Book Review and Giveaway: The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams) by Susan Page Davis

This is an entertaining story of two British women joining a wagon train across the United States.

The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams)
by Susan Page Davis

• Series: Prairie Dreams (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 161626439X
• Genre:  Historical Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2011
Travel along with Elise Finster and her British mistress, Lady Anne Stone, as they search for the new but missing earl of Stoneford. Determined to follow David Stone’s somewhat cold trail leading to Oregon, greenhorns Elise and Anne secure livestock and supplies to join a wagon train. Will the ladies succeed in their quest or succumb to the malfeasance of the mysterious man dogging their heels? Scout Eb Bentley’s initial disgust with these ill-prepared women eventually turns into admiration for one lady in particular. Can he protect her long enough to win her over, or will prairie dreams turn into a Wild West nightmare?

Review:
Elise Finster was only sixteen when she entered domestic service as a parlor maid. Twenty-two years later she is dedicated as Lady’s Maid to twenty-year old Lady Anne, whose father has died. Lady Anne’s uncle, David Stone, is the next Earl and heir but he is in America and hasn’t been heard from for ten years. The estate remains in limbo and Lady Anne has no funds to support the family home. If there is proof that David is dead then the estate and title pass to a less friendly cousin.

Anne and Elise set off to America determined to find Uncle David.  They manage to overcome sickness during the ocean voyage, then travel by train from New York to St. Louis. Elise suspects there is a man following them but she can’t pin him down. Elise and Anne believe that David went west on a wagon train. They resolve to travel after him even though it is a totally alien world to them. They are already traveling as companions instead of Lady and servant so others will not mock them.

Elise and Anne meet Rob and Eb, the trail master and scout for the first wagon train heading west. The rule is that women cannot travel without a man to help them drive their team and do other chores. The ladies hire Thomas, a man who poses as one recommended by Eb but who has been spying on them for the man who followed them from New York. Eb is particularly unsure if Elise and Anne can make the trip but slowly they modify their attire and learn how to cope on the trail. They learn to cook and handle the team of mules under the protective eye of Rob and especially Eb, a widower, who has developed a quiet interest in Elise.

The story contains wonderful details of life on a wagon train and it was particularly interesting to have the British women as a focal point in that journey. The ladies show determination and grace in dealing with each new ‘adventure’, danger and obstacle they face. Elise finds herself in a personal dilemma as she is committed to her promise to help Anne find her Uncle but she has fallen for Eb and can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a husband and home of her own. There is a bit of a mystery remaining at the conclusion of this book which leads to the second book in the series.

I enjoyed the old-fashioned nature of the story, including the protective attitudes of the men (fitting for the time period) and the support and friendships among the pioneer families. There is an underlying faith that helps different characters although the author also presents scenes that show how jealousy, anger and fear can twist men and women who proclaim to be Christian. The book is well researched and written. The book club ladies all agreed that it was an entertaining and easy read.

I purchased and read this for my Ladies’ Book Club for 8/2/14.

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 US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 17, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 17, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

This is great reading entertainment with a conflicted YA love triangle in a different plotline.
Son of War, Daughter of Chaos
by Janette Rallison

• File Size: 1340 KB
• Print Length: 327 pages
• Publisher: Janette Rallison (July 2, 2014)
• ASIN: B00LHFO9V8

Genre: YA Fantasy, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 2, 2014
Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

Review:
Aislynn’s family has moved often to stay ahead of “the bad guys” she thinks might be hunting her eccentric, relic hunting, father. Aislynn is aware that some of her father’s work may be shady but she has no idea of the full extent of the family secrets until her teenage crush leads to exposure.

Dane is a gorgeous teen who is friends with Aislynn’s older brother, Randolf. Dane knows that he and his kind are the ancient enemies of Aislynn’s father and brother. Dane has a specific goal and has no intention of falling for Aislynn. He tries to avoid her but her beauty, brains and sweet innocence pull his attention.

Aislynn is thrilled when Dane seems interested in her. Her family has warned her to beware of people whose heartbeat is slower and who have green eyes. She thinks they are overprotective until Dane drugs her and she awakens to find him, with glowing green eyes, searching her brother’s room. Aislynn is quick to realize that with love comes betrayal and disillusion.

