Audio Book Review and Giveaway: The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek

I enjoyed this quick, fun romantic comedy.
The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-12-19
Language: English
Publisher: The Audio Flow, LLC
Genre: Clean Romance, Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only reason Lauren entered the Hashtag Hunt was for the $10,000 grand prize. She needed seed money for her startup, and it sounded easy enough: 12 hours to text 12 photos to someone called the Wizard. For hashtag number five, Lauren needs a #HottieInTheWild, and with the help of her best friend, Ivy, she finds the perfect subject.
The only reason Brenner entered Barkley’s Pub was to have beers with Scott, an Army brother back in town. The reunion is interrupted when a woman is caught crouched in a dark corner, taking pictures of Brenner. Lauren explains, and though embarrassed, she accepts Scott and Brenner’s offer to help with hashtag number six.
While hunting for hashtags, Lauren finds adventure and romance with her #Hottie, but she must stay focused to beat the clock and win the cash.
©2018 Kristina Seek (P)2019 The Audio Flow, LLC

Review:
Lauren has a great group of friends who support her. Her friend Ivy has inherited funds and she would be more than happy to gift or lend the money Lauren needs to open her dream store, Paperback Vinyl, for used books, records and related items. But Lauren is set on earning her own way before opening the store. She has entered Hashtag Hunt, an online contest hoping to win the $10,000.00 prize. The hunt requires texting 12 specific images in 12 hours to the host, “Wizard”.

Ivy has helped Lauren get into the top five of the leader board as they begin Challenge 5 of 12: #HitW, Hottie In The Wild. The girls are ready to leave the current pub when a new man walks in. Lauren has found her HitW and sets out to surreptitiously get pictures of him. Then he and his service buddy, Scott, capture Lauren in the act.

When Brenner and Scott, “Skully”, learn the reason for the pictures, they insist on joining the party. Scott is immediately intent on getting to know Ivy better and Brenner is pleased to find out if Lauren has any flaws. The guys add great banter and romance on the hunt while Lauren calls other friends to help locate items needed which include: dumpster find, ‘old school’, pay phone and more. Lauren starts to fall for Brenner, but she has to keep her head about her to stick within the rules if she is going to win the contest.

I quickly was pulled in by the light tone of the story and the fun friend interaction. I’ve always loved scavenger hunts and road rallies and I loved the idea of this contest. The rules made it tricky and challenging which I liked. The addition of the romance interest is sweet and at times sappy. Not everyone believes in love at first sight (it’s how I met my hubby) but even if it is strong interest at first sight it makes the story upbeat and warm. I also liked how the story rotates POV between Lauren and Brenner. This kept the momentum and interest engaging for me. I would enjoy reading/listening to more fun stories from Ms. Seek and I recommend this to romance readers looking for a cute, lighthearted story.

Audio Notes:Andrea Emmes and Tim Paige do a great job with the narration. They share the light tone and fun energy. The narration enhanced an enjoyable experience.

Source: Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek

The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek narrated by Andrea Emmes -Award Winning, Best Selling Audiobook Narrator and Tim Paige. Check out the deets, listen to a sound bite and enter to win a fabulous prize. We think you're going to love this fun, original romance.

Grab your Copy Today: Audible | iTunes

Listen to A Sample

Enter the Giveaway

One lucky US winner will receive a paperback copy of The Hashtag Hunt signed by Kristina Seek and the narrators! They will also receive an Amazon Echo making listening to audios in your home a breeze. Enter today!

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About the Author

Kristina Seek's debut novel, The Hashtag Hunt, was published in 2018. She is a graduate of Queens College in Charlotte and a member of Romance Writers of America. In March of 2019, she quit her day job to focus on a career in writing. Kristina lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. She cherishes time with her friends and family, loves traveling to new destinations, and wants to cross off the other items on her bucket list.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

#NetGalley Book Review: The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical by Pauline Tait

This lively tale of magical fairy dust makes a good story for children.

The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical
by Pauline Tait

Series: The Fairy in the Kettle (Book 3)
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Silverwood Books (May 7, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1781328110
Genre: Children, Illustrated
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"They could remember its warm amber glow shimmering and sparkling as it danced through the air, twisting and turning as it went."
When Leona was woken early one morning, she knew something had to be wrong. But as she rushed to meet the elders, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Life in Fairy Glen was about to change...the words fairy dust were echoing in the air!

Review:
Leona and her friends are called early one morning to meet the fairy elders. The elders tell a story of the history of their Glen and then announce that they need the help of all the fairies on an important search. The elders had hidden something important but have forgotten the hiding place. The young people are happy to be helpful and have a good time working together on the mission.

Although this isn’t particularly exciting for adults, I think children will enjoy the imaginative but light story. I liked the Lenora's kettle and the easy flowing story. The illustrations are bright and lively and fit with the description of the glowing fairy dust. The joint mission gives a good message of working together to solve a problem. I recommend this as a nice story for daytime or sweet dream bedtime.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post July 14, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 15, 2019

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.

We were back at work full days this week. Heather worked on getting caught up on bookkeeping; Staff did their jobs; and I had numerous appointments plus court work.

Last week I got a picture of Heather and the kids in the golf cart ready for their community parade.

I'll be taking Hubby to hospital tomorrow morning for heart catheterization. This should allow us to know if anything new is going on.
Our weather here continues to be hot. This week my prayers are for those in the line of Hurricane/tropical storm Barry.

I had a good week of reading but it seemed a bit slow: 1 audiobook and 1 ebook. I posted four reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Ramblngs of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Billy is an author and a reader who is a huge horror fan, but loves other genres as well.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 7, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 8, 2019.

• MBS June 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Highwayman A Longmire Story by Craig Johnson; Genre: Ghost, Mystery, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan; Genre: Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 12, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #373 Comment Giveaway July 13, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/15/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 14, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
My review is linked above.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eB2019/TBR)

Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
We enjoyed this intense Christian thriller.Source: Print 2017 or 2019 Kindle $9.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin
I am enjoying the paranormal aspects of this. (70%)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige
I started this to make sure I would be ready for the tour post on Thursday. It is very cute and I am enjoying it so far. (30%)
Source: Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19.
Publisher's Summary
The only reason Lauren entered the Hashtag Hunt was for the $10,000 grand prize. She needed seed money for her startup, and it sounded easy enough: 12 hours to text 12 photos to someone called the Wizard. For hashtag number five, Lauren needs a #HottieInTheWild, and with the help of her best friend, Ivy, she finds the perfect subject.
The only reason Brenner entered Barkley’s Pub was to have beers with Scott, an Army brother back in town. The reunion is interrupted when a woman is caught crouched in a dark corner, taking pictures of Brenner. Lauren explains, and though embarrassed, she accepts Scott and Brenner’s offer to help with hashtag number six.
While hunting for hashtags, Lauren finds adventure and romance with her #Hottie, but she must stay focused to beat the clock and win the cash.
©2018 Kristina Seek (P)2019 The Audio Flow, LLC

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
This is engaging but tense. (55%)Source: 2011 Audible purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Computer (NG2019)

The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical
by Pauline Tait
I started this and it is sweet. (30%)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
"They could remember its warm amber glow shimmering and sparkling as it danced through the air, twisting and turning as it went."
When Leona was woken early one morning, she knew something had to be wrong. But as she rushed to meet the elders, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Life in Fairy Glen was about to change...the words fairy dust were echoing in the air!

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander
This looks like a fun read.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
The Library of Ever is an instant classic for middle grade readers and booklovers everywhere—an adventure across time and space, as a young girl becomes a warrior for the forces of knowledge.
With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored—until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.
She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

July 14, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I will be finishing the 7 day study, Today's Words, Tomorrow's Harvests, tonight. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed two books and posted four reviews. That outs me up to date on reviews.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is at 14 unread. The April titles are down to 1 so I keep making progress. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue and plan to read at least one this month.
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 received three new review titles this week through NetGalley.
I bought four audiobooks - two from Chirp and two from one credit at Audiobooks.com.
I downloaded week 12 titles from SYNC.
Seven free kindle title this week. (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 received three titles from NetGalley:
Storm Rising
by Ronie Kendig

Fledgling

by Molly Harper

Yours Truly, Thomas

by Rachel Fordham

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/10/19 I discovered a new site for inexpensive audiobooks: Chirp
Both of these titles were on my Wish List. 
$3.99
It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
Runtime: 14:27:03

$1.99 Hunted

by AD Starrling

Runtime: 10:07:09

7/14/19 2 for 1 Credit at Audiobooks.com
It wasn't easy to pick two out of 19 or so titles but I decided on these.

