Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Revenge: The Faces of Evil Series: Book 5 by Debra Webb

This is fast paced, solid suspense with the romance as an ongoing, developing element.
Revenge: The Faces of Evil Series: Book 5
by Debra Webb

• Series: Faces of Evil
• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever (July 30, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455527580
• ISBN-13: 978-1455527588

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
The Faces of Evil Series: Book 5
The desire for revenge can never be sated . . .

When her beloved high school teacher appears on her doorstep, Deputy Chief Jess Harris is flooded with fond memories-until the woman says she's about to be charged with murder. Called to the scene of the crime, Jess learns the victim of the bizarre and brutal slaying was a member of Birmingham's famed "Five."

Twelve years ago, the Five were rich, popular high school seniors who threw one wild last party. Two social outcasts were invited to play in the "loser games." The next morning, one player killed himself. Now Jess fears that an invitation to an upcoming class reunion may have forced the Five to play a new deadly game. As Jess fights to keep her former teacher from suspicion-and her relationship with Chief Dan Burnett separate from her work life-she knows she is caught in a vicious cycle of vengeance. And the killer is far from finished . . .

Review:
This is book five of a continuing series that follows tough cop Jess Harris, Deputy Chief of Birmingham, Alabama, and her boss, Dan Burnett. Dan was Jess’ high school sweet heart and the pull and passion is still strong between them. But Jess has spent 20 years caring for herself and she is insistent that she be treated equally as the other Deputy Chiefs. Making love with the Chief and having him hover around trying to protect her doesn’t help her independent stand.  Jess and Dan walk a fine line trying to figure out how they can balance their professional lives with their personal desires.

As Jess and Dan dance around their issues murders pull them into work mode. One of Jess’ former teacher, Frances, is a prime suspect for the murder of Scott Baker, her retirement home manager. The widows group has been battling management as the developer prepares to build a new high rise that will completely block the view of the existing residents. It’s Jess’ job to find the real killer but she has a personal interest in protecting her beloved friend.

Jess gets some information from another old class mate, Buddy Corlew, who is a private investigator hired by Frances to dig up dirt on the deceased.  Buddy and Dan have been at odds since high school when Buddy made a pass for Jess because he was jealous of Dan always besting him. Buddy reminds Jess that twelve years ago Scott was one of five hot shot high school bullies who had been suspected in the death of another student, Lenny. Dan had been the head of the investigation that got closed for lack of evidence and pressure from the mayor’s office.

Now it seems that Lenny’s best friend is back in town and the surviving four, three men and a woman, are holding tight to their secrets. Then another of the five dies and the three survivors begin to panic. Jess is busy trying to locate the new suspect and get the truth from the other three but she has distractions. Her new apartment has been broken into and there is an unresolved issue with another police deputy who has disappeared.  Beyond all of this activity Jess is getting taunting emails and phone messages from a past monster. Spears is a serial killer who kidnapped and tortured Jess. He was caught and imprisoned and believed to have left the country but now they have discovered that he may have doubled back. Jess is baiting him but is she ready for the show down? I’ll have to get to the next book to find out!

The mystery of the “five” plays out well with some good twists. I enjoyed the investigative process as well as the emotional struggles that Jess and Dan are juggling in their romance. Jess is going to have to deal with her independence issues at some point. There are some other unresolved items, like the secretive landlord and the missing officer, that will carry the suspense into the next book. The reading is quick with the fast paced action. There was no noticeable offensive language which pleased me. This is fine entertainment and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received this ARC from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

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

* This contest is open to those with US or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 23, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 24, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Windshift by Joyce Faulkner

This a wonderful story involving the reader in the personal and professional struggles of four brave female pilots at a time when it wasn't socially acceptable for women to take on male duties.

Windshift

by Joyce Faulkner

• File Size: 500 KB
• Print Length: 310 pages
• Publisher: Red Engine Press (October 22, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B009VM07VU

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75

Book Description
Publication Date: October 22, 2012
Shirley Maxwell is a troubled young woman facing a complicated personal life, a culture that restricts female options, and a world at war. Yet, together with friends -- Emmie, Delores, and Mags -- she joins Jackie Cochran's Women's Air Service Pi-lots program (WASP) and participates in the adventure, challenges, and tragedies of the 1940s with determination and courage. Shirley and her friends know what they are tackling will be hard, but they do it anyway and relish the effort. In the process, they change what is possible in the minds of young girls everywhere. Lively and moving, Windshift inspires and educates. Appropriate for history buffs interest-ed in the World War II era, students of social change, those who love tales of der-ring do and those who just love airplanes.

