Mailbox Monday August 18, 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 didn't get to post this Sunday night or Monday morning but I am posting it on Monday night. :-)
I received one audio review book this week and I realized I hadn't listed several NetGalley selections I picked up this month.
 I also purchased three Kindle $.99 collections 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

This sounds like quite the adventure! Download received from Post Hypnotic Press.

The Curve of Time
Written by: M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson
Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

NetGalley Selections for August/early September:

Bound to Danger
by Katie Reus
Legend Publishing
Military romantic suspense.

The Traitor (Captive Hearts)

by Grace Burrowes

Sourcebooks

Regency Romance from a favorite author.

Global Predator 

by Jack Maclean  

Penguin Group Berkley, NAL 

A story of technology and the war on terror.

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased three $.99 cent Kindle collections that caught my eye. Two are romance and one is post-apocalyptic.

Shades of Chaos

Cameron Jace, Katie Salidas, Chrystalla Thoma, Alexia Purdy, Megan Duncan, Nadege Richards

Post Apocalyptic

Sutton Capital Series Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Lori Ryan

Romance with good ratings.

Lovers' Lane: The Sweethearts Collection
Sandra Edwards, Debra Elizabeth, Regina Duke
More Romance

Free

Plus I downloaded another 46 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 18, 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 good week. Busy but not overly stressful.
Reading and listening was good. I posted three book reviews, one with giveaway. 
I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did get to visit early in the week, but didn't get back to more.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? August 11, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday August 11, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones; Paranormal; my rating 4.25. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 15, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 8/21/14.

• Book Review: Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.  

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston; Sci Fi Thriller, Mystery; my rating 4.5. Open Mixed - Worldwide and US. Ends 8/23/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #164 Comment Giveaway 8/16/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 8/23/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 17, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks
I really enjoyed this ebook and my review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
By A. American
Narrated By Duke Fontaine
Series: Survivalist, Book 4
I enjoyed the continuation of this series.
This is from my own Audible Library.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3.  eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf
by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel
This is a solid action read I picked up through NetGalley. I'll post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3

Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/13/14
I will post my review this week for this
download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
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; to be released soon.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Chieftain by Command
by Frances Housden
I am mid-way in this and curious how it will continue/conclude.
I received this for review from Escape Publishing. 
Blurb:
From the bestselling, RITA-nominated author Frances Housden comes the gripping, sensual, suspenseful follow-up to The Chieftain’s Curse...
Gavyn Farquhar’s marriage is forged with a double-edged blade. Along with the Comlyn clan’s lands, a reward from the King, he is blessed with an unwilling bride, Kathryn Comlyn, and an ancient fort with few defences that desperately needs to be fortified before it can act as a sufficient buffer between Scotland and the Norsemen on its northern borders.
Gavyn needs wealth to meet his king’s demands, and he knows of only one way to get it — with his sword. Leaving his prickly bride behind in the hands of trusted advisors, he makes his way to the battlegrounds of France and the money that can be made there.
Two years married and Kathryn is still a virgin. A resentful virgin, certain that, like her father before her, she is perfectly capable of leading the Comlyn clan. In her usurper husband’s absence, she meets the clan’s needs, advising and ruling as well as any man.
But she is an intelligent woman, and she knows the only respect and power she will ever hold will be through her husband. And to wield it, she needs to make him love her. An easy task to set, but impossible to complete, when said husband has been gone for two years, and there is no word of his return. But Kathryn is undeterred. After all, a faint heart never won a Chieftain.

2. Audio

The Curve of Time
by M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson
I will start this Monday.
I received the download from Post Hypnotic Press.
Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle

Bound to Danger: A Deadly Ops Novel
by Katie Reus
This sounded like a good  Military Romantic Suspense.
I received this from the Publisher through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

I am pretty sure I will pick one more during the week but I haven't decided what title yet.

I am one 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:
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 still hope to read at least one of my own TBRs this month. 
I completed three reviews last week and hope to post at least three this week.  

August Scheduled -

NetGalley - To be read in August thru September:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Bound to Danger by Katie Reus (Penguin Group Berkley) (reading)
The Traitor (Captive Hearts) by Grace Burrowes (Sourcebook)
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)
Global Predator by Jack Maclean  (Legend Publishing)

Authors:
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
Requesting new titles

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 August 17, 2014

Pastor spoke this morning on The Gifts of God. He pointed out that ‘every good and perfect gift is from above....’ James 1:17. Pastor noted that the gifts and calling of God “are irrevocable”. Romans 11:29.

Sometimes people try to find another work but when we work within our own power we work with a lot of sweat. Instead, work done in His power is easy and smooth. Pastor told of one missionary who waited until his later years before seeking appointment to serve. When he was turned down because of his age, he raised his own funds and ministered for twenty years to those who hadn't heard the word.

Pastor exhorted that if you are to be fulfilled in your life you should “do your own thing” - in the sense that you do the thing as God has given. Doing the work that God has directed us to do brings us “life”, energizes us.

