It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12/31/12

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 already miss our son, Hui and baby, but it is nice to be back home ... although we are much colder!
This week I will be working to 'catch-up' in the office.
I had a good reading week last week (flying time helped) finishing six books. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway and one with Book Blitz giveaway. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. (I completely forgot Saturday Snapshot Saturday morning!)

I did get to do some visiting last week which I enjoyed. 
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 24, 2012.

• Mailbox Monday 12/24/12.

• Merry Christmas - Welcome Baby Jesus! 

• Book Review: Godspeed: A Love Story by Dan Chabot; Inspirational fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Double Danger by Dee Davis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0. Ends 1/4/13

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 28, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/3/13.

• Book Review: Perfection Unleashed by Jade Kerrion; Science Fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Blog Tour Blitz and Giveaway Link for Double Helix Series.

• Sharing Beyond Books #80 Comment Giveaway 12/29/12. Ends 1/4/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 30 2012.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
 

Godspeed: a love story by Dan Chabot
Review linked above. Watch for Author Guest Post and Giveawy to be posted in January.

2. Print

Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel)
by Dee Davis
Review and Giveaway linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle

 Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series)
Jade Kerrion
Review and Bewitching Blog Tour Blitz with Giveaway linked above.

4. Audio
 

The Broken Token
by Chris Nickson (Author), Steven Pacey (Narrator)
I enjoyed this different audio and will post a review this week. Reviewing for Creative Content through AudioBook Jukebox.

5. Print

The Great Christmas Bowl
by Susan May Warren
This is a fun, quick read. I will post a review tomorrow.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 7, 2012
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship. Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot—the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea. When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas. As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?

6. eBook/Kindle

Christmas Promises: The Christmas Eve Bride\A Marriage Proposal for Christmas\A Bride for Christmas
by Lynne Graham, Carole Mortimer, Marion Lennox
This is a delightful collection. 
I will post a review this week. 
Received from Harlequin through Netgalley. 

Line Edits: I am still working on more formats.

Currently reading:
I am just starting all of these.
1. Print

Last Chance Christmas
by Hope Ramsay
I just started this and like it already!
Reviewing for Forever, division of Hachette.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Dear Reader,
I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!
Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

2. eBook/Kindle

The Reluctant Countess: A Loveswept Historical Romance
by Wendy Vella
I liked the sound of this.
Author Q&A and Review to post for 1/9.
Reviewing for Random House.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 14, 2013
From rising romance star Wendy Vella comes a Cinderella story of whirlwind passion between a dashing earl and a beautiful countess—and the secret that threatens to tear them apart.

Regal, poised, and elegant, Sophie, Countess of Monmouth, is everything that a highborn lady should be. But Sophie is hiding a past that is far from royal. When Patrick, Earl of Coulter, realizes that her story doesn’t add up, he resolves to find out the truth of what Sophie and her sister-in-law are concealing. Although Sophie has every reason to avoid him, the handsome and charismatic Patrick awakens something wicked deep within her soul . . . a powerful need that Sophie must stifle in order to protect her place in society.

Despite Sophie’s humble background, the raven-haired beauty has won Patrick’s heart. But what Sophie needs now is an ally. Viscount Myles Dumbly, the disgruntled former heir of Monmouth, is determined to expose Sophie as a fraud to recapture his lost inheritance. Soon Patrick is drawn into a fight for both their lives. Somehow he must find a way not only to rescue Sophie from poverty once and for all, but to keep her in his arms forever.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Escape Diaries, The Devil’s Thief, and The Magic.

3. ebook/Kindle
 

Rise of the Fire Tamer (The Wordwick Games #1) (An SAT Prep Dystopian Fiction)
by Kailin Gow
This looks interesting and fun.
My review will post on 1/10 as part of Book Blast Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word's mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia. Official Book Trailer at: youtube.com/watch?v=COc3-8c_hnM&NR=1

Book 1 of The Wordwick Games
Book 2: The Ascension - Fall 2010
Book 3: The Return - 2011

I plan to continue listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on my new MP3.] I am going back to studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: I am completing one format this week and working on conversions.

I started with 15 books for December and completed 16 but still had two carry forwards.
I have listed 16 for January with Audios to be added. 
Reviews to Post this week from December:
The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
Christmas Promises by Lynne Graham, Carole Mortimer, Marion Lennox
The Broken Token by Chris Nickson

Scheduled for January - NOTE THREE GIVEAWAY HOPS THIS MONTH!:
1/3  Book Blast: Dead Running by Cami Checketts
1/4  Clear the Shelf Giveaway Hop
1/7  Guest Post Jade Kerrion (Bewitching Blog Tour)
1/8  Book Blast: The Fire Tamer by Kalin Gow
1/9  Review and Author Q&A The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella (Random House)
1/10 Review: The Fire Tamer by Kalin Gow (BookBlast Tour)
1/15 No Strings Giveaway Hop
1/18 Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
1/19 Review: Dead Running by Cami Checketts (BookBlast Tour)
1/21 Book Blast: DayNight by Megan Thomason
1/23 Review: DayNight by Megan Thomason (BookBlast Tour)
1/28 Book Blast: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Unscheduled (dates after the author indicate the release date):
Sourcebooks
The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful) by Jeanette Murray (1/8/13) (Print giveaway)

Hachette
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay (carry forward) (Print giveaway)
Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle (1/29/13)

NET GALLEY
      Random House:
           The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti(12/10/12)

     Thomas Nelson (Hope to post with Giveaways)
          Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) by Dorothy Love(12/4/12)
         An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection (12/18/12)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley (1/8/13)

Audiobook Jukebox
I am requesting new books. 

Authors
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace (carry forward) (10/2/12)
The Publicist by Christina George (12/3/12)

Ladies Book Club (Will post with Giveaways)
(The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren - done)
The Perfect Match (Hometown Mysteries) by Janice Hanna

(I'm thinking I'd like to do a title with January or Winter in it for one of these)
TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 30, 2012

Although we enjoyed two wonderfully spirited services while visiting in Hawaii, I am glad to be back to our 'home' church. We had, as always, a good Sunday School lesson  - I think our teacher really meditates on God's word and is inspired when he shares with us. (Thank you GT.)

Our Pastor asked a question for the Sermon today. It is perfect to complete the arrival of Christ after the waiting and anticipating through Advent. It is also perfect for looking forward to the adventures - ups and downs- of a new year.  The question is: Is God really in control?

(These are my thoughts inspired by Pastor's message.) If you believe that God is in control, then you do not need to worry; you should not hold onto problems but ask for His help in big and little things.  You can TRUST that He loves you, He created you, He knows your needs better than you do and He has a particular plan for your life; He sees the completed tapestry while we struggle to untangle the threads. He has provided a Savior to intercede for you, to pay your sin debt, and make a way for you. He not only covers, but washes away your darkness to allow you to come before Him clean and unblemished so He can welcome you to share in His Kingdom and eternal life. There are no 'ifs, buts or excepts'...you believe and trust with assurance or you suffer the ravages of the trials of this world with no hope of something better.

I have to say that I am blessed when I go searching for songs for my Sunday posts! Today I have chosen a song that was new to me. It seems so fitting first because it recognizes that Jesus is here but also because I can relate to the precious gift of our new granddaughter, Victoria Joy.  A baby is so amazing and to think that our Savior came into the world so helpless but with the divine purpose to save us.
It is truly awe inspiring to me and I find this beautiful.

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 71:5 NIV
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.

My prayer today: Thank you Lord for all that you have done for me and how richly you have blessed me. Please be in control of my life, not only for 2013 but at all times; allow your light to shine through me, to bring glory to you.

Winner of Hunk for the Holidays

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER OF

Giveaway Ended December 28, 2012 

Giveaway: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

Cassandra please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the book mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Sharing Beyond Books #80 Comment Giveaway December 29, 2012

Hello and Welcome to another SBB!

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and received at least one surprise gift. :-)
 It's the last Saturday of 2012! Are you ready for 2013??
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Many of us are reading both ebooks and print but the print book is still preferred by the greater majority - 11 out of 18 commenters. Even though many of us do like the convenience of our e-readers, we still 'prefer' print books! Many commented they like the "smell" of print books. :-)

There didn't seem to be any really special gift expectations among us. Several people were hoping to get Books or GCs. Some were hoping for beauty products or perfume. It was nice that Linda already got a handbag she wanted as a special gift from her sister, Di got a special framed photo to give to her sister and nrlymrtl made homemade jams and jellies which sounds like a very nice gift.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #79 comments is: #12 Tore. There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Tore 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 #80 Questions

Q1. Di asks a great question for the start of a new year: Since we are going into a new year - how about - what one time project do you hope to complete in 2013? It could be attending a class for a new skill, redo the kitchen, travel to a unique place to visit??

This is hard to answer as I have to think of a "one time project" and most of my plans would be (or could be ) more than once. But I did think of one that would most likely happen only once during the year! LOL

While we were away our daughter and a friend came in and did a BIG cleaning job on our house. They threw out a lot and bagged lots of things for GoodWill. But they didn't get to my closet or my husband's. So - I want them to return to be ruthless with me in clearing out our dresser drawers and closet! I plan on using big bag for throw away and big boxes for donate!

Image found at The Upside of Downsizing.

Q2. My  book question this week: Which would you choose to review: A new to you author or favorite author??

A: I am facing this dilemma as I work up my 2013 review scheduling plan. I have read so many new authors over the past three years that I am missing some old favorites. I do tend to pick more "new to me authors" for review choices. So my solution will be to include at least one favorite author book each month to help me get in some TBR collections! ... Bottom-line:  my choice is --- both. *smile*

 This image fits, don't you think?

The old song: "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."

Image found at peoplefinders Blog

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! I STILL HAVE A GROUP OF QUESTIONS AVAILABLE BUT THEY ARE FROM ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE SO SOME OF YOU MAY WANT TO ADD A QUESTION OR TWO! We can always use fresh questions.
December Questions were submitted by: BIRGIT, WINNIE, ABBY, MARJORIE and DI. Random.org picked 5 so DI gets a book choice!

Your turn to share:

1. Di asks: Since we are going into a new year - how about - what one time project do you hope to complete in 2013? It could be attending a class for a new skill, redo the kitchen, travel to a unique place to visit??

2. My Question: Which would you choose to review: A new to you author or favorite author??

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, January 4, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Blog Tour Blitz with Giveaway: Double Helix Series by Jade Kerrion

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