It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 26, 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 again - five books completed and I am well into another two. I posted four reviews, three with giveaways, plus an Author interview. I posted a Thanksgiving post in addition to 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 not too many later.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? November 19, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox November 19, 2012.

• Book Review: Guardians of Stone by Anita Clenney; Action, Adventure; my rating 4.5.

• Q&A with Anita Clenney and Giveaway of Guardians of Stone.  Ends 11/30.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Missing by Rhoda Gibb Hinrichsen; Romantic Suspense ; my rating 4.0.  Ends 11/30.

• Happy Thanksgiving 2012. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 23, 2012. Open Worldwide.  Ends 11/29.

• Audio Book Review: The Crooked Wreath by Christianna Brand;  Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• Saturday Snapshot 11/24/12- Seattle Day 3.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Where Angels Rest by Kate Brady; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Ends 11/30.

• Sharing Beyond Books #76 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/30.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 25, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

Where Angels Rest
by Kate Brady
Whew -lots of good suspense!
Review and ARC Giveaway linked above.

2. Audio/MP3

The Crooked Wreath
by Christina Brandt
Good mystery. Review linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle
 

Forged In Death, Book 1 of The Death Wizard Chronicles
by Jim Melvin
Lots of story telling!
Oops- missed posting that last week so it will go up this week.

4. eBook/Kindle

Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series)
by Karen Weisner
I enjoyed this and will post the review this week.

5. Print

Five Days of Fear
by David Kovach
This is an engaging Thriller.
Review and Giveaway to post
November 27; part of TLC Book Tour.

Line Edits: I'll be uploading the children's title this week - needed minor adjustment.

Currently reading:
1. Audio

Karma's Law
by Kristi Lamb
This is an interesting mystery - tangled.
I'm reviewing for Spoken Word, Inc. Audiobook through AudioBook Jukebox. 
A Tangled Tale of Murder, Malice, and Revenge
Charming Tate Sawyer, a serial Casanova, is found murdered off a popular hiking trail. As the investigation unfolds, Lieutenant Greg Kennedy and his team discover that Sawyer left behind an embittered string of wealthy women, each harboring her own motive for ending his life.
Family secrets and sibling rivalry further complicate this dark mystery.
Who was this man? Is he destined to a bitter, deceitful legacy, or is there more than meets the eye? Karma’s Law is a tale so tangled it resembles the twisted cypress of its Pacific Northwest and Alaskan setting.

2. eBook/Kindle
 

All I Want for Christmas is You
(Contemporary Holiday Romance)
(Fate with a Helping Hand)
by Lisa Mondello
I am enjoying this sweet, quick read.
Posting Review with Author Q&A on December 1;
Part of Bewitching Blog Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
BOOK 1 in Fate with a Helping Hand Series
Sometimes fate needs a little hand...
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag.
But this Santa has a plan...
Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.

3. Print

His Love Endures Forever (A Land of Canaan Novel)
by Beth Wiseman
I am looking forward to starting this.
Reviewing for Thomas Nelson to post with Giveaway.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.
Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.
When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.
God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.
“Wiseman is among the best at writing moving Amish fiction.” —Booklist review of The Wonder of His Love

4. Print

Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire
I thought I'd read this before our trip.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
"Dark, sexy, and intense! Hilaire blazes a new path in paranormal romance."—Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author on Deliver Me From Darkness
Logan Screwed Up...Big Time
When things go bump in the night, Logan bumps back. Vampires, demons, succubi—you name it, he's fought it. His job as Paladin angel warrior is to protect humans. Not fall for one.
She Never Believed in Divine Intervention...Until Now
Detective Jessica Waters protects humans too-with her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. She doesn't believe in fate. But if anyone looks like a gift from the gods, it's Logan. And he clearly knows more about her case than he's letting on...

5. eBook/Kindle

Godspeed: a love story
Dan Chabot
I will start this by the end of the week.
Reading for the Author to post in December.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2012
How far will a man go to atone for guilt?
When Derry and Amedee meet during her first day on the job at the Milwaukee Ledger, it is a collision of destinies. Their love affair is so intense and perfect and pure that they are certain it will be eternal. But when it ends in heartbreak, compounded by the ignominy of a disastrously mismanaged funeral service, Derry descends into an abyss of devastation and remorse and despair.

In his overpowering grief this tormented newspaperman embarks on an obsessive crusade for redemption, an astonishing twist that will leave readers tearful yet smiling in sympathetic admiration. His improbable, tender quest eventually will lead him to peace of mind, and to someone who will help him build a new life from the ashes of the past.

"Godspeed" is a bittersweet story of laughter and tears, irrepressible humor, reckless devotion, the value of true friendship, and unimaginable longing for the "forever" that can no longer be. And as the story and its astonishing twists unfold, a poignant question lingers: How can a lie be wrong if it makes so many people feel so good?

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 1 Peter.

Line Edits: I have three books that I am completing formats on this week.

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

Scheduled for November
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 - done

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

AudioBook Jukebox - three done; 
added Karma's Law

NetGalley
Uninvited by Heather Graham - I will carry this into December; I started it but need to try again.

Authors - done

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 -- These will go forward to the December schedule
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel) by Dee Davis 
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 25, 2012

One of our favorite guest evangelists shared the sermon today. His topic was “Abundant Life.” 

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Many translations us “abundant” instead of “to the full.” Abundant means: overflowing, excess, more than sufficient…. True believers are blessed more than others.  However, the key word in the passage is not abundance; it is “life.”  We have the ability to make choices. It is possible to be alive in Jesus but still not be alive to abundance.

Everyone knows when a robber tries to steal, but a thief steals in secret.  The thief tempts us by appealing to our flesh - what I want; what I think; what I feel. There is no place in this world that nullifies your humanity so we must be alert to recognize the thief and our choices. The thief suggests that the boundaries of God are too rigid.  Do we listen to those lies or stay under the authority of God?  Who is the source and author of your life?  Thirst for self rule is unquenchable.  Pleasure in sin is short lived as there are always consequences.

God is more concerned about our holiness than our happiness but He does bless when we submit and obey.  Through Christ we are a new creation; clean like His original creation. We have the choices to produce good fruit or a rotten crop, if any at all.   Love God and love your neighbor.  Live under authority and you can have a full, abundant life.

I like the message in this song -

Lifesong

Romans 8:13 (NIV)
13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Today I pray that God will keep me from temptation and help me stay under His Authority. I am thankful for all of my blessings but most important I am thankful for the gift of eternal life ... blessings in this life are a bonus. 

Sharing Beyond Books #76 Comment Giveaway November 24, 2012

Hello and Welcome to another SBB!

Happy Saturday Night. I hope everyone had a great week and those who celebrated Thanksgiving had a great day and couple days off. We had a lovely Thanksgiving at our house with daughter and her family and another nice visit today at their house helping them trim their tree. I have tried to rest up the last few days and I do feel better, though still not quite 100%.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

The answers were fun -- Although many of us are tempted by hobbies or sports we read about, few of us actually do try.  Several people did acknowledge that they tried cooking or baking after reading about recipes in books. :-) There were a couple of brave souls, like Linda Kwolek who would try if she had items handy, or Monica, who might actually try a sport or playing music after being inspired by reading.

This was another week of lots of thankfulness - again mostly family, friends, pets and health.A couple of you shared nice comments about traditions that you enjoy, like Jane putting the tree up right after Thanksgiving.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #75 comments is: #13 Natasha There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Natasha 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 #76 Questions

Q1. Margaret asks: Do you prefer a large paperback or a small paperback??

I'm not sure if Margaret means trade size books as larger paperback or means larger in page numbers. I don't think I have a preference between Trade size books or 'mass' market size although I guess a mass market size fits into my purse easier.  As to page length -- my favorite size is 300 to 375 although shorter books are nice for a quick read. I think twice before I pick up a book over 400 pages as I know it will take longer which impacts my weekly scheduling. So I know I have missed some good books that are long. ;-0 Sometimes I will listen to longer books which is what I did with the Harry Potter series. 

