The Song of Christmas
NewSong
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
Audible Book Review: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
This is fun, quick listening entertainment.
Review:
This is the seventh story in this fun series. Charley is excited to be pregnant but she is insecure about her ability to succeed as a mother. Meanwhile she still wants to continue her PI duties and she is glad to help her Uncle Bob on a case of suicide notes and missing people. It is just too inconvenient that the twelve hounds of hell are out to kill her.
Reyes, Charley’s ‘affianced’, is frustrated because he wants to keep Charley and the baby safe but Charley keeps slipping out on him. She gets help from The Dealer, a demon who Reyes doesn’t trust, and Garret, Charley’s skip trace buddy who learned the truth the hard way. But no one really knows how to kill the hellhounds.
Charley helps FBI SAC Carson to find the bodies of missing girls. In the process Carson begins to uncover some of Charley’s secrets. Charley is also worried because her missing father and she has learned that the Vatican has a full file on her. Charley is being annoyed by the whiney ghost of her former bff and Rocket actually leaves his ‘asylum’ to complain to Charley about her actions that are upsetting heaven.
I continue to enjoy the snarky t-shirt and bumper stickers that open each chapter. I also enjoy the humor and the action that keeps the crew hopping. Charley is a little whiny herself at times even as she grows into her surprising strengths and skills. The sex scenes are on the steamy side but I like the natural frustrations that spark the relationship between Charley and Reyes. The overall story moved forward only a little with a bit more history and some new elements thanks to some dead flashbacks and a Priest from the Vatican. Still this is fun, quick listening entertainment.
Audio Notes: Lorelei King does such a great job narrating this series. Her reading completely enhances the story entertainment.
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 7
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 7
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio
Review:
This is the seventh story in this fun series. Charley is excited to be pregnant but she is insecure about her ability to succeed as a mother. Meanwhile she still wants to continue her PI duties and she is glad to help her Uncle Bob on a case of suicide notes and missing people. It is just too inconvenient that the twelve hounds of hell are out to kill her.
Reyes, Charley’s ‘affianced’, is frustrated because he wants to keep Charley and the baby safe but Charley keeps slipping out on him. She gets help from The Dealer, a demon who Reyes doesn’t trust, and Garret, Charley’s skip trace buddy who learned the truth the hard way. But no one really knows how to kill the hellhounds.
Charley helps FBI SAC Carson to find the bodies of missing girls. In the process Carson begins to uncover some of Charley’s secrets. Charley is also worried because her missing father and she has learned that the Vatican has a full file on her. Charley is being annoyed by the whiney ghost of her former bff and Rocket actually leaves his ‘asylum’ to complain to Charley about her actions that are upsetting heaven.
I continue to enjoy the snarky t-shirt and bumper stickers that open each chapter. I also enjoy the humor and the action that keeps the crew hopping. Charley is a little whiny herself at times even as she grows into her surprising strengths and skills. The sex scenes are on the steamy side but I like the natural frustrations that spark the relationship between Charley and Reyes. The overall story moved forward only a little with a bit more history and some new elements thanks to some dead flashbacks and a Priest from the Vatican. Still this is fun, quick listening entertainment.
Audio Notes: Lorelei King does such a great job narrating this series. Her reading completely enhances the story entertainment.
This title is a purchase in my Audible library.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 22, 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 another good, semi-busy week at work. There were three nice parties, including lunch for my office. Weather looks like it will be wet this week so it will be nice to stay home, close to the fire after a few half days at the office.
Reading was good and the ones I am currently reading are really engaging! I finished three books and posted four reviews, one with a giveaway. I also posted a "help me pick giveaway" and all the usual memes.
I visited a good group of sites again early in the week. I hope to do so again and more this week since I should have some extra time.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
2. eBook/Kindle
Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
This is a lovely, inspirational Historical Romance.
The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.
3. Audible/MP4
A Yellowstone Christmas: Yellowstone Romance Series
Written by: Peggy L. Henderson
Narrated by: Alexandra Haag
This was a nice story and the history is great.
I will review this week.
I have the first book in this series in my Kindle Library.
I picked this up with another title
on sale with an Audible $10.00 bonus credit.
Publisher's Summary
Aimee Osborne has always looked forward to the Christmas holidays in the 21st century, where she grew up. Now that she lives in the primitive wilderness of 19th-century Yellowstone, she is determined to hold on to some of her traditions.
Daniel Osborne is unfamiliar with many of the customs and beliefs his wife grew up with. Although he doesn't understand her enthusiasm for the holiday, he shares in her joy of the season, and plans to make each Christmas with her memorable.
For Aimee and Daniel, this holiday season might not be the joyous event they hoped for. When an unexpected package arrives at their doorstep, Aimee's plans for the festivities this year might not go off as she envisioned.
When danger threatens his family, Daniel will do what it takes to protect them, and perhaps bring some peace and joy to more than just his wife and children.
©2012 Peggy L Henderson (P)2014 Peggy L Henderson
Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
I am enjoying this easy, charming read. (60% complete.)
Click on book title for full description.
2. eBook/Kindle
The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
This is Awesome so far!
(30% in and I can't wait to get back into it.)
Click on book title for full description.
3. Audio/MP4
Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
This is also starting out really well!
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Award-winning author Juliet Marillier "weaves magic, mythology, and folklore into every sentence on the page" (The Book Smugglers). Now she begins an all-new and enchanting series that will transport readers to a magical vision of ancient Ireland...
In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison mate, a silent hulk of a man named Grim, she travels north to Dalriada. There she'll live on the fringe of a mysterious forest, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help. Oran, crown prince of Dalriada, has waited anxiously for the arrival of his future bride, Lady Flidais. He knows her only from a portrait and sweetly poetic correspondence that have convinced him Flidais is his destined true love. But Oran discovers letters can lie. For although his intended exactly resembles her portrait, her brutality upon arrival proves she is nothing like the sensitive woman of the letters.
With the strategic marriage imminent, Oran sees no way out of his dilemma. Word has spread that Blackthorn possesses a remarkable gift for solving knotty problems, so the prince asks her for help. To save Oran from his treacherous nuptials, Blackthorn and Grim will need all their resources: courage, ingenuity, leaps of deduction, and more than a little magic.
©2014 Juliet Marillier (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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 will run into January at the rate I am reading. :-)
I have two reviews to complete so I am pretty much up to date.
Decenber Scheduled:
Completed.
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 four audio review titles.
I purchased three audible books - total cost to me $6.33.
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles again this week.
I received one free book from Audible and I 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?
I received four audio books from Audiobook Jukebox.
Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
Fantasy- see description above.
Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
Sci Fi - End of the World Thriller.
The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
Thriller - teenagers saving the world.
A Yellowstone Christmas: Yellowstone Romance Series
Written by: Peggy L. Henderson
Narrated by: Alexandra Haag
See more info above.
Silent Night, Holy Night: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection
Written by: Colleen Coble
Narrated by: Devon O'Day
Two Christmas titles from a Christian author.
I purchased four kindle titles for $.99 each.
The Moth Saga: Books 1 - 3
Daniel Arenson
Sci Fi, Fantasy
Lovers' Lane: Christmas Romance Boxed Set
Sandra Edwards, Regina Duke, Debra Elizabeth
Six Christmas Romances
Mail-Order Christmas Brides Boxed Set:
Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides\Mail-Order Holiday Brides
Jillian Hart, Janet Tronstad
I like mail-order bride stories and they are for Christmas too.
The Snow Queen
Written by: Hans Christian Andersen
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
The Snow Queen will be free until January 31, 2015.
Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") another 51 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
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 another good, semi-busy week at work. There were three nice parties, including lunch for my office. Weather looks like it will be wet this week so it will be nice to stay home, close to the fire after a few half days at the office.
Reading was good and the ones I am currently reading are really engaging! I finished three books and posted four reviews, one with a giveaway. I also posted a "help me pick giveaway" and all the usual memes.
I visited a good group of sites again early in the week. I hope to do so again and more this week since I should have some extra time.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
- Book Review: Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2, by B.V. Larson; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
- Audible Book Review: Yesterday's Gone: Season 1- Episode 1 by Sean Platt and David Wright; Sci Fi; my rating 3.75.
- Book Review: The Heir by Lynne Stringer; YA, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Hope Rising (Of Love and War) by Stacy Henrie, Christian, Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. Tour Giveaway 10 copies ends 12/18/14.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 19, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/25/14.
- Help Me Pick eBooks to Read - Comment Giveaway! ends 12/27/14.
- Sharing Beyond Books #182 Comment Giveaway 12/20/14. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/27/14.
1. Audible/MP3
Seventh Grave and No Body
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
This is another fun episode for Charley and gang.
Click on book title for full description.
Seventh Grave and No Body
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
This is another fun episode for Charley and gang.
Click on book title for full description.
2. eBook/Kindle
Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
This is a lovely, inspirational Historical Romance.
The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.
3. Audible/MP4
A Yellowstone Christmas: Yellowstone Romance Series
Written by: Peggy L. Henderson
Narrated by: Alexandra Haag
This was a nice story and the history is great.
I will review this week.
I have the first book in this series in my Kindle Library.
I picked this up with another title
on sale with an Audible $10.00 bonus credit.
Publisher's Summary
Aimee Osborne has always looked forward to the Christmas holidays in the 21st century, where she grew up. Now that she lives in the primitive wilderness of 19th-century Yellowstone, she is determined to hold on to some of her traditions.
Daniel Osborne is unfamiliar with many of the customs and beliefs his wife grew up with. Although he doesn't understand her enthusiasm for the holiday, he shares in her joy of the season, and plans to make each Christmas with her memorable.
For Aimee and Daniel, this holiday season might not be the joyous event they hoped for. When an unexpected package arrives at their doorstep, Aimee's plans for the festivities this year might not go off as she envisioned.
When danger threatens his family, Daniel will do what it takes to protect them, and perhaps bring some peace and joy to more than just his wife and children.
©2012 Peggy L Henderson (P)2014 Peggy L Henderson
Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
I am enjoying this easy, charming read. (60% complete.)
Click on book title for full description.
2. eBook/Kindle
The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
This is Awesome so far!
(30% in and I can't wait to get back into it.)
Click on book title for full description.
3. Audio/MP4
Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
This is also starting out really well!
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Award-winning author Juliet Marillier "weaves magic, mythology, and folklore into every sentence on the page" (The Book Smugglers). Now she begins an all-new and enchanting series that will transport readers to a magical vision of ancient Ireland...
In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison mate, a silent hulk of a man named Grim, she travels north to Dalriada. There she'll live on the fringe of a mysterious forest, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help. Oran, crown prince of Dalriada, has waited anxiously for the arrival of his future bride, Lady Flidais. He knows her only from a portrait and sweetly poetic correspondence that have convinced him Flidais is his destined true love. But Oran discovers letters can lie. For although his intended exactly resembles her portrait, her brutality upon arrival proves she is nothing like the sensitive woman of the letters.
With the strategic marriage imminent, Oran sees no way out of his dilemma. Word has spread that Blackthorn possesses a remarkable gift for solving knotty problems, so the prince asks her for help. To save Oran from his treacherous nuptials, Blackthorn and Grim will need all their resources: courage, ingenuity, leaps of deduction, and more than a little magic.
©2014 Juliet Marillier (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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 will run into January at the rate I am reading. :-)
I have two reviews to complete so I am pretty much up to date.
Decenber Scheduled:
Completed.
Welcome to 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 four audio review titles.
I purchased three audible books - total cost to me $6.33.
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles again this week.
I received one free book from Audible and I 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
I received four audio books from Audiobook Jukebox.
Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
Fantasy- see description above.
Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
Sci Fi - End of the World Thriller.
The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
Thriller - teenagers saving the world.
Won
None
Purchased
I had a $10.00 credit from Audible so I purchased three books on sale at a cost to me of $6.33.
Written by: Peggy L. Henderson
Narrated by: Alexandra Haag
See more info above.
Written by: Margaret Brownley
Narrated by: Jaimee Draperx
Historical from a Christian author.
Written by: Colleen Coble
Narrated by: Devon O'Day
Two Christmas titles from a Christian author.
I purchased four kindle titles for $.99 each.
The Moth Saga: Books 1 - 3Daniel Arenson
Sci Fi, Fantasy
Lovers' Lane: Christmas Romance Boxed Set
Sandra Edwards, Regina Duke, Debra Elizabeth
Six Christmas Romances
Mail-Order Christmas Brides Boxed Set:Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides\Mail-Order Holiday Brides
Jillian Hart, Janet Tronstad
I like mail-order bride stories and they are for Christmas too.
Free
I received this audiobook free from Audible:
Written by: Hans Christian Andersen
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
The Snow Queen will be free until January 31, 2015.
Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") another 51 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 December 21, 2014
This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent when we remember LOVE - the love that God showed us by sending His son to earth, and the love that Jesus showed by leaving heaven to be born as a humble baby.
Our Sunday School was filled with excitement as we heard of the progress of Brother "E", a Haitian man we are helping to open and share ministry in his hometown. He came to America in the summer thinking he was to work here and send money home to his family. He was injured and lost his job. He came to our church in a state of despair during Wednesday night lessons. He returned Sunday and by the next Tuesday he had been "adopted" by the men's group that meets for prayer every Tuesday morning. The men raised funds for support and he returned to his home convinced that God wanted him to minister there. Our congregation is honored to be helping to support his ministry in a place where voodoo worship is real and dangerous.
Brother "E" says he is a flashlight in a dark place but the light shines brightly due to the darkness. Since July there have been over 200 people who have accepted the message of salvation! He gives thanks to God for our support and we give thanks to God for his willingness and obedience to minister in difficult surroundings. Please pray for his continued protection and for God to continue to bless and spread the message in Haiti.
Church was nice with a good presentation from the young folk about the 12 Symbols of Christmas. Pastor shared a message on the importance of Angels - not only as seen in delivering messages in the Christmas story and other stories of the Bible, but also in our day to day lives. Do you believe in angels? Especially guardian angels?
A Verse for Today:
Psalm 91:11
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
I pray, as Christmas Day approaches, that my friends know that they are loved, not just this special week but every day! I pray that angels watch over each of us and I pray that Brother "E" has a Christmas blessed by the touch of God's Holy Spirit!
Our Sunday School was filled with excitement as we heard of the progress of Brother "E", a Haitian man we are helping to open and share ministry in his hometown. He came to America in the summer thinking he was to work here and send money home to his family. He was injured and lost his job. He came to our church in a state of despair during Wednesday night lessons. He returned Sunday and by the next Tuesday he had been "adopted" by the men's group that meets for prayer every Tuesday morning. The men raised funds for support and he returned to his home convinced that God wanted him to minister there. Our congregation is honored to be helping to support his ministry in a place where voodoo worship is real and dangerous.
Brother "E" says he is a flashlight in a dark place but the light shines brightly due to the darkness. Since July there have been over 200 people who have accepted the message of salvation! He gives thanks to God for our support and we give thanks to God for his willingness and obedience to minister in difficult surroundings. Please pray for his continued protection and for God to continue to bless and spread the message in Haiti.
Church was nice with a good presentation from the young folk about the 12 Symbols of Christmas. Pastor shared a message on the importance of Angels - not only as seen in delivering messages in the Christmas story and other stories of the Bible, but also in our day to day lives. Do you believe in angels? Especially guardian angels?
I started out seeking another song video from our cantata.
I found numerous videos that I would love to share.
I will probably post one each morning this week leading up to Christmas.
The one I chose for today is to complete my Christmas Card list this year.
I am sending this Christmas Card song to all of my blog friends!
Psalm 91:11
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
I pray, as Christmas Day approaches, that my friends know that they are loved, not just this special week but every day! I pray that angels watch over each of us and I pray that Brother "E" has a Christmas blessed by the touch of God's Holy Spirit!
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