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Sunday, June 10, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? June 11, 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.

I finished seven books with the help of cruise time. I posted six book reviews but no giveaways last week.  I also posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I didn't get to visit at all last week since I was away on cruise with limited internet access.  Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me. I haven't had a chance to visit Armchair BEA either. We had a great day today with family visiting.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
  • Book Review: Foolish Games by Karen Wiesner; Inspirational Romance; my rating 4.25. 
  • Audio Book Review: Wired Kingdom by Rick Chesler; Thriller; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
 1. ebook/Kindle



by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley  
This is was interesting start of the series.
The review is linked above.




2 Kindle
 

by Sparkle Abbey
This was paired with Desperate Housedogs through NetGalley.
The reviews are linked above.




3.  Print
 

by Caridad Piñeiro
I liked this alot.
Interview and review to post on June 12.
Reviewing through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 1, 2012 | Series: Sin Hunters (Book 2)


4. Audio CD
 

J.A. Jance (Author)
Karen Ziemba (Reader)
We listened to this in the car
as we drove to our Port destination.
I hope to do a short review later this week.


5. eBook/Kindle
 

Nadir (The Samsara Chronicles Book 2)
Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
This is book two in the series and building the story.
The review will post on June 13.
Reviewing through Pump Up Your Book.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
The fate of a besieged Earth rests on Aislinn and her soul mate, Dylan, to battle the alien Eletarii bent on conquering humanity.

Aislinn, directed by circumstance to meet her past and future soul mate, Dylan Young, begins to understand the daunting task awaiting her. In order to save Earth, she and Dylan must open the portal, the celestial gateway that will allow salvation of Earth's chosen. Facing opposition at every step from a world plunged into chaos, they have until midnight, December 31st, to reach their destination.



6. Audio
 

Wired Kingdom
 I enjoyed listening to this thriller.
The review is linked above.



 7.  Audible
 

This is a fun story and great narration.
I will do a review later this week.
        Series: Royal Spyness, Book
Publisher's Summary
 Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.

So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.

Everything seems to be going swimmingly until she finds a body in her bathtub... and someone is definitely trying to kill her.



Line Edits/Releases: I hope to have two books complete soon.


Currently reading:

1.  eBook/Kindle
 

I started this and almost finished it in one day. Very engaging.
I will post author Interview, Guest Post and Review on Thursday June 14
as part of Bewitching Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2011
On a Friday afternoon before Labor Day, Americans are getting ready for the holiday weekend, completely unaware of a long-planned terrorist plot about to be launched against the country. Kyle Tait is settling in for his flight home to Montana when a single nuclear bomb is detonated 300 miles above the heart of America. The blast, an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP), destroys every electrical device in the country, and results in the crippling of the power grid, the shutting down of modern communications, and bringing to a halt most forms of transportation.

Kyle narrowly escapes when his airplane crashes on take-off, only to find himself stranded 2,000 miles from home in a country that has been forced, from a technological standpoint, back to the 19th Century. Confused, hurt, scared, and alone, Kyle must make his way across a hostile continent to a family he’s not even sure has survived the effects of the attack. As Kyle forges his way home, his frightened family faces their own struggles for survival in a community trying to halt its slow spiral into chaos and anarchy.

77 Days in September follows Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, as they are stretched past their breaking point, but find in their devotion to each other the strength to persevere. 



2. Print
 

by Brenda Jackson
This is reading quickly too.
I am reading this for Harlequin Survey.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 24, 2011 | Series: Westmorelands
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda Jackson brings you the story of Jason Westmoreland. With one convenient proposal, he could have a Southern beauty in his bed and her birthright in his hands. If only the lovely lady would say yes….

Plus a Brenda Jackson classic—the first in the Steele family series, Solid Soul.



3.  Audible
 

I am looking forward to listening to this book in the series.    
Publisher's Summary
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?


