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Sunday, October 14, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 15, 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.

This was a good week even though I have had several days without internet at work. They upgraded the DSL and neglected to arrange for IT to adjust our network. The guy got everything going by late Friday but as soon as I went in Saturday I discovered my laptop was still not recognizing the system. 
Anyway - reading was good.  I finished five books and posted five reviews trying to keep up.  I had an author guest post, one Giveaway Hop, two print giveaways and one giveaway on tour.  Plus, I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I got to visit a bit last Sunday night and a little on Monday but not as much as I would like to. *Sigh*
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: Blades of Winter by G.T. Almasi; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.
  • Audio Book Review:  The Aleppo Codex  by Matti Friedman;Documentary Historical; my rating 4.5.
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Everybody Loved Roger Harden by Cecil Murphey; Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.0.  Open Worldwide. Ends 10/19

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle



Once Upon a Remembrance (Women of Strength Time Travel)
by Grace Brannigan
This is a lovely  time travel romance.
The Review, author Guest Post 
and Giveaway opportunity are linked above.



2. Audio
 

The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible
by Matti Friedman
This is quite remarkable and worth reading/listening. The Review is linked above. 


3. eBook/Kindle



Winning Mr. Wrong
by Marie Higgins
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, clean romance.
I will post a review this week. Rating 4.5
Reviewed for the Publisher, Walnut Springs Press.




4. Print
 

Everybody Loved Roger Harden (Everybody's Suspect in Georgia)
by Cecil Murphey
This is a nice Christian Cozy Mystery. Review and Giveaway are linked above.



5. eBook/Kindle

 
The Miracle Inspector
by Helen Smith
This is a thought provoking book.
I will be posting my review on October 17.
Reviewing for Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 17, 2010
A dystopian thriller set in the near future. England has been partitioned and London is an oppressive place where poetry has been forced underground, theatres and schools are shut, and women are not allowed to work outside the home. A young couple, Lucas and Angela, try to escape from London - with disastrous consequences.

Helen Smith was the recipient of an Arts Council Award for The Miracle Inspector.

"The Miracle Inspector is one of the few novels that everyone should read, it's a powerful novel that's masterfully written and subtly complex." 5* SciFi and Fantasy Books

"Helen Smith crafts a story like she's the British lovechild of Kurt Vonnegut and Philip K. Dick, only with a feminist slant." Journal of Always Reviews

'Smith is at the very least a minor phenomenon.' The Times


Line Edits: I am working on some children's book issues right now and waiting for a couple manuscripts for formats.



Currently reading:
1. Print

 

Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs) 
by Macy Beckett
This is a marvelously fun romance. I am about 50% done and will post the review and giveaway for the ARC later this week.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Book Description
Release Date: October 2, 2012 | Series: Sultry Springs
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she'd never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.



2. Audio 
 

Scarifyers: o8 The Thirteen Hallows
Author: Simon Barnard, Paul Morris
Narrator: Gareth David-Lloyd, Full Cast
I have just started and this is such fun to listen to!

Reviewing for Cosmic Hobo Productions
through AudioBook Jukebox.

Harry Crow and Professor Dunning head to Wales to stop sinister forces resurrecting Britain's greatest-ever hero.

RELEASED ON DECEMBER 3rd 2012

When a haunted chess set causes consternation at the British Chess Championships, and a horse magically materialises in Kettering Agricultural Museum, MI:13 are called to investigate.
Harry Crow (David Warner) and Professor Dunning (Terry Molloy) follow the trail of inexplicable happenings to an unremarkable terraced house in South Wales, home to the mysterious Mr Merriman (David Benson). He’s very old, and very mad; but is there more to Merriman than first appears?
Meanwhile, in the South West of England, famed archaeologist Ralegh Radford (Ewan Bailey) is on the verge of the greatest discovery of the age. Britain’s Tutankhamen, the press are calling it. But what he certainly isn’t expecting to unearth is boisterous 1400-year-old knight Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr (Gareth David-Lloyd).
As Crow and Dunning unravel an unlikely plot to resurrect Britain’s greatest-ever hero, the race is on to stop sinister forces at home and abroad from finding… THE THIRTEEN HALLOWS.


