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Thursday, January 17, 2013

MBS 2013 Dreaming of Book Giveaway Hop January 18-24, 2013

WELCOME TO THE
3rd Annual Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
January 18th to 24th

This hop was organized by the fabulous Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and I am pleased to be the co-host again this year!

The hop runs from Friday, January 18th through Thursday, January 24th.

Again - My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner.  So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.


There will be two winners: 
2 Winners get a Book or two from their own "DREAM LIST" Up to $15.00 Value towards books at The Book Depository or Books from a vendor of the winner's choice.

PLUS Each Winner will get a dream catcher or choice of bookmark or goodie from this collection from our 2010 visit to the Grand Canyon:
The only limitation on this is the magnet group in the middle can only be selected by a US winner as it is heavier to mail than the other items.  First selected Winner gets 1st pick then second winner.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choices to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $15.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on January 25.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.


GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A DREAMY TIME HOPPING!

Book Review and Giveaway: The Perfect Match by Janice Hanna

This is a humorous, light, easy read with some nice ‘life’ lessons.
And aren't you just drawn in by the puppy image?
The Perfect Match (Hometown Mysteries)
by Janice Hanna
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (March 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 160260262X
Gerne: Christian, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description;
Publication Date: March 1, 2011 | Series: Hometown Mysteries
Join Annie Peterson as she follows the clues to discover who set fire to the local dating service, the Perfect Match. Is the arsonist the financially strapped widow who owns the matchmaking business, a mismatched newspaper editor, an unsatisfied and unmarried forty-something customer, or the new female investigator who, except for her suspicious past, seems the ideal mate for Annie’s son Devin? The race is on—to see whether or not Annie and her cohorts can solve the crime before another building is burned to the ground and before Devin becomes enamored of the woman who may be Ms. Wrong.


Review:
Annie Peterson is an amateur detective who is ready to investigate a fire that burned down The Perfect Match, a dating service business owned by Opal Lovelace. Opal, an elderly woman of 83, has no family and no where to go. Annie invites Opal to stay at her house so Opal and her nasty tabby cat, Don Quixote, move in and take over the bedroom left empty when their son Devin recently moved out.

Annie and Warren’s two miniature dachshunds try to be friendly but Don Quixote is too cantankerous. And speaking of cantankerous - Opal is bitter, demanding and opinionated, even complaining about the food Annie serves. Annie is wondering if she made a mistake inviting the woman and she is praying for patience...or deliverance. There is more concern after a candle is knocked over in Opal’s bedroom causing a small fire. Annie also begins to notice strange mood changes and forgetfulness exhibited by Opal.

The official fire investigators are reviewing the evidence but Annie comes up with some good clues. The problem is she has several suspects and nothing to pin down the arsonist. Opal might have burned the building for the insurance, especially since it needed renovations. There is a couple matched by Opal who are having marital problems but would the husband really torch her business for that? Then there is a disgruntled woman who demanded a refund because Opal couldn’t find her a suitable match. But the most difficult suspect is the town’s new police deputy with whom Annie’s son Devin has become smitten.

While mulling over the suspect list and the few clues, Annie is busy pulling together the details for her good friend’s wedding. But the bridal couple are experiencing last minute family interference from the groom’s brother who wants his older brother to move back to Greece, not marry a local American.

Can Annie find the right words to help Opal trust God with her problems? Can she salvage the wedding before her friend suffers a broken heart? Can she sort through the smoking clues to expose the true fire bug? Can she do all these things before the menagerie drives her husband away from home?

I really enjoyed the light, easy style of writing. This reads very quickly with plenty of smiles and chuckles. I liked the fire inspired chapter headings, like “Burn, Baby, Burn” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” I especially liked how Annie’s faith plays a day to day part of the story as she seeks the Lord’s wisdom and looks to Him for guidance. The characters are on the quirky side and the mystery has enough clues to make it interesting even though it wasn’t too hard to determine the culprit. I will remember the humor and bright attitude Ms. Hanna brings to the work as I would be glad to read more.  This is a good choice for readers who enjoy Christian fiction, cozy mysteries and are ready for a light read.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Annie’s good attitude is shown in her prayers:
Lord, You know better than any of us what Opal needs. Meet her where she is, Father. And help me be the kind of friend she needs—no more and no less.  Page 106.
I read this for Ladies Book Club meeting this Saturday.
This story is set in Clarksborough, PA for 2013 Where Are You Reading. This is also a New Author for me.
I have a couple extra copies to giveaway. I often buy the Ladies' Book Club titles from the Bargain selections at Christianbookstore.com.  This one is now even less ($1.49) than when I purchased it!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for PRINT COPY - Two Winners:


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 25, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 26, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Audio Book Review: Cat Bearing Gifts by Shirley Rousseau

This a nice cozy mystery - good for mystery lovers and purrrrfect for cat lovers.
Cat Bearing Gifts: A Joe Grey Mystery, Book 18
by Shirley Rousseau Murphy (Author), 
Susan Boyce (Narrator)

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 8 hours and 51 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: AudioGO
  • Audible.com Release Date: November 20, 2012
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

A car crash, a missing treasure, a dead thief, and a suspicious blond divorcée have feline P.I. Joe Grey and his four-legged cohorts clawing for justice in this lively new entry in the beloved, award-winning series.
Kate Osborne, a divorcée, reappears with a fortune and a strange story about how she obtained it. Meanwhile, a terrible car crash involves tortoiseshell Kit and her elderly housemates, Lucinda and Pedric Greenlaw. The accident is terrifying enough, but then two mysterious men steal the car - and the secret treasure hidden inside its doors. When one of the thieves ends up dead, Joe must discover if the events are connected - and why. With the investigation in trouble, will they find the killer...or be left chasing their tails?


Review:
Kit, a small tortoiseshell cat, is one of five feline friends living with their people in Molina Point, CA. Her humans are Pedric and Lucinda Greenwald who have been given a small fortune by their friend, Kate. The Greenwalds and Kit are returning from San Francisco in a fairly new Lincoln town car with the treasure hidden in the door panels.  An accident occurs with a rock slide when a tracker trailer and pick-up truck jostle down the cliff road and bump them into the rocks.

The two men in the pick-up, Vic and Birely, are drifters and low level thieves.  They attack the elderly couple and steal the car. Birely happens to have a connection to the property of another of the cats’ human friends, Emmy Lou.  Vic and Birely have been secretly camping out in a stone building behind the house that Emmy Lou inherited from Birely’s murdered sister. Birely felt deprived of his inheritance and he is sure there is money hidden on the property.

Other friends are pulled in to rescue Kit and the Greenwalds. The cats are angry at the injuries suffered by Pedric and Lucinda and soon they are suspicious of the behavior of the men sneaking around Emmy Lou’s house. It is fun to listen as the cats are smuggled into the hospitals. The cats have all the pieces of the puzzle if only they can get the information together and to their humans to take action.

The story is told in third person, often from the view of the cats with many first person cat thoughts interspersed, creating a fun perspective. The reader/listener also gets to follow the thoughts and actions of criminals so we know what is going on and are waiting for the cats and humans to catch the bad guys before worse things happen. Since the author reveals the actions of the criminals as the story proceeds this is not so much a mystery to solve but for the reader to watch it being solved.  Joe Grey, the apparent star of the series, only plays a small role in solving this mystery.

I enjoyed the coincidences that tied all the characters together. I had a little trouble at first sorting out the cats and their connections but once I outlined them it was easy to follow the group of friends -- human and feline. There is also a relationship upheaval  between Kit and her true love, the red tom cat, Pan, that adds to the story. I enjoyed the mystery and the interactions.  I would listen to more from the series if I find time. This one works out fine as a stand alone.

Audio notes: I enjoyed the easy narration style. It fit well with the cozy genre of the story. It was fun to share the different cat and human attributes through their voices. I think the audio enhanced the story for me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is an example of cute humor from one of the cats.
He was sure she thought the old place was as empty as a clean-licked tuna can.  Disc 7.
I received this to review for AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.
This story is set in California for 2013 Where Are You Reading. This is also a new author for me.

Monday, January 14, 2013

MBS January 2013 No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop

WELCOME TO MBS NO STRINGS ATTACHED GIVEAWAY HOP!
This hop is hosted by the fabulous Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer.
The hop runs from January 15th through 21st.

This hop is for all the people who hate jumping through hoops to enter giveaways.
Most of my giveaways have some type of entry requirement. This one is an easy peasy entry!
The only requirement to enter is to leave your name and a way to contact you if you win. No extras permitted so all entries are equal!

Once again I see this giveaway as a THANK YOU to all of you who visit and support my blog and the publishers and authors who share their books through my reviews.  Thanks for visiting!!

My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner.  So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.



There will be two winners who can pick their choice of two prizes: 
Prize #1 $15.00 towards books at The Book Depository or Books from a vendor of the winner's choice.

Prize #2 Winner may choose any book of their choice from my 2012 reading list (218 books!). Value not to exceed $20.00. (This is to recognize support for the publishers and authors who contribute to MBS reading.) Choice to be made upon announcement of winner.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, the same rule applies at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choice(s) to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of #1 choice $15.00 or #2 book from my list choice $20.00.

EASY ENTRY! JUST ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway ends Midnight Eastern on January 21st.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Then hop along to enter more NO STRINGS GIVEAWAYS AT THESE FRIENDLY BLOGS:

Book Review and Giveaway: The Publicist by Christina George

This is well written and engaging but more romance than I expected.
The Publicist
by Christina George

  • File Size: 362 KB
  • Print Length: 227 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1478247525
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 3, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 3, 2012
Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t sell, and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.

Enter the star editor, MacDermott Ellis: Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author—now as forgotten as last year’s bestsellers and his nephew Nick: Tall, gorgeous, sweet, single, and ready to sweep Kate off her feet. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions.

As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week,” she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.

Welcome to the world of publishing. The ego has landed.


Review:
Kate Mitchell has the dubious pleasure of being a publicist with a respected New York publisher. This includes launching some marvelous books as well as promoting and boosting some authors who are riding on prior successes. Some clients are lovely but many are demanding and unreasonable. Her job has become more challenging as the print industry has to compete with the rise of electronic publishing.

Kate hasn’t had much time for dating especially since no one has really caught her interest. There is her work associate, Mark, who is handsome and charismatic but also married. His marriage has been estranged for many years but he has maintained the relationship and honors family time so he can be with his sons as they have matured. Mark is accustomed to being with attractive women who understand that his commitment is limited. He has been interested in Kate and is glad to step in to rescue her at a last minute book event emergency. Their time together increases until Kate succumbs and they begin an intense relationship. Kate is enthralled with Mark even though she realizes their being together limits her future.

Then Kate meets Nick, the nephew of one of her favorite authors, Allan. Allan had a spectacular debut novel but has never produced a second book to the frustration of the Publisher. Finally the publisher finds a way to cancel the contract they had signed years before. Nick is immediately taken with Kate and clearly wants to see more of her even though he will be returning to California.

Kate struggles to choose between two handsome men, one who is distant by geography and the other who is distant by his own rules. Her life becomes more interesting when she inherits an unpublished manuscript that will clearly be a best seller.

This story is well written and interesting with complex characters and conflicts.  I was caught up in the story even though it did not proceed as I expected. I was hoping, based on the blurb, for more detail on the struggles of the publicist but the plot is more the romance conflicts. I don't like adultery and wasn’t inclined to like Mark. Ms. George does a good job of making him more likeable than just a cheating womanizer.  It appears that he uses his marital situation to avoid emotional commitment in any relationship but Kate has touched his life unexpectedly.

The book ends with lots of open questions that can only be answered by reading the sequel. What will Kate do with the manuscript and which man will she choose?

This is a story for those who like conflicted romance plus it has the bonus interest of being set in the publishing industry. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Misconceptions on the job of a publicist:
Most people think that being a publicist means a series of exciting parties, rubbing elbows with celebrities, and trips to exotic places to promote whatever book they were working on. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Locations 126.
Kate asks Mac:
“I mean don’t you want ....A whole relationship instead of pieces of a life stolen here and there?” Location 1225.
Kate recognizes the limits of Mac’s love for her:
Only it wasn’t love. It was something else that masqueraded as love but came with an expiration date.  Location 1621.
I received this title from the Author for an honest review.
This book is set in New York for my 2013 Where Are You Reading list. This is also a New Author.

Thank you to Ms. George for offering books for Giveaway: 
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for PRINT COPY to US and eBook to Canada/International.


For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review or Visit the Author's website and leave a comment telling something you find of interest.
 * This contest is open US -Print OR INTERNATIONAL - eBook.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 25, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 26, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday January 14, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JANUARY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Lori's Reading Corner!

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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 


Again I added more books to my ever expanding garden!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles
I received one print, seven ebooks and three Audio titles for review. 
I am excited about them all. :-)
Print: 
Sourcebooks - an ARC for April/May Review:


Jack Absolute 
by C.C. Humphreys





Three eBooks for BookBlasts:
(I received these the first week of the year but forgot to list here.)

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter
by Jeff Gunhus
2/4 Review
Blog Tour



daynight by Megan Thomason
1/23 Review
Blog Tour


Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries)
and Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
3/9 Review 
Blog Tour




Three eBooks for Partner's In Crime


by Jon Land
2/12 Review (& Giveaway The Omega Command)




by Stacy Green
Review 2/20




Cross the Line
by Jack Patterson
3/27 Review, Interview and Giveaway
Blog Tour



eBook from Netgalley:
by Phyllis Pellman Good


Audio Books through AudioBook Jukebox:



"Natalie's Journey Back to Love"
by E. Jean Beres
From MindWings Audio



Ashes Of Twilight
by Kassy Tayler
From AudioGO




The Lost Flower Children
by Janet Taylor Lisle
From AudioGO



Wins

None



Purchased
The Adventures of Steampunk Annie by Heather Graham



Free
From Free Book Partay:
Rec’d JAN 9

Featured Mystery/Thriller
One Angry Julius and Other Stories, by Dave Zeltserman
Covert, by Carolyn McCray
Honor Code, by Cathy Perkins

Featured Romantic Suspense
The Volkov Affair, by Taylor Lee

More Featured Romance
Tennessee Touch, by Nancy Radke
Blood and Snow, by RaShelle Workman

Featured Fantasy
Blood Awakening, by Wenona Hulsey

Rec’d JAN 10
Featured Romantic Suspense

The Mistress of Trevelyan, by Jennifer St. Giles
Merkaba, by Lorhainne Eckhart

Featured Mystery/Thriller/Sci-Fi
Liquid Lies, by Lois Lavrisa

Featured Paranormal Romance
Mimi's Mix, by Mimi Barbour
The Girl and the Genie, by E.M. Lilly

More Featured Romance
Defiant Passion, by Anna Markland

I did download about five free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 14, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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 good reading and working week. Like December, January is turning our busier at the office than we expected. That is always a mixed blessing.

I had 15 posts this week... more than I really like because it gets busy. :-)  I finished four good books and posted four reviews with two guest posts and an author interview. It was a busy giveaway week too with three giveaways and two with BookBast giveaway links. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
Once again I didn't get as much visiting last week and I hope to do better this week.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Print Giveaway: Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay; Contemporary, Holiday; my rating 4.5. Ends 1/25/13
Finished Reading:

1. Audio MP3
 

Cat Bearing Gifts: A Joe Grey Mystery, Book 18
by Shirley Rousseau Murphy (Author), 
Susan Boyce (Narrator)
I enjoyed this mystery story told from the view of the cats.
I will post a review this week.
I received this to review for AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.



2. ebook/Kindle
 

The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4)
by Michael Wallace
This book pulls you in.
It is rather alarming though but good entertainment.
Read for the author;
I'll post the review this week.




3. Audio/MP3


"Natalie's Journey Back to Love" 
by E. Jean Beres (MindWings Audio)
Read By: Laural Merlington
I enjoyed this very quick, sweet listen.
Reviewed for MindWings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox. Review linked above.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 18, 2011
When Natalie’s daughter and son-in-law were killed in a car accident, she inherited their house and the responsibility for their four children. She lost her husband two years earlier, and now feels overwhelmed. She’s bitter and feels forsaken. Pastor Richard Gill, helps her to cope. Through a growing closeness with Richard, Natalie discovers God’s love for her.



4. Print


The Perfect Match (Hometown Mysteries)
by Janice Hanna
This is a fun, easy read 
I will post a review and Giveaway this week.
I read it for Ladies Book Club meeting 1/19.



Line Edits: I will have several releases the next two weeks.


Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle 



Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance)
by Dorothy Love
I am half way through and really enjoying this story!
I will be posting a review and Giveaway for Thomas Nelson.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Series: A Hickory Ridge Romance (Book 3)
Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.

Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.

Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.

When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She’s equally intrigued but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

“Pure Southern delight! Dorothy Love weaves a stirring romance . . . that uplifts and inspires the heart.” —Tamera Alexander, best-selling author of The Inheritance and A Lasting Impression



2. eBook/Kindle


Dead Running
by Cami Checketts
I am looking forward to reading this.
Review to post 1/19/13 as part of BookBlast Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 27, 2012
Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

A light-hearted and clean romantic suspense, Dead Running will have you lacing up your running shoes and impatiently waiting for the sequel.
Don't miss the exciting sequel to Dead Running. Dying to Run is now available on Amazon for only $.99.



3. Print


The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray
I will start this on Monday.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks. 
Book Description
Release Date: January 8, 2013 | Series: Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.
Some Rules Are Meant To Be Broken
He's Ruled by Loyalty...
Every man knows that you don't date your best friend's little sister, but Captain Jeremy Phillips can't seem to be convince Madison O'Shay to stay away. And he can't convince himself to stop thinking about her, either.
She's Ruled by Love...
Madison knows exactly what she wants...and whom. But she won't give up her career in the Navy for any man, not even Jeremy.
They're both about to learn that in the game of love, it's all about breaking the rules.



4. Audio/MP3



Ashes of Twilight
by Kassy Tayler (Author),
Nicola Barber (Narrator) 
I just started listening tonight.
I am reviewing for AudioGo 
through AudioBook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
Wren MacAvoy works as a coal miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-19th century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent and the coal is running out. Plus, there are those who wonder: Is there life outside the dome? Or is the world still consumed by fire?

When one of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome’s way of life. But Alex’s final words are haunting. "The sky is blue." What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy, and the struggle to stay alive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire existence.



I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on my new MP3.]  I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: I hope to get in at least two books this week for formats.


I have listed 16 books for January with Audios to be added. I have completed 9 and reading continues to move along well. 

Scheduled for January - NOTE TWO MORE GIVEAWAY HOPS THIS WEEK!:

1/15 No Strings Giveaway Hop
1/18 Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
1/19 Review: Dead Running by Cami Checketts (BookBlast Tour)
1/21 Book Blast: DayNight by Megan Thomason
1/23 Review: DayNight by Megan Thomason (BookBlast Tour)
1/28 Book Blast: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Unscheduled
(dates after the author indicate the release date):
Sourcebooks
The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray (1/8/13) (Print giveaway)

Hachette
Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle (1/29/13)

NET GALLEY
      Random House:

           The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti(12/10/12)

     Thomas Nelson (Hope to post with Giveaways)
          Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance)
by Dorothy Love (12/4/12)
         An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection (12/18/12)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley (1/8/13)

Audiobook Jukebox (more to be received)
The Lost Flower Children by Janet Taylor Lisle (AudioGo)
Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler (AudioGo)

Authors - Done

Ladies Book Club (Second to post with Giveaway this week)

(I'm thinking I'd like to do a title with January or Winter in it for one of these)
TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
(Broken Pieces)
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Audio Book Review: Natalie's Journey Back to Love by E. Jean Beres

I think this sweet story would be a good choice for anyone who has suffered a loss and is struggling to feel the emotions of love and joy again.
"Natalie's Journey Back to Love"
by E. Jean Beres (MindWings Audio)
Read By: Laural Merlington

    (This data refers to the Kindle version.}
  • File Size: 202 KB
  • Print Length: 37 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (November 18, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Christian Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: November 18, 2011
When Natalie’s daughter and son-in-law were killed in a car accident, she inherited their house and the responsibility for their four children. She lost her husband two years earlier, and now feels overwhelmed. She’s bitter and feels forsaken. Pastor Richard Gill, helps her to cope. Through a growing closeness with Richard, Natalie discovers God’s love for her.


Review:
Natalie is bitter with God as she lost her husband two years before and now loses her daughter and son-in-law in a car accident. She has moved in with her four grandchildren and is struggling with her own grief as she tries to find energy and patience to deal with the children.  The oldest daughter, Angela, is 15 and wearing strange clothes as a means of establishing her independence through her pain.  Natalie learns she has a boy-friend pushing her for sex and other friends encouraging her to smoke.

Mark has a boa constrictor for a pet that escapes from his cage. Other than having to chase down the snake, Mark seems quiet, calm and responsible to do his homework, but he can still be a sullen young boy. Young five year old Lily is saddened by the loss of her parents but has the ability to say wise things that help to comfort Natalie. And three year old toddler Sam, sweet and warm, doesn’t fully understand what has happened but is the first to reach out and give hugs.

Natalie’s teenage sweetheart, Richard, has become the Pastor of the local church. He steadily encourages Natalie to re-connect with God and put her trust in him.  He asks Natalie, “What do you do with love? Give it away and God will pour more into you.”

This story is quite lovely. Natalie’s bitterness steams from her loss and stress at handling a whole new family. The children are appropriately portrayed for their ages. It is beautiful to see the growth in the whole family. Even Angela begins to change in attire and attitude. When Natalie notices Angela replies: “You’re showing me the way Grandma.”


Audio Notes: I really enjoyed the narration. Ms. Merlington does an excellent job of capturing the different voices, even those of the children. Her reading enhances the emotional sorrows and joys of the story. This Audio provides a full, beautiful story in under an hour listening enjoyment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily comforts Natalie (from the mouths of babes):
“But God is helping us. He knows what we are going through.”

I received this title for Review from MindWings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 13, 2013

We are still early in a new year so I am inclined to focus on new or renewed commitment.

This morning we shared communion and I am reminded that I am unworthy, undeserving of forgiveness - each week I do things I shouldn't and don't do things that I should. Pastor noted that it doesn't make much sense to come to the table to eat unless we are hungry. Are we hungry for God in our lives?

Our Pastor's message this morning went along well with the message from last week that we are here to be with God first and then to share His message. God desires that His people be Holy so that He will not be offended when He shares time with us. Deut 23:14. We can never be holy through our own actions or strengths. Holy living is from the inside out. We need not work at being holy but, rather, we need to learn to yield to the Spirit who will guide us in all ways to holiness.

We have to ask ourselves: "Would I want the Spirit to hear what I am saying, hearing, seeing, doing?"  God gives us freedom to act as we might but there will always be consequences. If we tell lies or do misdeeds, we will always be looking over our shoulder. At some point God will correct us...someone will discover that which we wish to hide.  We can do right or get left. We can live on the good side if we chose to YIELD.

I thought this was another good song for January as it starts:
"I have decided, I have resolved....
(I chose this video because it has the words on screen.)

Verses for Today:
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (New Living Translation)
7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.


Once again I come, in humility Lord, to ask you to help me seek you first and help me each day to yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Winners Double Danger and The Great Christmas Bowl

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS

Giveaway Ended January 11, 2013

Giveaway: The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

WINNERS: ROBYN L and BECKYW



Giveaway Ended January 4, 2013 
(Sorry - I posted the winner in the Sidebar but never posted an announcement last week.)
ARC Giveaway: Double Danger by Dee Davis 


WINNER:  SHELLY


Shelly, Robyn L and BeckyW please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the books mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Sharing Beyond Books #82 Comment Giveaway January 12, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB and Welcome to 2013!
I hope everyone had a good week. I had an easy going day getting my hair cut and doing some fun shopping before I went to the office.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us have post some reviews and I was glad to see that many of you try to post to Goodreads, Amazon and some other forums too. Four of the commenters do not post reviews and I believe do not have blogs.  Another four didn't reply so I am assuming they don't post.  Most of those who do blog will write on books we didn't enjoy but we try to be specific why we didn't like it.

I suppose it is not so surprising that most of us readers had quiet New Years Eves - most of us celebrated with a Whimper or a Snore. :-) Several had dinners or parties at home and Scottsgal did enjoy a neighborhood party and some fireworks. It sounds like nrlymrtl had the most romantic with her man - a nice dinner, wine and kissing. Nice!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #81 comments is: #8 Elizabeth. There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Elizabeth please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining five Love Books List for Giveaway, the new Christmas Giveaway Book list, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.   [I hope to add some additional Christmas books, Valentine titles and ARCs to the books available in the next week or so.]

WEEK #82 Questions

Q1. My bookish Question this week: Why do you read? For escape, enlightenment, entertainment, other??
I definitely read for relaxation and entertainment although sometimes I like to be enlightened.:-) I don't think of it as escapism although there are some titles that could take me out of the current reality. But not often as I have too much to do to get totally lost in reading.

Image found at Loyolan.

