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Thursday, March 19, 2015

Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis

This is a lovely romance set in interesting but difficult circumstances of the Civil War.
The Last Heiress
by Mary Ellis

  • File Size: 951 KB
  • Print Length: 354 pages
  • Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00RYB9NHY
  • Genre: Historical Romance
  • My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: February 1, 2015
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.

Amanda Dunn set sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, hoping to somehow restore shipments of cotton for her family’s textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. But when she meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes.

Amanda’s family across the sea deems the hardworking merchant unsuitable for the lovey and accomplished heiress. And when Nate himself begins to draw away, Amanda has her own battle for a happy future on her hands.

As the War Between the States heats up, Nate’s brother, a Confederate officer, comes for a visit. Nate begins to think about joining up—not in support of slavery but to watch his brother’s back. Yet will this potentially life-changing decision put the union between him and Amanda she so wishes for in jeopardy?


Review:
Amanda is the remaining daughter of her wealthy mill owning father. Her brother was killed in an accident and her twin sister has been gone several years after running off to marry her sweetheart, an American son of a Wilmington supplier. Amanda convinces her father that she can learn the mill business and be his emissary to negotiate new contracts in America. Reluctantly he agrees and sends her on her way with only a maid.

Amanda is thrilled to reunite with her sister Amelia. She is dismayed to discover that Amelia and her husband are slave owners when they gift a young black slave to serve Amelia. Even Amanda’s maid is in an awkward social position because she is not a slave nor a noble.

Amanda’s initial attempts to broker a contract for cotton are met with disdain by Amelia’s husband and his father. They do not wish to deal with a woman and Amelia’s husband doesn’t appreciate Amanda’s independent nature.

Nate is a young man from the Smoky Mountains who found his way to Wilmington to find work and build a dream. He has worked hard as a grocer saving money to buy land and a home someday. Nate is smitten when he sees Amanda. She is charmed by his natural, open friendliness. Over the many months that Amanda is in Wilmington, their friendship grows in spite of differences in their social status and the objections and obstacles presented by Amelia’s husband.

As the Union Army moves closer to invading Wilmington, the personal dynamics change. Nate begins to feel he must finally join the Confederate Army after discovering his younger brother is alive and in danger as a young officer. Nate tries to send Amanda back to England without realizing the extent of her stubbornness. Meanwhile Amanda’s brother-in-law discovers he has placed his family business at risk to the dangers of war. He also must face a new circumstance as many of his servants run off. There is an ironic twist that results from the dangers that adds to the plot.

I really enjoyed the characters of Amanda and Nate and their gentle verbal sparring. It was interesting to see that they each felt out of place in their society roles and expectations. I also liked the wonderful history and the excellent portrayal of the race, class and social difficulties in the English and young American situations. There are interesting discussions regarding the slave and social issues and comparing the differences in the two countries.

Amanda has a nice faith conviction and there is a nice input of faith from a secondary character that fit with the circumstances and gave strength to Nate as the story progressed. The writing flowed nicely with the rich story and descriptions. There is also a nice set of Discussion Questions at the conclusion.

I would definitely like to read more by this author. I recommend this to those who enjoy historical romance and Civil War settings (like I do).

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson

This is an engaging time travel/YA romance.
The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1
Written by: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: James Simenc
Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel, YA Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.
©2012 Walnut Springs Press (P)2014 Kelly Nelson


Review:
Chase Harper is in his senior year trying to figure out how best to prepare for college. He is on a camping adventure with family when he discovers a box containing an old, odd item that resembles a pocket watch. He touches the dials and a soft light glows. He stumbles and awakens in a landscape that is strange although similar. He tries to find his way back to the campsite but nothing is quite right. Then he sees two Mexican cowboys riding off with a woman. He follows and rescues Ellie in 1863.

Ellie is charmed by the young man who rescues her but she is more concerned with finding her grandfather and his secret treasure. She is distressed to discover that Chase has the time tracker but she explains that it is his now since it responded to him. She chooses to travel with him to 2011 so she can explain more of what is happening.

A strong attraction develops between Chase and Ellie although they try to pretend they are just friends to ward off any difficulties with Chase’s family. Chase has to learn the use and meaning of the gadget and decide if he wants to accept the responsibilities of using it. He and Ellie will face danger as they try to find a way to protect each other.

