It's Monday! What are You Reading? July 14, 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.

I guess every week is busy it seems. I was in the office Saturday to work on publishing tasks.
This week coming is really going to be a doozy with three days of court hearings and hopefully several commercial closings.

Reading and listening was good.  I finished three books and am mid-way+ in two others. I posted three reviews at the end of the week, one with print giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

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

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? July 7, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday July 7, 2014.

• Winners Of Giveaways June 14 through July 5, 2014.

• Book Review: Inn at Last Chance by Hope Ramsey; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 11, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 7/17/14.

• Audible Book Review: Jenning's Diary by Anthony Buckeridge; Juvenile Fiction, Classic; my rating 4.0.  

• Book Review and (Print) Giveaway: Falling to Pieces Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series #1 by Vannetta Chapman; Amish Fiction, Mystery; my rating 4.5.  Open US; ends July 20, 2014.

• Sharing Beyond Books #159 Comment Giveaway 7/12/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 7/19/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 13, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Deadly Shores: Destroyermen, Book 9
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
More great action and imagination.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Take Back the Morning
by Evan Howard
This is an interesting story presenting 
a strong Christian message. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP Player

The Divine Inspiration of the Bible
Author: Arthur W. Pink
Narrator: Ralph Cosham
This is wonderfully edifying and encouraging.
I received this from Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/06/14
Summary
“Deny that the Bible is, without any qualifications, the very word of God, and you are left without any ultimate standard of measurement and without any supreme authority.”—from the book
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. In The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, Arthur Pink sets out to defend the belief that this holy book is, in fact, the true word of God. In doing so he examines the idea of divine inspiration and presents various arguments that aim to prove God Almighty is the author of the Bible.
This book not only examines evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture and what belief in inspiration means but also helps Christians achieve a firmer understanding of the Bible’s authority.
Originally published in 1917

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases are out but we have to link it up at the website.
Two ebooks out for galley proofs.

Currently reading:
1. Print

Every Time I Love You
by Heather Graham
I am about 3/4ths complete in this enjoyable 'double' romance.
Every Time I Love You is the captivating tale of a modern couple and their struggle with ill-fated past lives.

2. eBook/Kindle

Half a King
by Joe Abercrombie
I am mid-way in this very engaging fantasy.
I received this from Del Rey through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 15, 2014
“A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go.”—George R. R. Martin
“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.”

Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.

The deceived will become the deceiver.
Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.

The betrayed will become the betrayer.
Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.

Will the usurped become the usurper?
But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds that his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy.

3. Audio

Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster
Author: Bill Quick
Narrator: Johnny Heller
I have just started this Sci Fi - post apocalyptic.
I received this from Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 04/29/14
Summary
Three terrorist attacks are launched from freighters against the United States. Only one fully succeeds, but in the blink of an eye all of the country west of the Rocky Mountains is transformed into the technological equivalent of the eighteenth century—no electricity, no computers, no electronics of any kind, or any of the amenities of modern life that depend on them. This is the story of ordinary and extraordinary people, high and low, who struggle to survive in a mortally wounded nation, as America’s enemies within and without circle for the kill.
A Latino gangbanger becomes mayor of a devastated Los Angeles; a gay survivalist fights for his life in San Francisco; an ordinary Indiana housewife and her three children struggle to keep their lives together in a crashing economy; a shrimp fisherman in Louisiana watches a mushroom cloud rise over New Orleans; the admiral in charge of the military defense of the nation faces a storm of enemies from every corner of the compass; and the president of the United States and the Speaker of the House of Representatives battle for supremacy as the lives of sixty million Americans hang in the balance.
Lightning Fall tells a story of terror, tragedy, and triumph that you will never forget.
© 2014 by Bill Quick

The next eBook will be Sky Zone A Novel by Creston Mapes (David Cook).

I am a day ahead 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 still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward. It doesn't look to good for getting my own TBRs this month. Ah well.
I completed three reviews and have three new ones so the outstanding number is five. Guess I need to try to get at least four done this week.

June Scheduled -
Planning on an unscheduled giveaway soon.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June/July:
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie (Reading)
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Sky Zone A Novel by Creston Mapes  (David Cook)
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel (Mulholland Books)
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)

Authors:
The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There are several other Bundles available now.
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
The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink (Ready for review)
Lightning Fall by Bill Quick (Listening)
Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3 by Anna Banks

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 13, 2014

Pastor’s message was derived from Romans 16:18-19. [For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.]

Pastor noted that the word “simple” in both sentences has a different but intentional meaning.  The first means that wicked men will deceive the minds of the naive. In verse 19 “innocent to evil” means innocent about evil things. Although we are of the world, we are to be unmixed with things of evil. We are to keep our lives undiluted or unpolluted by evil things.

Jesus sent his disciples out into the world saying: “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Luke 10:3. Do not relax your conscious, or integrity, in commitment to things of God. Be careful how you mix with the world. Don't try to use earthly wisdom to out think God. Be ‘simple’ or pure in minds and goals. Being pure and simple regarding evil is to avoid negative influences, wicked thoughts and  bad attitudes, or evil natures. Chose to do the pure action by examining your motives. Our main goal should be gaining Godliness and ministering to others. Ask not what God can do for you, but ask what you can do for Him.

Oh - I found several wonderful 'light in the darkness' songs!

I chose this one. 

Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Lord, help me to remember this message each day. Help me to focus on You, good things, and how I can serve you each day. 

Sharing Beyond Books #159 Comment Giveaway July 12, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I worked late today and then did a review this evening. Now it is getting late but I want to get this posted.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eight commenters have used Groupon coupons/discounts. Seven have not used Groupon and three do not have it in their country. Scottsgal mentioned that she has used them for vacation and I will have to check that out.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #158 comments is: #1 SarahM 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 #159 (One Question.)

