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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Book Review: A Lady by Any Other Name by Jennifer Kitchens

This is a charming, great, quick read.
by Jennifer Kitchens
File Size: 479 KB
Print Length: 209 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477612416
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: July 2, 2012
A Woman in Hiding
Nicole Farrington's life had never been easy, but it had always been bearable. At least it had been until now. Faced with a horrible marriage her step-brother has contracted for her, she will do anything to get away. She’ll run…run to anyone who might be able to help her. But running blindly down an unknown path may take her to an unexpected destination.
A Man Seeking Answers
Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, wants nothing more than to have his carefree life back. Now he is left with a title, a child, and a future that he never expected would be his. He refuses to believe his brother's death was an accident, no matter what people say. Someone killed him and Julian plans to find out who and why. Maybe then he can go on with his life…his brother’s life. But will the answers he seeks be enough, or will he find love to be a worthier goal?


Review:
Nicole Farrington lost her mother very young and as a teen lost her father. On his death bed her father gave her information revealing a secret of her past and telling her to seek out Lord Avonley if she was ever in need. She has worked along with the servants in her household and tried to avoid the lecherous guests her step-brother, Roland, brings home to party with. Now that she has turned eighteen her brother has negotiated to wed her to an older, unpleasant man, in exchange for settling his gambling debts.  It is time to seek the help of Lord Avonley.

Nicole sets out disguised as a lad. Along the way “Nick” is rescued at an inn from a scuffle with some other young boys by a man handsome, kind man. When she finally makes it to her destination she meets another surprise. The plan is to send her to the Earl of Foxley, and to remain low key, while Lord Avonley seeks out papers that will get her away from her wicked step-brother.

Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, is struggling with his inherited position and his young niece who has withdrawn at the loss of her second parent. Julian is convinced his brother’s death a year earlier was not an accident and he suspects some foul play involving a wild party hosted by Roland Farrignton.

Julian doesn’t know who the lovely young lady is who appears seeking his dead brother, Roger. The note from Lord Avonley is vague and mysterious.  Nicole is surprised to see the kind man who helped Nick and hopes he doesn’t recognize her. Introducing herself as Anna, Nicole quickly makes friends with young Clara and is brought under the wing of Aunt Gussie. Even though there is a risk of exposure, Nicole/Anna can’t stop Aunt Gussie from seeking to introduce Anna at ton parties. As Anna and Julian begin to draw closer, Nicole struggles with whether she should reveal the truth of her circumstances to Julian.  Julian suspects she is hiding something and he is already trying to ferret out the truth of what happened to his brother.  When the connections are revealed will Julian be able to forgive Nicole for her deceptions?

This is a wonderful sweet story with hidden secrets and interesting characters that keep it engaging.  Nicole is tenacious if a bit reckless. Julian is kind even if a bit brusque. Clara adds a little extra charm as a child who needs special patience, love and reassurance. The writing moves at a good pace with descriptions that are strong with good imagery. The reading is light and quick. I am glad I got to read this and if you like sweet historical romance, treat yourself to this delightful story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Example of a nice, strong description:
As the slushy mess accumulated, a feeling of desolation and abandonment permeated the air. The old walls groaned as the wind rattled the window.  Location 9
Julian’s reaction to ‘Amma”:
There was something vulnerable about her that made him want to solve her problems. Location 616.
 This ebook was provided by the author for an honest review.
I will add this to my New Author Challenge list.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

November 2012 Clear the Shelf Giveaway Hop

 "Clear Your Shelf" Giveaway Hop!
November 12th to 18th
This is a great way to clear out some books!
Thank you to Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting!


I am clearing out boxes by giving away FOUR sets of multiple books. There are seven sets to choose from!
Some are ARC or review copies as noted, otherwise gently used copies.
ALL CHOICES ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE
FOUR WINNERS: First winner - 1st choice of package; Second winner - 2nd choice; Third winner - 3rd choice; and Fourth winner - 4th choice of package..

Package #1:
Historical Romance - review copies
Knight Trilogy by Margaret Mallory! 


Package #2:
Historical Romance-ARCs
Three of Series by Grace Burrowes


Package #3:
Romantic Suspense
Two from Last Stand Series by Brenda Novak


Package #4:
James Patterson - Two Mysteries


Package #5:
Chicken Soup for the Soul - Two Christmas titles


Package #6:
 Paranormal Set


Package #7:
Two Audios - Mysteries
Don't Blink by James Patterson (Audio CD)
All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen (MP3-CD)


Enter through Rafflecopter - 
then hop on to more giveaways at the participating blogs in the links below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Mailbox Monday November 12, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR NOVEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is (updated) BermudaOnion's Weblog!

