It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 22, 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 good week and I got to read/listen to some good books.
I finished three books and am nearly done a fourth. I posted four reviews, one with Giveaway and a Sourcebook giveaway too.  I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I visited about ten 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 15, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday April 15, 2013.

• #Giveaway: A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester.  Ends 4/26.

• Book Review: Scorned Justice, The Men of Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  

• Book Review and Giveaway: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid;  Amish Romance; my rating 5.0. Ends 4/26.

• Audio Book Review: That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Negers, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 19, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/25.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (4/20/13) Magical Birthday Photos
  

• Book Review: Sword in the Stars (Book 1) by Wayne Thomas Batson; Fantasy, Christian Fiction; my rating 5.0.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #96 Comment Giveaway 4/20/13. Ends 4/26.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 21, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Sword in the Stars (Book1)
in The Dark Sea Annals Series 
by Wayne Thomas Batson
A great read! Review post Linked above. 
Click on title for full Book Description.

2. Print and Kindle

Rest in Peace
by Frances Divine
Not the best cozy mystery I have read.
I'll post a review and Giveaway this week.
Click on title for full Book Description.

3. Print

The Forever Knight
by John Marco
A different, interesting story.
This is part of TLC book tour; my review will post on 4/22.
Click on title for full Book Description.

4. Audio/MP3

Hunter: A Thriller 
by Robert Bidinotto
I just finished the exciting conclusion.
Reviewing for Robert Bidinotto through Audiobook Jukebox. I will post a review this week.
Click on title for full Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on releases for end or month and May.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Print

The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin
I have started this and like the fairy tale style so far.  Reviewing through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 9, 2010 | Series: The Gates of Heaven Series (Book 1)

In classic fairy tale style, we embark on an enchanted journey with a young blacksmith—Joran—whose only desire is to live a peaceful, uncomplicated life in his forest village, a desire shattered by the sudden and bizarre disappearance of his wife, Charris. Later, Joran is plagued by nightmares of an unimaginable sea, where Charris remains trapped in a sand castle at the whim of the Moon. The goose woman insists he will find no rest from his nightmares until he solves the riddle of three keys. She tells him to travel the treacherous journey to the house of the Moon to find the answers he seeks.

Unable to ignore the urgings of his nightmares, Joran sets out north seeking the Moon. Leaving a town and family where he never felt truly at home, Joran’s journey becomes more than just a search for his wife. His path also leads inward, for he must face emotions that have tormented him his entire life—feelings of alienation and anger, of despair and hurt. Along the way he rescues a wolf—a huge, imposing creature that becomes a companion, and eventually a trusted friend.

Joran has the uncanny ability to speak with animals, and learns from the wolf, Ruyah, that he can manipulate his dreams to affect the real world. With Ruyah’s humor and guidance, Joran finds the courage and fortitude to press on, despite setbacks and disappointments. With the wolf by his side he endures the darkness at the end of the world and the ravings of the lunatic Moon, who sends him off—more confused than before—to the Palace of the Sun with a seemingly useless gift.

After trekking through a vast, unmerciful desert, Joran arrives at the Palace of the Sun, where he meets the Sun’s mother, Sola. She helps Joran understand part of his riddle and then sends him, with the gift of a sunstone, to the cave of the South Wind, whom, she says, will finally reveal the truth to him about his wife—if he dares hear it. He and Ruyah travel south through jungle, and finally arrive at the cave. There Joran is swept along a vision where he sees his past, and in horror, learns truths that send him into deep despair. The South Wind dismisses him with one last gift—but like the other two gifts, he has no idea what they are for or how they will help him rescue his wife. She tells him to find the sea of his dreams—far west, beyond his imagining.

2. Print

Cowboy Take Me Away
by Jane Graves
I will start this tomorrow.
Reviewing for Forever, Hachette.
Book Description
Release date: April 30, 2013 | Series: Rainbow Valley

FIRST LOVE BURNS HOTTER

Rainbow Valley, Texas, has always been a refuge for animals, and Shannon North, director of the local shelter, intends to keep it that way. But with donations drying up and more pets in need of a loving home than ever before, Shannon's beginning to fear she's not the savior the shelter needs. When a tall, dark, and handsome cowboy from her past comes to the rescue, she knows that accepting his help may come with a high price: her heart.

THE SECOND TIME AROUND

Bad boy Luke Dawson shook the dust from this little town off his boots years ago. He walked away from everything . . . except the memory of the one night of passion he shared with Shannon. Now, a few wins away from becoming the world bull-riding champion, Luke's headed for fame and fortune. But then a crisis calls him back to Rainbow Valley, and Luke is reunited with the good girl who stole-and broke-his heart. As their rekindled relationship deepens into desire, old secrets resurface, and Luke must choose between the future he's always dreamed of and the only woman he's ever loved.

3. eBook/Kindle

Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina
I am looking forward to reading this book that I won a couple of months ago.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 29, 2011
Book One of the Magnificent Devices series, a novel of 54,000 words.

London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin’s son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world.

At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire’s talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It’s not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices.

When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .

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.

April is going well. I have read ten books for April so far with three to go plus TBRs if I can still squeeze one or two in.

April Scheduled:
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:
Completed for April

NetGalley:
       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 21, 2013

This morning we celebrated communion which is always a special time of worship.
Our Pastor's message was entitled "The Blood of Jesus."
Jesus came and died to redeem every part of our lives - physical and spiritual.
Pastor gave this message which I have summarized/outlined:

God's perfect number is 7 and there are seven ways that the Blood of Jesus redeems us.
1. The Garden - It was in the garden that Adam and Eve lost the one on one relationship with God. It was in a garden that Jesus chose to accept the sacrifice to redeem us to a one on one status. (Luke 22.)
2. His Stripes - Jesus suffered 39 stripes for our diseases and infirmities; scientific study has determined there are 39 root diseases.
3. Beaten and Bruised - He suffered for our iniquities - this was a sign of their hatred and a sign of His love for us. Through his internal bleeding our sins are covered.
4. Crown of Thorns- He accepted the crown of thorns as a King and one who is able to break the curse of poverty and give us blessings if we believe and accept Him and obey His word.
5. Spikes in Hands - The hands represent authority; the were shackled for a short time only. Now they provide freedom and victory. Gal 4:4-5
6. His Feet - He will always be with us; He will not leave or forsake us. Deut 31:6 and Matt 28:20.

7.  The Spear in His side - through the spear His blood ran free and He proclaimed:
"It is finished."

I started out thinking I would use Blessed Messiah, My Redeemer today 

but then I found this song:

Jesus Messiah and decided it fit with a communion day.

(Caution - some of the images may be disturbing.)

Verses for Today
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)
4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Thank you Lord for being my Redeemer, for bearing my diseases and infirmities and giving me healing. Thank you for covering my sins with your precious blood and for blessing me with provisions, freedom and the assurance that you are always there for me.

Sharing Beyond Books #96 Comment Giveaway April 20, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.

Hi Friends. Happy Saturday night! How is everyone doing?
Thank you to all who shared last week.

We had a good response last week and 22 out of 32 people can swim. Eight out of those love to swim; four can swim enough to not drown and they rest didn't specify. Ricki can swim but is allergic to chlorine, which is unusual. Annuba wants to learn to swim.

I was a bit surprised that 20 out of 32 people are okay with longer books. Six actually love long books and many will read them as long as the story is good. I agree with that but you don't know if it is good until you try it. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #95 comments is: #29 nightowl03148808 who can make a GC choice if international or 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 #96 Questions

Q1. Miki asks:  Do you seek information when, while reading a book, you learn about a special event that doesn't exist in your country or you don't know about??

A: I can not think of a particular event that I have looked up but, YES I would look up an event if I was unfamiliar with it.

Here is a place and an event that I think would make a great setting:  Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China.

Image found at China Highlights.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you play an instrument??

A: I learned to play the flute in middle school and I played guitar in college. However, I have not played either in many years.

Image found at Book Storage Online.

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.  Miki asks: Do you seek information when, while reading a book, you learn about a special event that doesn't exist in your country or you don't know about??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you play an instrument??

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 26, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book #Review: The Sword in the Stars (Book 1) by Wayne Thomas Batson

I loved this remarkable epic fantasy with a redemption message.

The Sword in the Stars (Book1)
in The Dark Sea Annals Series
by Wayne Thomas Batson

• File Size: 1440 KB
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Publisher: Living Ink Books, an imprint of AMG Publishers (June 29, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005DM32L4

Genre: Fantasy, Christian
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

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?

Review:
This is a wonderfully entertaining allegory (like Narnia) of the story of Good versus Evil; worshipers of the First One versus worshipers of  a Dark Lord. The story includes prophesies leading men to seek for a deliverer who will defeat the evil one. And what would such an epic tale be without a troubled man seeking redemption?

Alastair is more than a soldier – he is a top skilled assassin. Alastair used to lead troops  eliminating whole villages and towns under the orders of dark Morlan.  Morlan falls deeper and deeper into the hands of darkness as he craves power to become king and take over all the things his twin brother has, especially the throne and the woman Morlan loved before she married King Aravel.

One day on a vicious raid Alastair killed a man who used to be another warrior like him. Even as the man lay dying his wife looked at Alastair and offered to forgive by accepting the words and love of the First One.  Alastair spares the life of the woman and child although he cuts the book in two. Later he finds her and accepts the mended book.  He leaves the ranks of Morlan’s army and goes into hiding while he searches for signs of the Halfainin who the book proclaims will destroy the evil leader and bring peace. As Alastair struggles to overcome his alcoholic addiction he believes that the Halfainin will be the only one who can bring redemption from his past misdeeds.

Alastair believes he is ‘the caller,’ the one to find the Halfainin. This story starts when Alastair sees the sign of the coming of the Halfainin and he follows the sword to seek the deliverer. He tests young people to try to find the one with the right qualities.  He is disappointed in his search but before he can return home he rescues a young woman who thrusts her baby into his hands. Alastair slays most of her pursuers who appear to be Gorrack troops but turn out to be warriors in disguise.

Alastair seeks help from a friend, Abbagael, to take care of the child. She has had a crush on Alastair for a long time although he doesn’t feel worthy of her regard. Their travels bring them to magical places and friends. They also are led to battle and to service under the rightful King Aravel.  Alastair goes by an assumed name as he is an infamous criminal with a price on his head.

Morlan has become impatient waiting for his brother to fail so he contrives a way to instigate war. Eventually he plans to wear down King Avarel until he can be overtaken by the army that Morlan is hiding. Neither King Aravel, his Queen or the other leaders suspect that Morlan has been behind so much evil.

Alastair has facts to share with the King and the allied leaders. Alastair has gained fame and favor for his wise war strategies and his bravery, but what will happen if he reveals his past to Abbagael and the King’s leaders?

I liked Alastair’s beleaguered character right from the beginning of the story. The author’s storytelling pulled me right into the magical tale and I didn’t want to put this down. I was anxious to discover who the Halfainin would be, how romance would develop for Alastair and Abbagael and  see when and how Morlan would be exposed.  I really enjoyed the tidbits of wisdom or folklore that begin each chapter.  The story is full of action and there is humor, excitement, fear, sadness, greed and love---oh so many human emotions.  The story concludes with some victories but clearly treachery and more conflict are to come.  If you enjoy magical tales of good versus evil forces I highly recommend this book for great entertainment.

Examples of wisdom shared at the Chapter headings:

Chapter 25 The Bone Chapel:
     When one believes that by controlling the deaths of others he will gain control of his own life, he has left the path of reason. Location 2702

Chapter 30 Stormy Seas:
     Standing on shore and staring at the water won’t get you to the other side of the sea. Location 3310.

I received this from NetGalley for review.;

Saturday Snapshot (April 20, 2013) Magical Birthday Photos

A couple of weeks ago my daughter had a magic party to celebrate two April BDs:
Our grandson is 9 years old and our granddaughter turns a big, precocious 2!  I loved the balloon creatures that the magician made so I was trying to get them in the pictures.

This is the my daughter and the birthday girl with a pink poodle.

This was a shot from across the room.

 This is the middle child posing for me with her red dog.
A gorgeous girl whose BD is in December. 
I do fear she will have those middle child issues.

 

Here is the BD boy and girl with their cakes:
Rabbit in a hat and giant cupcake!
These cakes were made by their paternal grandmothe who makes wonderful cakes.

 

Here are some more balloon creations:

Flower, swan and frog.

I really wanted a flower but gave my  turn to one of the kids for a second creation.

The magician did a great show 

and in the background (across the room) DH and I watched Beauty and the Beast. :-)

[This is really fuzzy because I took it from the corner of  picture to leave out the sweet girl in front.]

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.