Book Review: Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers

This is a fast, fun read - beautiful setting, good romance and a touch of suspense.
Angels Landing (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)
by Rochelle Alers

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (August 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455501387
• ISBN-13: 978-1455501380

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2012 | Series: A Cavanaugh Island Novel (Book 2)
Sometimes love can take you by surprise.

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolina coast. Now the charming town of Angels Landing awaits her . . . along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff of idyllic Cavanaugh Island very seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family's expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

But soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they'll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.

Review:
Kara Newell is big city social worker who is intensely independent and self-reliant. She’s had a few failed relationships and figures it will be best to remain single and unentangled.  She is summoned to Cavanaugh Island for the reading of the Will of a wealthy stranger, Taylor Patton.  When she arrives she discovers that many people in town are related to Patton and are angered when they learn an unknown woman has inherited the bulk of Mr. Patton’s estate.  The inheritance comes with conditions: Kara must restore the historic estate of Angels Landing and live there for the next five years.

Kara is a city girl and not accustomed to the quiet warmth of a small town.  In spite of her hurt in learning family lies and secrets she isn’t willing to let the greedy relatives force her out or take over the property and sell it off to hovering  developers.  Kara is fascinated by the history of the property and is thrilled to find a local female restoration expert who shares her enthusiasm to preserve the area and the Gullah culture.

The local sheriff, Jeffrey Hamilton, is an ex-marine who’s serious love refused to be a marine’s wife. He has been fine being a loner and hasn’t planned on any woman in his life other than his aging grandmother who raised him. But he can’t ignore the gorgeous woman who has inherited Angels Landing. When she is threatened he is right there to protect her. Soon the chemistry between them is zinging and they are both struggling with emotions that they aren’t comfortable with.

I enjoyed the strong characters and the rich historical elements, as well as settings, in this book. The ‘greedy relatives’ plot isn’t particularly new and I kept waiting to see how they would attack Kara. There really wasn’t as much offensive as I expected so I was a little disappointed in the plot. The story focuses on the romance more than the inheritance issues.  Ms. Alers does a very  nice job building the romance between Kara and Jeff and I liked that they finally learned to trust and take the risk on love. There is a sweet little dog in the story - always a plus for me. The writing flows well and, as a romance, this is a satisfying read.

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

Kara’s reluctance to accept the inheritance:

I’m giving up a lifestyle I’ve come to like and a career I love despite all my bitchin’ and moanin’ to fulfill a dead man’s wish. Location 1613.

Jeffrey’s ultimate recognition:

“Love is not about giving up what you want for the other person. It’s about sharing what you have.”  Location 4466.

I received this for review from Forever/Hachette. See the Author Interview in the next post for a chance to win copies of this fine romance.

This story is set in South Carolina for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author and ARC challenges.
xx

Second Chance: Live Chat Opportunity GIVEAWAY Plus Three Copies of What Happens At Christmas!!

Here is another chance for some lucky reader to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!


Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release:

WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates: 

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST. 

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

• There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;  

• THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

The live chat events are being hosted by Author Marketing Experts as a Google+ hangout.

HOW TO ENTER:
1) You must have a Google+ account and be able to participate at 6pm PST on the event night.
Hint: Anyone with Gmail or other Google account is already set up to activate Google+
If you don't already have one you can set up a Google+ account here: https://plus.google.com

2) To enter for October 16 you will have to act quickly. (I'm sorry I had internet difficulties so I lost the weekend to announce this and had to make a Flash for the first date.)  If you have a Google+ account (or will get one by tomorrow morning), AND you can attend on Tuesday 10/16 at 6pm PST (registering by 5:50pm PST) Please email me at mesreads AT gmail.com between when this post goes live and 8am Central tomorrow morning (10/16). Put "October 16 Live Event with Victoria" (or similar wording) as the Subject of your email. I will use random.org to pick ONE WINNER from the emails for the "Seat" at the October 16 event.

3) To enter for the "Seat" for the November 6th Event and the additional THREE book copies:

ENTER THROUGH THIS FORM

 

THERE WILL BE ONE "SEAT" WINNER and THREE ADDITIONAL BOOK WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 29, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 30, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag. See More Details below the Book and Author info, after the holiday divider bar.

- On Sale and at the Top of Everyone’s Christmas Gift Lists October 2012 -

“Alexander’s divine Victorian Christmas confection provides an abundance of wit and warmth… This star belongs at the top of the tree.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for What Happens at Christmas

#1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander has for years been a force in the world of historical romance.  This holiday season, she gifts readers with WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS, a passionate Victorian English holiday romance filled with her signature wit and warmth. In it, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry.

Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome prince. The prince insists on getting her family’s approval first, which leaves the lovely widow with a problem. The last thing Camille wants is for him to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille can pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, their romance ended at her mother’s insistence. Now he’s back, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable.

And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—this season, and every Christmas yet to come…

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written twenty-five full-length novels and six novellas. Her books have hit the top ten on the New York Times bestseller list and regularly appear on the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.  She has twice been nominated for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award.  She lives in Omaha, NE.
Please visit her at www.VictoriaAlexander.com

Praise for Victoria Alexander’s Holiday Romances:
“This Victorian yuletide romance provides erotic sizzle and delectably cleaver dialogue on every page.” – USA Today

“I was swept up…it was refreshing to read a book in which the rugged leading man was determined to wed the love of his life, while the heroine is the one looking for a little fun. I relished every bit of this witty read.” – FIRST for Women

“Corsets will be loosened, indubitably.” – The News Tribune

“Smart and sexy, filled with witty banter and stellar writing, this lively Victorian jaunt pairs a free-thinking, unconventional heroine with a footloose hero in a glorious battle of the sexes.” – Library Journal

“A breezy, witty, romantic story. The perfect mood-setter for this winter season!” – B&N’s Heart 2 Heart Blog

Chicago Sun-Times named HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS one of the “10 Best Bet Holiday Gifts for the Book Lover” in 2011!

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype,  you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and me:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!

FLASH!! Special Chance to Attend Live Chat with Victoria Alexander!

Would you love to meet a bestselling romance author?  Here is a chance for some lucky readers to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!


Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release: WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates: 

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST. 

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

• There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;  

• THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

The live chat events are being hosted by Author Marketing Experts as a Google+ hangout.

HOW TO ENTER:
1) You must have a Google+ account and be able to participate at 6pm PST on the event night.
Hint: Anyone with Gmail or other Google account is already set up to activate Google+
If you don't already have one you can set up a Google+ account here: https://plus.google.com

2) To enter for October 16 you will have to act quickly. (I'm sorry I had internet difficulties so I lost the weekend to announce this and had to make a Flash for the first date.)  If you have a Google+ account (or will get one by tomorrow morning), AND you can attend on Tuesday 10/16 at 6pm PST (registering by 5:50pm PST) Please email me at mesreads AT gmail.com between when this post goes live and 8am Central tomorrow morning (10/16). Put "October 16 Live Event with Victoria" (or similar wording) as the Subject of your email. I will use random.org to pick ONE WINNER from the emails for the "Seat" at the October 16 event.

3) To enter for the "Seat" for the November 6th Event and the additional THREE book copies watch the blog for the Entry Post a little later tonight.

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.
 
You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype,  you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and myself:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!

Mailbox Monday. October 15, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is (updated) Mailbox Monday!

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. 

I added several review books this week. How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles

I think I had received one or two of these last week but forgot to add them to the post.
These are for November some with specific dates as noted:

 

Magician's Peril: The Song of Leódlerein the Blessed (The First Recounting)
Paul Andreas Wunderlich
from the author

Holiday Affair
Annie Seaton
from Entangled Publishing
(Posting November 7, 2012)

A Lady By Any Other Name
 Jennifer Kitchens
from author

Godspeed: A love story
Dan Chabot
from author

Extraordinary Rendition

Paul Batista

from Blue Dot Literary Publicist

(Posting 11/8/12)

The Wicked Wager (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romance)
Anya Wylde
from author
(Posting 11/1/12)

These two titles I received through AudioBook Jukebox:

Scarifyers: 08 The Thirteen Hallows
from Cosmic Hobo

Outer Diverse
Nina Munteanu;
from Iambic Audiobooks

Wins

I stumbled onto Audio Heaven and got lucky to win this audio title from his September Audio Book Giveaway:

The Orphanmaster 

Jean Zimmerman

Thank you to Steven at Audiobook Heaven
You audio book lovers should stop by and visit Steve as he hosts an Audio Book giveaway each month.

Purchased

No purchases this week.

Free

I picked up some free titles on Kindle again.

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:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? October 8, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox October 8, 2012.

• Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop. Ends 10/14

• Book Review and Giveaway: Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews; Memoir Narrative, Non Fiction, Inspirational; my rating 4.75. Ends 10/19

• Book Review: Blades of Winter by G.T. Almasi; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.

• Guest Post by Grace Brannigan, author of Once Upon A Remembrance.

• Book Review: Once Upon A Remembrance by Grace Brannigan; Time Travel, Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Giveaway Opportunity for of Once Upon A Remembrance.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 12, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 10/18.

• 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

• Sharing Beyond Books #70 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/19.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 14, 2012.

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.]