It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 14, 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.

Work continues busy for all three businesses. Reading is good but not as much this week.  I finished three books and posted five reviews which is good.  I was surprised that four of my reviews were audible.  I posted one book Giveaway and one Tour Feature Giveaway.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did a some visiting last week which I enjoyed.  I hope to do more 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? October 7, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 10/7/13.

• Audible Book Review: Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island by Anthony E. Zuiker, Mystery; my rating 4.0. 

• Audible Book Review: Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2 by Kassy Tayler, Ya Dystopia; my rating 4.25. 

• BookBlast Blog Tour Feature with Giveaway: Bargained For Bride. Ends 11/8.

• Audible Book Review: Helper 12 by Jack Blaine, Dystopia, YA; my rating 3.5. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 11, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/17.

• Saturday Snapshot October 12, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Nightly Visits.

• Audible Book Review: Rising Tides: Destroyerman, Book 5 by Taylor Anderson, Alternate History, Fantasy; my rating 5.0. 

• Book Review with Giveaway: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking by Melody Carlson, Christian Chick Lit, my rating 3.5. Open US and Canada; Ends 10/18/13.

• Sharing Beyond Books #121 Comment Giveaway 10/12/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/18.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 13, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Firestorm: Destroyermen, Book 6
    UNABRIDGED
    by Taylor Anderson
    Narrated by William Dufris
        Series: Destroyermen, Book 6
Another good installment in this series!
This is from my Audible Library.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

The Chronology Protection Case
by Paul Levinson
Quick time travel paradox tale!
I'll be posting a review soon for the Author through AudioBook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Just Ella
by Annette K. Larsen
This is a sweet historical.
My review will post on 10/18
as part of BookBlast Blog Tour.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
We have two print books releasing this week. Continuing to work on more print and Smashwords releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Coming Home by Joy Brooks; part of Anthology set: Spring Historicals - Sweethearts in Bloom.

Currently reading:
1. Print

The Christmas He Loved Her (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake)
by Juliana Stone
This is an emotional romance; I am 2/3rds through.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks, to post with ARC giveaway.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook

Bargained-For Bride
by Marcia Lynn McClure
This will be my first book by this author.
Reviewing as part of BookBlast Tour for posting 10/24.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Excerpt:
“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.

Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.

Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.

Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part.

Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did.

3. Audible

A Reason to Live: A Marty Singer Mystery, Book 1
    UNABRIDGED
    by Matthew Iden
    Narrated by Lloyd Sherr
I like how this has started - I am engaged in the mystery. 
Listening for review at request of the author.
Publisher's Summary
In the late 90s, a bad cop killed a good woman and DC Homicide Detective Marty Singer got to watch as the murderer walked out of the courtroom a free man. Twelve years later, the victim's daughter comes to Marty begging for help: the killer is stalking her now. There's just one problem: Marty's retired...and he's retired because he's battling cancer. But with a second shot at the killer - and a first chance at redemption - Marty's just found…a reason to live.

©2012 Matthew Iden (P)2013 Matthew Iden

4. eBook/Kindle

No Escape (Texas Rangers)
Mary Burton
This sounds really good.
Review, author Interview and Giveaway to post 10/29.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
He Was Taught How To Kill
Even behind bars, serial killer Harvey Day Smith exudes menace. Psychologist Jolene Granger has agreed to hear his dying confession, vowing not to let the monster inside her head. And Harvey has secrets to share—about bodies that were never found, and about the apprentice who is continuing his grisly work…

And Now He’ll Teach Them
He buries his victims alive the way his mentor Harvey did, relishing their final screams as the earth rains down. And as one last gift to the only father he knew, he’ll make the most perfect kill of all.

How To Die
Everything about this investigation is unnerving Jo, from Harvey’s fascination with her to the fact that she’s working alongside Texas Ranger Brody Winchester, her ex-husband. Harvey’s protégé is growing bolder and more vicious every day. And soon the trail of shallow graves will lead them to the last place Jo expected, and to the most terrifying truth of all…

Praise for Mary Burton’s The Seventh Victim
“Dark and disturbing, a well-written tale of obsession and murder.” —Kat Martin
“Burton delivers action-packed tension.” —Publishers Weekly

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: I am working on poetry formatting this week.

I am enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-)
I now have seven titles ready for reviews so I hope to continue with at least five a week which I have tentatively calendared for each day.

October Scheduled
10/14  BookBlast Tour Review: Lord Trowbridge’s Angel by G.G. Vandagriff
10/18  BookBlast Tour Review: Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen
10/24  BookBlast Tour Review: Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (reading)
10/29  Review with Author Interview and Giveaway: No Escape by Mary Burton (Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting) (reading)

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

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox 
   More to come

Authors - I have several requests to consider.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: When Night Falls - read. 

