Mailbox Monday October 1, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is (updated) 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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I added several nice books for review and free books this week to add to my garden. How about you?

Review Titles

I received/accepted a couple of review books (new and from my pending list)  this past week for current reading:

Thomas Nelson (New request)
The Trouble with Cowboys 
by Denise Hunter (for Review with Giveaway)

Walnut Press (pending list)

Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

NetGalley - BelleBooks (New)

Forged In Death, Book 1 of The Death Wizard Chronicles

by Jim Melvin

 

Audiobook Jukebox (my request)

 

Dying For You 

by MaryJanice Davidson

Authors:

The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot (New request)

by Leonardo Ramierz

Loving Luke by Suzanne Barrett (New request)

Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series)

by Karen Wiesner (Pending)

Wins

No new books in this week.

Purchased

None

                                           Free

Harlequin  - for Harlequin Tell Survey program
Relentless Pursuit by Sara Orwig
A Tangled Affair by Fiona Brand


I picked up some free titles on Kindle and Nook... oh like I really need more books in the eBook libraries - NOT!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 1, 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 feeling better and getting ready for a new month. :-)

I finished five books last week and posted four reviews.  I had one author interview with a giveaway link plus one ARC giveaway. I also had a post for special Book Signing! I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.  (11 posts total.)

I got to visit a bit last Sunday night but not later in the week. *Sigh*
I truly appreciate all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? September 24, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox September 24, 2012.

• Audible Book Review: The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card; Fantasy; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMasters; Paranormal Romance, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.

• Interview  with Bec McMaster and Giveaway of Kiss of Steel. Ends 10/5.

• Surprise Book Signing While on Vacation (Jayne Krentz).

• Audio Book Review: Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs; Forensic Mystery; my rating 4.24.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 28, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 10/4.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway:  When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen; Historic Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #68 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 30, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio

Bones Are Forever: A Novel (Temperance Brennan)
Kathy Reichs (Author), Linda Emond (Reader)
I enjoy this series. The review is linked above. 
Reviewed for Simon & Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.

2. eBook/Kindle

Power
by Debra Webb
I liked this alot! I will post the review soon with author Q&A.
Reviewing for Forever/Hachette.

3. Print

When You Give a Duke a Diamond (Jewels of the Ton)
by Shana Galen
This is a fun, easy read.
 Review and Giveaway are linked above.

4. eBook

Risking it All
by Suzanne Barrett
This is a delightful contemporary romance. I received this from the Author and will post a review this week.

A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS

Pushed out of his own start-up company, Tom McKittrick is ready to lick his wounds in private at the rural family estate he’s inherited. But he isn’t prepared for his Garden of Eden to have a built-in Eve—a reclusive naturalist with a long-term lease on the caretaker’s cottage, a knack for gardening, and an incredibly beautiful face.

A PARADISE FOR TWO

April Fairchild is not about to let Tom McKittrick order her out of the home that has been her cozy retreat from the world. But she has to feel sorry for him—the corporate bigwig is clearly out of his element in, well, the elements. April knows she can teach this hunky guy a thing or two about how to relax. All she has to do is sow the seeds of romance…and let nature take its course.

5. eBook/Kindle

Midnight in Death

by J.D. Robb 

I do love this series and had to get some of it in before the year flew by! This is from my own TBR Kindle library.

Book Description

Release Date: September 27, 2005 | Series: In Death

The number-one New York Times bestselling In Death series explodes with intrigue, passion, and suspense.  Now, Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb, propels you into the darkest night of Lieutenant Eve Dallas's life—when a killer comes to call...

Eve's name has made a Christmas list, but it's not for being naughty or nice.  It's for putting a serial killer behind bars.  Now the escaped madman has her in his sights.  With her husband, Roarke, at her side, Eve must stop the man from exacting his bloody vengeance—or die trying...

Line Edits: I am working on more formatting this week and uploads of different formats.

Currently reading:

1. Audio

Dying for You
by MaryJanice Davidson
(50%) This is entertaining so far.
Received from Penguin Audio 
through Audiobook Jukebox
Together for the first time, four devilishly entertaining novellas by the New York Times bestselling author prove that there’s not only life after death, but desire too…
The Fixer-Upper
Cathy’s new home is handsomely furnished—by an amorous male ghost. If only she had something she could…touch. Her neighbor may have a lousy personality, but he does have a perfect body. Now, spirit is about to meet flesh, to Cathy’s delight.
Paradise Bossed
While traveling in the Cayman Islands, Nikki loses her life in a tragic accident, but has no intention of cutting her vacation short. When a handsome male psychic is engaged to get a grip on Nikki’s spirit, he does more. He finds himself falling in love with her.
Driftwood
A Cape Cod werewolf agonizes over the death of a woman by his own paw. Well, to be fair, he never really killed her. She’s a vampire. Now she needs his help to kill the bloodsucker who turned her.
Witch Way
For centuries their families have been embroiled in a violent, irreversible feud. Today, can a witch and a witch-hunter find common ground...without killing each other first? Sometimes opposites do attract.

2. Print

Relentless Pursuit
by Sara Orwig
(50%) I received this for survey.
I wouldn't have picked it myself.
So far it is reading a bit better than I expected.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 1, 2012 | Series: Harlequin Desire (Book 2159)
A cool million to help a withdrawn child in time for kindergarten? Widowed teacher Ava Barton is touched that the girl's guardian, Texas billionaire Will Delaney, cares so deeply. But the job includes moving into Will's mansion for the summer. And suddenly, Ava is working nights and weekends trying—unsuccessfully—to resist the gorgeous tycoon down the hall. Will wants her in his bed for June, July and August. But come fall, he'll move on. Unless she can teach him a thing or two about opening his guarded heart to love.

3. eBook

Blades of Winter: A Novel of the Shadowstorm 
by G. T. Almasi
I will be reading this next - looks like good action. 
Picked up from Del Rey on NetGalley.
Book Description
Release Date: August 28, 2012 | Series: Shadowstorm
In one of the most exciting debuts in years, G. T. Almasi has fused the intricate cat-and-mouse games of a John le Carré novel with the brash style of comic book superheroes to create a kick-ass alternate history that reimagines the Cold War as a clash of spies with biological, chemical, and technological enhancements.

Nineteen-year-old Alix Nico, a self-described “million-dollar murder machine,” is a rising star in ExOps, a covert-action agency that aggressively shields the United States from its three great enemies: the Soviet Union, Greater Germany, and the Nationalist Republic of China. Rather than risk another all-out war, the four superpowers have poured their resources into creating superspies known as Levels.

Alix is one of the hottest young American Levels. That’s no surprise: Her dad was America’s top Level before he was captured and killed eight years ago. But when an impulsive decision explodes—literally—in her face, Alix uncovers a conspiracy that pushes her to her limits and could upset the global balance of power forever.

“Smart, sassy, and seriously appealing: a stunning debut.”—Jeff Long, New York Times bestselling author of The Descent

4. Print
 

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope
by Kim Tews
I will pick this up before the end of the week
to be ready for Blog Tour date: 10/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 6, 2012
Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is the inspiring true story of a Midwest husband and wife that become disenchanted with the relentless pursuit of the American Dream and embark on a journey that spans six countries and redefines their values and lives. The story begins in a small town in Wisconsin and weaves its way through South and Central America as the couple gathers an army of supporters and establishes an organization to save the lives of children in the end stages of starvation in eastern Guatemala. The narrative is filled with action-packed adventure and heartwarming victories as the characters face incredible odds and seemingly hopeless situations, while hundreds of volunteers join mission teams to offer help and hope through the programs of the ministry. Readers of all ages will enjoy the roller-coaster ride of emotions-from laughter to tears to sheer joy-as they realize that ordinary people can make a difference one life at a time.

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 Colossians.

Line Edits: I am working on more formatting this week.

I finished 16 of the 17 titles listed for September. I have three reviews that will hopefully get posted this first week.  Hmmm- I have 22 books listed for October so they may not all make it, even at five a week.  One title is complete and two others are almost complete to get a running start on the month.
Read - Reviews to Post:
Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers
Power by Debra Webb
Risking it All by Suzanne Barrett

Scheduled for October
10/2 BookBlast Promo with Giveaway - The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachel Anderson
10/9 Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews, Review for Great Escape Book Tours
10/9 to 10/14 Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop
10/11 Once Upon a Remembrance by Grace Brannigan with Guest Post
10/17  The Miracle Inspector by Helen Smith, Review for Pump Up Your Book Tour
10/23 The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachel Anderson, Review for BookBlast Tour

UnScheduled for October:
Sourcebooks
Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett
Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight by Grace Burrowes

Harlequin
Relentless Pursuit by Sara Orwig
A Tangled Affair by Fiona Brand

Thomas Nelson
The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter (Review with Giveaway)