Q2. Elizabeth asks this week: What was your favorite present received in December (Christmas or other celebration)??
A: I'd have to say mine was our trip to Hawaii, the cruise and seeing our son, d-i-l and brand new baby! Also, our daughter cleaned our house while we were gone so that was extra special too. My DH received Bose noise cancelling headphones for the flight back and those made him VERY happy (which contributes to my happiness).

Grandmom (me) and Baby Victoria

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! I STILL HAVE A GROUP OF QUESTIONS AVAILABLE BUT THEY ARE FROM ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE SO SOME OF YOU MAY WANT TO ADD A QUESTION OR TWO! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1. My bookish Question this week: Why do you read? For escape, enlightenment, entertainment, other??

2. Elizabeth asks this week: What was your favorite present received in December (Christmas or other celebration)??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (5 left) or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three 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 by Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot (1/12/13) Continued Travels on Maui

I am continuing to share pictures from our Cruise and visit to Hawaii in December.

We stopped at a little roadside park on our way to our next scheduled site in Maui. These are just a couple of shots of Sun Yat Sen Park


The park is not very fancy but the view was lovely.

I was fascinated by this plant with long plumes.


There are several statues and behind this one is the coastline in the distance.


This is a wild Poinsietta in the corner of the Park...
my DH was rushing me to get back in the car.

This sign warns of the curvy road.

I hope this gives an idea of the winding road.

You really had to slow down on these outside curves!

I loved this stone fence that ran for quite a way along the road.


The third spot on our visit was Maui's Winery ~ Tedeschi Vineyards at Ulupalakua Ranch.
I only took about five photos but the camera must have locked up because I only got one cute bird that I will share in bird photos another day. It was getting late in the day so we took a very quick taste, used the private facilities (brb) and headed back down that winding road.

Next week I'll move on to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

I found this to be a delightful read!
by Hope Ramsay
  • File Size: 495 KB
  • Print Length: 338 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0446576077
  • Publisher: Forever; Original edition (September 25, 2012)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Dear Reader,
I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!
Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes


Review:
Lark is an intense, war-experienced photo-journalists. She nursed her father during his last few days during which he asked her to spread his ashes on the eighteenth hole of Golfing for God mini golf in Last Chance. Lark is trying to fulfill her father’s last wish and she hopes to get a little down time from her last traumatic assignment. Her father had only been in the town for a short time but he had created a racial stir in 1968 by taking a black woman into the local, white diner.

Some people in town believe Lark’s father murdered the grandfather of the current chief of police, Stone Rhodes. Many in town don’t want Lark stirring up memories of the racially charged time.  Stone’s stubborn father is one of those and Stone’s first inclination is to get Lark to leave town. He has enough trouble raising his daughters, while still clinging to the memory and loss of his wife. His eight year old daughter claims to see a weeping angel whom she wants to help find a way back to heaven and his fifteen year old is developing a friendship with a Jewish boy whose parents want to keep her away.

But Lark is set on getting permission to spread her father’s ashes even if it means pushing reluctant people to share their memories.  Then a local black man goes missing and is discovered killed.  At the same time someone is attacking and harassing Lark.  Stone begins to feel protective towards Lark and then he begins to feel emotions he has buried for years. Can Lark share her fears and emotions and will Stone recognize that he can have a second love before they lose the chance?

This story flew by as an easy, fun read. Lark and Stone are strong but troubled souls who need warmth, sharing and love but hold themselves apart. Ms. Ramsay does a good job of noting that issues of racial hatred and bigotry still exist today.  She also reveals similarities in Jewish Hanukkah and Christmas traditions, especially how the hope and joy of the season brings light in a dark world.And then there is the touch of angels for those willing to believe...

There is intrigue and fun in this story. I felt there were several loose ends but I still completely enjoyed the read.  I recommend this series to those who like family-centered romance with some quirky family members, strong, yet vulnerable characters, and a bit of spice with lots of warmth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lark makes an interesting observation about the church ladies:
The only community she knew about was the brotherhood that existed among the soldiers in the field.. But in a way, Semper Fi applied as much to the ladies of the auxilary as it did to the marines she knew. These women were always faithful. And when bad things happened, they closed ranks and took care of their own.  Location  3429.
I received this, for an honest review, from Forever, division of Hachette.
This is set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where are You Reading list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR REVIEW COPY.


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 25, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 26, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

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