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Sunday, June 1, 2014

Mailbox Monday June 2, 2014

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I resisted selecting any new review books again this week but I received one from an author.
I purchased one box set, picked up two free audios form SYNC, and many free ebooks.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

the third and final installment in the Click: Online Love Story series.  
by Lisa Becker 

Won

None

Purchased

None

Free

I downloaded the third week set of SYNC YA Audios: Female Detectives. Available May 29- June 4.  I like both of these authors and am looking forward to these!


Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro



The Murder at the Vicarage
by Agatha Christie



Plus I downloaded another 62 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? June 2, 2014

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.

This week was hectic and stressful but finally the new computer and switch are in and most of the disruptions on my own computer have been smoothed out. 
It was another good reading week with three books finished. I posted two reviews and the usual memes. :-)

I was glad that I visited early in the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Tony Lee Henderson; Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction; my rating 4.0.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Where Dreams Are Born (Angelo's Hearth)
by M.L. Buchman
I really loved this romance.
I will post a review this week.
Received as part of the Romance books from StoryBundle
Click on book title for full description.




2. eBook/Kindle


Simply Irresistible
by Kristine Grayson
This is a fun story with good characters- the nice ones and the evil ones.
I will post a review this week.

Received as part of the Romance books from StoryBundle
Book Description
Publication Date: March 3, 2011
Dexter Grant, the inspiration for the greatest superhero of all time, lives in reduced circumstances. Now he runs a pet store in Portland, Oregon, and privately calls himself a Kitten Superhero because he saves stray animals. He aspires to something greater, but his magic has been restricted—by the Fates.
The Fates, three women who control the magical universe. Only they’ve lost their position, and they’re on the run. They’ve turned to an old friend for help, but that friend is dead. Her niece, Vivian Kineally, runs her estate. Vivian, who doesn’t even know magic exists. Vivian, who loves comic books. Vivian, who also happens to be psychic.
The Fates steer Vivian to Dexter Grant. They want his help. He’s not willing to give it. But now that he’s met Vivian, he’s not willing to give her up either. Dexter Grant must save the Fates—and discover his own fate, all at the same time.
Book One of the Fates Trilogy.



3. Print


The Windflower
by Laura London
There is some wonderful writing in this.
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Click on book title for full description.



eTreasures Publishing New Release:
No new releases this week; working on some.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  Prairie Lily by Georgina Sellwood
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.


Currently reading:
1. Audio


Earth Abides: The 60th Anniversary Edition
by George R. Stewart
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Connie Willis
I am enjoying this Sci Fi Classic which is different than I expected.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Print


The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1
by Gilbert Morris
I have just started this
book which is our Ladies' Book Club read for June 7.
Click on book title for full description.
In the years leading up to the Civil War, widower Daniel Tremayne leaves his wife's Cheyenne family and returns to the Virginia Amish settlement where he grew up. He joins the church and remarries, but his son Yancy has trouble conforming to civilized life and the rules of the church. He continues roaming the woods and hunting. When the war begins, he jumps into the fray, despite the community's pacifism. He is soon a lieutenant under General Stonewall Jackson. When Yancy rescues a Union soldier at Bull Run, he meets the man's sister, Lorena. Will Yancy finally find a home for his heart?



3. eBook/Kindle


The Trouble With Harry
by Katie MacAlister
I picked this up from Sourcebooks on NetGalley. 
It is starting out fun.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Enjoy unforgettable characters and irreverent laughs in the Regency series that launched the career of New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister
You think you've got troubles?
As a spy for the Crown, Lord Harry Rosse faced clever and dangerous adversaries-but it's his five offspring who seem likely to send him to Bedlam. At his wits' end, he's advertised for a wife and found one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on certain points...
Wait till you meet Harry and Plum...
Frederica Pelham, affectionately known as Plum, spent years avoiding the scandals of her past, and is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. And while all kinds of secrets are catching up with them, Plum knows the real trouble with Harry... is that he's stolen her heart.



4. Audio/MP3


The Thirteenth Rose
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 4
by Gail Bowen
I am looking forward to reading #4 in this series.
For his Valentine's night call-in show, host Charlie D plans to offer his listeners two hours on the topic of "satisfaction." His in-studio guest is twenty-five-year-old Misty de Vol Burgh, formerly the highest-paid escort in the city but now happily married to eighty-three-year-old billionaire Henry Burgh. It's all good fun until Charlie receives a chilling message: "It's take-out-the-garbage night. Time to kill all the hookers and wash the streets with blood." When Charlie is directed to a website that allows viewers to watch the murder of a prostitute in real time and promises that another killing will be broadcast live within the hour, the hunt is on. But The World According to Charlie D. has an audience of over a million listeners. The murderer could be anyone, anywhere. Charlie and his team have less than two hours to find and stop the killer.



I will also probably start another ebook but haven't decided which.

I am still up to date on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits: Slight delay as we have staff changes. We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on two non-fiction releases and a print release.

I am carrying books into June. I hope to get to a few of my own TBRs this month. :-) 
I completed three reviews and have three pending for this coming week.

June Scheduled -
6/7 - The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1 by Gilbert Morris
Hoping to add some giveaways this month.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June:
The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlister (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca) (reading)
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie (Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra)
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel (Mulholland Books)

Authors
From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There is now a Devastor Humor Bundle available.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox (I have made two requests, waiting for one and expecting to make a couple of more soon.)
Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 1, 2014

Pastor’s sermon this morning was entitled: The Plans He Has For Us.
The prophet Jeremiah warned the Israelites that they would be punished for abandoning God. Jeremiah went on to tell the people that they needed to accept the judgment and honor God by living where they were placed, not putting their lives on hold. Additionally the Israelites were told to pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon so that God could bless His people even when they were in exile. God always has a plan for us, to prosper us, not to harm us. Jeremiah 29:11.

Pastor extended this message to our church saying that, even though there must be change in the church to grow, we have been placed here for a purpose and we each need to support our church as best we can. Jesus set the example to love the church. Ephesians 5:25-30. If we love our church, as Christ, we should be faithful in attendance, tithing and service. We should look for areas we can help, improve, and serve. Pastor challenged us to spend a half hour to an hour today studying how "church" is described and/or defined in the Bible.

I found this wonderful article that speaks to this message: Church is Not a Show....
I also found this helpful article: 15 Ways to Serve God Through Serving Others.

Here is a song stating a commitment to Serve The Lord, 
and the reasons why.
Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NIV)
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

I trust, Lord, that you do have good plans for me. I pray that you will use me where you plant me, for your purposes. Guide and use me to share you love and message of salvation with others, near and far.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sharing Beyond Books #153 Comment Giveaway May 31, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
It's late...I almost posted that I was taking a break this week as I am tired. Then I decided to push on through. :-)
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Listing the choices of snacks in my spreadsheet did make me hungry but it is too late to eat. I think I liked all the choices but I had to look up Mystica's sweet choice of mysore pak - sounds good. Sarah's entry of cajun nuts reminded me that I bought some cajun notes for our son-in-law who loves all things hot!
~~~~
The Winner from SBB #152 comments is: #14 Natasha 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 #153 (One Question.)

Q1. My question for week 5 and since it is almost summertime: Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Anything surprising??
A: I am not a big beach goer especially since we have a pool (which I did get in last weekend). I do have a couple of beach bags which my daughter uses more than me. Whether I go by the pool or to the beach I will have basics: old shoes, towel, book or kindle (of course) and water to drink. I know I should have sun screen but I only last about 10 - 15 minutes in the sun anyway so I tend to forget the sunscreen. Also, I do not have any sunglasses and I need a new floppy hat. :-)
I just saw a great bag that includes a cooler at the site with this image.
Image found at Grandparents.com

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 
Our four contributors for May were: Mary P, Nikki, Miki and Elizabeth. Random.org chose # 3 so Miki gets a GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. My question for week 5 and since it is almost summertime: Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Anything surprising??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 through Saturday June 7, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Troy Lee Henderson

This is an engaging, fun adventure listen.
Erian's Lair #2
by Troy Lee Henderson
Read By: William Dufris



ISBN: 9781611141023
(The Hill Brothers Trilogy)
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (December 4, 2013)
ebook: File Size: 247 KB
Print Length: 59 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Simon Hill has been away studying for the past two years. When his parents die suddenly, he returns home to find that he and his two young brothers, Darien and Edwin, have been evicted from their farm. Simon convinces his brothers to join him in an effort to find Erian, the daughter of Eathed, an old dragon who once befriended Simon. The three brothers enlist the aid of Deandra leBec, a dragon hunter whose father was killed by a dragon and setoff to find Erian. [A Novella] -–Book 2 of The Hill Brothers Trilogy.


Review:
Simon was a boy who looked beyond the immediate surroundings to wonder what more there was to explore. He curiosty led him to became friends with a dragon in Eathed. He has been studying away from home but returns to discover his parents died of a plague and his younger brothers are about to be evicted. Instead of remaining to slave for the new farm owner, Simon convinces his brothers to join him in a quest for Eathed’s daughter, Erian.

The journey is long but they push on led by Simon’s determination. When they come to the town where Simon planned to hire a famous dragon killer as a guide he learns that the man has been killed by a dragon. The man’s daughter, Deandra, is now intent on hunting the dragon for revenge. Simon tries to convince her that dragons and humans can be friends but she doesn’t want to give up her anger.

The four young people experience adventure and face danger as they travel to the island of the dragon. Simon knows he will have to act quickly to keep the girl and the dragon from killing each other but he believes he will succeed.

This is an engaging tale of tolerance and friendship. I enjoyed the sense of danger and especially enjoyed the surprises the author includes. It is an easy listen that can be enjoyed by young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job of narrating. He is able to infuse the wonder and nature of children into the voices of the characters. This is a fun, quick listen.

I received this book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox

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