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 more to my book 'forest' this week.
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles
I received five review titles:




Five Days of Fear
by David Kovach (print)
for 11/27 Review & Giveaway











Audio DVD from Spoken Word, Inc. (through Audibook Jukebox)
Karma's Law
by Kristi Lamb


From Sourcebooks
by Jeanette Murray
for January Review





by Victoria Roberts
for February Review




Wins


Won at CMASH Reads

Phoenix
by A.J. Scudiere
Print Book + red ball cap!

Thank you CMASH and A.J.





Purchased
None


Free
Picked up 9 titles through Novel Seniors Partay
Featured Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Featured Historical Romance
Featured Paranormal Romance
Featured YA/Lighthearted/Non-Fiction

and another 11 titles another day.
Featured Romance/Contemporary Romance
More Featured Romance
Featured Thriller/Sci-Fi
Featured Lighthearted

I picked up more free titles on Kindle.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 12, 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.

The reading this week was good with four books completed. Plus I am more than midway on three titles for the coming week.  I posted five reviews, three with related giveaways.  I also posted an author voting feature and a BookBlast with Giveaway.  Plus, I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I got to visit blog sites at the beginning of the week and some Saturday Snapshots on Saturday.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Print Giveaway: The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Open US. Ends 11/16.
  • Book Review: Holiday Affair by Annie Seaton; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
  • Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Enslaved by Elisabeth Naughton; Paranormal Romance; my rating 3.755. Ends 11/23.
Finished Reading:
1. Print



Enslaved (Eternal Guardians)
by Elisabeth Naughton

Solid paranormal romance for those who like this genre.
Review and ARC Giveaway linked above.





2. eBook/Kindle



Extraordinary Rendition
by Paul Batista
This legal thriller is alarming and engaging; the review is linked above.




3. Audio/MP3
 

Emily Goes to Exeter: The Traveling Matchmaker, Book One 
Author: Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton)
Narrator: Helen Lisanti
Sweet fun Regency with romance and a bit of intrigue.  Review is linked above.




4. eBook/Kindle



A Lady By Any Other Name
by Jennifer Kitchens
Charming! Great little story. I'll be posting a review this week.  Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 2, 2012
A Woman in Hiding
Nicole Farrington's life had never been easy, but it had always been bearable. At least it had been until now. Faced with a horrible marriage her step-brother has contracted for her, she will do anything to get away. She’ll run…run to anyone who might be able to help her. But running blindly down an unknown path may take her to an unexpected destination.
A Man Seeking Answers
Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, wants nothing more than to have his carefree life back. Now he is left with a title, a child, and a future that he never expected would be his. He refuses to believe his brother's death was an accident, no matter what people say. Someone killed him and Julian plans to find out who and why. Maybe then he can go on with his life…his brother’s life. But will the answers he seeks be enough, or will he find love to be a worthier goal?



Line Edits: I am working on some formats to finish this week.



Currently reading:
1. Print
 

Missing
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
This is an engaging mystery with young adult characters.
I won this over a year or so ago so it is my TBR 
and Just For Fun read this month.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 5, 2009
A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams. When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in the search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble. And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life - and a possible future with Matt - to save a stranger.



2. eBook/Kindle



Secrets of the Red Box
by Vickie Hall
There are secrets and tension in this story. 
I'm interested to see where it goes.
Reviewing for BookBlast tours.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 15, 2012
Bonnie has secrets to keep - secrets with the potential to destroy lives, including her own. Running from her destructive and pain filled past, she recreates herself, believing she has escaped the damning evidence hidden in the red box. When her former life is revealed by a cruel twist of fate, Bonnie faces losing everything, including Glen, the only man she’s ever loved. But is Bonnie the woman he thinks she is? Set against the backdrop of the 1940s, Secrets of the Red Box is filled with intrigue and suspense - sure to keep you guessing to the very end!



3. Audio CD/MP3
 

A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery
Cleo Coyle (Author), Rebecca Gibel (Narrator)
I'm two thirds done in this.
It is  interesting and fun!
Reviewing for AudioGo
through AudioBook Jukebox.

Book Description
Publication Date: August 2012 | Series: A Coffeehouse Mystery
"Coyle's Coffeehouse books are superb" (Library Journal), and now the national bestselling author of MURDER BY MOCHA serves up a hot new Coffeehouse Mystery with A BREW TO A KILL.

Coffee. It can get a girl killed.
A shocking hit-and-run in front of her Village Blend coffeehouse spurs Clare Cosi into action. A divorced, single mom in her forties, Clare is also a dedicated sleuth, and she's determined to track down this ruthless driver who ran down an innocent friend and customer. In the meantime, her ex-husband Matt, the shop's globetrotting coffee buyer, sources some amazing new beans from Brazil. But he soon discovers that he's importing more than coffee, and Clare may have been the real target of that deadly driver. Can ex-husband and wife work together to solve this mystery--or will their newest brew lead to murder? Includes recipes.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


4. Print



Untamed (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphreys
I'm looking forward to reading this as I have enjoyed the prior books in the series.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Book Description
Release Date: November 6, 2012 | Series: The Amoveo Legend
An ancient race of shapeshifters has lived secretly among humans for thousands of years...they are...the Amoveo

HER WORST NIGHTMARE IS COMING TRUE...
Layla Nickelsen has spent years hiding from her Amoveo mate and guarding a devastating secret. But Layla's worst fear is realized when the man who haunts her dreams shows up in person ...

HE HAS FINALLY FOUND HER...
William Fleury is as stoic as they come, until he finds Layla and his feelings overwhelm him. She won't let him get close, but then an unknown enemy erupts in violence and threatens everything Layla holds dear...


5. eBook/Kindle



Guardians of Stone (The Relic Seekers)
by Anita Clenney
I expect to start this for next week.
Review, Author Interview and Giveaway
set for November 20.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Kendall Morgan is a human bloodhound. Spending her childhood hunting relics with her ambitious archeologist father, she knew the two of them shared a sixth sense for the history and location of objects—sometimes even people. What she didn’t know was that their paranormal gift could ultimately be their undoing.

After the tragic plane crash that killed her father as well as her childhood best friend, Kendall dedicated her life to finding and protecting relics. When mysterious, sexy billionaire Nathan Larraby hires her for his latest expedition—the search for four powerful relics—she’s thrown into a world of high-octane danger. He sends brooding mercenary Jake Stone to watch Kendall’s back, but he may have created danger of a different kind.

As the team chases down clues, a man called the Reaper makes a play for the artifacts and will stop at nothing to put them to his own sinister use. What’s worse is that Nathan hasn’t told the whole story, and the dark secrets he’s keeping could cost them the mission…and their lives.


I will probably be starting another audio this week too.

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. The reading this week is Hebrews.

Line Edits: Waiting on some illustrations and completing formats this week.


I started with 20 or so titles planned for November. Seven have been read (six posted). That leaves me working on 13 to post during the month. I really do intend to get smaller lists going into December!

Review to post:
Review with Giveaway: Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter

Scheduled for November
11/12 Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
11/15 Secrets of the Red Box by Vickie Hall Review and (BookBlast) Giveaway Links
11/15 Gratitude Giveaway Hop
11/20 Guardians of Stone (The Relic Seekers) by Anita Clenney - Review and Interview
11/27 Five Days of Fear by David Kovach - Review (TLC Tour)
11/28 BookBlast - First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White

Unscheduled for November
Sourcebooks
Untamed (The Amoveo Legend) by Sara Humphreys

Hachette
Where Angels Rest by Kate Brady

Thomas Nelson
His Love Endures Forever (A Land of Canaan Novel) by Beth Wiseman

AudioBook Jukebox
A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle
The Crooked Wreath by Christina Brandt

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

Authors
Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series) by Karen Weisner

I'd like to read at least one "Won"/TBR book and one free Kindle book.:-)
Older Won Book:  Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Kindle Read - TBD

Others in line up if time permits
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel) by Dee Davis (Nov/early Dec)
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace
Won TBR: The Shifters of 2040, a Shifter Dystopia by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder - carry forward

[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 November 11, 2012

First, I want to stop and take time today to honor our Veterans. All those who have served, in office or front lines, have given so much, as have your families. Thank you.

I share thoughts today from our teacher and, like him, my words are intended as a spiritual observation, not a political one. They may start sorrowfully but there is strength in the end.

I feel sorrow for the direction my nation has taken. The two party system that helped us through history has become a dividing force. I pray our leaders, at all levels, will unite beyond those dividing lines to promote what is best for all our people.

Psalm 33:12 says: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. Although that originally speaks of Israel I believe that America fell under that blessing too. What other nation has been "one nation, under God"? I do not know if that is the status of America today or in the future years. Our demographics and ideologies are changing.

When the people of Israel choose a King instead of the spiritual leaders, God pointed out to Samuel: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king." 1 Samuel 8:7. 

I read all of Psalm 33 and am comforted that God is the one in control. His intentions cannot be thwarted; He places on the throne who He wants. He has a plan that we may not see or know but we can trust in Him. 
The Lord watches over those who trust in Him. Psalm 33:18.
This video shares the words of Psalm 33 with a haunting melody.


Verses for Today:
Psalm 33: 21-22
21 In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,

Thank you Lord for being a shield for your people. Thank you for the faith you have blessed me with - it gives me peace of heart at all times.

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