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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Audible Review: The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn

This is a remarkable story of an emotional journey through loss. 
Written by: Amalie Jahn
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-18-15
Publisher: Creative Content
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA
My Rating 5.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Winner of the YA category in the 2015 Kindle Book Awards
What if you could go back in time to save the person you love the most? The rules are simple. If you want to travel back in time, you need to be at least 18 years old. You can travel only within your own lifespan for a maximum of six months. And, above all else, you must never, ever change the past. But that's exactly what Brooke Wallace plans to do.
As Brooke faces existence without her beloved brother, his life cut short by a rare disease, she can think of only one solution - travel back in time to prevent his death. Along the way she discovers the truth about loss, second chances, and the power to shape our own destinies.
©2013 Amalie Jahn (P)2015 Creative Content Ltd


Review:
Brooke Wallace is a senior in high school when her 14 year old brother, Branson, dies unexpectedly of a rare disease. Brooke is devastated and deeply depressed. But in Brooke’s world it is possible to travel back in time with strict rules. Each person over the age of 18 gets only one trip, they must travel within their own lifespan for no more than six months, and it is illegal to change the past. That last rule is not going to stop Brooke’s determination to travel back to save her brother.

Brooke decides she knows the cause of the disease and she plans to prevent the event that will trigger it. During Brooke’s journey she gets the joy of sharing days with her brother again but she must also share the pain of watching him get sick again.

I was quickly entranced by the characters and story. Each chapter pulled me to the next. I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t care for the YA setting. Instead that element was expertly used to reflect Brooke’s changing attitudes. I enjoyed that the family was a loving one rather than a dysfunctional unit full of shallow teenage angst. The intense emotions in this story were perfect to portray the maturing life lessons that include an investment that can result from loss.

I like time travel stories and Jahn made effective use of that concept to share an emotionally gripping story. I feel I cannot share any more detail of the story without edging into spoiler information. I am interested in the sequels in the series although I wish they were available in audio format. I found this thoroughly engaging and I highly recommend it.

Audio Notes: I immediately recognized Lorelei King’s voice and had to remind myself that this was not one of a couple of series that I love to hear her narrate. Lorelei does a beautiful job with the first person storytelling. The audio version is well worth the credit.

I was very fortunate to be offered this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It is part of my Audio Challenge.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Book Review: Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Becky Wade

This is a lovely second-chance romance.
Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story
(A Year of Weddings Novella)
by Becky Wade
File Size: 1942 KB
Print Length: 93 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (October 27, 2015)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B00UF72DSK
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Holly ended things to give him a better life, but she was the future he’d always dreamed of.
Eight years have passed since Holly last saw her high school sweetheart, Josh. Now the wedding of Josh’s best friend has brought him back to Martinsburg, Texas. His duties as best man and Holly's as the church's volunteer wedding coordinator link them together. As they work behind the scenes to plan a beautiful November wedding for their friends, they're forced to confront painful reminders of what might have been.
Holly broke up with Josh all those years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. However, she never told him the true reason behind her actions and now must decide whether to keep her secret hidden. She's terrified of letting herself fall for him because she barely managed to piece her life back together after losing him the last time.
Not a day's gone by since Josh parted from Holly that he hasn't thought about her. The pain of the past eight years has been too much to bear and he doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to her again. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to deny the love he still has for her.
Will Josh and Holly risk their hearts on the hope that God's timing really can be best?


Review:
Holly and Josh were high school sweethearts. He was the school geek but she still loved him. When Josh went away to college at MIT, Holly became convinced that she would only hold him back so she broke up with him. She hasn’t found a man to love since Josh, but she prays that God will bring the right man to her.

Josh was stricken when Holly broke up with him giving no reason. He dedicated himself to his studies and became a successful businessman based out of Paris. He is returning home for the first time in eight years to be the best man for his friend. He tried to prepare himself to see Holly and walk away from her. Instead he ends up working with her as the church wedding coordinator and a local guide to the community.

