Mailbox Monday November 3, 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 three review titles listed today.
I purchased five $.99 kindle titles this week as well as getting many free kindle titles.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I got this title a week or so ago but failed to list it:

Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery
by Joyce T. Strand
Review and giveaways to post on 11/7.
This book was received from Book Marketing Services
A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes.





Both of these were received from Hachette/Grand Central Forever Romance line:

Sealing the Deal
by Sandy James
I picked this title for blog tour because I enjoy the author's real to life stories. 
My review will post with giveaway on November 6, 2014.
Can an orphaned child, an insecure Aunt, and a man ready to settle down find a HEA?

Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops)
by Emmy Curtis 
I picked this sizzling military romance
 up last minute for a launch blitz on November 4. 

They're tough. They're brave. And they'll do anything for the women they love. They're the Alpha Ops. In the tradition of Suzanne Brockmann and Julie Ann Walker comes a sizzling new high-octane romantic suspense novel from rising star Emmy Curtis.

Won

None

Purchased

I did purchase five $.99 Kindle titles this week.

The Briton and the Dane Second Edition
Mary Ann Bernal, WeiEn Chen, Steven Novak

Shifters After Dark Box Set: (6-Book Bundle)

SM Reine, Dannika Dark, Marie Hall, Melissa F. Olson, Kate Danley, Phoenix Sullivan

Tall, Dark and Deadly Books 1 - 4

Lisa Renee Jones

The Sasha McCandless Series: Volume 2 (Books 4-5.5)
Melissa F. Miller

Just Once: Three Complete Historical Romances 

(Crimson Romance)

Elizabeth Boyce

Free

I downloaded another 68 free Kindle titles this week plus several pdf and mobi titles through NoiseTrade. 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? November 3, 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.

We enjoyed our relaxing visit with our son and his family. Today we went back on the road to arrive in Williamsburg, VA.

I enjoyed my reading last week and somehow got myself caught in four tour books for this week.  I finished three books and am well into another.  I did post three reviews and I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did some visiting early in the week but didn't get back later when I hoped to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? October 27, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday October 27, 2014.

• Book Review: Pumpkins in Paradise (Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries Book 1) by Kathi Daley; Cozy Mystery; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review: The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story) by Matthew Iden; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 31 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 11/6/14.

• Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin; Inspirational; my rating 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #175 Comment Giveaway 11/1/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 11/8/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 2, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
by Grace Burrowes
I really enjoyed this. I hope to get the review posted sometime this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Unleashed (Love to the Rescue)
by Rachel Lacey
I liked these characters. 
Review and Giveaway to post on 11/3.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Ebook/Kindle

Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops)
by Emmy Curtis 
I picked this up last minute for a launch blitz. 
Sounded pretty good and it was a fast read. :-)
Launch Blitz, my review and giveaway will post on November 4.
They're tough. They're brave. And they'll do anything for the women they love. They're the Alpha Ops. In the tradition of Suzanne Brockmann and Julie Ann Walker comes a sizzling new high-octane romantic suspense novel from rising star Emmy Curtis.

PUSHING THE LIMIT

After their one-night fling at a wedding, archaeologist Henrietta "Harry" Markowitz thought she'd never see war hero Matt Stanning again. So when they're paired up to investigate a military plane crash in Iraq, she's not sure if the three-month reunion is serendipitous or cursed. What she does know is this gorgeous man lights her body on fire-and incredible sex is always a welcome distraction.

Air Force Sergeant Matt Stanning has been called a hero, but he feels nothing like one when he realizes the sexy blonde in his bed is the widow of his fallen brother-in-arms. Even worse, he actually has to work with her, and she's unearthed evidence that points to a military conspiracy. If they dig deeper, they'll put their lives in danger. If they don't, they'll never know the truth-not only about the mysterious plane crash, but about each other.

eTreasures Publishing:
Two more ebooks still out for updating; to be released soon.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Sealing the Deal
by Sandy James
I picked this title for blog tour too.
I like the author and am enjoying the story.
My review will post 
with giveaway on November 6, 2014.
After losing her sister, Bethany Rogers needs a shoulder to lean on more than ever-though she never expects that shoulder to belong to her new boss . . .