Review:
This book tells the story of four young women in the short-lived Women's Air Service Pilots program (WASP) in the early 1940s. The experience is told by Shirley Maxwell, the conservative daughter of wealthy News magnate, George Maxwell. Through the pilot program Shirley meets three other young ladies at the Windshift Inn in Ohio. Shirley quickly becomes friends with exuberant, courageous Emmie who has consistently moved forward in her young life after being raised an orphan, finding love with a wonderful guy and then losing him in a tragic accident.

Delores is the gorgeous one of the group attracting all the men, like bees to honey. Shirley initially takes a dislike to her, thinking she will be a snob, but Shirley soon learns that Delores is really down to earth, helpful and friendly. The final lady in the group is confident, outrageous Mags who has already had extensive flying experience even in Europe. She knows her away around the system and is on a first name basis with the commanding officer.

The girls struggle to be accepted as they face public prejudice against women in the work force and cope with the hostility of resentful service men who feel they are taking their jobs. Shirley and her friends are adventurers in a time that doesn’t allow women much freedom. At one point Delores remarks “You know, I thought I was doing something good – something patriotic, but they make me feel like I’m a criminal, like I’m intruding on some private male domain.” Location 1478.

The four girls develop a strong bond and they push to do more then just ferrying planes from Wiley Aircraft in Ohio to Camp Morgan, California. The more experienced pilots, Mags and Emmie, are allowed to deliver planes elsewhere and transport important officials.  The commander finally agrees to allow the girls to fly banners for target practice. This is duty that the male pilots don't like as the planes are patched together and the flying is subject to possible hits from the men practicing the shooting.

Danger and tragedy strikes Delores first when a banner pulling plane fails and she has to crash land. While Delores recovers from that incident, a short time later Emmie goes up in a plane that has been continually grounded due to mechanical problems. The plane tumbles from the sky in front of Delores, Shirley and the men. They all race to try to reach Emmie before the plane is engulfed by fire.

There is drama and romance that plays an important part in the emotional aspects of the girls’ lives. Shirley ends up with two love interests. One is a handsome, determined young business man who tries to get her to stop flying. The other is an exciting young man she meets in Key West. He shares her love of flying but could he be serious marriage material?

This isn't the typical story that I read but I was completely fascinated by the deep-seated resentment against women even though they were coming forward to help in the war effort. The story is well written and there is plenty of forward motion that captivated my interest. The characters are “real” making this seem like a memoir more than just fiction. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading historical fiction and courageous women.

Fifinella (designed by Walt Disney) unit patch
Army Air Force Flying Training Detachment.

I picked this up for review through NetGalley.

Saturday Snapshot August 17, 2013 The Blurry Bucks

I was finally able to access the pictures from my SIM card. Usually we see the doe and young deer but we have actually seen bucks this summer. I know there is more than one as I saw four young guys together one day.

This one was in our backyard and I was able to zoom in to get his head behind a tool shed.
This was in July and his horns look like big knobs - just starting to branch.

These next are shots are of a buck that I saw one early evening as I was coming down our street. 

He was with several doe. I don't know if he is the same as the one above but this one has a nice set of small antlers.

I had stopped the car but I couldn't get the deer to stand still!

He is on the right in this picture.

Here he is on the left with a different doe off to the right.

I tried to zoom in but the pictures got blurry as it seemed he kept moving his head.

He was probably keeping an eye out for danger--

like the lady in the car trying to get pictures!

Better me than hunters in fields nearby.

I had fun visiting a bit last week and I hope to do more visiting this week.
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.

A big Thank You to Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility.

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 being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. 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.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 16, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday Friends!! This has been another sort of hectic week for me. Several court hearings with intense preparation and early morning risings. I'll have to push these next couple of days to finish three books this week. But that really is okay as I'm running behind on getting the reviews completed and posted. *Sigh.*

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the August 9 Pick. There was one Automatic win this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were four blocked titles again.
Anita gets Shadow Beach

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 9 Pick:

Carol NW gets Sleight of Hand 

Winnie gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Flying high with books?

Image found at Examiner.com

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Pairs:
Jude Deveraux
    Return to Summerhouse and Twin of Fire
Mariah Stewart
    Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Singles:
The Shadowed Heart by Nina Beaumont
Hannah by Lori Copeland
My Lady Midnight by Laurie Grant
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
The Door to December by Dean Koontz
Heart of the Storm by Lindsay McKenna
Crucfixtion River by Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe



New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 
Pairs
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!

*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland



New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (as of November 2012)

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 545 books (I forgot to update this number for a month) have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audio Book Review: The Eye of Moloch by Glenn Beck

This is another good political thriller - a picture of forces at work in our current world.
The Eye of Moloch
    by Glenn Beck
    Narrated by Jeremy Lowell


    LENGTH    11 hrs and 54 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-11-13
    PUBLISHER    Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The last battle for freedom is underway....

By the end of Glenn Beck’s number-one best-selling political thriller The Overton Window, a young rebel named Molly Ross had torn aside the curtain to reveal a shadow war being waged for the future of America. In the six months since then, her fight for freedom hasn’t gone well. Marked as traitors and hunted by ruthless government-sanctioned mercenaries using the most advanced surveillance technologies ever created, Ross and her "Founders' Keepers" find themselves cornered and standing alone. but the fight is far from over.

The battle lines in this bitter rivalry are as old as civilization itself: On one side, an unlikely band of ordinary Americans, ready to make their last stand in defense of self-rule, freedom, and liberty - and on the other, an elite cabal of self-styled tyrants who believe that unlimited power should be wielded only by the chosen few. That group, led by an aging, trillionaire puppet-master named Aaron Doyle, will stop at nothing to destroy the myth that man is capable of ruling himself.

As Doyle prepares to make his final move toward a dark, global vision for humanity's future, new allies join the fight and old enemies change sides. In the midst of it all, Molly draws together a small but devoted group willing to risk their lives to infiltrate one of the most secure locations on earth - a place holding long-standing secrets that, if revealed, would forever change the way Americans view their rare, extraordinary place in history. Exposing these truths, and the real-life game of chess being played for mankind’s freedom, is their last chance to save the country they love.

Review:
This story picks up a few months after The Overton Window closes. Noah has had his life turned upside down by the truths that Molly Ross and her band of Founder’s Keepers are trying to bring to the attention of the public. Noah was tortured by his father to the point where he had to  make a choice to follow in his father’s powerful, manipulative footsteps or die. Or he could pretend to meekly regain his position within his father's regime while playing the inside man to help Molly.

This story focuses on the struggles that Molly, her main protector, Thom Hollis, and the other resistance members face as they continue to try to expose the truth while being maligned.  The power brokers are using terrorism to push citizens to give up their rights and they are blaming the acts on Molly’s group, particularly Hollis. The small resistance team is now on the run, surviving on the road and in the woods, as they try to find a save refuge.

Meanwhile Noah awakes back in the facility his father left him in recovering from an injury after being sent out as part of a militia group to gun down the Founder’s Keepers. He meets three unlikely allies. Virginia Ward is a former CIA assassin who is a self appointed investigator of the truth. Although it is not clear why, she has gotten a request from Noah’s father to interview Noah and investigate the allegations regarding Molly Ross.  Ira is a ‘put-out-to-pasture’ news journalist who is being used to write copy and press releases that are acceptable to the powers that be. Ira’s unhappy companion is Lana, a sullen, angry young girl who is a computer wizard and hacker.

Noah tells Virginia that it is like a game of Chess– Noah and Virginia (and others) are being manipulated and the opposition is already planning three moves ahead. This book also gives a more personal view of Doyle, the head puppeteer, who even controls Noah’s father.

This is a story of truth, love and virtue standing up to the powers of evil, control, corruption and  revenge. The scary thing is it looks like a true picture of happenings in America today - it should serve as a wake up call to those who cherish freedom. Noah is a reluctant hero and leader but, as several of the other characters note, he appears to have been called to step up and lead. There is a little bit more faith based exposure in this book – which is fine by me. The situation with Noah reminded me of the story of Esther who was placed in her position for ‘such a time as this’!

Audio Notes: I was a little disappointed that this was a different narrator than the reader of The Overton Window, which I had just recently listened to. However Mr. Lowell does a good job too of portraying the different character traits through their voices and expressions. Listening moved this book along quickly and enhanced the read for me.

I received the Audio CDs from Simon and Schuster, through Audiobook Jukebox, for an honest review.

Mailbox Monday August 12, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For AUGUST: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Penelope @ The Reading Fever. If Penelope doesn't post then the the link will be at Bermudaonion (thanks Kathy).
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.

I received two audiobooks for review and I picked up the free audio titles from SYNC YA. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two Audio titles from Audiobook Jukebox for review.

Title: Death of a Dyer
Author: Eleanor Kuhns
Narrator: Richard Waterhouse
Publisher/Date: AudioGO, 06/18/13

At the Bowditch farmstead, Rees quickly discovers that everyone--from Nate's frosty wife to his missing son to the shy serving girl--is hiding something. But are any of them actually capable of murder? Or does the answer lie elsewhere, behind stones no one even knew needed un-turning?

and

Title: Paradox Resolution
Author: K.A. Bedford
Narrator: Cameron McDonald 

Publisher/Date: Post Hypnotic Press

Aloysius “Spider” Webb fixes time machines for a living. He hates his job; he hates his life, and hates time travel even more. He simply wants to get on with his life. He’s a hard working ­Australian bloke — a good man in a bad ­situation who is willing to do almost anything to regain his self-respect and the affection of his nearly ­ex-wife, Molly; a mad sculptress on her way to international fame and fortune.

Won

None.

Purchased

None

Free

Audios:

I downloaded this past week's free pair from SYNC YA August 8 – August 15, 2013:
Here is another great pairing!

Enchanted
By Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Published by Brilliance Audio
2013 Audies Finalist
“Kellgren weaves a spell over the listener that’s almost as powerful as the ones woven by the fairy godmothers.” –AudioFile Magazine
In a charming, humorous tumble of fairy tales blended into one novel, Sunday Woodcutter kisses an enchanted frog which then transforms back into the crown prince of Arilland–a man Sunday’s family despises.

and

Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There
By Lewis Carroll
Read by Miriam Margolyes
Published by Bolinda Audio

“This wonderful performance is perfect for a queen—Red or White.” –AudioFile Magazine

In this sequel to Alice in Wonderland, Alice journeys through a mirror to a strange and wonderful world where curious adventures await her.

I downloaded a couple of free Kindle Titles this week
linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? August 12, 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.

This was another good reading week- books moved along well and were interesting. I finished four books and posted three reviews one with ARC Giveaway. I also posted a Giveaway announcement for Sourcebooks. 
I  posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I hope to visit more this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts (plus winner post):

• It's Monday What are You Reading? August 5, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday August 5, 2013.

• Sourcebooks Wants to See Your Wedding Dress Giveaway Announcement
  

• Audible Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Dystopia, Futuristic Fantasy; my rating 5.0.

• Book Review: Click: An Online Love Story by Lisa Becker, Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 9, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/15.

• Saturday Snapshot August 10, 2013 - A Few Interesting Things of Nature
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Flirting with Texas by Katie Lane, Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Ends 8/16.

• Sharing Beyond Books #112 Comment Giveaway 8/10/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/16.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 11, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audio

The Eye of Moloch
    by Glenn Beck
    Narrated by Jeremy Lowell
This is another good thriller listen.
I will be posting a review this week.
Received from Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on Title for full book description.

2. ebook/Kindle

Windshift
by Joyce Faulkner
This is an eye opener as well as
a wonderful story of friendship.
I'll post a review this week.
Click on Title for full book description.

3. Print

Revenge
by Debra Webb
This is good mystery and suspense. 
I'm glad I have the next book in the series. 
I will post a review with ARC Giveaway.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

4. Audible

The Giver
UNABRIDGED
    by Lois Lowry
    Narrated by Ron Rifkin
        Series: Giver Quartet, Book 1
This is a different, thought provoking Dystopia.
From my own Audible Library;
review to be posted later this week.
Publisher's Summary
December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man, the man called only the Giver, he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.

Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.
©1993 Lois Lowry; (P)1993 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint Of Random House Audio Publishing Group.

Line Edits/Releases:
We are working on print, Smashword and Kindle releases.
Released at Smashwords for all ereader formats:
Three prom night short stories:
     Secrets in the Fog: Danny's First Love by Ellen Spain
     The Gift by Kat Deacon
     A Tale of Two Prom Dates by Evie Alexis
Enter the bi-monthly drawings
at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page
This week's giveaway link:
Seven Shades of Luminosity by Beth Bowland
Genre(s): Children's - Middle Grade, Fantasy
Print Pages: 228

Currently reading:
1. Print

Guilty as Sin
by Jami Alden
I am about 70 pages into this romantic suspense.
I'm enjoying the mystery and anticipating the romance.
Reviewing for Forever/Hachette
Book Description
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
For over a decade, a killer has been waiting, silent as death and . . .
GUILTY AS SIN
Fourteen years ago, Kate Beckett was a teenager more interested in summer romance than babysitting. Then the unthinkable happened: her younger brother was kidnapped and murdered on her watch. Now she is an advocate for missing children, and her newest case brings her back to the small town where she lost her brother-and where she left behind the first boy she ever loved.

Tommy Ibarra's world fell apart after Kate broke his heart, and he's spent his adult life making sure that he'll never be vulnerable again. When a teenage girl vanishes, he offers his expertise as a high tech security expert to help find her. Although he's determined to keep his distance from Kate, it isn't long before he's falling under her spell all over again.

As they race against the clock, their investigation leads to a brutal killer with a shocking connection to Kate's tragic past. And this time, the killer has Kate firmly in his sites.

2. eBook/Kindle

      The Companions, The Sundering, Book I
by R. A. Salvatore
It took a couple of chapters to understand what was happening in this.
It is interesting and different fantasy.
I picked this from NetGalley for review.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
“The Companions is the best novel [R.A.] Salvatore has ever written. It’s insanely courageous, profoundly powerful, masterfully constructed, and easily Salvatore’s most ambitious work to date.”—Paul Goat Allen, BarnesandNoble.com
“After a quarter of a century, R.A. Salvatore just keeps getting better and better, and The Companions is another masterful leap forward for one of the greatest fantasy epics of all time.”
—Philip Athans, best-selling author of Annihilation and The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff
This latest installment in New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore's beloved fantasy saga, The Companions moves Salvatore's signature hero Drizzt into a new era of the Forgotten Realms. As Drizzt's fate hangs in the balance, he reflects on the lives of the trusted allies who stood by his side throughout his early life--the friends now known as the Companions of the Hall. Meanwhile, the first stirrings of the Sundering begin.

3. Audio

Death of a Dyer
by Eleanor Kuhns
Reader: Richard Waterhouse
I've just started this.
Reviewing for AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox.
Synopsis:
Will Rees feels at home. It's been a long time since he last felt this way--not since before his wife died more than five years ago and he took to the road as a traveling weaver. Now Rees is back on his farm, living with his teenaged son, David, and his housekeeper, Lydia--whose presence contributes more towards his happiness than he's ready to admit. But his domestic bliss is shattered the morning a visitor brings news of an old friend's murder. Nate Bowditch and Rees hadn't spoken in many long years, but as children they were closer than brothers, and Rees feels his loss acutely. Asked to look into the circumstances surrounding Nate's death, Rees simply can't refuse. At the Bowditch farmstead, Rees quickly discovers that everyone--from Nate's frosty wife to his missing son to the shy serving girl--is hiding something. But are any of them actually capable of murder? Or does the answer lie elsewhere, behind stones no one even knew needed un-turning? Death of a Dyer once again proves Eleanor Kuhns' remarkable ability to spin a captivating story and capture the light and darker sides of human nature on the page.

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: Still working. Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still doing more Smashword conversions in between print formatting.

I still have several print books carrying over from June now into August. I don't have quite so many new choices so I think I can wrap these carry overs up this month.

