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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge
hosted by Roof Beam Reader


Check all rules at Roof Beam Reader.com

Goal: Specify and read 12 books that must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. (All published prior to 1/1/2014.)
The list must be finalized by 1/15/15. I think I am comfortable with the list below so I don't expect changes. My list shows the book, author and date added to my library.

1/10/15 I have updated my list to replace two print books with ebooks although I still hope to read the two print wins during the year. Also, I replaced one audio choice with an ebook. Chances are I'll get to the audios anyway. :-)   The alternates also changed to an older ebook and an older Audible title.
Four books are from authors I have read before (including one of the alternates); the other ten will be new to me.  All of the choices are books I have had since 2012 or earlier.
(The links go to my review of the book as I post them.)

1. Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw September 4,2009
2. Homespun Bride Jillian Hart May 4,2009
3. Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed.. Lara Adrian May 4,2009
4. Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson Audible Nov 2011
5. Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One Jason Tesar May 2011
6. The New World (FREE short story) (Chaos Walking) Patrick Ness Nov 2010
7. On the Run (The Elijah Project) Bill Myers, James Riordan Nov 2010
8. The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 Debbie Viguie Oct 2010
Dead Reckoning Ronie Kendig Sept 2010
9. Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River) Robyn Carr Sept 2010
10. Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel Irene Hannon April 2012
Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries #1) Gemma Halliday Sept 2011

Alternates:
11. Frozen Past (A Jaxon Jennings' Detective Mystery Thriller Series, Book 1) Richard C Hale July 2012
12. Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Audible Oct 12

Plus for sure I will read Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer - I wasn’t positive if I should count this book as it was on my Wish list since 2012 but not purchased until 2/2014. I'm such a fuddy-duddy stickler when it comes to rules that I decided not to include it in the “official” list but it is a definite read for me in early 2015.

Audio Book Review: Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1 Written by: Juliet Marillier

This dark faireytale, complete with tortured characters, tricky fae magic and mysteries, is probably my favorite read of 2014.
Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Written by: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
Series: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-04-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


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.


Review:
Blackthorn is a woman who suffered loss and was locked up and abused when she tried to speak out about murder and injustice. The reader meets Blackthorn and Grim in a cesspool of a dungeon. Blackthorn is hoping to finally get a chance to speak out to the counsel on her innocence and the abuse she has suffered. Instead she is mocked by the guards and told that she will not be alive in the morning. Before she can succumb to complete despair she is visited by a fae Mage. He offers her freedom with several conditions. She must go to the village of Dalriada to serve as a healer; she must help whoever asks for help; and she must remain for seven years, setting aside her plans for revenge. Although the terms are hard to accept she decides it is better to live for now.

Grim is a giant of a man who has watched Blackthorn constantly from the next cell. He has watched over and tried to encourage the “Lady” whenever he could. Grim helps Blackthorn to escape the dungeon when the opportunity unexpectedly arises. He also tries to help other prisoners before he follows Blackthorn. He has nowhere else to go but really he is determined to protect her and be near the hope and light he sees within her battered being. There are only glimpses of Grim’s past but it is clear that he too is an anguished soul.

Blackthorn and Grim set up in a cottage on the estate of Prince Oran. The Prince has finally agreed to marry after a letter courtship with his intended bride, Lady Flidais. Lady Flidais and her entourage suffer tragedy when Lady Flidais’ handmaiden is drowned near the edge of the village of Dalraida. Oran is excited to welcome Lady Flidais but he is surprised by her behaviors. At first her headaches and sudden estrangement from her beloved dog are explained as the result of fatigue and distress. However, as the days come closer to their hand-fasting, Oran fears that something serious has happened to the young woman and love he dreamed of through her letters. He seeks the help of Blackthorn in a last effort to resolve his confusions.

This book is filled with totally engaging characters and a gripping tale of tragedy, hardships, folklore and dark magic! The story is told in a versatile manner from the rotating first person views of the three primary characters, Blackthorn, Grim and Oran. There are wonderful historic descriptions of the settings - dungeon, fortress, village, gypsy camp - all blended nicely into the storyline. There is backstory woven in as well as mysteries to be solved with steady reasoning and bold courage. Although I guessed the details in both mysteries it was still a delight to watch the protagonists unravel the truth and deal with the wrongdoers.

This was a delightful surprise and a book I did not want to put down. This entanglement concludes satisfactorily but leaves open questions that make me eager for more episodes and adventures. I have not read Ms. Marillier before but I will definitely be seeking the next book in this series and other works too. I highly recommend this tale to readers who enjoy a thoroughly engaging fantasy.

Audio Notes: The three narrators, Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold and Nick Sullivan, did a great job in
sharing the depths of their characters. There were times I was annoyed by the characters’ emotional responses, or lack thereof, but I felt this was intentional and that the narration conveyed the nuances of each character. The audio enhanced my pleasure in an already absorbing story.


This was a really lucky pick for me to receive from Audible through Audiobook Jukebox.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Winners For December Giveaways!

Winners can be found listed on the Giveaway page and in the sidebar for a week or so after announced.
Some of these are tour wins so you will check the rafflecopter announcements on the giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

Giveaway Ended December 27, 2014

Help Me Pick eBooks to Read - Comment Giveaway!
Two Winners: Becky chose Homespun Bride
and Lilly picked Kiss of Midnight (which was the most popular title with 4 votes) 
I plan to read these two titles in January and then we will pick for two more. :-)

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Giveaway Ended December 21, 2014

Tour GiveawaySeducing the Ruthless Rogue (The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2) by Tammy Jo Burns. Tour Giveaway; Check Giveaway for Winners.

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Giveaways Ended December 20, 2014

GiveawayJesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor #JesusDailyBook. Tour Giveaway book + Tshirt, WINNER:  LINDA K

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Fun - #4EvrBookBoyfriend - and a Special Giveaway Pack From @ForeverRomance - #FaLaLaForever; Print Bundle! WINNER:  MELISSA B

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Giveaway Ended December 18, 2014

Tour GiveawaySugar's Twice as Sweet: Sugar, Georgia: Book 1 by Marina Adair. WINNERS: see Rafflecopter for eight winners.

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Giveaway Ended December 13, 2014

GiveawayHome for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers 
eBook:    WINNER: MARTHA L

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Giveaway Ended December 6, 2014

Book GiveawaySugar's Twice as Sweet: Sugar, Georgia: Book 1 by Marina Adair;
Autographed Book WINNER:  CASSIE P

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Giveaway Ended December 1, 2014

GiveawayThe Mystery of the Shemitah by Jonathan Cahn;
WINNER: BN100

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Hope Ramsay Blog Tour Giveaway
See Rafflecopter for Winners

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Thank you to all who entered these giveaways!

Book Review: The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy

This is a charming Christmas novella.
by Mary Connealy
  • File Size: 3389 KB
  • Print Length: 51 pages
  • Publisher: Shiloh Run Studios (October 6, 2014)
  • ASIN: B00NTI2YXG
Genre: Historical Romance
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0


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.


Review:
Melanie is alone struggling to be a good teacher in a small community in 1875.  She gets a “bargain” of room rent with a bitter, but influential, woman in town who complains about the time she comes in and complains about every chore not being done properly. In addition her landlady continually threatens to get Melanie fired.

Melanie loves the children she teaches and does everything she can to help each one. Still, she is frustrated by seven year-old Simon who has lost his mother and constantly acts out in class. Melanie tries to speak to Simon’s father, Henry/Hank, but he insists that it is her job to find a way to control her students.

Melanie discovers an old box in her rented room and is able to engage the energetic boy in uncovering the puzzle and the prizes as an advent adventure. Even Hank is pulled into the after school activity, providing needed father and son time. Melanie and Hank develop a growing friendship which scares Hank. Then Melanie’s bitter landlady brings accusations that could be devastating.

Advent holds a special place in my heart so this title caught my eye. Melanie is a natural, lovely and patient young woman. I was rooting for her from the very start until the end of the story.  I loved the advent box element and made a note that I want the box and contents.  Ms. Connealy is able to share a gentle faith through her cute, sweet love stories. If you haven’t read any of her titles yet this would be a quick read to get a nice taste of her fine writing. This is a very quick and charming read.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

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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