Bethany has been in love with Robert Ashford since they were teachers at the same high school. After Robert leaves to start his own construction company, Beth puts her feelings aside to focus on her goals. When she finally lands a gig as a part-time designer, she is shocked to find her new boss is none other than Robert . . . and he's hotter than ever. But Bethany's happiness is short-lived when she receives word that her sister has been killed in combat.

With the success of building homes for one happy family after another, Robert is finally ready to settle down. When Beth is left to care for her nine-month-old niece, Robert can't help but step in. And before long, the trio are inseparable. Yet convincing the cautious, bereaved Beth of letting him in proves difficult-but Robert will give everything he's got for the chance at his own happily ever after.

2. eBook/Kindle

Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery
by Joyce T. Strand
I am looking forward to reading this.
Review and giveaways to post on 11/7.
This eBook was received from Book Marketing Services
A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes. Brynn Bancroft learns that a former employee who beat her nearly to death has returned to stalk her and her friend, Jillian Hillcrest, also a former victim. Recently divorced, Brynn turns to a new love interest only to encounter additional unwelcome issues. Meanwhile, short-timer Brynn, who has resigned from her Silicon Valley company, becomes bored fulfilling her remaining responsibilities there. She begins to prefer supporting the launch of her ex-husband's new hilltop winery while waiting to move to her next position. Between her stalker and her new love interest, Brynn faces a series of life-threatening events.

3. Audio/MP3

Ravenhill Court
Written by: David R. Beshears
Narrated by: Karen Krause
I selected this from AudioBook Jukebox 
to listen to for November Sci Fi Month.
Publisher's Summary
Present day... A man returns to a long-abandoned neighborhood. Doors stand ajar, shutters hang open, lawns and landscaping are unkempt. The man sits on the curb and opens a leather-bound journal. Through the journal, he recalls the events that took place in Ravenhill decades earlier.
Journey back to 1964... The man is just a boy. He and his friends find that their neighborhood, a cul-de-sac set into the foothills along the California coast, is not all that it appears. There are strange happenings - some amazing, some terrifying, and all pointing to the fact that this little community of families might just be something other than what the rest of the world perceives it to be.
Thirteen year-old Ben Foster, along with his friends Peter and Louis, and his older sister, Julie, set out to find the secret behind the peculiar events that the outside world doesn't see and that those living in the neighborhood either choose to ignore or are conspiring to keep hidden.
Young Peter will set the tales down in his journal, which years later a grown Ben Foster will clasp as the last surviving corroboration of their adventures and of their astonishing discovery.
©2010, 2014 David R. Beshears (P)2014 David R. Beshears

I am caught up 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 two educational, non-fiction ebook releases which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several additional novels in print -- also polishing.

November I am participating in Sci Fi Month. The first week is full of tour books then I will switch to Sci Fi.
I have four tour reviews to post this week plus one NetGalley title to stay up to date.

Novenber Scheduled -
11/3 Unleashed w/ ebook GW (read)
11/4 Pushing the Limit w/ ebook GW (read)
11/6 Sealing the Deal w/ ebook GW (reading)
11/7 Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand w/ Print GW (reading)
11/12 Peace & Goodwill a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4) by Lee Strauss
11/15 Ladies Book Club - Mystery of the Shemitah w/ Print GW
11/26 Sugar’s Twice as Nice w/ ebook GW

November Sci Fi Month: Some books I will read (*) and others are choices if I get to them.
*Audio: Ravenhill Court by David R. Beshears, Narrated by Karen Krause (listening)
Audio: I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
Audio: Hours by Falling Up
Audio: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1, Written by: James Dashner
*(NG) Exodus 2022, Kenneth G. Bennett
*(NG) The Genome, Sergei Lukyanenko
*(Tour) We Are the Destroyers by D.K. Lindler
(Won Sept?) The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart
Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The Tube Riders (The Tube Riders Trilogy #1) (free Kindle)
(eTP)The Wonk Decelerator by John Joseph Doody
(eTP)Valstain by R. J. Jerome


From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 2, 2014

This morning we are ready to leave Maryland and travel south to our next stop, Williamsburg, Virginia.  I miss my church family, Sunday school and church time.

