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Sunday, January 27, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 28, 2013

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've spent the weekend in bed with a cold (not flu, thank goodness). Hope to be back on my feet tomorrow, especially as we have our annual church tea tomorrow night. I will set my table tomorrow and hope I don't pass the bug to anyone else. :-\

Meanwhile I had a good reading week. I finished five books and  posted four reviews two with giveaways. There were also two Giveaway links and one print giveaway posts. I posted Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
I did good visiting last Sunday evening but little after that. Since I'll be sleeping off the cold soon I'm not sure if I will get to visit much this week.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review with Giveaway Link $50.00 GC: daynight by Meghan Thomason; YA Dystopia; my rating 4.0. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/7/13.
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Print copy to US Only. Ends 2/1/13.
Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle 



daynight
by Megan Thomason
Engaging YA Dystopia. Review linked above.





2. Print



The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray
This is good for romance.
I'll post a Review and ARC giveaway this week.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.



3. Audio/MP3



The Lost Flower Children
by Janet Taylor Lisle (Author),
Caitlin Davies (Narrator)
Interesting and intriguing. 

I will post a review this week.
I am reviewing for AudioGO through AudioBook Jukebox.




4. Print


Journey to Forgiveness
by Laurean Brooks

This is a delightful story with great history.
I pulled this from my Won TBR.
I'll post a review and giveaway this week!
Book Description
Publication Date: January 9, 2009
When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits and Jenny takes the train north to find work. Electricity has yet to reach rural Chicory Valley. But, not only is the young woman introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but also encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap.

Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm. She immediately labels him a thief. And after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds. Why did Austin pull money from the mission strong box and stuff a sizable roll into his pocket? Wasn't this just the proof Jenny needed? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart race at every encounter with the notorious Austin?

Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust was blatantly missing. Can Jenny muster enough courage to ask Austin the tough questions that will ultimately make or break their relationship? Can she forgive her father's brutality? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in "Journey To Forgiveness."



5. eBook/Kindle



One More Winter: A Short Story
Rebecca K. O'Connor

Genre: Fiction My Rating: 4.0
This is a well written, somewhat surprising story on handling grief. Or more accurately, years of a wife of a MIA not accepting death and then finding a way to accept and bring closure to herself and her daughter. 

It is fiction but based upon a real loss. I like the gentle sadness shared and I would read more by Ms. O'Connor.
This is a short free Kindle from my TBR that I squeezed in for January.
Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2011
Grief is a personal animal. Mary knows this from experience and a lifetime of waiting for permission to let go of her MIA husband and find closure for both her and her daughter, Teresa who is now an adult. Grief has its own course however and closure comes in unexpected ways.

O'Connor is an award-winning writer who writes about the natural world, the human-animal relationship and the bonds that join us all.


Line Edits/Releases:
I have two children's titles that I expect to upload this week.



Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle 



Immortal Craving
by Kendra Leigh Castle

Ohh - really better than I expected!
Reviewing for Forever Romance. 




2. eBook/Kindle



An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)
I am looking forward to starting this.
Reviewing with giveaway for Thomas Nelson.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania always brings a brisk change in the weather. This time also provides unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for healing herbs and flowers, but longs for love to bloom in her life. The next-door neighbor’s oldest son Abram comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until an incident threatens to end their growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.



3. eBook/Kindle
 


Jack Templar Monster Hunter: The Templar Chronicles: Book One
by Jeff Gunhus
This sounds like a fun read. I will be posting a BookBlast Giveaway this week and my review on 2/4/13.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 17, 2012
If you're not a monster hunter, don't read this book!

Seriously, this book is not meant for you. By reading it, you run the risk of attracting monsters to your position and being attacked. So, unless you are willing to join the fight...just walk away.

Still here? OK, don't say I didn't warn you. Let me introduce myself. I'm Jack Templar and I'm an orphan.

Recently, I discovered that I came from a long line of monster hunters. You know, vampires, werewolves, zombies, you name it. Turns out there was some kind of truce between monsters and the hunters that kids under fourteen were off-limits. I didn't find out about all this until the day before my birthday. Yeah, you guessed it, my fourteenth birthday. So, all bets were off. The monsters were coming to get me.

Not only that, but I also found out that if monsters around the world could choose one human to kill, it would be me. Why? I haven’t a clue, but the hunters I've met talk about a prophecy and that they think I'm the One...whatever that means. I’d like to find out some day, but for right now, I’m just trying to stay alive.

