Mailbox Monday October 27, 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 five review titles: four through NetGalley, one for an upcoming Book Tour, and one audio review book.
I didn't purchase any kindle titles this week but I listed the two Audible titles I realized I forgot to list at the end of September.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title through NetGalley at invitation of Forever Romance (Hachette/Grand Central Station) for blog tour and giveaway.
My review will post 10/30 or 11/3 - I am awaiting the assigned date.

Unleashed (Love to the Rescue)
by Rachel Lacey
 This is a sweet and fun sounding contemporary romance.

These titles I selected through NetGalley:

This title I requested because I love
Mary Balogh and enjoyed the last title in this series.

Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel

by Mary Balogh

 (Releases 10/28; Penquin Group)

These two I requested to read during Sci Fi Month in November:

The Genome

by Sergei Lukyanenko

(Releases Dec 2; Open Road Integrated Media)

A science fiction thriller by the author of Night Watch, the hit novel that inspired two major motion pictures

Exodus 2022

by Kenneth G. Bennett

Booktrope Publishing; Pub Date May 20 2014

Mystery & Thrillers, Sci Fi & Fantasy

I also received one Audio book through Audiobook Jukebox.
This is another title I plan to listen to for Sci Fi November:

Ravenhill Court 
by David R. Beshears, Narrated by Karen Krause

Won

None

Purchased

I didn't purchase any Kindle titles this week.
However I noted I never listed my Audible titles selected with my subscription at the end of September:

The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13
Written by: Kim Harrison
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
The conclusion to a great series.

The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1

Written by: James Dashner

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Free

I downloaded another 50 free Kindle titles this week. 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? October 27, 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.

We went through another three states and arrived safely in Maryland (eight states total in a week). We are relaxing and enjoying time with our son and his family. 

I enjoyed my reading last week although it was not a lot. I only finished two books but I did post three reviews and a giveaway. I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did not get to visit during the week due to our traveling. I hope to get to do some visiting in the next few days.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? October 20, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday October 20, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: Jennings Books: According to Jennings (1954) by Anthony Buckeridge; Middle Grade, Classic; my rating 4.0.

• Blog Tour Feature and Giveaway: The Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella. Ends 10/28/14.

• Book Review: Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella; YA, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 24 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 10/30/14.

• Audible Book Review: 10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #174 Comment Giveaway 10/25/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 11/2/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 26, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Castle Blues Quake
by Linda Covella
This is a fun story suitable for younger teens.
My review and a giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3

Unwritten: A Novel
Charles Martin (Author)
Kevin Stillwell (Narrator)
This is remarkably different and wonderful! I loved it.
I will post a review later this week.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing:
Two more ebooks still out for updating; to be released soon.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
by Grace Burrowes
I am just shy of 50% and 
I am really enjoying this.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Unleashed (Love to the Rescue)
by Rachel Lacey
I received this from Forever Romance through NetGalley for tour participation. It sounded really cute.  I have started it and like the characters. This will post with a giveaway either 10/30 or 11/3.
What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?
Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it's not because of all the foster dogs she's rescued. She's got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don't get attached. It's served her well with the dogs she's given to good homes and the children she's nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt's sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken.

Matt Dumont doesn't need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he'd never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there's no way he can start a relationship just as he's about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they'll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go...

I expect I will start an Audio this week but I haven't decided what.

I am caught up 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 two educational, non-fiction ebook releases which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several additional novels in print -- also polishing.

I keep plugging away at the books carried forward and the added NetGalley titles as well as the publicist/Author requests. 
I am have three reviews to post this week.

October Scheduled -
Mid Oct: 
10/30 or 11/3: Unleashed (Love to the Rescue) by Rachel Lacey Review and Giveaway courtesy of Hachette, Forever Romance

NetGalley - To be read in October/November:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate  (for Nov)
What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series) by Grace Burrowes (Reading)

Authors:
Nov 7: Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand
Nov. 12: Peace & Goodwill a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4) by Lee Strauss

A Touch of Nerves by Dennis Hampton

The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria
We Are the Destroyers by D.K. Lindler

From Story Bundle - I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these. There are Cyperpunk, Supernatural and Mystery Bundles available now - soooo tempting!
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Still many more requests to consider and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
Ravenhill Court by David R. Beshears (For November Sci Fi Month)
I'll be looking for new titles to request this week.

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

From TBR Collection - 10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club - Done
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD for October

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 26, 2014

It is another Sunday. We didn't attend church but I read my Bible reading first thing, then had lunch time visit with the family. Now I am listening to praise and worship while looking out at a beautiful scene of fall leaves where we have seen squirrels, deer and even a woodchuck!

Here is a wonderful praise song to go along with part of the readings for today:
The Splendor of The King/How Great is Our God.

Verses for Today (Selection 10/25/14 Psalm reading in The One Year Bible):

Psalm 98  (NLT)
7 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
    Let the earth and all living things join in.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
    Let the hills sing out their songs of joy.

Thank you Lord for safe travel, for loving families, for freedoms, for beautiful creation and for Your Grace and Salvation.

Sharing Beyond Books #174 Comment Giveaway October 25, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We have traveled through seven states this week (Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania) and  have arrived safely at Maryland where we will be visiting our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The weather has been very nice so far with the lowest temperature being 41F.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
We did not make the detour to Punxsutawney, PA and as scottsgal pointed out that is not where Groundhog Day was filmed anyway!
None of us have specifically traveled to a place because we have read about it in a book. Two would like to visit the Highlands (thanks to Historical Romances), several would like to visit England (thanks to Regencies) and another group would like to visit New Orleans. I am like Di and Elizabeth because we have been more aware of places when we do visit cities we have read about.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #173 comments is: #3 Miki 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 #174 (One Question.)

Q1. This week Becky asks: 1. When reading a book can you predict how the story will end?and if so Were your predictions correct??

A: I certainly try to predict or guess endings. I would say that I am only correct half the time. That is good because there is almost always fun being surprised either at the ending or how the story got there. :-)

Image found at Aubenoire's Blog.

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.

October Question Contributors: Nikki, Elizabeth, Miki and Becky. Random.org chose #1: NIKKI

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks: 1. When reading a book can you predict how the story will end?and if so Were your predictions correct??

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 November 1, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: 10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I was quickly re-engaged after not listening to a book in this series for several years.

10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club

Written by: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro

Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins 

Series: Women's Murder Club, Book 10

Release Date:05-02-11

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller

My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
For every secret....
Detective Lindsay Boxer's long-awaited wedding celebration becomes a distant memory when she is called to investigate a horrendous crime: a badly injured teenage girl is left for dead, and her newborn baby is nowhere to be found. Lindsay discovers that not only is there no trace of the criminals - but that the victim may be keeping secrets as well.
For every lie....
At the same time, Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano is prosecuting the biggest case of her life - a woman who has been accused of murdering her husband in front of her two young children. Yuki's career rests on a guilty verdict, so when Lindsay finds evidence that could save the defendant, she is forced to choose. Should she trust her best friend or follow her instinct?
There's a different way to die....
Lindsay's every move is watched by her new boss, Lieutenant Jackson Brady, and when the pressure to find the baby begins interfering with her new marriage to Joe, she wonders if she'll ever be able to start a family.
With James Patterson's white-hot speed and unquenchable action, 10th Anniversary is the most deliciously chilling Women's Murder Club book ever.
Crack another case with the Women's Murder Club.
©2011 James Patterson, Maxine Paetro (P)2011 Hachette

Review:
This installment covers three separate subplots. Lindsey is assigned to try to find the missing baby of a mixed-up, rebellious fifteen year old girl. Lindsey doesn’t have time for the teen’s careless attitude and changing story if she wants to find the baby alive.

Meanwhile Yuki is facing another major criminal case as she tries to prove a well-respected doctor of murdering her openly, philandering husband. All the evidence seems to be in order until the defense attorney pulls Lindsey into a meeting with the accused who insists on her innocence. There are a few investigative details to raise reasonable doubt in Lindsey’s mind and have her looking at the case in spite of her new boss’s orders to leave it alone.

The third story plot involves Cindy as she pushes to keep on top of the crime beat while another journalist and cut backs threaten her position. Cindy has stumbled upon a story of a woman who has awakened after losing a night of memory. Then two more women come to the hospital with similar stories. It appears the women have been snatched from their lives, drugged, raped, and then dumped back near their homes or nearby alleyways. Cindy has followed the one clue to make inquiries for a particular marked taxi-cab. Late and caught in the rain a few days later she doesn’t think of the danger when she calls that cab company for help.

It has been a couple of years since I last read or listened to a book in this series. This was like coming back to old friends. There was an easier tone in this story than some of the more suspenseful ones but it was good. I liked the three different plotlines that kept interest and connection between the women. I won’t let so much time pass before listening to the next in line as I enjoyed the easy camaraderie of the ladies and their love interests as well as the mysteries that were pursued.

Audio Notes: The narration by Carolyn McCormick was familiar, comfortable and engaging. I enjoying listening to this series on audio as the books flow well and the characters are easy to distinguish.

I selected this from my Audible Library as my TBR book for October.