Happy Christmas Eve!!
Hope Was Born This Night
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis
This is a fun package of holiday romance.
Christmas in Lucky Harbor:
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .
Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...
The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.
Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?
Under the Mistletoe
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.
Simply Irresistible (Previously reviewed at this link.)
The Sweetest Thing
Review:
4.25
Tara has returned to Lucky Harbor to help her sisters and to ‘find herself’ after divorcing Logan, her famous, dashing, race car driver husband. Tara tends to be the controlling, sophisticated and intense sister. She has determined that she needs to take control of her life after a rocky entrance into adulthood and then a high profile marriage where she gave all of herself until she got tired of being alone.
Her rocky teenage summer was spent in Lucky Harbor in a first romance with Ford, who went off to become a world traveling boat racer. Tara was surprised to discover that Ford had returned home and now is owner of the local bar in town. There is history between them that makes them hesitate to get together but the sexual pull still sizzles. Tara doesn’t want a hot re-run of her 17th summer and she isn’t quite ready to think that Ford could commit to something long term.
Logan comes to town to try to win back the love he lost and that gets Ford thinking he doesn’t want to lose Tara now that he has a second chance. As always in the small town of Lucky Harbor the busybodies stick their noses in. The social media buzzes with sneak images of encounters and a poll for which man will win her heart.
The story is fun and steamy. I really liked the warmth between Tara and Ford and Mia entering their lives adds extra complications. The sisters and their beaus add additional interest too. Ms. Shalvis does a nice job of providing characters a reader can root for as they push and pull their way to a happy ending.
Kissing Santa Claus
Review:
4.0
This is a quick novella that brings a happy ending for Logan. It is just short and sassy and a quick, fun read. Logan had a quick affair with Sandy after Tara chose Ford. Then Logan left town. Now he is returning six months later and Sandy isn't sure she wants to welcome him so easily even if her body responds differently than her head.
I’m not sure how I would have felt about it if I hadn’t gotten to know Logan in The Sweetest Thing. The characters are not deeply developed but there is enough there, with enough story to make it a satisfying nugget.
Under the Mistletoe
Review:
4.25
The reader meets Mia in The Sweetest Thing too. There she was a 17 year old who became infatuated with the local, all around errand boy, Carlos, a good looking young man with attitude. But Carlos stayed home in Lucky Harbor while Mia took off for the adventures of college. Now it is four years later and Mia is hoping her college boyfriend, Nick, will join her at Christmas in Lucky Harbor and meet her family and friends.
Nick grew up in foster homes and learned not to get attached or allow others to get too close. He has enjoyed his dating time with Mia but hasn’t really even acknowledged them being together as ‘a relationship.’ He hesitates when she invites him home and she determines that he isn’t ready so she leaves without him.
When he shows up in Lucky Harbor he has to face Mia’s family and old boyfriend too. Will Nick be able to get Mia to move past the hurt he caused and allow them a second chance?
This is another quick short story with two sweet characters. I like the personality that Ms. Shalvis gives to Nick as it is a good and realistic blend of lone wolf confidence and vulnerability. This one doesn’t have quite as much heat as the other books which is okay with me.
As a package of two full novels and two shorts this is a great deal. It offers fun reading for those who enjoy contemporary, sassy to sizzling, happy ending romance.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my review Copy.
* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 3, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 3, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Christmas in Lucky Harbor:
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
- Series: Lucky Harbor (Book 9)
- Mass Market Paperback: 800 pages
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Omnibus ed edition (September 24, 2013)
- ISBN-10: 1455547530
- ISBN-13: 978-1455547531
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .
Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...
The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.
Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?
Under the Mistletoe
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.
Simply Irresistible (Previously reviewed at this link.)
The Sweetest Thing
Review:
4.25
Tara has returned to Lucky Harbor to help her sisters and to ‘find herself’ after divorcing Logan, her famous, dashing, race car driver husband. Tara tends to be the controlling, sophisticated and intense sister. She has determined that she needs to take control of her life after a rocky entrance into adulthood and then a high profile marriage where she gave all of herself until she got tired of being alone.
Her rocky teenage summer was spent in Lucky Harbor in a first romance with Ford, who went off to become a world traveling boat racer. Tara was surprised to discover that Ford had returned home and now is owner of the local bar in town. There is history between them that makes them hesitate to get together but the sexual pull still sizzles. Tara doesn’t want a hot re-run of her 17th summer and she isn’t quite ready to think that Ford could commit to something long term.
