Book Review and Giveaway: Sisterhood by Deleyna Marr

This is a unique and exciting read.
Sisterhood 
by Deleyna Marr

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Heart Ally Books (June 25, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983513392
• ISBN-13: 978-0983513391

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
This story follows three young women who have extraordinary powers - not quite psychic but enhanced senses. They are known as psionics and knew each other in college where they were able to connect through telepathy. They also knew two young men, Leonard and Kevin, who seemed connected with similar, but not as powerful senses. In college Leonard tortured Lara trying to force the improvement of her sensory skills. Kevin stepped in to protect Lara, destroying Leonard’s senses and creating a bitter enemy. Kevin was growing close to Dana but those who secretly manipulated the girls wanted them separated.

Dana was wooed away by a man whom she believed “got” her and accepted her. It took years of betrayal, infidelity and mental abuse for her to realize that he was not the man she thought he was. Even then she didn’t realize the full extent of his manipulations until she broke free of the drug haze he kept her in and escaped to find her friend Marie.

Marie went to work for the company SciTech which uses her skills to help fight criminal activity. Recently Dana sensed that Marie was in danger so Dana escapes her home and flies to Paris to find Marie. Marie wants to convince Dana to come to work with her at SciTech, under the big boss, Thomas.

Dana is shocked to discover that Kevin is alive as she thought he had died. The more she learns of the manipulations that directed her live since college the more betrayal and anger she experiences. Dana and Marie face danger as someone seeks to kidnap them to experiment further with their powers. Although Kevin swore he would never work for SciTech again he is committed to protecting the girls. That includes trying to rescue Lara from her situation.

Marie, Dana and Kevin are sent on assignment to use their skills to locate pockets of humans held by a slave trafficking ring. The undercover efforts are almost discovered but they still help the authorities to save many lives and round up some of the criminal leaders.

Finally a confrontation brings all three women together as they learn more of their twisted past. As their powers increase they are exposed to a shadowy world of grigori, fallen angels, many of whom are demon-like creatures who relish pain and occasionally a few gentler ones who give comfort.

I really liked the psionic personalities and loved the protective nature of Kevin. It was good to watch Dana recover her strengths after being pushed down by her husband. I found the story premise interesting and enjoyed the action. I also liked the efforts against the sex trafficking which I find to be an important and timely subject. Unfortunately, the story had a little bit of a choppy, disfointed flow for me and I was left with a feeling that some facts were unclear. Still the overall effect was really engaging and I do recommend this to those who like romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

This is another book I received from Heart Ally Books at EPICon 2013 in March.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my autographed 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 October 11, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after October 11, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday September 30, 2013

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 MIA so look for the links at Beauty in the Ruins.
[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 five titles this week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one eBook for review:
Received for blog tour review through BookBlast:

Just Ella

by Annette K. Larson

I received two more Audio books from Audiobook Jukebox for review:



Helper 12

• UNABRIDGED
• by Jack Blaine
• Narrated by Renee Chambliss

and

Audiobook (CDs)
The Time Fetch
by Amy Herrick; read by Luci Christian
Unabridged   7.75 hour(s)
Publication date: 08/27/2013
A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick!

Won

NONE

Purchased

I used the balance of my $5.00 credit at my Audible Subscription to purchase this Daily Deal special for $2.95. 

Brave New World

• UNABRIDGED
• by Aldous Huxley
• Narrated by Michael York

Free

A free book on my Audible Subscription:



We Like You So Much and Want to Know You Better

• UNABRIDGED
• by Dave Eggers
• Narrated by Dion Graham

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? September 30, 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.

My work week was pretty good - busy but not overly stressful. Reading has continued to be very good.  I finished five books and posted only four reviews, one with Giveaway.  I posted an author feature plus Giveaway.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I need to get busy visiting again.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts plus win post:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? September 23, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 9/23/13.

• Book Review with Giveaway: Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hempree, Cozy Mystery, Christian, my rating 4.25. Ends 9/30/13.

• Guest Post by Author Lisa Becker: Online Dating.

• Book Review: Double Click by Lisa Becker, Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. 

• Book Review: Always on My Mind by Jill Salvis, Lucky Harbor Series, Contemporary Romance, my rating 4.25.

• Always on My Mind Feature and Excerpt Plus #Giveaway: Lucky Harbor Backlist. Ends 9/30.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 27, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/5.

• Saturday Snapshot September 28, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Day at See.

• Audio Book Review: Once by Morris Gleitzman, Fiction, children; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #119 Comment Giveaway 9/28/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/6.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 29, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2
    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2
I enjoyed this but it ends 
on a cliffhanger for the final book.
I will post a review this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. Audible

Rising Tides: Destroyermen, Book 5

• UNABRIDGED
• by Taylor Anderson
• Narrated byWilliam Dufris
• • Series: Destroyermen, Book 5

I love this series! I will listen to Book 6 as soon as I finish my audio review titles. :-)
Publisher's Summary
Stuck in an alternate universe during World War II, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy of the U.S.S. Walker has found an unlikely but invaluable ally in Commodore Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy. And now they are united in their desire to hunt down the traitor who abducted two women both men would die to protect: Reddy's love, nurse Sandra Tucker, and young Princess Rebecca of the New British Empire. But first they have a new battle to win.

