Saturday, August 3, 2013
Winner of Flight of the Raven
DeniseC please fill in the (NEW) Winner's Acceptance Form
or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get
the book mailed and/or notify the publisher of your win. Please reply
within 72 hours.
Audible Book Review: The Overton Window by Glenn Beck
I found this to be a great, thrilling listen.
The Overton Window
by Glenn Beck
Narrated by James Daniels
LENGTH 8 hrs and 43 mins
RELEASE DATE 06-15-10
PUBLISHER Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating:4.75 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
A plan to destroy America, a hundred years in the making, is about to be unleashed...can it be stopped?
There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country.
For Noah Gardner, a 20-something public relations executive, it's safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world's problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country.
But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future - but Noah, convinced they're just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn't interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause.
And then the world changes.
An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don't know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact - or, more important, which side to fight for.
But for Noah, the choice is clear: Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
After five back-to-back number-one New York Times best sellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain - with twists and revelations no one will see coming.
Review:
Noah Gardner is a lackluster son of a highly powerful, political puppet master, Arthur Gardner. Noah doesn’t invest emotionally in any of the ambitious projects or politics of his daily work at the prestigious public relations firm, Doyle and Merchant. He does enjoy the playboy lifestyle afforded by his father’s position and money. One afternoon his attention is captured by an alluring young woman in the office even though she rebuffs him with disinterest.
Noah pursues her by following her to a rally supporting the American Constitution. Molly Ross continues to intrigue him with her disdain as well as her passion for the cause of American freedom. She is part of a group, similar to a Tea Party, known as the Founder’s Keepers, who profess to seek peaceable change. When the rally turns violent many of the attendees are taken to jail. Noah insists that there was a plant who instigated the violence and when that truth appears to be close to being revealed to the public most of the rally attendees are released with a little help from Noah’s father and attorney.
Noah is further embroiled in Molly’s schemes to gain access and information from his father’s computers. They learn that Arthur Gardner and his firm are part of a group of elite power brokers who are seeking to bring about a one world government. They will use money, power, manipulation, bribery, coercion, and whatever other means necessary to achieve their goal. Molly (and the reader) learn of a tool known as “the Overton Window” which measures public opinion. This tool allows the monied powers to manipulate public opinion by setting up events that slowly push the boundaries of public acceptance closer and closer to the desired controls sought by the puppet masters.
Noah is kidnapped and it becomes clear that Molly used him from the outset. Yet he thinks there was more between them than the obvious lies. Noah again seeks to help Molly as a nefarious terrorist plot slowly unfolds. A horrible act of violence that is being arranged by the puppet masters but will be blamed on Molly’s group.
The beginning was a bit slow as I wondered at the detailed descriptions of Noah’s obsessive interest in Molly. However that is understandable as the plot progresses. After an hour or two in I was glued to listening to this story until it finished. I was impressed with the writing skills as well as the characterization and plot. All of the elements reveal the extreme intelligence of the author – regardless of what one might think of his political and religious views. Does it contain a message on politics and religion? Yes - clearly on politics and subtly on religion. Is it a good thriller? Absolutely.
Beck starts the book with a preface that declares the work to be in the nature of “faction” – a fictional story woven around facts. The story presents a present day situation that should open eyes and make each of us look at the circumstances around us to see if we can really discern truth from intentionally manipulated PR. I loved the story and am anxious to begin the next book, The Eye of Molech, which I am reviewing for Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.
Audio Notes: This story was good on its own but the narration enhanced my enjoyment and made it move much more quickly than if I had read a print or ebook version. James Daniels does a really good job keying into the character personalities. I will look for other works narrated by Mr. Daniels.
Mr. Beck quotes several treatices on freedom and government in the story. One that I think is particularly appropriate is:
The Overton Window
by Glenn Beck
Narrated by James Daniels
LENGTH 8 hrs and 43 minsRELEASE DATE 06-15-10
PUBLISHER Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating:4.75 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
A plan to destroy America, a hundred years in the making, is about to be unleashed...can it be stopped?