Q1. Mary P asks: How old were you when you first flew??

A: I remember traveling for vacation by car and train when I was young. I cannot remember if I flew when I was in my teens. We did a lot of boating and I can't recall if we ever flew to or from the islands. The first major flight I remember for sure was part of my college graduation gift. My Dad flew me to Los Angeles for Super Bowl  VII - the undefeated season for the Miami Dolphins. It was January 1973 and then we went on to Hawaii to visit my sister and brother-in-law who was stationed there at the time. Oh - that would have made my age 21.

I spotted this looking for images and thought it was neat!
Image found at Time War Vintage Toys.

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. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mary P asks: How old were you when you first flew??

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 July 19, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Falling to Pieces, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series #1 by: Vannetta Chapman

This is a very nice gentle mystery.
Falling to Pieces, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series #1
by: Vannetta Chapman

• Series: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 26, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 0310330432
• Genre: Amish Fiction, Mystery
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
When two women-one Amish, one English-each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town's reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Review:
Deborah is a sweet and strong Amish wife, mother and friend. She is concerned for her two best friends, Melinda who has a very sick child, and Esther, who is grieving after the death of her husband. The three have been making beautiful quilts which they sell through Daisy’s Quilt Shop, which was run by Daisy, an Englisher who had become an accepted part of the community. But Deborah found Daisy dead in her garden and now the shop is owned by Daisy’s niece, Callie.

Callie left her job in Texas and is struggling with depression. She expects to sell the quilt shop and move on but until then she is hunkering down in the apartment above the shop. Callie inherited Max, a faithful Labrador, along with the shop and although a bit of a nuisance he is also turning out to be a good companion.

Deborah and Callie form a tentative friendship when Deborah talks Callie into opening the shop and into selling their recent quilts on eBay. The news editor in town accuses Callie of taking advantage of the Amish even though that is untrue. Callie argues with the man when she demands a retraction and now Callie is under suspicion for his murder. Deborah and her friends take a strong stand to support their new friend, Callie.

Officer Black is the investigator who pushes witnesses until he uncovers the facts and gets his man, or woman. Esther and her friends have had experience with Black when he pushed in the investigation of her husband’s death. Although Officer Black seems really rough, he has a good heart.

The Amish and Englisher characters and relationships are very lovely. The added element of a good mystery makes this a really enjoyable story. I also liked the nuggets of gentle faith and wisdom shared through the real life circumstances. The writing is straight forward making it an easy read.  All of the ladies from book club enjoyed this too and we would be glad to read more by this author. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish stories and also to those who like a good mystery.

I picked these books up at a bargain price at Christianbook.com for our ladies' book club selection for June.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read 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 comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 20, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 20, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge

This is a charming story for middle grade, young adults or adults who might enjoy a nostalgic view of boyish mishaps.

JENNINGS BOOKS: JENNINGS DIARY (1953)
Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge
read by Simon Vance

Audio Book Length:  4 Hrs 28 Min
# of Audio CD's:  4
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Audio CD ISBN:  978-1-926910-35-2

In this audiobook - it is the Easter term at Linbury Court School and Jennings has been promised five pounds by his aunt if he keeps up his diary every day. When he and Darbishire devise a code for entries, things really start to happen - the nasty incident of Wilkins's mark book is only one of them.

Review:
Jennings is a young English boy away at boarding school for the Easter term. His Aunt gave him a diary for Christmas and promised him five pounds if he writes in the diary each day. When he returned to school one of his classmates found the diary and began teasing him. Jennings entries are rather dull and common-place, tending towards his routines, “ate breakfast”, or the weather with those entries looking a lot like: “hot toddy” instead of “hot today”.

After rescuing his book he decides to write in code in case it gets taken again. Now the entries look like: "Hah-ooh cinosrepus! 'Selbanev, Nosnikta, Senoj-Nitram,'..." Jennings makes an innocent entry about his sometimes impatient forms teacher, Mr. Wilkins, known as Old Wilkie. Mr. Wilkins sees the entry that reads something like ‘Wilkie - lost link’ and takes it as an insult setting the two at odds.

Jennings records his attempts to start a museum with all the ‘treasures’ that young boys are apt to find. He and his best friend, Darbershire, sneak off one day in search of a gift for the school nurse who has been kind to Jennings. One misstep leads to another but the resulting gift giving and confusion is really quite sweet.

Jennings and Darbishire find a genuine fake Roman carriage wheel which causes no small trouble with Old Wilkie and the boys’ museum. The cumbersome wheel assemblage becomes even more of a problem as the boys try to take it to the curator of the Dunhambury Museum.

At one point Old Wilkie confiscates the diary but lends it back to Jennings a few weeks later so that he can transfer the entries from his notebook. Jennings goes through a bad day when he thinks he has lost the diary. Not only will he have to face Old Wilkie when he can’t return the book, but he is afraid the police will find it and think it is about Russian spies due to the nature of his code.

The story is a very charming view of the mischief of young boys in a gentler setting than today’s world. The convoluted, though often innocent, thinking and actions of Jennings makes for awkward and funny situations.

I hope to share it with my own 10 year old grandson. It is not fast action and adventure as we think of them today but it is action and adventure for young boys in a historic time setting.

Audio Notes: I have to state that I would probably enjoy any audio read by Simon Vance. Vance is a consummate narrator who manages to share multiple voices and personalities in his smooth British accent. He does a wonderful job with the school boys, the teachers and headmaster, moving from one to the next so that you can picture the whole scene. This is a book I would probably not pick up in print but found great enjoyment listening to. I am looking forward to listening to more of Jennings’ adventures as shared through Vance’s magical presentation.

I received this audiobook from Post Hypnotic Press Books for review.