We are not all called to serve as missionaries... but we are all called to serve... as He directs and equips.

This is a lovely video of service.

Here Am I Lord

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Thank you Lord that you give each of us special gifts to use to do Your work. Please give us wisdom to know what you want us to do to share Your message and love.

Sharing Beyond Books #164 Comment Giveaway August 16, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I did some 'catch-up' work at the office today and came home early enough to relax with my DH.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Well our friends from the other side of earth (Mary P and Llehn) are in the middle of their second semester which started in January. That is hard to comprehend. Others have school start dates that range from as early as August 5 (Becky in TN), all weeks in August, many after labor day and then the latest listed was university starting September 15 for miki. Sarah also mentioned their schools will start depending on the settlement of a teacher strike.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #163 comments is: #2 Mary P 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 #164 (One Question.)

Q1. bn100 asks: Do you do anything after you read a really bad book??

A: It has been a while since I read a "really bad book" - thank goodness. I think if I read one I didn't like I would try to find one by a favorite author that I could rely on so I'd have a good read the next time. 

Well - he could just be tired - or....
Image found at Salon.

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. bn100 asks: Do you do anything after you read a really bad book??

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 August 23, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review with Giveaway: The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

This is another sharp, intense mystery with heart-pounding suspense.

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

File Size: 542 KB
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Carina Press (August 25, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00KPJNL3E
Genre: Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
A Tanner Sequence Novel
2402 AD
CCF homicide investigator Kyle Tanner and his girlfriend are on their way to Pluto, en route to a new life together. Just one little death to check out in the asteroid belt first. But when you're as tangled up in conspiracy as Tanner is, a few hours on a case can change your life. Or end it.

The mystery is a strange one—one man dead, a cryptic message his dying breath. Still, Tanner's ready to wrap it up until another gruesome murder shakes him to his core. The discovery of a microscopic bomb near his own heart offers the first faint clue, but the clock is ticking. He has four days….

A desperate search for answers takes Tanner to The Freezer, an isolated facility on one of Jupiter's moons. With anti-CCF dissidents targeting the facility, a team of scientists conducting experiments the military would rather remain hidden, and a mysterious man in white hunting him on the ice, Tanner will have to choose his allies carefully. Putting his faith in the wrong person will leave him bleeding out in seconds.

Review:
Lieutenant Kyle Tanner has a reputation as one of the most persistent and best CCF homicide investigators. He used to be a lone wolf but, since his last case, The Furnace, he has been enjoying recently discovered emotions with his new girlfriend, Shaheen. They are traveling to Pluto to start a new life together when Tanner is assigned a new case that takes him to a base known as “The Freezer” located on an ice moon of Jupiter.

The case begins when a doctor is found dead having left a cryptic message accusing his murderer of 'having reached him'. Tanner learns that the man died of a microscopic bomb that erupted near his heart and a similar device has been found within Tanner. The clock is ticking as Tanner forces two other doctors and a civilian engineer to return to The Freezer where the connections lead.

Tanner and his companions aren’t particularly welcomed. The other scientists and the station leader are clearly hostile, frightened and hiding more than a murder. Tanner soon realizes that he is dealing with several Confederacy dissidents who should have been turned in by the leader but, for some reason, were not. This adds an additional layer of hostility among the scientists. A second murder and sabotage to communications result in making everyone a suspect and it is hard for Tanner to know who, if anyone, can be trusted.

Tanner is sharp and keenly observant as he puts together pieces of information to uncover the motive and murderer. Tanner is challenged not only by the uniquely dangerous surroundings and a deranged, superhuman opponent, but also by his own grief and exhaustion as he races against external and internal deadlines.

I really like the plot details and the non-stop, heart- pounding action of this series. Author Johnston uses finely crafted, unique twists and details to create the mystery and intertwine the characters. There is continual danger and suspense with surprises just as the reader thinks the situation is under control. The story is told in first person by Tanner sharing an interesting view of calm precision and dedication in his job mixed with rare glimpses of emotional turmoil. The wonderful deduction process is summed up showing how Tanner pieces the facts together. My final reaction at completion was somewhere between “whew” and “wow”! I definitely look forward to the next Tanner ‘roller coaster’ mystery!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story begins with a great opening quote from Poe [“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?...”], then slides into a good hook:

I left Mars on a Tuesday in a jumpship bound for Ceres and I didn’t know it at the time but by Saturday I would be dead.    (Location 8.)

I received this title from the author for an honest review.

The author has graciously offered the following for Giveaway:
a) Mobi format eBook copy of The Freezer (available after release 8/25/14) - open worldwide
b) Mobi format eBook copy of the first book The Furnace - open worldwide
c) Five signed covers of The Freezer - US and Canada only.


d) One TSJ Mug - US and Canada only. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for chance 

to win items a) through d)

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 as noted: worldwide for ebook copies; US or Canada for swag items.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 23, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 23, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.