Book Review with Giveaway Link: Tempest by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

This series continues as more powers develop in Aislinn while she and Dylan flee for their lives.

Tempest (The Samsara Chronicles Book 5)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 151 KB
• Print Length: 76 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FQPNW

Genre: Science Fiction

My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan must flee both human and alien pursuers.

Narrowly escaping danger during their quest to acquire the talismans and suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan endure harsh winter conditions to evade the military and corrupt human minions seeking to stop them from the opening of the portal.

Review:
Aislinn’s powers, with the skull and other talismans, are growing and changing. Dylan too is hearing the guiding and soothing voices of the Antiquitas through the spheres. That comfort and soothing presence is helpful considering the escalating danger as Aislinn and Dylan flee authorities as well as Elementals; not just regular authorities but one of Dylan's superiors who is in conspiracy with the enemy.  

I like that there are new friends and allies including their eagle guide and a trumpeter who passes on another talisman, a miniature gold trumpet. Both Dylan and Aislinn have been shown visions of the terror that the world suffers as the Elementals overtake mankind and evil spreads. The action continues here as Aislinn and Dylan, with the help of the Antiquitas, survive a massive attack to realize their goal now is to survive to the next stage of their journey.

See the earlier story reviews at this link and watch for the next book, Maelstrom, scheduled for July 11, 2012.

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Quote:
Dylan exclaims on realizing some of Aislinn’s new gifts:

“Carrier of secrets and healer. What next?” Location 230

I am reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Book Review and Review Copy Giveaway: Flabbergasted: A Novel

You may not see the whole picture till the end of the book, but then you should understood the title “Flabbergasted.”

Flabbergasted: A Novel

by Ray Blackston

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
Vendor: Revell
 ISBN: 080073453X
ISBN-13: 9780800734534

Genre: Christian Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:

Jay is a stock broker who has recently moved to a city in South Carolina. His realtor agent recommends the best way to meet girls in this Bible Belt town is to attend church.

The very first morning in church young singles group he spots an intriguing young woman.  He soon learns that the young lady, Allie, is an elder’s daughter and home temporarily for a visit from her missions job. Jay joins the group for a weekend beach party where he makes several new friends and furthers a friendship with Allie.

There are lots of fun characters and fun circumstances in this novel. The inside cover flap introduces many characters in a unique way that sets the humorous tone.  I loved the subtle humor and Mr. Blackston’s portrayal of real - as in flawed - Christians ranging from casual (here to meet a mate) to hyper, turn off, religious snobs, with some sincere believers in between.

There are also some wonderful Christian questions (what car would Jesus drive?) and surprisingly deep insights. Although I was rather surprised that several characters did not directly share the gospel message with Jay, I loved how the author allowed him to see the difference in their lives until a point when Jay gets the message from a well delivered sermon.

Jay is offered a profitable position in New York and is about to head off to the ticker tape jungle. He decides to take a quick detour to the jungles of Equador to visit Allie and invite her to visit him in New York.  How will the simple beauties and life of children in the missions camp effect Jay’s view of success and life goals? It is well worth the read to find out!

I picked this book up as a summer read for our Ladies’ Book club not really knowing what to expect. We were all pleased and agreed that the writing was fun and the message was worthwhile. It makes a great group read for discussion too.

I had the print book at home but since I was out of town I picked up the kindle and then the Audible version to listen to in the car. The narrator does a good job with character voices and a great job delivering the subtle humor, sarcasms and sincere proclamations. I can recommend the audio version if you prefer listening, although I was glad to have the print and kindle versions to note significant phrases which is hard to do with audio. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quotes:
Officer giving speeding tickets while the ‘caravan’ of kids headed out to Myrtle Beach.

“Lemme tell you something boys. I been in church for most of my forty-eight years, and I think Jesus would either drive the Lincoln, or if pressed for time, maybe one of those muscle cars. You know, the power and the glory.” Location 196.

Allie to Jay after they drift out too far and out of control caught the ocean currents - can you picture this as a statement of our lives?

“Really dumb to just float off and drift blind and not peek at least once to see where we were.” Location 748.

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

This was set in Greenville, SC for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author challenge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The reason I saved this review for July 4 is my own personal thought combined with part of the book’s message. One preacher gives the message:

“We have taken ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and turned it into ‘vague, vague and very vague’... all this vaguery and the need to be inoffensive has saturated our country...." Location 1566.

I can’t help but see that in my beloved country today.  Americans are so blessed with abundance that we are spoiled. We do not appreciate our freedoms; we give too little credit to those who fought and continue to fight for freedom. We do not appreciate the simple ways of life and the most important purposes of life because we are smothered in our materialism and in vaguery, political correctness. We squander so much while we barely see the poverty and day to day struggles to just live that exist all around the world. How sad.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Review Copy:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 14.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

Happy Fourth of July, 2012

Happy Fourth of July to United States of America

Thank your for freedom and blessings. May we share them wisely.

By the way - I hope Canadians had a Happy Canada Day on the 1st too!

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and light-hearted style of this writing.

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Jayne Fresina

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402265972
ISBN-13: 978-1402265976
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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

Review:

Sophie Valentine’s introduction to intimacy at age 18 lasted two and half minutes. Unfortunately the resulting ruining scandal and related scars are still with her ten years later. Her young beau, a childhood friend with status and expectancies, had offered marriage but Sophie wanted more than what she perceived as a convenient marriage where it was likely he would seek pleasures on the side.

At age 28, Sophie lives with her brother and sister-in-law who are ready for her to marry and move out. Her brother has managed to run up debts from gambling and indulging his indolent, demanding wife. The wife is constantly whining and haranguing Sophie. Sophie is still impetuous and in a moment of angry exasperation she has created trouble again by placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette.

Surprisingly the ad brings in two gentlemen seeking to marry her. One is a dark handsome stranger, Lazarus Kane. The other is Sophie’s childhood beau who has believed himself to be enamored of her and hopes that finally she will accept him, even if he has to “buy” her through her brother.

Lazarus has cleaned himself up to present himself as an acceptable and determined suitor. He is not a gentleman of means but he has rented a cottage farm that holds a fond place in Sophie’s heart. He is willing to work hard to convince her that she is his angel and that time is too precious to waste. He just isn’t willing to admit his past right away or the secret that he has been looking for her for half his life.

Jayne Fresina writes a story with wonderful wit, charm and vibrant descriptions that I loved!  See some of the quotes below.)  I really liked the quirky, less than perfect characters, the fun trouble that surrounds Sophie, and Lazarus’ romantic determination to win her. I was totally delighted with the story until about midway when the romance moved into some heavier sexual scenes which repeated more than necessary for my tastes. Again, this is an area that many romance readers will enjoy. I just prefer softer heat or at least fewer scenes as a little heat goes a long way for me. Even with the extra steamy scenes I still really like the writing of this author and will want to try more from her.  If you like fun and really charming historical romance, and don’t mind the heated scenes, I do recommend you get this book to enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are examples of the vibrant  writing style I so enjoyed:

... for everything was turned upside down, and her own nerves spun about like tumbling maple seeds. Page 38/Location 612

The countryside was at peace as it settled in to embrace the evening, like a mother with her arms around a play-weary child. Page 69/ Location 1040

The sun, like a playwright with all the winding threads of his imagination exhauted, put down his quill and dipped his weary head to rest. Lon shadows slowly crept across the ground, the bronzed fingers of sunset stretching to eas the cramp of a long day's writing. Page 79/Location 1233.

But she saw the gleam in his eyes, and Sophie knew how it felt to be taken by surprise, kidnapped and held ransom by a sudden sensation, a desire that came unwanted, unbidden. Page 158/Location 2424.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book to read and review.

I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 14.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday July 2, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.

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 still growing! How about yours?

Review Titles

No review titles received this week although I have several requests to respond to..

 Wins

No new wins and I didn't receive any more of the wins yet from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. BUT I did select the books from  The Wild Rose Press:
as listed below.

Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)

Week 1 - received 7  in bold  

Week 2 - received 2 in gold

 

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)  

The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate

Item Name
A Train Through Time
Memory's Edge
Hearts Under Siege
Charade of Hearts
Luck of the Irish
Trust in the Lawe
Secrets of the Sapphires

Purchased

I went over my TWRP $25.00 GC by about $3.25 so one of the books above is partly a purchase.

Free

I was too tired most nights to download free Kindle books last week.