Audio Book Review: The Tempest by William Shakespeare

This is a a wonderful and entertaining production.

The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
Published by AudioGO/ BBC Radio


William Shakespeare Audio Book
DRAMATIZATION
Reader: Full Cast
Running Time: 2hrs 55min

Genre: Dramatization, Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Description:
BBC Radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.
Raging storms and rich beautiful music combine to magical effect in this production of Shakespeare’s allegorical last play, where mystical forces work to restore harmony and order to an estranged community.
Revitalised, original, and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the new millennium.

Review:
It has been many years since I read Shakespeare’s Tempest (or any of his works). It always seemed like a stormy drama to me - and so it is!

This tragic-comedy is set on a remote enchanted island, where the wizard Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter, Miranda, to her rightful place. Prospero uses illusion and skillful manipulation to conjures up a storm, the tempest, to lure to the island his usurping brother Antonio and a co-conspirator, Alonso, King of Naples. Prospero sets up to reveal Antonio’s treachery and during the process his bound servant, Ariel aids in the secret love encounters of Miranda and Alonso's son, Ferdinand.

This audio production gives this much more flare and charm than a simple reading. I got more of the love story in this version along with the political machinations and power struggles. I enjoyed the dramatization although I have to admit it was a little bit hard to follow along while I was doing chores. I think this would be perfect to listen to with the text to follow along or at least in a setting where one appreciates the program for itself without trying to do other things that might distract (like my chores did).

Audio Notes: The voices, musical background and sound effects were well done and added to the program for me. I enjoyed this method of re-experiencing a classic work.

I received this and Of Poseidon from SYNC YA May 30 – June 5, 2013.

Mailbox Monday March 10, 2014

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This Mailbox post covers two weeks (Feb 24 - March 9) but I haven't picked up that many review books. I have two books, one I failed to list a few weeks back and one selected for Ladies Book Club March read.  I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.
Additionally there were a handful of Kindle titles I purchased and many free Kindle books.


Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Selected at NetGalley

The Long Road: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)
by G. Michael Hopf

This is the second book in this series picking up after The End.

Selected for Ladies Book Club March Read

Unwilling Warrior, Seasons of Redemption Series #1

by: Andrea Boeshaar

The War Between the States has Valerie Fontaine frightened about her future. She never suspects she'll be thrust into the middle of it. Benjamin McCabe's got a noble dream of photographing the Civil War - and he never expected to fall in love with a New Orleans socialite.

When Valerie's father is arrested on charges of treason, Ben secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family's home in Jericho Junction, Missouri where she'll be safe.Can Valerie adjust to life on the prairie and remain true to her promise to wait for Ben no matter what the cost?

Won

None.

Purchased

Kindle purchases:

Everly Gray Adventures 1-2 & Novella (Romantic Mysteries) (The Everly Gray Adventures)

Charles, L.j.

February 24, 2014

Purchased:	February 24, 2014
Price:	$0.99
	View Product Page

Serial Thrillers: 4 Bundled Thrillers: Keeping Counsel, Beyond Malice, Character Witness, The Mentor

Forster, Rebecca

March 3, 2014

Purchased:	March 3, 2014
Price:	$0.99
	View Product Page

The Seducer: A Novel (Get Connected Romances)	Hunter, Madeline	March 3, 2014
I have this series in print but maybe getting ebook will read faster.	Purchased: March 3, 2014 Price: $1.99 View Product Page

Legendary Detective at the World's End (Volume 1)

Purchased:	March 4, 2014
Price:	$0.99
	View Product Page

Broken Wings (Blackbird & Confessor #1)	Jacobs, Mara	March 6, 2014
	Purchased: March 6, 2014 Price: $0.99 View Product Page

Free

Plus I downloaded another 64 free Kindle titles - about 30 week one and 34 week two.  Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? March 10, 2014.

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 week reading though little time to keep up with reviews.  I posted two reviews, one with giveaway and a special giveaway with Friday Pick! Got most of the usual memes. :-)

I only did a little visiting - lots of room to improve this week!
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 3, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change by John Hagee; Christianity, Prophetic; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and Giveaway: R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
  by Megan Mulry, Contemporary Romance, British; my rating 4.0. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 7, 2014. PLUS extra eBook Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/13/14.

• A Group of February Winners.

• Sharing Beyond Books #141 Comment Giveaway 3/8/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 3/15/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 9, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/MP4

Silver City Massacre
by Charles G. West
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
I enjoyed this old western tale.
Reviewing through Audiobook Jukebox
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy
by Robert Reed
Definitely imaginative! Reading through Net Galley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print

The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2
By: Susan Page Davis
More in Ladies Shooting Club Series
This is a fun series.
We had a good discussion at Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on several releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  Annie's Special Day by Clara Bowman-Jahn.
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP4

A Blind Goddess
Author: James R. Benn
Narrator: Peter Berkrot
This is starting with a lot of interest. I selected this through Audiobook Jukebox.
SUMMARY
March, 1944. US Army Lieutenant Billy Boyle, back in England after a dangerous mission in Italy, is due for a little R&R—and a promotion. But the now-Captain Boyle doesn’t get to kick back and enjoy his leisure time because two upsetting cases fall into his lap at once.
The first is a personal request from an estranged friend: Sergeant Eugene “Tree” Jackson, who grew up with Billy in Boston, is part of the 617th Tank Destroyers, the battalion poised to make history by being the US Army’s first combatant all–African American company. But making history isn’t easy, and the 617th faces racism at every turn. One of Tree’s men, a gunner named Angry Smith, has been arrested for a crime he almost certainly didn’t commit and faces the gallows if the real killer isn’t found. Tree knows US top brass won’t care about justice in this instance and asks Billy if he’ll look into it.
...© 2013 by James R. Benn

2. eBook/Kindle

The Long Road: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)
by G. Michael Hopf
I was glad to see that I had selected
this at NetGalley too
so I could continue the adventure.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 30, 2013
The End was just the beginning of the new world…
Only six weeks have passed since a super-EMP attack devastated the United States, but already, life has changed dramatically. Most of America has become a wasteland filled with starving bands of people, mobs and gangs. Millions are dead and millions more are suffering, with no end in sight.
For Gordon, Samantha, Sebastian, Cruz and Barone, the turmoil and chaos they dealt with in the early weeks after the attack will seem trivial in comparison to the collapse of society that plays out before their eyes. Uncertainty abounds as they all travel different paths in search of a safe place to call home. The only thing that is definite is that The Long Road will take its toll on all of them.

3. Print

Desperately Seeking Suzanna
by Elizabeth Michels
I am just a couple pages in on this and enjoying. Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Her Cinderella Moment
Sue Green just wanted one night to be the pretty one. But a few glasses of champagne and one wild disguise later, she's in some serious trouble. Who knew the devastatingly handsome face of Lord Holden Ellis would get in the way of her foot?  And how exactly did all that high-kick dancing start in the first place? At least she blamed it all on her new persona--Suzanna. So Society's most eligible bachelor will never find out the truth.

All Holden wants is the truth. Who was that vixen who seduced him so thoroughly, then disappeared? The only one who seems to have any answers about Suzanna is Miss Sue Green. She's promised to help him find his mystery woman, but in truth she's not being all that helpful. And in truth, the more time Holden spends with Sue--witty, pretty, and disarmingly honest--the more he realizes he may have found exactly what he's been looking for all along...

I am up to date with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

I am continuing to enjoy reading books from my own TBR. :-) I didn't get done the number of reviews I planned this week. Now my backlog is six so I plan on at least four this week... maybe five.

March Scheduled - nothing dated but I plan to look for some book hops.

Sourcebooks:
Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels (reading)

NetGalley: I Might look this week for some more titles.
The Long Road: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series) by G. Michael Hopf (reading)

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox 
   A Blind Goddess by James R. Benn (reading)

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 9, 2014

No sermon notes this morning. We started off with praise worship and then went to our choir song which was Jesus Never Fails. From there the service spun off into an anointed healing worship service. We have a wonderful Pastor who is sensitive to the movement of the Spirit and encouraged the depth of the service. One teenage girl gave her heart to the Lord and several people experienced release of pain, including a beloved sister who has chronic pain due to fibromyalgia.  Thank you Lord for blessing us!

This is a great version of this song,
although I have to say I do love our soloists at church.

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 13 (NIV)
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

Thank you Lord for making your presence known to us this morning. Help me be more faithful to seek you each morning and to lift up those who need salvation and healing to your remembrance.

Sharing Beyond Books #141 Comment Giveaway March 8, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

The largest group of us have Kindles of several varieties. There are also those with Sony and Nook. There are several commenters who do not have kindle or other ereaders available in their countries. Q- to those of you with Kindle Fire or Paperwhite --- do those read to you like the older generation? I haven't found the answer to that question yet.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #140 comments is: #18 Natasha 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 #141 (One Question.)

Q1. Mary P asks:  Do you go to the theatre to watch plays, musicals and productions??

A: I don't go on a regular basis but I have been to theatre in Philadelphia when young and numerous times in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center. Here in North Florida we have been to plays at Chipola College and some quaint local productions at nearby communities.