However, this battle will not be fought with broadsides and broadswords, but with cunning and intrigue. For when Reddy and Jenks report the situation to the New Britain Company, they are met with scorn and disbelief. It soon becomes obvious that the ruthless Company is attempting to overthrow the Imperial Throne - and that someone involved knows where Sandra and Rebecca are. From the halls of power to the ballrooms of the nobility, Reddy must navigate through a tempest of politics, deception, and betrayal if he is ever going to save the hostages and live to fight another day.
©2010 Taylor Anderson (P)2011 Tantor

3. Print

My Lady Quicksilver
by Bev McMaster
 TI really liked this one!
I will post review
with ARC Giveaway this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

4. 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.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

5. Audio/MP3

Helper12

• UNABRIDGED
• by Jack Blaine
• Narrated by Renee Chambliss

This is another dystopia 
I selected through AudioBook Jukebox.
I will post a review this week.
Publisher's Summary
Helper12 works as a Baby Helper in Pre Ward, the place where babies spend their first six months of life before they're tracked for vocations and sent to training. She does her job well, and she stays out of trouble. But one day, the Sloanes, Society members who enjoy all the privileges of their station - family unit clearance, a private dwelling, access to good food and good schools - come to "adopt" one of the Pre Ward babies. The Director makes a deal and the Sloanes walk out with a brand new child.

They also walk out owning Helper12 - the Director sells her to them, and there's nothing she can do but go. At the Sloanes, Helper12 enters a world where people should be able to enjoy life - with high position and riches come the opportunity for individual freedom, even the chance to love - but that's not what she finds. The Sloanes are keeping secrets. So is their biological son, Thomas.

Helper12 has some secrets of her own; she's drawing, which is a violation, since Baby Helpers aren't tracked for Art. And she's growing to love the child she was bought to care for - at the same time that Ms. Sloane is becoming disenchanted with her impulse baby buy.

When all your choices are made for you, how do you make some for yourself? Helper12 is about to find out.
©2011 Jack Blaine (P)2013 Jack Blaine

Line Edits/Releases:
Caught up on new releases. Back to working on print and Smashwords releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: The Wonk Decelerator by John Joseph Doody. A fun adventure, new release!

Currently reading:
1. Print

These Boots Weren't Made for Walking
by Melody Carlson
This has started fun.
Reading for Ladies Book Club 10/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 19, 2009
Willing to make the necessary sacrifices–even skipping the occasional latte–to ensure career success, 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell “invests” in a chic pair of boots, certain they’ll make a spectacular impression and help seal the deal on a long-anticipated promotion from her Seattle employer.

But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated–and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a “friend.” Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled–only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride?

This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.

2. Audio

The Chronology Protection Case
by Paul Levinson
I am just starting this short audio.
Reviewing for Author through AudioBook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
The radio play of "The Chronology Protection Case" was adapted by Mark Shanahan with Paul Levinson, based on the novelette by Paul Levinson which first appeared in the pages of Analog magazine in September 1995. The script of the radio adaptation was nominated for a prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award as "Best Play of 2003" by the Mystery Writers of America.

The radio play was initially performed live before a studio audience at the Museum of TV & Radio in September of 2002. It was subsequently recorded at CDM Studios in New York City in 2003, featuring a cast of nine actors, with an original sound design and score. The CDM recording was produced by Charles de Montebello and Mark Shanahan.

"The Chronology Protection Case" radio play, a science fiction murder mystery, features Shanahan in the role of Dr. Phil D'Amato, the forensic detective who appears in Levinson's acclaimed novels, The Silk Code, The Consciousness Plague, and The Pixel Eye. When D'Amato is approached by the distraught wife of a missing scientist whose work is embroiled in secrecy, he is plunged into an adventure with a terrifying and powerful force of nature at the heart of a series of mysterious deaths.
©1995 Paul Levinson; (P)2005 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

3. Audio

The Time Fetch 
by Amy Herrick
I will start this before the end of the week.
Reviewing for Highbridge Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.
Product Description
Under normal circumstances, a Time Fetch sends out its foragers to collect only those moments that will never be missed or regretted. It then rests, waiting to be called back by the Keeper, who distributes the gathered time where it is needed in our world and others. When eighth grader Edward innocently mistakes a sleeping Fetch for an ordinary rock, he wakes its foragers too early, and they begin to multiply and gobble up too much time. Soon the bell rings to end class just as it’s begun. Buses race down streets, too far behind schedule to stop for passengers. Buildings and sidewalks begin to disappear as the whole fabric of the universe starts to unravel.