There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country.
For Noah Gardner, a 20-something public relations executive, it's safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world's problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country.
But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future - but Noah, convinced they're just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn't interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause.
And then the world changes.
An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don't know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact - or, more important, which side to fight for.
But for Noah, the choice is clear: Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
After five back-to-back number-one New York Times best sellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain - with twists and revelations no one will see coming.
Review:
Noah Gardner is a lackluster son of a highly powerful, political puppet master, Arthur Gardner. Noah doesn’t invest emotionally in any of the ambitious projects or politics of his daily work at the prestigious public relations firm, Doyle and Merchant. He does enjoy the playboy lifestyle afforded by his father’s position and money. One afternoon his attention is captured by an alluring young woman in the office even though she rebuffs him with disinterest.
Noah pursues her by following her to a rally supporting the American Constitution. Molly Ross continues to intrigue him with her disdain as well as her passion for the cause of American freedom. She is part of a group, similar to a Tea Party, known as the Founder’s Keepers, who profess to seek peaceable change. When the rally turns violent many of the attendees are taken to jail. Noah insists that there was a plant who instigated the violence and when that truth appears to be close to being revealed to the public most of the rally attendees are released with a little help from Noah’s father and attorney.
Noah is further embroiled in Molly’s schemes to gain access and information from his father’s computers. They learn that Arthur Gardner and his firm are part of a group of elite power brokers who are seeking to bring about a one world government. They will use money, power, manipulation, bribery, coercion, and whatever other means necessary to achieve their goal. Molly (and the reader) learn of a tool known as “the Overton Window” which measures public opinion. This tool allows the monied powers to manipulate public opinion by setting up events that slowly push the boundaries of public acceptance closer and closer to the desired controls sought by the puppet masters.
Noah is kidnapped and it becomes clear that Molly used him from the outset. Yet he thinks there was more between them than the obvious lies. Noah again seeks to help Molly as a nefarious terrorist plot slowly unfolds. A horrible act of violence that is being arranged by the puppet masters but will be blamed on Molly’s group.
The beginning was a bit slow as I wondered at the detailed descriptions of Noah’s obsessive interest in Molly. However that is understandable as the plot progresses. After an hour or two in I was glued to listening to this story until it finished. I was impressed with the writing skills as well as the characterization and plot. All of the elements reveal the extreme intelligence of the author – regardless of what one might think of his political and religious views. Does it contain a message on politics and religion? Yes - clearly on politics and subtly on religion. Is it a good thriller? Absolutely.
Beck starts the book with a preface that declares the work to be in the nature of “faction” – a fictional story woven around facts. The story presents a present day situation that should open eyes and make each of us look at the circumstances around us to see if we can really discern truth from intentionally manipulated PR. I loved the story and am anxious to begin the next book, The Eye of Molech, which I am reviewing for Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.
Audio Notes: This story was good on its own but the narration enhanced my enjoyment and made it move much more quickly than if I had read a print or ebook version. James Daniels does a really good job keying into the character personalities. I will look for other works narrated by Mr. Daniels.
Mr. Beck quotes several treatices on freedom and government in the story. One that I think is particularly appropriate is:
The most basic question is not what is best, but who shall decide what is best.
Thomas Sowell
This audio was from my Audible library.
Saturday Snapshot August 3, 2013 - A Strutting Heron
One early evening a month ago I was driving into our community and was startle to see this feathered beauty outside my window. I learned something new when I researched to make sure if this was an egret or a white heron. Apparently they are two names for the same bird.
Once again the week slipped away from me with no visiting.
This Saturday morning I am determined to get around to see what's up with other blog friends.
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.
A big Thank You to 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.
These pictures were taken from my car window.
I hurriedly pulled a bit to the side and stopped to grab my camera.
Here is the heron across the other side of the road.
Too bad it looks further away then it was.
Too bad it looks further away then it was.
After looking at me for a moment or two it started to strut away.
I had to hurry to get in one more shot.
Once again the week slipped away from me with no visiting.
This Saturday morning I am determined to get around to see what's up with other blog friends.
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.
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.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Audio Book Review: Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande by Michael Coorlim
This is another quick, easy listen with a brutal mystery to be solved.
Review:
Inventor and engineer James Wainwright is accused of murder when he stumbles on a dead body on the maiden voyage of the new American airship, the Rio Grande. He is facing an antagonistic interrogation when his sophisticated and detailed oriented partner, Alton Bartleby, steps in to rescue him. They convince the Captain that James is innocent and they offer to locate the real killer.
They have to determine cause of death, opportunity and motive. James and Bartleby set off by examining the corpse and the scene of the crime. They proceed with interviewing passengers and crew. They determine that the brutal murder involved a theft. The ship is using a new propulsion system which is touted as the latest and greatest but apparently the crucial mechanism that keeps the large ship balanced has been removed!
The deceased was a well liked crewmember with no obvious enemies, however the airship owner’s biggest competitor is on board and would love the chance to “sink” the ship. The suspects also include an estranged son and bitter wife. The biggest problem is that unless James can jerry-rig a fix the ship will roll and explode causing damage to the vessel and the city below. James and Bartleby race against time to solve the murder mystery and fix the ship before they all go down in flames.
I really enjoyed the step by step investigation as described by James. This is an inexpensive purchase for an hour of fun listening!
Audio Notes: As with the first book, Wayne Farrell presents the story with perfect British hauteur and aplomb. He handles the American accents well too. I hope there will be more brisk adventures written by Mr. Coorlim and read by Mr. Farrell.
by Michael Coorlim
Narrated by Wayne Farrell
LENGTH 55 mins
RELEASE DATE 05-15-13
PUBLISHER Michael Coorlim
Genre: Steampunk Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
LENGTH 55 minsRELEASE DATE 05-15-13
PUBLISHER Michael Coorlim
Genre: Steampunk Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
The Bartleby and James Adventures steampunk mystery series follows the cases of consulting detectives Anton Bartleby and James Wainwright through an alternate Victorian history. Their latest adventure takes them high above the greatest city in the world.
Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner, Alton Bartleby, can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.
Who are Bartleby and James?
Alton Bartleby is a social savant, the scion of a once pround and noble bloodline, working to restore his family's name. James Wainwright is a brilliant engineer and inventor. Together they take on the cases that Scottland Yard cannot or will not handle.
The Bartleby and James Adventures steampunk mystery series follows the cases of consulting detectives Anton Bartleby and James Wainwright through an alternate Victorian history. Their latest adventure takes them high above the greatest city in the world.
Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner, Alton Bartleby, can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.
Who are Bartleby and James?
Alton Bartleby is a social savant, the scion of a once pround and noble bloodline, working to restore his family's name. James Wainwright is a brilliant engineer and inventor. Together they take on the cases that Scottland Yard cannot or will not handle.
Review:
Inventor and engineer James Wainwright is accused of murder when he stumbles on a dead body on the maiden voyage of the new American airship, the Rio Grande. He is facing an antagonistic interrogation when his sophisticated and detailed oriented partner, Alton Bartleby, steps in to rescue him. They convince the Captain that James is innocent and they offer to locate the real killer.
They have to determine cause of death, opportunity and motive. James and Bartleby set off by examining the corpse and the scene of the crime. They proceed with interviewing passengers and crew. They determine that the brutal murder involved a theft. The ship is using a new propulsion system which is touted as the latest and greatest but apparently the crucial mechanism that keeps the large ship balanced has been removed!
The deceased was a well liked crewmember with no obvious enemies, however the airship owner’s biggest competitor is on board and would love the chance to “sink” the ship. The suspects also include an estranged son and bitter wife. The biggest problem is that unless James can jerry-rig a fix the ship will roll and explode causing damage to the vessel and the city below. James and Bartleby race against time to solve the murder mystery and fix the ship before they all go down in flames.
I really enjoyed the step by step investigation as described by James. This is an inexpensive purchase for an hour of fun listening!
