Book Review and Giveaway: An Amish Kitchen Anthology

This is a lovely collection of sweet romances served up with inspiration and yummy recipes too!
An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)

• File Size: 666 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1401685676
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 18, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GVZ1YU

Genre: Amish Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:
This collection consists of three lovely stories that could be read separately but tie together beautifully. The themes of the first two stories, faith and forgiveness, are extended and wrapped into the final with a remarkable flow. I would be pleased to read more from each of these talented authors.

A Taste of Faith by Kelly Long
Fern is a bit on the plump side but thinks there must be a man who would appreciate her special talents. She has been taught by her beloved grandmother how to grow and use herbs for healing. She admires her next-door neighbor’s quiet son, Abram, but he seems to be a resolute bachelor.

Abram has been left in charge of the farm and his younger siblings, four mischievous boys and a sweet little sister. Abram is soon visiting Fern’s house repeatedly for one child crisis and injury after another. He slowly begins to see the special healing and loving touch that Fern shares with others.  Just as Abram decides he wants to court Fern, she sees him at the home of a widow in the community. She jumps to the wrong conclusion and thinks he has been making fun of her.

The characters are warm and the story flows easily with love and caring. It was beautiful how Fern recognized that God likes ‘to garden our souls.’ While working together in the kitchen, her grandmother encourages her to have  ‘a taste of faith’ and trust for a relationship that is God’s plan for her.

A Spoonful of Love by Amy Clipston
Hannah wishes her mother would recognize her abilities as she takes over managing the Paradise Inn, the bed and breakfast her parents established in their Amish community. Her father has suffered a stroke and her mother needs to be there to take care of him. Hannah feels her mother still looks over her shoulder and tries to control the lives around her.

Stephen is an Amish man who has come into town looking for room and work. He is unable to find a job among the local business but starts to pitch in on odd jobs at the Inn. Hannah’s brother agrees to hire him as a handy man since he has been unable to get by to help with the chores as he is busy with his own new family. 

Hannah’s mother is alarmed to have a single man living in the B&B. Hannah recognizes that Stephen is hiding pain from his past as they slowly build a friendship and discover they have a lot in common. But will  Stephen’s past turn Hannah against him or can she convince him that ‘a spoonful of love’ and forgiveness can help him move on to a sweeter future?

Ms. Clipston shares a strong message of God’s forgiveness, community forgiveness and the need to forgive oneself. The story is rich in “Deutsche” words which I enjoyed particularly since I grew up near Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman
Eve’s home is damaged by a storm and may take several months to rebuild.  Eve, her husband and three sons move in with her parents.  Although she has warm memories of times cooking in the kitchen, Eve has always had a strained relationship with her mother, Rosemary. Now Rosemary is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and is reluctant to seek modern help, relying only on herbal remedies.

Eve’s father is quiet, easy going and accepts the actions of the teenage twins, one of whom is sneaking out at night to visit a local girl. Rosemary doesn’t agree with the modern technologies that are allowed in many Amish homes and particularly doesn’t agree with how Eve is raising her sons.  The women clash with Eve feeling she can do nothing to win her mother’s love.

A crisis arises between the twins putting the whole family on edge. Can the boy's relationship be restored and can Eve and Rosemary come to a better understanding of each other?

There are several messages flowing through this story. Mother and daughter clash over tradition and more modern thinking, while the twins discover that first love doesn’t always run smooth. I felt sorry for the young girl whose behavior led to trouble, confusion and sorrow and hurt for her as well as the boys. I loved the Recipe of Hope that is shared at the end of the story - it brought tears to my eyes.

There is a wonderful Reading Group Guide shared at the back and many delicious recipes that are an extra treat. If you enjoy the rich history and inspiration of Amish stories I encourage you to pick up this collection.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review and giveaway opportunity from Thomas Nelson.

This story is set in Pennsylvania for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PRINT COPY FROM PUBLISHER - US ONLY.

USE ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit one of the authors' links and tell me something you find of interest.
Kelly Long
Amy Clipston
Beth Wiseman
* This contest is open US Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 16, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt Starts February 5!

Goodbye to Yesterday releases February 5! 

A Goodbye to Yesterday: Part 1 (The Discovery - A Lancaster County Saga)  

Wanda Brunstetter

Don't miss this exclusive 6-consecutive-month release of Wanda E. Brunstetter's brand-new Amish serial novel, The Discovery Saga.

To celebrate, Handlebar Publishing is launching the Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt. Follow the clues from blog to blog each day, and you could win a Kindle loaded with Wanda's books, including The Silence of Winter, the second installment in The Discovery Saga serialized novel. Here are the details about the scavenger hunt: 

The Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt

Follow the clues to ten blogs, DISCOVER the keywords, and you could win a Kindle, loaded with Wanda Brunstetter favorites!

Check back here at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf for review and CLUE on February 14.

Also - Check out Handlebar Publishing's Win Books Weekly page for chances to win books! 

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Jack Templar Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

This is a fun adventure that had me laughing out loud! I look forward to sharing it with my Grandson.

Jack Templar Monster Hunter: The Templar Chronicles: Book One

by Jeff Gunhus

• File Size: 322 KB
• Print Length: 197 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0988425904
• Publisher: Seven Guns Press (October 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009SRYACA

Genre: Middle Grader, Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:
Jack Smith is on the eve of his fourteenth birthday when strange things begin to happen. The day before his birthday he wakes up and discovers muscles, strength and agility he didn’t have before. He is thrilled with this but then alarmed to meet a real vampire on his way to school. The strange thing is the monster recognizes him and threatens attack for his birthday.

Jack helps some friends by facing up to a bully in the lunch room. When he is called to the principal’s office he is faced with another monster... more than just the usual nasty lady. She also seems to know he will have an interesting birthday.

Later in the day Jack runs into a young girl, Eva, who introduces herself as a third degree hunter. She tells him that he needs to begin training and then has to explain that he is from a long line of monster hunters. He has been protected at sunset on his fourteenth birthday he becomes fair game.  She is attacked by Harpies and Jack jumps in to protect her. Too bad she didn’t get to tell him that his fighting releases the monsters from waiting till the next day.  Now the he has to fight off attacks without additional training.

There are surprising allies and foes as Jack, Eva and Jack’s young friends, battle their way through vampires, zombies, werewolves and other monsters. Through the day he learns his real name is Jack Templar and that he is believed to be a special hunter. His dream girl from school is used as bait to draw him to the Lord of the Creach, the head Vampire, who wants to slowly torture, then kill him. Although Jack might like to think it is a “very complex, very creepy, dream”, too bad it’s not.

The story is told by Jack as the narrator.  It is filled with great humor and written in a tone and tempo suitable for middle readers but entertaining for adults too. There are a few typos and questionable grammar in a place or two but that didn't interfere with the entertainment.  The reader is hooked from the very beginning with taunts of ‘be brave and read on or close the book and stay away from dark places.’ The attitude had me chuckling out loud! There is appropriate young boy humor including nose picking friends and lunch room bullies. There are lots of mishaps and a few tender moments. Lots of questions remain as Jack survives his introduction to the dark world of monsters and sets off to Monster Hunter Academy which sounds like another fun adventure. If you are prepared to face monsters and have fun doing it then grab this book and get started. And don't forget: "Do your duty, come what may."

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

One of Jack’s friends, Will, spends a lot of time in detention:

He was constantly in trouble because his mouth ran full-time and typically went twice the speed of his brain. You know how sometimes inappropriate things come into your head but a little voice stops you from blurting it out because you know it might be rude? Well, Will didn’t have that little voice.  Location 167.

I received the eBook for an honest review as part of a BookBlast Tour.

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.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

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

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

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.

Blog Tour $50 Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash + Swag

Ends 2/18/13

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

Mailbox Monday February 4, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR FEBRUARY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Audra @ Unabridged Chick!

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

The two print books I received last week from Forever Romance (Hachette) are:

Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel) 
by R.C. Ryan 
a February Release I can add to March list

and

 The Woman He Loved Before 

by Dorothy Koomson 

a May Release I'll add to late April

I also picked up one title at NetGalley:

The Midwife’s Revolt   
by Jodi Daynard
I liked the looks and sound of this.

Wins

I won Ebook of 

Cliffhanger (The Belinda & Bennett Mysteries, Book 1) 

by Amy Saunders

by participating in January Author's Kindle Fire Giveaway

Thank you Amy 

and Kathy at BookBlast.

Purchased

No purchases this week.

Free

.
I did download more free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 4, 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 managed okay for my Tea last Monday. I'm feeling better but still have a little sinus headache. 

I had another good reading week, finishing five books.  I posted 16+ posts which is more than I like... but with lots of giveaways and January reading list I guess it's okay. I posted four reviews, three with giveaways. There were also four other Giveaways! I posted Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did good visiting this Saturday but not before then while sleeping off the cold.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? January 28, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 1/28/13.

• BookBlast with Giveaway Link - $50.00 GC: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/15/13.

• MBS January Flash Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ended 1/31/13.

• Book Review: Immortal Cravings by Kendra Leigh Castle; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeannette Murray; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Ends 2/8/13.

• Giveaway Immortal Cravings. Two Print copies to US Only. Ends 2/15/13.

• MBS Printed Books Giveaway Hop. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/71/13.

• MBS 2013 Reading List.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 2, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/8/13.
  

• Book Review and Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks; Inspirational, Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. Print copy to US/Canada Only. Ends 2/15/13.

• Saturday Snapshot (2/2/13) Dec Volcanoes on Hawaii.
  

• Kindle Fire & Amazon GC Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/28/13.

• Audio Book Review: The Lost Flower Children by Janet Taylor Lisle; Middle Reader; my rating 4.5.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #85 Comment Giveaway 2/2/13. Ends 2/8/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 3, 2013.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Immortal Craving 
by Kendra Leigh Castle 
Good Paranormal Romance with action. 
Review and Giveaway linked above. 

2. eBook/Kindle
 

An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection 
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)  
Lovely stories. 
I will post a Review with giveaway from Thomas Nelson this week.

3. Audible

A Perfect Blood (Hallows #10)
by Kim Harrison
I really enjoy this series.
I'll post a short review later in the week.
From my own TBR.

New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison returns to the Hollows with the electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed Pale Demon!

Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and the FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.

She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
This is LOTS of fun to read.
I'll post a Review this week.

5. eBook/Kindle

Jack Templar Monster Hunter:
The Templar Chronicles: Book One

by Jeff Gunhus

Another fun read - good for middle graders.
I will be posting a review
with Bookblast tour Giveaway on 2/4/13.

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

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 

A New Birth of Freedom The Translator
by Robert G. Pielke
This is such a different tale.
I will be posting my review and feature on February 6.
Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.

2. Audio
 

Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
    UNABRIDGED
    by Kim Harrison
    Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
        Series: The Hollows, Book 11
I was glad to get this for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox!
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.

Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.

Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.

Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.

3. eBook/Kindle

Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
I am looking forward to reading
these two mysteries (2. and 3.)
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 5, 2011
"Helen Smith is a master story-teller." Socrates Book Reviews
When twenty-six-year-old Emily Castles helps out at a local stage school in London, she's soon mixed up in murder. She teams up with eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel to solve the case.
Showstoppers is a fast-paced 75-page novella. Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new author in this entertaining British mystery series.
"Suspensefully created and plotted." Vine Reviewer

4. eBook/Kindle

Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2011
"Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious." Socrates' Book Reviews
Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this popular new British mystery series.
Emily has been invited to a party in the big house at the end of her street in London. How could she know, as she left her house that evening, that she was making an appointment with death?
Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author in this entertaining 70-page novella.
"Fast-paced and unusual, I highly recommend this one." Eva's Sanctuary
"It grips you from the very beginning." Books Bistro

5. eBook/Kindle
 

Pandora's Temple
by Jon Land
I expect to start this before next week 
Reviewing for Partner in Crime Book Tour 2/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 20, 2012
What if Pandora’s Box were real? Blaine McCracken finds himself facing this very question—and the greatest threat to mankind—in his long-awaited return to the page

Rogue special-operations agent McCracken has never been shy about answering the call, and this time it comes in the aftermath of a deepwater oil rig disaster that claims the life of a onetime member of his commando unit. The remnants of the rig and its missing crew lead him to the inescapable conclusion that one of the most mysterious and deadly forces in the universe is to blame: dark matter, both a limitless source of potential energy and an unimaginably destructive weapon.

Joining forces again with his trusty sidekick Johnny Wareagle, McCracken races to stop two deadly enemies who want the dark matter at all costs. A powerful energy magnate and the leader of a Japanese doomsday cult both seek the ultimate prize for their own nefarious reasons, and McCracken and Wareagle’s mission to defeat them takes the duo on a nonstop journey across the world and thousands of years into the past where the truth lies in the ancient Pandora’s Temple, built to safeguard the world’s most powerful weapon.

McCracken’s only hope to save the world is to find the mythical temple. Along the way, he and Wareagle find themselves up against Mexican drug gangs, killer robots, an army of professional assassins, and a legendary sea monster. The hero of nine previous bestselling thrillers, McCracken is used to the odds being stacked against him, but this time the stakes have never been higher.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Jon Land including rare images from the author’s personal collection.

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'm working on two formats and conversions this week.

Again I am starting the month with 17 titles + TBRs and expecting additional audios.
I have to learn to resist!

Two Reviews to post from January:
     An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
     The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti

FEBRUARY Scheduled: 
2/1 Printed Books Giveaway Hop 
2/4 Review: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus (Bookblast Tour) 
2/6 Review: A New Birth of Freedom The Translator by Robert G. Pielke (Tribute Tour) 
2/6 BookBlast: Showstoppers and Threes Sisters by Helen Smith 
2/9 Review: Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries) and Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)  by Helen Smith (Bookblast Tour)
2/12 Review + a Giveaway:  Pandora's Temple by Jon Land (PIC - Partners in Crime Tour) 
2/14 Review + Scavenger Hunt: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter
2/17 Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop 
2/16 Review: Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen (Bewitching Blog Tour) 
2/20 Review:  Into the Dark by Stacy Green (PIC Tour)  

Unscheduled   

Sourcebooks
      X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts
      Wait Until Dark by M.L. Buchman
      Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes  

Random House
      A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara  

Thomas Nelson (to post with Giveaway)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley

NetGalley
     Fix-It and Forget-It Holiday Appetizers, Finger Foods, and Beverages by Phyllis Pellman Good
     The Midwife’s Revolt  by Jodi Daynard

Audios: (more to come) 
Ever After (Hallows #11) by Kim Harrison through Audiobook Jukebox  

From TBR Collection - TBD 
Won Book - TBD 
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: Fatal February (Mary Magruder Katz) by Barbara Levenson

Ladies Book Club (For March 2 or 9)
   White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner