It's Monday! What Are You Reading? June 25, 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.

My reading felt rather sparse this week with interruptions and piece meal reading although I did finishing three books. I posted five book reviews, two with giveaways, and an author interview.  I also posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I got to visit some other sites mid-week but not enough time with family issues.
Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

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

• It's Monday What are You Reading? June 18, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox June 18, 2012.

• Book Review: Kidnapped by Maria Hammarblad; Sci Fi Romance; my rating 4.5. 

• Interview with Maria Hammarblad.

• Book Review and Giveaway Link: The Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3)  by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review with Giveaway of related series book: Deadly Dance by Dee Davis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 6/28.

• Audio Book Review: Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #54 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 6/29.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 24, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Deadly Dance

by Dee Davis

This is an author that is on my 'Always Read' list.

The review and giveaway of related is linked above.

Read for Hachette through NetGalley.

2. Audio
 

Whispers II

by Terry Rich Hartley

This was a chilling good quick listen. 
Review is linked above.

Listened for Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox. 

3. eBook/Kindle

Code Name Verity 

by Elizabeth E. Wein

This was very engaging and 
I will post the review this week.

Reading through NetGalley.

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

Currently reading:

1. Audible
 

Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth

• UNABRIDGED
• by Gail Carriger
• Narrated by Emily Gray
• Series: Parasol Protectorate, Book 5

I am not too far into this; it seemed to have started slowly. 
    

 2. eBook/Kindle
 

Itineras (The Samsara Chronicles Book 4)  

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

This is continuing the Chronicles.
Review to post 6/28 for Pump Up Your Book

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Fleeing increasing danger after acquiring the skull, Aislinn and Dylan begin their journey by visiting her parents and meeting Aislinn’s soul sister Angelica.

No longer safe in Burnaby, Aislinn and Dylan are directed to visit her parents on Boxing Day where they meet an Italian orphan, Angelica. Aislinn recognizes her soul sister from her home world, Nirvana. Guided by an escort in the guise of an eagle, Aislinn and Dylan continue their quest to gather the talismans.

3.  Print
 

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Jayne Fresina

Just started and this has a light-hearted beginning.

Reading for Sourcebooks - June Release.

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

"A scintillating debut...as addictive as chocolate."—Mia Marlowe, author of Touch of a Rogue

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply."—Miss Sophie Valentine

A SCANDALOUS LADY

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette would bring her trouble-and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger. .. is she?

SEEKS HANDSOME STRANGER

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with ...

A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL

4. Print
 

Flabbergasted: A Novel

by Ray Blackston

This is our Ladies' Book Club pick for June 30.

Book is home and I am still away but I will start soon.

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2010

When Flabbergasted stormed on the scene in 2003, the reviews came fast and furious: "Good writing and an ample dose of humor make this as charming as Bridget Jones's Diary from the male point of view."--Library Journal "Blackston's novel will tickle your literary taste buds with a relational gumbo of quirky characters."--Christian Book Previews "Amazing. A novel that is simultaneously serious, hilarious, and impossible to put down."--The Dallas Morning News "With a colorful cast of quirky characters and a plot full of surprises, this is one of the feel-good novels of the year."--CCM Now this summertime favorite about a single stock broker looking for love in the murky waters of the southern church singles scene is repackaged with a hot new look.

5. Print

In the Doctor's Bed

by Brenda Jackson

I am 75% done 
but have to wait to get home to finish this.

I am reading this for Harlequin Survey.

Book Description - click on title

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

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 --- I'll check when I get home.

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 17 for the month; I will do 4-5 this week, leaving two to move into July. Definitely a busy month posting reviews. :-)

Scheduled for June:

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:

Audio

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 24, 2012

I am grateful I have peace and trust the ultimate Healer as we have been watching our Dad day by day in ICU. He is getting stronger and although still disoriented, he seems less agitated.  We have had a nice family visit with the four of us (two brothers and my sister and me), our stepmom and some of the grandchildren.

I have chosen a video on healing but I cannot get any YouTube  to play right now.

 Healing Is In Your Hands by Christy Nockels

 Songwriters: Daniel Carson, Christy L Nockels, Nathaniel E Nockels, Matthew James Redman, Christopher D Tomlin

No mountain, no valley, no gain or loss we know
could keep us from Your love
No sickness, no secret, no chain is strong enough
to keep us from Your love
to keep us from Your love

How high, how wide
No matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong,
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

Our present, our future, our past is in Your hands
We're covered by Your blood
We're covered by Your blood

How high, How wide
no matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

In all things, we know that.
We are more than conquerors.
You keep us by your love.
You keep us by your love.

Verses for Today

Psalms 103:1-4 NKJV 

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Thank you Lord for peace in all circumstances. I pray for healing and peace too for my Dad and peace for all my family members.

Winner of Claimed by Caridad Pineiro

CONGRATULATIONS  

to WINNER

Giveaway Ended June 22

The Claimed

SandyJune 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 #54 Giveaway Comment June 23, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!
I'm still in South Florida but we were pleased that they had Dad sitting up in ICU for the first time in 10 days.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

More fun questions! I welcome William as a new commenter - maybe we can get some male perspective. :-) We all remembered our first user names. William's was work related but I have to admit I love Abby's first user name -Abyssinian, because she loves cats.

Okay - so most of you DO NOT fall asleep while reading - 9 compared to 7 of us who do. At least two others, Linda and Margaret, join me in waking up and grabbing a book. :-) No one else acknowledged that they wake up in the middle of the night and grab a book. Guess I am the odd ball out on that one.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #53 comments is: #9 Jane There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Jane 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/Review box (New Updated list at the Giveaway Hop) and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #54 Questions

Q1.  Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??

A: Well- Never ever is a long time! I don't choose to read much erotica but every once in a while I read one by an author I know online or one I might win. So that is not "never ever". I pretty much do not read menage or GLBT as those are not my thing.  Most other genres I will read even if some are only occasional. 

Image found at  Imbecile Entertainment

 

Q2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

A: I carry my laptop wherever I go as I use it at work, home and travel.  I do have a tablet that I am just growing accustomed to.  I do not yet have a smartphone.

 

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. Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??
 
2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

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 29, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Whispers II: the Books by Terry Rich Hartley

This is a surprisingly full story in a small package. 

Whispers II: The Books

by Terry Rich Hartley

Read By: Nick Landrum
CD Price: $2.99 | Download $1.99
ISBN: 9781611140880
Product Code: MWA0201112D1
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (February 12, 2012)

Available also at: Amazon Kindle
Listening time: approximately 1 hour 10 min.
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Novella
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
This short audio packs a good chilling punch. I was immediately pulled into the story and waiting to find out the connections. It quickly became clear that a certain book was cursed, bringing death to those who opened it and perhaps even to those who only handled it. Then the nature of the book and the history are revealed as Moe, a round bellied, rather unattractive and unemployed reporter begins to chase down the story. Moe discovers a connection to a second book, the mob and a murderous bounty hunter. Moe has a chance to become a hero and redeem his writing career. But will he survive the experience?

The story is crisp and the mystery, humor and suspense is really well done.  The narration is excellent. I really liked the fast paced story and the inflection for the characters fit precisely.  I would definitely look for more books authored by Terry Rich Hartley and books narrated by Nick Landrum.

If you want a quick chilling suspense listen I recommend you pick this up.

I appreciate receiving this MP3 Download for review from Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

This story is set in Ennis, Montana for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC, New Authors and Audio Challenge lists.