Audio Notes: As with the first book, Wayne Farrell presents the story with perfect British hauteur and aplomb. He handles the American accents well too. I hope there will be more brisk adventures written by Mr. Coorlim and read by Mr. Farrell.
I received this Audible download to provide an honest review for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.
Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes eReaders and More Giveaways in August!
I'm sharing this news in from Sourcebooks:
All
month long, Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes are going a little crazy with
giveaways in honor of her latest Scottish Victorian Romance: ONCE UPON A TARTAN. It officially hits stores next Tuesday,
but we’re getting things started August 1, which will start a
full month of all things tartan and chances to win some great prizes.
THE ONCE UPON A TARTAN eREADER EXTRAVAGANZA!
For the first two weeks of August, Grace Burrowes is giving away one brand new eReader per day! That’s 10 eReaders, 10 Blogs, a different giveaway each day during the work week, August 5-9 and 12-16! Grace is giving away:
· Four Kindle Paperwhite 3Gs
· Four Nook HDs
· One Nook Color
· One iPad
Check the full schedule below to find out where you can enter to win your very own eReader (Open to US and Canada only)!
THE MACGREGOR SERIES PRINT BOOK GIVEAWAYS
Digital Reading not your thing? For the entire MONTH of August, each day (during the work week) a different blog will host a giveaway of print copies of The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan! This
is a great opportunity for a chance to start the series from the
beginning, and win two books (open to US and Canada only). The full
schedule is below!
We are so looking forward to celebrating the release of this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author’s new book—we hope to see you along the way!
The Once Upon a Tartan eReader Extravaganza Schedule
8/5 RTBookReviews.com: Kindle Paperwhite
8/6 All About Romance: Nook HD
8/7 Delighted Reader: Kindle Paperwhite
8/8 Night Owl Reviews: Nook HD
8/9 Book Lovers Inc.: Kindle Paperwhite
Weekend
8/12 Discover a New Love: Nook Color
8/13 Book Savvy Babe: Nook HD
8/14 Jaunty Quills: Kindle Paperwhite
8/15 Fresh Fiction: Nook HD
8/16 Her Grace Notes: iPad
The MacGregor Series Print Book Giveaway Schedule
8/2 RomFan Reviews
weekend
8/5 In the Hammock
weekend
8/12 Joan Swan's Blog
8/13 Cocktails and Books
8/14 Romancing the Book
8/16 Books-n-Kisses
weekend
8/19 Anna's Book Blog
8/20 The Book Girl
8/21 The Reading Café
8/22 Seductive Musings
weekend
8/26 Love Romance Passion
8/28 Thoughts in Progress
8/29 Debbie's Book Bag
8/30 Linus' Blanket
ONCE UPON A TARTAN BY GRACE BURROWES – IN STORES AUGUST 2013
Honor or happiness—he can’t have both.
Tiberius
Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty
Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways--no matter how
handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in
caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.
Tiberius's
haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place
for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester's
fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.
Praise for Once Upon a Tartan:
“Burrowes creates a powerful story replete with heartfelt emotion and rich characterization... An instant keeper.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars, Top Pick of the Month
“Expert
prose, likeable characters, realistic relationships, and believable
complications create a pleasant and satisfying keeper.” —Publishers Weekly
“Warmth,
sensuality, and humor infuse Burrowes’ writing, and fans of Suzanne
Enoch and Sarah MacLean should enjoy this series.” —Booklist
“Grace Burrowes weaves her magic with words... a memorable love story—excellent and exquisite.” — A Long and Short Reviews Best Book
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is the author of the acclaimed Windham Family Series, The MacGregor Trilogy and The Lonely Lords Series. Her debut novel, The Heir (2010), as well as The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012) were both included as Publishers Weekly
Best Books of their respective years, in the romance category. A
practicing attorney specializing in family law, Grace lives in rural
Maryland, where she is working on the final book in the Windham series, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait (October 2013) and third MacGregor story, The MacGregor’s Lady (February 2014), and many more books. Visit her website at www.graceburrowes.com for more information about all of her books, exclusive extras and her lively blog.
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