If you want to hear a story that will scare you, gross you out and forever change the way you look at the world around you, then you came to the right place.

But, if you want to keep the illusion that the world is a safe and orderly place, then get out of here and stop wasting my time.

Do your duty, come what may.
JT
"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp...complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals." -Kirkus Reviews.



4. eBook/Kindle



The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
This looks like a fun romance.
Reviewing for Random House.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.

Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise CafĂ©, and The Perfect Catch.


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

Line Edits: I'll be back to conversions this week now that my appeal brief is filed.


I had listed 16 books for January with Audios to be added. I have completed reading 19 with three reviews to do this week. I expect I'll read at least two more for the week.  One title will move into February.

Scheduled for January

1/28 Book Blast: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Unscheduled
(dates after the author indicate the release date):
Sourcebooks - read, review to post


Hachette
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)
         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 (more to be received)

Authors - Done

Ladies Book Club (Done)

(I'm thinking I'd like to do a title with January or Winter in it for one of these)
TBR Collection + Won book: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks - review to post
Won Book - 
(Broken Pieces)
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords -
One More Winter - done

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 27, 2013

We didn't make it to church this morning. I woke right before my alarm at 7:30 but went back to bed after taking a morning round of juice, Mucinex and Ibuprofen. We didn't wake again until 10:30! So I guess we needed the sleep.  I took another round of 'meds' a few minutes ago and thought I'd do a bit of a post while drinking some nice hot tea.

As noted on my What Are You Reading? posts each Monday, I am reading The One Year Bible (NLT). I was a little behind but I covered the readings for 1/26 and 1/17 today. I marvel at little lines in the old testament that identify and foretell of Jesus! Also, it is warming how well the four readings fit together. Today the readings are:
Exodus 4:1 - 5:21 The Lord has heard the suffering cries of his people, Israel. God has to convince Moses to go to Pharaoh to seek the release of the Israelite people.
Matthew 18:1-20 Jesus tells his disciples that we must be humble, like little children, to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Verse 7 He says: "What sorrow awaits the world because it tempts people to sin."
Psalm 22:19-31 David evokes praises to the Lord from all the descendants of Israel for God did not turn His back on the needy. "His righteous act will be told to those not yet born. They will hear everything He has done." Verse 31.
Proverbs 5:15-21 We are admonished to share our love only with our spouse; not be tempted by immorality for the Lord sees clearly what a man does.

I love to see the thread of God's love and righteousness and His provision of salvation - for all who call on Him - that runs from beginning to end in His Word, the Bible.

I found this song a week or two ago and it goes well for today.
Not that I feel forsaken because I never do, but I am thankful that I can seek His healing touch.


Verses for Today:
Psalm 107:19-21 (NLT)

19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
    snatching them from the door of death.
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.


Through all of the passages above I see a Great and loving God who will never abandon His children. Though I am not one of His original chosen people, I was chosen to be adopted through the Grace of His love and the gift of His son, my savior, Jesus. Thank you, Lord.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Sharing Beyond Books #84 Comment Giveaway January 26, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB and Welcome to 2013!
Helllloooo all! :-) I got through my week and my appeal but the stress helped weaken me and I caught a cold. So far not the flu - Thank goodness! But still I am ready to crawl to bed now.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Five of us haven't had a series fizzle. A couple named the same series and some of you keep reading even though you might not be as enthralled as when it started. :-) And then there are those long series that sometimes we give up on or just keep plugging on as we can.

It's wonderful to know that seven of  you do make crafty items. A couple used to and some hope to in the future. I'm glad my daughter is doing crafts with her kids. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #83 comments is: #3 miki. (Oh how I love when new visitors win!) There are still 4 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. miki 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.   [I hope to add some additional Christmas books, Valentine titles and ARCs to the books available in the next week or so - Oh -rats - being sick yesterday and today I forgot again! :-(]

WEEK #84 Questions

Q1. Marjorie asks: Do you have a tattoo??
A:  No. Don't really believe in them although some are quite nice. My daughter has a small one on her ankle - that she got without our permission. :-) The article with the picture below asks if you would "wear your love of books." BUT - take a look at all the designs at this site.
Image found at Art Beats.