August
Scheduled:
8/22 Review: A Most Devilish Rogue by Ashlyn Macnamara; Review and Author Guest Blog through Random House 

Sourcebooks
    (none scheduled unless I pick up at NetGalley)

Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby
    Guilty as Sin by Jami Alden (reading)
    Ruthless by Debra Webb

NetGalley: (July and early August)
      The Companions, The Sundering, Book I by R. A. Salvatore (reading)
      The Godborn, The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp
 
AudioBook Jukebox
Death of a Dyer by Eleanor Kuhns (listening)
Paradox Resolution by K.A. Bedford

Author Books received at March EPICon
     Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

Author Review titles:
     Double Click by Lisa Becker

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 11, 2013

We had a grand time of praise and worship this morning. Then a short, interesting presentation by a missionary who is ministering to the Muslem community in Dearborne, Michigan.

Then pastor shared a message he titled: “God Cares for You...Because He Loves You.
Some people wonder “Does God really care about my life?”  1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
Our God is a caring God. He wants to remove all of our anxiety, distractions, worries, and troublesome fears. He does care about the details in our life even as he cares about bigger events too.
Pastor listed these three signs of unbelief:
▸    Care - constantly on your mind.
▸    Worry - mental notes of what to do.
▸    Fear - perceived threat.
You cannot be secure in God’s love if you do not submit to complete belief and faith in His ability to handle our lives, our burdens. If we do not completely trust in him then we are double minded. (Which is not a good thing as noted in James 1:5-8, James 4:8-10.)
How unbelief enters or appears in your life:
1. Ignorance.  If you do not know the Word and promises of God then you might not recognize the word when it is twisted or manipulated for the purposes of the enemy.
2. Disbelief; listening to false teachings; failure to recognize the leading hand of God.
3. Natural unbelief. We cannot allow feelings to supersede God’s promises.

God cares more about you than little sparrows and He doesn’t let one fall without His knowing.. God loves us so much that he even counts the hairs on our heads which natural living parents don't. Matthew 10:29-31.  So you can safely cast ALL your care on Him. He'll be there with you and for you.

This is the traditional hymn that Pastor chose for us to sing to close his message.

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

I thank you Jesus, Lord, for caring so completely for me - Creator, Provider, Healer, Comforter, Redeemer! You are worthy of glory, honor and praise!

Sharing Beyond Books #112 Comment Giveaway August 10, 2013

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

I had another good week even though it was busy. It was a good busy. I got to lead a real estate training class so that took a number of hours in preparation. The rest of the schedule was light enough to allow that without too much extra stress.

Only four of us have met other bloggers in person and that included Bookishqueen who knows her blogger sister. But most of us would like to meet other bloggers. :-)

Most of you use larger purses and a handful do use backpacks. Bookishqueen has a tiny  purse and Linda K doesn't use a bag except when going to the zoo when she uses a backpack. A couple of you have "in between" size purses to carry 'enough.'  Mary P has one big enough for umbrella, water and book!!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #111 comments is: #20 Linda T who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #112

Q1. (This fits for getting ready to return to school.) Mamabunny asks: Back to school means summer is almost over (in my area) name one last hoorah! you would like to have before autumn arrives??

A: My kids are all beyond school age and seeing their own little ones back to school. But the summer break will be over in a week here. I'm not really thinking of a last hoorah although I would really like two things.  1. I wished I'd used the pool more this summer. I'd blame it on all the rain but it was really just me.  2. I think I am ready soon for another mini vacation--. cruise or motorcoach-- but away from the office. :-)

Cartoon characters by Charles M. Schulz.

Image found at West Austin Athletic Club.

Q2.  My turn for a bookish Question this time: Have you ever thought of a pen name you would like to use if you were to write??

A: Many years ago (and far, far away... oh I digress) I fixated on a name I really liked. It is Eustacia with Stacy as a nickname.  Never thought about a last name and I don't really plan to use a pen name but I still like Eustacia.

Image found at The Vandal (Derek Haines).

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mamabunny asks: Back to school means summer is almost over (in my area) name one last hoorah! you would like to have before autumn arrives??

Q2.  My bookish Question: Have you ever thought of a pen name you would like to use if you were to write??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, August 16, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Flirting with Texas by Katie Lane

This is a fun, flirty read.

Flirting with Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas)
by Katie Lane

• Series: Deep in the Heart of Texas (Book 5)
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever (July 30, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1455515698
• ISBN-13: 978-1455515691

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: July 30, 2013 | Series: Deep in the Heart of Texas (Book 5)
YOU'RE A LONG WAY FROM HOME, COWGIRL
On her own in the Big Apple, Jenna Jay Scroggs can handle herself when trouble arises. But when she tries to rescue a horse, the passionate do-gooder ends up on a runaway Central Park carriage ride with a hunky stranger. With his sexy drawl and well-worn Levis, Beauregard Cates is doing his darnedest to make Jenna homesick for the small western town she's spent years trying to forget. And it's working: She's dangerously close to falling head over boot heels for the rugged rodeo star with hair the color of moonshine.

Beau came to the big city to escape his past and live life to the fullest. Yet the leggy blonde with eyes as blue as a western sky causes a real hitch in his giddy-up. So when the well-meaning folks of Bramble plot to bring Jenna home, Beau will need to convince her that she won't ever get Texas out of her blood - or one good-time, ever-lovin' cowboy out of her heart.

Review:
Jenna is a passionate activist fighting evil in New York as she seeks to help the underdogs of the world. Although she was raised in a small Texas town in a lively family with “country”-type parents, Jenna felt like she never quite fit in with her taller dark-haired siblings. When her parents wouldn’t accept her college boyfriend, Davy, a long-haired ‘artist’, Jenna moved to New York in her own little rebellion and has refused to speak to her family.

Beau is a handsome cowboy competing in rodeo bull riding around the country. He owns Miss Hattie's Hen House, a former brothal, now a Bed & Breakfast, in Bramble, Texas that is managed by the former Madam, Minnie. Minnie has an agenda and she asks Beau to track down Jenna in New York.
No sooner does Beau locate Jenna then he gets caught up in her escapades. He has to rescue her after she takes off with a horse and carriage because she wants to save the horse from the cruel master. Beau shows up at Jenna’s apartment and isn’t impressed by her girly looking, wimpy boyfriend. Beau didn’t intend to get entangled with Jenna but then they get shanghaied and transported together from NY to Texas in a small travel trailer!

Once Jenna simmers down she realizes she is attracted to the rugged cowboy but he has made it clear that he is out for fun and no commitment. Beau is surprised by his attraction to Jenna too, especially since he has had some trouble of late responding to his usual rodeo groupie one night stands. Just as they decide to explore their attraction they are totally surprised to have the trailer door opened to the cheers of the home town folks! It seems the town had decided it was high time that Jenna made up with her folks. If the adventure brought Beau in from a two year absence too, all the better.

Beau has avoided his family as he copes with recovering from cancer and treatment at a young age with no promises that it won’t come back. As Beau continues to struggle with his own demons, Jenna plans to make an escape back to NY and Davy.

Both characters have an awakening as a misunderstanding has Jenna panicking about her family history and a medical emergency for Minnie has Beau seeing his illness and absence in a whole new light. While they are navigating their emotions another character, Marcy, who has a high school reputation as a slut, is suddenly spending time with the bachelor pastor. Will these couples be able to face their fears, move beyond their pasts and maybe find a future together?

This story turned out a lot better than it started for me. I wasn’t crazy about the playboy character of Beau and even Jenna was a bit extreme. But they both grew on me until I was cheering for them by the end. I really liked the insights that Ms. Lane shared on the cancer and self-esteem issues. Minnie, even from her wheelchair, shares a great positive attitude. Instead of accepting the old adage “Life is hell, and then you die” Minnie proclaims “Life isn’t hell; it’s a journey. A wonderful, breathtaking journey.” (Page 256.)

The romance with the two couples was on the steaming side for Jenna and Beau while more sweet and struggling for Marcy and Sean. There was some mobster involvement that added a little extra fun and excitement. I recommend this story as a fun read especially for romance readers who enjoy their characters a bit wacky with plenty of escapades to share.

I received this ARC from Hachette/Forever to provide an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

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

* This contest is open to those with US or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 16, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 17, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.