Image found at Curiosity Quills

Q2. My question this week: Did you do any BLACK FRIDAY shopping and if so how early did you go out??

A: I didn't originally plan to shop on Friday, except online. However my DH and I found some items at a local liquidator shop and the owner said she would be having a sale and would give us a discount on Friday. So we went out at 9:30 Friday morning to shop there and stopped in at Goodwill to look for a flannel jacket for my DH as one of his was wearing thin. I was glad we stopped as they had a discount on Audio books and I picked up some for my grandchildren and a couple for me! Fortunately, for us, there were no big crowds at either store.

Image found at Kool.cbslocal

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. Margaret asks: Do you prefer a large paperback or a small paperback??

2. My question this week: Did you do any BLACK FRIDAY shopping and if so how early did you go out??

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 30, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winner of Enslaved

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER
OF
Giveaway Ended November 23, 2012

Giveaway ARC Enslaved.

Ashley

Ashley 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.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered this giveaway. 

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Where Angels Rest by Kate Brady

This is another great romantic suspense from Kate Brady. 
Where Angels Rest
by Kate Brady

• Mass Market Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Forever (November 20, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455502049
• ISBN-13: 978-1455502042

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:
Erin has spent the last twelve years trying to prove her brother is an innocent man who was wrongly convicted. She doesn’t care that her own reputation has been tarnished in the process and that the police records passed from one agency to another label her as a zealot and ‘looney’. She believes that the true killer is hiding from justice and she isn’t afraid to get in his face to challenge him...even when that means she is violating a restraining order.

Erin’s efforts at locating the alleged true killer gives her brother a midnight hour reprieve on his execution. She now has one week to get the local authorities to verify the identification of the alleged suspect and provide any additional information that supports her claims that John Huggins is hiding as Jack Calloway, who may have been near the scene of a similar murder.

Nick Mann is a sheriff who left the high intensity of detective work in Los Angeles to return to his home town in rural Ohio. He thought he could hide from the tragedy, and scandal, of his past by serving in a small community. Now Erin Sims is bringing notoriety to his small town and he doesn’t like it.  Yet, as he begins to check out Erin’s allegations, he discovers that there are dark lies already hiding in his town. As more missing persons are uncovered, the pressure increases   and soon local residents are missing and dead bodies begin to fall into the investigation.

Erin suffers several direct attacks as well as a ransacking of her hotel room. Nick’s protective instincts kick in and he determines that not all is as it appears in the reports he has received. It is a race to get enough details to stay the execution for Erin’s brother while also keeping her alive and trying to uncover a serial killer.

I really enjoyed the intensity of this story. There is lots of action and suspense from the outset. Ms. Brady weaves in scenes from the view of “the Anglemaker” as he/she handles the victims and plots to get the next one in line. The clues provided could lead to one of several suspects so the reader is kept guessing as the danger builds. Erin and Nick are both characters with personal baggage and high intensity. Although they butt heads, they also manage to bring a certain awareness of hope to each other.

There is some rough language in the book - not a surprise in a story of a serial killer and cops. I was able to skip over it as the plot kept the momentum going until the end. The romance is mostly sensual tension which is well done and doesn’t detract from the suspense. This is a fast paced read filled with tension.  If you like romantic suspense I highly recommend Kate Brady as an author you should read.

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

Nick has a reputation in his town:

“...Nick whipped Hopewell into shape and when the election came up, no one ran against him. You know his campaign motto was?”
    Erin shook her head.
    “Not on Nick’s watch. It wasn’t something he came up with; it was just what everyone said about him.”  Page 153.

Erin is surprised to learn Nick knew of the false negative medical history in her files:

...Her breath went shallow. One heartbeat at a time, she realized she didn’t have to convince him of anything. “Why did you believe me?”
    Those pale eyes met hers. “I didn’t wanna have the hots for a loon.” Page 212.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Forever div of Hachette.

This story is starts in Starke, Florida but takes place primarily in Hopewell, Ohio for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 7, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 8, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.