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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen,

This is a fast, fun cozy mystery. 
Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Written by: Rachelle J. Christensen
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
Series: Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-05-15
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success - that is until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim.
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you listening long into the night.
©2014 Rachelle Christensen (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.


Review:
Adrielle is a wedding planner who moved to Sun Valley, Idaho after a trauma in her big city career. She is slowly building her new business, planning two important society weddings, one with a lovely bride and the other with a bridezilla ‘starlet’ diva. The brides have an interesting connection as the sweet bride is the new fiancĂ© of the wealthy, handsome ex of the diva.

Adri and her best friend, Lorea, are expanding their business by including wedding dresses in their inventory. The first shipment of dresses arrives with one dress missing and one with hem damage. As the girls scramble to keep the plans moving for their brides, Adri has to cope with vandalized dresses, stolen diamonds and threatening pictures.

Meanwhile Lorea is encouraging Adri to take a chance on a little bit of romance. Even as Adri has a couple of dates with a shy friend, she is eyeing a gorgeous hunk on the jog trail and another gorgeous man who shows interest but has a distaste for weddings.

The story is lively and fun as Adri hides facts from the police to save her dresses, soothes competing brides and juggles potential beaus. The characters are real and likable - except for Bridezilla of course. The writing is straightforward and moves at a good easy pace. The mystery has twists that kept me guessing and l liked the light romance elements as well. I also enjoyed the bridal tips that start each chapter. I recommend this to readers who love a fun, cozy mystery and those who enjoy wedding elements.

Audio Notes: Kirsten Potter does an okay job narrating the story. Once I got accustomed to her voice, I decided it fit well for the primary characters and she adds enough inflection for the other voices to keep them distinct. I enjoyed the audio which made this a quick enjoyable “read.”

I received this audio title through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook challenge.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 22, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! I hope Sheila is doing better. I continue to pray for all of 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 had a full work week but not overly stressful. The only glitch this week was my car not starting on Saturday. We'll get it to our repair shop on Monday to find out what is wrong.

I had a strong reading/listening week. I finished three books and am nearly done a fourth (audio).  I only posted two reviews  too and the usual memes. :-)

I got to visit a bit two nights this week which was nice.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


The Ark
by Laura Liddell Nolen
This was an interesting sci fi. The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




2. eBook/Kindle


Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery)
by Anya Wylde
Best description is: madcap crazy!
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible/MP3


Eighth Grave After Dark
By Darynda Jones
Narrated By Lorelei King
I enjoyed this fairly quick listen and will review this week.
Click on book title for full description.




Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP3



Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel
Written by: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
There is good suspense in this sci fi thriller.
I am already 90% complete.
I selected this from my own Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
His name: Miles Flint. His occupation: Retrieval Artist. His job: find the Disappeared - outlaws on the run, wanted for crimes against alien cultures. The catch: Flint isn't working on the side of the law anymore.
One simple mistake and a Disappeared could end up dead. But this time, the death of an ailing Retrieval Artist has caught Flint's attention. He suspects it was foul play, not a viral infection. Equally suspicious is a young woman's sudden demise during the Moon's prestigious Extreme Marathon. As Flint investigates, he finds an ominous connection. Both deaths lead back to a scientist - a scientist who is now one of the Disappeared.
Listen to more in the Retrieval Artist series.
©2003 White Mist Mountain, Inc.; (P)2008 Audible, Inc.



2. eBook/Kindle


Judas the Apostle
by Van Mayhall Jr.
This has some interesting potential but has started a bit slowly. I received this through NetGalley.
Ancient language expert Dr. Clotile Lejeune is happily living a quiet life in Seattle when her world is profoundly shaken. After she learns that her estranged father has been murdered, Cloe must travel with her soldier son, J. E., back to her Louisiana hometown to unlock the mysteries of a two-thousand-year-old oil jar her father has left her—a jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. Anxious to find her father’s killer and dispel her own personal demons, Cloe has no idea that what she is about to uncover has the potential to set the international religious community on fire.

With the help of a mysterious cleric, her son, and a letter from her father, Cloe soon realizes the African oil jar her father unearthed during the war may be the most important relic discovered in centuries. But it is only the beginning. Across the globe, a billionaire arms merchant is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake in his pursuit of the jar and its contents.

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.



3. eBook/Kindle


A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr
I am looking forward to stating this.
I will post a review and giveaway on June 30
as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour.
Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.



4. Print



If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation
By: Jack Countryman
Enjoyed my second week in this daily reading.
If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
In the days prior to the election, this prayer booklet guides believers through 40 days of prayer, plus providing seven prayers from past presidents, inspired during some of our country's darkest days.



June/1/15- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. 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.

June:
6/30 A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr


I posted three reviews last week so I have three up for this week.
I am back to four books at NetGalley with a couple more requested.
I did get to two TBR audios and I still hope to get to at least one TBR eBook next week this month.


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 title this week from NetGalley and requested some others that are not received yet.
I did purchase two eBooks that I want to read and I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC.
And -- as usual, 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
I selected this as a "Read Now" through NetGalley because it sounds like a nice warm read:
Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime)
by Rebecca Raisin
"Maple sugar kisses...
Fall in love with Ashford, Connecticut in this dazzling and beautiful romance from bestselling author Rebecca Raisin."

Won
None.

Purchased

These are a two titles that I actually purchased:


A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1
by Justin Woolley
I am planning on reading book 2 from NetGalley so I decided to get book 1.
"Stranded in the desert, the last of mankind is kept safe by a large border fence ... Until the fence falls."


Hero (Epic Book 3)
by Lee Stephen
I loved books 1 and 2 so I had to continue the story!
"Redemption awaits. Will the fallen find their way?"

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Seven.



Rose Under Fire
by Elizabeth Wein
Read by Sasha Pick

Anne Frank Remembered
by Miep Gies, Alison Leslie Gold
Read by Barbara Rosenblat


Over the past week I added 44 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 June 21, 2015

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE FATHERS!!

We had a nice service today. Our Sunday School teacher continued lessons in Romans chapter 2. He discussed “labels” pointing out that the origin of the word  “Jew” was one Judah - meaning one of the tribe (or kingdom) of Judah.  As noted last week, Paul was addressing the Jews error in judging the Gentiles. Reading verses 25-29 reveals that having an outward sign as a Jew (circumcision) is only of value if that person is living properly, obeying the law. God does not judge men by their outside appearance or label. Labels and signs may point to truth, but only God judges in truth by the content within man’s heart. He looks for His own mark on the heart of the one he judges.

Our Pastor gave a sermon for Father’s Day. He shared several poem/prayers for fathers. His message was grounded in Joshua 24:14-18. He stressed two points about the Godly man: 1. He is the Priest of his home, and 2. He plans for his family. First, as priest the father is responsible for spiritual security and teaching at home. Second, the father sets the example by staying in the word and in following the right ways of God’s teachings. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (re-emphasized in Deuteronomy 11:18-20). Pastor encouraged all of the men “Don't leave God out of your manhood.”

We sang this song this morning and I find it stirring each time we sing it.
Bless the Lord Oh my Soul!
Verses for Today
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
6These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Thank you God for being my loving, caring, merciful Father who loves me beyond my human understanding.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #208 Comment Giveaway June 20, 2015

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

We had a nice time this morning with our daughter, s-i-l and granddaughters. We had breakfast, the girls swam while DH showed daughter and me how to set up the motor coach. After lunch and a short nap I was going to head off to work but my car wouldn't start.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Two others agreed with me that Jessica Fletcher would make a "safe" competitor. Several commenters actually chose characters who might be challenging competitors.  The most fun answers were bn100's choice of Micky Mouse, Rita's choice of the seven dwarfs and poetryinleaves choice of her own created character.
~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #207 comments is: #7 Meredith 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 #208 (One Question.)

bn100 asks: Q1 Would you still read a book from your favorite author even if the book didn't appeal/sound interesting to you??
A: I am thinking that I might not read it if the book didn't interest me. I might give the book a second, or third look, and check reviews to see I might like the book. But there are just too many books available to spend time on one that doesn't interest me.
 


Image found at Daily Happy Quote.

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:
bn100 asks: Q1 Would you still read a book from your favorite author even if the book didn't appeal/sound interesting to you??

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 June 27, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Book Review: Fortune's Detour: Prequel of The Deka Series by Abigail Schwaig

This is an engaging sci fi with interesting characters in a strange new world.
FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
  • File Size: 3291 KB
  • Print Length: 290 pages
  • Publication Date: October 21, 2014
  • ASIN: B00OSG37SE
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


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.


Review:
Natalie is a young woman in college with an artistic nature. She changes her major every few months to the consternation of her parents. One summer she meets a gorgeous and charming young man, David, who sweeps her off her feet. They have a wonderful summer romance until secrets tumble around her putting her in danger. When she seeks assistance from the authorities she meets Sam who guides her into witness protection. Natalie, now Nicki-Ray, and Sam travel to a distant safe house. During their trip they have an interesting conversation regarding creation beliefs in their world.

The author has created an interesting world with mysterious features and good contrast between country and city scapes. I enjoyed the bright descriptive word choices and the likable and engaging characters. The story is written in first person as Natalie describes the last year or so of her topsy turvy life. The pacing moves along well with life details spiced with action. However there were a couple of sections that made me wince. Natalie meets a strange man at the beach and has no qualms bringing him home without knowing anything more than his name. Even for a college girl that is a bit alarming. I also thought that the semi-religious conversation was rather odd. I happened to enjoy it quite a bit but not every reader will be comfortable with that dialogue as a bridge between action scenes. There were some interesting details I initially thought were to be explained in future stories but by the ending it appeared they were just loose details that had no real connection.

I am not sure why the age level was chosen as 10-18. I think younger readers would get lost in the philosophical discussions and the story is engaging for adults.

Even in an other world setting the story has a natural realism and an engaging plot. This is a good debut novel although I think the author has room to learn to tighten her details and action. I am comfortable recommending this book to readers who enjoy a character driven fiction with an unusual setting and engaging plot.

I received this from the Author whom I met at EPICon 2015. She provided the ebook for an honest review.

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