COYER Winter 2014-2015 Challenge

Winter 2014-2105 COYER

COYER is hosted by Berls @ Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @ Because Reading.

Anyone who sees my Mailbox Monday knows that I am overloaded with Freebies in my Kindle Library. I have been thinking I need to schedule reading more of those for 2015. Today I stumbled across this Challenge and decided to go for it!

Winter 2014-2015 COYER (Clean Out Your E-Reader) is hosted by Berls @ Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @ Because Reading.  It runs from December 20th 2014 – March 6th 2015 and you can sign up here until January 25th! The Kick-off is December 20 so go check out the details and join me/us. If you do sign up, be sure to indicate that I sent you on the linky, where it says “Who referred you?” so I can win $5 to Amazon!

I do not know what books I will be reading but I have started a file with titles of interest that date back as far as 2011. (If I had known my free Audibles would be included I might have waited on the one I am reading.)  I plan to do one or two Flash giveaway posts to let my followers help pick titles too.  I guess review books get to be included so they would be an easy add in for the challenge.  

Here are my goals:

• Read & review at least 20 books, half of which are Not NetGalley or review selected books. 
• Over 11 weeks this  should be doable for me. -- Fell Short by two
• Visit and comment on at least 3 reviews from the linky a week. This is not easy as I find it hard to set aside time to visit even with good intentions.  --Did not complete
• Participate in 1 of the read-a-thons. Read-a-thons are hard for me because the DH does not like to see me spend ALL my time reading . But the scavenger hunt sounds like fun! --Did one Scavenger Hunt.
• Join in at least 1 social media activity a month in the Facebook group. I will try. --Late to FB event twice.
• Do at least 1 mini-challenge. I'll try this too. --Mini-scavenger Hunt.
• Hope I can meet these goals!

 COYER WINTER 2014-15 LIST
My Libraries (kindle, print or audible)                    NetGalley (NG)
1. The Jester (Audible TBR)                               1. Only Enchanting (NG)
2. Shopping for Time (Kindle TBR)                   2. Exodus 22 (NG)
3. Amish White Christmas Pie (Kindle TBR)     3. Tis The Season (NG)
4. The Founders Plot (Review Sept)                   4. Just in Time for a Highlander (NG-Nov 14)
5. Saving Hope (Kindle July 2012)                     5. Hawk (NG- Dec 14)
6. Enchanted (SYNC Audio 2013)                     6. Snow Angel Cove (NG)
7. Betrayal in Death Book 12 (Audible TBR)
8. The Oath of Nimrod (Review Sept)
9. Heart of Stone (Audible TBR)
10. Homespun Bride (Kindle 2012)
11. Dead Reckoning (Audible)
12. The Beast Master (Audible)

Book Review: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah

I am finding this to be a stirring and beautiful Advent study!
Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah
Handel (Author), Albert L. Blackwell (Foreword)

• File Size: 660 KB
• Print Length: 194 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0664259987
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (September 26, 2014)
• ASIN: B00NH0SZ52
• Genre: Inspirational
• My Rating 5.0 of 5.0
• 
  

Handel's Messiah is one of the most beloved musical works of the western world, playing an especially sentimental role in many people's Christmas traditions. The libretto of the work, taken directly from the King James text of fourteen books of the Bible, has turned many otherwise forgettable phrases into memorable, singable, cherished lines of Scripture.
This gift-worthy book will delight and inspire classical music fans and those for whom Messiah is a beloved Christmas tradition with essays exploring the theological, historical, and pastoral implications of the Scriptures that make up Handel's Messiah.
Forty reflections journey in order through the oratorio, taking the reader deeper into less-often studied texts like Malachi 3:3 and bringing new light to oft-recited passages like Luke 2:9-14. Each reflection offers the libretto from Messiah, the same passage in NRSV, and a brief commentary on the text, written by a respected scholar or pastor. Readers can peruse the book at leisure or examine one reflection per day throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Review:
I was glad to accept the NetGalley invitation for Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah as I like to have an Advent study each year. I am reading this as a daily devotion. There are forty movements and meditations that provide daily reading from December 1 through the Twelfth day of Christmas (January 6 - the Feast of Epiphany). It is appropriate to run beyond Christmas since the work has three parts: Christ's Birth and its Foretelling, Christ's Passion and Resurrection and Christ's Eternal Reign.

Many of us are familiar with certain hymns from Handel's Messiah, most notably the Hallelujah Chorus. I have also heard and sung versions of “For Unto Us a Child is Born” without realizing it was part of Handel’s Messiah. This book is the first time I have studied the words and recognized their connection to the Biblical passages that inspired Handel.

I am enjoying finding the matching songs on the internet for the full experience of the music and the words. As the foreward notes, one of the things we recognize (sometimes without even realizing it) in Handel's powerful music is the "tonal painting". He captures the distress of the people as well as the darkness and then the glad tidings and ultimately the majesty of Christ's reign! I am utterly impressed with the remarkable depth of the study by Handel. My own Bible reading and Sunday School lessons this year have brought home many of the truths that Handel portrays in this musical masterpiece.

I am only on day nine as I write this review and I will continue to enjoy the inspiring work each day until I finish. I am finding Every Valley to be emotionally and spiritually stirring. Although I am reading this on Kindle I think that the print version is laid out more aesthetically. I have ordered several hardback copies for friends, including our music minister and pianist at church. I know they will find this as beautiful and impressive as I have. I was eager to post a review to encourage others to get this book for themselves and as a gift for others.

I selected this from invitation through NetGalley.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 8, 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 first week of December. We will be trying to pull all work together so we can close the office for almost two weeks.

Reading was good, though not great. I finished four books and posted three reviews, one with giveaway. I also posted all the usual memes. 

I did get to visit a good group of sites last week which I enjoyed.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 1, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy; Sci Fi, YA ; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers;  Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. eBook Giveaway, US and Canada; ends 12/13/14.

• Audible Book Review: I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper; Paranormal, fantasy; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 5, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/11/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #180 Comment Giveaway 12/6/14. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/13/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 7, 2014.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Home for the Holidays
A Cavanaugh Island Novella
by Rochelle Alers
A nice warm, small town romance.
Review and giveaway are linked abore.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List
by Chip Huddleston
This is really cute; a fun listen. 
I will post a review this week.
A funny, whimsical story for older children and adults, it is about Santa's younger brother who runs away to Florida and becomes a pirate.

3. Print

We Are The Destroyers (We Are***Are We Book 1) 
by D. K. Lindler
This review is ready to go up this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
I enjoyed the action in this second book.
I hope to get the review up this week.
Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spans the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In 2122 a lost colony expedition contacts Earth, surprising our government. Colonization is against Galactic Law, and Legion Varus is dispatched to the system to handle the situation. Earth gave them sealed orders, but Earth is 35 lightyears away. The Legion commanders have a secret plan of their own. And then there's James McGill, who was never too good at listening to authority in the first place....
In Dust World, book two of the Undying Mercenaries Series, McGill is promoted to Specialist and sent to a frontier planet outside the Empire. Earth's status within the Empire will never be the same.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
(The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2)
by Tammy Jo Burns
I am 70% through and should finish this on Monday.
I will post tour review on December 10.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah
Handel (Author), Albert L. Blackwell (Foreword)
I will continue to read this but the review will post this week to encourage those who would consider this for Christmas gifting. 
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Heir
by Lynne Stringer
I'm looking forward to starting this.
I received the ebook from the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. School is only made tolerable by the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father’s multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who supports Sarah. But she can’t shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn’t know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes?

4. Audible

FREE Yesterday's Gone: Season 1 - Episode 1
Written by: Sean Platt, David Wright
Narrated by: Ray Chase, R. C. Bray, Brian Holsopple, Chris Patton, Maxwell Glick, Tamara Marston
I started this, from my Audible library, for a quick listen. I failed to heed the warning but now that I have started I want to know what happened to make most people disappear.
Publisher's Summary
Start the First Season of the Groundbreaking Post-Apocalyptic Serial! Yesterday's Gone: Season One: Episode 1.
WARNING: This is a post-apocalyptic horror audiobook where bad people do evil things, and as such, this series features disturbing scenes and foul language. While it is all within the context of the story, some listeners may find this content offensive.
Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
On October 15 at 2:15 a.m. Earth vanished. A scattered few woke alone in a world with no rules, other than survival at any cost.
A journalist wanders the wretched reality of an empty New York, searching for his wife and son. A serial killer must hunt in a land where prey is now an endangered species. A mother shields her young daughter from danger through every terror-filled breath.
A bullied teen is thrilled to find the world gone missing, until the knock on his door. A fugitive survives a fiery plane crash. Will he be redeemed, or return to the killing he's best at? An eight-year-old boy sets out on a journey to find his missing family, only to find something that will change him forever. These survivors aren't truly alone...
Someone or something is watching them. And waiting...
Strangers unite. Sides are chosen. Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
©2011 Sean Platt, David Wright (P)2014 Podium Publishing

5. Print

Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions
by Aaron Tabor
I received this from FaithWords (Hachette)
for review post 12/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Based on the major themes found on the most active Facebook page in history,
JESUS DAILY is a 365-day interactive devotional that goes beyond even the fan page to create a deeper experience and cultural movement that celebrates your redemption in Christ. JESUS DAILY presents a devotional thought but also challenges you to respond to each daily reflection using a variety of social media tools.

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.

I still have Sci Fi  and Christmas titles that may run into January at the rate I am reading. :-) 
I have three reviews to complete and two more that will go up this week so it should be a full week.

Decenber Scheduled:
12/10 Seducing the Ruthless Rogue (The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2) by Tammy Jo Burns; tour review and Giveaway.
12/12 Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions Review and Giveaway.

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/selected one print title and four review titles through NetGalley.
I purchased one daily deal Audible book and four $.99 kindle bundle titles this week.
I also added more free kindle titles to my library.

(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

Review Post on 12/12.
I signed up for tour for this book but the first mail out was apparently lost.
I received two books this week - one for me, one for giveaway!
Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions
by Aaron Tabor

JESUS DAILY is a worldwide revolution in how you can connect, share, and worship the Father personally and with other believers.



I was invited to participate in another Hachette tour so I received two titles at NetGalley.

This is for review 12/18 or 19

Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE

This Novella is from the same series-

I love this cover.

A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)

by Stacy Henrie

TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES

Then I was looking around and picked up two other titles at NetGalley:

The Advent Bride (The 12 Brides of Christmas) 
by Mary Connealy
New--The 12 Brides of Christmas! You're invited to a Christmas wedding...that is twelve of them! 
Shiloh Run Studios (October 6, 2014)
This whole historical romance series looks lovely and I decided to read the first story.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)

by Regina Jennings

Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.

But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.

Most Inconvenient Indeed.

From Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)

This sounded like a fun historical romance from an author I wanted to try.

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased an Audible daily deal for $1.95:

Legendarium
Written by: Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
Narrated by: Robert Rossmann
This is listed as humor and it just sounded like it would be fun to listen!
In every generation, certain writers are chosen to be protectors of The Legendarium, a metaphysical library that exists at the nexus of the multiverse. Inside this library are doorways that lead to every world ever created in literature. Now, in a time of growing illiteracy, two heroes (who don't like each other) are chosen to defend The Legendarium...

I purchased four kindle titles for $.99 -- more bundles I couldn't resist.

Deadly Dozen 2
Diane Capri, Brett Battles, Robert Gregory Browne, J Carson Black, Cheryl Bradshaw, Joshua Graham, Allan Leverone, Carol Davis Luce, Aaron Patterson, Gary Ponzo, Michele Scott, Vincent Zandri, Cory Clubb, Jack Patterson

Kiss of Christmas Magic: 20 Paranormal Holiday Tales
of Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Elves, Witches, Dragons, Fey, Ghosts, and More
Eve Langlais, Aubrey Rose, Molly Prince, Deanna Chase, Mandy M. Roth, Michelle M. Pillow, Angie Fox, Mimi Strong, Viola Rivard, Michele Bardsley, V. M. Black, Lola St. Vil, Terah Edun, Jessa Slade, Chloe Cole, Cristina Rayne, Shawntelle Madison, J. S. Hope, Carina Wilder, Dawn Michelle, Jessica Ryan

This is the End: The Post-Apocalyptic Box Set (7 Book Collection)
J. Thorn, L.T. Ryan, Stephen Knight, Glynn James, T.W. Piperbrook, Joe McKinney, Craig DiLouie, Bobby Adair

This is the End 2: The Post-Apocalyptic Box Set (9 Book Collection)

J. Thorn, Scott Nicholson, Glynn James, J.R. Rain, Edward W. Robertson, Elizabeth Basque, Jacqueline Druga, T.W. Brown, Rachel Higginson, J.A. Konrath

Free

Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") another 54 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement

Today is the Second Sunday in Advent when we light the candle of the shepherds who were given the announcement of the glad tidings that brought Joy to Bethlehem.

What an awesome morning in church! Our Sunday School teacher continued with the lessons in Revelation noting a timely Advent/Christmas connection with Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah prophesies: ‘unto us a Child is born...and the government will be upon His shoulder.’ The baby is born as a King, but He doesn’t get to reign as King during His lifetime. The ruling portion of the prophesy is yet to come as described in Revelation 20 and 21.

We had a wonderful guest preacher who shares with our congregation every December. Today his message was a timely message for Advent and any time during our lives. The relevant scripture is Luke 2:22-36 that describes how Simeon had waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise that he, Simeon, would see the promised salvation. Anna, an 84 year old prophetess who was still serving at God’s temple, was speaking of Him to all who were looking for redemption.

These two show the righteousness spirit and devoted commitment needed to properly wait on God.
Waiting on God does not mean sitting still on the sidelines. Waiting involves action as noted in Isaiah 40:31 - those who wait will renew, mount up, run... As we wait properly, our waiting will be rewarded. The best will come from God's plans. God fulfills ALL His promises. Have you committed to accept the promise in God's timing? Hold on to the promise but continue to seek and serve while you wait.

Although this is not a Christmas Carol it fits well with the message that was shared. 

Our visiting preacher had never heard this praise song before this morning.
He was impressed because it fit his message. 

It is wonderfully affirming when God does things like that!

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

I was particularly excited by the messages this morning as they also fit right in with the Advent study I am reading in Every Valley.

Sharing Beyond Books #180 Comment Giveaway 12/6/2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

As I noted in Friday Pick this was a busy week with holiday events starting. It has been nice -- not stressful.
I hope everyone is stopping to enjoy the season rather than stressing!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

We continue to watch the Hallmark movies. Five out of 18 do not watch holdiay movies - four of those don't watch much TV. Sue acknowledges that she isn't a holiday person,but more of a Grinch! Many of the classic movies were mentioned to including:  The Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, The Bishop's Wife and even the Muppets' Christmas Carol. But no one mentioned Charlie Brown's Christmas!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #179 comments is: #16 Linda 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 #180 (One Question.)

Q1. Rubynreba askd:  Do you listen to many audio books??

A: Questions similar to this were asked but not since 2012 so we can see if any changes have taken place in our listening habits. I have always enjoyed audios. I can usually listen to two audiobooks a week. This varies when I have several eBook and/or print books lined up for review as I try to focus on those rather than pick up the audios. I love to listen while doing chores.

Image found at Free Audio Books Download.

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. Rubynreba asks: Do you listen to many audio books??

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 December 13, 2014 at 5 PM  central.