4. eBook/Kindle
 

by Phillipa Ashley
I will be reading this later in the week.
Reading for Sourcebooks through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 5, 2012

Praise for Carrie Goes Off the Map:

"Engaging...Ashley's charming prose makes the journey enjoyable."—Publishers Weekly

"This tale has its own Bridget Jones–style appeal."—Booklist
"Quirky and fun!"—RT Book Reviews

"Fulfills all the best fantasies, including a gorgeous humanitarian hero and a camper van!"—Katie Fforder, UK bestselling author of Love Letters
There's one question a girl should always say yes to...
But Lucy Gibson said no. On national TV. Now she's hated by nearly everyone.
Fleeing the spotlight's glare, Lucy holes up in a cottage in the country, where she just might find the right reasons to say yes after all...
From beloved novelist Philipa Ashley, Just Say Yes is a sharp and exuberant tale of the rocky road to love that'll leave you saying "Yes!"
. .


I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 
[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. This week's reading is Obadiah, Jonah and Micah.

Line Edits: Working on finishing a format; still working on final adjusts on book conversions to upload to Kindle/Smashwords.

I am really looking forward to my June reading.  I have at least 15 books I plan to read and review.With a few extras it will be a busy month posting reviews. :-)

Scheduled for June:
6/12 Claimed - Interview and Review - Review for Pump Up Your Book
6/13 Nadir by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book
6/14 77 Days in September by Ray Gorham - Review for Bewitching Book Blog Tour
6/14 Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
6/19 Kidnapped by Maria Hammarblad - Interview and Review for Bewitching Blog Tour
6/20 Covenant by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book
6/28 Itineras by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book
6/30 Flabbergasted: A Novel by Ray Blackston - Ladies' Book Club  

June but Unscheduled: 
Sourcebooks
The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina
Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley (NetGalley)
Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson (NetGalley)


Other NetGalley Review choices:
Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey
Deadly Dance by Dee Davis
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein

Audio
Next - TBD

Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione


I also hope to read a couple of Won books this month too.

[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
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.]
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Sunday Words of Encouragement June 10, 2012

We are home from our short but relaxing cruise. It was so wonderful as we met three other Christian couples with whom we got to visit and share encouragement. One couple was involved with the film, Facing the Giants, and in fact the wife is the wife in the movie! My DH was thrilled to meet a 'movie star.' :-) He came home and watched the movie on YouTube. I encourage you to watch it with a box of tissues.

Although we didn't witness directly to non believers I am aware that our smiles, prayers and demeanor were noted by others. I pray that hearts were moved to seek the joy of Christ.

This is one of the choruses we sang this morning and I wanted to share the sheer joy of it.

A Verse for Today:
1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Today our Pastor preached on Walking with God. I pray that I might walk daily with God in a way that is pleasing to Him.
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Saturday, June 9, 2012

Winners of Under Fire and Henny on the Couch

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS  
Giveaways Ended June 8
 
Under Fire ARC



Tore and Tiffany please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I'll send out the books and/or notify the publisher/author.  Please reply within 72 hours! 
Thank you to all who entered.
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Sharing Beyond Books #52 Comment Giveaway June 9, 2012

Welcome to SBB! Look - we are at week #52 - we've been sharing for a year!!
Did everyone have a good week? We had a wonderfully relaxing week on our four day cruise to Nassau.I didn't get to do any internet visiting but the reading was good.
Thank you to all who commented last week.

I love learning what books everyone loves and were touched by. I know many of the wonderful books but others were new to me and perhaps I will read them some day. :-) It is nice to see Mad Moose Mama back in the comments!

I was rather surprised that most of the graduation celebrations seemed to be low key. I guess we are not a big party crowd...all of us bookish people. :-).
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #51 comments is: #8 Elizabeth L. There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Elizabeth please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, 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 #52 Questions

Q1.  Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks a perfect question for me this week:  Do you read when you travel? if so, do you take books to read?
or do you take an ereader??

A: I LOVE to read when we travel!! Yes I take some pictures too but I read while DH drives and I read on my Kindle or listen to audiobooks on my MP3 when I can on trips. There is lots of reading time during a cruise. :-) I did take a print book this trip as it was due for review this coming week.  

 
Q2. My question: What is your form of Alarm clock??

A: My DH is retired and really doesn't like any alarm. I use my cell phone under my pillow on vibrate but it still rings as an alarm. And I love snooze which my DH hates! During the cruise we did fine and didn't miss an alarm at all. :-)


Image found at Gizmodo
 

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!   Questions in May were contributed by mamabunny13, Sarah, Margaret and Abby. The random.org picked winner is Sarah - Sarah please pick a book or GC if you are international and let me know through the winner form link above.

Your turn to share:

1. Faith Hope and Cherrytea asks a perfect question for me this week:  Do you read when you travel? if so, do you take books to read?
or do you take an ereader??
 
2. My question: What is your form of Alarm clock??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 9 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, June 15, 2012 at 10 PM central.
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Audio Book Review: WIred Kingdom by Rick Chesler

This is an exciting thriller with danger on land and in the water chasing a blue whale.
  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 9 hours and 37 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Variance LLC
  • Audible.com Release Date: November 21, 2011
Available also in print and ebook
Genre:  Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
When a blue whale tagged with a web-cam designed with stolen defense technology broadcasts a brutal murder at sea as part of a television nature program, Special Agent Tara Shores finds herself navigating an ocean of manipulation and deceit. It's a deadly race to reach the 100-ton creature roaming the Pacific before an unknown killer can destroy the digital evidence it carries. As Shores dives deeper into the case, what she initially dismisses as a publicity stunt for the glitzy reality series soon sweeps her out to sea in a riptide of greed, intrigue, and high-tech crime. 

Review:
A blue whale has been tagged with a video camera that is running live feed to a television program called Wired Kingdom. Suddenly there is a huge stir when the video shows what appears to be a murder of a young woman. It could be a hoax from the producers to up ratings. But when some divers stealthily try to get the tag off the whale the FBI  becomes engaged as well as the public.

Mexican pilot Hector is lured by money to take on the job of flying divers to retrieve the tag. His obsession to gain funds for his ill daughter’s operation propels him to risk the lives of the divers as he pursues the recovery of the camera. On one of the retrieval attempts they drop a net entangling the whale and hindering her defense against an attack by a pod of Orca whales. The divers almost succeed in getting the camera but one is caught in the net and another is caught by the Orcas.

FBI Special Agent Tara Shores becomes the central agent in the attempt to retrieve the video camera as evidence for the murder investigation. Tara ends up interviewing Dr. Anastasia Reed who is the daughter of the shows Producer and the person who tracks the Wired Kingdom feed. Tensions build as Anastasia, a known lesbian, voices her interest in Tara at the same time she expresses her concerns that the video camera may be evidence against her father who has been arrested for the murder.

An OLF (Ocean Liberation Front) boat captained by Eric, Anastasia’s ex-boyfriend from college, tries to block the efforts of the officials to strip the tag from the whale. Eric has gone from being a proponent of saving whales to a violent protestor labeled as an eco-terrorist. After an afternoon of partying the OLF crew hook up with Hector and his divers to pursue the whale. Now they have mounted a harpoon gun with the intent to kill the whale to stop the tagging if they can’t retrieve the tag.

This is Mr. Chesler's debut novel and the thriller is very well plotted with plenty of excitement and danger from several sources. There are a few slow places but most of the book moves at a good pace.  The concept of the tagged whale is fascinating and I found the details regarding the endangered species, the Orca attacks and the efforts of protection, or lack thereof, very interesting. The story kept me on the edge waiting to see who would win the race to the whale and what its fate would be, as well as wondering what the camera would reveal about the murderer. There are several ironies and twists in the mystery.

I actually thought there were two narrators. Initially the narration is adequate but seems a bit dry with little emotional expression and excitement.  The second half of the story the narrator gives a much more enthusiastic and lively reading. Overall I recommend this is as a fine thriller and an entertaining audio listen.
Audiobook Jukebox
I received the MP3 audio download from Variance Publishing through AudioJukebox.
This is set in Los Angeles and Catalina Island, CA for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC, New Author and Audio challenge lists.
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