Book Review: Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance) by Christina Skye

I enjoyed this suspenseful Christmas story where past and present mix.

Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance)
by Christina Skye

File Size: 355 KB
Print Length: 62 pages
Publication Date: July 17, 2015
ASIN: B011YGWNEE
Genre: Ghost, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As Christmas draws near and darkness veils the haunted English abbey, a tale of loss and love betrayed begins.
As cold closes in, old hatreds spring to life, bringing danger to a vulnerable woman betrayed by those she trusts most. Wounded and lost, Clair Haywood will seek haven within the abbey's ancient granite walls. But her enemies are closer than she knows.
Only one man can save her. And he has been dead for 200 years.

Review:
Clair went undercover with the government to England to seek out the powerful man who used and killed her sister. She gets caught by the enemy but manages to escape. She is wounded and injured in her blind race to seek safety. She stumbles upon an old English abbey where she is taken in by a mysterious man. She doesn’t know who she can trust and tries to get away again but danger lurks at the door.

Ian Sinclair is man who keeps to himself. He has a dangerous past and is careful to avoid risk and to be cautious of strangers. He appreciates the solitude of Draycott Abbey which has been lent to him by his friend, the current Viscount. Ian and his big dog, Churchill, spot a shadow in the woods. They rescue a young woman but he is aware of men following her and is immediately on alert.

Clair and Ian struggle to understand the strange attraction between them while they try to avoid the men seeking her. There is another presence at the abbey who has reason to want to help them. He has been waiting for 200 years to right a wrong that cost his friends their chance at love for a lifetime.

This was a quick, exciting read that I really enjoyed. I liked the smooth, direct writing. I haven't read this author in years but I think I won’t wait so long to read another Skye paranormal romance adventure. It looks like I have 10 in my Kindle library, including the first of this series. This book read fine as a standalone. I recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

Source: 2012 Free Kindle. This is a 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge "C" title.

Sunday Post December 2, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 3, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

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 shared my office images this week so you can see we have a while to get restoration. I am still spending time each day dealing with contractor/adjuster issues.
Our temporary office finally has networked computers so we don't have to take thumb drives to the only computer that prints. It makes such a difference!
Chickens apparently don't mind cold weather or rain. We had a couple days/nights at freezing and yesterday I arrived home in the rain to find scraggly wet chickens greeting me.
Hubby is struggling with pain as he begins trying to do things each day. Hard to keep him resting.

My listening and reading was slow this week. I am still managing with short reading times on my old kindle. I only finished one audio book. I posted five reviews on blog, and three at Goodreads. I also posted my usual memes.

I only got to visit 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Cal's Constant Raving Reviews, "a young adult from Australia" who is clearly another bibliophile.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 25, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 26, 2018.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Zoe's Tale (Old Man's War, #4) by John Scalzi; Tavia Gilbert (Narrator); Colonization, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1) by Ruth Logan Herne; Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Story and Narration.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book eReview: The Hospital: The First Mountain Man Story (Mountain Man, #0.5) by Keith C. Blackmore, R.C. Bray (Narrator); Sci Fi, Short Story, Zombie; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0. Free on Kindle and Audible.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hunter by Mercedes Lackey; Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: In the After (In the After, #1) by Demitria Lunetta, Julia Whelan (Narrator); Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Survival Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 30, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones; Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigatore; My Rating: Overall: 4.25; Story 4.0; Narration 4.75.

• The Damage at my Office - No Rain Needed.

• Sharing Beyond Books #357 Comment Giveaway December 1, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/15/2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Gilbert; Inspirational, Memoir, Multiple Sclerosis; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 2, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

We'll Always Have Christmas
By: Jenny Hale
Narrated by: Helene Maksoud
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
This could make a Hallmark Christmas movie. 
Source: September 2017 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
by Dana K. White
I am really liking this and implementing the rules slowly.Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Jacob T. Marley
By: R. William Bennett
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
I saved this from last December to listen at Christmas time this year.
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
"Marley was dead to begin with...."
These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge’s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn't he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?
Or had he?
Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story of remorse and redemption, sure to become a Christmas favorite.
©2011 Burgess Adams Inc. (P)2011 Shadow Mountain

3. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

A Chance at Christmas
by Beppie Harrison
I'll start this Christmas book next.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

December 2, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App. Although I am on track on my smartphone I haven' t been steady for each morning and find myself finishing the reading at the end of the day instead of beginning. I need to get back to starting my day with scripture.
I am up to date on the additional reading plan started 11/12: Names of God, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed only one book and posted eight reviews. That makes some headway so I have only 5 reviews to post now.
I am slowly adding these reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 9 as I am added 2 this week. I still have one author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I added two new review titles.
I picked up two Audible Daily Deals, two sale books and one credit pick.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I only picked up 12 free kindle titles. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected two titles at NetGalley last week:
Patience for Christmas
by Grace Burrowes
I always enjoy Grace's Historical Romance and it's nice to add another Christmas read.



101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily
by Lisa Steele
I saw this and knew I had to read it - maybe get the paperback as Christmas gift for hubby!