3. eBook/Kindle
 

The Mine (Northwest Passage)
by John Heldt
Cannon Colegrove (Illustrator)
I am 20% into this and enjoying the ride. 
Reviewing for the Author.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 12, 2012
In 2000, Joel Smith is a cocky, adventurous young man who sees the world as his playground. But when the college senior, days from graduation, enters an abandoned Montana mine, he discovers the price of reckless curiosity. He emerges in May 1941 with a cell phone he can't use, money he can't spend, and little but his wits to guide his way. Stuck in the age of Whirlaway, swing dancing, and a peacetime draft, Joel begins a new life as the nation drifts toward war. With the help of his 21-year-old trailblazing grandmother and her friends, he finds his place in a world he knew only from movies and books. But when an opportunity comes to return to the present, Joel must decide whether to leave his new love in the past or choose a course that will alter their lives forever. THE MINE follows a humbled man through a critical time in history as he adjusts to new surroundings and wrestles with the knowledge of things to come.



4. eBook/Kindle
 

The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot
by Leonardo Ramierz
I'll start this one by the end of the week.
Reviewing for the Author.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.

What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name…Steampunk.


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 the reading is 2 Thessalonians.

Line Edits: I am working on more formatting this week.


Hmmm- I have 22 books listed for October so they may not all make it, even at five a week.  I finished five more this week so there are still 13 to go. 
.
Read - Reviews to Post:
10/16 Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers

Scheduled for October
10/17  The Miracle Inspector by Helen Smith, Review for Pump Up Your Book Tour
10/23 The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachel Anderson, Review for BookBlast Tour

UnScheduled for October:
Sourcebooks
Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett
Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight by Grace Burrowes

Harlequin
A Tangled Affair by Fiona Brand

Thomas Nelson
The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter (Review with Giveaway)


NetGalley
Uninvited by Heather Graham
Forged In Death, Book 1 of The Death Wizard Chronicles by Jim Melvin

Audiobook Jukebox
Added: Scarifyers: o8 The Thirteen Hallows

Authors:
The Mine (Northwest Passage) by John Heldt
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot by Leonardo Ramierz
Loving Luke by Suzanne Barrett
Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series) by Karen Weisner

From the TBR shelves
A Halloween Title - TBD
I'd like to read at least one "Won"/TBR books and one free Kindle book.:-)
1 Free Kindle -TBD;
Won TBR: The Shifters of 2040, a Shifter Dystopia by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder

[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 October 14, 2012

I missed service this morning with my fever and headache but my DH was sweet to take notes for me.
The Pastor's sermon was entitled "Tug of War" based on Galatians 5:19:23 and John 15:1-8.  As humans our bodies and souls fight between the flesh and spirit. The fruits of the spirit start with love and end with self-control. Gal 5:22-23.
John 15:2 reads: "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."  In Greek 'prunes' means 'cleans.'  
We are to be led by the Spirit (Gal 5:19, Romans 8:14),  not dragged. 

My interpretation:  
As He leads us, He will cleanse our hearts and prepare us to be fruitful for Him.

This a beautiful rendition of an old song.
A Verse for Today:
John 16:13
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

I am moved to pray: Come, Holy Spirit...cleanse me, fill my heart with your love, help me to be fruitful... for your glory.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #70 Comment Giveaway October 13, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

Hello again on Saturday Night.  Well - that stupid cold got me again today and I feel so Yuck with feverish fog. So I will be brief I think and then head to bed.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Although we have a few of us who got our licenses late, nine of you did get them at age 16. Six do not have their licenses, two of whom have not gotten them yet. Carol L learned to drive at 15 but never got her license being fearful to drive with 7 children. :-) And thanks to those who admitted you didn't pass the first time either. :-)

Seven of you read Christmas books all year long and the rest of us read, some starting when the Christmas review titles begin, others now and several in November and December.
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #69 comments is: #2 miki There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and 1 Christmas choice (see my note above about adding more titles to that list soon). miki please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining five Love Books List for Giveaway, the new Christmas Giveaway Book list, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #70 Questions

Q1. Krystal asks: Which authors are the most recommended to you??
A: This not so easy to answer. My brother is reading suspense - actually the FBI series by Coulter and Patterson's Woman's Murder Club. So I already have those on my lists. My daughter is currently reading the Dragon Tattoo series which I haven't yet read but I have the books.  Online of course I get a wide variety of recommendations from all you nice reading bloggers.  So I can't think of any particular authors recommended.

I found this image at Directed Edge.

Q2. Do you have a favorite social media??
A:  I am on facebook, twitter and Google Groups.  I really don't have enough time to visit other blogs I would like to much less spend time on these other medias. But I guess when I get a chance to link something I tend to use twitter because it is so easy. 


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. Krystal asks: Which authors are the most recommended to you??


2. Do you have a favorite social media??


SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (5 left) or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List 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, October 19, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winners of Risking It All

CONGRATULATIONS
to Winners of:

Giveaways Ended October 12, 2012.

Giveaway Risking It All by Suzanne Barrett
Print
vicki wurgler

ebook winner:
Nuzaifa


Vicki and Nuzaifa Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will notify the publisher and or send the books.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways..

Book Review and Giveaway: Everybody Loved Roger Harden by Cecil Murphey

This is a nice blend of genres: cozy mystery and Christian fiction.

Everybody Loved Roger Harden (Everybody's Suspect in Georgia)
by Cecil Murphey


  • Hardcover: 317 pages
  • Publisher: Thorndike Pr; Lrg edition (December 9, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1410422232
  • ISBN-13: 978-1410422231
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 10, 2011
Psychologist Julie West and Reverend James Burton arrive late for dinner on Palm Island - but just in time to discover their host, millionaire Roger Harden, murdered. Ten possible suspects share closed quarters on the secluded island, all of them with deep secrets and sufficient motive to have wanted the wealthy benefactor dead. Can Julie and Burton ignore the mysterious attraction developing between them long enough to discover who among them didn't love Roger Harden enough to let him live?


Review:
Remember the classic Agathie Christie mysteries, Ten Little Indians, 13 Came to Dinner or the game/movie Clue?  Here is a book fashioned on the same premise but with some inspirational surprises added in.

Psychologist Julie West and Reverend James Burton (called Burton) arrive together for dinner at the exclusive Palm Island estate of millionaire Roger Harden.  There are ten guests properly seated all having been summoned, rather than invited, to the dinner. The problem is, the 8 pm bong sounds and Roger fails to appear.

When the cook/maid, Elaine, is sent to retrieve Roger from his study she finds him lying under his desk, dead.  Julie and Burton know they aren’t the killer. That leaves eight guests and two staff as suspects. They begin to interview the suspects to uncover motives and opportunity so they can pin point the killer.  Although everyone initially claims to have loved Roger it doesn’t take long for accusations across the table to reveal that everyone had reason to hate him. He was an obsessively controlling husband, an indifferent or demanding step-father and a controlling employer. No one was really a friend as it turns out that Roger knew a secret about each of them and used that he used as blackmail.

As the investigation proceeds another person is killed and one is shot at.  It isn’t until midway through the book that facts begin to reveal that Roger had been changing in his attitude over the past several weeks. Once revealed the source and consequences of Roger’s change mean that the murderer may have committed a crime that wasn’t necessary.

This was a fast and easy read.  The characters are well developed and there is a great contrast between Julie and Burton. Julie has a condemning and narrow focus not only towards he suspects but towards herself too.  Burton is gentle and non-judgmental allowing him to get the suspects to tell him their grievances with the deceased.

Our ladies book club members agreed this was an easy read although several felt it started slowly.  It was noted that all of the guests seemed rather nonchalant in spite of murders and attacks occurring around them. We all agreed that Simon, the ‘butler’, man-Friday, was a great secondary character.  He is a man that is more likely to shrug his shoulders than speak and when he does speak, it is few words, like “Wait no longer.”

I really enjoyed several of the inspirational elements that Mr. Murphey smoothly wove into the friendship developing between Julie and Burton. This is a fun read and just what it purports to be: a Christian Cozy Mystery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burton to Julie:
You keep bringing in judgmental words–like bad or wrong.  I’d prefer to say it this way: You and I live in different worlds.  Location 896.
I understand why a lot of people have turned away from church. I just wish they wouldn’t turn away from God, as well.....
That’s the direction I like to point people–from imperfect people to a perfect God.  Location 1972-74.
God may be your best option and not just your last one. Location 1986.
I have the three volume set (Everybody's Suspect in Georgia) but I picked up this paperback recently and now I offer it as a Giveaway.
This is set in Georgia. I will also add it to my New Author reading List.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for  used Print Copy - OPEN WORLDWIDE.**


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website or The Man Behind the Words and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open Worldwide **providing shipping is under $7.00.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 19, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 20, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

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