It's Monday! What Are You Reading? March 25, 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 had a pretty good reading week. I finished five books; I posted three reviews, one with a Tour Giveaway. There is also a giveaways hop. I posted the Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I still didn't get to visit last week. I will try harder this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 18, 2013.

• Book Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  

• MBS - 2nd Annual Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop 3/20 to 3/25.
  

• Audio Book Review: Silver by Steven Savile; Mysteries; rating 4.0. 
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 22, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/28/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (3/23/13) Early Spring.
  

• Book Review and Blog Tour Giveaway:  The Persnickety Princess (Tales from Upon A. Time - Book 1) by Falcon Storm; Lower Grade+; my rating 4.25.  Ends 4/13.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #92 Comment Giveaway 3/23/13. Ends 3/29/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 24, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Silver (An OgmiosTeam Adventure)
by Steven Savile
Interesting thriller; Review linked above.
Click on title for Book Description

2. Print and eBook/Kindle

Free Fall (Elite Force)
by Catherine Mann
I love how this series jumps into action.
I will post this review this week with ARC giveaway.
Read for Sourcebooks.

Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Elite Force: That Others May Live
Click on title for Book Description

3. ebook/Kindle

The Persnickety Princess
by Falcon Storm
A fun grade school aged fairytale. Review and blog tour giveaway linked above. 
Click on title for Book Description

4. Print

Last Chance Book Club
by Hope Ramsay
I really enjoyed this easy romance.
I'll post the review and ARC giveaway this week.
 Read for Hachette.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 26, 2013
Click on title for Book Description

5. ebook/Kindle

Cross the Line
by Jack Patterson
I liked this thriller. Review to post 3/27 as part of Partners in Crime blog tour.
Synopsis:
When veteran NFL quarterback Noah Larson finally guides his team to the Super Bowl, his dreams -- and life -- are dashed when his six-year-old son is kidnapped for a unique ransom: lose the game or his son dies. Seattle sportswriter Cal Murphy and photographer Kelly Mendoza get pulled into an FBI sting to help rescue Noah's son in Mexico. But when everything falls apart, Cal and Kelly are left to save themselves, save Noah's son, and save the Super Bowl.

Line Edits/Releases:
We released a very cute children's title last week:

Shelly the Hermit Crab by Stacey Leigh Malloy

Illustrated by Katie Cassidy

When Shelly, a Cape Cod hermit crab, is caught up in a fishing boat's net, she is separated from her family but finds a wonderful home with a little girl named Hannah. But where does a hermit crab really belong? And will Shelly ever see her crab family again?

This is the first in a series of beautifully illustrated stories for children ages 2-9.  Each Shelly story is a vivid, amazing travel tale with positive family and life themes.

Genre: Children's - Ages 2-9

Pages: 34 pages, fully illustrated

Tomorrow we will release another children's title.

Currently reading:

1. ebook/Kindle

Girl v. Earl
by Phillipa Ashley
I am about 25% into this fun romance. 
Reviewing for the Author; to post 3/28. 
US edition Published March 26th 2013
When Miranda finds herself fighting for her home, her job and her heart, sleeping with the enemy may not be the best tactic...

With no family of her own, Miranda Marshall has developed a healthy respect - some would say obsession - with other people's histories. As property manager of a spectacular island castle in Cornwall, she's made St Merryn's Mount one of the UK's most popular heritage attractions. While she may have the castle running like clockwork, Miranda hasn't bargained on its sexy owner returning to claim his birthright.

Dark, handsome and with a rakish reputation,  Jago, the Earl of St Merryn, not only looks like a pirate but is intent on flogging the Mount to a soulless leisure corporation. Miranda faces the battle of her life as she tries to persuade him to face up to his past and continue the St Merryn dynasty. But Jago has his own reasons for jumping ship and when he throws down the gauntlet to Miranda, she's forced to delve into painful memories she'd much rather keep hidden . . .

(Previously published in the UK as Miranda’s Mount)

2. Audio Book/MP3

Did You Miss Me [Audiobook, Unabridged]
Karen Rose (Author),
Marguerite Gavin (Reader)
This intense thriller is moving quickly.
I am reviewing this for Blackstone Audio, Inc. through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose is back with her fourteenth pulse-pounding thriller.
Best be nimble, best be quick, I'm right here and you're my pick . . .
The last thing Ford Elkhart remembers is walking his girlfriend back to her car. Now he's lying tied and gagged on a cold, dark floor, with only one chance to escape before he ends up like the bones surrounding him.
Assistant State's Attorney Daphne Montgomery is devastated by her son's disappearance and is immediately convinced that his kidnapping is connected to the white supremacist she's just had jailed for murder. FBI Special Agent Joseph Carter isn't so sure -- especially when he learns that Ford's girlfriend is also missing. Is Ford's abduction payback for Daphne's courtroom victory, or is he a pawn in an even more dangerous game?

