by Kathryne Kennedy
ONGE and MARLENE
![By Michael Connelly: The Reversal [Audiobook]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_td7lE1kHE0QUpviShRIQlik-9rc1WLDAvX_s3SNrmrK9r5n3JODKfOQXLivIWdqLz35K0o1DEfY9E1985Z4vjM6F86xyO1YJB1Xyy6CED9pqIjVA7lxY3x4bce6Fd5_s0G-NZtUL1NP9uRfX3iSy73QSaOFLm7cGESW21FbiHbHF-h4dVWzkrJf5ZMGYi-gwr5C_r1BjukqhjhT5g4FD8fHnLItdvu8gGR2Rg=s0-d)
PatriciaL
and
Benita
by Susanna Kearsley
MARY (miztik_rose)
by Phillipa Ashley
VICKI
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
The winners have been emailed to send mailing information.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Week of Winners
The days keep rushing by. I may have to settle on announcing winners weekly. Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways, commented on reviews and interviews. The comments can be fun to read - like Laura marrying her calendar guy! :-)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
The winners have been emailed to send mailing information.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
The winners have been emailed to send mailing information.
Blog Tour: How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling - January 10-21
I am enjoying reading this book this week! Please note the Author will be visiting as a Guest Blogger on January 12. I will also post my review and the giveaway that day.
See the full blog tour list below.
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
Author Image and Profile
Five Fun Facts
VickyDreiling.com
Vicky on Facebook
Follow @VickyDreiling on Twitter
Vicky's Blog
See the full blog tour list below.
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
Author Image and Profile
Five Fun Facts
VickyDreiling.com
Vicky on Facebook
Follow @VickyDreiling on Twitter
Vicky's Blog
1/10/2011 http://martasmeanderings.
1/10/2011 http://www.saveyspender.com
1/10/2011 http://yankeeromancereviewers.
1/10/2011 http://onebookshy.blogspot.com
1/10/2011 http://www.renees-reads.
1/10/2011 http://www.libslibrary.
1/10/2011 http://simplystacie.net Giveaway
1/10/2011 http://startingfreshnyc.com/
1/10/2011 http://thebooktree.blogspot.
1/10/2011 http://booksandmakeup.
1/10/2011 http://bridget3420.blogspot.
1/11/2011 http://maryinhb.blogpsot.com Review, Giveaway
1/11/2011 http://threeboysandanoldlady.
1/11/2011 http://
1/11/2011 mybookaddictionandmore.
1/12/2011 www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com
1/12/2011 http://marthasbookshelf.
1/12/2011 http://book-obsessed.blogspot.
1/12/2011 http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.
1/13/2011 www.seductivemusings.blogspot.
1/13/2011 www.becksbookpicks.blogspot.
1/14/2011 http://dkay401-challenges.
1/14/2011 http://theromantictype.
1/14/2011 http://mindingspot.blogspot.
1/17/2011 www.bookwormygirl.com
1/17/2011 http://www.urbangirlreader.com
1/18/2011 http://asthepagesturn.
1/19/2011 http://j-rabbits-corner.
1/20/2011 http://simplyali.blogspot.com
1/20/2011 my-book-views.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
1/20/2011 http://chrissysworldofbooks.
1/20/2011 justjenniferreading.blogspot.
1/20/2011 http://thefictionenthusiast.
1/21/2011 http://bookslikebreathing.
1/21/2011 http://www.kballard87.
1/21/2011 http://inthehammockblog.
1/21/2011 www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com
1/13/2010 http://www.masoncanyon.
1/21/2010 http://j-rabbits-corner.
1/21/2010 http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Book Review and Giveaway: The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
Attention Mystery lovers: this is a MUST READ!
The Sherlockian
by Graham Moore
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
In January 2010, a leading Sherlock scholar, Alex Cale, claims that he has discovered the missing diary of Arthur Conan Doyle (Arthur). The diary, which covers a several month span in 1900, is of great import to the Sherlockian community as it may explain why Arthur “resurrected” Holmes in1901 after killing him off in 1983. Alex is scheduled to present his findings and the details of the diary to the most select group of Sherlock scholars, The Baker Street Irregulars, but instead he turns up murdered.
