Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder

This is a wonderful revisit with great characters and a worthy addition to the series!
Shadow Study (Soulfinders)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 1120 KB
• Print Length: 413 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0778317404
• Publisher: MIRA (March 1, 2015)
• Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
• ASIN: B00OYBW5FY

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2015
New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she's back with a new tale of intrigue.
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she'd survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.
Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous…

Review:
Yelena is a Sitian with magic abilities - in fact, she is a Soulfinder which is rare and dangerous. She delivers souls to their rightful destination - peace or hell. Yelena didn’t know about her own talents until she began working as the poison taster as a prisoner under Valek’s authority. Yelena has faced many dangers and survived through the help of magic, her own wits and sometimes Valek and friends.

Valek is an Ixian assassin. He has the unusual trait of being immune to magic which helped make him extremely successful and dangerous. Initially Valek and Yelena were worlds apart. Presumably his position in Ixia, where his Commander forbids magic, kept them apart. Then Yelena was assigned as a liaison between the communities and a personal relationship developed.

They both have made many enemies but for the most part, those who are not afraid of Yelena’s powers are afraid of her ‘mate’ Valek’s abilities. Yet there are those who want to hinder her even at the risk of angering him.

While visiting with Valek for a brief private rendezvous Yelena is shot with an unknown poison. She is able to remove the toxin with her healing skills and Valek thinks she is all right as he returns to Ixiaa at the call of his commander. But Yelena suffers an extreme fever and chills. When she awakens she discovers her magic is completely gone. One of the immediate loses she feels is the inability to communicate telepathically with her Sandseed horse, Kiki. Fortunately Kiki is a brilliant animal and understands Yelena’s needs.

Yelena and Kiki return to Sitia where she can seek aid from the master magicians and her brother. They try to protect her secret as they research the nature of the poison and how to cure her. They proceed on to seek the help of Opal and Devlin, two other friends who experienced the loss of the their magic in the past (Glass Series).

Meanwhile Valek finds a young assassin sneaking into his commander’s quarters and challenging for his position. Rather than imprison her they end up placing her on Valek's team for training and assignment. Valek and his new recruit are assigned to work with Janco and Ari to uncover and stop a smuggler’s ring.

The wonderful thing about Ms. Snyder’s writing is she manages to create a vested interest in her characters. The author portrays events from alternating characters to help the forward motion of the plot that ultimately brings them together to face their enemies. I enjoyed how the author also follows Valek’s memories filling in his childhood background that led him to become an assassin. There was a very short time of slower pacing in the middle of the book but it picked up quickly.

It has been a number of years since I read and loved the Study trilogy - now dubbed the Soulfinders series as it continues. Yelena and Valek appeared as secondary characters in the Glass series but it is great to have them back with their own issues again. In a world of conflicting interests and power hungry leaders there are plenty of issues regarding betrayal and who can be trusted. The ending of this book may come as a surprise to readers (I guessed it early on) but issues are left open thereby promising more stories to come!

This can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the books in order. Not only will you get to know the characters but you will get to enjoy their dangerous adventures.

I selected this at NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 17, 2015

Oh I am glad to get to another Friday. I lost several days this week getting taxes ready - somebody has to do it. :-)  Weather-wise we are experiencing true April showers. Nice days for reading. :-) I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and week.

TO ENTER:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the April 10 Pick. Only one Automatic win this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were no titles blocked.
Booklady gets Aphrodite's Secret

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 10 Pick:
(two lucky first week picks)
Miki gets a GC

bn100 also gets The Millionaire's Daughter

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This is an intrepid reader!

Image found at LibraryThing.

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 801+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Book Review and Giveaway: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1 by Rita Gerlach

This story starts with much potential but ends sadly out of tune.

Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
by Rita Gerlach

File Size: 1682 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1426714149
Publisher: Abingdon Press (February 1, 2012)
ASIN: B0071OOAVI
Genre: Historical Fiction; American Revolution
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
(INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL FICTION / HISTORICAL DRAMA)
In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.

Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward's path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.

"Filled with true-to-life characters whose struggles will linger with readers long after the last page is turned, Before the Scarlet Dawn is a memorable story of Revolutionary War-era England and America." - Amanda Cabot, author of Summer of Promise"Rita Gerlach has written a colorful historical with a feisty heroine on a search for survival, romance, and a place to belong." Cynthia Hickey, author of the Summer Meadows mysteries
"Ms. Gerlach's unique literary prose has once again captured my heart with a stirring tale of love and loss, desperation and hope during one of the most uncertain times in American History--the Revolutionary War. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!" - MaryLu Tyndall, author of Surrender the Dawn"A stirring story of love and its consequences, Before the Scarlet Dawn will draw you in from the start and not let you go again." ~ Roseanna M. White, author of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland and Jewel of Persia
"While reading Before the Scarlet Dawn, you'll travel back in time--and from England to Maryland--without ever leaving your easy chair! This is a big, beautiful, well-told story of love, faith, and the struggles of war that changed lives...and  hearts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!" Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 80 award-winning books, including reader favorite From Ashes to Honor

Review:
Eliza, a rare beauty, and her maid, Fiona, face living on the streets when her father, a Vicar, dies. Still, Eliza refuses the offer of marriage from the local nobleman whom she doesn’t love but throws herself at Hayward, her childhood crush. Hayward is home from the colonies to wed a proper British bride. He has offered for a young lady of his station who refuses to move to the colonies. Eliza assures Hayward that she will follow him anywhere and that she is young, strong and brave enough to face the new world. Hayward, struck by her beauty and determination, reluctantly agrees that they will wed with the understanding that he will never offer her love.

Hayward, raised with the prejudices of the British aristocracy, was that taught that giving your heart to a woman would weaken a man. He had some misgivings about taking a mere Vicar’s daughter as wife, but he figured her beauty would make up for her lack of social standing. Hayward appreciates her strength and willingness to stand by him when he leaves their home on the Potomac River to fight for the Patriots. He has grown fond of her and is jealous when other men, especially a neighbor gentleman, Halston, shows her attention, but he is not going to give her his heart.

Hayward leaves at the birth of their first child and is away for almost five years without even sending a letter home. Halston, who is enamored of Eliza, comes to the aid of her household, even saving her life from extreme danger. When Eliza receives a message that Hayward has died on a horrible prison ship she runs, blind with grief, into the arms of Halston. The consequences are disastrous.

News comes that Hayward is alive and he comes home to his wife and daughter. He also finds another young woman and a two year old child, living and helping on the farm. Hayward has been hardened by war and is even haughtier about class levels than he was before he left. He treats everyone rather harshly and when he discovers Eliza’s secrets he is unwilling to forgive.

He sends Eliza to his mother in England, but Eliza arrives to discover she is abandoned. She despairs, fearing she will never see her daughter again. She nearly freezes in a field but is rescued by a kind man who takes her in.

This book started out well and I was interested to read details of the colonies, the hardships of wilderness living and even the horrors of the revolutionary war. The dynamics between Eliza and Hayward allowed for tension and growth in the relationship. Unfortunately in the second half of the book Eliza acts contrary to her values and new characters pop up that didn’t fit the earlier facts. I was disturbed by her "clinging" to Hayward but more disturbed when her actions go far afield especially considering her faith in God. Finally she seems to lose her backbone altogether. Even accepting that she is "only human", this was just too much of a character slide. I initially had some sympathy for Hayward’s misguided rearing but that sympathy quickly died in light of his cruel pride.

The ending chapters bring some relief to Eliza’s circumstances, but it is not a happy ending and is clearly unfinished with events to follow in the second book. I questioned the title as it seemed nothing more than a phrase the author liked and used but with no real significance. And I (we*) questioned the “Daughters of the Potomac” tag as it might fit book 2 but not this book, which started and ended in England.

Rating this is a bit difficult as I (we*) wanted to like it and started out enjoying the writing style and plot premise. It is just too bad that it went astray (no pun intended). The book club ladies agreed that we want inspiration - not depression - when we finish a book.

I purchased this book at discount price for Ladies' Book Club. *We all had the same reactions.

ONE PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(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 (a) comment on the review, OR

OR

(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) April 24, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 24, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt

This is a wonderfully entertaining lawyer with dog series. There is always a good legal plot and snarky humor.
Dog Tags
Written by: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
Series: Andy Carpenter, Book 8
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-02-10
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio
Genre: Legal Mystery with Dogs
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A German Shepherd police dog witnesses a murder and if his owner - an Iraq war vet and former cop-turned-thief - is convicted of the crime, the dog could be put down.
Few rival Andy Carpenter's affection for dogs, and he decides to represent the poor canine. As Andy struggles to convince a judge that this dog should be set free, he discovers that the dog and his owner have become involved unwittingly in a case of much greater proportions than the one they've been charged with.
Andy will have to call upon the unique abilities of this ex-police dog to help solve the crime and prevent a catastrophic event from taking place.
David Rosenfelt, a native of Peterson, New Jersey, is a graduate of NYU. He was the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays.
©2010 David Rosenfelt (P)2010 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a very shrewd lawyer. He is independently wealthy so he doesn’t have to work too hard which suits him just fine. He loves dogs and he and his friend, Willie, an ex-con whom Andy helped release, set up a dog rescue called the Tara Foundation (named after Andy's golden retriever.)

Billy is a former cop who lost his leg while serving as a soldier in Iraq then came home to no job. He adopted his old police dog, Milo, and re-trained him to help steal to make a living. They were quietly waiting for a mark who was meeting for an apparent exchange. Milo leaps in to grab the envelope at the same time as the man is shot and the shooter turns the gun on Milo. Billy foils the shot towards the dog but ends up knocked out at the scene, next to the gun and with gun shot residue on his hands. Billy becomes the prime suspect for the murder especially when the police realize that the murdered man was the army commander responsible for Billy’s injury. Milo is captured and locked in a cell with guards.

Andy is asked to represent Milo and get him released from incarceration. Billy is sure that the dog will find the envelope and that it will prove his innocence. Andy can’t let a dog stay in jail so he takes the case and springs the dog. One thing leads to another and soon Andy is representing Billy against the murder charges. Andy’s investigation begins looking at the army security team that was responsible for allowing the bomb attack in Iraq. During the trial a thug tries to kidnap Milo, threatening Willie’s wife, which brings out the ire in Willie. It is clear there is more going on than a simple robbery and murder. Slowly the evidence points to other murders, missing people, greed and corruption.

Andy sets his intrepid team of investigators to the task. His sweetheart companion, Laurie, is recovered enough to get back into PI work. His usual research expert has gone off on a mission trip but left a recommendation for Andy to use Hike. This fellow is an “always see the worst” sort but he turns out to be a great researcher. Andy’s brilliant accountant friend, Sam, who can hack any computer line, steps in to follow the money and the phone trails while Marcus, the intimidating human eating machine, guards Milo.

There is plenty of action and I loved the plot twists, the dog and human involvement and the usual underlying snarky humor that is a Rosenfelt forte. I didn't realize I was several books behind and I will be very glad to catch up. If you haven’t read this series I do recommend starting from the beginning - I think you’ll enjoy the fun run with the dogs.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does a great job with this series. It had been a while since I listened to an Andy Carpenter mystery but as soon as this started I felt right at home. Grover manages just the right inflection for the intensity and humor of the story I completely enjoyed the narration and highly recommend this series on audio.

This is a book I picked up at Audible in January. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 13, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! In case anyone is not aware, Sheila's younger son, Justin, was killed in an accident on April 4. Right now the family is dealing with the tragedy and their grief. I am not sure when she will get back to setting up IMWAYR links. Meanwhile my prayers continue for her family.


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 had a good work week with a couple of small closings and preparing for a big closing next week. I finished the week working on taxes to be filed next week. I was finalizing records Saturday and didn't even think until I came home that I hadn't posted a review during the day. 

I enjoyed my reading last week although I only finished one audio and one eBook.  I posted three reviews (one with a giveaway) so I stayed up to date. I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited blogs early in the week and I did get to visit a bit more late in the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 6, 2015.

• Book Review: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance, WWI; my rating 4.25

• Audible Book Review: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1 by James Dashner; Teens, Thriller; my rating 4.0. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 10, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/16/2015.

• Audio Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terril; Teen, Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #198 Comment Giveaway 4/11/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 4/18/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 12, 2015 - Happy Resurrection Day.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP4

Dog Tags
Written by: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
I really enjoyed this plot and the humor.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
by Rita Gerlach
We read this for Ladies' Book Club. It had good points and not so good issues. I will post a review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

I did watch two books made into movies this week too: 
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book 1) by Cassandra Clare -- I read the third book, City of Glass. I certainly wish I had read book 1 as it would have helped me understand book 3 better.