Aislynn, her father and brother flee in the usual pattern to a safe place in the Arctic. This time the enemy finds them and the camp is attacked by flesh eating scarabs. While struggling to survive and get to another safe home in Boston, Aislynn slowly learns some of her family background including that her mother and father are from different clans so Aislynn might have powers from both warring sides. When she arrives in Boston she learns some shocking news about her brother and new friends that puts her into a moral quandary.

Aislynn is resentful to learn that her father has made arrangements for her to meet and hopefully marry Jack, the young son of the Boston family that gives them refuge. Of course this is just one more thing her father didn’t get around to explaining. It is hard to resist Jack who is handsome, warm, charming, and attentive to a vulnerable girl.

But Dane is still on her trail and it isn’t clear if he wants to kill her or win her over to his side. She doesn’t want to be in a battle where those she loves are trying to kill each other but it doesn’t look like they will let her live a ‘normal’ life. What sacrifices might she make to protect those she loves?

I liked Aislynn’s smart character even though she is woefully naive and has been clearly allowed to fumble along without vital knowledge of her family background. I was impressed with the mythical ties and unique plot built around the clans.  Ms. Rallison uses wonderful detail to keep the history and characters consistent. There is plenty of action that keeps the story moving at a good pace. The writing is brisk and the story reads quickly. I was anxious to keep reading to discover how Aislynn would cope with each new secret and danger she faced.

I received this title for an honest review on blog tour. 

Blog Tour Schedule

Excerpt:

      An Egyptian tomb is only a good place to die if you happen to be the pharaoh for whom it was built. And maybe not even then. I didn’t intend to room with any of the deceased, which meant the sooner I got out of this place the better.     My flashlight swept over the figures on the mural in front of me. A feeling of danger and expectation clung to everything here, as thick as the dust. On the mural, a warrior with bright green eyes stared back at me. Horusian glowing eyes. I could almost see the smugness in his expression, an expression that said he was coming for me. Or at least his kind were.     Behind me, something creaked. Footsteps.

Author Janette Rallison

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/24/14

Also see BookBlast $50.00 Giveaway at THIS LINK.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Audio Book Review: Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster by Bill Quick

This is an intensely realistic view of the disasters that could occur after an EMP strike on the United States.

Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster

Author: Bill Quick

Narrator: Johnny Heller

Runtime: 18.2 Hours

Release date: 4.29.2014

Publisher: Blackstone Audio

ISBN-13: 978-1-4830-2036-5

Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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

Review:
My first review draft was my normal style of setting forth the characters and the plot line. Then I summarized a little about the writing style and what I liked and didn’t like. Unfortunately the review exceeded 600 words before adding my Audio notes. This is a second attempt to review in a more simplified fashion.

The story deals with the disastrous consequences of terrorist attacks which include an EMP (electro magnetic pulse) strike over California and a plutonium bomb at New Orleans.   The story follows at least eight sets of characters to show the impact on people and families in different parts of the country. There are those directly impacted and others who are effected by the resulting societal breakdown and governmental decisions. The work is well researched and the author supplies extensive detail that presents very plausible scenarios of the troubles the country might face, including lack of electricity and food, desperation, vandalism, greed, foreign threats and internal political power struggles.

The author attempts to address many issues in one book which makes it lengthy, though still engaging. The primary characters include a gay couple in San Francisco where Tom has made extensive preparations for survival so that he can protect himself and his life partner, Raymond. This couple is portrayed in a favorable tone while another set of characters consisting of a female President and her husband who was a former President, are presented with scorn. The portrayal is of a power hungry woman who is more concerned with maintaining party supremacy than the welfare of the people.  She struggles to maintain control while sometimes accepting advise from her politically astute, conniving, ruthless and immoral husband.

Other characters are set in circumstances that reveal moral dilemmas people face in the collapse of social systems we are accustomed to.  A common question is ‘how far will people go to protect themselves and defend their property and territory’? When do you lend a hand and when do you bar the door?