Harold White, who is the newest member of the society, is present when the body is found. He immediately begins to gather clues which point to various Sherlock details, implicating someone from the prestigious society. Harold is pretty much a “brainy geek” and is surprised to find himself accompanied by a pretty journalist, Sarah, who insists on coming along on his investigation. She adds some down to earth resourcefulness as they dodge henchmen who are following them and search out clues through computer discs and library collections.
As the author follows Harold’s search and deductive reasoning in 2010, every other chapter reveals Arthur’s activity during the missing months in 1900. Arthur has been pulled into an investigation himself and (even if unintended) proceeds to emulate his character, Holmes. When Scotland Yard doesn’t provide much help Arthur sets out to try to find who sent him a letter bomb and then extends his investigation into the serial murders of several young brides. Arthur drags his friend, Bram Stoker, along to play the plodding side kick, “Watson”.
I really enjoyed how the author ran the two mysteries alternately in the chapters. Both mysteries, but especially the 1900 line, had a true Sherlock feel to them. The 1900 mystery probably had that feel because, as author Moore explains through Arthur’s dialogue with Bram: Holmes is a character of the foggy but romantic 1890s. Holmes would not have fit so well in the garish world exposed by electric lights and muddled with women’s rights.
At one point Moore has Arthur reach a point of frustration in his investigation. Arthur stops to think how his readers feel and his thoughts are described on page 149:
The only shortfall I found in this book was the ending. Although I like the ending as presented with Harold and his companion, they left behind a crime scene with loose ends and questions that I didn’t like unresolved. So for that minor annoyance I rate the book as 4.75 instead of a 5.0. Even so, if you like mysteries, this is a book you do not want to miss!
Thank you to TwelveBooks division of Hachette for the book to read and review.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE HARDBACK COPY:
1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's blog website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!
2. For extra two entries: Tell me a favorite mystery book you like or tell me if you read Sherlock Holmes and/or Agatha Christie mysteries.
3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
(Six total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 19, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The Sherlockian
by Graham Moore
- Hardcover: 368 pages
- Publisher: Twelve (December 1, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0446572594
- ISBN-13: 978-0446572590
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Product Description from Hachette:
In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective's next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning -- crowds sported black armbands in grief -- and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin.Review: You get a double dose of good mystery in this book! It isn't just the "who done it" but it's "how it was done."
Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had "murdered" Holmes in "The Final Problem," he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained this sudden change of heart. After his death, one of his journals from the interim period was discovered to be missing, and in the decades since, has never been found.
Or has it?
When literary researcher Harold White is inducted into the preeminent Sherlock Holmes enthusiast society, The Baker Street Irregulars, he never imagines he's about to be thrust onto the hunt for the holy grail of Holmes-ophiles: the missing diary. But when the world's leading Doylean scholar is found murdered in his hotel room, it is Harold - using wisdom and methods gleaned from countless detective stories - who takes up the search, both for the diary and for the killer.
In January 2010, a leading Sherlock scholar, Alex Cale, claims that he has discovered the missing diary of Arthur Conan Doyle (Arthur). The diary, which covers a several month span in 1900, is of great import to the Sherlockian community as it may explain why Arthur “resurrected” Holmes in1901 after killing him off in 1983. Alex is scheduled to present his findings and the details of the diary to the most select group of Sherlock scholars, The Baker Street Irregulars, but instead he turns up murdered.
Harold White, who is the newest member of the society, is present when the body is found. He immediately begins to gather clues which point to various Sherlock details, implicating someone from the prestigious society. Harold is pretty much a “brainy geek” and is surprised to find himself accompanied by a pretty journalist, Sarah, who insists on coming along on his investigation. She adds some down to earth resourcefulness as they dodge henchmen who are following them and search out clues through computer discs and library collections.
As the author follows Harold’s search and deductive reasoning in 2010, every other chapter reveals Arthur’s activity during the missing months in 1900. Arthur has been pulled into an investigation himself and (even if unintended) proceeds to emulate his character, Holmes. When Scotland Yard doesn’t provide much help Arthur sets out to try to find who sent him a letter bomb and then extends his investigation into the serial murders of several young brides. Arthur drags his friend, Bram Stoker, along to play the plodding side kick, “Watson”.
I really enjoyed how the author ran the two mysteries alternately in the chapters. Both mysteries, but especially the 1900 line, had a true Sherlock feel to them. The 1900 mystery probably had that feel because, as author Moore explains through Arthur’s dialogue with Bram: Holmes is a character of the foggy but romantic 1890s. Holmes would not have fit so well in the garish world exposed by electric lights and muddled with women’s rights.
At one point Moore has Arthur reach a point of frustration in his investigation. Arthur stops to think how his readers feel and his thoughts are described on page 149:
Another strange thought came to Arthur’s mind. .... Was this how it felt to be one of his readers? To be lost in the middle of the story, without the slightest of notions as to where you were headed? ....What trust his readers must put in him, to submit themselves to this unnerving confusion, while holding out hope that Arthur would see them through to a satisfying conclusion. .... What if it didn’t work? His readers took a leap, did they not? They offered up their time and their money. And what did the author promise them in return?Isn’t that quote wonderful? It is just what I, as a reader, look for in a book, whether it is mystery or romance. I trust the author to make it work out. (Hopefully with a happy ending.)
I will take care of you, he wanted to say to them. I know it seems impossible now, but it will all work out. You cannot see where I’m going, but I can, and it will delight you in the end.
Trust me.
The only shortfall I found in this book was the ending. Although I like the ending as presented with Harold and his companion, they left behind a crime scene with loose ends and questions that I didn’t like unresolved. So for that minor annoyance I rate the book as 4.75 instead of a 5.0. Even so, if you like mysteries, this is a book you do not want to miss!
Thank you to TwelveBooks division of Hachette for the book to read and review.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE HARDBACK COPY:
1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's blog website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!
2. For extra two entries: Tell me a favorite mystery book you like or tell me if you read Sherlock Holmes and/or Agatha Christie mysteries.
3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
(Six total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 19, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Book Review: No Greater Love by Kinzie Monroe
This is a fine inspirational story and I am very pleased to have this as my first review for 2011.
No Greater Love
by Kinzie Monroe.
Genre: Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Review: This is a truly lovely inspirational story. I was surprised how many issues the author covers. I thought the plot was pretty unique and woven into the relationships of the characters the story addresses several fundamental Christian principles in a pretty outright fashion. Although the messages are direct, they are presented through the lives of the characters rather than in a preachy fashion.
Leah tries to hire attorney Kirby Shelton to help her decide which proposed “killing plan” to accept. Leah did her homework and chose Kirby because Leah knows that Kirby spent many years taking care of her father as she watched him suffer a long, losing battle with cancer. Leah thinks that she can convince Kirby to help her but she isn't sure of the extent of Kirby’s convictions. Kirby is a believing Christian who feels great compassion for Leah and her friends. But can she be tempted to accept $75,000.00 to help Leah in this immoral and illegal scheme?
Kirby shows up at Leah’s mansion to meet the friends who are involved. Each one is a person whose life was changed by Leah’s generosity and support. Jason, Leah’s ex-boyfriend and recovering alcoholic, is an extremely successful architect who started his own company with Leah’s help. Annie is Leah’s best friend from college who started the software business with Leah although she sold out her interest and recently suffered a large business failure. Cliff is a handsome, gay, actor who has been helped by Leah and would love to have his own studio. Jessica is a single mom who escaped an abusive husband with Leah’s help and ultimately became an RN. Cassie, was Leah’s previous assistant. There is also the current assistant, the indomitable Tess.
The five friends are shocked to learn about Leah’s illness and they have various reactions to her request that they each propose a plan to kill her. It isn’t clear initially which of the five might be willing to participate in the scheme. Some could use the money but others are Christians who are committed to helping Leah through her illness but not likely to help kill her. Although Jason and Leah still care for each other they are no longer a couple. Kirby and Jason slowly are drawn to each other which adds a romance element as well as some extra emotional conflict.
There is a side story of a criminal defense that Kirby is handling that I found interesting. Also there are descriptions of flying, as Jason is a pilot, and of Kirby's favorite hobby - parachuting.
The primary message in the book is salvation and how believing friends want their non-believing friends to accept Christ as their savior. Leah’s friends, Kirby, Jessica and Cassie, are especially concerned about Leah's faith before she faces death. There is also a message of the peace that comes with acceptance. Additionally there are messages of forgiveness, trust and reliance and examples of God’s miraculous works in the daily lives and interactions of people.
The characters are nicely developed, the story plot flows easily and the writing is clean and direct. The story touched my heart with sorrow and joy. I think any reader, believer or not, would enjoy the challenging questions in the plot scenario, the warmth of the friendships and the messages of faith.