Walnut Press
Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

NetGalley
Blades of Winter: A Novel of the Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi
Uninvited by Heather Graham
Forged In Death, Book 1 of The Death Wizard Chronicles by Jim Melvin

Audiobook Jukebox
Dying For You by MaryJanice Davidson
The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible by Matti Friedman

Authors:
The Mine (Northwest Passage) by John Heldt
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot by Leonardo Ramierz
Loving Luke by Suzanne Barrett
Shards of Ashley (Book 5 of Family Heirloom Series) by Karen Weisner

From the TBR shelves
Midnight in Death
a Halloween Title - TBD
I'd like to read at least one "Won"/TBR books and one free Kindle book.:-)
1 Free Kindle -TBD;
Won TBR: The Shifters of 2040, a Shifter Dystopia by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder

[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 September 30, 2012

Wow! I don't know whether to share from our great Sunday School lesson or Pastor's insightful sermon. I'll save one for a day when we are away from service. (We had small group dinner club after church today so this post is a bit later than usual.)

We celebrated communion and Pastor shared a message he titled "He Who Has an Ear."   The message was on the well known section of Matthew 13 known as the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. As often as I have read and heard these verses I was impressed with this clear outline.
There are four soils that the seeds fall upon.

First (verse 4):  The seed falls along the path and birds came and ate it. They didn't have highways then so this would be the edge of the property where people walked. The soil was packed down so it wasn't ready for the seed. It represents those whose hearts are closed to the Word of God. They are not open minded; they do not see, nor hear nor understand the message. When they are exposed to the attack of the evil one they have no defenses and the safety or nourishment that might be provided by God's message is snatched away.  (See 2 Corinthians 4:4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.)

Second (verses 5-6): Some seed falls on rocky ground.  It springs up quickly but when the sun comes the plant is scorched and withers because it has no root. There is soil there, but not much. The rocks haven't been cleared to allow for the plant roots to take hold and get good growth. This represents people who received the Word of God in joy but don't continue to seek Him. They don't work with the Spirit, especially if they can't control what is going on in their lives. They are not trusting in God but in themselves. They must dig in, ask God to get rid of the stones and allow the Word to grow in their hearts.

Third (verse 7):  Other seed falls among thorny ground and is chocked out as the plant tries to grow. There is good soil for the plant but the weeds are allowed to grow up stealing nutrients and overshadowing the plant.  This represents those people who allow the cares of world to eat up their vitality. They will struggle among the worldly weeds and won't grow properly to a strong productive plant. They must learn not to allow 'things' to crowd out the plant.

Fourth (verse 8):  Finally, other seed falls in good soil where it yields a fruitful crop. The soil is rich, it has been cleared and cultivated - prepared for the seed. The heart is open and the person is willing to Work with the message; to be an intelligent hearer of the Word. I liked that this verse notes that the crop (harvest) will vary in amount.  The fruitfulness is impacted by different gifts, circumstance and responses.

Verse 9 "Whoever has ears, let him them hear."

Are you producing fruit?  What kind of soil in your life? Are you looking to produce a small or large harvest?

I searched a while for the song video that I thought would go with this message.

I have selected this video of a song that is new to me.

It has a message that fits with having an open heart for God's Word.

I hope you enjoy the song and the images, many of which fit the fall season.

Verses for today:
Matthew 13:16-17 (NIV)
16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

I thank my creator that He gave me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that opened to His calling. I pray: God grant that your Word may grow in me and that I may use the gifts that you have given me to be fruitful for Your Kingdom.

Sharing Beyond Books #68 Comment Giveaway September 29, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

Hello again on Saturday Night.  Welllll - there went another month! Are we ready for October yet?
OH! I just remembered - I have to add a new group of Christmas books for winners to choose from since we only have two months or so to Christmas! I'll be sure to take a picture and add them before next Saturday. :-)

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Those were well received questions last week.  There are a wide variety of items on our bedside tables in addition to books and readers.  Things like glasses, tissues, lamps, alarm clocks, water, medicines, several with lip gloss and more. Don't anyone interrupt nrlymrtl though as she has a handgun there!

I'm am glad that so many of you have all readers in your families or very understanding family members! And at least the others of us have tolerant loved ones. I wonder if any of us know a male who will admit to reading romance!? LOL

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #67 comments is: #14 Sarah There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and 1 Christmas choice (see my note above about adding more titles to that list soon). Sarah please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Book, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #68 Questions

Q1. Winnie asks: Now that summer is over what are your plans for fall??  

A: I don't have special plans for fall other than getting all my work caught up before we go to Hawaii in December. I will be getting lots of details ready for a trial if it doesn't settle at mediation this week. Now that I am thinking plans - I need to do some Mediation "practice" - co-mediation - before I can get fully certified. Okay... why are my plans work related and not relaxing things??  I am hoping my sister will come in October to visit a week or two!

Looking back at my picture folders

 I found a lot of garden photos in October.
I like this pretty butterfly on the lantana. 

Q2. My question to go with Winnie's - Do you plan to read anything special for October - like horror for Halloween??

A:  I have to get my October reading list set up for the Monday post. I do plan to read something for Halloween especially for the JUST FOR FUN Reading Challenge. They are doing a theme: Read a scary, horror, Halloween inspired book or a book that has black or orange in the title in October. Sooo do any of you have a book that meets that criteria to recommend for my reading for October/Halloween?

I have these two available on my Kindle TBR.
Maybe one or both would qualify.

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!  
September Questions were provided by: mamabunny, Cheryl C, Margaret, Abby and Winnie.  The monthly pick winner is: CHERYL C. - please pick a book and fill in the form. :-)

Your turn to share:

1. Winnie asks: Now that summer is over what are your plans for fall??

2. My question to go with Winnie's - Do you plan to read anything special for October - like horror for Halloween??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 6 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List 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, October 5, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Book Review with Giveaway: When You GIve a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen

I wasn’t sure when this started but it turned out to be fun, quick and enjoyable.

When You Give a Duke a Diamond (Jewels of the Ton)

by Shana Galen

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402269730
• ISBN-13: 978-1402269738

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2012

HE HAD A PERFECTLY ORDERLY LIFE...

William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual. securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossips link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...

UNTIL SHE CAME ALONG...

Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance, and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's seriously disruptive to have the duke who's the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...

Review:
Juliette, dubbed the Duchess of Dalliance is one of the Three Diamonds - three beautiful courtesans in London. She works hard to maintain that image as it helps her keep her classy life-style. Having the local gossip column pair her with the uptight Duke of Pelham, also known as the Dangerous Duke, isn’t necessary helpful.  And she hasn’t even met him yet!

William is called the Dangerous Duke because he has a way of giving an imperious eye in challenge to others to keep them in their place. His life is one of ducal dignity, regimented routine and set schedule, not to be varied.  He has decided on a biddable, proper wife who will suit his orderly and respectable image. He doesn’t realize that Lady Elizabeth may not be as proper as he believes her to be.

Duke William has agreed to make a rare appearance at a ball with Lady Elizabeth as he intends to announce their engagement. Juliette decides this would be a good time to meet the Duke and slides up to “Prinny” for an introduction. When the Duke gives her a cut she ducks outside to gather her composure in the shadows. There she witnesses a terrible event involving the Duke’s betrothed.

Even though the Duke doesn’t believe Juliette’s tale, she must seek his protection when it appears that a murderer is coming to silence her.  Her real fright draws out the protective instincts of the Duke. He fully plans to resist her beauty as a liaison with a courtesan is totally inappropriate for his Ducal line.  Yet her vitality and sincere feelings turn his world upside down.
Can Juliette convince him to break away from his mold and routine before her heart is broken and before she her reputation is completely ruined and she is left with nowhere to turn for safety?

I didn’t like Juliette at first introduction but her character is soon revealed to be so much more than a frivolous flirt. William is a very staid British Duke but Juliette is able to see beneath his austere shell to the hurt and restricted boy within.  I enjoyed how Ms. Galen revealed the histories and true characters of this pair.  Although the story is focused on the romance, there are threats and danger that keep the story interesting beyond just the romance. The romance itself is rather fun as Juliette and the Duke learn to be a bit adventurous.

This is another fun and warm romance from Ms. Galen. A good choice for those who love historical romance with a bit of danger, attraction between an unlikely couple and a romance with fun sizzle.

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

Juliette hopes:

   But his hair... that hair would not cooperate with his attempts at order and rigidity.  It had a stubborn streak, an unruly streak.
   She like it. It gave her hope.   Page 91.

Pelham’s routine is disrupted:

   It was nigh eleven. His daily routine was shot to hell. Considering he now had a dead footman, a scared courtesan, and a cryptic note on his hands, he didn’t think his day was going to improve.  Page 124.

The problem:

   Love was not ordered or disciplined. Love was not logical or stately. Love made fools of everyone it touched.  Page 315.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE!

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 5, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 6, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.