Holly tries to protect her heart from falling for Josh feeling that she isn’t worthy of his sophisticated lifestyle. She is afraid to hope he could learn to care for her again. Josh is cautious to trust knowing how badly he was hurt before. Is there a chance for them to overcome their past and find a second chance at love?

This story is lovely, short and sweet. I was smiling with an occasional wince at the painful moments and fears. Their reactions are natural with emotions that are very real to life. I enjoyed the gentle faith that helped to shape their characters and ultimately their relationship. The writing style is light and made for easy reading. I would be interested in reading more from Ms. Wade after enjoying this short taste of her work. If you are a reader who enjoys warmth, inspiration and second chances, I recommend you pick up this sweet book.

I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Sunday Post October 25, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 26, 2015




I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 somewhat rough week last week as I worked through my cold for the first three days since we left Thursday for an RV trip with our kids and grandkids. Although we were set originally for nine we ended up with only six of us. DH and I are on antibiotics and slowly feeling better.

My reading and listening were very good with extra reading and listening time during the drive -- not so much with the kids though. I finished three audios and one ebook. I posted four reviews, one with giveaway, and the usual memes.

So sad no visiting last week between being sick and traveling/visiting with family.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3


The Clay Lion
Written by: Amalie Jahn
Narrated by: Lorelei King
I really enjoyed this wonderful listen!
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One
by Jason Tesar
This is an engaging beginning to a series.
This is part of my TBR Challenge - 
a free Kindle pick from 2011.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audio/MP3


Clear by Fire: A Search and Destroy Thriller
Written by: Joshua Hood
Narrated by: John Pruden
Rough military action in a good suspense.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible


The New World: Prequel to the Chaos Walking Trilogy
Written by: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
This was a quick listen that 
is a title from my TBR Pile Challenge.
I'm not sure it really pulled me into the series.
Publisher's Summary
The New World is a prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking trilogy, setting the stage for the world we discover in The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer, and Monsters of Men. The story was written while the author served as writer in residence for the Booktrust an independent UK-wide charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to enjoy books.
The New World tells of Viola's journey to the New World, brilliantly capturing the hope and fear of settlers in search of a new life. Patrick Ness says that he wrote it "as a huge and deeply-felt thank you to readers. I've had so many questions about Viola and what her life was like before that I couldn't resist the opportunity to reveal just a little bit extra. I knew these things - they're vitally important to her as a character, even if they're not directly in the novels - so it felt like a secret trip I could take readers on. The challenge was to make it work on its own, too, so anyone could read it. That was really, really good fun, and I hope the final result is an exciting one."
The New World can be listened to before or after the trilogy – and some may choose to do both. The story works as a standalone piece, but listeners already familiar with The Knife of Never Letting Go will learn more about Viola’s life and the events leading to her arrival and first encounter with Todd, while newcomers to the trilogy will discover a white-knuckle ride of an introduction to the series. Whether you're a new or faithful listener, though, it's a welcome chance to immerse yourself in the world of Chaos Walking.
Listen to more Chaos Walking.
©2011 Patrick Ness (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.




Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1)
by Shannon Mayer
I am almost finished this and have enjoyed it a lot.
This was a title I purchased for $.99 in January 2014.
"My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker."
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
I'm on the FBI's wanted list.
I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and have no need for anyone else in my life.
But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction.
One that is dangerously dark, brooding, and doesn't know a thing about the supernatural.
One whose kisses set me on fire.



2. Audible


Monster Hunter Alpha
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
I thought it fitting to add a Monster story
for the week of Halloween.
I am about half way and really enjoying the excitement.
This is from my Audible library as a selection in August 2014.
Publisher's Summary
Dirty Harry meets Twilight. Number 3 in the break-out series and a follow-up to Monster Hunter International and Monster Hunter Vendetta.
Earl Harbinger may be the leader of Monster Hunter International, but he's also got a secret. Nearly a century ago, Earl was cursed to be a werewolf. When Earl receives word that one of his oldest foes, a legendarily vicious werewolf that worked for the KGB, has mysteriously appeared in the remote woods of Michigan, he decides to take care of some unfinished business. But another force is working to bring about the creation of a whole new species of werewolf. When darkness falls, the final hunt begins, and the only thing standing in their way is a handful of locals, a lot of firepower, and Earl Harbinger's stubborn refusal to roll over and play dead.
Track down another Monster Hunter title.
©2011 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.



3. Print


You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama
by Daniel García Ordaz
This is a poetry book I was gifted by the author in March at EPICon 2015.
I am really enjoying the tempos and the cultural experience.

El Zarape Press presents its first collection of poetry by the eclectic Daniel García Ordaz, The Poet Mariachi, "the voice of the Rio Grande Valley" (Texas), an emerging voice in Chicano literature. You Know What I'm Sayin'? is a celebration of the common experience of language and culture transfiguring time and place and juxtaposing the politics of urban hip-hop America with the lyricism of rural deep South Texas, a retelling of ancient history sung by a contemporary voice. With an introduction by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Debbie Cole, a linguistic anthropologist. Mainly English; some bilingual (English/Spanish), Tex-Mex and pieces. Hispanic/Latino themes as well as All-American experiences relevant and appropriate for 3rd grade to college-level.



4. eBook/Kindle


Whispers in the Reading Room
(The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3)
by Shelley Gray
I am looking forward to starting this.
I received this through NetGalley.
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.



October 1, 2015- 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.



I posted four reviews last week which left one. Plus four new I am again at five reviews to do.
I will be reading a NetGalley selection this week which brings my shelf down to four.
I have read 8 of my 12 TBR Pile books so I just need to pick the last four and get them read in the next two months. :-) 

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 didn't select any new review titles this week but I purchased one $.99 Kindle title.
And of course I added more free kindle titles to my library.

(I scanned NetGalley and some of my review requests and nothing is really jumping out at me although I am going to request some new Audio books through Audiobook Jukebox. Other than that I think it is time to work on the TBR piles!)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE
Won

NONE

Purchased
I was tempted by several $.99 titles this week but only purchased this.


The Tournament Trilogy
B. B. Griffith
It sounds a little like Hunger Games so I was curious.


Free

Over the past week I only added 45 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 October 25, 2015

We arrived home after 6:30 tonight so I am just getting onto the computer. We were away for a very fun camping trip with our daughter and three grandchildren. We were disappointed our son and his family were sick and unable to join us but still we had fun. I hope to share a few pictures from the visit later this week.

DeSoto's Cavern has a wonderful cavern tour that ends with an awesome light show which shares a special message. It made me want to share something about "In The Beginning".

A few weeks ago I saw this video so I am sharing it today/tonight.
Max Mclean is the narrator on our Audible Version of the Bible that we often listen to with our Bible reading.

Verses for Today:
Genesis 1:1-5 (NIV)
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

I give thanks for God's awesome creation!

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #224 October 24, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Sorry I missed posting SBB on 10/17 and this past week but I was down with cold bug. I will still get four in for October but won't have a fifth week for a question from my list. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
There were 8 of us who do not subscribe to magazines, 7 who do and 4 who "do not anymore". Those subscriptions include Candanian Living, Reader's Digest, Our Iowa, Golf Digest and several woman's magazines.
~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #223 comments is: #13 Mariska 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 #224 (One Question.)

Becky asks: What color socks are you wearing? and do you like the very colorful ones or the crazy patterns ones??
This seemed like a fun question going into Halloween. At this moment I am not wearing socks. Most days I wear stockings which I find comfortable for work and church, even though I wear pantsuits rather than dresses. I will say that I have a blue  pair of grip socks from hospital which I will put on shortly after I walk the dogs. I happen to love colorful, cozy socks to wear around winter time!  
 (Love these colorful socks!)
Image found at Journey Through Life.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Becky asks: What color socks are you wearing? and do you like the very colorful ones or the crazy patterns ones??
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 the question 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 October 31, 2015 at 5 PM central.

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