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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Mailbox Monday February 4, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR FEBRUARY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Audra @ Unabridged Chick!

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 didn't add quite as many books this week!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles
The two print books I received last week from Forever Romance (Hachette) are:

Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel) 
by R.C. Ryan 
a February Release I can add to March list


and
by Dorothy Koomson 
a May Release I'll add to late April





I also picked up one title at NetGalley:

 The Midwife’s Revolt   
by Jodi Daynard
I liked the looks and sound of this.







Wins

I won Ebook of 
by participating in January Author's Kindle Fire Giveaway
Thank you Amy 
and Kathy at BookBlast.


Purchased

No purchases this week.

Free
.
I did download more free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.
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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 4, 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 managed okay for my Tea last Monday. I'm feeling better but still have a little sinus headache. 

I had another good reading week, finishing five books.  I posted 16+ posts which is more than I like... but with lots of giveaways and January reading list I guess it's okay. I posted four reviews, three with giveaways. There were also four other Giveaways! I posted Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did good visiting this Saturday but not before then while sleeping off the cold.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: Immortal Cravings by Kendra Leigh Castle; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks; Inspirational, Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. Print copy to US/Canada Only. Ends 2/15/13.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Immortal Craving 
by Kendra Leigh Castle 
Good Paranormal Romance with action. 
Review and Giveaway linked above. 



2. eBook/Kindle
 

An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection 
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)  
Lovely stories. 
I will post a Review with giveaway from Thomas Nelson this week.



3. Audible



A Perfect Blood (Hallows #10)
by Kim Harrison
I really enjoy this series.
I'll post a short review later in the week.
From my own TBR.

New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison returns to the Hollows with the electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed Pale Demon!

Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and the FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.

She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.



4. eBook/Kindle



The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
This is LOTS of fun to read.
I'll post a Review this week.



5. eBook/Kindle



Jack Templar Monster Hunter:
The Templar Chronicles: Book One
by Jeff Gunhus
Another fun read - good for middle graders.
I will be posting a review
with Bookblast tour Giveaway on 2/4/13.



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

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 


A New Birth of Freedom The Translator
by Robert G. Pielke
This is such a different tale.
I will be posting my review and feature on February 6.
Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.



2. Audio
 

Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
    UNABRIDGED
    by Kim Harrison
    Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
        Series: The Hollows, Book 11
I was glad to get this for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox!
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.

Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.

Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.

Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.



3. eBook/Kindle



Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
I am looking forward to reading
these two mysteries (2. and 3.)
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 5, 2011
"Helen Smith is a master story-teller." Socrates Book Reviews
When twenty-six-year-old Emily Castles helps out at a local stage school in London, she's soon mixed up in murder. She teams up with eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel to solve the case.
Showstoppers is a fast-paced 75-page novella. Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new author in this entertaining British mystery series.
"Suspensefully created and plotted." Vine Reviewer



4. eBook/Kindle



Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2011
"Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious." Socrates' Book Reviews
Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this popular new British mystery series.
Emily has been invited to a party in the big house at the end of her street in London. How could she know, as she left her house that evening, that she was making an appointment with death?
Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author in this entertaining 70-page novella.
"Fast-paced and unusual, I highly recommend this one." Eva's Sanctuary
"It grips you from the very beginning." Books Bistro



5. eBook/Kindle
 

Pandora's Temple
by Jon Land
I expect to start this before next week 
Reviewing for Partner in Crime Book Tour 2/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 20, 2012
What if Pandora’s Box were real? Blaine McCracken finds himself facing this very question—and the greatest threat to mankind—in his long-awaited return to the page

Rogue special-operations agent McCracken has never been shy about answering the call, and this time it comes in the aftermath of a deepwater oil rig disaster that claims the life of a onetime member of his commando unit. The remnants of the rig and its missing crew lead him to the inescapable conclusion that one of the most mysterious and deadly forces in the universe is to blame: dark matter, both a limitless source of potential energy and an unimaginably destructive weapon.

Joining forces again with his trusty sidekick Johnny Wareagle, McCracken races to stop two deadly enemies who want the dark matter at all costs. A powerful energy magnate and the leader of a Japanese doomsday cult both seek the ultimate prize for their own nefarious reasons, and McCracken and Wareagle’s mission to defeat them takes the duo on a nonstop journey across the world and thousands of years into the past where the truth lies in the ancient Pandora’s Temple, built to safeguard the world’s most powerful weapon.

McCracken’s only hope to save the world is to find the mythical temple. Along the way, he and Wareagle find themselves up against Mexican drug gangs, killer robots, an army of professional assassins, and a legendary sea monster. The hero of nine previous bestselling thrillers, McCracken is used to the odds being stacked against him, but this time the stakes have never been higher.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Jon Land including rare images from the author’s personal collection.


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'm working on two formats and conversions this week.

Again I am starting the month with 17 titles + TBRs and expecting additional audios.
I have to learn to resist!

Two Reviews to post from January:
     An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
     The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti

FEBRUARY Scheduled: 
2/1 Printed Books Giveaway Hop 
2/4 Review: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus (Bookblast Tour) 
2/6 Review: A New Birth of Freedom The Translator by Robert G. Pielke (Tribute Tour) 
2/6 BookBlast: Showstoppers and Threes Sisters by Helen Smith 
2/9 Review: Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries) and Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)  by Helen Smith (Bookblast Tour)
2/12 Review + a Giveaway:  Pandora's Temple by Jon Land (PIC - Partners in Crime Tour) 
2/14 Review + Scavenger Hunt: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter
2/17 Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop 
2/16 Review: Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen (Bewitching Blog Tour) 
2/20 Review:  Into the Dark by Stacy Green (PIC Tour)  

Unscheduled   

Sourcebooks
      X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts
      Wait Until Dark by M.L. Buchman
      Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes  

Random House
      A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara  

Thomas Nelson (to post with Giveaway)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley

NetGalley
     Fix-It and Forget-It Holiday Appetizers, Finger Foods, and Beverages by Phyllis Pellman Good
     The Midwife’s Revolt  by Jodi Daynard

Audios: (more to come) 
Ever After (Hallows #11) by Kim Harrison through Audiobook Jukebox  

From TBR Collection - TBD 
Won Book - TBD 
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: Fatal February (Mary Magruder Katz) by Barbara Levenson

Ladies Book Club (For March 2 or 9)
   White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
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Sunday Words of Encouragement February 3, 2013

Our Pastor is out of town at the death of his earthly father. A sad time of loss but a joyous time as we know he is in Heaven with his beloved Savior and Lord.

Our Associate Pastor did a nice sermon today entitled The Fear of the Lord. He noted that most often we, as children of the New Testament Grace think of "fear" in terms of awe and reverence. However, we should recognize terror too. Hell is fearful and therefore judgment is fearful. Our God has that power. Throughout the Bible He shows us that our fear should lead us to obey and follow Him. Our fear should change us and change our decisions so that we do the right things.

Pastor D gave the example set out in Exodus 9 verses 18-22. Moses was warning Pharaoh and his court of the seventh plague of hailstones. There were those in the court who, having seen the prior plagues, believed and sent to have their servants and flocks protected from the storm. Others, like Pharaoh, hardened their hearts. Those who will not hear and do not follow are ultimately given over to a depraved mind and hardened heart.

There are blessings for those who fear God. In Exodus chapter 1 verse 15, the king ordered the midwives to kill the male Hebrew babies. But the midwives feared God and would not kill the babies and God blessed them. Verses 17-21.

Pastor D noted that our priorities say a lot about our attitude towards God. He even noted that God is like the "Alpha dog" of the wolf pack to whom the other dogs submit. 

I don't often think in terms of obeying in fear but obeying through love. Yet, as a child fears the parent who has to discipline out of love, there is some of that respectful fear too.  I do recognize God as Creator, destroyer, Judge and executioner. I am in awe and I respond.

Lord let me be in AWE of you and worship at the knowledge of your Majesty.

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 9:10-12 (NIV)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

My prayer today - Lord help me bring, and keep, every area of my life under Your direction.
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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Updated "Love" Titles for Future Giveaways

PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY POST!

2/18/17 Updated Picture Christmas and "Love" books.

Updated 2-22-14.
THESE ARE BOOKS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AND LINKED FOR GIVEAWAYS  including Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaways.   ALL Comments are greatly appreciated and feel free to comment here that you like the choices (I hope you like) but there will not be a drawing from these comments. :-)

These are mostly titles with "love" in them and a few left with "heart", "cupid" or "Valentine."  I will link this to the applicable Giveaways so you will know when you can pick from these books. 

  1. Cupid the Amorous Arrow by J. M. Jeffries
  2. Come Home To Love (Harlequin Signature Select) by Joan Hohl - SBB Dec 2014
  3. Hearts of Gold Anthology with Kay Hooper and others (this is a 1994 book; the top of spine is ragged and the pages are yellowed by age.)
  4. Another Time, Another Love (Romance Ser.) by Anne Beaumont
  5. The Lost Valentine by James Michael Pratt -- SBB March 2015
  6. Valentine Babies Anthology  Gone I think
  7. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon - March SBB 2014
  8. Can't Stop Loving You by Janelle Taylor - SBB Dec 2014
  9. To Love a Scoundrel by Kristina Cook - SBB Dec 2014
  10. Love and the Single Heiress by Jacquie D'Alessandro -SBB
  11. For the Love of Zach by Cheryl Wolverton SBB Feb 2015

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Sharing Beyond Books #85 Comment Giveaway February 2, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB and Welcome to 2013!
Hi! I am so glad to be feeling better. I hope everyone is staying healthy!:-)
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Well, five brave souls do have tattoos: Brooke has 7 and Jolene has 4, nrlymrtl and her man have ring tattoos (sweet), Tore has Pegasus on her back and Linda K has permanent eyebrows. Two others are interested in getting tattoos but the majority of us said "no."

Many of us do like book scavenger hunts particularly if they are smaller and not too difficult to find. We agree that time is an issue of concern. A couple of us do not enjoy them..

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #84 comments is: #14 Di. There are still 4 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Di please choose a book (or GC if international) from the fifteen 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 am uploading a new set of Valentine titles shortly! :-)]


WEEK #85 Questions

Q1. Lissette asks: What's the craziest thing you have ever done just to get a book you really want??
A:  It wasn't too crazy but in November 2008 I carried a picture of AJAX from Red Fire by Deirdre Knight around on our Spain Cruise. I took pictures to submit for a contest and won $25.00 GC and a copy of the book.
Ajax in front of the model of the Rotterdam.

Q2. My Question this week: Do you like snow??
A: I do like snow - for short visits. I am glad I don't live where is snows though.  And I wouldn't want my books to get in the snow. :-)
Image found at burninlab deviantart

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.

Your turn to share:

1. Lissette asks: What's the craziest thing you have ever done just to get a book you really want??

2. My non Book Question this week: Do you like snow??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (new list of fifteen) 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 8, 2013 at 10 PM central.
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