Q2. My Question this week: Do you like and/or participate in book scavenger hunts??
A: I actually love scavenger hunts if they don't get too big. Twelve sites is good 30 maybe too many. This question is relevant as I will be a scavenger stop in February. :-)
Image found at Woodloch Edge

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. January questions were shared by FH&CT, Elizabeth, Carol L and Marjorie. The Winner is #2 Elizabeth.

Your turn to share:

1. Marjorie asks: Do you have a tattoo??

2. My Book Question this week: Do you like/participate in book scavenger hunts??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (4 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,  February 1, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winners Last Chance Christmas and The Publicist

CONGRATULATIONS
TO WINNERS

JOSIE H.

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


Meghan - Print
Mary P - eBook! (sorry, almost forgot)

Josie, Meghan and MaryP 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 advise the author.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways. 

Audio Book Review: Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler

Fans of The Hunger Games won't want to miss this engaging YA dystopia!
Ashes of Twilight
by Kassy Tayler (Author)
Nicola Barber (Narrator) 



  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 9 hours and 24 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: AudioGO
  • Audible.com Release Date: November 14, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopia
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Wren MacAvoy works as a coal miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-19th century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent and the coal is running out. Plus, there are those who wonder: Is there life outside the dome? Or is the world still consumed by fire?

When one of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome’s way of life. But Alex’s final words are haunting. "The sky is blue." What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy, and the struggle to stay alive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire existence.


Review:
The city was built with glass domes and air filters to shelter humanity from the fire expected to burn up the surface when, in 1878, a comet was on collision with earth. The society was set up to protect the bloodline of the royals in England. The various classes are restricted by their duties to preserve the lifestyle and line of the pampered royals with their arranged marriages.  The coal miners live below in caves, providing coal to keep the fans running. Above ground, workers maintain the giant fans and clean the domes; others serve as gardeners, bakers, weavers and the various merchants who sell wares in the markets. Enforcers , called “blue coats”, guard the privileged royals from all the lower classes. Although the system was set up without criminal expectation, through the 200 years that have passed, a group of evil thugs, the filchers, dwell on the fringes and prey on those they can snatch in the streets.

Wren is an underground worker, a “shiner”, tending the ponies who pull the coal carts. She is now sixteen and has always had a bit of a crush on Alex but he is focused on Lucy. That leaves Wren stuck with her best friend’s brother, James, who is impetuous and sometimes cruel. Wren is a bit of a dreamer who sneaks up to the dome each day to watch the sunrise. She stares at the dome and wonders if there is really fire outside as the leaders say or if the world outside has returned to the green earth it used to be.

Alex and a few of their friends have started to gather as “seekers.” The group includes members across the class structure, including some royals who do not want to be forced into marriage. Suddenly the world as they know it is plunged into uproar. Wren witnesses a burned-alive Alex declaring with his last breath that “the sky is blue.” Alex had made a run for the outside but the blue coats dragged him back to let him die in the streets. Wren is chased by a blue coat, Pace, who has seen and heard more than he should. Soon the two are in hiding, wondering about the secrets beyond the dome and wondering what their future may bring. The younger miners want to investigate further but the elders are reluctant to cause trouble.

The story starts with Wren wondering about the Bible and the Heaven she knows little about. I enjoyed Wren’s faithful courage, steady determination and inclination to do the right thing even if that means seeking answers and freedom that could bring danger. Pace is a good match for her as he too is loyal, ready to protect her and ready to fight ‘the system.’  I also like how they both care for animals - the ponies and the canary Pace names Pip.

This is an engaging YA dystopia with wonderful world building and some good surprises. There is a good blend of action and ideological dreams.  I recommend this as a good read for those who like The Hunger Games and Divergent. I like that there is less senseless killing than in Hunger Games, although there is violence through the revolution that occurs. I will be interested in the sequel when released.

Audio Notes: Ms. Barber does a great job giving emotional input to Wren’s tale. She conveys her wonder, her frustration, her fear and sorrow. She presents the other characters equally well.  My only concern was that the narration was very soft making it hard to hear. Although that might have been the fault of my MP3, I realized the problem exists with the Media player too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wren has to make a decision when escape becomes possible:
"....yet, everything and everyone I love is still inside and something is desperately wrong in there. I can’t leave him....Dreams are nothing unless you have someone to share them with." End of Chapter 27.
I received this for review from AudioGO through AudioBook Jukebox.

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