Giveaway: A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester Giveaway!

We [Sourcebooks and me too] are really excited about the new Regency trilogy coming from Amanda Forester! The first book, A Wedding in Springtime, comes out next month and has already received TWO STARRED reviews! 

 Thanks to Sourcebooks for this opportunity to share. (I wonder if I can win it at another blog.)

 

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 

Her Timing Couldn't Be Worse...

Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation to the queen is spoiled by a serious faux pas—the despicable William Grant made her laugh, right in front of Her Majesty. Now Eugenia is ruined and had better marry—someone, anyone—at once...

And His Couldn't Be Better...

Roguish William Grant has never taken anything seriously in his life. Until he meets Eugenia Talbot, who makes him feel and do thing he never thought he would.

Now Eugenia's great sense of humor and kindheartedness may be her undoing, unless William can help her find a husband. To his surprise, that's the last thing he wants to do...

To Enter for a print copy:

Share a brief story of the best, worst, funniest or most embarrassing part of your wedding or one you attended.

ENTRY REQUIRES COMMENT

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 27, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement. 

Mailbox Monday April 15, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For APRIL: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mari at MariReads!
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 only picked up two titles this past week plus one win!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Two Review Titles from NetGalley

An eNovella from an author I like:

Ten Reasons to Stay
Sabrina Jeffries

and

I read the Smitten Anthology in early 2012

and decided to enjoy re-visiting the town

for some light romance.

Secretly Smitten
Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, & Denise Hunter

Won

None this week.

Purchased

None this week.
I have two Audible picks this week. I have one picked but have to choose a second.

Free

I downloaded a couple of books from Free Partay and downloaded a only a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 15, 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 haven't felt totally well this week - fighting either the pollen or eye strain from a new contact lense. Hopefully this coming week will be better. But the reading/listening has gone fine. :-) 
I finished three books and am nearly done a fourth with two more started. I posted three reviews, one with ARC Giveaway.  There were also one Sourcebook specials announcement.  Plus I posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I was glad to visit several Monday posts early in the week and Saturday Snapshot posts at the end of the 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? April 8, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday April 8, 2013.
  

• #Audio #Review of Civil War (Marvel) by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven; Comic Action; my rating 4.25.
  

• Book Review: Hammer of Angels, A Novel of Shadowstorm by G.T. Almasi; Action, Alternative History; my rating 4.25.
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Jake (Wyoming Sky Novel) by R.C. Ryan; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 4/19.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 12, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/11/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (4/13/13) My DH's Garden
  

• Special Spring Offers from Sourcebooks.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #95 Comment Giveaway 4/13/13. Ends 4/19/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 14, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audio

That Night on Thistle Lane
by Carla Negger
An easy read although 
not what I expected.

I'll post a review this week. 
Reviewing for AudioGo 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Swift River Valley
Click on title for full book description.

2. eBook/Kindle

An Angel by Her Side
by Ruth Reid
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Reviewing for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel
Click on title for full book description.

3. Print

Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers
by Margaret Daley
This is a strong romantic suspense I enjoyed.
Reading and reviewing as part of 
Pump Up Your Book Tour.  Review to post on 4/16.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2013 | Series: Men of the Texas Rangers (Book 3)
Click on title for full book description.

Line Edits/Releases:

We released several print titles the past several weeks:
Finding Eden by Pembroke Sinclair
Mew by Barbara Miller
and 
Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP3

Hunter: A Thriller 
by Robert Bidinotto
I'm a couple hours into this intense thriller.
Reviewing for Robert Bidinotto through Audiobook Jukebox.

Publisher's Summary
A Wall Street Journal Top 10 national best seller
Number one Kindle best seller in "Mysteries & Thrillers"
Who is hunter?
Who is Prey?
Who will survive?

Award-winning true-crime author Robert Bidinotto makes his stunning fiction debut with a best-selling thriller that has earned more than 200 "5-star" rave reviews from readers.

Two people, passionately in love.
But each hides a deadly secret.
He is a crusading vigilante, on a violent quest for justice.
She is tracking this unknown assassin, sworn to stop him.
Neither realizes the truth about the other.
And neither knows that a terrifying predator is hunting them both....

From its first moments, Hunter takes you on a nonstop thrill ride: from the top floor of the CIA, to the marbled corridors of Capitol Hill...from the posh hotels of downtown Washington, to the city's mean, violent streets. It introduces a colorful new hero for our time - and a dazzling heroine every bit his equal.

A spy mystery...a crime thriller...a passionate romance: Hunter is a genre-bending novel unlike any you've read. Deviously plotted, filled with vivid characters, and propelled at a breakneck pace, it's a tale as memorable for its provocative ideas as for a rousing climax that has readers cheering.

If you enjoy the thrillers of Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor, and Vince Flynn, you'll love Hunter.

©2011 Robert Bidinotto (P)2012 Robert Bidinotto

2. eBook/Kindle

The Sword in the Stars (Book1)
in The Dark Sea Annals Series 
by Wayne Thomas Batson
I am 80% through this remarkably
entertaining epic.
I received this from NetGalley;
Book Description
Publication Date: August 9, 2010 | Series: The Dark Sea Annals

Centuries have passed since the Silence, and the few remaining faithful cling to the ancient prophecies of the First One.  They wait for the Caller and watch the skies for the Sword in the Stars, even as the world they've always  known unravels around  them.

 Murderous Gorracks have secretly penetrated the kingdom's borders. Their attacks grow more brazen...more horrific, threatening to touch off a war on a scale  that hasn't been seen in seven ages.

   In  the capital city of Anglinore, noble King Aravel ponders  the advice of  this twin brother Morlan:  declare all out war on the Gorrack nation.  While Anglinore's High Shepherd, the wise Sebastian Grenlaff urges caution and listens to troubling voices on the wind.