To try to stop the time foragers he has unleashed, Edward must depend on the help of his classmates Feenix, Danton, and Brigit—whether he likes it or not. They all have touched the Fetch, and it has drawn them together in a strange and thrilling adventure where the boundaries between worlds and dimensions are blurred, and places and creatures on the other side are much like the ones they’ve always known—but slightly twisted, a little darker, and much more dangerous.

A fast-paced tale of mythology, danger, friendship, and a shocking centuries-old secret, The Time Fetch is a magical adventure that reveals the extraordinary hiding just inside the ordinary.

4. eBook - undecided!

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.  I am still working on new print formatting this week.

I enjoyed a more loose review schedule in September and may want to do that again soon. :-)
I currently have eight titles read that need reviews posted so I hope to do at least five this week.

October Scheduled
10/2 - 5 Book Blast Post: Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen
10/3 Author Tour Review: Hallowed Eve by Suza Kates
10/8 - 14 Book Blast Post: A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure
10/12 Women’s Book Club: These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking by Melody Carson (reading)
10/14  BookBlast Tour Review: Lord Trowbridge’s Angel by G.G. Vandagriff
10/18  BookBlast Tour Review: Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen
[Date to be set: 10/24 to 11/8 BookBlast Tour Review:  Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure]


Sourcebooks
     Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrows
     The Christmas He Loved Her by Julia Stone


NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox 
     The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson (listening)
     The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick

Authors - I have several requests to consider.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 29, 2013

Our sermon this morning was given by our Youth Pastor. He opened by reminding us how Superman came to Earth as a child, not knowing his history or his destiny. As he was growing up he experienced years of trauma trying to figure out his powers, never getting the girl because of complications, and learning to do good. Next Pastor directs us to David who was a man after God’s own heart and a boy who had a great destiny.  The message was entitled “A Season of Shadows.”

David experienced THE CALLING to his position as a youth when he was anointed by Samuel. 1 Samuel 16:13. But calling is only the beginning; David wasn’t prepared yet to become King. In 1 Samuel chapter 17 David faces Goliath and the Philistines. Then in chapter 18 he becomes a great warrior, celebrated by the people. Then troubles begin as Saul attacks in chapter 19. David is led into his Season of Shadows while he becomes a fugitive running from the enemy. (See Psalm 142: 1-3.)  During a season of shadow we are confused and experience emotional and sometimes physical pain. We don’t understand God’s plan and we question our faith.

To compare to today – we have no GPS to help direct us. We don’t see the bigger picture and we must rely and trust God to take us where He wants us. We need to learn that God knows the outcome as we go through our times of testing. David learned to wait for God’s direction. It was 20 or so years before THE FULFILLMENT when David was finally anointed as King. 2 Samuel 2:1.

We are each created with a special spiritual purpose and destiny. We will all have times of trouble, trauma and crisis – our Season of Shadows. Will we learn to trust God to guide and use us as He plans?

As I was choosing a different song I saw this title. This is perfect for this message!

When God Has Another Plan.

Verses for Today:
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Interestingly there was a message in tongues uttered near the beginning of the sermon. The interpretation was: “God is taking you where He wants you to be. Do not fear.” How fitting! Thank you, Lord.

Sharing Beyond Books #119 Comment Giveaway 9/28/13

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

I can't believe that it will be October this week! Wow - the year has run quickly.

The larger number of commenters prefer milk chocolate - 12. But 6 people like ALL chocolate and 7 prefer dark. No one chose while chocolate as first preference.

The greater majority do like to read series in a row - 16!  Only 4 prefer time in between and 5 like mixed - depends on the series or the length.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #118 comments is: #7 Llehn 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 #119

Q1. Abby (Nikki) asks:  Are you a book wrapper (wraps books in plastic) or just a leave-them-as-they-are person??

A: I do not use any covers for print books. However, my MP3 has a little rubbery cover to protect from scratches and I keep my old Kindle in a cover while in my purse or briefcase.

Image found at MirandaMade.

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Do you like and/or will you ride roller coasters??

A: There was a time when I would get nauseous on roller coasters so I would not ride. But when our kids were younger we often vacationed where we could spend a day at parks like Ghost Mountain (Maggie Valley NC), Disney Magic Kingdom (Orlando, FL), Universal Studios (Orlando), Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL), Carowinds (NC/SC line) and Six Flags (GA).

I finally learned to enjoy THE HULK with the kids!

Image found at Orlando Attractions.

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.
THIS IS THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND THE Q CONTRIBUTORS WERE: Birgit, MaryP, Margaret and Abby. The Q winner is MARGARET -- Please pick a book or GC. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Abby (Nikki) asks:  Are you a book wrapper (wraps books in plastic) or just a leave-them-as-they-are person??

Q2.My non-bookish Question: Do you like and/or will you ride roller coasters??

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, October 4, 2013 at 10 PM central.