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Monday, July 28, 2014

BookBlast Giveaway: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos Giveaway $50.00 GC


Son of War, Daughter of Chaos


Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

Janette RallisonAuthor Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that.

Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off.

Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)



book blast button

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 8/17/14

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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Mailbox Monday July 28, 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 downloaded the two free SYNC audios and purchased a few Kindle titles. I also downloaded many free kindle titles.
By the way - Here is a free Kindle title for a book I reviewed early this year:
The Wanderers, is available as an ebook for free for two days!  The offer only runs from July 27-28, so download a copy today--and tell a friend so they can get one too!
(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 Of Triton as the second in the series before I review the third book on audio.

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
Anna Banks
Kindle Edition
Sold by: Macmillan

I purchased several Kindle titles at .99 cent. I know it doesn't make sense when I download so many free but every now and then these catch my attention. Since I don't eat lunch out I spend my lunch money on books. :-)

A Candle in the Window
Jillian Hart
Kindle Edition
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Once Upon A Time (The Fairies of Rush)
Maggie Shayne
Kindle Edition
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

The Holiday Brides Collection (Books 1 - 4)
(Holiday Brides Series Book 6)
Ginny Baird
Kindle Edition
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA  where we go "Inside the Mind":



The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stark, skillfully woven, this fascinating novel explores the curious turnings of human character through the strange case of Dr. Jekyll, a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted, evil self, Mr. Hyde



Headstrong
by Patrick Link
In the wake of increasing concern over brain trauma in professional athletes, Patrick Link has crafted a story about a retired NFL linebacker who must deal with a family tragedy and his own suffering because of the violence of his chosen sport.


Plus I downloaded another 60 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 28, 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.

It was a good work week - not quite so exhausting. 
Attended an unexpected funeral on Saturday so only half the day was work.

Reading and listening was good but a bit slow.  I finished two books and am mid-way+ in one. I posted three reviews, one with comment giveaway plus a Christmas Hop Giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited some early in the week, although not as much as I would like to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review and Giveaway: Every Time I Love You by Heather Graham; Contemporary Romance with historical elements; my rating 4.0.  Open US. Ends 8/2/14.
  • Book Review: Half a King by Joe Abercrombie; Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.25.  
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Sky Zone: A Novel (The Crittendon Files)
by Creston Mapes
This is an exciting Christian thriller. 
I guessed the twist well before the end but it is still engaging.
I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audio


Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster
Author: Bill Quick
Narrator: Johnny Heller
Another exciting listen which covers lots of post EMP scenarios. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Re-release updated version:
The Long Hour Before Light
by Ronald Joseph Scala
Dare to venture into darkness. Dare to step into the unknown. If you have the courage, you will find horrors beyond your imagination. 

In this nightmare world, you will find punishment doled out from the grave, an art gallery whose painted horrors call out to you, and a portal to the fires of perdition. 

You will meet Old Gods who crave human flesh and visit terrifying forests where the greenery hungers for flesh and blood and an old barn where people familiar to you by day become monsters at night.  

Dare to read The Long Hour Before Light, a collection of the most terrifying short stories yet from author Ronald Joseph Scala.
Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Thriller
Pages:  245, Anthology

Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs.


Currently reading:
1. Print


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

I am half way through and enjoying this easy historical.
This is for Ladies Book Club for 8/2/14.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


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

This is starting out with sharp, intense mystery.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
A Tanner Sequence Novel
2402 AD
CCF homicide investigator Kyle Tanner and his girlfriend are on their way to Pluto, en route to a new life together. Just one little death to check out in the asteroid belt first. But when you're as tangled up in conspiracy as Tanner is, a few hours on a case can change your life. Or end it.

The mystery is a strange one—one man dead, a cryptic message his dying breath. Still, Tanner's ready to wrap it up until another gruesome murder shakes him to his core. The discovery of a microscopic bomb near his own heart offers the first faint clue, but the clock is ticking. He has four days….

A desperate search for answers takes Tanner to The Freezer, an isolated facility on one of Jupiter's moons. With anti-CCF dissidents targeting the facility, a team of scientists conducting experiments the military would rather remain hidden, and a mysterious man in white hunting him on the ice, Tanner will have to choose his allies carefully. Putting his faith in the wrong person will leave him bleeding out in seconds.



3. Audible/MP


Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson,
Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
I downloaded this to enjoy.
Publisher's Summary
Sometimes I wrestle my demons. Sometimes we just snuggle. (Bumper Sticker)
Most girls might think twice before getting engaged to someone like Reyes Farrow - but Charley Davidson is not most girls. She’s a paranormal private eye and grim-reaper-in-training who’s known to be a bit of a hell-raiser, especially after a few shots of caffeine. Her beloved Reyes may be the only begotten son of evil, but he’s dark and sultry and deeply sexy and everything Charley could hope for. Really. But when the FBI file on Reyes’ childhood happens to land into her lap, she can’t help herself: She opens it...and then the real fun begins. First, Charley finds a naked corpse riding shotgun in her car. Then, a man loses his soul in a card game. Throw in a deaf boy who sees dead people, a woman running from mobsters, and a very suspicious Reyes, and things can’t get any worse for Charley. Unless, of course, the 12 Beasts of Hell are unleashed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio



4. Print


Romance Rides the Range (Truly Yours Digital Editions)
Colleen L. Reece

Just started this as it is the second book for Ladies' Book Club meeting 8/2. Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Sarah doesn’t dare look back . . .
Sarah Anderson refuses to become a drudge for her stepfather and his unruly children after her mother dies in 1882. Neither will she become a pawn for his indebtedness to a riverboat gambler. Sarah escapes from her Missouri home and heads for California to find her brother Seth, trusting God to keep her safe on the perilous journey west.
Matt Sterling rescued Seth from danger and taught him to become a top hand on the Sterling ranch near Madera. Betrayed by one selfish girl, Matt has vowed the San Joaquin River will run dry before he ever gets involved with another woman. He’s better off fighting cattle rustlers, floods and drought to make his spread one of the finest in the valley.

Is love's long lasso strong enough to overcome obstacles and rope in the runaway girl and the once-bitten, twice-shy rancher?


I am up to date 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 two new ones. That puts me with three for this week. 

July Scheduled - completed.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June/July:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
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 (reading)

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
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

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 27, 2014

This was an interesting morning of messages. Sunday school, praise and worship songs and Pastors message were all consistent on a theme. Our Sunday school teacher shared a video of a sermon by David Platt. ‘We don't respond to God’s radical call because it's easy, but because He is worthy of our trust, our plans and dreams, and our affections.’ We need to recognize the true power of God/Jesus and not make Him a washed out version that fits our self-centered needs. He is majestic and all sufficient. He is enough. We need to trust Him with our lives.

Pastor’s message was on The Power of God. He told of a jewelry sales clerk who rebuked a would be thief by demanding that he leave 'in the name of Jesus'. We have faith but does our unbelief or our lack of trust block our way of receiving all His promises, all the blessings He has for us? Do we look at our circumstances and rely on our own resources instead of looking at His power and relying on His promises? If we say we believe Him then we need to trust Him with our lives.
Romans 4:20-24; Hebrews 3:12- 14 (and see through 19); Mark 4: 19, 22-24 and Matthew 13: 11-15, 58.

I was looking for a video with our choir song but didn't find one.
Instead I found this which I think fits well with the message today.
By Faith by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Verses for Today:
Hebrews 3:12- 14  (NIV)
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

I have faith, Lord; help thou my unbelief and make me obedient, at all times and in all things, to Your will.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Sharing Beyond Books #161 Comment Giveaway July 26, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I feel a little more rested this week though the week was still busy.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
There was a good split but coffee just edged out tea: eight to seven with five that like both and drink either tea or coffee depending on the situation. The tea drinkers were split between hot and iced. And it was funny that a few liked the smell of coffee but prefer tea.
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #160 comments is: #9 SueF who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #161 (One Question.)

Q1. Miki asks: Have you already attended a book convention? What would you be ready to do to attend one???
A: The first book convention I attended was in May 2009. I drove four hours to Orlando just to attend the RWA bookfair. It was fun and I should have gotten more pictures. Since then I have attended two EPICon conferences - one in San Antonio and another in Portland. They are great fun. I enjoy meeting authors and publishers and I have learned a lot. I'm looking forward to March 2015 in San Antonio again. One of these years I hope to attend the BEA Conference.
Author Deirdre Knight on right (seated) and me. (I initially had us reversed.)
Not the best of photos but this was taken at the RWA book fair May 2009.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
The four contributors for July were: Nikki, MaryP, Margaret and Miki. Random pick is: #3 Margaret.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Miki asks: Have you already attended a book convention? What would you be ready to do to attend one??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday August 2, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

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