Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
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GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Book Review: Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

This is an easy reading, engaging, cozy mystery.
by P. Ryan Hembree

  • Paperback: 234 pages
  • Publisher: Heart Ally Books (February 7, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985374055
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985374051
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description:
As a child, Fae Kardell stands helpless while police handcuff her father and drag him away to a police car. A jury later convicts him of murdering two young girls. Fae knows he's innocent. From behind prison walls, Royce Kardell finds a way to cope with his incarceration and maintain an active role in his family. Fifteen years later when Fae returns to her hometown to close the family home after her mother's death, she hears a deathbed confession which proves her father's innocence. As the real killer lurks nearby, details of the girls' deaths surface, but is it enough to justify her dad's release from prison? If she pushes for a new trial and she succeeds, her father could be freed-or-if she fails, he could get the death penalty.


Review:
As a child Fae was sent to live with her Aunt when her father was convicted of murdering two teenage girls. Fae’s father always claimed that he had been framed. His wife and daughter believed him but the stigma of conviction still shadowed their lives, especially Fae’s as even her cousins taunted her.

Fifteen years later Fae has returned upon the death of her mother to close up her childhood ‘home.’ As she works on the property she discovers that there are friends in town who have supported her mother throughout the years of trauma. Fae is called to visit a patient in a nursing home who confesses that Fae’s father is in fact innocent as she witnessed the murders and the burying of the bodies. But the true killer is a prominent member of the town so Fae has to proceed cautiously.

Fae’s Mother and father found a strong faith with the help of a local pastor and his wife. Pastor Morrow and Trina invite Fae to dinner where she meets their older son, Cliff, who is home for a rare visit.  Fae tells the family about the confession and the true murderer. Cliff, a State Trooper, is able to call in the FBI to dig up the bodies.  Now the hunt is on for evidence to tie the crime to the true murderer.

The murderer realizes that some investigation is going on and sets about, through threats and bribery, to try to keep the interest down or drive it away. Also, he knows he has to get his drunken sluggard of a brother out of town before he says something incriminating.

The author uses a series of children’s books as a tool that kept Fae and her parents connected which I thought was quite clever. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery of the plot as well as the gentle romance between Fae and Cliff. I also appreciated the quiet, determined strength Ms. Hembree portrays through the faith of the characters. There is a message of forgiveness that is nicely shared too.

The writing is light and easy. Although the story started just a little slowly it only took a couple of chapters to pull me in. Then it read very smoothly and quickly. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean language, cozy mystery, sweet romance and evidence of faith in a story.

I received this at EPICon 2013 from the publisher for and honest review.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print Copy:

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 30, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 1, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Mailbox Monday 9/23/13

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
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.
For SEPTEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Yolanda of Notorious Spinks Talks Books.
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I received two audio books for review, purchased one Audible and picked up a few free ebooks. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
I received two Audio books from Audiobook Jukebox for review:



Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2
    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2



and


 
 (Dramatized)
    by Paul Levinson
    Narrated by Mark Shanahan, Full Cast







Won

NONE


Purchased
I had a $5.00 credit with my Audible Subscription so I purchased this Daily Deal special for $2.95. Surprisingly most of the Daily Deal specials are already in my library. :-) This suspense thriller has good ratings.

Suspect | [Robert Crais]

Suspect





Free

I also downloaded a handful or two of free Kindle Titles linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tayInspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? September 23, 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 bumpy week with my flu/cold this week. But reading was still very good.  I finished six books and posted only three reviews so I'll be posting more this week (I hope).  I posted two features, one with Giveaway.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did a little visiting early in the week but will need to catch up again.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts plus win post:
Finished 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
I enjoyed this second book and will get more in the series soon. :-)
Click on Title for full Book Description.



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)
Spotlight, Giveaway and Review linked above.
Click on Title for full Book Description.



3. Print


Sisterhood 
by Deleyna Marr
I enjoyed this paranormal and suspense book received at EPICon 2013 in March. I will post a review and giveaway late this week.

Click on Title for full Book Description.



4. eBook/Kindle


Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel)
by Jill Shalvis
Tour Giveaway Link 9/23/13 through 10/4/13; 
Review to post 9/26/13.
I enjoyed this romance which read quickly.

Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
"Count on Jill Shalvis for a witty, steamy, unputdownable love story." -- Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author of Harvest Moon
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . .
No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?



5. Audible



Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island
    by Anthony E. Zuiker
    Narrated by Gildart Jackson
    Series: Whodunnit?, Book 2

This was a fun, fast listen. I'll post a review soon.
Publisher's Summary
Ten excited co-workers arrive at the beautiful Avondale Resort on a remote island in the middle of the Caribbean, having been told that they are being rewarded for their hard work and productivity. But their relaxing tropical getaway soon turns into a murderous nightmare.

After an extravagant first night dinner, the guests retire to their lavish suites only to be awakened by an ear-splitting bang. They rush to the smoking parlor to find Jordan, the company’s intern, dead - a massive hole in his chest. Giles, the consummate English butler who seems to be in charge, announces that they must solve the crime or be the next victim.

The killer, who has booby-trapped the island and cut off phone and Internet connections, is hiding among them. Is it the HR representative with a penchant for Bloody Marys, the twenty-two-year-old claims processor with the purity ring, or perhaps the head chef of the company cafeteria? The killer plays with their minds, inviting them to explore the beautiful resort, from the infinity pool with the high dive to the white sand beach complete with jet skis and snorkel gear.

Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator and executive producer of the CSI franchise, which includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY. His mystery reality show, Whodunnit?, is his first foray into unscripted television. He lives in Los Angeles with his three children and his wife, Michelle.

Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island is performed by the show's host/butler, accomplished narrator Gildart Jackson.
©2013 Anthony E. Zuiker (P)2013 Audible Inc.



6. Audio/MP3



Once
By Morris Gleitzman
Read by Morris Gleitzman
Published by Bolinda Audio
This was surprising.
I'll post a review later in the week.
I received this from SYNC YA.
Description:
Felix lives in a convent orphanage in Poland. He is convinced his parents are still alive and that they will one day come back to get him. When Nazi soldiers come to the orphanage Felix decides to escape and make his way home.The journey to find his parents is a long and difficult one, as Poland is occupied by the Nazis and a dangerous place for a Jewish boy. Felix manages to live and look after himself and another orphan, Zelda, with the help of a kind dentist, Barney, who is hiding and looking after a number of Jewish children. When the Nazis discover them, Barney makes the ultimate sacrifice for the children – electing to go with them on the train to the death camps, rather than taking the option of freedom offered by a Nazi soldier, one of his grateful patients.



Line Edits/Releases:
New Release:
Valstain, The Pelaguis Game, Book 1 
by R. J. JeromeYou fool. Armageddon is weeks away, right under the Church’s nose, and the Order that is appointed to watch and protect the world doesn't even realize it.
Through The Pelagius Game series, R.J. Jerome introduces the reader to Valstain, the magical realm between Heaven and Earth.
Valstain follows the life of Timothy Anderson as he reveals his haunted past to Father Michael Olshefski, the new headmaster of The Pelagius Order. The Order’s seminary is the training ground of a secret religious society whose job is to find and prepare gifted warriors to fight evil.
But someone on the inside has a different idea. ...
Valstain is a must read for anyone interested in fantasy adventures with plenty of sword fights, vibrant characters, and intricate plot twists.
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Paranormal, Occult
Pages: 425, Novel


Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: TB Posted Wednesday.

Currently reading:
1. Audio



Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2
    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2

I am enjoying Book two of this dystopian adventure.
Reviewing for AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Wren’s world has changed. The thing that she fought for - escaping the dome - has come to fruition, but it’s not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill, and Harry, along with Pace’s mother survive the explosions?

Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offer help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she’s back inside will she be able to escape again?
©2013 Kassy Tayler (P)2013 AudioGO



2. Print



My Lady Quicksilver
by Bev McMaster
 This addition to the series has good conflict
and is reading more quickly than I expected.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
I will post review with ARC Giveaway
the first week of October.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013

"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel
In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fueled London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the streets, and war is brewing...
I Will Come For You...
He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he's indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?

It's his duty to turn her in—she's a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can't forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch...



3. eBook/Kindle


Hallowed Eve
by Suza Kates
I am reading this for review for the author during blog tour of her new release.
This review will post October 3, 2013.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 18, 2010
Something terrible happened in Pine Creek.

Eve Taylor must return home for her grandmother’s funeral but has every intention of making it a short visit. Too many memories live in the small town where she grew up, memories of a Halloween best forgotten.

Trey Rainwater has been waiting for Eve. He knows she’ll be staying for longer than she’d planned and has every intention of making sure she does. He has a promise to keep.

Eve and Trey find themselves thrown into a deadly combination of riddles, murder, and a love that won’t be denied. As the moon hovers in the October sky and Halloween grows closer, Eve must fight her own personal demons while learning to trust the man who protects her.

The past has come back to life, and a killer is stalking the small town of Pine Creek. He’s waiting for his Hallowed Eve.


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've enjoyed adding books as I go this month and I have read everything on my list! :-)

September Scheduled
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 (reading)


Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby- This book is about family 'drama' and not for me. I do not like one of the primary characters and am not interested enough to wade through the mean, selfish attitudes.

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox
     Shadow of Glass by Kassy Tayler (listening)
     The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 22, 2013

Today I wanted to share about an artist that our Sunday School mentioned earlier in the year. There are several interviews and videos regarding Akiane who began painting at age 4 when she had visions from God. She also writes poetry to go with her art and she composes music on piano. She is awesomely talented and blessed.
The video I have set below are images of Akiane's art set to the song "What if God Is One of Us."
I hope you enjoy the wonderful images as well as the song.

A Verse for Today
Joel 2:28 (NIV)
“And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions..."

I give thanks that God shares the beauty of His world through the talents of simple people, even children.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sharing Beyond Books #118 Comment Giveaway 9/21/13

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

Now we are truly into fall and I am enjoying watching leaves drift down.  Of course I'm not the one who has to clean up the yard!
I had a long week fighting the flu and cold. I am feeling better but still not 100% yet.

Our group of commenters are pretty evenly split with 10 who take advantage of libraries and 11 who do not. Several don't use the libraries as they are not in English or have a very limited selection. Others have plenty of books already. :-)

Only five of 22 have visited modern jails for projects or tours. Three others have visited historical jails, including Alcatraz - which is pretty awesome. And Scottsgal likes the show Lock Up. :-)

Thank you to all who shared last week.
~~~~
The Winner from SBB #117 comments is: #2 Sarah M 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 #118

Q1. Margaret asks: Which is better dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate??
A: I love milk chocolate and white chocolate but I am not a big fan of dark chocolate -- too bitter.
Image found at eofdreams.

Q2. My bookish Question: I know we have had a couple of questions about series but I think this one is a little different. When you read a series do you like to read them right in a row (one after another) or do you prefer reading them with a month or two, or more, between??
A: It varies for me as I have several series that I am okay with picking up a book every few months (or longer), including, but not limited to: Eve Dallas, the Woman's Murder Club, Mercy Thompson, Destroyermen and several more.  This question came to mind as I just started a new series, Charley Davidson, and I liked the first book so much I picked up the second right away. Now I am trying to decide if I should use my current two Audible credits for two more Charley Davidson or wait. Right now I am leaning toward waiting... just in case something else catches my attention before the middle of October.:-)
Image found at Quirk Books.

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. Margaret asks: Which is better dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate??

Q2.My bookish Question: I know we have had a couple of questions about series but I think this one is a little different. When you read a series do you like to read them right in a row or do you prefer reading them with a month or two, or more, between??

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 27, 2013 at 10 PM central.

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