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 13, 2013

This morning we celebrated 90 years of our existence as a local church and congregation.
The program was a wonderful walk through history as they summarized happenings in America and worldwide for. The presentation started in the Roaring 20s, through the Great Depression of the 30s, the war years of the 40s, the Happy Days of the 50s, the unrest of the 60s, the turbulence of the 70s and then the ‘don’t worry’ attitude of the 80s. [We assume that they ran out of time to do the most current decades.]

A Deacon/narrator shared how a few couples began meeting for prayer in 1923 and set up a group that grew into our church. He shared pictures of pastors and congregations as the church family bought land, built sanctuaries, and developed in-house and outreach ministries. We also shared praise choruses from the 50s through the 80s. Even the older songs were thoroughly enjoyed.

The final summary was that the current congregation is here because of the prayers and efforts of the faithful that came before. The next question is: will there be those in the future celebrating the church and giving thanks for our faithful prayers and dedication to furthering God’s kingdom? Are we each using our God given talents and doing our share?

This is a song that our children sang as evidence of what was

taught many of us in VBS (Vacation Bible School) over the years.

I couldn't find one with image of children but this is the voice of children sharing wonderful words!

A Verse for Today:

Hebrews 12:1  (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

I give thanks for those who came before and built a church family where my DH and I found a home. I pray that I remain faithful and use my talents to share as God directs.

Sharing Beyond Books #121 Coment Giveaway October 12, 2013

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

Hey everyone!  I hope fall is going well for everyone so far -- or spring for those Down Under!

Ten of us go to the clearance or bargain table in the bookstore first. Four go to New Releases, two to special display tables, two to Magna and then there are various special interests or simply browsers. 

There were two who refused to choose between Doctor or Dentists and a couple others who said neither but if they had to choose... The results are 15 chose Doctor over 4 for Dentist.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #120 comments is: #22 Nikki (I think you've had a winning week!) 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 #121

Q1. ElizabethL asks: What is your favorite autumn tradition??

A: I think Thanksgiving is included in autumn, so that is my favorite autumn 'tradition.' I love giving thanks!

Isn't this a gorgeous shot?

Image found at Pinterest on Celebrating Autumn by Jenna Lynn Farella.

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Which are you? Multi-tasker or single tasker??

A: I definitely qualify as a multi-tasker. It is hard for me to do only one thing especially when not at work. At work I have to focus on one project or case at a time although there are interruptions and I cover several projects a day. Even in Court I am following my notes but also assessing witnesses and the judge's reaction. I don't do jury trials and if I did I would want a team, not do it by myself. At home - I work on the computer while watching TV; I listen to audios while doing chores, even while putting on make-up etc. 

 Image found at Leslie Linevsky on e-marketing.

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. ElizabethL asks: What is your favorite autumn tradition??

Q2.My non-bookish Question: Which are you? Multi-tasker or single tasker??

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 18, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking by Melody Carlson

This is a light bit of fluff -- easy reading but not really stirring or inspiring.
These Boots Weren't Made for Walking
by Melody Carlson

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; First Edition edition (June 19, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 1400073138
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073139

Genre: Christian Chick Lit
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 (See more positive reviews at Amazon link.)

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.

Review:
As one of the ladies in my book club declared: “Cassie is a mess!” She just spent hundreds of dollars on a pair of Valentino boots which look stunning, but are sorely lacking in comfort. She winces off to work where she anticipates a promotion only to be told that her entire division is being cut. To add to that injury, her fiancé belatedly shows up to announce that ‘we’re just not making it’ and leaves Cassie stunned to learn he is dating someone they met in their church singles group.

Cassie falls into a depression, locked in her apartment and overeating to combat her sadness. As she drifts in this morass funk, she learns that someone, her neighbor ‘friend’ she thinks, has stolen her brand new, unsigned credit card, and maxed it out. When she barges next door to challenge the girl, she discovers that Monica has abandoned the apartment to her live-in, dead-beat boyfriend, Will.

Since misery loves company Cassie and Will strike up an unlikely friendship. Cassie is surprised to learn that Will is actually a great chef and he decides to clean up his act and get a job. When job searching is unsuccessful for Cassie she decides to move back to her resort community home until she can get her feet back under her. She figures that she can comfort her mother who has had to deal with rejection the past year when Cassie’s father left her for a younger woman.

Cassie arrives home, still struggling with her weight gain and scrambled life, only to discover her mother has made herself over into a svelte, toned woman. Cassie doesn’t want to think of her mom as a ‘cougar’ but she totally resents her mother for getting her life together and ‘hanging out’ with a man that Cassie went to high school with.

Cassie continues to flounder while some old friends urge her to get back to church. Another friend encourages her to find a job that suits her passion. Will Cassie find a suitable job and, now that she is looking for a new marriage mate, will she find the right guy?

There are some funny moments in the book – our favorite being Cassie in a bear costume tumbling down the ski slope - ouch! There are a few spot-on tidbits of inspiration – like finding a job that suits your passion. And there is the message that we have to get to a point where we let go trying to fix things and allow God to work things out. Unfortunately, the good messages are buried in a mess of poor self image, depression, obsessive behaviors (overeating) and misplaced priorities (shopping for new clothes to look and feel better). Most of my ladies book club members felt this book was a mix of fluff and soap opera and mostly not our cup of tea.

However, now that I am writing the review, I see that these negative behaviors served the purpose of showing the mess Cassie was in and showing the only way out was to stop focusing on those negatives and allow God to work with the positives. Maybe are group just had a hard time relating to the depression that Cassie experienced so it overshadowed the “sassy and hilarious” parts of the story.

Although we weren’t going to purposefully choose another book by Ms. Carlson it turns out that our December read, which I purchased for the group over a year ago, is also by Ms. Carlson. So we will be giving her a second chance to inspire us and show why she was recently honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.

We picked this up to read for Ladies Book Club.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my and another gently read copy:   TWO COPIES - TWO WINNERS.

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 or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on or after October 19, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Rising Tides: Destroyermen, Book 5 by Taylor Anderson

I love this exciting series that is full of real characters, great story lines and enhanced by wonderful narration.

Rising Tides: Destroyermen, Book 5

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

    LENGTH    17 hrs and 32 mins
RELEASE DATE    02-01-11
 PUBLISHER    Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate World Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

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

Review:
This is a great addition to this series in which American and Japanese ships from WWII have gone through a warp to a parallel world filled with strange creatures and a cannibalistic enemy, the Grik.  I like facing the adventures in this strange world with these wonderful, quirky characters. The story had me laughing out loud when the Americans were introduced to the British Governor. At another part I was near tears as struggles to complete a mission turned to tragedy.

There is interesting detail of munitions, replacing supplies of weapons and transport, ships and aircraft, as well as battle strategy that I find fascinating. There is also plenty of action to keep the listener interested.  Taylor does a great job of making the characters full and real. One or two of the events are in the nature of miracles, but, hey - I believe in miracles! And not all of it has happy endings as this is full of war and struggling in hostile environments.

Audio Notes: Dufris does a fabulous job building on the real characters by giving them believable accents full of nuances and emotion. His narration is remarkable and definitely enhances the reading enjoyment for me. I am excited to listen/read on to book 6!

This is a summary of the action lines followed in this book 5:

• Captain Matthew Reddy, Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces, is back on the restored destroyerman, Walker, and is chasing after the half of dozen of his people who were kidnapped.  Walker follows his new friend, Commander Jenks, to the New Britain Empire Respite Island in the Philippines. There the Americans and New Britain leaders come under attack by the Holy Dominion.

•  General Pete Aldrich is pursuing the ongoing Navy war. He is leading a group of marines, including Lemurians, against the Grik on ‘Rangoon.’  His troops are getting some very helpful support from the newly built airplanes known as the “Nancys.”

•  Those kidnapped, including Matt’s not-so- secret love, Sandra, New Britain child Princess Rebecca, her friend, Lawrence and crazy sailor, Silva, as well as a few others, have escaped in life boats. Now they are trying to survive on dangerous Yap island. They have to find a way to get their small boat to the other side of the island  as the vicious chic-sac begin to swarm for their egg laying season. Along the way to get back to civilization they pick up a crazy talking bird.  “Eat?” he shrieks!

• Ensign Irwin Laumur is with a group at Talud Island trying to salvage a S19 submarine, while  the island volcano rumbles and threatens to blow. They ultimately have no choice but to take refuge in the previously abandoned sub. They scramble away when the eruption occurs only to be plunged under the resulting waves.

• Lieutenant Commander Russ Chapelle is directing the efforts at Chill-chaap trying to salvage a large freighter, the Santa Catalina, with it’s precious cargo of military equipment. They must face giant gecko-gators which turn out to be surprisingly social and responsive.

This download is from my own Audible Library. I have Book 6, Firestorm, ready next!