It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 19, 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 very good - five books completed with two almost complete. I posted four reviews, one with ARC giveaway. I also posted two Giveaway Hops. 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 but none later and none on Saturday as I returned from flying to South Florida and then slept and cleaned a little.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? November 12, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox November 12, 2012.

• November Clear the Shelf Giveaway Hop.  Ends 11/18.

• Book Review: A Lady By Any Other Name by Jennifer Kitchens; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

• Audio Book Review: A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• 3rd Annual Gratitude Giveaways Hop. Ends 11/25.

• Book Review: Secrets of the Red Box by Vickie Hall; Suspense; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 16, 2012. Open Worldwide.  Ends 11/22.

• Saturday Snapshot 11/17/12- Seattle Days 1&2.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Untamed by Sara Humphreys; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5. Ends 11/30.

• Sharing Beyond Books #75 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/23.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 18, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Secrets of the Red Box
by Vickie Hall
A different suspense story. Review is linked above.

2. Audio CD/MP3
 

A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery
Cleo Coyle (Author), Rebecca Gibel (Narrator)
Fun audio.

Review is linked above.

3. Print

Untamed (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphreys
I enjoy this series! 
Review and ARC giveaway linked above.  

4. Print
 

Missing
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
This is an engaging mystery with young adult characters.
I will post my review and giveaway this week.

5. eBook/Kindle

Guardians of Stone (The Relic Seekers)
by Anita Clenney
I really liked this action/adventure!
Review, Author Interview and Giveaway will post on November 20.

Line Edits: I'll be uploading another children's title this week.

Currently reading:

1. Print

Where Angels Rest
by Kate Brady
Whew -lots of good suspense!
I will post the review and ARC Giveaway this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 20, 2012
A RACE FOR SALVATION
For the past decade, psychologist Erin Sims has been helping victims of violent crimes move on with life . . . but the one person she can't save is the one who matters most. In only seven days, her brother will be executed for a murder he didn't commit. Convinced she knows the identity of the real killer, Erin is determined to find the man and bring him to justice.

A COUNTDOWN TO DESTRUCTION
Sheriff Nick Mann moved to rural Ohio hoping to forget the tragedies of his past. When Erin shows up in town, bringing scandal and unwanted media attention with her, Nick knows she's trouble. No one believes sleepy Hopewell could harbor a serial killer . . . until residents begin to disappear. Now as Nick untangles the dark secrets plaguing his town, he can't help falling for the beautiful woman with the warm heart and iron will. And, as the days tick by, the truth becomes clear: Erin is hunting a vicious murderer-one whose only escape is to silence her forever.

2. eBook/Kindle
 

Forged In Death, Book 1 of The Death Wizard Chronicles
by Jim Melvin
Lots of story telling!
I'll be posting a review this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 20, 2012
Enter the realm . . .
Book One, The Death Wizard Chronicles.
Only a Death-Knower can die. And live again.
Only a Death-Knower can return from death. And remember.
Only a Death-Knower can tell the world what he's seen. Not all care to listen.
For a thousand years, none have rivaled the power of Torg, the Death-Knower wizard, as he ruled his people and kept peace on Triken.
Now a new threat has suddenly arisen. The evil sorcerer Invictus is greater even than Torg, and his greed and ambition threaten to engulf the land in eternal darkness. When Invictus imprisons Torg in a horrifying pit bored into the solid rock of a frozen mountain, the fate of Triken hangs in the balance.
Torg becomes freedom's final hope, but first he must die to earn the victory.

3. Audio/MP3

The Crooked Wreath
by Christina Brandt
This one is taking more concentration 
than I expected!
I'm reviewing for Highbridge Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2011
A family patriarch is murdered on the eve of signing a new will
Sir Richard’s family has spent years waiting for him to die, but despite his weak heart, the old man simply refuses to cooperate. In the meantime, he makes their lives miserable by changing his will every few months, depending on which of his strange brood he favors that moment. Now he calls them together to announce his most diabolical revision yet: complete disinheritance of all the wastrels who bear his name. But he never gets a chance to sign the papers—by morning, he’s dead.
Scotland Yard sends Inspector Cockrill, the only detective clever enough to unravel the family’s tangle of jealousy and deceit. Each member had reason to kill Sir Richard, but which one plunged the syringe of poison into his heart? With a family this mad, nothing is as complicated as the truth.

4. Print

Five Days of Fear
by David Kovach
I will be starting this book in a day or two. Review and Giveaway to post November 27 through TLC Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 9, 2012
During a family picnic, Jessica Britton’s well-ordered world is slammed against a brutal reality and her faith is tested when her mom is kidnapped, her dad is shot, and authorities can find no clues to begin their investigation. Jessica’s own anxiety and fear for her mother’s life compels her to help FBI Agent Dan Hamilton look for motives and clues that would lead to rescuing her mom. By chance, clues begin to emerge, and the once floundering investigation speeds to a hectic race against time and criminal minds in a desperate attempt to save Jessica’s mom and the lives of many in San Francisco’s business district.

5. eBook/Kindle

Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series)
by Karen Weisner
I have enjoyed this series and
look forward to reading this
for review for the author.
Book Five Family Heirloom: Learning trust
In order to reconcile her past, she must face the terrible truth she buried long ago...and, in doing so, she gambles with her heart and the salvation of her own soul.

Ashley Savage grew up in a troubled home with a competitive, pampered sister and an abusive, ridiculing mother who played at being a Christian when she needed to...and led Ashley to more addictions than one child could handle. As an adult, Ashley tells herself she's put the extreme fears of the past behind her, but she spends most of her time repairing the crumbling wall holding back the horrors she's not willing to face ever again. She's become a woman against the world.

The one man who has the annoying habit of getting through her defenses is Jay Samuels, a military chaplain and soon-to-be pastor. Much as Ashley wants to leave him behind like she believes she has the rest of her past, Jay is ambitious to a fault where she's concerned. He hears only what he wants to hear?and he doesn't want to hear that she doesn't love him as much as he loves her.

But even Jay doesn't realize the extent of all she's buried deep inside her own subconscious...and what keeps her from giving herself willingly to the God she knows is drawing her inexorably to Himself, to the one place she can't run, where she can no longer hide...

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 James.

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

I started with 20 or so titles planned for November. Twelve have been read (ten posted). That leaves me working on 10 to post during the month. I really do intend to get a smaller list going into December!

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

Scheduled for November
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 - done

Hachette
Where Angels Rest by Kate Brady

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

AudioBook Jukebox
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:  DONE
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 18, 2012

I did not make church this morning as I fell back to sleep and stayed in bed until almost noon. I am sharing a video today that encourages us to BE THANKFUL for many things we do not have!
(Although it shows as 5+ minutes, it is only about 2.5+ minutes, then repeats.)

A Verse for Today
Psalm 138:2 (NIV)

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.

I am thankful for a loving God who is Creator, Redeemer and Comforter; a God who gives all things but most importantly - grace!

Sharing Beyond Books #75 November 17, 2012

Hello and Welcome to another SBB!

Happy Saturday Night. Has it been a good week for everyone? I did get some antibiotics this week so hopefully I can put this "crud" (the diagnosis - LOL) behind me. But I didn't get bed rest as the doctor ordered since I had to get up at 3am Friday to drive to Tallahassee for a plane to South Florida. I had a deposition to cover late in the day and then flew back this morning. So I'm tired now.  But on the positive side - I got some extra reading time on the plane. :-)


Thank you to all who shared last week.

Seems about half of us like anthologies, especially for meeting new authors or for a quicker reading time. However, several of you mentioned you weren't so big on anthologies as you prefer longer stories.

I like all the things we are thankful for! Family is a BIG one for many of us. (I hope nrlymrtl's broken foot is healing.) I particularly liked how Sarah phrased one of her thanks: "I am thankful that I have opportunities to pursue my passions, and not just fight to survive." Nice wording and nice sentiment.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #74 comments is: #5 mammabunny13 There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. mammabunny13 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 #75 Questions

Q1. Miki asks: When you are reading a book in which the character has a special activity or hobby (a sport, knitting etc) does that make you want to try this activity??

I may find activities interesting but I rarely try them. What? Take away time from reading? I don't think so. LOL. Although I have to admit I sometimes wish I had a talent for art - I know I do not.

Image found at CafePress

Q2. I'll give Elizabeth credit for this Q as I noted she had it in suggestions: ... a) What are you Thankful for this year (so next TWO choices) OR b) What is a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?? 

A: I am listing more Thankful items: #3 Friends and #4 Books and Blogging about books!

Image found at PublishingPerspectives

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 draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions.    Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1. Miki asks: When you are reading a book in which the character has a special activity or hobby (a sport, knitting etc) does that make you want to try this activity??

2. I'll give Elizabeth credit for this Q as I noted she had it in suggestions: ... a) What are you Thankful for this year (so next TWO choices) OR b) What is a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

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, November 23, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winners of The Trouble With Cowboys and Holdiay Affair

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners


Giveaway The Trouble With Cowboys

Dena

Giveaway eBook Holiday Affair 

Martha L

Dena and Martha Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing and download.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways. 

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Untamed (The Amoveo Legend) by Sara Humphreys

This is another warm, fast-paced installment in the entertaining Amoveo series!
Untamed (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphreys

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402258496
ISBN-13: 978-1402258497Product Details
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
   

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...

Review:
William Fleury, an Amoveo from the Gryfalcon clan, is a straight-laced, stoic man and attorney for the Amoveo Counsel. He has watched his friends find their mates in half-breeds and he looks with longing and envy on their affectionate, and passionate, relationships. He had almost given up hope of finding a mate for himself. Then he saw Layla and knew he must pursue her.

Layla is a half-breed who has known about her nature for years as she was raised with twin half-breeds on a farm with their ‘foster’ mother, Rosie.  She is able to share telepathically with her foster siblings and she can read of auras through her photography. She can also dream in her cheetah form but she has never been able to shift in the real world. She is freakish in the human world and feels substandard in the shifter world-- what little she knows of it.

Layla saw the pain of abandonment and destruction of other females, including her own mother,  who loved Amoveo mates. Layla is fiercely independent and intent on never falling in love or being controlled by another. When Will begins to pursue her in the dream realm, she wants nothing to do with him. When Will shows up in person she considers him a stalker.

Will doesn’t really know how to woe Layla but he is insistent on making her give him a chance. He is also determined to protect her from the Purist threat especially after there is an attack that puts Rosie in a coma.

Will loosens up around Layla and she begins to fall for his gentle and almost bumbling charm. Rather than wait for an attack she decides that the half-breed ladies should confront the Council to force the hand of the Purists. The confrontation will have a greater impact than anyone realized.

I love the great, underlying warmth that Sara imparts in this romance series. Once again she created interesting characters and drew me into their story immediately.  Their slowly growing relationship is the primary story but there is also good suspense building up to the later part of the book when there are new and alarming developments in the Amoveo loyalties.  This changes the character of the Council and sets the stage for civil war among the clans.  I look forward to the next book!

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

William's reaction to Layla

    That day in the bayou, Layla’s energy signature had slammed into him with a voracious intensity that took him completely by surprise... and William was not accustomed to being surprised. He prided himself on his innate ability to alwys remain calm, keep a cook head, and maintain a sense of order.
    All of that changed the second he found her.  Location 489.

    Put him in the heat of battle, in a courtroom, or in the sights of the Caedo, and no one could shake him, but put his brokenhearted mate in front of him, and he truned into a fumbling oaf without the slightest clue how to help her. Location 3457.

I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

A good portion of this takes place in rural Marylanda.
If you haven't read this awesome series yet you can try a taste with the free Novella: Undenied .

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries tell me if you know any of the songs or artists that Sara thought of while writing this book:

Here's the soundtrack I created when I was writing William and Layla's story. Enjoy!
    "Promise's Demise"--Amy Petty *this song is used in the book trailer
    "Paris (ooh lala)"--Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
    "I Run to You"--Lady Antebellum
    "Can't Be Tamed"--Miley Cyrus
    "The Edge of Glory"--Lady Gaga
    "I Go to Extremes"--Billy Joel
    "Going Under"--Evanescence

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 30, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.