Audio Book Review: Inherit the Stars by James P. Hogan

This is a SCIENCE fiction story that mystery lovers could like.

Inherit the Stars, The Giants Series, book 1

by James P. Hogan

Read by John Pruden

Length 8.0 hrs • UNABRIDGE

℗ 2013 by Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.0 of 4.0

Summary

The man on the moon was dead. They called him Charlie. He had big eyes, abundant body hair, and fairly long nostrils. His skeletal body was found clad in a bright red spacesuit, hidden in a rocky grave. They didn’t know who he was, how he got there, or what had killed him. All they knew was that his corpse was fifty thousand years old—and that meant this man had somehow lived long before he ever could have existed.

© 1977 by James Patrick Hogan

Review:
This story is set in the not so distant future where space exploration is common place. Victor Hunt, a respected scientist and head of a Theoretical Studies program, is brought in to work on a new project. A ‘man’ has been found on the moon--where no man should be--indicating prior moon exploration by a human-like race. “Charlie” presents a puzzle for the scientists as they try to determine who he is, where he came from and how he came to die on the moon.

The prologue is quite interesting, opening the story from Charlie’s perspective before his death. We don’t know who he is but it pulls the reader’s interest into the puzzle of the story. The story then moves a bit slowly and with some confusion in the audio as I tried to identify the characters and where the story was heading.

Different departments--language, metallurgy, environment, evolution and more--are set up to examine the discoveries of the body, the instruments, materials and journals.  The scientists argue theories with one scientist being completely intractable on his evolution based position/conclusion. Everyone else’s arguments are ‘unproven’ theories therefore not possible. The “Pure Earthist” arguments insist that, due to matching DNA factors, Charlie must somehow be from Earth. Hunt is more open minded to speculation beyond demonstrative proof and is able to encourage the different departments to work together until more pieces fall into place.

The clues eventually reveal an interesting “dystopian” world that was losing ground to ice caps. The planet was apparently split into two societies who would not work together. The lives of the people were completely controlled with government authority assigning the jobs between space exploration or war. Even with these findings, it is still difficult to reconcile Charlie’s origins to fit the evolutionary models that are being insisted on.

Another discovery reveals a “Noah’s Ark” type ship buried on Jupiter with a ship full of Earth-like botany and animals. The proprietor of the ship appears to be a giant. Speculation and further investigation ultimately tie this discovery to “Charlie.”

The story reads/listens much like a documentary with the emphasis on Science theory and  “established” evolutionary insistence.  Although it is overall a bit dry, I enjoyed the data and persistent steps followed to resolve the puzzle. I wasn’t thrilled with the insistence on evolution with spontaneous mutations as, to me, that is all theory too. I liked that Hunt was willing to theorize and think outside the box.

I would be interested in reading more about Charlie’s giant companion. I think this story would be enjoyed by those who like the process of puzzling out a mystery as well as those who like ‘Science’ fiction.

Audio Notes: Unfortunately I found the narration to be stilted and dry. Considering the documentary leaning of the story I think a more enthusiastic reading might have helped to liven up the book. The accents could have been stressed more to enhance the reading. I did grow accustomed to the narration but I wasn’t overly impressed.

I received this title from Blackstone Audio through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review.

Saturday Snapshot (May 25, 2013) More Wildlife in the Backyard

It was hard to decide which pictures to share this week. There were deer in our own back yard; our fresh vegetables in our pot; a very large black snake and sun-tipped trees. I'll share the critters today and save the others for another day.

I was taking pictures of the garden when I heard crackling in the woods to the right.

I suspected it had to be deer and then saw the white tail swatting flies.

The first picture you cannot see the deer hidden to the left of the big trunk.

I zoomed in and after about three photos she looked straight at me - picture 2. 

There was another to the left of the first and she looked up at me too.

I don't see any horns but the ears are bigger. 

Could be the mother or a young buck maybe.

Tuesday morning my DH was looking out from our bedroom balcony and called to me to get the camera.
Looking down from our balcony there was a visitor between the two tree trunks, just to the right of the tool shed, near the black object on the ground. You would have to pull in this picture to see it. 

Zoomed in you see the black snake - probably a five or six footer.
One reason I am cautious around the wood piles!

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. I love seeing your photos too even if I don't visit till Friday night!

A big Thank You to Alyce at Alyce of At Home With Books. who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility. 

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 being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. 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.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire

This is a strong romance enhanced by a touch of mystery.
Barefoot in the Sun
by Roxanne St. Claire

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Forever (April 30, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 145550825X
• ISBN-13: 978-1455508259

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: April 30, 2013 | Series: Barefoot Bay (Book 3)
A Barefoot Bay Novel
When running is all you've ever known . . .
Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.
Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.
Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

Review:
Zoe is a vibrant young woman who lives with her beloved “great-aunt” Pasha. Zoe was orphaned and facing danger in her early teens when Pasha rescued her. But Pasha and Zoe have lived ‘on the run’ ever since. Any time anyone starts asking questions or gets too close, Pasha moves them on to the next town. That was fine until Zoe fell in love. She decided to tell the truth to Oliver, whom she was head over heels in love with. She conned him into a balloon ride and took the risk of disclosing her past. But the reaction wasn’t good – Oliver wanted her to go to the authorities and straighten things out. When Zoe told Pasha, Pasha panicked and they ran again.

Nine years later Oliver discovers Zoe and Pasha living in Barefoot Bay. The immediate attraction and reaction makes it clear that the extreme feelings between Zoe and Oliver haven’t changed. Circumstances are much different though. Oliver has an 8 year old son with the woman he supposedly left when he first met Zoe. Zoe is relieved to discover that Oliver is divorced and she and Pasha are charmed by the super intelligent Evan.

Pasha is ill with cancer and Oliver is a partner in a clinic that specializes in experimental treatments. Zoe will do anything to get him to accept Pasha as a patient with no insurance and no questions asked. Zoe is willing to risk the pain of heartache for a fling but Oliver isn’t. He doesn’t want his son to be hurt when Zoe leaves and he wants her for life, not just for a fling. What will it take to convince Pasha and Zoe to stop running and take the greatest risks by staying?

Zoe might be a bit flippant and flighty for my tastes but she doesn’t sleep around and maybe that is why she wants to jump Oliver every time she sees him.  The romance is full of conflict and combustible chemistry. Ms. St. Claire is a masterful story teller and the strong, clear writing tone pulled me into the story.  The hints of danger and mystery enhance what might otherwise be just another romance. The college girlfriends who surround Zoe in Barefoot Bay are an interesting group and apparently have their own romance stories with a little intrigue in each. This book, and no doubt the rest of the series, would be great summer reads for anyone who likes strong romance.

Zoe’s gardener friend, Tessa, shares words of wisdom:

Roots don’t strangle if the plant is well tended, my friend. Roots nourish. They provide stability. They make sure the plant doesn’t merely survive, but thrives and grows and produces a fruit or vegetable. Page 171.

I received this book from Forever, division of Grand Central/Hachette, for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 31, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 1, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 24, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday!!  Has everyone had a good week? I had a preparation and two days of travel for a court proceeding so good book listening time during the drive but tiring! I had hoped to post a new group today but I didn't get to pull a full set together. I hope to do it this Saturday now.

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the May 17 Pick. There were THREE Automatic wins this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were SIX titles blocked this week with one won!
Bookishqueen gets Guardian Audio Tapes
LindaK gets Her Wedding Wish
and
Texas Book Lover gets Sandra Brown Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 17 Pick:

Victoria gets On Deadly Ground

rubynreba gets (a blocked title) The Banker's Convenience Wife

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend but most of all -- 

don't forget to remember and give thanks for those who have given their lives in the Armed Services of the United States.

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 515 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and Giveaway: New Wings by Donna Stanley

This is a wonderful fictional portrayal of guardian angels!

New Wings 

by Donna Stanley

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Creation House (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621363368
• ISBN-13: 978-1621363361

Genre: Inspirational Fiction, Angels
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Why is it that when we pray for the supernatural, we are surprised when it shows up?

Seventeen-year-old Olivia Stanton knows the Bible says guardian angels exist, but assumes they only show up when people are dying or need to be saved from some kind of sudden disaster…until her own guardian angel appears to her in the form of a handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed guy her own age. As Olivia gets to know Mike, she begins to see angels—both good and evil—on a regular basis, and quickly learns how many misconceptions she had about the spiritual realm.
Will Mike be able to prepare Olivia for the daunting spiritual battle about to overtake her small town before it destroys her and everyone she cares about?

Review:
Olivia is a high school senior struggling with all the usual challenges of her age: self confidence, boys, college plans, etc.  Olivia has always been curious about angels.  But when she begins to see creepy things in the shadows she is thrilled to learn that not only does she have a guardian angel but she can see and talk to him!

Mike first appears to Olivia as a young man at school. She is interested but cautious and concerned if he is stalking her. When she learns who he is she is pleased to be able to have such a friend and protector. Olivia can see more than her own guardian angel. She sees demons, warrior angels and the angels protecting her friends too. She learns that she has certain spiritual gifts if she is willing to accept them and allow God to use them as He directs. She learns that there is power, and protection, through prayer and apparently she has a special role to play in helping her friends and community.

Olivia soon is gathering her best friends, Erin and Christina, around her as support. Meanwhile her mother thinks she is having mental difficulties like her Aunt. But Olivia knows it is real and isn’t sure how to show her mother. Mike assures Olivia that something will bring her mother around as Olivia is too important to the spiritual battle in the community to have doubts obstruct her.

I was very delighted with this book. I love reading about angelic warfare as it boosts my prayer efforts. The author weaves wonderful Biblical lessons into an interesting story with engaging and likeable characters. It really warmed my heart and excited me to watch the teens begin to see God and angels as real forces in their lives.This is an easy read and I recommend it for Christians especially to share with teens they know!

I received this book through Glass Road PR Tour for an honest review.

[PLEASE NOTE:  I give my apologies to the author and Glass Road for my original posting being incomplete. My internet went out Tuesday night and I had work and travel that took my time until Thursday evening.]

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 31, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.