No Greater Love
by Kinzie Monroe.- Paperback: 216 pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace (July 8, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1453696954
- ISBN-13: 978-1453696958
Genre: Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Product Description
What would you do for $300 million dollars? Would you commit murder, even as an act of mercy? That’s what Leah Dalton is asking of five of her closest friends. The co-founder and CEO of Dalton Software Inc., has spent the last six months searching desperately for a cure to the cancer that is eating away at her brain. Finally, realizing she is fighting a losing battle, she devises a plan that will give her back some control of her life. Deciding if she’s going to die, she is going to be the one who chooses how and when.
Inviting five of her closest friends and a local attorney to her estate to spend a week, she shares the news of her impending death and asks for their help. Afraid of the painful death she knows is just around the corner, she offers them the chance of a lifetime. She wants one of them to kill her. She doesn’t care how as long as it’s painless and appears to be accidental or natural. In return for their good deed, the person will receive $300 million dollars.
Will one of her friends take her up on the offer? What would you do?
Review: This is a truly lovely inspirational story. I was surprised how many issues the author covers. I thought the plot was pretty unique and woven into the relationships of the characters the story addresses several fundamental Christian principles in a pretty outright fashion. Although the messages are direct, they are presented through the lives of the characters rather than in a preachy fashion.
Leah tries to hire attorney Kirby Shelton to help her decide which proposed “killing plan” to accept. Leah did her homework and chose Kirby because Leah knows that Kirby spent many years taking care of her father as she watched him suffer a long, losing battle with cancer. Leah thinks that she can convince Kirby to help her but she isn't sure of the extent of Kirby’s convictions. Kirby is a believing Christian who feels great compassion for Leah and her friends. But can she be tempted to accept $75,000.00 to help Leah in this immoral and illegal scheme?
Kirby shows up at Leah’s mansion to meet the friends who are involved. Each one is a person whose life was changed by Leah’s generosity and support. Jason, Leah’s ex-boyfriend and recovering alcoholic, is an extremely successful architect who started his own company with Leah’s help. Annie is Leah’s best friend from college who started the software business with Leah although she sold out her interest and recently suffered a large business failure. Cliff is a handsome, gay, actor who has been helped by Leah and would love to have his own studio. Jessica is a single mom who escaped an abusive husband with Leah’s help and ultimately became an RN. Cassie, was Leah’s previous assistant. There is also the current assistant, the indomitable Tess.
The five friends are shocked to learn about Leah’s illness and they have various reactions to her request that they each propose a plan to kill her. It isn’t clear initially which of the five might be willing to participate in the scheme. Some could use the money but others are Christians who are committed to helping Leah through her illness but not likely to help kill her. Although Jason and Leah still care for each other they are no longer a couple. Kirby and Jason slowly are drawn to each other which adds a romance element as well as some extra emotional conflict.
There is a side story of a criminal defense that Kirby is handling that I found interesting. Also there are descriptions of flying, as Jason is a pilot, and of Kirby's favorite hobby - parachuting.
The primary message in the book is salvation and how believing friends want their non-believing friends to accept Christ as their savior. Leah’s friends, Kirby, Jessica and Cassie, are especially concerned about Leah's faith before she faces death. There is also a message of the peace that comes with acceptance. Additionally there are messages of forgiveness, trust and reliance and examples of God’s miraculous works in the daily lives and interactions of people.
The characters are nicely developed, the story plot flows easily and the writing is clean and direct. The story touched my heart with sorrow and joy. I think any reader, believer or not, would enjoy the challenging questions in the plot scenario, the warmth of the friendships and the messages of faith.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
It's Monday! What are you Reading January 3, 2011?
This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!
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 finished three books last week and posted two reviews with ARC Giveaways; one Help Me Pick Next Read; one Comment Giveaway and a couple of informative posts.
As noted before, for this feature I will only be giving a rating and a short summary comment on books I read from my TBRs or as fillers - which aren't many :).
I had family all week and a busy time at work so once again I didn't have too much time this past week to reply to comments or visit. I still keep hoping to improve.
These were last week's posts plus Winner posts not listed.
Finished Reading:
Print:
Wolf Fever
by Terry Spear; Paranormal Romance.
Link and ARC giveaway are linked above.
Kindle:
Print: I have decided to read some of the Anthologies off my TBR. I chose one that will make a good giveaway for February as a month of romance.
MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT
Anthology - first story:
The Determined Bride by JO BEVERLEY,
Historical Romance; 5.0 of 5.0.
Audible:
Line Edits/Releases: Still working.
Currently reading:
Print:
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore. Reading for Hachette. This is a double mystery and I am just over half way. Reading this reminds me how I enjoy true mysteries too!
Kindle:
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
by Jeaniene Frost. I just started this from my TBR. A vampire story that has good reviews.
January 2011 books:
Print:
1/12 - How to Marry a Duke
by Vicky Dreiling. Hachette review, giveaway and guest post.
1/19 - Sins of a Highland Devil (Highland Warriors)
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Hachette review & giveaway.
1/26 - My Immortal Assassin
by Carolyn Jewel. Hachette review, giveaway and guest post.
Most votes on the Help Me Pick My Next Read Comments are leaning toward The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou
by Susan Higginbotham.
I finished three books last week and posted two reviews with ARC Giveaways; one Help Me Pick Next Read; one Comment Giveaway and a couple of informative posts.
As noted before, for this feature I will only be giving a rating and a short summary comment on books I read from my TBRs or as fillers - which aren't many :).
I had family all week and a busy time at work so once again I didn't have too much time this past week to reply to comments or visit. I still keep hoping to improve.
These were last week's posts plus Winner posts not listed.
- Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Devil's Desire
by Laurie McBain; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
- Book Review and ARC Giveaway of Wolf Fever
Finished Reading:
Print:
Wolf Fever
by Terry Spear; Paranormal Romance.Link and ARC giveaway are linked above. Kindle:by Kinzie Monroe; Inspirational.
This is a wonderful book to finish my year!
I will post the review
as the first review in 2011.
Print: I have decided to read some of the Anthologies off my TBR. I chose one that will make a good giveaway for February as a month of romance.MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT
Anthology - first story:The Determined Bride by JO BEVERLEY,Historical Romance; 5.0 of 5.0.
This was TRULY Delightful and reminded me why I have some favorite authors. Although I will occasionally be disappointed that doesn't happen often.
A women abandoned on the battlefield discovers that dreams can cone true when an honorable commanding officer gallantly offers his name. . .Audible: by Cassandra Clare.
Wow! I liked the first half but
the second half of this was
completely awesome!
I will definitely be reading more of this series.
Paranormal/Steampunk; Rating 4.75 of 5.0
Line Edits/Releases: Still working.
Currently reading:
Print:
The Sherlockian
by Graham Moore. Reading for Hachette. This is a double mystery and I am just over half way. Reading this reminds me how I enjoy true mysteries too!Product Description from Hachette:
In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective's next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning -- crowds sported black armbands in grief -- and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin.
Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had "murdered" Holmes in "The Final Problem," he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained this sudden change of heart. After his death, one of his journals from the interim period was discovered to be missing, and in the decades since, has never been found.
Or has it?
When literary researcher Harold White is inducted into the preeminent Sherlock Holmes enthusiast society, The Baker Street Irregulars, he never imagines he's about to be thrust onto the hunt for the holy grail of Holmes-ophiles: the missing diary. But when the world's leading Doylean scholar is found murdered in his hotel room, it is Harold - using wisdom and methods gleaned from countless detective stories - who takes up the search, both for the diary and for the killer.
Kindle: I am reading it for the author;
Review and interview later this month.
Audible:Product DescriptionMasquerades can lead to love…or murder.
Sarah has masqueraded as Sam, a bricklayer’s helper, for years. But her past catches up with her in London. A thirteen year-old fire, deliberately set to murder her family, is smoldering, and the killer intends to ensure there are no survivors.
Desperate, Sam turns to the renowned Second Sons agency for help.
Inquiry agent, William Trenchard, is both troubled and fascinated by Sam, and immediately suspects “he” is a “she.” Unfortunately, before William can discover what lies beneath the brick dust and sun-bleached hair, they are plunged into a maelstrom of deceit and murder.
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
by Jeaniene Frost. I just started this from my TBR. A vampire story that has good reviews.Product DescriptionLine Edits: I am finalizing two releases and working on two more. Then edits to two more are due.
Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.
In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.
January 2011 books:
Print:
1/12 - How to Marry a Duke
by Vicky Dreiling. Hachette review, giveaway and guest post.1/19 - Sins of a Highland Devil (Highland Warriors)
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Hachette review & giveaway.1/26 - My Immortal Assassin
by Carolyn Jewel. Hachette review, giveaway and guest post.Most votes on the Help Me Pick My Next Read Comments are leaning toward The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou
by Susan Higginbotham.
Sunday Words of Encouragement January 2, 2011
Our church is beginning the year with a week of Prayer. Naturally, our Pastor spoke on prayer this morning. He shared with us a bit of an essay where the author said she researched the Bible and couldn't find where God encouraged people to pray. Like our Pastor, I don't think that person looked very hard or her eyes were purposely closed. Pastor shared these forms of prayer mentioned in the scriptures:
1. sighing meditations - intense prayers of the heart. Isaiah 26:16.
2. cry - calling out to the Lord. Is 65:24; Jer 33:2-3
3. "set in order" - prayers to direct and order our lives. Psalms 5:1-3; Matt 9:28
4. "pouring out the heart before God". 1Sam 1:8, 15
5. sudden exclamation - as in "Oh dear God, please help me now". Neh 5:19
There were two really important things I think that Pastor pointed out. First that there is no wrong way to pray. Second, prayer is a matter of effective communication but to work ... we must do it!
He concluded with: Do you believe that prayer works? Then for Victory in 2011, be a praying person!!
A Verse for Today:
This is a good way to start a new year: celebrating communion and focusing on prayer.
1. sighing meditations - intense prayers of the heart. Isaiah 26:16.
2. cry - calling out to the Lord. Is 65:24; Jer 33:2-3
3. "set in order" - prayers to direct and order our lives. Psalms 5:1-3; Matt 9:28
4. "pouring out the heart before God". 1Sam 1:8, 15
5. sudden exclamation - as in "Oh dear God, please help me now". Neh 5:19
There were two really important things I think that Pastor pointed out. First that there is no wrong way to pray. Second, prayer is a matter of effective communication but to work ... we must do it!
He concluded with: Do you believe that prayer works? Then for Victory in 2011, be a praying person!!
Yesterday I had in mind a different video.
Of course that would have been my choice then.
Today, after the message, this video is the one chosen.
A Verse for Today:
II Chronicles 7:14, NIV
If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land...
This is a good way to start a new year: celebrating communion and focusing on prayer.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My Recap on 2010 Resolutions and Looking Forward to 2011!
Last year I made resolutions and didn't succeed in keeping them.
Here is how I did on the 2010 resolutions:
1. Have no more than three reviews to write at the end of any week!
I have done well since June to keep up with the reviews for current books. However, I never caught up on some reviews that were past due which has bothered me. I still plan to get them done but I may have to take a week off new books just to do that.Or I might add one each Saturday until caught up. That is a good goal.
2. Lose 20 pounds – This was a goal last year and did not get done. At least I didn’t gain weight!
I failed at this one for sure and gained a few (four pounds) instead of losing. DH and I gave ourselves an exercise bike for Christmas and I hope that helps this year. Believe me, the older you get the harder it is to lose that weight. It does not help that my DH is such a wonderful cook and cooks for an army if anyone is visiting. He is doing better serving smaller portions for just the two of us. But he has to lose weight even more than I do.
3. Minimize one work load to increase input to a new venture.
I have taken fewer litigation cases but I did not stop all as I had hoped. I am now gearing up to do mediation in 2011 which should replace time consuming litigation and ease that work load. The title company did well this year for which I am thankful. I have made friends with some of the eTreasures existing authors and newly contracted authors. Unfortunately adding those business duties has been a bit of strain on my time and I need to find some ways to adjust and balance.
4. Have lunch with someone (friend or work contact) at least once a month. I didn't keep this one last year either.
You would think this would be easy right? I guess not if you are a work fiend who eats at her desk. But I did better - I did have lunch out at least eight months. Maybe this year I can make it to twelve.
5. Pray Daily! You would think this would be natural but sometimes it gets skimmed over. I will also try to read the Bible each day but although I have read through the entire Bible several times I have not been consistent doing the daily reading. I am hoping other bloggers will help keep me accountable on this with a gentle comment nudge!
I feel comfortable that I prayed daily although not necessarily as a quiet prayer time. I did not read my Bible each day. This year my DH is going to try to hold me accountable to see if I can keep up with the Bible reading.
So what do I plan for 2011?
I think I will repeat the same five resolutions and see if I can do better this year. :o)
Enquiring Minds - Meme Week 18 PLUS Comment Giveaway + Winner
Thank you for sharing memories last week!
THE WINNER FROM ENQUIRING COMMENTS #17 from December 26 is RobynL who gets to pick a Christmas book. Please email me with your choice.
This meme is hosted by Dollycas Thoughts for Thursdays - which are hard for me to make. The goal is to get to know our fellow bloggers and visitors better. Each week Dolly asks some questions for us to answer and then link up. I am late doing the post but I am trying to to participate as I would like to learn more about blogger and follower friends.
So how about you? Who wants to share about their Christmas gifts or their New Year's celebrations?
This week we will do one more Christmas book from the Christmas Books for Giveaway.
THE WINNER FROM ENQUIRING COMMENTS #17 from December 26 is RobynL who gets to pick a Christmas book. Please email me with your choice.
This meme is hosted by Dollycas Thoughts for Thursdays - which are hard for me to make. The goal is to get to know our fellow bloggers and visitors better. Each week Dolly asks some questions for us to answer and then link up. I am late doing the post but I am trying to to participate as I would like to learn more about blogger and follower friends.
WEEK 18 QUESTIONS
1. Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
My DH and I gave ourselves the exercise bike so that was wonderful. A surprise Christmas gift was our son proposing to his girlfriend as the first gift!
2. Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Sort of. I'll be posting on Resolutions soon.
3. How will you spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day this year?
We spent New Year's Eve at our daughter's and son-in-laws with the grandchildren. They set off fireworks in the street. We came home early but they stayed up.
New Year's Day I spent the morning coloring my hair and reading. This afternoon the grandchildren came over to make cookies with their P-Pop. Now daughter and P-pop are making noodles for a chicken recipe for dinner. Of course we will also have black-eyed peas and collard greens.
This week we will do one more Christmas book from the Christmas Books for Giveaway.
Rules: a) Must be a follower; b) Share a comment on any of the 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 next Thursday, January 6 at 10PM central. Then hopefully I will announce the winner by Saturday!
New Blog Item: Support Our Sponsors
My faithful followers may note a new "gadget" on the upper right sidebar with the title "Support Our Sponsors."
I have joined with some other blog sites to promote books, authors and publishers. The advertising will be a small block that will appear in the upper right sidebar and will be noted as advertising/sponsor. I am not expecting to make a lot of money through this step but the little bit I may earn will help go toward postage for the giveaways I host.
I hope this does not offend any of my followers.
I may on occasion do reviews, interviews or guest posts with the sponsored author. I will note at the end of a review if the author or publisher has been a sponsor but please be assured that my reviews will ALWAYS be my independent opinion.
Advertising Details for
The Book Cover Advertising Co-op
The Book Cover Advertising Co-op (BCAC) offers Authors and Publishers the opportunity to increase exposure to their books by placing ads on more blogs at a low cost.Blogs cultivate return readers; while readers, with their limited time, can only go to so many blogs. This means, even within the same genre, by interacting with more blogs there is potential to gain exposure to a larger audience.
The BCAC is a group of individually operated blogs, covering a variety of genres, that have come together to help authors and publishers increase the effectiveness of online advertising.
We are offering two advertising packages - group and individual as detailed below - and the flexibility to select where you want your ads to be placed and when.
We accept PayPal and Personal Checks. Email us for the Mailing address.
Thank you for your time and consideration,The BCAC Bloggers
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- This is for a group of four covers - this same grouping appears in all locations
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- Total ad space is a rotating 170x250px image - this can be used in any fashion. If a publisher purchases a group package, a static 170x75px company logo may be displayed above the image.
- Please provide to us your group of 4 covers
- Please note a $2 processing fee is included if purchasing through PayPal.
- 4 - one month long book cover ads. These can be used simultaneously or consecutively on any of the page/blog locations
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INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE - Price $65 Buy Now
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- One cover in a rotation is a PLACEMENT of a 170x250px image.
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We encourage payment by check; however, we can also accept payment via PayPal with a $2 processing fee.
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- Novel Reaction – http://www.novelreaction.com/ (Romance, Women’s Fiction, YA, Historical, Inspirational, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Suspense, - does not accept Erotic Romance)
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After you have purchased your Package please e-mail us at bcca.coop8 AT gmail DOT com so we can schedule your ads and get you started
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