3. eBook/Kindle

Sportsman’s Bet
by Judy Nichols
I didn't get to start this yet.
It looks like a good cozy mystery.
I am reading and reviewing at request of the Author.
Click on title for Book Description

4. Print

A Shot of Sultry
by Macy Beckett
This is fun so far.
Reading this from Sourcebooks;
I will be posting a review and ARC Giveaway.
Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Sultry Springs

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a documentary set in her hometown might be just what she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can't let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can't handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He's strong and confident and—much to her delight—usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend's baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him...

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: We are doing well with several more releases being prepared. I am also doing more Smashword conversions.

Now for March I have 17 on the list + 2 TBRs still to be determined so it should go nicely at about four a week. I have read and posted 8 reviews.  I hope to post 4 or 5 reviews this week. That will leave  a couple to roll into April Hmm- I may fall behind if I don't speed up this week. I still need to up the number of reviews each week to four.

MARCH Scheduled: 
3/27 Review + Cross the Line by Jack Patterson (Partners In Crime)
3/28+/- Review: Girl v Earl by Phillipa Ashley

Unscheduled 

Sourceboooks
     A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

Hachette 
    Jake by R.C. Ryan

Thomas Nelson (through NetGalley invitation)
     An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

Audios:
  For Audiobook Jukebox
     Did You Miss Me by Karen Rose

NetGalley:
(Maybe if I can fit it in) Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi

Authors:
     Sportsman’s Bet by Judy Nichols
     Girl v. Earl by Phillipa Ashley

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 24, 2013

Today is Palm Sunday. Our Pastor gave a message entitled "The Hands of God."  Pastor shared a story of a cowboy hearing the Palm Sunday story for the first time. The man marveled. He said: 'Jesus must have had amazing hands to bring calmness to an untrained colt while crowds shouted, waved branches and threw clothes before his path.' Those hands that hold the universe and created all things still reach out to us in daily acts.  They bring us comfort, healing, strength and peace.

Jesus made a triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem but the people were looking for a King, not a  Saviour/Reedemer. When you see the splendor of the world around you do you acknowledge the Creator? Are you willing to acknowledge the Savior? When we praise God we demonstrate what we believe to be ours - redemption and eternal life.

There is a song we are singing for Easter that includes the phrase:

"I am determined, ain't no rock ever takin' my place."
I searched out a song that speaks of the rocks singing out.

Verses for today:
Luke 19 (New International Version)
35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 
36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

I thank God for creating the Universe, Earth and me. I thank Jesus for being the Kinsman Redeemer - for even me.  I will continually give thanks and praise, and worship Him.

Sharing Beyond Books #92 Comment Giveaway March 23, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.
Ah - Saturday night. It's been a busy week back in the office. I had sort of a relaxing day today, taking my DH to a pot luck for afternoon socializing. I hope everyone else is doing well.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

I think Carol may have been surprised how few of you had read the Outlander series. If you like a Scottish hero, action and romance that reaches across time then you should enjoy this series. I think I will have to see The Spartans (suggested by nrlymrtl) to check those actors.

I guess I like more flowers than I realized as I kept agreeing with all the suggestions. :-) Roses got the most votes with 6, tulips were next with 4 and lilacs were chosen by 3.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #91 comments is: #20 Carol L, (fitting she wins on her own question!) who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #92 Questions

Q1. Becky asks: What are some questions you ask yourself when you're thinking of buying a book?

A:  When thinking about buying a book I consider a) if I like previous titles by the author; b) if I like the genre; c) if I like the blurb; d) if I think the heat level is acceptable; e) is the price acceptable and f) will I be able to fit reading it in my schedule ... sooner or later!

Image found at Taylor Books.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite juice?? (Guess I'm on a 'favorites' roll.)

A: My favorite juice may change from time to time. I used to like orange juice; then V8; but right now I like apple juice as it seems to give me some energy if I am really hot and tired.  

 Image found at My Health Master.

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:

Q1. Becky asks: What are some questions you ask yourself when you're thinking of buying a book??

2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite juice??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books  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, March 29, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Four Winners!

Congratulations to Winners!

I forgot the Second winner of ebook of The Midwife's Revolt so I am announcing that now too:

Fallen Star 

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

Giveaways Ended March 22, 2013.

ARC Giveaway: Lady Eve's Indiscretion 

Cassandra

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Giveaway: Maiden Lane Series by Elizabeth Hoyt -A FULL PRINT SET OF ALL FIVE BOOKS IN THE SERIES to one lucky US winner!!  

Lisa A. 

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Print Giveaway: White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner

Brooke

Fallen Star, Cassandra, Lisa and Brooke Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and send your address so I can mail the book or notify the Publisher. Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways. 

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Persnickety Princess by Falcon Storm

This is a fun fairytale told by a delightful Bard named Upon A. Time.

The Persnickety Princess (Tales from Upon A. Time - Book 1)
by Falcon Storm

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Evolved Publishing (March 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1622530470
• ISBN-13: 978-1622530472

Genre: Children
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

About the Book - About the Author - Prizes!!!

About the book: 
High up in the tallest tower of the purplest castle in the Kingdom by the Sea, Princess Lavender awaits rescue. Desperate as she may be, only the most dashing, well dressed, properly mannered prince will do. Oh, and he must stand exactly four and three-quarters inches taller than her. A princess has got to have standards, after all.

When, finally, one such prince comes to her castle—not to rescue her, but her younger sister—Lavender refuses to be ignored. Instead of waiting for the next suitor to come along, she devises a plan to put herself in danger, thus forcing the upstart prince to forget her sister and rescue her instead.

Well accustomed to getting her way, there is only one thing, unfortunately, that this princess can’t control—her luck. When her plans go awry, putting her in very real danger, will she allow the prince to rescue her as he sees fit? Will he even want to try?

And will anyone be able to find a way to rescue Lavender from her persnickety ways once and for all? Find out in this comedic tale of princes, dragons, and dreams that just may come true.

The Persnickety Princess is a lower grade chapter book intended for kids 6 to 9 years old (although kids of all ages are sure to enjoy it!

Pick up your copy through

 Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords or Kobo Books.

Image: Frans Hals, Jester with a Lute

Review:
Upon A. Time is a Bard who gets caught on a stolen pig. He has to persuade the two city guards to let him go rather than put him in jail. He distracts them with an amusing tale about Lavender, a most Persnickety Princess.

Lavender lives in a purple castle with a resident witch to help ward off undesirable suitors. Princess Lavender has waited at her window a long time for the perfect Prince to rescue her. Finally Hugo the Happening, a handsome Prince who meets her criteria shows up. But instead of responding to her he rides off to rescue her sister, Petunia, who is carried away from the castle by a fierce dragon.  Lavender determines to put herself in need of rescue and ends up in one silly predicament after another. But every time she is in a fix, Hugo’s companion, Dave, who she believes is his squire, comes to her rescue instead of Hugo.

The story reads easily and is delightfully entertaining with a few twists and surprises. The descriptions include fun characters, a few creatures and settings fitting to a fairytale castle and surrounding forest, including Mount Chipmunk, which Lavender renamed Mountain of Horribleness.  Upon plays a fine trickster. I think this story could be enjoyed by middle graders as well as younger. It will be fun for parents to read to their children too. I appreciated the light break from my usual reading of romances and thrillers.

I received this ebook for review as part of Novel Publicity Book Tour.

About the Author, Falcon Storm

I was born in the frozen wasteland of Alaska with the unfortunate stigma of being both a daydreamer and left-handed. Starting from an early age, I’ve filled my life with stories of every sort from my father’s hunting trips to the Holy Trilogy (read: Star Wars). In the fourth grade, I became more interested in telling stories of my own than listening to those of others.  Doctors—being doctors—attempted to medicate them out of me, but the best cure has always been a pen, a notebook, and my crazy, unrestrained imagination.
I continue to whittle away at these stories in my endless search for the one that will finally bring me back to reality. All the while, I secretly hope such a story will never come along. I hear “reality” is far too boring.
Connect with Falcon on his website, Facebook, GoodReads, or Twitter.

THE GIVEAWAY

About the prizes: Who doesn't love prizes? You could win (1) a $25 Amazon gift card, (2) a $50 Amazon gift card, or (3) a Princess Prize Pack, which includes a plush purple dragon, necklace with lavender pendant, The Fairy Godmother's Guide to Being a Princess, tiara and wand party set, and a DVD of The Princess Bride.

Here's what you need to do...

1. Enter the Rafflecopter contest
2. Leave a comment on my blog.

That's it! One random commenter during this tour will win the $50 gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers can be found here. The other two prizes (including the awesome Princess Prize Pack) will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Persnickety Princess tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway