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Monday, June 18, 2012

Mailbox Monday June 18, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JUNE: the Mailbox Monday Tour host has been updated to Burton Book Review.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 


My book garden is steadily growing! How about yours?

Review Titles

I didn't receive or download any titles for review this past week.


 Wins
WHEW! I won a Nook with Glowlight  from The Romance Studio Romance and Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio!
 

In addition to winning the Nook I won all of the items noted below. I have received so far the seven that are highlighted. Needless to say I haven't had a chance to pick out books for the GCs yet.

Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)

Soul Mate Publishing –  $25 gift certificate
J. Taylor Publishing

Darkness & Light by J.A. Belfield
Little White Lies by Aimee Laine
The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams
Into the Unknown by all three of the above authors
Instinct by J.A. Belfield
Touch of Frost by Jocelyn Adams
Hide & Seek by Aimee Laine
The P.U.R.E. by Claire Gillian
and we'll include Tidal Whispers by Jocelyn Adams, Julie Reece, Clair GIllian and Kelly Said as well (it releases June 4th).
Ellora’s Cave -    5 eBooks of the Winner’s Choice
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate
Books for a Buck – Gift Certificate for $11.97
eXtasy Books - $5.00 gift certificate
Eternal Press/Damnation Books- ???
Untreed Reads - $15.00 gift certificate
Torquere Press - $15 gift certificate
Liquid Silver – 2 books
Changeling Press – Free books for a month at ChangelingPress.com (2 books a week for 4 weeks)
Total E-Bound – ???
Champagne Books – Gift Certificate
Carnal Passions – Gift Certificate
BURST - Gift Certificate
JMS Books - $25 gift certificate
Inspired Romance Novels – 3 books, winners choice
Red Rose Publishing - $25 gift certificate
Loose Id – $10 gift certificate to each
Beachwalk Press – eBooks of  Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck (Fantasy Romance), Soul Dancer by Aurora Rose Lynn (Science Fiction Romance/Interracial Romance) Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe (Erotic Contemporary Romance)
Gypsy Shadow Publishing – 50% off for the winners
Black Velvet Seduction – 3 eBooks (winner’s choice) 



Purchased
No purchases this past week.

Free
I think I was too busy even to pick up free Kindle books last week.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? June 18, 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 had a good reading week, finishing five books. I posted five book reviews, two with giveaways, and two author features last week.  I also posted a Giveaway Hop and the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I got to visit other sites at the beginning of the week bot then got caught up with work and family issues.   Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
  • Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Web of Evil by J.A. Jance; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 3.5
  • Book Review: The Claimed by Caridad Pineiro; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
  • Book Reviews: 77 Days in September by Ray Gorham; Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  • Book Review: Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
Finished Reading:
1.  eBook/Kindle
 

Very engaging. Review, Author Guest Post and Interview are linked above.





2. Print
 

by Brenda Jackson
I complete the first book, The Proposal but have the second to finish.
I am reading this for Harlequin Survey.


3. eBook/Kindle
 

by Phillipa Ashley
This was a light, fun read. Review linked above.
Reading for Sourcebooks through NetGalley.




4. eBook/Kindle
 
by Maria Hammarblad
I really enjoyed this sci fi. 
Review and Author Interview to post 6/19, 2012
as part of Bewitching Blog Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 10, 2012
It's a late winter night when Patricia Risden heads home in her car, on a road she's driven many times before. She doesn't have a care in the world, that is, until a man appears from nowhere, right in front of her.

The next thing she knows is being a prisoner of the unscrupulous Alliance Commander Travis 152; an intimidating man who demands information and complete cooperation. Travis soon realizes his mistake; Tricia doesn't know anything, and she is incapable of even getting a glass of water from the ship's computer.

Infamous for being a ruthless executioner, conditioned since childhood to feel nothing besides fear and pain, he still deems her harmless, and finds enough pity for the lost young woman to let her out of the cell; a decision that will change both their lives forever.



5. eBook/Kindle
 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
The series continues with more plot development.
Reviewing for Pump Up Your Book.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Pursued by increasingly violent Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan acquire the first and most important talisman necessary to open the celestial gate.

Targeted by Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan are guided to acquire the crystal skull, the core of Aislinn’s past and future power. After a terrifying encounter with the dark forces while spending Christmas at her parents, Aislinn and Dylan accept the perilous journey ahead of them.



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


Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

by Dee Davis
This is an author that is on my 'Always Read' list.
I am at 80% and love the adrenaline.
Reading for Hachette through NetGalley.
 Book Description
Publication Date: March 27, 2012
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.

