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Sunday, July 22, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 23, 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 had more good reading this week.  I finished five books and have moved well into one more. I posted five book reviews, one with giveaway 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 bloggers early last week and a few more on Saturday. Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
  • Book Review: Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch; Fantasy Romance; my rating 4.5.
  • Book Review and Copy Giveaway: Heroes Die Young by TM Hunter; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/27.
Finished Reading:
1. Print
 

Heroes Die Young
by T.M. Hunter
Good story. Review linked above. 4.25 





2. Audible
The Graveyard Book | [Neil Gaiman] 
This is great entertainment! Review linked above 5.0



3. eBook/Kindle
 
 
by Annie Solomon
This is another good romantic suspense.
I'll post the review this week. 4.25.
Read through NetGalley.


4.  eBook/Kindle
 


by Karen Wiesner
This is a lovely story of forgiveness, healing and rebuilding from trauma.
I will post a review later this week. 4.25
Read for the Author. 
Book Description
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
A young Christian woman struggles with seeking pardon from those she's hurt when she can't seem to get past her own inability to forgive those who have wronged her.

Three years ago, Samantha Samuels had suffered under the violent hands of Ryder Feldmann, a juvenile delinquent her pastor father had been counseling. Now she's completed her psychiatry training and plans to help other victims of violent crimes at the rape counseling clinic in her hometown of Peaceful, Wisconsin. Unexpectedly, she finds herself sharing an office building and Sunday services at her new church with the older brother, a divorce counselor, of her attacker...the very man she'd been in love with before her rape.

In the time since Kyle Feldmann's brother was jailed for his crime against Samantha, he's lived with the torment of all he's lost because of his sibling. Before the tragedy that stole Samantha from him and destroyed his dreams, Kyle had begged her to risk her father's disappointment and elope with him. Seeing Samantha again after so many years, being near her, only puts him right back where he was before the rape. Kyle wants to heal Samantha, love her, and fulfill the dreams he grieved the loss of—by marrying her. But how can they be together forever when she's still so broken?

All her life, Samantha had wanted her father's approval, but his selfish part in putting her in a dangerous situation has led her to a painful place of desperately needing to forgive him and her attacker...and being unable to in all the time since the traumatic event that ripped her life in two. As she gives her heart to Kyle once more, her already fractured relationship with the Lord is tested. In the crossfire of faith, she wonders if glass angels shatter beyond recognition when they take a leap of faith, or if they can heal and become stronger than ever before.



5. Audio MP3



Troy Lee HendersonMP3 Download
A delightful, short tale. 
I will post a review this week. 
Listened for Mind Wings Audio 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.


Line Edits/Releases: coming soon.

Currently reading:
1. Print (Galley)
 

by Kaylin McFarren
I am enjoying this; just 50 pages left.
I will post the review and author guest post
 on July 25 as part of Pump Up Your Books Tour.



2. eBook/Kindle
 


 by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
The heroes go from one crisis to another; I just started.
I will post the review on 7/24 as part of
Pump Up Your Book tour - with Kindle Giveaway link



3. Audible
The Watchman of Ephraim: Cris De Niro, Book 1 | [Gerard de Marigny]


The Watchman of Ephraim: Cris De Niro, Book 1
This looks interesting and I will start listening tonight.
Reviewing for JarRyJorNo Publishing through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Cris De Niro worked his way up to the top of the hedge fund world. Yet, all of his money couldn't protect him from losing his wife on 9/11. Ten years passed since the tragedy. De Niro and his sons relocated to a sprawling ranch near Las Vegas. Turning to his faith to overcome his anguish, De Niro now lives for a higher purpose. From a biblical passage, he reads about the "Watchman of Ephraim", a defender who kept watch over the land. De Niro decides to acquire a lackluster counter-terrorism agency in order to transform it into a modern-day version of The Watchman for the United States but there's not a moment to lose.

Aref Sami Zamani is planning a terrorist attack on American soil - codenamed "Antioch", a plot to detonate a nuke over the city of Las Vegas. The Watchman uncovers a connection between Zamani and a Mexican drug cartel but their agent goes missing before they can learn more. That's because Zamani has a spy working for The Watchman.

Strange events start to unfold near the Nogales border crossing. References are discovered to something the Mexicans are calling "Noche Del Espantada" ...Fright Night", but can it mean something else?

September 11, 2011 and the sun hasn't risen yet in Las Vegas or Nogales. Antioch is in motion! At the border, Noche Del Espantada has begun and there are intruders at De Niro's ranch. De Niro has to protect his sons and someone new in his life, Dr. Moriah Stevens. She too, lost her spouse on 9/11. Moriah finds herself in love with De Niro but his devotion to his wife is proving too powerful for him, even after 10 years.

It's the 10th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil and unless De Niro and his new team are successful, the day will be known as "The 2nd 9/11".



4.  eBook/Kindle
 
 
by Kristen Callihan
I am looking forward to reading this.
Picked up on NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 31, 2012 | Series: Darkest London (Book 2)
Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .
Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .
Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .
Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.


5. eBook/Kindle


by Colleen Coble
I am reading this for Thomas Nelson.
I like Colleen Coble.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 17, 2012 | Series: The Hope Beach Series (Book 1)

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.



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.  This week the reading is the book of John.

Line Edits: Still 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 15 books so far this month and should complete this month's books this week.  

Scheduled for July:

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 - Review and Author Guest Post; Pump Up Your Book Tour.

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:

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (July 30 Release) (NG)

Audiobook Jukebox:
Two new books included in current reading.

Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione - This is a DNF for now; I got stalled with the language.

Other:
Thomas Nelson
Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble

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 22, 2012

I'm late posting today as we went to eat after church with some church members. Then we got home and our daughter's family was here enjoying the pool. We visited a bit and then I took a nap.

Our Pastor's sermon was good. He pointed out three battles we should not lose.When Joshua moved into the promised land he did all that the Lord promised. The Israelites were to inhabit all the lands described in Joshua 1:2-4.  But Joshua defeated all the land but left three cities, Gaza, Ashdod and Gath.

1. Gaza represents the Pleasures of the World. Samson was blinded, bound and buried because he sought the pleasure of a foreign woman. Judges 14:16. We must be careful not to be pulled in by
2. Ashdod represents the Treasures of the World, a city of defilement. God will not take second place to anything and He does not live in symbols (like the arc) but His presence is in the personal relationship. . 1 Samuel 4–5:2.
3. Gath represents Judging by the World's Measure. Young David was only a kid but he was willing to face a giant who frightened all the Israelite warriors. He was able to beat Goliath because of his perspective - he came in the name of the Almighty Lord. 1 Samuel 17.

We must be careful to protect ourselves from sliding, inch by inch, into the ways of the world. Be careful not to let the devil keep you from listening to God and completing your commitments to Him.  Man will always reap what he sows: friendship and blessings or greed and evil.

This was one of our praise songs this morning. 
It always touches my heart to sing this.

Verse for Today:
1 Samuel 17:45
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

My Prayer today: Lord, help me to keep my focus fixed on you. Help me to be obedient and faithful in my commitments.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #58 Comment Giveaway

Welcome to another SBB!

My week was busy but good - had some closings and I am slowly getting caught up in my various businesses. Reading is good and helps me relax. 
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us do have a system for our books - most by genre and author. Many of us put series together. Natasha has hers in an order to read. Mine would change too often if I tried that. Several have no system...oh bless your hearts and shelves! :-)

Looks like we could have fun watching Ricki dance the Tango and chacha or Elizabeth dance various styles, including swing. A couple of you like to watch the Latin dances and many of you watch DWTS and other dance shows.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #57 comments is: #4 Carol L.  There are still 6 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Carol L 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 #58 Questions

Q1. Faith Hope and CherryTea asks: what's your beverage of choice when reading??
A: I think we may have answered this when the Qs were on Enquiring Minds (over at Lori's/Dollycas site) but I didn't find it in my spreadsheet. So we will answer here now.  I usually drink two beverages while I read, write or work: water and coffee.  Occasionally I will have tea.
Image found at Lean it Up.
 
Q2. My question: To go with your beverage of choice, what is your favorite snack to have while reading??
A:  I certainly don't snack most of my reading time or I would be snaking all day. :-) I suppose the few times I do snack while reading it would be a) Twizzlers red licorice, 3-5 pieces; b) chocolate; or c) a small bowl of chips or popcorn.
 

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. Faith Hope and CherryTea asks: what's your beverage of choice when reading??
 
2. My question: To go with your beverage of choice, what is your favorite snack to have while reading??

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 27, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winner of The Proposal

Congratulations to Winner
Giveaways Ending July 20, 2012


Print Copy of The Proposal and Solid Soul
(One Book, two stories)

Linda Kish please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I'll send out the book.  Please reply within 72 hours!  
Thank you to all who entered

Audible Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This is wonderful entertainment! Do not make the mistake of thinking this book is horror because it's not. It is "ghost" story telling at its best!
LENGTH  7 hrs and 47 mins
AUDIBLE RELEASE DATE  09-30-08
PUBLISHER  HarperChildren's

The Graveyard Book | [Neil Gaiman]Print version available at Amazon:
  • Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (September 28, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0060530944
  • ISBN-13: 978-0060530945
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary:
Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead.There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack - who has already killed Bod's family.
Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times best-selling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.
Music arrangement of "Danse Macabre" copyright 2008 by Béla Fleck and Ben Sollee, Fleck Music (BMI), admin. by Bug Music.
©2008 Neil Gaiman; (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
This was narrated by the author and it is a fabulous ‘light’ ghost story.
Nobody Owens is only a toddler when an evil man sneaks in and kills his parents and sister.  The infant toddles out the open door and crawls to the nearby graveyard which is now a nature reserve.  When the bad man tries to get in to capture the baby, Mr. and Mrs. Owens decide to ‘adopt’ him. They don’t know his real name so he is dubbed Nobody, ‘Bod’ for short.

Bod is given ‘the Freedom of the Graveyard’ and Silas, who is neither ghost nor human, but who is also allowed ‘the Freedom of the Graveyard’ is appointed as Guardian. Silas is able to leave the graveyard to bring in food, clothing and other necessities for a living boy. When Silas has to be away he brings in another character, Miss Lupescu, to watch over Bod.

The story is broken into nine chapters which cover adventures as Bod comes to the graveyard and grows, with the help of his graveyard family, to be a brave, curious and determined young man of 15.  Bod makes a friend of a visiting girl and visits a dark tomb where there is a frightening ‘sleer’ that guards a treasure. Most who have visited do not return. Bod doesn’t always obey his guides and one misadventure takes him on a wild and scary visit to the land of the ghouls. Bod makes a friend of a witch ghost in one episode and in another he tries to go to a human school. There is also a story involving a strange, much anticipated and exciting “dance of the macabre.’  Eventually the tale comes full circle with Bod having to face the Man Jack who is still seeking to kill him.

The stories are incredibly imaginative and the writing is filled with wonderful visual descriptions bringing the graveyard and its inhabitants to life! If you look at the Open Book feature at Amazon you will see that there are nicely spooky illustrations. But do not mistake this story for horror as it is so much more. It is story telling at its best with adventure, humor, creepiness, a bit of the macabre and even moral lessons.

The Audible version is great listening. Neil Gaiman, the author as narrator, provides a fittingly spooky voice. His accent and reading are perfect for the tale. I wanted to listen right through and didn't even let the thought of nightmares stop me. I highly recommend this in Audible, or if you don’t (heaven forbid) do audios yet then get it in another format.  I will be looking for more stories from this author.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few passages I liked:
Silas comments on the decision to allow the Owens to keep the toddler in the graveyard:
“... It is going to take more than just a couple of good-hearted souls to raise this child.  It will,” said Silas, “take a graveyard.” Page 23.
Bod’s thoughts looking at the treasures (a brooch, a cup and a stone knife) protected by The Sleer:
The treasures of 10,000 years ago were not the treasures of today.
One of the ghosts encourages Bod to consider leaving the graveyard to find adventures in travel:
“If you dare nothing, when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained.”

This was from my own Audible Library and I am so glad I pulled it to listen!
I will add this to my New Author and Audio Challenge lists.

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