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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilaire

I really like the heavenly guardians and the action in this series.
Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire

  • File Size: 552 KB
  • Print Length: 354 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1402264372
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (December 4, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


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...


Review:
Jessica is a fierce cop whose driving force is the anger and hate that she carries from the rape and brutal death of her twin sister. She is a good and dedicated cop but sometimes her anger pushes her to take risks like investigating without her partner for backup.  She has been pushing pretty hard on a murder that involved some freakish aspects. High on Jessica’s lists of suspects is Roland, a Paladin Warrior (heavenly protector) who is outcast from the ranks because he is now a vampire.  (See Roland’s story in Deliver Me From Darkness.) Roland is not the murderer, but there are other vampires and dark forces involved in the murder.  They object to Jessica’s snooping and she is now a target.

While investigating, Jessica sees Logan and Alex, two Paladin Warriors, chasing what appears to be an innocent woman. Jessica tries to challenge the men, interfering with their efforts and gaining a memory wipe for her troubles.  Jess doesn’t remember Logan and Alex when she next meets them at the station while they are bailing out Roland. She suspects something isn’t right but doesn’t know what.

Now Logan is set on protecting Jessica as she continues to bump into bad, dark things in the night. Their attraction is intense. She tries to resist as he is a “person of interest” in the case and she can’t really believe in forces he alludes to. Logan realizes that, as the future leader of the warriors, there is no way he should get involved with a human. There union may be beyond their control! But can Logan keep Jessica alive as she is dragged in by enemies to lure him to a trap?

Logan is a great, strong hero who is dedicated to his mission but sometimes challenges the Paladin leader, his father, because of his old-fashioned and limiting methods. Jessica is a wonderfully strong and dedicated officer although her independence and hatred get her into trouble. I really like the action in this series. The book jumps off with a start and never lets up. I also love the fact that the heros are heavenly warriors protecting humans from demons and other evil creatures.  My only hesitation and disappointment in the series is the free use of foul language. Too bad that mars the rest of the great work for me. I did pick this book to review knowing from the last time that it would likely have language. Still - the action and story outweigh the negative language. I’m glad I read this and I recommend the series to those who love strong characters, intense passion and plenty of action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I agree with Logan’s thoughts on faith and Justice:
[The station house} was more than just a place for the work of law to get done. It was the line between human goodness and evil deeds, a sanctuary to Justice’s warriors. But without faith in...something? Could that line really be held? Could Justice survive.   Page 64.
I really liked this imagery:
She made her way down the side street, the sounds of the investigative team playing like a homicide-cops urban symphony.  The clicking of a camera was the erratic drummer, the scuff of boots on gritty pavement the counter beat and the gruff voices lowered in funeral hall tones claimed the melody.  Page 119.
I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.


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 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway: His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

I loved this engaging story!
by Beth Wiseman
File Size: 692 KB
Print Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548882
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Genre: Inspirational Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


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


Review:
Danielle Kent had a difficult childhood. Her father died when she was young and her mother beat her. Danielle ended up at age seventeen moving in with an older, and old-fashioned couple who live near, although are not part of, an Amish community. Her ‘guardians’ Martha and Arnold have treated Danielle as their own daughter. Although they dress conservatively they do have electricity, cell phones and use cars, unlike the Amish families. Martha attends the Amish Sunday services on a regular basis and takes Danielle along whenever she will go.

Danielle is comfortable with the Amish and has been dating Matthew, an Amish young man of her age from a neighboring community. Matthew’s family are not happy that he is dating an Englisch girl but he is in the period of “rumschpringe”, the ‘running-round time, when a teenager has not yet committed into the Amish faith. In fact, Matthew does not want to remain with his Amish family.  He wants to go away to college and he clearly doesn’t want to marry and start a family with Danielle even though their union has resulted in pregnancy.

Danielle is found weeping by her best friend, Levi, another Amish young man who has not yet been baptized into the community but whose faith is very strong. Levi has been trying to encourage Danielle to trust God.
Levi always planned to be baptized Amish and raise a family in the Amish faith. But Levi has dreams that lead him to propose to marry Danielle and raise the boppli (baby) as his own. Danielle initially rejects this arrangement but then agrees. Levi’s mother is horrified that her son might marry an Englisch girl and live outside the Amish community. She consults with Sarah, the Amish girl Levi has dated a few times, to find ways to convince Levi not to marry Danielle. Troubles and misunderstandings arise.

