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Sunday, December 28, 2014

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 29, 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 hope everyone had as nice a week as I did. This was a great reading week with time to listen while wrapping presents and doing chores. We had a good Christmas morning with the children then a quiet day that was lovely.

Reading was very engaging.  I finished four books and posted four reviews. I also posted my usual memes. 

I visited a good group of sites again early in the week. Though I had hoped to do more during the holiday that didn't happen.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle



A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
This was a warm story. The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




2. eBook/Kindle


The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
This is very engaging - first as sci fi, then as mystery.
My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




3. eBook/Kindle


The Advent Bride (The 12 Brides of Christmas)
by Mary Connealy
This is a charming read. I will post the review this week.
New--The 12 Brides of Christmas! You're invited to a Christmas wedding...that is twelve of them!  Discover the joy of an old-fashioned Christmas romance with these twelve heart-warming stories. Brand-new stories from renowned inspirational fiction authors will take you into the heartland of historical America. Releasing each week starting October 6, you'll want to read all of them.

#1: The Advent Bride
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.



4. Audio/MP4


Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
I found this really remarkable.
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
I will post review this week.
Click on book title for full description.




Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


A Most Inconvenient Marriage
(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)
by Regina Jennings
I am enjoying this fun historical romance which I received through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.
But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.
Most Inconvenient Indeed.
With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.
After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?



2. Audible/MP4



25 Perfect Days
Written by: Mark Tullius
Narrated by: Dave Thompson
This world is a Dystopian nightmare.
I received this audio from Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Will you follow The Way or be crushed by the Controllers?
A totalitarian state doesn't just happen overnight. It's a slow, dangerous slide. 25 Perfect Days chronicles the path into a hellish future of food shortages, contaminated water, sweeping incarceration, an ultra-radical religion, and the extreme measures taken to reduce the population. Through 25 interlinked stories, each written from a different character's point of view, 25 Perfect Days captures the sacrifice, courage, and love needed to survive and eventually overcome this dystopian nightmare.
©2013 Mark Tullius (P)2014 Mark Tullius



3. eBook/Kindle


Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel
by Mary Balogh
I am looking forward to reading this novel by one of my favorite authors.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman.…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.



4. eBook/Kindle


Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
Carolyn Mahaney (Author), Nicole Mahaney Whitacre (Author), Kristin Chesemore (Author), Janelle Bradshaw
This is the book I chose for my First read in 2015.
It is from my 2009 TBR Kindle list and
I am reading it as part of the 2014-15 Winter COYER challenge.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2007
Overwhelmed. Miserable. Exhausted. These are often the words that women use to describe their high-demand lifestyles. How are women who are always on the go expected to cope with the demands of work, family, and ministry?
Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw, recognize the needs of Christian women today. Shopping for Time offers the solution to women who truly desire to glorify God with every use of their time.
These authors offer five tips to help ladies do it all without becoming overwhelmed: rise early, sit down, sit longer (occasionally), choose friends wisely, and take fifteen minutes. By weaving biblical principles of God's Word into these keys, these authors give women practical advice on how to fulfill-and excel in-their daily responsibilities.



I am carrying forward three ebook review titles I need to read in January. that 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 still up to date.


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 titles and selected two titles at NetGalley.
I purchased three $.99 kindle titles this week. I might resolve to stop purchasing titles since I have so many already - but some are just so tempting. How does a book addict resist?
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 this book from the author with review request:

Starship Blackbeard 
by Michael Wallace
This is a military sci fi from an author whose work in other genres I have enjoyed.
I am looking forward to reading this in January.



I selected two titles from NetGalley because they are authors I like:

by RaeAnne Thayne
This one sounds like a Hallmark scenario. :-)



'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance 
by Robyn Carr
I haven't read this author in years and this seasonal collection seemed like a good way to re-visit her work!






Won
None

Purchased

I purchased these three kindle titles for $.99 each:



Christmas in The Duke's Arms
Grace Burrowes, Carolyn Jewel, Miranda Neville, Shana Galen
Four Christmas novellas by authors I like.




Love Brings Us Home (Inspirational Romance Box Set): 
Seven Christian Romances Celebrating Faith and Family
Hallee Bridgeman, Valerie Comer, JoAnn Durgin, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Lynette Sowell, Staci Stallings, Debra Ullrick




After Armageddon
Brian L. Porter, Carole Gill
An anthology of tales by two good authors.


Free
Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") 51 free Kindle titles again. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
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Sunday Words of Encouragement December 28, 2014

We had a short communion service today to prepare for 2015. Pastor asked us to remember, as we prepare for a new year, that God gives us strength for all our days. Deut 33:25. Pastor then described “Good Riddance Day” which he heard was being celebrated in New York. People are to write up a list of things they don't want to carry into 2015. Pastor asked us to write such things on prayer cards. The question being: What regrets, disappointments or bad habits do you want to put behind you, leaving them in 2014 and starting with a fresh slate? Also, he reminded us that, if we are like 80% of any crowd, we are among those who have someone to forgive. He encouraged us to do it now.

This is one of the songs from our Christmas Cantata.
I find it a nice song to finish this Christmas week of music sharing.
Bethlehem Calls
by NewSong
A Verse for Today:
Deuteronomy 33:25 NIV
25 The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days.

God, I seek you guidance and continued blessing as we prepare for another new year. Help me especially to do your Will and to spread the word of Your good deeds and Your gospel of salvation and grace.
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Saturday, December 27, 2014

Sharing Beyond Books #183 Comment Giveaway 12/27/2014

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

I hope everyone has had a really good week. I've had a lovely week even though I had to work most of Monday and Tuesday and the weather was wet, wet, wet. Wednesday I spent wrapping presents and Thursday we had a lovely, un-rushed Christmas brunch with our daughter, s-i-l and grandkids. Friday my DH actually took us shopping - a rare thing as he doesn't like the pre or post Christmas crowds. Today I did some cleaning in our RV as it looks like we will be trading it in soon. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I enjoyed seeing the books each of you are looking forward too. Some of them made me think of books I want to read too. One book was mentioned twice, Pirate's Alley by Suzanne Johnson, and JR Ward was mentioned twice.
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #182 comments is: #9 Di who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review 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 #183 (One Question.)

Q1. Becky asks:  Of the past year, what is the greatest book you have read? 
A: I saved this question 'till the end so we could pick from all the books we have read through 2014. First - I interpret this question to refer to books read in 2014 not necessarily published in 2014. Second - "Greatest" could have different meanings. I read primarily for entertainment so I don't often read what some might call "great" literature. If I define "greatest" as most important, I would have to pick The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. However, for this question, I chose to define "greatest" as "favorite". My favorite for the year was a surprise to me and the book I just finished! The Dreamer's Pool Audiobook is excellent entertainment and hard to set aside! I will post the review this coming week. 

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.
The questions in December were shared by: Rubynreba, Nikki, Elizabeth and Becky. Random.org picked #4: Becky.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks: Of the past year, what is the greatest book you have read??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 January 3, 2015 at 5 PM  central.
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Book Review: The Genome: A Novel by Sergei Lukyanenko

This is a very engaging read combining Sci Fi and Mystery genres.
The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
  • File Size: 719 KB
  • Print Length: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy (December 2, 2014)
  • ASIN: B00NX8U3J4
Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
A science fiction thriller by the author of Night Watch, the hit novel that inspired two major motion pictures
Five months after the horrific accident that left him near death and worried that he’d never fly again, master-pilot Alex Romanov lands a new job: captaining the sleek passenger vessel Mirror. Alex is a spesh—a human who has been genetically modified to perform particular tasks. As a captain and pilot, Alex has a genetic imperative to care for passengers and crew—no matter what the cost.
His first mission aboard Mirror is to ferry two representatives of the alien race Zzygou on a tour of human worlds. His task will not be an easy one, for aboard the craft are several speshes who have reason to hate the Others. Dark pasts, deadly secrets, and a stolen gel-crystal worth more than Alex’s entire ship combine to challenge him at every turn. And as the tension escalates, it becomes apparent that greater forces are at work to bring the captain’s world crashing down.


Review:
Master-Pilot Alex finds himself recuperating on an industrial planet station. As a pilot-spesh it is in his nature to lead and help others which causes him to take a young teen girl under his wing. He can tell from her looks and behavior that Kim is about to go through the metamorphosis that will change her into whatever specialty was coded in her genes before birth. He cannot allow her to do this alone on the streets as he is concerned that she will die.

Alex is fortunate to land a great job that allows him to pick his own six member team: two pilots, a navigator, an engineer, a doctor and a fighter. He pulls together an interesting crew, including Kim as the fighter-spesh. Only one of the six is a natural human who was not designed and trained with a particular specialty. There is a little animosity and tension as the crew comes together. The tensions intensify when they learn the first mission is to transport three passengers, two Zzygous and their clone escort. These aliens are considered ‘Others’ and uneasy enemies to humans, including the doctor-spesh, Janet, who is trying hard to control her tendencies to hate and destroy that alien race. The navigator, the natural human in the crew, is vocal regarding his bigotry against clones.

No sooner does the flight begin when there is a near collision that appears to be an attempt to kill the ship, crew or the passengers. Alex manages to settle everyone and the trip proceeds comfortably until a savage murder occurs that could trigger intergalactic war. Alex, as Captain of the ship, feels responsible for everyone aboard. He pieces together the clues to find the murderer at the same time as a famous detective interviews each of the suspects.

I found the first half of the book to be an amazing sci fi world with unique characters. Kim has secrets that add to the engaging story. It is quickly clear that the practice of creating speshes has its benefits and difficulties. Mid-way the murder occurs and the story jumps into a takeoff of famous detectives. This provided entertaining humor intertwined with philosophical questions regarding the benefits and stability of chosen speshes versus freedom to choose one’s own destiny and freedom to experience all emotions.

The leap from sci fi to mystery was a bizarre twist. I was engrossed in the sci fi elements and felt jolted when the focus clearly shifted. However, I then enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes' methodology of disclosing details to uncover the murderer. The mystery was satisfactorily wrapped up but there were a few loose ends in the future of the characters. There is a free attitude towards sexual partners that I didn’t care for but it fits the character personalities.

This book kept me up late wanting to know where the story would go! It is well written and read very quickly for a longer book. I highly recommend this to sci fi lovers and to mystery lovers too.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
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Christmas Sharing Little Drummer Boy

As I was looking at Christmas videos I came upon this.
Isn't it wonderful?
Not only is it beautifully done but the song reminds us that we He is pleased when we bring 
the smallest, simplest gifts offered with a humble heart.
Little Drummer Boy 
by Pentatonix 
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