The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse
By Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated By: David Rintoul
Duration: 6 h 29 min

Someone to Care

By Mary Balogh
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor

Duration: 11 h 25 min

Free

HAS ANYONE READ EITHER OF THESE? I get to pick one of 30 titles as July VIP at Audiobook.com. I'm trying to decide between these two:
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (just not sure if the language is too rough for me.
OR
Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 12: July 11 – July 18
BECOMING KAREEM by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, narrated by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Hachette Audio)
VINCENT AND THEO by Deborah Heiligman, narrated by Philip Fox (Dreamscape Media)

I added seven titles this week to my Kindle 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 July 14, 2019

This morning we enjoyed a video on growth of Christian communities in Colombia and Nairobi. These revivals started with prayer against evil spiritual strongholds (spiritualists, mediums and witches) and God honored the prayers of the people. The evil elements moved out and spiritual (and economic) growth occurred in the communities.

Our pastor and his wife were away for a funeral of a good friend. Our youth pastor led youth song praise and worship and then gave the message continuing in the Resolution series. This morning’s sermon was based on Hebrews 11:1-7 which is more of the letter addressed to the Jewish Christians who may have been facing persecution.

The purpose of Hebrews is two fold:
1. Elevate Jesus above anything else, this is who God wants us to follow.
2. Challenge believers to stay faithful even during struggles and facing persecution.
Chapter 11 addresses “Faith”. Not the faith that is religion but faith that is trusting God that He will do what He has promised even when we don't see the path. We often seek the signs of God over the word of God.

We may be praying for God to show up but faith is the evidence of things we cannot see. Faith is trusting in the Word. It is faith in His word not in works.

Don't be a spoiled child seeking what is in His hands. Instead be thankful and trust Him to give what is needed.
Hebrew 7:6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
We need to trust His word over our circumstances. God's word still stands!

Isaiah 55:11; Luke 1:37 The word of God will never fail.
Hebrews 6:13 Abraham waited patiently….
Hebrews 11:7 Noah acted by faith….

There is a gap between where you are and where God is. This gap is where we fall if we give up trusting. We need preparation, strength and equipment to travel the gap. That is what the Word provides. The foundation of faith is in the word. That foundation will get us to the promise.

I think this song fits this message:

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV Faith in Action
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Lord I praise You and give you thanks that You have allowed me faith to trust Your path and Your promises.

 

Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey

This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.
But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…
As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.
Revised edition: This edition of A Quiet Life In The Country includes editorial revisions.
©2016 T E Kinsey. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Flo has been lady’s maid and companion to Lady Emily Hardcastle for many years. They fled China after Lady Emily’s husband was murdered and lived in India before returning to London. Now they have moved to the country expecting to live quietly. Only a few days into settling in Lady Emily and Flo go for a walk in the near by woods and stumble upon a death scene. A local young man is hanging from a tree. At first look the police may think this is a tragic suicide until Emily starts to point out the details that show this is really a crime scene.

Lady Emily decides to help the local authorities. Mistress and maid decide to become detectives like Holmes with sidekick Watson. They continue to visit socially while doing questioning. They are invited to attend a local birthday celebration which ends up with trouble. A man is found dead the morning after the party. Inspector Sunderland is addressing the death while the party hostess pulls Lady Emily aside and asks for her help. Knowing that Lady Emily and Flo are doing amateur sleuthing the hostess asks if they can investigate a special jewel that has gone missing.

Lady Emily and Flo are busy if not quiet. They have a lovely relationship that is unusual for the aristocracy in 1908. There is a little mystery to their history which adds to the intrigue of the story. Flo is skilled in martial arts so she is confident she can protect them for the most part. Both Lady Emily and Flo are quick to discern crime clues and are adept at subtly questioning witnesses. Although the initial reaction with the Inspector is hesitant, he soon recognizes their helpful input and they develop a nice friendship. The country setting presents an opportunity to portray village life.

I enjoyed the combination of historical setting, unusual character friendships and busy mystery. The tongue in cheek relationship between mistress and maid/companion adds nice humor. I would pick up more titles in the series when I am looking for a nice historical mystery. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical, cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices for the characters and captures the unique British humor. The narration enhanced my enjoyment in this story.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.