I particularly loved the character of Levi whose faith is so strong as he prays and tries to follow God’s calling. Danielle is an injured soul and although she does not plan to live in the Amish community, she is willing to remain nearby.  She is determined to raise her child in a loving environment.  It is interesting, and wonderful, to read how this couple overcomes obstacles and how matters unfold for them as they grow in their relationships.

The story is very well written in plot, character and themes. Ms. Wiseman deals with the prejudices and snobbery of the Amish against the Englisch as well as exploring deeper issues of forgiveness and trust. There is a revelation by Levi’s mother that opens her heart and changes her attitude. I was delighted with the story and plan to encourage my ladies’ book club to read this or another Wiseman title.

Word notes while reading: Sweet, warm, faith issues, prejudices, beautiful message!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Levi shares excitement in his faith with Danielle:
“Because when you feel the Holy Spirit, or when God answers a prayer, it’s an amazing feeling, and you know you’re part of something so much bigger than just yourself.”  Location 2075.
Levi’s Mother shares her faith with Danielle:
“He is the only way. That’s what I’m saying. If you’re feeling alone or longing for peace, He is the way.”  Location 2673.
I received this title from Thomas Nelson for an honest Review.
This story is set in Monte Vista, near the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Print Copy:


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 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Winners -- Untamed, Guardian of Stone, Missing

 CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS:
 Giveaways Ended November 30, 2012.

Giveaway ARC Untamed. 
Victoria S



Giveaway Guardian of Stone (The Relic Seekers).
Jolene



Giveaway Missing.
Ricki


Victoria, Jolene and Ricki please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll send a gift for the download.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Mailbox Monday December 3, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Suko's Notebook!

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

Review Titles
I received four review titles -which I forgot to list the last two weeks.

Tribute Books Blog Tour for February 6, 2013
A New Birth of Freedom The Translator by Robert G. Pielke






Bewitching Blog Tour for December 10th
Old Man and Monkey by George Polley


Blog Tour Review on December 18
Christmas Magic by Terri Rochenski










Blog Tour for Entangled Publishing for December 12
by Stephanie Draven

This week I received three more books:
From Forever at Grand Central: two Christmas reads!:

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane


                                    and
by Hope Ramsey








Received from Simon & Schuster, through Audiobook Jukebox.
by Glenn Beck




Wins

None



Purchased

None



Free

I didn't have time to pick up any free titles on Kindle this week.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? December 3, 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.

I didn't feel like I read as much this week even with plane time. But I guess it was okay. I finished four books and I am well into another two. I posted four reviews, one with giveaway; plus an Author interview, a Bookblast Giveaway and a Giveaway Hop. 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 didn't get to visit hardly at all last week and will have little time this week too. :-( Then next weekend I will be on a cruise (in Hawaii!) and won't be able to spend time on the internet. So I hope everyone will understand my absence.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me, especially when I don't get to visit back.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Five Days of Fear by David Kovach; Christian Thriller; my rating 4.25. Ends 12/7.
  • Book Review: Shards of Ashley by Karen Wiesner; Inspirational Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
 

All I Want for Christmas is You
(Contemporary Holiday Romance)
(Fate with a Helping Hand)
by Lisa Mondello
--A sweet, quick read. Review and Author Interview linked above. (The ebook is currently available free!)



2. Audio



Karma's Law
by Kristi Lamb
A good solid mystery.
I will post a review this week.
I'm reviewing for Spoken Word, Inc. Audiobook through AudioBook Jukebox.




3. eBook/Kindle
 

My Soul to Lose (Soul Screamers)
Rachel Vincent
I slid this into November as my Kindle TBR selection.
I decided to read this Novella to see if I wanted to get into this series. I didn’t immediately get into the YA atmosphere.  However, as the story progressed I was drawn to wonder at the particular gifts, or curses, that Kaylee, Lydia, and no doubt future characters, are exhibiting. I was interested by the end, but not pulled in enough to rush off to the rest of the series.  I do like this author's writing and enjoyed several of the Shifters series.
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2009
It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.
She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

An eBook novella exclusive prequel to Rachel Vincent's SOUL SCREAMERS series.



4. Print



by Beth Wiseman
This was lovely with a Great Message!
I had hoped to get the review up maybe Sunday but my schedule didn't allow it so I will post the review
this week with a Giveaway.




Line Edits: I uploaded a new children's book this week:

Mew by Barbara Miller - very cute!

Mew has everything: a cat lady who feeds her turkey buffet and cheese balls and a warm bright house. Still she enjoys running away to mouse in the woods. But one time when she comes back her house is dark.Type a description for this product here...


Currently reading:
1. Print



Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire
I am two thirds done and enjoying this (except for the bad words.) I do plan to finish by Wednesday and post a review with ARC Giveaway later this week.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.



2. Audio-Theatre



The Man Who Murdered His Mother-in-Law
by Steve Hendrickson
This is a full production performance and very entertaining!
Reviewing for Audio-Visceral Productions through Audiobook Jukebox.


With Bollinger tastes on a Blatz budget, Gerald & Laura despair over their down-at-heel life until Laura's mother suggests an bizarre and unnerving solution.



3. Audio MP3



Colony 
by Scott Reeves
    UNABRIDGED
    by Scott Reeves
    Narrated by Martin Scott
I am about an hour into this.

There is conflict I am interested to follow.
Reviewing for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

Publisher's Summary
In the 13th century, Earth is dangerously overcrowded. To reduce the population, people are chosen by lottery and shipped off to the stars to colonize other solar systems. Shiploads of colonists are dropped off on unexplored worlds and left to their own devices.
Jorge Leever and Meesha Androva are the only survivors of one such failed attempt to colonize a distant planet. For 20 years, they've been alone, unable to communicate with Earth. Now, another cargo ship arrives and discharges a new group of would-be colonists.
Jorge and Meesha intend to guide the development of the new colony, since they've accumulated 20 years' worth of knowledge about the planet.
Bannock, a brutal, criminal slumlord back on Earth, has other plans. He intends to reestablish his crime syndicate on this fledgling colony world and eventually return to Earth as a conqueror. But Jorge and Meesha stand in his way.



4. eBook/Kindle



The Old Man & the Monkey
by George Polley  
This looked like an interesting and quick read.
Reviewing for Bewitching Blog tour post December 10.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 25, 2010
'The Old Man & The Monkey' is a stunningly beautiful story of a relationship which develops between an old man and a creature which is regarded as a dangerous pest in Japan, a snow monkey, in George Polley's moving allegory of dignity in the face of racism.



5. eBook/Kindle



Dan Chabot
I didn't get to start this last week 
but expect to start by the end of the week.
Reading for the Author to post in December.




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 2 Peter.

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


I have 15 books set for December with one done and two nearly completed. I hope to read some extra Christmas titles too.

Reviews carried forward to post this week
His Love Endures Forever
Kamra's Law

Scheduled for December
12/1 - already posted, review, author interview and Giveaway Hop
12/6 BookBlast: All I Want by Rachael Anderson, Jolene Perry & Kaylee Baldwin
12/10 Review: The Old Man and the Monkey (Bewitching Blog Tours)
12/11 Review: First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White (BookBlast)
12/11 Gift Card Giveaway Hop Dec 11-17
12/12 Review: In Bed With the Opposition by Stephanie Draven (Entangled)
12/14  Review + Guest Post: All I Want by Rachael Anderson, Jolene Perry & Kaylee Baldwin (BookBlast)
12/14 End of World Hop Dec 14- 21
12/18 Review: Christmas Magic by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Lindsay McFarrin, Terri Rochenski
12/27 BookBlast: Dead Running
12/29 Blitz and Review: Perfection Unleashed (Bewitching Blog Tours)

Sourcebooks:
Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilare

Hachette
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel) by Dee Davis
Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Audiobook Jukebox
The Man Who Murdered His Mother-in-Law by Steve Hendrickson
Colony by Scott Reeves
Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck
(expecting two more soon)

NetGalley
Uninvited by Heather Graham - I started it but need to try again.
Christmas Promises Anthology

Authors
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace


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

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