Logan comes to town to try to win back the love he lost and that gets Ford thinking he doesn’t want to lose Tara now that he has a second chance. As always in the small town of Lucky Harbor the busybodies stick their noses in. The social media buzzes with sneak images of encounters and a poll for which man will win her heart.
The story is fun and steamy. I really liked the warmth between Tara and Ford and Mia entering their lives adds extra complications. The sisters and their beaus add additional interest too. Ms. Shalvis does a nice job of providing characters a reader can root for as they push and pull their way to a happy ending.
Kissing Santa Claus
Review:
4.0
This is a quick novella that brings a happy ending for Logan. It is just short and sassy and a quick, fun read. Logan had a quick affair with Sandy after Tara chose Ford. Then Logan left town. Now he is returning six months later and Sandy isn't sure she wants to welcome him so easily even if her body responds differently than her head.
I’m not sure how I would have felt about it if I hadn’t gotten to know Logan in The Sweetest Thing. The characters are not deeply developed but there is enough there, with enough story to make it a satisfying nugget.
Under the Mistletoe
Review:
4.25
The reader meets Mia in The Sweetest Thing too. There she was a 17 year old who became infatuated with the local, all around errand boy, Carlos, a good looking young man with attitude. But Carlos stayed home in Lucky Harbor while Mia took off for the adventures of college. Now it is four years later and Mia is hoping her college boyfriend, Nick, will join her at Christmas in Lucky Harbor and meet her family and friends.
Nick grew up in foster homes and learned not to get attached or allow others to get too close. He has enjoyed his dating time with Mia but hasn’t really even acknowledged them being together as ‘a relationship.’ He hesitates when she invites him home and she determines that he isn’t ready so she leaves without him.
When he shows up in Lucky Harbor he has to face Mia’s family and old boyfriend too. Will Nick be able to get Mia to move past the hurt he caused and allow them a second chance?
This is another quick short story with two sweet characters. I like the personality that Ms. Shalvis gives to Nick as it is a good and realistic blend of lone wolf confidence and vulnerability. This one doesn’t have quite as much heat as the other books which is okay with me.
As a package of two full novels and two shorts this is a great deal. It offers fun reading for those who enjoy contemporary, sassy to sizzling, happy ending romance.
I received this book from Hachette/Grand Central for an honest review.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my review Copy.
Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.
* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 3, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 3, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Book Review: The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff
This is a charming story that would make a lovely time of sharing for family at Christmas time.
My rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description, including Chapter breakdown, continues at link.]
Review:
A visiting, joyful Uncle shares this story by telling a ‘chapter’ each evening to the eager children he is visiting. It is clear that the goal is to share the story of Jesus’ birth and extend it into a legend of Santa Claus for the youngsters – and the surrounding family too.
The first half of the book tells the story of Jesus birth and childhood through the eyes of the kindly innkeeper and his wife, Shai and Adi. These two provided shelter to Joseph and Mary on the night Jesus was born. Shai himself realized the great significance of the birth and became an ‘adopted’ grandparent.
The story takes a few liberties in the Biblical account, having the wise men appear at the birth which is a common error. Also the childhood friendship between Jesus, Mary Magdalene and John is an extension of imagination. Although I had a few pangs at this at first I accepted that all of the Christmas celebration takes liberties since it is not even the right date of Jesus’ birth. So I chose to accept the story as a tale of love and sharing. There are wonderful Christian messages of love and acceptance woven through the childhood events.
The second half of the story is a delightful, imaginative Santa story. Shai and Adi are led by angels to a palace at the North Pole where they help raise the baby angels, elves, until they sprout their wings and earn a place in the angelic realms. The mischievous little angels help make the gifts that Shai, as Santa, will deliver with the aid of angelic magic. Shai is delighted to bring a gift to each child to remind them of the love from God through the gift of Jesus.
The story reads easily and is broken into 19 Chapters that can be read each even for the weeks leading up to Christmas. I can picture this being a nice opportunity to share family evening time while reading together and remembering the true meaning of the holiday and the true meaning of being a Christian and sharing God's love.
by Scott Roloff
- File Size: 1350 KB
- Print Length: 115 pages
- ASIN: B00FITS078
My rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description, including Chapter breakdown, continues at link.]
Review:
A visiting, joyful Uncle shares this story by telling a ‘chapter’ each evening to the eager children he is visiting. It is clear that the goal is to share the story of Jesus’ birth and extend it into a legend of Santa Claus for the youngsters – and the surrounding family too.
The first half of the book tells the story of Jesus birth and childhood through the eyes of the kindly innkeeper and his wife, Shai and Adi. These two provided shelter to Joseph and Mary on the night Jesus was born. Shai himself realized the great significance of the birth and became an ‘adopted’ grandparent.
The story takes a few liberties in the Biblical account, having the wise men appear at the birth which is a common error. Also the childhood friendship between Jesus, Mary Magdalene and John is an extension of imagination. Although I had a few pangs at this at first I accepted that all of the Christmas celebration takes liberties since it is not even the right date of Jesus’ birth. So I chose to accept the story as a tale of love and sharing. There are wonderful Christian messages of love and acceptance woven through the childhood events.
The second half of the story is a delightful, imaginative Santa story. Shai and Adi are led by angels to a palace at the North Pole where they help raise the baby angels, elves, until they sprout their wings and earn a place in the angelic realms. The mischievous little angels help make the gifts that Shai, as Santa, will deliver with the aid of angelic magic. Shai is delighted to bring a gift to each child to remind them of the love from God through the gift of Jesus.
The story reads easily and is broken into 19 Chapters that can be read each even for the weeks leading up to Christmas. I can picture this being a nice opportunity to share family evening time while reading together and remembering the true meaning of the holiday and the true meaning of being a Christian and sharing God's love.
I received the eBook from the author for an honest review.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Mailbox Monday December 23, 2013
Welcome to 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.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one eBook for feature posted this week and I will do the review during the blog tour before 1/6. I did purchase three Audible titles.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Won
None this week.
I did purchase two books with an Audible credit along with one of my Subscription choices:
While downloading free Kindle books I came across one Christmas mystery that looked cute and a boxed paranormal romance set, each at $.99.
Subscription choice:
Fifth Grave Past the Light
(UNABRIDGED)
Author: Darynda Jones
I used credit and discounted price since I already own the Kindle copies for these two:
I downloaded 'only' 25 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
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.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one eBook for feature posted this week and I will do the review during the blog tour before 1/6. I did purchase three Audible titles.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
by Leanna Renee Hieber
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal (gaslamp fantasy)
ISBN: 9781494324551
Won
None this week.
Purchased
I did purchase two books with an Audible credit along with one of my Subscription choices:
While downloading free Kindle books I came across one Christmas mystery that looked cute and a boxed paranormal romance set, each at $.99.
Subscription choice:
Fifth Grave Past the Light
(UNABRIDGED)
Author: Darynda Jones
I used credit and discounted price since I already own the Kindle copies for these two:
The Harbinger
(UNABRIDGED)
(UNABRIDGED)
Author: Jonathan Cahn
and
Four Blood Moons
(UNABRIDGED)
(UNABRIDGED)
Author: John Hagee
Free
I downloaded 'only' 25 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
It's Monday What are You Reading? December 23, 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.
Once more the work week was busy as we try to finish matters before the end of the year.
I finished four books again but I only posted three reviews and a Blitz Giveaway.
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
Another frustrating week of little visiting. I am determined to make a change in this for the new year.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
2. eBook/Kindle
Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1)
by Shawn Underhill
This is very engaging but with a cliff hanger ending!
I featured this in BookBlast and will post a review soon.
Click on book title for full description.
4. Audible/MP4
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet: Charley Davidson, Book 4
by Darynda Jones
Narrated by Lorelei King
I enjoyed Charley's investigation in this installment.
I picked this up from my own Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
The fourth in this fun and sexy New York Times best-selling paranormal series.
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.
In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
©2012 Darynda Jones (P)2012 Macmillan Audio
Line Edits/Releases:
We released a new eBook for children:
As soon as I have the print proof we will link up a new print release for two other titles.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Gift Cards for the Holidays!
Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP4
Ten Things I Love About You
by Julia Quinn
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
I am enjoying this charming Historical Romance from my Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
Ten things you should know about this book....
1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
Number 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to:
10. Happily. Ever. After.
©2010 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers
3. Print
Angel Christmas Anthology
by Patricia Rice, Mary Balogh & 3 more
I have enjoyed the first two of these five stories.
I pulled this from my Christmas TBR box to read and share.
Publisher: Topaz (November 1, 1995)
CATCH A FALLING ANGEL by Carole Nelson Douglas
To prove he's bad enough for hell, a devilish rogue becomes a rock star out to ruin an innocent young girl--unless he gets foiled by some Yuletide magic.
BRUSH OF ANGEL WINGS by Emma Merritt
A little girl prays to her special angel for a daddy, and a Texas Ranger returns to his hometown for the holidays in hopes of rekindling the passion he once shared with her mother--his first love.
THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELINA by Marilyn Campbell
It takes a little angel mischief to unite a handsome young major and a fiery widow by Christmas.
TIN ANGEL by Patricia Rice
A goodhearted, though skeptical, hero learns the joy of Christmas when he falls in love with an angel sent to make him believe in miracles.
GUARDED BY ANGELS by Mary Balogh
When a mysterious old lady and her young grandson offer their cottage to an estranged couple who got lost during a blizzard, it's a gift that will last a lifetime.
I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.
Line Edits: We are finalizing several print releases/waiting for more cover flats; and two new eBooks.
I am still enjoying adding books from my own TBR. :-).
Again, I didn't get caught up last week but my backlog for review is now four books and I hope to post four or five this week and then I'll be up to date again.
December Scheduled- done
NetGalley:
couple requests pending
Authors
The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author (reading)
Christmas on Main Street Anthology - picked up at Kindle
AudioBook Jukebox
more being requested
From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley (read to be reviewed this week)
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD
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.
Once more the work week was busy as we try to finish matters before the end of the year.
I finished four books again but I only posted three reviews and a Blitz Giveaway.
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
Another frustrating week of little visiting. I am determined to make a change in this for the new year.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
- Book Blitz Feature and GC Giveaway - The Double Life of Incorporate Things by Leanna Renee Hieber
$50.00 Amazon Gift Card Ends 1/5/13
- Book Review: Traitor's Knife (Five Gems) by E. Kaiser, YA Fantasy, Adventure; my rating 4.25.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 20, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/26/13.
- Book Review: Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters) by Wendy Vella, Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
- Book Review: Christmas Wishes by Wendy Vella, Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
- Sharing Beyond Books #131 Comment Giveaway 12/21/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/27.
1. eBook/Kindle
The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus
by Scott Roloff
I am a third into this and so far it is an interesting fictionalized rendition of the birth and childhood of Jesus.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description continues at link.]
The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus
by Scott Roloff
I am a third into this and so far it is an interesting fictionalized rendition of the birth and childhood of Jesus.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description continues at link.]
2. eBook/Kindle
Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1)
by Shawn Underhill
This is very engaging but with a cliff hanger ending!
I featured this in BookBlast and will post a review soon.
Click on book title for full description.
3. Print
Carving Angels
by Diane Stringam Tolley
This is a true delight!
I received this as a win last year and
I will post a review with a giveaway this week.
Papa Adam, the North Pole's oldest elf and Santa's former chief carver, has given up. Blind, frail, and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die. But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Together they prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone, especially yourself. With the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.
Carving Angels
by Diane Stringam Tolley
This is a true delight!
I received this as a win last year and
I will post a review with a giveaway this week.
Papa Adam, the North Pole's oldest elf and Santa's former chief carver, has given up. Blind, frail, and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die. But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Together they prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone, especially yourself. With the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.
4. Audible/MP4
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet: Charley Davidson, Book 4
by Darynda Jones
Narrated by Lorelei King
I enjoyed Charley's investigation in this installment.
I picked this up from my own Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
The fourth in this fun and sexy New York Times best-selling paranormal series.
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.
In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
©2012 Darynda Jones (P)2012 Macmillan Audio
Line Edits/Releases:
We released a new eBook for children:
by Stacey Leigh Malloy, Illustrated by Katie Cassidy
When Shelly, a Cape Cod hermit crab, gets caught in a riptide, she lands along the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Shelly enjoys taking in the sights, but she hopes to somehow, someway get back to her home and family.
This is the second book in the "Shelly the Hermit Crab" series. Each book is a beautifully illustrated story of Shelly's amazing adventures with real life lessons, facts, and a happliy-ever-after ending.
Genre: Children's - Ages 2-9
Pages: 36 pages, fully illustrated
When Shelly, a Cape Cod hermit crab, gets caught in a riptide, she lands along the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Shelly enjoys taking in the sights, but she hopes to somehow, someway get back to her home and family.
This is the second book in the "Shelly the Hermit Crab" series. Each book is a beautifully illustrated story of Shelly's amazing adventures with real life lessons, facts, and a happliy-ever-after ending.
Genre: Children's - Ages 2-9
Pages: 36 pages, fully illustrated
As soon as I have the print proof we will link up a new print release for two other titles.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Gift Cards for the Holidays!
1. Audible/MP4
Ten Things I Love About You
by Julia Quinn
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
I am enjoying this charming Historical Romance from my Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
Ten things you should know about this book....
1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
Number 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to:
10. Happily. Ever. After.
©2010 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers
2. eBook/Kindle
Let Me Get This Off My Chest:
A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares
by Margaret Lesh
I am reading this as I prepare for more decisions coming up.
I am enjoying the humorous approach to this serious issue.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Tamoxifen hot flashes, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast cancer etiquette, Frankenboobs, bras with special attachments—Margaret Lesh shares all in her funny, heartfelt collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons from the perspective of a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’ll tell you when it’s okay to play the cancer card, what you should take to the hospital, and gives suggestions on how to cope in those dark moments of the soul. With practical tips sprinkled throughout, LET ME GET THIS OFF MY CHEST explores how breast cancer changed her outlook on life, offering honest insights, humor, and sensitivity as she looks for the silver lining in a not-so-great situation.
Whether you are a woman diagnosed with breast cancer or whether you know someone with breast cancer, this book was written for you.
Let Me Get This Off My Chest:
A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares
by Margaret Lesh
I am reading this as I prepare for more decisions coming up.
I am enjoying the humorous approach to this serious issue.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Tamoxifen hot flashes, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast cancer etiquette, Frankenboobs, bras with special attachments—Margaret Lesh shares all in her funny, heartfelt collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons from the perspective of a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’ll tell you when it’s okay to play the cancer card, what you should take to the hospital, and gives suggestions on how to cope in those dark moments of the soul. With practical tips sprinkled throughout, LET ME GET THIS OFF MY CHEST explores how breast cancer changed her outlook on life, offering honest insights, humor, and sensitivity as she looks for the silver lining in a not-so-great situation.
Whether you are a woman diagnosed with breast cancer or whether you know someone with breast cancer, this book was written for you.
3. Print
Angel Christmas Anthology
by Patricia Rice, Mary Balogh & 3 more
I have enjoyed the first two of these five stories.
I pulled this from my Christmas TBR box to read and share.
Publisher: Topaz (November 1, 1995)
CATCH A FALLING ANGEL by Carole Nelson Douglas
To prove he's bad enough for hell, a devilish rogue becomes a rock star out to ruin an innocent young girl--unless he gets foiled by some Yuletide magic.
BRUSH OF ANGEL WINGS by Emma Merritt
A little girl prays to her special angel for a daddy, and a Texas Ranger returns to his hometown for the holidays in hopes of rekindling the passion he once shared with her mother--his first love.
THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELINA by Marilyn Campbell
It takes a little angel mischief to unite a handsome young major and a fiery widow by Christmas.
TIN ANGEL by Patricia Rice
A goodhearted, though skeptical, hero learns the joy of Christmas when he falls in love with an angel sent to make him believe in miracles.
GUARDED BY ANGELS by Mary Balogh
When a mysterious old lady and her young grandson offer their cottage to an estranged couple who got lost during a blizzard, it's a gift that will last a lifetime.
4. eBook/Kindle
The Wanderers
by Cheryl Mahoney
I didn't get to start this last week
so hopefully will get to it this week.
It is written by a blog friend author.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Click on book title for full description.
The Wanderers
by Cheryl Mahoney
I didn't get to start this last week
so hopefully will get to it this week.
It is written by a blog friend author.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Click on book title for full description.
I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.
Line Edits: We are finalizing several print releases/waiting for more cover flats; and two new eBooks.
Again, I didn't get caught up last week but my backlog for review is now four books and I hope to post four or five this week and then I'll be up to date again.
December Scheduled- done
NetGalley:
couple requests pending
Authors
The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author (reading)
Christmas on Main Street Anthology - picked up at Kindle
AudioBook Jukebox
more being requested
From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley (read to be reviewed this week)
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD
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