This is a world where presumed friends may be enemies and people who would once have been considered enemies become allies.  The rough leaders are full of foul language which isn’t so pleasant but is (sadly) realistic.

The author probably covers more than needed in one book. Although he does a petty good job of  juggling all of the character lines, there are still many loose threads at the end. There is plenty in the book that could offend different readers.  Still I was engaged and entertained by this story and I recommend it to readers who enjoy good EMP strike stories.

Audio Notes:  Johnny Heller does a good job of narrating this story which is somewhat cumbersome by reason of the multiple characters and scenarios shifting back and forth. Heller's voice has a different sound with good energy that worked to keep this moving. The audiobook worked better for me than a print book as the length is not so daunting when I get to listen to the story.

I received this download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Mailbox Monday August 4, 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 received one review book, purchased one book for Book Club and one Kindle $.99 title.
Plus I downloaded the two free SYNC audios and picked up many free kindle titles.

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

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I accepted this title for review by September 1

from Escape Publishing/eHarlequin

Chieftain By Command (Chieftain Series Book 2)

by Frances Housden

Scottish Middle Ages 

Won

None

Purchased

I have this book in print for Ladies Book Club reading this month but I downloaded my copy on Kindle.

Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1)
Kaye Dacus

A mix of romance and suspense - Sounds like fun.







I purchased just one Kindle title at .99 cent this week.

Nowhere for Christmas
Heather Gray
Anything can happen on the road to Nowhere…
This sounded like a "Hallmark" type Christmas story and it caught my eye.

Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA  where we find "Civil Unrest":

Divided We Fall 
by Trent Reedy
When the Guard is called up on the governor's orders to police a protest, it seems like a routine crowd-control mission … but then Danny's gun misfires.

The Red Badge of Courage
by Stephen Crane
This one is a well-known classic. The audio is supposed to be very good.
Young Henry Fleming used to play soldier and dream of being a hero, but when he faces his first battle — the Battle of Chancellorsville — he finds that heroism is not what he expected.

Plus I downloaded only 50 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? August 4, 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 had a very busy and profitable work week with six closings. :-)  That means this week will be busy catching up on law work. 

Reading and listening was good but I only completed one book with three almost finished so they will be done quickly this week. 
I posted two reviews; two more done but didn't get up. I included one giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

Once again, I visited some early in the week, although not as much as I would like to.
I had hoped to get back to more but that didn't happen.
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 28, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday July 28, 2014.

• BookBlast $50.00 Giveaway Son of War, Daughter of Chaos; Open Worldwide. Ends 8/17/14.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Priceless by Christina Dodd; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. Open US. Ends 8/9/14.

• Book Review: Sky Zone: A Novel (The Crittendon Files) by Creston Mapes; Thriller, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.0.  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 1, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 8/7/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #162 Comment Giveaway 8/2/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 8/9/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 3, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Print

The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams)
by Susan Page Davis
This was a pleasant historical shared with
Ladies Book Club. I'll be posting the review and giveaway in a day or two.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos
by Janette Rallison
I have this set for Tour Review on 8/6 
so I thought I better get to it.
It has started out with a good hook and interest!
Book Description
Publication Date: July 2, 2014
Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

2. eBook/Kindle

The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston.
I am 71% in this one. Lots of suspense!
I had to interrupt this to get Son of War read to review for Wednesday. 
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson,
Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
I only have an hour left of this fun book.
I expect to finish this by Monday. 
Click on book title for full description.

4. Print

Romance Rides the Range (Truly Yours Digital Editions)
Colleen L. Reece
I didn't quite finish this for Ladies' Book Club but 
I only have 40 pages left.
I am really enjoying the easy read.
Click on book title for full description.

5. eBook/Kindle

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks
I will be reading this before 
I review book three on audio.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen’s points of view with humor, intrigue, and waves of romance.

I am 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:
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.  I hope to read a few of my own TBRs this month. 
I completed two reviews and have two ready to go for this week. I expect to post several on the books I finish this week.  

August Scheduled -
8/6 Tour Review: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

NetGalley - June Picks to be read in June/July/August:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
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 (reading)

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
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 - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD