Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop

This is a lovely story of love growing between unlikely characters.

When Death Loved an Angel
Written by: Cheree L Alsop
Narrated by: Michele Carpenter

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-09-14
Publisher: Cheree Alsop
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Death loved his existence. He charmed women, completed his list, and was content until the day he tried to kill Gregan Parker and came face to face with Gregan's guardian angel. She fought for the man's life, challenging Death the way no angel ever had. In the face of her defiance, he felt his heart do something it hadn't for centuries; it beat. Death found himself falling for the angel, but she already loved Gregan, a man who had never seen her.
Watching Nyra love a man who didn't know of her existence could terminate Death's heart when it had just begun to beat, but taking away the one thing she cared about would destroy any chance he had with her. Could Death truly put himself last and risk letting his love slip through his fingers, or would he figure out a way to save both his heart and the angel who stole it?
©2013 Cheree Alsop (P)2014 Cheree Alsop

Review:
Death has never been concerned about or had compassion for the people whose souls he guides to their resting place. He has always liked doing his “job” and he certainly has never given any thought to the living who might grieve. He completes his list of names and eagerly awaits the time of night he gets to spend charming women he picks up for fun.

One day he appears in a hospital room to take the soul of Gregan, a young man injured in an accident. Across the room is Gregan’s guardian angel, Nyra. Although she appears tiny and delicate, she dares to say “No” to Death. He is surprised but even more startled when he feels a heartbeat in his own chest. Death agrees to wait, at least a day.

Death is intrigued by the lovely, caring Nyra, although he is disappointed that she is in love with Gregan. Death is drawn to visit Nyra every day and struggles as he realizes that he doesn’t want to hurt her by taking the man she loves. Death becomes confused with his new feelings showing him the effect his actions have on others. He begins to question the work that he does and undergoes an internal battle as others challenge him.

Meanwhile, Nyra finds that she is lost in the Guardian accounting books because she can no longer do her job to help the unconscious Gregan. She looks for comfort to Gregan’s unexpected ‘brother’ who appears one hour a night to sit beside Gregan and share stories with her. Slowly her affections begin to turn to this mysterious man.

I found this story very engaging. The chapters shift point of view from Death to Nyra, which adds interest. The writing has a delicate touch and I loved it’s otherworldly tone. The author deftly and gradually softens the usual dark image of Death and makes the romance plausible, anticipated and ultimately charming. I enjoyed the unique storyline and the smooth style. I would like to read more by this author and I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a gently building friendship growing to love between unlikely characters.

Audio Notes: I was impressed with the narration by Michele Carpenter. Her Nyra voice was gentle and soothing and her Death voice shared his indifference that turned to pained sadness. I hadn't heard her work before but her voice and presentation perfectly fit this story. My enjoyment of the reading was definitely enhanced by the audio format.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 18, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family.


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 is enjoying May. 
Last week was very busy in the office. I had a hearing to prepare and appear for, while also preparing for a large closing. I'm glad my staff was handling things well. 

My reading was good, finishing two audios and one ebook.   I posted three reviews (one with giveaway). I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited only a little early in the week and then had computer troubles for two nights. I finally did more visiting on Friday night.
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 May 11, 2015.

• Audio SYNC 2015 Has Started!

• Audible Book Review: Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy by Debra Holland; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. 

• Book Review and Giveaway: Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) by Lori Wick; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. Print - Open US only. Ends 5/22/2015.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 15, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 5/21/2015.

• Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #203 Comment Giveaway 5/16/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 5/23/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 17, 2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible

When Death Loved an Angel
Written by: Cheree L Alsop
Narrated by: Michele Carpenter
This is very intriguing! I'll post a review this week.
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle

Letters to the Lost
by Iona Grey
I enjoyed this poignant story with two romances -
WWII and present. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1
Written by: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase
This is engaging and I hope to post the review for both the prequel and Book 1 this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5)
by S.M. Butler
This is reading very quickly.
I will be posting a tour review on 5/20.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured—nor wanted to venture—beyond her small town’s safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It’s not long before she’s losing herself—and her heart—to the mysterious man behind the door.
Bastian’s scars are deeper than the surface. They’re embedded into his soul, and he’s content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he’s tried hard to keep tucked away—if he lets her in.
When Bastian’s old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.

2. Audible

Virgin River
Written by: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
This has been in my Audible library since 2012. I will be listening to more in the series so I thought I would start with Book 1. 
Publisher's Summary
Fan-adored author Robyn Carr presents the story of a woman who "needs a change [and] gets something very different than she bargained for" (Booklist).
Recently widowed, grieving Los Angeles midwife/nurse Melinda Monroe answers a small upstate town's ad for help. Nestled amongst California's giant redwoods, quaint Virgin River is host to many quirky characters - including bar owner Jack Sheridan, who may be just the man to make Melinda smile again.
©2007 Robyn Carr; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

3. Print

The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
This is good information.
I will take another week to finish.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle

FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
I am looking forward to reading this.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 21, 2014 | Age Level: 10 - 18
Meet Natalie Pryce- an artist at heart, constantly misunderstood by most of the people she knows. She has changed her career aspirations more times than she can count and feels like a grand failure at life. She is directionless until accidentally falling into an exciting relationship with David, a charming and expressive young man who is more than willing to live moment to moment with her. Life starts looking up, until, just her luck, disaster strikes, secrets are revealed, and Natalie is forced to flee for her life.
If you are tired of young adult novels having unrealistic expectations for true love and if you want to explore a new galaxy set in the elusive Deka Quadrant, then you’ll enjoy this first installment about the mysterious Deka region of space.
Fortune’s Detour was meant to be a prequel to the up and coming sci-fi series. It should serve as both an entertaining read and a preparatory journey from “summer reading list” to “it happened in a galaxy far, far away.”
So prop your feet up, brew a hot mug of Nib juice (make sure those pesky nuts have been properly prepared first!), and sit back and enjoy the first of The Deka Series.

5/3/15- I am up to date on Bible reading but not the daily Devotions. I am only reading those sporadically.
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.

May Scheduled -
No specific date: The Cancer Solution by Jack C. Westman
5/20/15 Tour Review: Once Upon a Seal by S.M. Butler
5/27/15 Tour Review Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
5/28/15 Tour Review The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato
5/30/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

I posted three reviews last week which still left one to add to the three titles for this week.
I still have have three NetGalley titles for tours and two separate selections.  I hope to get to a TBR eBook 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 received four review titles this week.
Of course 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

Received from Barclay Publicity for Review 5/20:

Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) 
by S.M. Butler
See more information above under currently reading.
Romantic Suspense

Received from Hachette for Review  and Giveaway 5/30:

Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott

I am looking forward to the third sister's story in this series.
Historical Romance

Received from iRead Books in Audio Format for Review 6/9:
Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1)
by Lee Stephen
"For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny."
Sci Fi

Received eBook from iRead Books for Review 6/16:
Outlaw Trigger (Epic Book 2)

by Lee Stephen

"Only when stretched to the limit will a man truly learn who he is.

That limit is about to be breached. Lines will be crossed.

Sides will be chosen. And faith will be put to the test.

Will the righteous prevail?"
Sci Fi

Won

None

Purchased

I resisted again this week. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added a mere 39 free Kindle titles to my library - a lot of the offered titles I already had. 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 May 17, 2015

It was another moving and interesting morning at church today. Once again our Sunday School message and our Sermon meshed without pre-planning.

Our Sunday School teacher continued teaching from Romans with a message he called; Who Are We to Judge? The primary texts were Romans 1:18-32 which talks about “they”, being the Godless ones, and Romans 2: 1-4 which talks to “you”, the believers.

He noted that the Jewish people tended to judge the unrighteousness through their own self- righteousness. But both passages point out that there is no excuse for you to judge. As Matthew states: Judge not lest ye be judged...Matthew 7:1. As humans we tend to judge in comparison to ourselves instead of comparing to God's standard. We look at outward appearance instead of circumstance and unknown facts. Jesus said to the Pharisees "look below the surface so you can judge correctly" John 7:24 (NLT).

We must be careful of a critical spirit which is hypocritical and feeds pride. We are all sinners.
He who has no sin cast the first stone. We are all human in a fallen condition. Revelations says that Satan is the accuser of the Brethren. We certainly should be careful not to step into that role. Only God can search the heart and examine the mind/motives. Jeremiah 17:10. Only He can judge the motive with grace, mercy compassion and the full garment of Love.

Our Pastor’s sermon was titled: Chose the Most Excellent Way and was based on Numbers 11:10-11. Moses recognized that God had thrust upon him the burden of leading a rebellious and grumbling people. Pastor acknowledged that all pastors feel that burden at times. The Israelites had been in captivity for 400 years and had a ‘slave mentality”. They were accustomed to having their masters provide their needs even though they had little. They left Egypt as mighty, wealthy, free people but instead of using their own stock and resources they demanded more from God. The people lusted for evil things - overabundance. What its lawful can become evil when it becomes lust.

Complaining is a choice of attitude. We must be careful not to be murmurers who can spread a contagious negative contamination in the church body. Grumbling about things you don't like when they are not necessarily wrong is a negative attitude. One should never judge without all the facts and circumstances and people certainly shouldn’t grumble through gossip. We must choose a more excellent way: choose life with positive words, not death with curses. Pastor had so many verses to share he had them printed on a hand out for us.

This song speaks of God’s great grace and mercy.

Verses for Today:
Romans 2:1-2 NIV
2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

God - remind me to not judge others but rather to be gracious and always show Your love and grace. I give thanks that only You, Great and Almighty God, have the right to judge and that You judges through eyes as creator, father, redeemer and guiding comforter.

Sharing Beyond Books #203 Comment Giveaway May 16, 2015

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

It was a busy week this week. I had hoped to go in today to do some clean up on my desk. Instead I got side tracked with a trip to Walmart to get my oil changed. Which meant I had to shop while waiting...so one thing let to another and I shopped buying things I needed and gifts for my secret sister. :-) Then I took them home and my DH had me stay for lunch... then nap. Soooo I never got to the office.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
You each offered wonderful car choices with two mentioning Rolls and several mentioning classic cars. I really liked Miki's choice of "KITT" the robotic, talking and self driving car from the series and movie Knight Rider.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #202 comments is: #12 Fredamans 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 #203 (One Question.)

Q1. Jess1 asks: If you had to choose a different first name, what would it be??

A: Hmmm - I have always liked my first name. During sixth grade my friends called me Marty but my mom didn't like that. I'm glad that she made me stick with Martha. Since I was born two days after Christmas nice choices would have been Holly, Ivy or Noel. If I had to choose - I think I might like Ivy.

Image found at SodaHead.

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. Jess1 asks: If you had to choose a different first name, what would it be??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 May 23, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green

This is an intense thriller with interesting connections between drug cartel and cults.
The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series)
by Layton Green

File Size: 6827 KB

• Print Length: 434 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477827811
• Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (May 1, 2015)
• ASIN: B00O4FK868

Genre: Thriller, Mystery Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 1, 2015
The sins of the past always return…
Called upon by a former love to look into the death of a family friend in Miami, veteran investigator Dominic Grey is sucked into the darkest reaches of international narcotics trafficking. The murders of multiple drug dealers during a bizarre religious ceremony, combined with the appearance of a mythical assassin, take DEA agent Federico Hernandez and CIA operative Lana Valenciano down the same deadly path.
Lying in wait is an enemy known only as the General: a criminal mastermind whose uncanny ability to avoid detection while cowing even the most ruthless of rival cartels has made him a legend.
Thrown together on a covert manhunt, Grey and the two government agents race across the Americas to unearth a dark chapter in the history of the CIA that has spilled into the present—and put them in the crosshairs of an underworld puppeteer with a frightening reach.

Review:
Dominic Grey is a private investigator who grew up hard and rough on dark streets. He works with a cult expert, Viktor, but Viktor is currently away battling his own dark demons. Dominic misses his former lover, Nya, and is surprised when the fragile and healing young woman arrives to ask a favor. Nya’s neice has been killed in Miami by a bad batch of ‘designer’ drugs. Nya asks Dominic to track down the man responsible.

Dominic takes up the search, joining with a local DEA agent, Fred. The first trail leads to four dead men and a sighting of a blue lady who wields a deadly blow pipe. When another murder by the blue lady is reported Lana, from the CIA, steps in to aid the search. However her goal reaches higher. She wants to follow the cartel link to find a mysterious leader known as “The General.”

The team’s first few leads are successful but reveal that there is a mole leaking their every step. Lana takes the mission off record hoping to avoid leaks. This leaves the three of them very vulnerable especially when they start traipsing around Mexico and South America.

Dominic is finally able to reach Viktor who begins researching the Blue Lady. He determines she is part of a little known religious cult that uses black magic and voodoo type curses. As the good guys get closer to discovering the truth even Viktor becomes a target for an unexpected killer.

The story got my attention quickly although there are numerous characters to sort in the first few chapters. Once I was able to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys, I enjoyed the brisk pace of action and the twists in the mystery. I enjoyed the real descriptions of Miami and the Everglades since I am familiar with those areas. The descriptions of the third world countries cities and jungles, is distinct and made me thankful I don’t live in those dire conditions. The history and intricate connection of the cults and scopolamine being used in drug cartels is scary. Mr. Green uses an engaging technique by interspersing chapters that give the reader knowledge of the brilliant enemy without fully revealing him until later in the book.

There is cursing but the "F" word is only used once. Although this is part of a series, and I imagine that reading them in order would build better background, it read acceptably as a stand alone. It engaged me enough in strong characters of Dominic and Viktor that I would be interested in their next dangerous adventure.

I received this title from the author through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge.