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Monday, January 28, 2013

January 2013 MBS Flash Giveaway

It's time for my first 2013 FLASH GIVEAWAY! I have been trying to find a date to post this that wasn't during one of the Giveaway Hops because this gives my REGULAR followers more of a chance - as you well deserve! :-) I am surprised to see the GFC numbers continue to rise but I know I have about 25-40 of you who really visit regularly and these Flash Giveaways are a way to THANK YOU for participating at my blog.
I want you to know that I think of my followers even when I am traveling. :-)
Here are eight 2013 Hawaiian Calendars as gifts for this Giveaway. (Sorry they are going to be a month+ late by the time they get to winners.) Four wall Calendars for US winners; 4 small ones for International or US.

 Also Bookmarks from several trips!   ALASKA CRUISE

SEATTLE VISIT

HAWAII VISIT

Here are the prizes:  Five winners get $5.00 GC - Amazon or PayPal plus choice of Calendar and bookmark if desired.
Three additional winners get a Calendar plus choice of bookmark if desired and to the extent still available.
WATCH FOR MORE FLASH GIVEAWAYS WITH SOME LITTLE GIFTS PICKED UP WHILE TRAVELING. :-)

TO ENTER:
  •  Must be a follower and state how you follow in the Entry Form (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads; email); all links are on the sidebars.
    Open Worldwide. Winners will be picked by Random.org. The first five winners selected get their choice of GC + calendar and bookmark; next three get calendar and bookmark choice- I'll match choices as best I can. :-)
    Ends January 31, 2013 at 10 PM Central. (The next Hop starts 2/1)

BookBlast with Giveaway Link: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Tour Schedule
Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.


Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.



Kirkus Reviews

"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "

Amazon Reviews

Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar

Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein

Fast paced adventure through and through

Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean

Kids will love it!

Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep

Purchase


Book Trailer



WARNING


Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.

     But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.

     First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.

     You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.

     I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.

     This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.

     But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.

     Make sure you understand what I’m saying.

     If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.

     And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.

     So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.

     Ever.

     Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.

     See you on the other side.

     If you’re brave enough.




Book Blast $50 Giveaway

Ends 2/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Mailbox Monday January 28, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JANUARY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Lori's Reading Corner!

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 didn't add quite as many books this week!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles
I received an Audible credit for Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11 by Kim Harrison! I will be reviewing this for Harper Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

I will start A Perfect Blood, Book 10, from my Audible Library at the end of this week so I won't miss anything in between.

I did receive two print books from Forever Romance (Hachette). However they are in the office and I didn't go in yesterday so I don't have the titles. I'll list them next week.



Wins

Yay - I had some wins this week! Some aren't in yet but here are three that I did win from Shelley Adina by visiting the Steampunk blog the past couple of weeks @ Coffee Time Romance blog:



Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina

Her Own Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina


Thank you Shelley and Karenne @ Coffeetime
I am adding the first book to March review list. :-)

Purchased

Actually I picked up about 30 books at our local Hospice thrift shop as they were moving locations and everything was on sale. The books plus a big teddy bear and four or five picture frames my daughter picked cost all of $5.35! I planned to go through the set of books for Friday pick offerings but my daughter took them home. She returned with a bag of less than 10 saying "Mom, I got to looking at the blurbs and they sounded so good I kept them to read. I'll bring them to you later!"  LOL

Free
I received more free books from Free Par-tay.
I also downloaded more free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 28, 2013

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've spent the weekend in bed with a cold (not flu, thank goodness). Hope to be back on my feet tomorrow, especially as we have our annual church tea tomorrow night. I will set my table tomorrow and hope I don't pass the bug to anyone else. :-\

Meanwhile I had a good reading week. I finished five books and  posted four reviews two with giveaways. There were also two Giveaway links and one print giveaway posts. I posted Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
I did good visiting last Sunday evening but little after that. Since I'll be sleeping off the cold soon I'm not sure if I will get to visit much this week.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review with Giveaway Link $50.00 GC: daynight by Meghan Thomason; YA Dystopia; my rating 4.0. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/7/13.
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Print copy to US Only. Ends 2/1/13.
Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle 



daynight
by Megan Thomason
Engaging YA Dystopia. Review linked above.





2. Print



The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray
This is good for romance.
I'll post a Review and ARC giveaway this week.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.



3. Audio/MP3



The Lost Flower Children
by Janet Taylor Lisle (Author),
Caitlin Davies (Narrator)
Interesting and intriguing. 

I will post a review this week.
I am reviewing for AudioGO through AudioBook Jukebox.




4. Print


Journey to Forgiveness
by Laurean Brooks

This is a delightful story with great history.
I pulled this from my Won TBR.
I'll post a review and giveaway this week!
Book Description
Publication Date: January 9, 2009
When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits and Jenny takes the train north to find work. Electricity has yet to reach rural Chicory Valley. But, not only is the young woman introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but also encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap.

Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm. She immediately labels him a thief. And after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds. Why did Austin pull money from the mission strong box and stuff a sizable roll into his pocket? Wasn't this just the proof Jenny needed? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart race at every encounter with the notorious Austin?

Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust was blatantly missing. Can Jenny muster enough courage to ask Austin the tough questions that will ultimately make or break their relationship? Can she forgive her father's brutality? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in "Journey To Forgiveness."



5. eBook/Kindle



One More Winter: A Short Story
Rebecca K. O'Connor

Genre: Fiction My Rating: 4.0
This is a well written, somewhat surprising story on handling grief. Or more accurately, years of a wife of a MIA not accepting death and then finding a way to accept and bring closure to herself and her daughter. 

It is fiction but based upon a real loss. I like the gentle sadness shared and I would read more by Ms. O'Connor.
This is a short free Kindle from my TBR that I squeezed in for January.
Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2011
Grief is a personal animal. Mary knows this from experience and a lifetime of waiting for permission to let go of her MIA husband and find closure for both her and her daughter, Teresa who is now an adult. Grief has its own course however and closure comes in unexpected ways.

O'Connor is an award-winning writer who writes about the natural world, the human-animal relationship and the bonds that join us all.


Line Edits/Releases:
I have two children's titles that I expect to upload this week.



Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle 



Immortal Craving
by Kendra Leigh Castle

Ohh - really better than I expected!
Reviewing for Forever Romance. 




2. eBook/Kindle



An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)
I am looking forward to starting this.
Reviewing with giveaway for Thomas Nelson.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania always brings a brisk change in the weather. This time also provides unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for healing herbs and flowers, but longs for love to bloom in her life. The next-door neighbor’s oldest son Abram comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until an incident threatens to end their growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.



3. eBook/Kindle
 


Jack Templar Monster Hunter: The Templar Chronicles: Book One
by Jeff Gunhus
This sounds like a fun read. I will be posting a BookBlast Giveaway this week and my review on 2/4/13.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 17, 2012
If you're not a monster hunter, don't read this book!

Seriously, this book is not meant for you. By reading it, you run the risk of attracting monsters to your position and being attacked. So, unless you are willing to join the fight...just walk away.

Still here? OK, don't say I didn't warn you. Let me introduce myself. I'm Jack Templar and I'm an orphan.

Recently, I discovered that I came from a long line of monster hunters. You know, vampires, werewolves, zombies, you name it. Turns out there was some kind of truce between monsters and the hunters that kids under fourteen were off-limits. I didn't find out about all this until the day before my birthday. Yeah, you guessed it, my fourteenth birthday. So, all bets were off. The monsters were coming to get me.

Not only that, but I also found out that if monsters around the world could choose one human to kill, it would be me. Why? I haven’t a clue, but the hunters I've met talk about a prophecy and that they think I'm the One...whatever that means. I’d like to find out some day, but for right now, I’m just trying to stay alive.

If you want to hear a story that will scare you, gross you out and forever change the way you look at the world around you, then you came to the right place.

But, if you want to keep the illusion that the world is a safe and orderly place, then get out of here and stop wasting my time.

Do your duty, come what may.
JT
"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp...complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals." -Kirkus Reviews.



4. eBook/Kindle



The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
This looks like a fun romance.
Reviewing for Random House.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.

Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.


I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.]  I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: I'll be back to conversions this week now that my appeal brief is filed.


I had listed 16 books for January with Audios to be added. I have completed reading 19 with three reviews to do this week. I expect I'll read at least two more for the week.  One title will move into February.

Scheduled for January

1/28 Book Blast: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Unscheduled
(dates after the author indicate the release date):
Sourcebooks - read, review to post


Hachette
Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle (1/29/13)

NET GALLEY
      Random House:

           The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti (12/10/12)

     Thomas Nelson (Hope to post with Giveaways)
         An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection (12/18/12)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley (1/8/13)

Audiobook Jukebox (more to be received)

Authors - Done

Ladies Book Club (Done)

(I'm thinking I'd like to do a title with January or Winter in it for one of these)
TBR Collection + Won book: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks - review to post
Won Book - 
(Broken Pieces)
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords -
One More Winter - done

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 27, 2013

We didn't make it to church this morning. I woke right before my alarm at 7:30 but went back to bed after taking a morning round of juice, Mucinex and Ibuprofen. We didn't wake again until 10:30! So I guess we needed the sleep.  I took another round of 'meds' a few minutes ago and thought I'd do a bit of a post while drinking some nice hot tea.

As noted on my What Are You Reading? posts each Monday, I am reading The One Year Bible (NLT). I was a little behind but I covered the readings for 1/26 and 1/17 today. I marvel at little lines in the old testament that identify and foretell of Jesus! Also, it is warming how well the four readings fit together. Today the readings are:
Exodus 4:1 - 5:21 The Lord has heard the suffering cries of his people, Israel. God has to convince Moses to go to Pharaoh to seek the release of the Israelite people.
Matthew 18:1-20 Jesus tells his disciples that we must be humble, like little children, to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Verse 7 He says: "What sorrow awaits the world because it tempts people to sin."
Psalm 22:19-31 David evokes praises to the Lord from all the descendants of Israel for God did not turn His back on the needy. "His righteous act will be told to those not yet born. They will hear everything He has done." Verse 31.
Proverbs 5:15-21 We are admonished to share our love only with our spouse; not be tempted by immorality for the Lord sees clearly what a man does.

I love to see the thread of God's love and righteousness and His provision of salvation - for all who call on Him - that runs from beginning to end in His Word, the Bible.

I found this song a week or two ago and it goes well for today.
Not that I feel forsaken because I never do, but I am thankful that I can seek His healing touch.


Verses for Today:
Psalm 107:19-21 (NLT)

19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
    snatching them from the door of death.
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.


Through all of the passages above I see a Great and loving God who will never abandon His children. Though I am not one of His original chosen people, I was chosen to be adopted through the Grace of His love and the gift of His son, my savior, Jesus. Thank you, Lord.

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