Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal

This is a fun ride even if a bit unrealistic!

The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-14
Publisher: Michael O'Neal
Genre: Thriller, Action Adventure (YA)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Yesterday they were five ordinary friends. Today they are all that stand between us and extinction...
Havenbrook, Iowa. Typical small town America, nestled in the rolling plains of the Midwest. Life is simple here. But for high school senior Jay Anderson, it's about to get a whole lot more complicated. Accused of a crime he didn't commit, he is shocked to become an outcast throughout this small community, and becomes suspicious of the townspeople's suddenly strange behavior. Only his friends believe in his innocence, and set out to prove it...
...only to find out there is something far more sinister going on here. Who are the mysterious men who have suddenly appeared around town? What is the government hiding at the town's reservoir? Pursued by shadowy forces that would kill to keep the secrets they discover - and the secret Jay holds unknowingly within himself - he and his friends embark on an epic adventure. From the steps of Capitol Hill to the walls of the Kremlin; from the unfriendly skies over Eastern Europe to the treacherous waters of the Caribbean; danger lurks around every corner as these five teenagers seek to uncover what was created on...
©2011 Bluewater Press LLC (P)2014 Michael O'Neal

Review:
Jay Anderson and his friends are quirky high school seniors, already ostracized because of their high intelligence. Jay is suddenly accused of selling drugs making him a pariah to his teachers, fellow students and even his parents. The only people who believe him innocent are his best friends, Kathy, Jeff, Ryan and Rachel. Kathy tears apart the evidence managing to get the case dismissed but that doesn’t change the minds of those who were quick to deem him guilty.

Rachel finds an incriminating picture that places a high government official involved in framing Jay. Amid an unusual rash of anger and high tempers in town, Jeff finds evidence of another government cover-up effecting the town’s water reservoir. The 'bug' not only causes the violent tempers but can cause death too. The teens are alarmed and head out in different directions to try to figure out what is going on and how to save their town.

Jay and Kathy visit a Senator in Washington, DC, who is a friend of the family. Jay hopes that perhaps he can give help but the next thing they know they are on the run from government officials. Their race to prevent the deadly plan sends them on a train ride, into desolate, cold mountains on foot and eventually to Russia.

Jay and Kathy have secrets that are a surprise even to them. While certain high level conspirators want them captured, controlled or maybe dead, there is finally a high government force that decides to protect and help them. The problem is the ‘good guys’ can’t get close to the kids to let them know they have back-up.

There is a lot of action that keeps this moving and interesting. However, there are also a lot of improbable episodes. These teens are portrayed as some type of genius superheroes. I enjoyed the quiet faith input and confidence that was portrayed, especially in Jay. I also appreciated the depth of friendship between Kathy and Jay who are resisting the temptations to be ‘friends with benefits’.

 This is fun and entertaining as long as you set aside realism. I recommend it as fun action, suspense and entertainment.

Audio Notes: Robert Martinez does a good job providing different voices for the characters. His narration helps to keep the story fun and enhanced the "reading" experience for me.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This will count toward my 2015 Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Amish White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is a very easy read and nice story.
Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

• File Size: 459 KB
• Print Length: 306 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1616268662
• Publisher: Barbour Books (September 1, 2012)
• ASIN: B008MFOIQW

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you’ll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

Review:
Will Henderson was not born Amish but was raised by a good Amish couple after being left, ‘temporarily’, with them as a five year old. Will is now 22 and has chosen to live the “plain” life. He is soon to be married to a lovely young Amish woman, Karen. However, Will is tortured with abandonment issues and insecurities that threaten the serenity of his marriage, if his jealousy doesn’t forestall the marriage altogether. Even Karen begins to feel that Will is not ready for marriage if he cannot face this issues of his past and grow beyond them.

While Will struggles with his anger and bitterness, his natural father wonders where his boy might be and how he is fairing. He has a new wife and children but he has never forgotten the son he left behind when he went looking for a stable job. Is there any possible way he can find his son and if he does, could Will forgive him?

This is a nice story of forgiveness, acceptance and the importance of communication. The writing style is simple and this reads very easily and quickly. However I was a bit bored at a third in. I did like the ending but feel the beginning and middle of the book could have had less mundane dialogue (and running to the telephone) and more rich Amish setting and life-descriptions. These characters were almost too much like normal “Englishers”. Plus I found it hard to believe there would be so many horse and buggy accidents in such a short time.

I read this with my Ladies’ book club. Several of the ladies loved the easy read and fully enjoyed the story. A couple others were like me - we liked the ending but felt the book lacked the rich details we like in Amish stories. We did enjoy that there was more depth to the story than a simple romance but on the other hand, we were not fully pulled in by the characters or story. (Maybe we are action junkies.) The pie recipe was in the print copy but not the Kindle version. One of our ladies made it and said it was wonderful!

This is the second book I have read by this author and I think her writing is just not my cup of tea although her books are popular. This book has good ratings and is an example that confirms that not every author or every style of writing suits every reader the same. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy style read with life issues facing Amish characters.

This was our Ladies' Book Club book for discussion 1/10/15.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a gently read print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 18, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 18, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 12, 2015

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.

First full week in 2015 is now completed. All is still good here although it was a cold week for us. I have been doing some traveling for court while we work on closings too.

Reading was good, with one quick read and one fairly quick listen. The third book is taking longer.  I posted three reviews, leaving two for this week so far. I also posted my usual memes. 

I enjoyed visiting again last week and will continue to try to visit other blogs.
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 January 5, 2015.

• First Book of 2015 - Book Review: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw; Nonfiction, Motivational; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

• Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 9, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/15/14.

• Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #185 Comment Giveaway 1/10/15. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/17/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 11, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
This is a quick, easy read.
We discussed this at Ladies' Book Club on 1/10/15.
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
This is a bit of a farfetched ride - but entertaining.
I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Exodus 2022
by Kenneth G. Bennett
This is a longer story with a very interesting premise and lots of danger/suspense.
I received this title through NetGalley
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
I have strarted this and am finding it interesting
I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There's John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there's the new computer program Beautiful Houses--also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she'll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There's James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there's his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house's history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God's loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
©2013 Deborah Heal (P)2014 Deborah Heal

3. eBook/Kindle

'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance
by Robyn Carr
Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Revisit Virgin River with two beloved holiday stories from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. Included is the bonus novella Backward Glance—available digitally for the first time.
'Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…
Under the Christmas Tree
With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions
Holiday kisses don't end with Christmas—there's still the New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.
So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr's trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.

I will probably start another title before the week ends but I haven't decided which one yet. :-)

I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

January Schedule:
January 16 - 26 I'm Dreaming Giveaway Hop
I am focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles this month.

I have two reviews to complete from this week so I am still up to date.
I am still have forward five NetGalley review titles I need/would like to read in January.  
I also have three ebooks from publicist to get to, two more audiobooks and one  author title.

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 two review titles, one from Pump Up Your Book for March and one from NetGalley.
I didn't purchase any books but that didn't stop me adding more free kindle titles to my library.
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected this title at Pump Up Your Book for review in March:

Admit to Mayhem: Lillian Dove Mystery

D. J. Adamson

"Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery." 

I received an invitation to read a Christian thriller which I accepted when I posted a review on another title. Judas the Apostle
Van Mayhall Jr.

"In this biblical thriller, the race for answers takes a language professor on a dangerous quest across three continents in order to discover the identity of Judas Iscariot. Now only time will tell if Cloe can find out what the past is reaching out to tell her—before it is too late."

Won

None

Purchased

I resisted making any purchases this week. I will have to select two Audible titles this week before 1/19 for my December subscription.

Free

Over the past week I added 110 (Yikes! - I found multiple at Amazon) free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 11, 2015

We are wrapping up the study in Revelations which has been wonderfully exciting. It is fascinating too that, as we are reading the Bible from the beginning again, we see passages in Genesis, Matthew and Psalms that tie into Revelations. The redemption theme of Christ runs through the Bible from beginning to end shared in 66 books, by 40 authors and over 1600 years. I always see this as awesome - God inspired!

Our pastor preached a sermon titled: Living Worthy of the Lord. The question he said to ask ourselves is: “Am I living, walking, worthy or the Lord? Colossians 1:10 states: “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”. (ASB)

No one likes a traitor but many Christians behave in a traitorour way, not living their lives to please God. If you love God, then you will live a life that shows that love; bearing good gruit and seeking more knowledge of God. Being worthy will show these three traits:
1) Being loyal, bringing Him glory through our daily walk;
2) Doing good works that will glorify Him (bearing good fruit); and
3) Growing in knowledge of God.

The family of Christians should be standing firm, in one spirit, striving together for faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27. Don’t allow your daily life, home or work, or church differences, to distract or turn you from the path that God has put before you. He keeps working on us, in us and through us, if we let Him.

I searched for two hours for the song to share today.

I found many good songs but this is the one that fits for me today! :-)

Everything (Tim Hughes)

Verses for Today:

Philippians 1:27-28a (NIV)

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,e striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you...

Lord, today I bring prayers for healing for many sick with flu bugs, but particularly for special healing after surgery for friends, Meghan and Lanet.

Also Lord, show me each morning how I can walk that day to be pleasing to You.

Sharing Beyond Books #185 Comment Giveaway 1/10/2015

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

How has your first full week of 2015 been? I'm doing well on some resolutions and not good on others. *Sigh* We got very cold (as low as 19) these past couple of days.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Only three of seventeen have a Little Free Library nearby. Most of us had not heard of this before, but many thought it was a great idea. I agree with Di, that I wondered if these were set up where there are no public libraries. The rules don't seem to restrict to that but it makes more sense.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #184 comments is: #1 ElizabethT 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 #185 (One Question.)

Q1. Nrlymrtl asks:  If you're in the middle of a very good book, perhaps even an intense scene, and the phone rings, what do you do? Answer? Ignore??

A: What a fun question! I keep my cell phone on silent most of the time so I don't know it rang until I pick it up again. :-) The house phone has an automatic answering machine so we usually don't answer it either but just return calls. So I guess I ignore the phones and don't let them interrupt my reading!

Maybe we should all have a Cell Lock-up for reading time!
Image found at eBay.

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. Nrlymrtl asks: If you're in the middle of a very good book, perhaps even an intense scene, and the phone rings, what do you do? Answer? Ignore??

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 17, 2015 at 5 PM  central.