It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 16, 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 busy work week with some traveling for court proceedings.  Reading was very good with the traveling and then being home sick over the weekend.  I finished five books and posted three reviews, one with Giveaway. I also posted a Kindle Giveaway.  
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I didn't get any visiting early in the week but I did some visiting this Saturday while home sick.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? September 9, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 9/9/13. 

• September 2013 Kindle Fire Giveaway. 

• Audio Book Review: Distant Thunders: Destroymen, Book 4 by Taylor Anderson, Alternate Universe, Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.

• Audio Book Review: Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe by David Nail Wilson, Mystery, Dark Fairytale; my rating 4.75. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 13, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/19.

• Saturday Snapshot September 14, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Half Moon Cay.

• Sharing Beyond Books #117 Comment Giveaway 9/14/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/20.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 15, 2013.
  

• Book Review and Print Giveaway: Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot, Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. Open US; Ends 9/20.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Monster Hunter International
UNABRIDGED
by Larry Correia
Narrated by Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 1
This was fun listening.

I'll post a review this week. 
 Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Double Click
by Lisa Becker
This is an easy, enjoyable romance.
I will post a review later this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Color Me Bad: A Novella
by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall
This was a quick fun introduction to characters.
I'll post a review later in the week.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
An original short story by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala links to her full-length contemporary women's fiction novel, The Curl Up and Dye.
The novella centers around the four women who run the Curl Up and Dye hair salon and their relationships with the quirky customers of small-town Blessings, Georgia. Their meddlesome efforts at match-making run awry, but there's always another makeover just around the corner.

4. Audible

First Grave on the Right: Charley Davidson, Book 1
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 1
This is sassy and full of action and sensual relationship. I read this from my own Audible library. I'll post a review soon.
Publisher's Summary
A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light”. But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice.
Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life... and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
This is a thrilling debut novel from an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense. The audio includes a sneak peak of Second Grave on the Left.
Keep chilled: spend some more time with Charley Davidson.
©2010 Darynda Jones (P)2010 Macmillan Audio

5. Print

Convict Dad 
by P. Ryan Hembree
It took me a bit to get going but once I got going it was quick reading and I liked it.
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:
We have a new eBook release this week - I'll put the link up next week.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: The Once and Future Now by Jim Gilbert
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Pages: 316

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Second Grave on the Left: Charley Davidson, Book 2
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 2
The first story was such fun I got the second one to listen to. :-)
Publisher's Summary
Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans.
When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously?
Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious listen of the summer: Second Grave on the Left.
©2011 Darynda Jones (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

2. eBook/Kindle

Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology 
Katie French (Author), S.K. Falls (Author), Zoe Cannon (Author), A.G. Henley (Author), Kate Avery Ellison (Author), Megan Thomason (Author)
I am participating in a BookBlast Giveaway 
which I will post by 9/18.
I decided to read the stories since I like this genre.
I am halfway through and like the different views.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 2, 2013
An anthology that explores what humans are made of when society falls to its knees. Darkest Worlds includes six original novellas by award-winning authors and best sellers of Young Adult and New Adult Dystopia
All proceeds go to Girls Write Now, a charity that promotes literacy of inner-city girls.
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French.
MOON by S.K. Falls.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon.
The Keeper by A.G. Henley.
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison.
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason.

3. Print

Sisterhood 
by Deleyna Marr
This is another book received at EPICon 2013 in March. I will post a review and giveaway - probably next week.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 30, 2012
A single gunshot shattered Dana's perfect life. Now she's starting over with a new life, new rules and an old flame to chase all her demons away. But Dana’s demons have other ideas. They want her—and her sisters—at any cost.

Fans of Dean Koontz will delight in Deleyna Marr’s first novel which takes the reader on an around the world adventure filled with industrial espionage, human trafficking and three very powerful sisters.

Marie works for SciTech, an international mega corporation that battles terrorists and industrial espionage. She loves the risk and adventure, the private jet, and the whirlwind her life has become. At least she did, until someone decides the world would be much better off without her.

Lara hides behind a smoke screen of witchcraft to disguise the strength of her enhanced psychic abilities. Working with the man who once tortured her to develop those abilities, she is developing the next generation of psionics, and keeping a close eye on her sisters.

Dana lives a seemingly quiet life, protected from outside stress, until an assassination attempt on Marie triggers her dormant psionic abilities. Now she'll have to escape her marriage and find her sisters in order to unravel the mystery of the corporation that claims to own them.

Kevin has finally escaped SciTech’s control and there is nothing that would make him return to that nightmare. Nothing except his love for the woman who was created to be his soul mate.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: Still working. Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still working on new print formatting this week.

I'm enjoying adding books as I go this month! :-)
September Scheduled (so far)
9/13-18 Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology Book Blast Giveaway Hop
9/17/13 The Funny Adventures of Little Nani by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa; Pump Up Your Book Tour
9/26/13 Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel) by Jill Shalvis Review and Tour Giveaway Link

Sourcebooks
  My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster (ARC) (Late September)

Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox
     Waiting for new selections.

Author Books received at March EPICon
      Sisterhood by Deleyna Marr

From TBR Collection - Monster Hunter, Incorporated (listening)
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Book Review and Print Giveaway: Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot

This is a warm and rich story that addresses some difficult issues in a lovely way.

Scattered Petals (Texas Dreams Book #2): A Novel

by Amanda Cabot

• File Size: 575 KB
• Print Length: 385 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800733258
• Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00B5J4PTC

Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents' lives also destroyed her hope for the future.

Ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows what the future holds for him, and it's not a woman like Priscilla. She deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes. The best thing he can do is leave her alone.

When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life that, like the scattered petals of her childhood, is filled with promise. But then the past intrudes, threatening their very existence.

Review:
Priscilla Morton always longed for adventure so she is thrilled to have talked her parents into traveling from Boston to Texas for the wedding of her former brother-in-law, Clay. Unfortunately bandits attack the stage coach, killing her parents. Although her life is spared when she is rescued by a passing Ranger, the physical and mental damage has already occurred that causes her to believe her future is ruined. She may never be able to be close to a man and have the family she once dreamed of.

Zachary Webster is a hard working foreman overseeing two ranches for Clay. He is immediately smitten by Priscilla but realizes that she is scared at the mere sight of him. Besides, he knows he has sins from his own past that make him unworthy of such a lovely woman.

Circumstances bring Zach to propose a marriage of convenience which Priscilla reluctantly accepts. Although their marriage is not one in truth, they soon find comfort in the daily presence of each other. But another tragedy threatens to pull them apart. Priscilla thinks that Zach doesn’t really want her, especially since she has not been able to overcome her fear of men. Zach continues to think he is unworthy of her because of his past misdeeds. He also thinks that perhaps Priscilla has feelings for the handsome Ranger who continues to deliver reports in person on the success, or lack thereof, in finding the outlaws.

While Priscilla and Zach face their personal demons the town is facing a widening gulf of prejudice. Isabelle, from a French family. and Gunther, a German widower, have fallen for each other.  Isabelle’s family and the other townfolk are against any mixing of the two countries. Priscilla and Zach reach beyond their own problems to try to find a solution for Isabelle and Gunther.

There is more going on too as the son of the town’s founder escapes from his work program and begins a journey of evil and revenge back to Ladreville. There is plenty of movement and conflict in the story to keep the reader interested. It had me wondering about how prejudices regarding different cultures and unwed mothers have changed over the years. I also had to wonder about the evil nature of some people.

The reading is easy and God’s messages are shared in a very nature and gentle fashion. As in “Paper Roses”, the first book, I loved the meaning of ‘Scattered Petals.’  Our Book Club members all enjoyed the book and I recommend it to those who like historical romance.

This book was read for my church Book Club.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a Print Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

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

* This contest is open to those with US address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 20, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 21, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 15, 2013

I am home sick today. My DH was kind and sweet to share his flu/cold bug with me. I know how important it is to get plenty of rest when fighting off infection. I had short nights twice this week because of having to be up early to drive to court. So my immune system was weakened and my body got the bug.

I believe God's word that we should rest. He set the example by resting after creation. Genesis 2:2. Our bodies need rest from the stresses of the week. Keep that in the mind whenever you begin to get overworked or stressed. Remember that we need to give our bodies proper rest!

A cold bug is minimal to the deceases that some face...but we all have the same healing available from the great Creator and Healer.

I like this gentle song that reminds us that God is our Healer

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 30:2 (NIV)
Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

I give thanks that God directs us to rest and gives us healing in His Wisdom and through His Grace.

Sharing Beyond Books #117 Comment Giveaway 9/14/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

I hope everyone had a good week as the weather starts to change. :-) I was busy with some travel to court hearings this week - good listening time. Today I have been slogging along, home bound with a yucky flu/cold that my DH was so sweet to share with me. :-(

Five people always finish. At least eight of us "rarely" do not finish. Everyone tries to give the books a chance through 50 pages or a couple of chapters and some will try more than once to get through.

Only five of 25 have attended a rally, most in college but at least one, Fredamans, for a traffic safety issue. Mary P says she could see attending one on an issue of importance. Two people have written letters or signed petitions.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #116 comments is: #5 Carol NW 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 (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #117

Q1. Mary P asks: Do you still borrow books from a library? and Liss asks: How many books do you get from the library when you visit??

A: Sad to say I have not been to the library for several years. I have enough books on my TBR shelves, my Kindle and my Audible library to last a long time.

Trinity College Library, Dublin - Image found at The Zooom.

Q2. My non-bookish Question: Have you ever visited jail other than on tour??

A: I didn't want to put anyone on the spot by asking "have you ever been in jail?" :-) I have visited jail several times even though I never did criminal law. I worked on an Appeals project for a few years and would visit inmates at a women's prison.  Also I have visited jail a few times when our choir has gone in for special performances. Getting through those double doors can be rather alarming.

Image found at Tolerance for Ambiguity.

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 are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mary P asks: Do you still borrow books from a library? and Liss asks: How many books do you get from the library when you visit??

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Have you ever visited jail other than on tour??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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, September 20, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot September 14, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Half Moon Cay

The stop on Day 3 was a Half Moon Cay.

The ship anchored off its own little island where they off load for a bar-b-que on the beach. They have lots of beaches and sports activities including horseback riding, snorkeling and swimming with sting rays. I swam with sting rays many years ago when my kids were early teens. :-)

The weather was slightly overcast. 

These are pictures (taken from our window)  
of the tender returning from the island to the ship.

(You can see here that the tender is pretty empty.)

These aren't real exciting but you get a feel for the weather.
We had a relaxing day on the boat with many people gone. :-)

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. Hopefully I will get to visit back this week!

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.