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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy Martinez

This is an interesting time warp fantasy.
Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller
Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
Series: Sage Hannigan, Time Warper, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-14
Publisher: Peggy Martinez
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Eighteen-year-old Sage Hannigan wants to get back to her own time, preferably one that hasn't been destroyed by an underworld plot brewing in Edwardian-era South Carolina. How hard can it be?
Sage never asked to be chosen by the Druid Priestess, Amerach, to become a Warper and she never asked to have the future hanging on her shoulders or to warp a hundred years into the past. She certainly never asked to meet Dr. Aldwin Blake, who would make her question her desire to get back to her own time. But if she fails her mission, people will die, history will change, and the present she wishes to return to will be no more.
©2012 Peggy Martinez (P)2014 Peggy Martinez


Review:
Sage is an 18 year old, modern day woman finally setting up her own place and forging ahead on plans for her future. She loves shopping in book stores and vintage shops. She feels compelled to purchase a pretty necklace while shopping in a new store. On her way out the door to head home she bumps into an old woman who speaks gibberish and seems to saddle her with some type of curse.

The next morning Sage has awakened 100 years in the past. As though time warping isn’t enough to cope with she quickly discovers that preternatural creatures - vampires, weres and shifters - believed to be the stuff of fantasy and myth are alive and well ... and threatening her life. Sage is rescued from the streets and brought to a home for young women. She is informed by her new friends that she is a Warper who has arrived so that she could prevent a disaster that would impact time.

The home’s proprietress, the scarred but still handsome professor, Dr. Aldwin Blake, and her young eager rescuer are part of a special society assigned to keep preternatural activities secret from the public. The team takes up the task of training Sage. She must learn etiquette and dress suitable for the time period, defense with knifes and strategies, and control of her own unique abilities. The plan is to prepare Sage to become the secretary to one of the strongest vampires in town so she can infiltrate his circles to try to learn what major threat is imminent.

Sage is attracted to Aldwin and thinks he likes her too but he remains aloof. Then she meets the remarkable vampire and finds an attraction there as well. Through bumbling luck as much as anything Sage and the vampire uncover hints that help them track down an assassin plan. Now the team has to step in to help prevent the murder that would change history. Sage is eager to help stop the danger but she isn’t sure if she will then get to go home to 2004, or if she wants to.

I appreciated the action and danger that were the base of the story along with the bits of historical clothing and features. The love triangle, although too swift and obvious, added some additional tension and interest, especially for the ending. There are some weaknesses in the story with Sage being viewed as confident and sure when she really is just a mass of confusion and pretty much inept. I thought the writing a bit more on the YA or NA level than I like. (It is categorized for Ages 11-13 which I don't think is really accurate.) Still, the story was engaging enough to keep my attention for a quick listen.

Audio Notes: Amanda C. Miller did an acceptable job on narration. There is no real effort to make a distinction between many of the characters, but the narrator’s voice suits Sage who tells the story in first person. I enjoyed the quick audiobook for this story which I might not have chosen to read in print/ebook.

I received this title for an honest review through Audiobook Jukebox.
This qualifies for my Audiobook challege.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 2, 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.

I had another good but busy week. I expect to continue to be busy at work especially since my daughter is still out with the flu.
I had a good reading week finishing five books! I posted three reviews, one with giveaways, a COYER post and the usual memes.

I visited some bogs early in the week but didn't get back later in the week. I hope to try harder this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky DreilingHistoric Romance; my rating 3.75.  Rafflecopter open worldwide, ends 3/1/15; Print - Open US/CA Ends 3/2/15.
  • Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle



What a Devilish Duke Desires
by Vicky Dreiling
The review and giveaways (ending soon)
 are posted above.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP4


Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller
This is an interesting time warp fantasy.
I will post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle


Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)
by Jillian Hart
This is a complete delight!
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible/MP4


Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11
Written by: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
I was glad to find this entertaining.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



5. Audible/MP4


The Beast Master
Written by: Andre Norton
Narrated by: Richard J. Brewer
This is another title in my 
Audible Library from 9/2011.
I really enjoyed the story which 
I listened to in one day.
I plan to make this review post four this week.
Publisher's Summary
Left homeless by the war that reduced Terra to a radioactive cinder, Hosteen Storm - Navaho commando and master of beasts - is drawn to the planet Arzor, to kill a man he has never met.
On that dangerous frontier world, aliens and human colonists share the land in an uneasy truce. But something is upsetting the balance, and Storm is caught in the middle. He had thought the war was over - but was it?
©2005 Andre Norton; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio




Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


The Void (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston
I am only 10% in but already the story is gripping.
I received the ebook from the author for review.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 30, 2015
2403 AD
It would be easier to kill him than to trust him.
Transporting a serial killer might seem like a simple job for CCF Homicide Investigator Kyle Tanner. After spending years apprehending murderers, he's ready to hang up his pistol. Babysitting a prisoner will bring him to Alpha Centauri, where he can search for a way to escape the CCF forever.
If he makes it.
When his ship breaks down in deep space and a CCF research vessel comes to his aid, Tanner realizes he's in terrible danger: the scientists on board have blocked his distress call. And when Tanner's prisoner escapes, he begins to suspect that the proximity of the research vessel had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with the CCF's relentless reach.
Facing near-certain death by his own organization, Tanner must unravel a tangled skein of vengeance, duplicity and murder in deep space. But he's being held at the will of master puppeteers, and if he can't cut the strings, he'll dance straight to a gruesome, excruciating death….
A Tanner Sequence Novel



2. Audible/MP4


Finding Mr. Right
Written by: Emily Carmichael
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
I wanted something light while I read current review books so I picked this
from my Audible Library - 11/2012.
Publisher's Summary
Finding Mr. Right is a heartwarming tale for romantics and animal lovers. Amy Cameron has had a run of incredibly bad luck. Her husband and best friend are murdered, together, because they were having an affair - then her house burns to the ground!
The last thing Amy needs is another man. But her deceased, traitorous, gal-pal is sent back to Earth to make up for her indiscretion and find Mr. Right for Amy. The only catch - she comes back as a ratty, little Welsh Corgi named Miss Piggy.
©1998 Emily Krokosz; (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC



3. eBook/Kindle


Admit to Mayhem: Lillian Dove Mystery
by D. J. Adamson
I am looking forward to starting this mystery.
I received this for Pump Up Your Book Tour; to post 3/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control.
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.


[Next in line: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis]

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. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
3/12 Admit to Mayhem Review for Pump Up Your Book Tour
March (dateTBD) - Ladies Book Club Book: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
3/21 Echoes (Mind Games) by Laura K. Curtis Review for RockStar PR.

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.


I will hope to post all four reviews this week; one and a half are already written.
I'll have to get back to reading the waiting NetGalley titles next week.


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 have one book for Book club, one ebook for review and one audiobook for review.
I downloaded 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
Ladies Book Club for March

Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
by Rita Gerlach
We are reading this story for our March meeting.
The date is up in the air due to busy schedules.
Set in 1775  this is "a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness."



I received this from NetGalley
for a Berkley Intermix through RockStar PR 3/21
 Echoes (Mind Games) 
by Laura K. Curtis
This sounded like a good romantic suspense/mystery.


I received this title for review
through Audiobook Jukebox.


The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1
Written by: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: James Simenc
This fantasy looks interesting.




Won
None

Purchased
I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)


Free

Over the past week I added 49 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement Sunday March 1, 2015

We had another lovely Sunday morning with confirming messages again from our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor. We believe God is pressing His message at a time when we need to be ready to share His word.

Our Sunday School teacher was stressing Paul’s approach to the Romans by focusing on Romans 1:16-17. In verse 16, Paul was saying he wasn’t ashamed of the gospel which is the most important message. He said the gospel is “the power of God for salvation for those who believe....” Unfortunately there are many who may claim to be Christians who have not made the personal choice to believe and cannot identify the moment when they surrendered their lives to God, through faith in Christ. (I remember my moment when I was 15 years old.)
In verse 17 Paul notes that “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.””  Righteousness is right standing. God demands holiness...righteousness. God created man in His own image, as a righteous being, so He could fellowship with man.
This is the progression of man’s relationship with God:
Man was created righteous with free will.
Satan deceived woman and man resulting in the fall of man.
Because of God’s great love for man, instead of destroying man, God provided the Law to bring man back to right standing.
Man was unable to live fully by the law so man still was not in right standing with God.
Because of God’s great love for man, God provided a way to bring man back to right standing.
Through God’s grace, Jesus was born to shed His blood to bring man back to right standing.
Faith enables man to accept the gift of righteousness. Romans 10:10.
God provides forgiveness as the doorway to return to righteousness.
Accepting Jesus as our savior we are given justification. Romans 4:25. Christ’s blood covers our sins so it is just as if we had never sinned. God sees us as innocent.
Man receives mercy - no punishment and instead is returned to right standing.
Man, through faith in Christ, receives salvation - the protection from God’s wrath. Romans 5:15.
Man receives a reward - robes of righteousness.
(After confession and salvation, man moves through a process of sanctification although he can never become fully holy by his own efforts. We are not suddenly right but our faith allows God to see us as right.)
God is the only one who makes us holy (Leviticus). Man cannot bring himself back to right standing but righteousness is God's gift to man if we will only believe and receive.
Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.
****
Pastor’s message was titled: The Gospel Gives Wholeness in God. Man is a triune creature similar to God as a triune God. Paul gives a blessing to the Thessalonians saying “ May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Man must come into alignment with God's will. We perceive by the spirit, respond in our soul (mind, will and emotion), through bodily action. Every level of our physical relationship must come under the shadow of the cross. Faith for salvation is the faith you stand on for all areas of your life. Have you yielded spirit, soul and body to Jesus?

This morning we sang this old favorite hymn with the new chorus mix.
The words are beautiful and so true for me!
Verses for Today:
Romans 4:22-25
22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

I am so thankful that God provides grace and mercy which I need every day. Help me to share the gospel, boldly, as Paul exhorted in letters to Romans and Thessalonians.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #192 Comment Giveaway February 28, 2015

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

How is everyone doing? I had a rather busy week with my daughter, primary employee, being out sick. Makes more work for me. I have tons of office work still to get caught up on before I go away in a week for a conference. I hope the weather gets better for you folks with the really cold temperatures and snow! Too bad you can't share some of that with those around the other side of the globe with hot, dry weather.

Thanks to everyone who commented during the short time this week.

I think that as avid readers we are also collectors! There were 23 answers (including my own) and only one was a no with three of us who used to collect but stopped due to too many books, too much cost and too many favorite authors. The other 19 collect although some read through library copies and some collect on ereaders instead of print. I appreciated the good point in holdenj's comment which was "I like to support them and the book industry by actually making a purchase!"
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #191 comments is: #1 Becky who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #192 (One Question.)

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever participated in any treasure hunts or non-book related scavenger hunts? Did you win anything??
A: (This was a fun question since I posted a mini scavenger hunt answer early today.) I always loved little treasure hunts or scavenger hunts with clues when I was young. I remember some were following clues around the house and others were with church youth where you had to go retrieve a list of items. As a young adult I also participated in a road rally hunt where we followed the clues from one stop point to the next. My team did not win that one. As I recall we got lost  mid way! 
Image found at "Party" on Pinterest.

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.
Almost forgot the end of month Comment provider winner: February Questions provided by: bn100, Jess1, Marjorie and Becky. Random.org chose 1 - bn100 to get book choice.
Your turn to share:

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever participated in any treasure hunts or non-book related scavenger hunts? Did you win anything??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 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 still 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 March 7, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

WINTER COYER Mini Scavenger Hunt

The Book Monster is hosting a scavenger hunt as a mini challenge for COYER.

Keeping with the COYER and TBR Doube Dare theme I am selecting books for this Scavenger Hunt that are in my TBR libraries with source noted by [brackets]:
Book Scavenger Hunt:
1. A Book that begins with “C” (for COYER)
2. A book that has been made into a movie/tv show
3. A series you love
4. An anthology of poems or short stories
5. A book on your TBR shelf, or your full TBR shelves

1. Book that begins with "C"

Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles 
by Marissa Meyer
[Kindle Purchase Feb 2014]

I hope to read this one in March!







2.  Book Made into Movie
I have at least four available: The Soulkeepers [Kindle free book 12/2013] but not yet released in movie; Life of Pi [Audible library 8/2011]; The Book Thief [Audible library 5/2013] (but to be honest, I started this last year and couldn't get into it); 
and the one I am picking: 
[Audible 9/2014]
by James Dashner



3. A Series you love

I will choose book 13 in the "In Death" Series:
Now I just have to find my CD version which my daughter may have borrowed or I have stuck on a shelf at home.
Seduction in Death
by J.D. Robb
[CD Audiobook on TBR Shelf -somewhere]




4. Anthology


[Free Kindle May 2012]
Mark Aragona (Author), Dave Robinson (Editor), Linda Hull (Editor), Andrew Gray (Editor), 3DGarden (Illustrator)

This will fill V in Alphabet Soup too. :-)


5. Book on your TBR -- all of the above are from my TBR shelves! AND I will add one more that I hope to read in March also:

Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel 
(The Midnight Breed Series Book 1)
by Lara Adrian
[Free Kindle May 2009]

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