Ender's Game
Ender's Game (The Ender Quartet series Book 1) by Orson Scott Card -- I read this maybe 10 or more years ago at the encouragement of my son. I never did get around to reading the sequels and had been thinking I should re-read book 1. I enjoyed the movie which helped me remember the book.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Shadow Study (Soulfinders)
by Maria V. Snyder
I am 60% along on this adventure and enjoying the danger.
I hope to post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/ MP4

Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1
Written by: L. L. Muir
Narrated by: Jim McCance
I selected this through AudioBook Jukebox 
because it sounded like fun.
I am really enjoying it!
Publisher's Summary
If he unmasks her, she's as good as dead....
As the mysterious writer who exposes gentlemen's secrets, it is not the first time The Scarlet Plumiere has been hunted. But this time it's different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man's thumb. Only they have to catch her first.
The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger - her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.
Blood for Ink is a full-length Regency romance and is the first of four novels in The Scarlet Plumiere Series. The sequel is Bones for Bread and an excerpt is included at the end of Blood for Ink.
©2012 Lesli Muir Lytle (P)2012 Lesli Muir Lytle

3. eBook/Kindle

The Fire Sermon
by Francesca Haig
I am looking forward to this book I received through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
The Hunger Games meets Cormac McCarthy’s The Road in this richly imagined first novel in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy by award-winning poet Francesca Haig.

Four hundred years in the future, the Earth has turned primitive following a nuclear fire that has laid waste to civilization and nature. Though the radiation fallout has ended, for some unknowable reason every person is born with a twin. Of each pair, one is an Alpha—physically perfect in every way; and the other an Omega—burdened with deformity, small or large. With the Council ruling an apartheid-like society, Omegas are branded and ostracized while the Alphas have gathered the world’s sparse resources for themselves. Though proclaiming their superiority, for all their effort Alphas cannot escape one harsh fact: Whenever one twin dies, so does the other.

Cass is a rare Omega, one burdened with psychic foresight. While her twin, Zach, gains power on the Alpha Council, she dares to dream the most dangerous dream of all: equality. For daring to envision a world in which Alphas and Omegas live side-by-side as equals, both the Council and the Resistance have her in their sights.

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.

April Scheduled -
4/23/15 Fringe Benefits by Sandy James Blog Tour Review
4/28/15 Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott Blog Tour Blitz
4/30/15 The Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story by Brooke Johnson Blog Tour

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

I posted three reviews last week so I am still up to date. :-)
I am (very) slowly reading the waiting NetGalley titles in between the new ones.

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 two audio review titles, one print win book and selected two Audibles with credits..
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 received two audio books from AudioBook Jukebox:

Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1
Written by: L. L. Muir
Narrated by: Jim McCance
I selected this through AudioBook Jukebox because it sounded like fun.
See the full description above under current reading.

Trident's First Gleaming: 
A Special Operations Group Thriller
Written by: Stephen Templin
Narrated by: Brian Troxell
Former SEAL Chris Paladin leaves SEAL Team Six to become a pastor, but CIA spook Hannah Andrade pulls him back into Special Operations Group, the ultra-secret unit...

Won

Another book I won From Mary's Bookfan:

The Bookseller: A Novel
by Cynthia Swanson
"A provocative and hauntingly powerful debut novel reminiscent of Sliding Doors, The Bookseller follows a woman in the 1960s who must reconcile her reality with the tantalizing alternate world of her dreams."
This is hardcover no less - I haven't had one of these in a while. :-)
Thank you Mary and Cynthia.

Purchased

I selected these two audible titles with my March credits - they both had high ratings and look very interesting!
Stolen Songbird
Written by: Danielle L. Jensen
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Erin Moon
"As Ccile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer's daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever."

Predator One: A Joe Ledger Novel

Written by: Jonathan Maberry

Narrated by: Ray Porter
"Joe Ledger and his team begin a desperate search for the secret to this new technology and the madmen behind it. But before they can close in, the enemy virus infects Air Force One. The president is trapped aboard as the jet heads toward the heart of New York City. It has become Predator One."

Free

Over the past week I added only 44 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.