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Monday, July 9, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Forgive Me, Alex by Lane Diamond

This is a gripping portrayal of a twisted serial killer and the man who hunts him.

by Lane Diamond
  • File Size: 687 KB
  • Print Length: 262 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1622539001
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Evolved Publishing (December 18, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B006NTNQP8
Genre: Psychological suspense thriller

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 
 
Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2011
Evolved Publishing presents an intimate look inside the mind of a killer, and of the man determined to end that killer, in "Forgive Me, Alex" by Lane Diamond. (Psychological Suspense Thriller)
~~~~~~~~~~
Tony Hooper stands in shadow across the street, one amongst many in the crowd of curiosity-hounds gathered to watch a monster's release. Seventeen years after Mitchell Norton, "the devil," terrorized Algonquin, Illinois on a spree of kidnapping, torture and murder, the authorities release the butcher from psychiatric prison.

Tony longs to charge across the street to destroy Norton—no remorse—as if stepping on a cockroach. Only sheer force of will prevents his doing so.

"The devil" walks the world again. What shall Tony do about it? Aye, what indeed.

After all, this is what Tony does. It's who he is. "The devil" himself long ago made Tony into this hunter of monsters. What a sweet twist of fate this is, that he may still, finally, administer justice.

Will FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe stop him? She owes him her life, so how can she possibly put an end to his?

Tony Hooper and Mitchell Norton battle for supremacy, with law enforcement always a step away, in this story of justice and vengeance, evil and redemption, fear and courage, love and loss.
~~~~~~~~~~
.

Review:
This is a psychological suspense thriller that is told from the views of two characters: the ‘monster’ serial killer, Mitchell Norton, and the man who longs to kill him, Tony Hooper.  The book rocks between these characters and between past events of 1978 and the present in 1995, showing the connections weaving these lives together. In the present Mitchell has been released after serving 17 years in prison for the murders he committed in 1978.  Those murders included people that 18 year old Tony knew and the loss and trauma created a huge impact on his Tony’s life and future.

All other characters are shown through the narratives of the two main protagonists. Tony in 1978 has a younger brother who is his heart, a girl friend he is reluctant to leave behind as he plans for college, an emotionally absent father and an adoptive grandfather who is his main support.  Tony met FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe in 1978 during the investigation of the multiple killings. She appears again in the present scenes as a friend and reminder of ‘the law’ which Tony may not want to be reminded of. After all, Linda isn’t likely to condone vigilante acts. But Mitchell’s actions in 1978 ‘corrupted’ Tony’s mind causing Tony to become a hunter of serial killers.  Now Tony is just waiting for the chance to eliminate this personal evil from the world.

I really liked the technique used by the author in sharing the past and present circumstances. Also Mr. Diamond does a great job in portraying the thoughts of the twisted, evil mind of the killer and the tortured emotions of Tony.  There are quotes at the beginnings of chapters that are intriguing and fitting.

The writing is straight forward with surprising spots of dark, melancholy prose. There is some gritty language and some gruesome killing.  The intensity of the story moved so well that neither of those elements bothered me.  I found the story gripping from beginning to end.  At times I held my breath and at other points I blinked back tears.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you like this genre and aren’t intimidated by the twisted evil of a monster.  You might ask yourself: what would you do if you came face to face with the evil monster who killed someone you loved? Would you seek to kill the killer? Then ask the question that Tony asks himself: ‘Which would be worse for the criminal: a quick death, or a lifetime of wallowing in misery behind bars without hope of parole, knowing that his life was already over but that he must suffer it all the same?’ Location 1622

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Consider the opening lines of Tony’s thoughts:
I never expected to be a killer.
Who does? Location 161.
Mitchell’s initial thoughts of “the Reaper”:
Who was he, and why did he pursue me? Beat all hell outta me, but I recognized his pure evil. He was capable of hideous, unspeakable acts–no hesitation, no pity, no remorse. Location 592.
A peek at Tony’s turmoil:
Emotions tore at my mind until I could barely think, or stand, or breathe. One crept out of my psyche to overhadow all the others: anger–persistent, pernicious, persecuting. Location 1614.
I received this book for tour participation through Novel Publicity.

More about the Author, Lane Diamond

I write fiction, long and short. My writings cross over many genres and focus on diverse subjects, ranging from the mysteries of the human mind, with its fragile psychological and emotional states, to the everyday joy and anguish of life on Earth. Ultimately, characters move me – as both a reader and an author. It’s all about the people. When not writing, I’m Publisher and Executive Editor at Evolved Publishing.
Connect with me on my website,  FacebookTwitterGoodReads, or via Evolved Publishing.

GIVEAWAY!

Novel Publicity Blog Tour Notes:

Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of Forgive Me, Alex? Well, there are two ways to enter...
  1. Leave a comment on my blog. One random commenter during this tour will win a $50 gift card. For the full list of participating blogs, visit the official Forgive Me, Alex tour page.
  2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest! I've posted the contest form below, or you can enter on the tour page linked above.
Get Forgive Me, Alex on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Mailbox Monday July 9, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.

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. 


My book garden is still growing! How about yours?

Review Titles
I received two books and picked up two at NetGalley for review:
Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren
Galley copy for Pump Up Your Book Tour Review and Guest Post July 25, 2012
by R.E.Robinson Jr.
eBook for Bewitching Blog Tour
Review and Interview on 8/2/12






NetGalley Review choices:
Blackout by Annie Solomon (June Release)
 







Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (July 31 Release)



 Wins
I received more of the wins this week from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio I received three more (noted in green) so I got three ebooks and selected 3 books from  Inspired Reads and 3 from JMS as listed below.

Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)

Week 1 - received 7  in bold  
Week 2 - received 2 in gold
Week 4 - received 3 in green


Soul Mate Publishing –  $25 gift certificate - received, need to select
J. Taylor Publishing
– 9 books recieved
Ellora’s Cave -    5 eBooks of the Winner’s Choice  - notice received
, need to select
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate - received and 7 books selected
Books for a Buck – Gift Certificate for $11.97 - received, need to select
eXtasy Books - $5.00 gift certificate
Eternal Press/Damnation Books- ???
Untreed Reads - $15.00 gift certificate
Torquere Press - $15 gift certificate - received
Liquid Silver – 2 books
Changeling Press – Free books for a month at ChangelingPress.com (2 books a week for 4 weeks)
Total E-Bound – ???
Champagne Books – Gift Certificate
Carnal Passions – Gift Certificate
BURST - Gift Certificate
JMS Books - $25 gift certificate - 3 Selections below**
Inspired Romance Novels – 3 books, winners choice - 3 Selections below**
Red Rose Publishing - $25 gift certificate - received, need to select

Loose Id – $10 gift certificate to each - received, need to select
Beachwalk Press – 3 books received:
eBooks of  Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck (Fantasy Romance), Soul Dancer by Aurora Rose Lynn (Science Fiction Romance/Interracial Romance) Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe (Erotic Contemporary Romance)
Gypsy Shadow Publishing – 50% off for the winners - discount received
Black Velvet Seduction – 3 eBooks (winner’s choice)  


**From Inspired Romance I chose these three books:
Sam's Treasure by Terri Crews

Her only Hope by Kat Jones
Desperate Dreams by Kim McMahill





**From JMS I chose these three books:
Cave Dweller by William Nikkel







            The Tale of Trapper Tommy by Belea T. Keeney

Bones of the Sea and Other Stories by J.T. Marie [Print]




Purchased
No purchases.

Free
I did download some free Kindle books during July 4 holiday.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 9, 2012

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 am starting to feel less exhausted at night. The stress of my Dad's illness took it's toll on my energy and focus these past four weeks. Although we are sad at his passing on Tuesday it is a blessing that he did not linger in pain and illness. 
I am surprised how much reading I finished this week but there were several really good books that I devoured!  I finished six books and have moved well into several more. I posted four book reviews, two with giveaways and one with giveaway link.  As usual I  posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I got to visit a dozen or so sites late in the week. 
Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
  • Book Review and Review Copy Giveaway: Flabbergasted: A Novel by Ray Blackstone; Christian Fiction; my rating 4.5. Ends 7/13.
  • Book Review: Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson; Fantasy Romance; my rating 4.5
Finished Reading:
 1. eBook/Kindle
 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
I'm enjoying this series.
Review is linked above.



2 eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)
 

by Kristine Grayson (NetGalley) 
This was delightful!
Review linked above.





3. eBook/Kindle
 
 
by Lane Diamond
Very gripping!
Tour review to post on 7/9,
with Giveaway through Novel Publicity.
Rated 4.5.




4. Print
 

 
by Alicia Singleton
Really good suspense!
Review to post on 7/10 for Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour with $100 GC link.
Rated 4.75 



5. Audible
 

I really enjoyed this series from my Audible Library.
I will post a review later this week. Rated 4.25
    


6. eBook/Kindle 
 
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
The series is moving into more science fiction elements now.
Review to post on 7/11 for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
Rated 4.25
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Relentlessly pursued by the military and forced to cross the mountains on foot, Aislinn and Dylan discover an ally in the form of a white wolf that guides them to safety.

Forced to abandon their vehicle, Aislinn and Dylan must cross the treacherous mountains on foot. Close behind is the military, whose corrupt leader must honor his pledge to the Eletarii to capture them. But as more guides appear to help Aislinn and Dylan, they are brought to the sanctuary of Emerald Lake.


Line Edits/Releases: I am behind in these and plan to take a day this week to work on only releases.

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP3
 

by Karen Rose
 Marguerite Gavin (Reader)
This has started out with a murder
and good suspense.
I am reviewing this for Blackstone Audio
through Audiobook Jukebox
Book Description
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
The addictive Karen Rose serves up her most relentless thriller yet.

A woman is dead and her fiancé is serving a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit. Now PI Paige Holden holds the only piece of evidence that could see him freed, and she cannot take it to the police. With the help of disarming state attorney Grayson Smith, Paige is determined to avenge the murdered woman and set an innocent man free. But Paige has only scratched the surface of a cover-up far deadlier than she could ever imagine. A string of mysterious deaths of women with a shared past sets Paige on the trail of a ruthless killer. The problem is, the killer's on her trail too.



2. eBook/Kindle 
 

by Donna Hatch
I have started this and like the characters
and fantasy kingdom. 
Reviewing for the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Rumors of War hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telepahtic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen af Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.


3. Print


by Brenda Jackson
(The second story in the book)
Enjoyable romance.
Received from Harlequin 
 Book Description
Publication Date: May 18, 2009
In the real world there was no way flower shop owner Kylie Hagan would ever meet up with millionaire Chance Steele. But the world of single parents and teenage hormones brought them together the first time--and a simmering passion they both tried to deny wouldn't keep them apart for long.

Chance made her think of hot, sultry Southern nights. Kylie had him imagining satin sheets and soul-stirring kisses. But in the cold light of day, they had to resist each other. There was no way they'd let uncontrollable desire ignite their carefully protected hearts.

But some things they couldn't ignore....



4. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)
 

by Karen Kingsbury
Reading from NetGalley and it is wonderful!
Book Description Publication Date: October 23, 2012
The New York Times bestselling author of Learning and Leaving shares a heartwarming Christmas story about a devastating flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships.

Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but her heart is back in Franklin, Tennessee, where five years ago she walked away from a man she cannot forget, a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.

     Ryan Kelly lives in Franklin and spends plenty of time at The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin—remembering the long hours he and Kelly once spent there.

     Now, Ryan and Molly’s favorite bookstore is in trouble. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales and the rise of eBooks. Then in May a flood tore through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store. By Christmastime, the bank threatens to pull the lease on The Bridge and is about to take the Bartons’ house as well. Despondent, Charlie considers ending his life. And in the face of tragedy, miracles begin to unfold.



5. eBook/Kindle
 
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley 
Review to post 7/18/12 for Pump Up Your Book
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Sheltered at the Emerald lake beyond the reach of the dark forces, Aislinn and Dylan transition into their roles as the celestial portal opens.

Besieged by the Eletarii, humanity struggles in its final hour. Legions assemble by the lake where they descend into the basest depravity wait while Aislinn and Dylan prepare to open the gate at midnight, a portal through which only a chosen few will pass.



I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 
[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. Last week's reading was Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. This week the reading is the book of Mark.

Line Edits: I am behind in these too and hoping to train one of my assistants to upload conversions to Kindle and Smashwords.


I finally selected fewer titles for a month! I added two from netgalley to bring the committed number up to 14. I have finished reading 5 of those and expect to finish at least another 4 this week. 

Scheduled for July:
7/9 Forgive Me Alex by Lane Diamond - Review with $50.00 GC Giveaway link tour through Novel Publicity
7/10 Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton - Review for Pump Up Your Book with $100.00 GC Giveaway link
7/11 Maelstrom (The Samsara Chronicles Book 6) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/18 Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/24 Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/25 Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

July but Unscheduled: 
Sourcebooks- I've picked a few for August/September but none in July unless I pick up something at NG during the month.

Other NetGalley Review choices:
Blackout by Annie Solomon (June Release) (NG)
Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (July 30 Release) (NG)

Audiobook Jukebox:
No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose

Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Other:
Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch
Glass Angels by Karen Wiesner

With some open time I really do hope to read a couple of Won books this month.:-)

[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 8, 2012

We had a lovely service this morning and our Pastor gave a good sermon on The Number 2 --- as in two choices: The narrow gate or the broad way.

I could summarize the message but my heart is sorrowing and I am led to be still for a bit.
The song I am led to share for my soul today is
Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman

This video creator mentions reflecting on Psalm 46 -
I share these Verses for Today:
Psalm 46:1-3, and 10
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

 

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

I am continuing to pray for strength and comfort for my family as we accept the passing of our Dad this week.  While he was still in ICU he told me that he saw the face of God - I replied that was a good face to see. A few days later he told my sister and stepmom that he saw angels in the mountains. My dad was not a  church goer but he always believed in God. On several occasions over the past few years we queried him to acknowledge that he believed in Jesus. We are comforted by the assurances that God is faithful to those who call upon His name.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #56 Comment Giveaway July 7, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

Today was a relaxed day... I got up early to collect corn, peppers and tomatoes from are small garden. Then I was getting ready to go to the office but the DH started to cook the corn and said I had to stay to eat. Yum!  So I stayed at home, cleaned a little and worked on the computer.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Only two people actually use their favorite bookmarks: marybelle's well loved pinkish mouse and Jane's Animaniacs. :-) There were a couple of people who have favorite bookmarks but don't use them. The majority grab what's handy whether it's from a selection of book marks or available scraps!

At least half of us avoid the sun and several really do not like the heat.  A couple burn and of the rest who tan you all said you are careful to use good sunscreen!
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #55 comments is: #17 Cynthia.  There are still 6 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Cynthia please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, OR pick from the ARC/Review box (New Updated list at the Giveaway Hop) and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #56 Questions

Q1. Krystal asks: Do you enjoy urban fantasy or just plain fantasy more? Any favorite fantasy authors??
A: I like urban fantasy if it isn't too gritty. I also like plain fantasy.  I know there are many more that I have not read but here are some of the urban fantasy series that I like: (thanks to Maryse's Book Blog where I found the basics for this this list!)
And here is a link to a long list of others found at Amazon and a link found at Goodreads


Image found at funnytogo.com
 
Q2. My question: It's Summer! If you had a choice would you a) sit on the beach b) parasail c) go on a boat to fish - or just for pleasure, d) go surfing  OR e) find a comfortable, cool spot to read??
A: If I was young I might parasail; I also liked to fish a bit when I was younger. But these days I would e) find a cool place to read. :-)
Doesn't this look inviting?


Image found at Walking the Cape
 

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 will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far.  Either way - it works for me. :-)  The question list is being replenished!  Thanks for sending in questions!  


Your turn to share:

1. Krystal asks: Do you enjoy urban fantasy or just plain fantasy more? Any favorite fantasy authors??
 
2. My question: It's Summer! If you had a choice would you a) sit on the beach b) parasail c) go on a boat to fish - or just for pleasure, d) go surfing OR e) find a comfortable, cool spot to read??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 8 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

SBB Rules: 

a) Must be a follower; 
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.


I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, July 13, 2012 at 10 PM central.

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