway: Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jones

Go for a rolling ride in another delightful, action packed novel in the Project Enterprise Series.

Steamrolled

by Pauline Baird Jones

• Paperback: 454 pages
• Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (April 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603184074
• ISBN-13: 978-1603184076

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance
My Rating 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2011

With all of time at risk, it's a bad time to fall in love...unless it's the only time... Robert Clementyne is going on a transmogrification machine hunt. He fears finding the machine will be as difficult as pronouncing the name. How can the steam-powered device perform as advertised, and how useful can any information be, coming from a steampunk themed bowling alley/museum? It's pretty crazy, but he's been there, done that, and thinks he can handle it. And then he meets the proprietor/curator...Emily Babcock. Emily grew up in crazy, still lives in it-hey, it's her freaking zip code. So no worries when Robert and his team walk into her bowling alley. The first visitors ever to her museum. But neither of them is prepared for what happens when they open the door to the past...and the future. With a side trip through Roswell...and a face-to-face meeting with an evil genius/wannabe-who is on his way to becoming evil overlord-of-everything...

Review:

This book highlights Robert Clementyne, the brother of Doc from Girl Gone Nova. Robert had been in a mental health facility on earth until Doc pulled him out and introduced some nanites to help his brain organize all the genius that he had been unable to control and express before.  Here we get to enjoy the mental conversational additions of nanites Wynken, Blynken and Nod. :-) Robert and a team from Kikk have been sent to earth to locate the transmogrification machine (from Tangled in Time.)  The team includes characters from prior books in the series: Fyn (The Key) and Carey (Tangled in Time).

We are also introduced to new characters, Ashe and Emily.  Ashe, with her sentient nanite, Lurch (once a nanite with Doc aka Morticia, resulting in Lurch’s name), is a fairly new cadet with the Time Service, designed to keep time ‘on track.’  Ashe and Lurch return from a time trip to discover the base and time seriously out of whack. Ashe is the primary hero of the final book, Kicking Ashe.

Emily is a very unusual young woman, a persona of “modified Goth mixed with Steampunk.”  She is the isolated proprietor of the museum designed around the transmogrification machine inventor’s workshop.  As a descendant of the inventor’s sister, Emily has steadfastly taken care of the museum even though there have been no visitors... until now.

But Robert’s team isn’t the only one after the machine. Dr. Smith, on orders of his ‘master’, has been sent to find the machine too. As they battle over the machine, Ashe and Lurch have their own struggles with fluctuating time.

This is another wonderful story with lots of action, intrigue, and a really evil overlord fighting with patrols of robotic-like automatrons. The author has created an imaginative, unique world and wonderfully warm, quirky characters. Once again the dialog is fun and it is delightful how Emily starts mentally thinking of Robert as “oh my darling!” (Check his last name if you don’t get this right away.)  The plot moves around a lot - past, future and time streams in between. Although this could be read alone, I think it would be much easier to follow (and more to enjoy) if you have read the prior books.

Some quotes to enjoy:

Emily had questions, but questions led to answers. Answers were a mixed bag–a baggie better kept zipped when your family inheritance could be boiled down to one word: crazy. P 41

She twisted in his hold–though not out of it he was thankful to note–bringing her mouth into a better position for kissing. ... And then she kissed him, splattering his thoughts, rather like the anomaly had tried to splatter them, but with a much better outcome. P 370.

Thank you to the author for providing another great read!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the signed Review copy: 

1. I sent you to visit the author's website for the giveaway of THE KEY. So for this giveaway tell me why you think you would like to read this book and or series. :-) This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower (GFC, Twitter, FB, email) or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

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

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* 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 March 23, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on March 24 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.
 

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 11, 2012

This morning we had a lovely communion service. Then our Pastor gave a sermon on Hope.  He stated that there are three stages of Hope.

1.  Unseen Hope. Faith is our action on the God given hope that something will occur. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1.  Job saw disaster and said “What strength do I have, that I should still hope?  What prospects, that I should be patient?"  Job 6:11.  Job recognized that he could only have hope in God. Enthusiasm is contagious when placed in God.  It is part of your testimony. Unseen Hope directs us to do what God commands us to do and wait with assurance for Him to act.

2.  Emerging Hope.  Hope increases as we start to see fulfillment. But we must be careful not to try to rush with our own plans and pushing.  There may be suffering or persecution while we wait but we can have comfort in our assurance that God knows the best timing and plans. 2 Cor 1:7.  We must wait till God brings the promise to pass and not allow words of doubt to discourage us. Emerging Hope should encourage us to be like Nehemiah who,when others grumbled, prayed to the Lord: “Now, strengthen my hands.”  Neh 6:9.

3.  Realized Hope.  This is the stage when the promise comes to pass; it is fulfilled and fulfilling. Yet this is not an end. Acts 4:32-33. We must still be careful as many people may drop the baton at this stage and proceed on their own with arrogance and pride…like Solomon.  Stay humble; don't take credit for what God brings to pass. Realized Hope should cause us to remember that when God gives favor we need to give Him thanks. Isaiah 49:23.

Verse for Today:
part of Isaiah 49:23
"... Then you will know that I am the LORD;
   those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

I pray today that I will remember these stages of hope; that I will obey, wait, give thanks ... and pray as Nehemiah prayed.

Sharing Beyond Books #39 Comment Giveaway March 10, 2012

Welcome to another Saturday SBB. I am tired after a busy week and strange nights - either crashing early or staying awake too late. Now I will lose an hour tonight as we set our clocks back.

Thank you to all those who commented last week.
Most of us prefer simpler contest entries, some would prefer equal (one per person), although one or two like many entries. And several agreed that captcha is annoying.

All but two commenters like ratings although many agree that they like to look at more than ratings - things like author, cover, back cover blurb and, of course, review comments. :-) I think that makes me more cautious on giving a lesser rating on a book that has good points but wasn't for me. I will have to be careful to make that clear.  Mystica and Abby prefer to read the reviews and not look at ratings.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #38 comments is: #15 Carol M. There are still 8 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Carol M please let me know if you want a GC (if you are international) or choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below OR pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #39 Questions

Q1. This week Abby says: Okay, I have a two-part question I hope has not been asked before.  A) was sort of asked when this was hosted by Dollycas as Enquiring Minds but B) is new I think.

A) How do you like to sleep? Left, right, middle, horizontally?
B) Where do you sleep the best (ie. on the sofa, bed, Lazy Boy)??

A:  A)As I lay on the bed I would be on the right and DH is on the left with little dogs at the feet or in the middle. Also I am a very still sleeper and barely rumple up the sheets except when I have to tug them from DH or dogs.  B) I definitely prefer my own bed and I miss it when I travel.  I often take my own pillow for car trips.

Image found at The Date Report

Q2. My book related question this week: Has blogging changed your reading habits??

A:  I have to answer a resounding "Yes" to this question. I think I have been reading more plus expanding and changing my genre likes. I spend my evenings writing reviews or other posts. I giveaway books and other things - that's fun. Well, for me, all of it is fun!  And I thank you my blogging friends for sharing the fun with me.  :-)

I found a bunch of cute blog images but I liked this one right away!

Image found at (rather surprisingly) Association of Afghan Blog Writers

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask.  Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form.  At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far.  Either way - it works for me. :-)  The question list is being replenished!  Thanks for sending in questions!

Your turn to share:

1. Abby asks:   [A) was sort of asked when this was hosted by Dollycas as Enquiring Minds but B) is new I think.]

A) How do you like to sleep? Left, right, middle, horizontally?
B) Where do you sleep the best (ie. on the sofa, bed, Lazy Boy??

2. My book related question this week: Has blogging changed your reading habits??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 10 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

SBB Rules: a) Must be a follower; 
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, March 16, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winner of Bleed For Me

Thank you to all who entered.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF

ARC Copy of Bleed for Me 

Latanya please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form so I can mail the book out.  Please reply within 72 hours! 

Book Review: Tangled in Time by Pauline Baird Jones

When I read this Sci Fi/Steampunk Romance Novella and I couldn't put it down. It was wonderful with great gentle humor!

Tangled in Time

by Pauline Baird Jones

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 213 KB

Publisher: L&L Dreamspell (November 19, 2010)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

Language: English

ASIN: B004D4YL18

Genre: Science Fiction Romance 
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Product Description

Colonel Carey (from The Key and Girl Gone Nova) takes a test "flight" through the Garradian time-space portal, but an unexpected impact lands him somewhere and some when. As he attempts to get to Area 51, he crosses paths with Miss Olivia Carstairs, who could be Mary Poppins' twin sister. Or maybe her cousin. Olivia's got a transmogrification machine powered by steam and a mouth he'd like to kiss like it was his job. Can he convince her to join forces before she shoots him with her derringer?

Review:
This is a quick, fun novella in the Project Enterprise series.
Colonel Carey is a sharp soldier who appeared in the first two books as an officer on The Doolittle, the Earth ship hovering off the planet Kikk. During a test "flight" through the time-space portal at the outpost he has a rough ride ending up someplace other than where he is supposed to be.  As he checks out the area he spots a strange submarine shaped space ship. Outside the ship he spots a Mary Poppins' twin with an umbrella ... and a derringer aimed at him.

Olivia is a prim and proper young lady who chose to be a scientist's assistant rather than marry a boringly proper beau. Which is a bit unconventional for a woman from 1894. Olivia has arrived in the wrong place, and time, in a steam powered transmogrification machine. Now they have to figure a way to get back to where they came from. Things get sticky when an army patrol picks them up and then Dr. Tobias Smith steps in trying to convince Olivia to go with him.

This story moves quickly with warm characters, sweet interaction and quirky dialogue between a1894 bluestocking girl and a 2010 soldier guy. There is a bit of suspense and mystery that kept me wondering. Again, this story could be read alone but has more meaning and connection with the past characters and situations when read in order in the series. I was sorry this one was so short and looked forward to the next book!

Some humorous quotes:
Carey thinking about Olivia:

Seriously, he could kiss this girl like it was his job. P36.

Olivia thinking about Carey:

If a woman of science could not figure how to get a man to kiss her, she did not deserve the label. P.67.

Olivia's response to crashing in a chopper:

“I rode in a flying machine and crashed. Everything is better than all right. It is bodacious.” P68.

Thank you to the author for another wonderful book to enjoy and review.