I felt the story started a bit slowly but after a short while I was pulled in by the mystery, travel and suspense. I enjoyed the main characters and really liked the gentle, sweet level of the teenage romance. There are some underlying faith comments that also warmed my heart. The travel plot has interesting twists that build background for the series and make this more than a YA romance. I recommend this as an entertaining listen for those who enjoy YA romance and time travel adventure.

Audio Notes: James Simenc does a fine job with the narration. His voice suits Chase as the primary character and he does a good job with distinguishable voices for the female characters as well as other male voices. I enjoyed this as an audio listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge

Sunday, March 15, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 16, 2015

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 have had a lovely week off work (mostly) and visiting with others who love reading and the publishing industry. (See more comments below in Monday Mailbox.)  
DH and I are enjoying our drive home and sorry we didn't add some extra days. I did get to post four reviews (yay!) of books I enjoyed. I also posted the usual memes.

I did not get to visit this week as I had intermittent internet.  Now I will try harder this week even if it is mid or end of week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Audible Book Review: Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  • Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP4


The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 Written by: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: James Simenc
I did enjoy this time travel/YA romance.
 I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
I will post a review this week 
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


The Last Heiress 
by Mary Ellis
I enjoyed the history and gentle, sweet romance in this Historical very much.
I am reviewing this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible/MP4



Legendarium
Written by: Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
Narrated by: Robert Rossmann
Oh, was this crazy and perfect 
listening during a book convention.
This was a free audible downloaded in Dec 2014.
Publisher's Summary
In every generatioen, certain writers are chosen to be protectors of The Legendarium, a metaphysical library that exists at the nexus of the multiverse. Inside this library are doorways that lead to every world ever created in literature. There are forces of evil constantly at work to destroy the library and send the world back into an age of darkness. Now, in a time of growing illiteracy, two heroes are chosen to defend The Legendarium. Bombo Dawson, newly published author and the hero of Michael Bunker's novella Hugh Howey Must Die!, and Alistair Foley, aspiring author and Bombo's harshest critic, become unlikely partners in a mission to protect The Legendarium. Their adventures will take them across the worlds of literature, but will hostile enemies learn to work together before the accumulated knowledge of all of humanity is lost forever?
©2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers (P)2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers




Currently reading:
1. Print



Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5
by J. D. Robb
I am mid way and will probably finish this on Monday.
Click on book title for full description.




2. Audible/MP4


Quitter
by Jon Acuff
I have just started this title which my son recommended to me and I picked up as a free read over a year ago.
Have you ever felt caught between the tension of a day job and a dream job? That gap between what you have to do and what you’d love to do?
I have.
At first I thought I was the only one that felt that way, but then I started to talk to people and realized we’re becoming the “I’m, but” generation. When we talk about what we do for a living we inevitably say, “I’m a teacher, but I want to be an artist.” “I’m a CPA, but I’d love to start my own business.” “I’m a _____, but I want to be a ______.”
All too often, when we search for an answer to this dilemma people tell us that dreaming big means you, “Quit your day job, sell everything you own, and move to Guam.” But what if there was a different way?

What if you could blow up your dream without blowing up your life?
What if you could go for broke without going broke?
What if you could start today?
What if you already had everything you needed to begin?

From figuring out what your dream is to quitting in a way that exponentially increases your chance of success, Quitter is full of inspiring stories and actionable advice. The book is based on 12 years of cubicle living and my true story of cultivating a dream job that changed my life and the world in the process.
It’s time to close the gap between your day job and your dream job. It’s time to be a Quitter.



3, eBook/Kindle


Monday's Lie
by James Mason
I am starting this tonight and looking forward to it.
I picked this up on Netgalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
From the acclaimed author of the “ripping good” (The New York Times) debut novel Three Graves Full comes a new thriller about a woman who digs into her unconventional past to confirm what she suspects: her husband isn't what she thought he was.
Dee Aldrich rebelled against her off-center upbringing when she married the most conventional man she could imagine: Patrick, her college sweetheart. But now, years later, her marriage is falling apart and she’s starting to believe that her husband has his eye on a new life...a life without her, one way or another.
Haunted by memories of her late mother Annette, a former covert operations asset, Dee reaches back into her childhood to resurrect her mother’s lessons and the “spy games” they played together, in which Dee learned memory tricks and, most importantly, how and when to lie. But just as she begins determining the course of the future, she makes a discovery that will change her life: her mother left her a lot of money and her own husband seems to know more about it than Dee does. Now, before it’s too late, she must investigate her suspicions and untangle conspiracy from coincidence, using her mother’s advice to steer her through the blind spots. The trick, in the end, will be in deciding if a “normal life” is really what she wants at all.
With pulse-pounding prose and atmospheric settings, Monday’s Lie is a thriller that delivers more of the “Hitchcockian menace” (Peter Straub) that made Three Graves Full a critical hit. For fans of the Coen brothers or Gillian Flynn, this is a book you won’t want to miss.



I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

March Schedule:
March (dateTBD but looks like pushed off until April) - Ladies Book Club Book: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
3/21 Echoes (Mind Games) by Laura K. Curtis Review for RockStar PR.

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.


I did post four reviews last week so I am up to date. :-)
I am continuing to read the waiting NetGalley titles.


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 received four new print books at EPICon 2015 for review.
I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
 Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
I was very pleased this past week during the convention to meet some authors whose books I have reviewed and new authors I will be reviewing for. I sat at lunch with Molly Harper who wrote How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf and I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas which were fun audios.
I also was very pleased to meet in person Timothy S. Johnston, the author of The Tanner Sequence trilogy which I enjoyed so much.
I met several new authors and speakers and was gifted several titles which I will be reviewing.
I received two poetry collections from Daniel Garcia Ordaz, I am really looking forward to reading these.
Twenty: In Memoriam
Paperback – March 4, 2014
by Edward Vidaurre (Author, Editor, Cover Design), Katherine Hoerth (Editor), & 2 more
This is "a collection in response to the tragic school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. 14, 2012."
Paperback – August 7, 2011
by Daniel García Ordaz
"...a collection of poetry by the eclectic Daniel García Ordaz, The Poet Mariachi, "the voice of the Rio Grande Valley" (Texas)."
Thank you Daniel!

The speakers at the EPICon 2015 were wonderful and I learned a lot! I was excited to meet Penny Sansevieri of Author Marketing Experts Inc. who did two very good presentations on marketing.  I have done several review tours with Penny and it was a pleasure to meet her and enjoy lunch and chatting.
She was so kind to give me a print copy of Red Hot Internet Publicity.
Thank you Penny for great information and the book!

The fourth book is a fantasy novel by one of the author presenters. This was actually purchased by my friend Kim and lent to me to  read and review.
Paperback – January 5, 2010
by Carol Berg
Thank you Kim and Carol.

Won
None
Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 69 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 15, 2015

We will be traveling Sunday and I will not be able to be online comfortably so I have prepared this post ahead of time. This is a wonderful worship song to enjoy.

Above all Powers

A Verse for Today:
Ephesians 1:21
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Thank you Lord for save travels and a wonderful visit with friends. Please watch over everyone to return home safely. Thank you too for always thinking of us -- even when we do not always think about You.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #194 Comment Giveaway March 14, 2015

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

We have had a very nice visit in San Antonio this week with other bookish friends. The EPIC conference workshops were very informative, the food was good and the banquet on Saturday night was fun.  We will be driving out toward home early tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who commented during the week.

Almost everyone indicates they read the same all year long. Three noted a slight preference for winter and one for summer. Several noted a light decrease in reading due to a) increased work hours which diminishes reading; b) increased summer chores or activities. :-)
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #193 comments is: #11 Scottsgal who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #194 (One Question.)

Q1. SueF asks: How many unread books do you like sitting on your bookcase ready for your next read? How few before you panic and head for the bookstore/library??
A: I like to have three or four books lined up ready to go even though I might change and pick others. I have so many books that I never panic. I still have three full book shelfs and at least 10 boxes of books. Not as many as below though.
 Flourish and Blotts Bookshop
Image found at Reading by Starlight

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. SueF asks: How many unread books do you like sitting on your bookcase ready for your next read? How few before you panic and head for the bookstore/library??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I still have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 March 21, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

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