Today we read Ezekiel 3-6, Hebrews 4, Psalm 104:24-35 and Proverbs 26:27.  The Lord is directing Ezekiel to deliver a message of judgment against Israel because of her rebellion. It is a message of awful destruction but I find hope for those who recognize God and turn from their wicked ways.
.
As I looked for a song I found this passage reading which I enjoyed with its wonderful images.

Psalm 104

(On YouTube from finalwarningcry)

Verse for Today:
Psalm 104:24 NIV
How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

My heart is sweetly calm and content because I know who orders my path.
I enter another month of November which is always a special extra reminder to give thanks to my creator, healer, comforter and redeemer.
Praise the Lord!

Sharing Beyond Books #175 Comment Giveaway November 1, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

We are sad to be finishing up our visiting with our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. On the other hand we are ready to be moving south toward home and warmer weather. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Ten commenters indicate they don't like to guess endings because they enjoy the twists and surprise endings. Nine readers admitted that they do try to guess or predict endings.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #174 comments is: #10 Sarah 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 #175 (One Question.)

Q1. This week Marjorie asks: 1. Do you get a lot of pharmacy, lottery or money request spam mail? How do you handle it?

A: I get plenty of spam mail but thankfully gmail has a pretty good spam filter. I still have to delete the spam folder at the end of each week or so or it is too much. 

Image found at Mosaic Technology.

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.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Marjorie asks: 1. Do you get a lot of pharmacy, lottery or money request spam mail? How do you handle it??

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 November 8, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin

If I gushed, I would gush over this audio book.
Unwritten: A Novel
Charles Martin (Author)
Kevin Stillwell (Narrator)

· Listening Length: 10 hours and 24 minutes
· Program Type: Audiobook
· Version: Unabridged
· Publisher: Hachette Audio
· Audible.com Release Date: July 9, 2013
· ASIN: B00DUHT9WK
Genre: Fiction, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.
When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.

Review:
Katie is a world famous actress sometimes known as the “ice queen”. She has many fans but few real friends. Father Steady, a Catholic Priest, became her true friend when she was a lonely teen newly arrived in America. Now he is not sure how to help her when he suspects that she has reached a point of no return.

Another of Father Steady’s lonely friends is ‘Sunday’. Sunday dropped out of society nearly ten years before after a shattering loss. He has been living a secluded life on his boats, fishing in the Florida Keys and Everglades. Father Steady hopes that this pair of broken souls might find a way to help each other pull out of their own despairs and return to live productive lives.

Sunday arrives on the scene just in time to help Father Steady ‘rescue’ a reluctant Katie. Sunday offers her the choice of disappearing from society as he did. She accepts but then insists on traveling to her homeland in France. Although Katie is not the easiest person to like, Sunday reluctantly travels with Katie and becomes her support for the ordeal she faces as she tries to make peace with her past.

At first Sunday thinks he has helped pull Katie from the worst of her depression, but when he fears she is still on the edge he realizes he will have to give up his own secrets. Then Sunday will have to face his own demons as well and hope that both he and Katie can return to share peace with their staunch friend, Father Steady, if not to completely release their self-imposed isolations.

The story is a beautifully woven mix of human emotions. The author, Mr. Martin, had me wrapped into the emotions as the painful pasts of these characters is revealed. I found myself sharing the sorrow and small joys but mostly wishing for their recovery as the pair struggle to find meaning in the pain they have experienced. Although most of us will never know the fame that Katie deals with, most readers can relate to a time when we wonder about the purpose of our life. The story also makes us realize how intertwined our lives can be with those we come in contact with, sometimes intimately and sometimes casually without even knowing the impact made.

The writing is wonderfully descriptive with prose that flows and breathes. (I did love the Florida descriptions of areas somewhat familiar to me.) This is one of those stories where I wanted to reach the ending but didn’t really want the story to end. It was the first I have read by this author but will not be the last.

Audio Notes: The narration by Kevin Stillwell was remarkable. He managed the character inflections so well I had to look to make sure there was not a female narrator too. More impressively, he conveyed the emotional depths of the characters with appropriate whispers and sometimes wrenching pain. The narration enhanced an already awesome read.

I feel blessed to have received this audiobook as a free download through NoiseTrade.