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/2/2018 Daily Deal $1.95
The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant
Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
This looks like fun and one to share with grandchildren.


11/27/18 Four new titles.
One Audible Daily Deal $3.95
Her Last Word
By: Mary Burton
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
I haven't read Mary Burton for a while and she generally has good romantic suspense.


Two Audible Books on Sale $4.95 each
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
I know I picked this up at NetGalley but it will be quicker to listen.


Hello Love
By: Karen McQuestion
Narrated by: Dan John Miller
Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
I couldn't resist this romance with such a cute dog cover!


One November Credit:
Villains Rule, The Shadow Master, Book 1
By: M. K. Gibson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
I have been attracted by this cover for a while - weird I know.
And it is a "V" title for 2018.

Free

I only added 12 free titles to my Kindle library over the past week - little spare time before crashing to sleep. 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 December 2, 2018

My husband had a rough night with pain and when it was time to go to church this morning, he was sound asleep. It was pouring rain and we didn’t get to church service.

Mid-day the sun came out and I took the chance to go to my office to empty the dehumidifier water trough. I realized the water was flowing towards the other offices where our file boxes were lined up. My staff wasn’t available to help move boxes so I called our Pastor to see if I could get help from the youth in the church. Within ten minutes he showed up and spent the next hour helping me move the boxes. Now that is God’s love in action! I thank God for a caring, shepherd pastor!

I am mindful that this is the first day of Advent – We begin the season by preparing our hearts for the coming of the Savior.

I chose this song: Even So Come

A Verse for today:
James 5:8 (ESV)
You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Lord, help me to focus on YOU this season; to stay calm knowing that You have all my issues under control. I love that I can trust You.

Audible Book Review: 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Gilbert

This is very well done and inspiring. It was a nice listen for Thanksgiving week!
29 Gifts
How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
By: Cami Walker
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-20-09
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Inspirational, Memoir, Multiple Sclerosis
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At age 35, Cami Walker was burdened by a battle with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that made it difficult for her to walk, work, or enjoy her life. Seeking a remedy for her depression after being hospitalized, she received an uncommon prescription from an African medicine woman: give to others for 29 days.
29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author's life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. Many of Walker's gifts were simple - a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. Yet the acts were transformative. By day 29, not only had Walker's health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement.
The book also includes personal essays from others whose lives changed for the better by giving, plus pages for the reader to record their own journey. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.
©2009 Brightside Communications, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This memoir/inspirational work started out rather difficult to read (listen to). Cami, the author, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and at age 35 she was struggling with fatigue, weakness, consistent pain and severe depression. This impacted her life as well as tired out her caregivers, her husband and mother.

Cami met with an African healing woman for massage and mental therapy. This friend (she was more than a healer) shared the unique prescription of spending 29 days in a row giving gifts to others. Cami’s friend explained that the gifts did not have to be big or expensive but did have to be given with meaning and intent. The purpose was to focus on giving but it had a surprising effect on opening Cami to receiving gifts too. Cami was so impressed with the changes in her life that she established a blog to share the story and prescription with others.

Cami does a good job sharing her 29 Gift experience with honesty and charm. The change in her attitude was a relief and pleasure to listen to. I can appreciate the difficulties for the caregivers as I experienced some of the meanspirited elements when my husband was on medication recovering from his heart valve operation. (You would think the patient would show more sorrow for bad behaviors and gratitude for the care, but they don't seem to recognize that.) The end of this audio includes short descriptions from others who shared on the blog/webpage. Since I am a strong Christ follower, I wasn't totally comfortable with some the occult 'dabblings' the author shares.

I like to think I have a pretty giving nature to begin with. I am not sure I will do the 29 day exercise, but this has made me more mindful to give unexpected gifts to friends and strangers. I love the idea of unexpected kindnesses! I would certainly recommend this to anyone who is suffering with stress and depression as I do think it would help turn the focus to more positive ground.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert did a fine job with the narration. She captured the distress in the beginning and the relief as the journey progressed. I didn't realize that I had just listened to a fiction title by Tavia (Zoe's Tale) until I started to include my audio notes here. The works are totally different but she did well on both of them. I am glad that I picked this up at a bargain price and I enjoyed the listen.

Source: June 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Sharing Beyond Books #357 Comment Giveaway December 1, 2018

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
There were two people who don't worry about waiting for sequels. Of the other 15 answers the waiting time ranged from a few months to over 10 years. At least two get tired of waiting while others find the books worth waiting for.

The Winner from SBB #356 comments is: #10 Rita who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #357

(One Question.)

This is a question from Nikki: Have you even had a scary/shocking encounter with an animal(s) before??

When I was a child we had a very large bull break into our pasture. They couldn't get it to go home so they had to put it down. That wasn't pleasant. The other events I think of are with snakes. I went out to go to work one morning and found a big rattlesnake across our driveway. I called hubby from the car. One evening a harmless oak snake fell out of the ceiling vent next to my computer - that was a shock. We also have some very large zipper spiders that we sometimes walk into - ugh.

This was the snake across the driveway.

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.


Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Have you even had a scary/shocking encounter with an animal(s) before??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 December 15, 2018 at 5 PM central.