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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: Every Time I Love You by Heather Graham

An engaging romance that spans two hundred years. 
by Heather Graham
  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Dell (1988)
  • ISBN-10: 0440200873
Genre: Contemporary Romance, with Historical Elements
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Every Time I Love You is the captivating tale of a modern couple and their struggle with ill-fated past lives.


Review:
Gayle Norman is a modern woman who had a college romance that ended in tragedy when her temperamental boyfriend overdosed. Since then she has focused on her career as an assistant and event coordinator for Sabel Gallery, a well known artist gallery in Richmond, Virginia. Gayle keeps her distance from men even though her friends think it’s time to find a man to date.

Brent McCauley is an intense, reclusive artist who has agreed to have a showing at Sabel Gallery. His works consist of a group of nudes, including two entangled lovers. Gayle is impressed with the strong evocative feel of the painting.

Brent and Gayle meet and the connection is instant, intense and undeniable. Although it is not her usual behavior, Gayle ends up going home with Brent. Soon they are inseparable and planning their wedding. Gayle begins to have some dark dreams where she is drawn to a man who looks like Brent but she is terrified of him. She can’t really remember the dreams but feels a disquiet.

At the wedding Gayle passes out and after the wedding the dreams increase to the point where Brent insists she seek professional help. She agrees although that doesn’t help much. Then Brent begins to act in unexplaned, angry and violent episodes that he doesn’t remember. Gayle is frightened but Brent refuses to seek help because it might have a bad impact on his reputation.

Interspersed with these modern chapters are chapters set in 1774 introducing Percy Ainsworth, a young American rebel and Lady Katrina Seymour, the sixteen year old sister of a staunch British Tory. These two are at extremes politically but their attraction is explosive.

The conflict in the story stems from Percy’s belief that Katrina betrays him. Gayle and Brent are struggling with the strange flashes they are experiencing. But how can they figure out what is happening especially if Brent refuses outside help?

I had picked this story from my TBR pile because I wanted something involving the American Revolution. Although this had small portions of the Revolution the story is really a double romance. The modern characters are well developed and likable although I had difficulty with the impulsive, contrary traits of the 1774 couple. The romance between Gayle and Brent is very nicely handled. The ‘reincarnation’ aspects of the story added the focal interest even if I have mixed feelings about that theory. The book started a bit slowly but by midway I was anxious to keep reading. The writing is strong and engaging and I recommend this to those who love entertaining romance.

This story was from one of my TBR author collections.

Giveaway:
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my 1988 Print paperback

(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 comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 2 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 2, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Audio Book Review: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink

This is a wonderfully edifying and encouraging listen.
The Divine Inspiration of the Bible
Author: Arthur W. Pink
Narrator: Ralph Cosham
Runtime: 3.2 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 5.6.2014
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Nonfiction/Religion
ISBN-13: 978-1-4830-0194-4
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/06/14
Summary
“Deny that the Bible is, without any qualifications, the very word of God, and you are left without any ultimate standard of measurement and without any supreme authority.”—from the book
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. In The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, Arthur Pink sets out to defend the belief that this holy book is, in fact, the true word of God. In doing so he examines the idea of divine inspiration and presents various arguments that aim to prove God Almighty is the author of the Bible.
This book not only examines evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture and what belief in inspiration means but also helps Christians achieve a firmer understanding of the Bible’s authority.
Originally published in 1917


Review:
I loved this audio book. I read Pink’s The Sovereignty of God about 20 years ago and remembered that I thought it was sound, if sometimes difficult, theology teaching. I already believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God but I was interested in the presentations that Pink would make. The book is laid out with each chapter dedicated to a specific, concise argument. As an attorney I appreciated that the arguments and proofs are supported by logical statements and examples that make sense to a person with an open mind and heart. The first chapter presents a “Presumption in Favor of the Bible”. Again, this resonates in legal precedence for me. Other chapters discuss the “Character of Its Teachings”, “Fulfilled Prophesies” and the “Wonderful Unity” as just a few of the themes explored with precision and confidence. Some of the supporting statements I had heard before but others were fresh and all of it was edifying.

I found myself excited about how well the text fit with and encouraged my current Bible reading. It also reinforced past studies I have read (and led) that show how the Old Testament and the New Testament speak as one from the beginning (“In the beginning God created...” Genesis 1:1) to the ending warnings not to add or take away from the scrolls (Revelation 22:18-19).

This book was originally published in 1917 but it is timely today. It has a scholarly, gentle, but forceful and confident, tone that lends strength to the arguments. The audio is a quick listen - less than four hours. I highly recommend this to everyone. Believers and followers of Christ will be encouraged and uplifted. Those who are seeking, and even those who would object or rebel, will find sound arguments if they read (or listen) with fair-mindedness.

Audio notes: The narration by Ralph Cosham enhanced the book for me. It matches the text by being precise and on the side of elegant. This is a book I could, and suspect that I will, listen to repeatedly just for the shear joy and uplift it brought me.

I received this from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Christmas in July Giveaway Hop, July 22 to July 31, 2014

“Christmas in July” Giveaway Hop

July 22nd to 31st


This is a Christmas Books only hop.  
The winner at Martha's Bookshelf gets to pick Christmas Title(s) valuing up to $25.00 (including shipping). The choice can be print, eBook or Audio.
Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas all year round!
Open Worldwide; Ends midnight July 31, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This is a Blog Hop!
If Linky list doesn't show - start at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Mailbox Monday July 21, 2014

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I have no new review books but I picked up audios this week.
I purchased two audible titles with my June subscription and downloaded the two free SYNC audios.
I did purchase one .99 cent books and many free kindle downloads.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
None


Won
None

Purchased
I purchased one .99 cent kindle title:
Critical DawnCritical Dawn
Wearmouth and Barnes, Darren Wearmouth, Colin F. Barnes
Kindle Edition

Archaeologists Pippa Quinn and Charlie Jackson find advanced technology in undisturbed 16th Century graves....


Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA  where we get "Mysteries to solve":
These sound like fun mysteries.

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer
Sherlock Holmes’ 14-year-old sister, Enola, makes her fifth appearance.






The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes II 
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
In this collection are four of the finest cases of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, narrated by his faithful friend and admirer Dr. Watson



Plus I downloaded another 55 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? July 21, 2014

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.

Another busy week that left me exhausted by the end.
I enjoyed Saturday morning with my DH during rain storm. Then I spent several hours finalizing some documents I needed at work.

Reading and listening was good.  I finished three books and am mid-way+ in two others. I posted three reviews at the end of the week, one with comment giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I was late at work every night and didn't get to visit. :-( I hope to do better this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Comment Giveaway: Sunshine by Janet Spaeth; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Comment Giveaway Open Worldwide. Ends 7/22/14.
Finished Reading:
1. Print


Every Time I Love You
by Heather Graham
This got more exciting as it went along.
I will post a review with book giveaway soon.
Every Time I Love You is the captivating tale of a modern couple and their struggle with ill-fated past lives.




2. eBook/Kindle


Half a King
by Joe Abercrombie
Twists, betrayals and 
varied characters keep this interesting.
Click on book title for full description.





3. Print

(I'll have to take a picture of my cover from the 1992 version)
Priceless
by Christina Dodd
I really liked these characters and this read quickly.
I picked this title from one of my collections.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 17, 2009
Headstrong and adventurous, Bronwyn Edana regularly stuns polite society with her reckless exploits. But there is one type of exploit the fiery beauty has never experienced. Still innocent when it comes to men and their roguish ways, she can barely believe the breathless desire she has begun to feel for Adam Keane, a distinguished nobleman and a man with more than his fair share of liaisons in his past . . .
Now branded by a haunting tragedy, Adam will not rest until he lures Bronwyn to his bed. When a shocking conspiracy threatens their lives, he'll bring her from the dangerous streets of London to the sweeping countryside—for he has seen enough of the world to know that a passion like theirs is priceless.


eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases waiting for author proof before we link them up at the website.
Two ebooks out for galley proofs.


Currently reading:
1. Audio


Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster
Author: Bill Quick
Narrator: Johnny Heller
This has a strong sense of reality
for a post EMP disaster story.
I am about 60% along.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


Sky Zone: A Novel (The Crittendon Files)
by Creston Mapes
This is an exciting Christian thriller. 
I am about 75% of the way through.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2014
A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions.

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier.
With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

This third book in The Crittendon Files reminds us of the power of family, friendships and faith--and why we are never in as much control as we think.



3. Print


The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams)
by Susan Page Davis

I will be starting this on Monday.
This is for Ladies Book Club for 8/2/14.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2011
Travel along with Elise Finster and her British mistress, Lady Anne Stone, as they search for the new but missing earl of Stoneford. Determined to follow David Stone’s somewhat cold trail leading to Oregon, greenhorns Elise and Anne secure livestock and supplies to join a wagon train. Will the ladies succeed in their quest or succumb to the malfeasance of the mysterious man dogging their heels? Scout Eb Bentley’s initial disgust with these ill-prepared women eventually turns into admiration for one lady in particular. Can he protect her long enough to win her over, or will prairie dreams turn into a Wild West nightmare?


The next e-book will be The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston.

I am still a day ahead on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward. It doesn't look too good for getting my own TBRs this month. Ah well.
I completed three reviews and have three new ones. I miscounted somewhere and I currently have four outstanding. 

July Scheduled - completed.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June/July:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Sky Zone A Novel by Creston Mapes  (reading)
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel (Mulholland Books)
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)

Authors:
The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There are several other Bundles available now.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
Lightning Fall by Bill Quick (Listening)
Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3 by Anna Banks

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

From TBR Collection - Sunshine; Priceless
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

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