A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.

Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves
.

2. Audio
 

by Terry Rich Hartley
I am looking forward to listening to this thriller.
Listening for Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.
Description:
Three bodies in a submerged SUV, a yuppie’s suicide, and a pawnbroker’s heart attack seem as unrelated as apples and rocks until unemployed crime reporter Moe Bybee stumbles into a connection. Two books, separated by miles, provide links to what could be the biggest story of Moe’s life, but they also lead him to encounter a cold-blooded bounty hunter with mob connections and dark powers. Ultimately—and unhappily—mild-mannered Moe stands as the only shield between the hunter and his prey, Glenna Whitcome and her Down’s syndrome child, Newt. –Sequel to Terry Rich Hartley’s Whisper.



3. Print


by Brenda Jackson
I am 50% into this Harlequin Romance.
I am reading this for Harlequin Survey.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 1, 2011
The skills of a surgeon…
Having a crush on her drop–dead–gorgeous boss could get Hopewell General intern Jasmine Campbell fired…especially with the prestigious Virginia hospital reeling from a shocking scandal. But head resident Lucien De Winter is impossible to resist. And he's arousing a healthy dose of desire as the good doctor wages an all–out war to make the sheltered Southern belle his own…

The heart of a lover
Head over heels for Jasmine, Lucien vows to keep their relationship a secret. He knows they're playing a dangerous game, but he can't live without the sensual sister. Even if it means putting his hard–fought career on the line, the seduced surgeon is ready to risk it all. Because Lucien knows that the only thing to cure his acute condition is a lifetime of love.



4.  Audible
 

I didn't get to start this last week but should this week.    
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?



5. eBook/Kindle


Code Name Verity 
by Elizabeth E. Wein
I plan to start this by mid week.
Reading through NetGalley.
Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2012
When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?



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 Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah.

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

I am enjoying my June reading.  I've already read 14 for the month; I'll do 5 this weeks and there are 4 remaining books I plan to read and review.Definitely a busy month posting reviews. :-)

Scheduled for June:
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
Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson (NetGalley)

Other NetGalley Review choices:
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein (NetGalley)

Audio
Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley

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.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 17, 2012


I am thanking my heavenly Father today on Father's Day for the earthly father He gave us. He wasn't perfect, but there was never any question that he loved us. We have been blessed.

I found this wonderful song giving thanks to a Father
and the words are fitting for today.
A Verse For Today: 
Malachi 4:6 (NIV)
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. 

I just got word they have taken my Dad back into ICU. I pray for strength but mostly I pray for peace of heart for Dad, my Stepmom and our family.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Winner of Web of Evil Audiobook

CONGRATULATIONS
to the Winner of
Giveaway Ending June 15  
#3 Lilian
Lilian please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I'll send out the audiobook.  Please reply within 72 hours! 
Thank you to all who entered.

Sharing Beyond Books #53 Comment Giveaway June 16, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!
This has been a good and rough week for me: I had a big closing yesterday but have been saddened with my Dad in the hospital and not making much progress. I am late posting tonight as I had dinner with my sister and Stepmom. We had a nice time and it was a good break for Stepmom after her stressful week and worries about Dad. 
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Those were fun questions. Seven commenters used only print books while traveling; Six people use both print books and ereaders; some use audio and 3 used only ereaders. Birgit is the only one who doesn't read while traveling. (Does that make her the odd ball? Lol)


Radio Clocks edged out cell phone by a nose with a count of 5 for radio clocks and 4 for cell phones. Others had a variety of methods including a mother (Krystal) and a three year old (Abby).
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #52 comments is: #14 Linda (thumbelinda03) There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Linda 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 #53 Questions

Q1.  Mamabunny13 asks: Do you remember what your very first user name was? For any email/blog etc.??

A: I guess my first username (other than business) was mesreads. I had to do that as msereads was already in use.  


Image found at MYCE
 
Q2. My question: Do you fall asleep with a book? Wake up with a book? Wake up in the middle of the night to read??

A: I go to sleep listening to either my Kindle or an audio book on MP3. I usually wake up and start reading before I get out of bed. And yes, if I wake up in the middle of the night I am likely to grab a book for the bathroom break and or a few minutes before I go back to sleep! :-)


Image found at the Gadgeteer
 

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. Mamabunny13 asks: Do you remember what your very first user name was? For any email/blog etc.??
 
2. My question: Do you fall asleep with a book? Wake up with a book? Wake up in the middle of the night to read??

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 22, 2012 at 10 PM central.

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