Image found at Chipola.edu

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mary P asks: Do you go to the theatre to watch plays, musicals and productions??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 through Saturday March 15, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

A Group of February Winners

These are winners for February Giveaways. I don't know what I was thinking to have some ending on my "out-of-it sick weekend." Ah well - I have winners picked now. :-)

Giveaway Ended February 14, 2014

Giveaway: In One Year and Out the Other Collection
US Only; WINNER: SHELLEY (Calicolady60)

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

Giveaways Ended February 28, 2014

Giveaway: Beyond the Shadow of Canderlay Manor by Dee Julian
eBook; Worldwide; WINNER: BN100

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


Giveaway: Sleeping Dogs: A Novel by Tony Vanderwarker
Print; US Only;  WINNER: Vicki (bison61)

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

Giveaway: The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston; eBook; Worldwide; WINNERS: ebook: MARY P; 
    Signed covers to: Danielle, Vicki and bn100

ALL WINNERS - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 7, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
I forgot the picture for another set of books this week so that will (hopefully) be for next weekend. BUT LOOK BELOW THIS WEEK'S IMAGE FOR A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!

It was another long weekend but I am getting my energy and cheer back today. Now if this cold weather would just STOP already. I saw a cute Church sign posted on FB: "Whoever is Praying for Snow - Please Stop!"  Thank goodness we don't have snow here but I'm still cold.  I'm sure some of you have it much worse though so I will focus on being thankful! :-)


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 March 1 Pick. There were two Automatic wins again 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 was one title blocked still with multiple picks but it was won this week!
Linda K gets Guarded Secrets
scottsgal gets A Writer's Dream and A Cowboy's Heart

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 1 Pick:
Natasha gets the Deborah Cooke Pair after four weeks of blocks

Llehn 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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

I almost missed this e-book week.

To celebrate here is a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for Friday Pick followers! 

As a special this week one commenter will win an e-book of their choice.

Just state with your usual Friday Pick choice what ebook you would like if you win!

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Perfection in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone

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.

Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf (won 1/10 by rubynreba)

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

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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

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

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

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

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---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 634+ books 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
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

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---(All gone)

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

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and Giveaway: R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals) by Megan Mulry

This is a sassy, nicely written British style romance. 

R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
by Megan Mulry

• Series: Unruly Royals
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (February 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270031

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, British
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Being royal isn't all it's cracked up to be...
Abigail Heyworth, youngest daughter of the 18th Duke of Northrop, is not your typical British royal—she'll take a recycling drive over a charity ball any day. She can't stand hats and heels. Abby's not getting much sympathy, of course, because everyone thinks the life of royalty is so charmed.

But to Abigail, keeping up appearances is unbearable, while running away doesn't seem to work either. Just when she feels like she's getting whiplash from swinging between flat-out rebellion to miserable capitulation, Abigail meets an all-American self-made millionaire who challenges her on every level.

It may turn out that what Abigail is searching for kind of resembles the American Dream...

Review:
Abigail is a mid-twenties modern day daughter of a Duke and considered British Royalty. She hasn’t flaunted her wealth at all but in fact has been a rebel to her family life-style, enjoying a long term relationship with her beloved friend, Tully. The two of them set off on good deed adventures, living with tribes and communes along the way. Even Abby’s own family members are not sure if their relationship was real or one of rebellion to spite her cold and proper mother.

Now Abby and Tully have parted ways and Abby decides it is time for her to find a meaningful purpose - job or career - for her life. As she contemplates that dilemma, and the fears it brings, she also realizes that for the first time she is attracted to a man. Not just any man, but a super powerful American fashion business entrepreneur who is surrounded by high fashion and powerful and poised women.

Eliot and Abigail have developed an easy going friendship over the past many months since they met. Eliot adores and is intrigued by Abigail=s natural enthusiasm for life. He convinces her to give them a chance and they have a wonderful visit with his parents in Idaho. They finally get together but when Abby thinks it is a quick fling, Eliot goes overboard and professes the level of his interest scaring her away.

A year later Abby is busy getting her new foundation properly established as it funds grants for worthy women’s interests. Her loving older brothers and brash sister-in-laws are worried about her especially when an engagement announcement for Eliot appears in the post. Even her stiff mother has softened finding a new love that has changed her perspective on love and motherhood. Can Abby face her fears and reach Eliot before it is too late to acknowledge their love?
I have to admit that I was turned off by the very beginning of the book. I don’t mean to be prissy or prejudiced but I don’t approve of lesbian life styles and I choose not to read about them. This is not a book about that but the beginning starts off with a lead that made it harder for me to warm to Abigail. I was also negative about the fact that she was leading a pretty purposeful life when there was much she could have been doing.

On the other hand, I liked Eliot a lot as a strong, warm, confident male character with grace and charm. I truly enjoyed the style of writing which has a very nice, real flow and a warm strength of description. There is some “British brashness” which is perfectly fitting for the characters. The supporting family members add their own spark, sass and charm to the story. The sex scenes get a bit steamy but are manageable.

Ultimately I enjoyed the love story as it ran through difficulties and then a second chance. The addition of the fiancé added some needed conflict that enriched the story. I had not read any part of the series so this works fine as a stand alone. Read past the opening passages and you will find a rather fun, charming romance.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

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Audible Book Review: Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change by John Hagee

This tells of 'signs in the heavens' that will occur in 2014 and 2015! Are these "end time" warnings?
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by John Hagee
Narrated by Dean Gallagher

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-06-13
Publisher: Oasis Audio

Genre: Christianity, Spirituality

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary.
Over the last 500 years, blood-red moons have fallen on the first day of Passover three separate times. These occurrences were connected to some of the most significant days in Jewish history: 1492 (the final year of the Spanish Inquisition when Jews were expelled from Spain), 1948 (statehood for Israel and the War of Independence) and 1967 (the Six-Day War). Every heavenly body is controlled by the unseen hand of God, which signals coming events to humanity. There are no solar or lunar accidents.
The next series of four blood moons occurs at Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015. In this riveting book, Hagee explores what these blood moons mean and why Christians must understand these signs and what they bode both for Israel and the world. Joel 2 and Acts 2 both state: "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness [eclipse] and the moon into blood [eclipse] before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes."
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2013 Worthy Publishing (P)2013 Oasis Audio

Review:
John Hagee is a well known Christian author who has studied and written quite a bit on Biblical prophesy. He founded a national organization called Christians United for Israel which is to bring Christians and Jews together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherly love, emphasizing our common interests that outweigh any differences. Although this book is designed to discuss the importance of four blood moons, or total lunar eclipses, coming in 2014 and 2015, Hagee builds first a Biblical basis for acknowledging ‘signs in the heavens’ and why it is important for Christians to support the nation of Israel. The book is laid out in the form of an outline that is easy to follow.

Hagee was encouraged by a Pastor with strong Jewish scholarship to study the sun, moon and stars as a source of prophetic revelation. He began to study the importance of blood moons as referenced in the Bible and as they relate to ‘signs in the heavens’ and the Jewish nation.

Hagee discusses Biblical events shown by signs in the heaven, including the Star in the East and God’s ability to control time by stopping the Sun (Joshua 10:1-13). In discussing the importance of blood moons, Hagee explains that it is important to understand the Jewish calendar and the Jewish Feasts. These are events that are rarely studied by everyday Christians so it is wonderful to have this resource to bring a better understanding to lay people like myself. Hagee also covers chapters on The Spine of Prophecy and Concerning the Rapture in a direct, outlined manner that is easy to absorb.

Hagee reviews the last three series of four blood moons, called a Tetrad, and the important events that happened to Israel in those years: 1493-94, 1949-50, 1967-68. Each series had a solar eclipse that occurred within the span and had significant events relating to Jewish Festival days. Hagee does not try to predict precisely what will happen during this coming Tetrad, although he notes its connection to the Feast of Trumpets. He makes an excellent point for being aware and being prepared for something extremely important. This is full of excellent supporting references which I enjoyed following.

As Hagee notes near his conclusion: a series of four blood moons, a Tetrad, is rare; a Tetrad with a solar eclipse within its series is very rare; a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse that is significant to Israel’s history and the Jewish Feasts is very, very rare; “a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse historically significant to Israel and Jewish Feasts that includes a Shemittah year within its series is very, very, very rare”; “but a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse, historically significant to Israel and falling on the Jewish Feasts with a Shemittah year that corresponds with the Feast of Trumpets (the Jewish New Year) within its series is astronomically rare!” [Emphasis supplied.]  Hagee has concluded that history is about to change forever, that "God is sending us messages but the question is: are we listening?"

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the audio version and it was an easy, quick listen. There is a summary pdf Guide for the history of the last sets of Tetrads that was provided with the audio book that is helpful. However, I am inclined to think this is a book better read in print so that the reader can go back to references more easily. Still if you find this topic of interest, I highly recommend that you listen or read in print!

I selected this from Audible for my own library although I also purchased the Kindle version.