   Queen Mariel, due to deliver a child any day, suspects the unthinkable about her husband's brother Morlan.  She sets off alone to Morlan's castle in Dunharrow, hoping against hope that she can keep old wounds from erupting in war.

    Alastair Coldharrow,  tortured by an addiction to the outlawed Witchdrale and haunted by a violent past, wagers his life on the hope that the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come.  When at  last, the Sword appears in the Stars, Alastair begins a fruitless search for the Halfainin that leaves him disillusioned, broken, and lost.  Used to caring only for himself, Alastair will enter a maelstrom of conflict as loyalties are tested, dark schemes are hatched, and  the many realms of Myriad brace  themselves for war.

   Will Alastair realize what he has before its too late...for everyone?

3. Print and Kindle

Rest in Peace
by Frances Divine
This is our Ladies' Book Club read and we decided to meet this Saturday.
I have extra copies for Giveaway.
Product Description
In Cedar Chapel, Where Victoria Storm runs a senior boardinghouse, things are quiet. That is, until she enters the local pet store and finds Clyde Foster, the owner, dead, and his parrot, Watzit, frantically screeching. What clues will this bird reveal regarding a murder most foul? Unable to resist a mystery, Victoria, her fiance' Benjamin, and her senior cohorts begin their own investigation, landing them headfirst in a dangerous adventure. When their friend, Miss Aggie disappears, leaving a blood-stained trail, no one seems safe. Will Victoria live long enough to unravel the clues and tie the knot?

4. Print

The Forever Knight
by John Marco
I have started this interesting fantasy.
This is part of TLC book tour;
my review will post on 4/22.
Book Description
Release date: April 2, 2013 | Series: Books of the Bronze Knight
Lukien is the Bronze Knight, beloved by his kingdom and renowned in battle throughout his world. After betraying his king and losing his beloved, he wishes only for death, but rather than die, Lukien is given a chance for redemption: to be the protector of the Inhumans—those fragile mortals who live deep in the desert, far from the prying eyes of their world. These remarkable individuals have been granted magical powers in exchange for the hardships and handicaps life has handed them. And Lukien, now immortal himself, must be their champion. But how can one man, even an immortal warrior, protect hundreds from a world of potential enemies?

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: Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still doing more Smashword conversions in between print formatting.

I have read six books for April and will have to post more than three reviews this week to get caught up on reviews. I started with 13 + two TBR to read and post for April.

April Scheduled:
4/16 Review: Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley (PUYB)
4/20 Review & Giveaway: Rest in Peace (Ladies' Book Club)
4/22 Review: The Forever Knight by John Marco (TLC)
4/24 Showers of Books Giveaway Hop 

Sourcebooks
For May 3: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Hachette
Cowboy Take Me Away by Jane Graves

Audios:
For Audiobook Jukebox
    Hunter: A Thriller - Robert Bidinotto

NetGalley:
     The Sword in the Stars (Book1) in The Dark Sea Annals Series by Wayne Thomas Batson
     The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin

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 April 14, 2013

My mind is whirling with things I want to share... signs of the times that we are discussing in Sunday School. This afternoon time is short and we are having sporadic internet due to rain storms.

Our Pastor shared a message this morning: The Lord Hears...
Do not believe the lies that you are not important to God. Doubts are lies from the devil.
Psalm 147:9 says: He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
Ravens are garbage pickers, ugly birds. Yet God cares for them when they cry out. How much more will He care for his children when they call to Him?

So for today I am led to share in praise:

All of Creation

A Verse for Today
Luke 12:24 NIV
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Lord, this week I pray that you help me to prepare words to share that will show your light and the urgency of time. Thank you, Sovereign Father, for your daily mercies and inexplicable blessings.

Sharing Beyond Books #95 Comment Giveaway April 13, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.

Happy Saturday night! It has finally warmed up here which is good but the mosquitoes are AWFUL. We had birthday cake for our grandson's 9th BD tonight. (Now I really need to exercise.)

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us do not exercise -- except for our brains as Nikki noted. The big problem is motivation as Sarah said. I wish I could get my DH to walk with me as we both need it. It sounds like Ricki has a great program - I never heard of Zumba until a year or so ago when our new daughter-in-law was so active before getting pregnant.

The number of those who look at, and a few who post, cover reveals are greater in number than the 7 of us who do not look at them. It sounds like several of you do post them and many like to look at them. I do agree with CarolNW and nrlymrtl that sometimes those posts comparing the US to UK covers are interesting.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #94 comments is: #16 bn100 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 #95 Questions

Q1. This questions sort of fits to follow last week.
        MaryP asks: Can you swim??

A: We had a pool on our farm and I learned to swim at an early age. We moved to Florida when I was about 12. I swam competitively in high school with my events being backstroke, relays and distance freestyle. I love stretching out on the backstroke take off and I did manage back flip turns. I still enjoy alternating strokes when I swim.

Image found at Fine Art America.

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you avoid or like reading LONG books??

A: (I thought this might have been asked but I checked my spreadsheet which covers from week #3 and it is not there so it's a fair question.)

 I am guilty of not reading too many books over 400 pages. However - If I really want to read a long book - like the Harry Potter series - I will listen to it in Audio format. (I still have the first 5 Potter books on cassette.) Even then I am reluctant to pick up something like The Pillars of the Earth which is 40 hours on Audible. Books that I have on my shelf that I probably won't read but might listen to include: The Passage (36 hours), The Fallen 1 and Storm Glass.

Image found at Melville House.

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. MaryP asks: Can you swim??

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you avoid or like reading LONG books??

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, April 19, 2013 at 10 PM central.