Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Audible Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead

This is fast paced military action with a creative story.
Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy
Written by: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase
Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
Series: Evan Gabriel, Book 0.5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-27-13
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi Contemporary, Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Evan Gabriel wasn't always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces…and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever.
Zero Point tells the tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials. Fans of the series will see part of the mysterious past Evan Gabriel carries with him, while listeners new to the series get a preview of what is to come in a military man's haunted life. Zero Point is the true beginning of Evan Gabriel, and his story is just getting started.
©2012 Steve Umstead (P)2013 Podium Publishing


Review:
Gabriel was a young soldier in training whose high level skills caught the eyes of superiors, including a special recruiter. Gabriel has the right profile - no family and no real friends because his loyalty takes precedence over personal relationships. A tough Naval commander offers Gabriel the chance to become part of an elite division of the Naval Special Forces. Gabriel accepts even though he doesn’t have the full details.

Gabriel is delivered to a secret laboratory for special work to prepare for his new career. There he learns that he is about to become a ‘super soldier’ with physical and mental augmentation. He doesn’t get much time to consider the program before a sad technician/scientist thrusts him into a tank for the changes. When Gabriel awakens he finds himself at a zero point - reborn with powers he will have to get used to on the run. The technician is missing and there is a blood trail across the floor.

Gabriel sets out to find the girl and quickly faces multiple attackers, booby trapped hallways and wicked, multi-weaponed assassins. Gabriel suffers wounds that his new body works on healing internally. He successfully faces down all obstacles only to come face to face with a master enemy when he finally reaches the room and finds the technician.

I enjoyed the fast pace action and detailed military maneuvers that were described in this novella. I appreciated Gabriel’s background as the author develops his character. The reader also gets to meet certain military officials whom suspect I will be appearing in further books in the series. The story is direct and believable. I was pleased to have this as a free audio which did result in my purchase of the first full novel in the trilogy: Gabriel’s Redemption.

Audio Notes: It took just a little time to get used to the deep soft voice of the narrator. Ray Chase does a good job presenting the story with intensity that portrays the personalities of the characters. It was nice that this was a quick listen, under three hours, to garner interest in the series. It also included the beginning of book 1 which I enjoyed until I downloaded that book. I recommend this on audio as a quick, exciting listen.

I downloaded this free prequel at Audible. This is part of my Audio Challenge. It is also G on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Winners: April 24 2015 Through May 22, 2015

This brings the winner list up to date for now. :-)
The Winners can always be found listed on the Giveaway page and they are shown in the sidebar for a week or so after announced.
Some of these are tour wins so winners can check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers. I am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended April 24, 2015


Giveaway: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1 by Rita Gerlach
Print US-WINNER: MEREDITH


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended May 7, 2015


Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; 
Rafflecopter: check Rafflecopter
eBook giveaway: WINNER: BOOKLADY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended May 8, 2015


GiveawaysSinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott
Rafflecopter ended: 5/3/15 - See Rafflecopter for winners.
Print giveaway WINNER: CAROL L


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended May 12, 2015


Tour Giveaway: Ride: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Puca Mates Short Book One)
Rafflecopter ended 5/12. Check Rafflecopter for Winner.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended May 15, 2015


Blog Tour GiveawayThe Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story by Brooke Johnson
Rafflecopter ended: 5/15/15 Check Rafflecopter for winners



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaways Ended May 22, 2015


Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler
Rafflecopter Ended 5/22 - Check Rafflecopter for Winners.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Giveaway: Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) by Lori Wick
Print WINNER: SUZANNE K




Sunday, May 24, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 25, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family. I am glad to see she is reading and blogging a bit.


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 plan to take time Monday to remember our Service men and women and give thanks for all they do.
Can you believe it is almost the end of May?  My office is still busy. We have a massive State Data Call due June 1 that we have been working on and will upload this week.

My reading was good if not alot. I only finished two books, one ebook and one audio.   I posted three reviews (one with giveaway) and posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited early in the week but then had computer troubles again as well as being tired at night.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
Finished Reading:
1. Audible


Virgin River
Written by: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
This was an enjoyable listen.
I won't get this review posted until next week due to three scheduled blog tours this week. 
Click on book title for full description.



2. Kindle


Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
by Christi J. Whitney
This has unique elements and is an engaging story.
I will post the review on May 27 as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Sebastian Grey dreams of a girl. But when she turns up at school, Sebastian realises that this isn’t your average teenage fantasy.
Sebastian Grey always thought he was a fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in his foster brother’s tattoo shop.
But when strangers arrive in town, Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed. Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s been dreaming about turns up at school.
Now Sebastian must protect this girl at all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.




Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
I am about 25% in this and enjoying it.
I will post my review on May 29
as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?

The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.

Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.



2. eBook/Kindle


Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott

I really enjoyed the first two books and am looking forward to this.
Review and Giveaway to post on May 30. I received this from Hachette/Forever.
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar-and achingly handsome-Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for . . .



3. Print


The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
I am now 3/4 of the way through this.
I am taking time to digest the information.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible/MP3


The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21
Written by: Stephanie Laurens
Narrated by: Matthew Brenher
I am enjoying the beginning of this story.
I selected this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
What happens when fate, love, and passion collide?
The number one New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of two lovers irrevocably linked by destiny and passion.
Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspects of his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention - not in the way Lucilla Cynster does, even though she lives miles away.
For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force him to return to the countryside - only to discover that his uncle, the laird, is ailing, a clan family is desperately ill, and the clan healer is unconscious and dying. Duty to the clan leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from the last woman he wants to face.
Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting - increasingly impatient - for Thomas to return and claim his rightful place by her side. She knows he is hers - her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. And, at last, he's back. Even though his returning wasn't on her account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance fate hands her.
Thomas can never forget Lucilla, much less the connection that seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he's adamant he does not want.
Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitability of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs - one so much stronger than reason?
©2015 Savdek Management Proprietary Limited (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.



5. eBook/Kindle


FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I started this and then looked at my schedule and realized I needed to read books due for review so this is on hold till the end of the week.
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
Click on book title for full description.



5/3/15- I am up to date on Bible reading but not the daily Devotions. I am only reading those sporadically.
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.

May Scheduled -
No specific date: The Cancer Solution by Jack C. Westman
5/27/15 Tour Review Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
5/28/15 Tour Review The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato
5/30/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott


I posted three reviews last week which still left two audios that I plan to post together. I also have three tour titles to post this week.
I still have have three NetGalley titles for tours, two of which will post this week, and two separate selections.  I hope to get to a TBR eBook again next week.


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 review titles this week and one print win.
Of course I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.
Oops! I keep forgetting to include the SYNC YA Audiobooks - there are really great pairings!
(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
Received from the author for tour with Pump Up Your Book for Review 6/17:

The Ark
by Laura Liddell Nolen
There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.


Received from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Diamond Rings are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Written by: Rachelle J. Christensen
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
This looks like a fun Cozy Mystery
although it is described as Romantic Suspense..
"With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you listening long into the night."

Won

I won this title at a COYER Giveaway from Kristen at
The Book Monsters
The win was a choice of print book under $15.00
I am not sure where I saw this title but it caught my eye but it looked like a good Romantic Suspense.
DO NOT TELL ME NO (Intrepid Women Book 1)
by Kathryn Jane
Thank you Kristen!

Purchased
I resisted again this week. :-)

Free
Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015.

Dodger
by Terry Pratchett
Read by Stephen Briggs
Great Expectations
by Charles Dickens
Read by Anton Lesser

Over the past week I added 42 free Kindle titles to my library - again I had a lot of the offered titles. 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 May 24, 2015

Today was a full day at Church. We honored our high school and college graduates, remembered our service men and women and celebrated Pentecost. Both our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor spoke on Pentecost.

Our SS teacher noted that Pentecost actually means fiftieth day after Passover. However the modern church recognizes Pentecostal as ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’. The original Pentecost was acknowledged in Leviticus as the day to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest (Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest). Leviticus 23:15-23. The day was fifty days after the angel of death passed over the Israelites in Egypt (Passover) because the Lamb’s blood was sprinkled on their doors. In Leviticus the law was written on stone.

After the resurrection of Jesus, he returned to the disciples to teach them for forty days. He left them saying to “wait”, that he would send a helper. Ten days later the people gathered to celebrate the Shavuot, the Feast of Harvest. God used that gathering time to give the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was fifty days after the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our sins. Jesus was the first fruit and this time the message and power was written on our hearts.

Peter went through a transformation as this was the birth of the church. Acts 2. The Power was given to speak of the mighty deeds of God (verse 11). Peter spoke out boldly telling the people what they needed to do: repent, get baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (verse 38). The first Pentecost was about works; the second Pentecost was about faith. Too many people (and churches) deny the power of the Spirit so that we are as Timothy said of the last days: people will be ... “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3-4:5 NIV.

Pastor’s sermon was titled: The Guidance of the Holy Spirit. We don’t have directions as we go through life. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;...” Isaiah 53:6 NIV. People often wander around lost because pride keeps them from asking for help. We have all learned that GPS is not always right and maps may be out of date. The best guide is a knowledgeable person. We need guidance daily! The guidance of the Spirit is for each person and specialized for each person.

Joshua told the people to follow the presence of God (the Ark) because “ Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” Joshua 3:2-4. Ask God to guide you each day so that you will stay on the path He has for you.

I was going to post Holy Spirit Rain Down which we sang this morning. 
Then I found this song to post instead.
Welcome Holy Spirit.

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 32:8(NIV)
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Thank you Lord for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide me in my earthly walk. Thank you too that I find fresh insight the more I read my Bible and study Your Word.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #204 Comment Giveaway May 23, 2015

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

Whew- another busy week. I have another major data project needed for State filing so that is taking extra time.  We had a nice dinner over at our daughter's house tonight.
I had one night this week without internet again so I went to bed early. That seems to have thrown off my sleeping so I am waking up in the middle of the night. I listen to my audio book but I'm not getting the sleep I need. I hope I can get back in sync tonight.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Most all of us are perfectly happy with our names but there were wonderful names shared. Three commenters chose Sara or Sarah and threes chose Elizabeth. Two chose Isabella and two chose flower names. The other names were fairly unique.
~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #203 comments is: #3 Miki 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 #204 (One Question.)

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever come across a song that you feel goes perfectly with a book/movie (must not already be on the soundtrack)??
A: This is a very hard question for me since I don't listen to music too much - except for praise and worship. I have heard some wonderful scores though --  I love the haunting Gael music ("Promentory" by Trevor Jones) from Last of the Mohicans and Enya's May it Be at the end of LOTR.  But a song I am sure would fit with some book - I just don't know which but maybe an Outlander title or a Poison Study title? - is My Immortal by Evanescence.
I know the question is to pick a song NOT ALREADY IN A MOVIE SOUNDTRACK
but I still liked this image. :-)
Image found at Consequence of Sound

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. Abby asks: Have you ever come across a song that you feel goes perfectly with a book/movie (must not already be on the soundtrack)??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 May 30, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails