Sunday Words of Encouragement December 22, 2013

[As noted - I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]

ADVENT WEEK FOUR celebrates The Nativity... a choice is made, a gift given and God becomes Emmanuel -- God with us, God made man to show us His presence and provide the final bridge from the darkness to the light.

The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Week Four :: The Nativity
The God-made-flesh became all things to all people. And his incarnation means our very choices are made sacred. Discernment is a process of incarnation, a letting God in. The nativity reminded us that God has already been here, been involved intimately in our lives—and it wasn’t going to stop.
....

We had a lovely Christmas service this morning.

This is a medley from our choir Christmas program.
I could not find the song I had in mind but this is a good choice too.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 9:6
    For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Well - other than early gifts (mailed late) and some stocking gifts (now purchased) I am abandoning all pretense at preparation for the commercial part of Christmas. And I think that is just as well. My DH and I are focusing on family time, perhaps a Christmas Eve service, and recognizing the true reason to celebrate - Christ came to live with us and die for us. Thank you to our triune God!

Sharing Beyond Books #131 Comment + Special Giveaway 12/21/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Happy Winter Solstice! Here I sit tonight - no fire needed as it is warm again. Hope it gets a little cooler again for Christmas.

The number one hard thing or late thing for commenters this year is sending cards with six people mentioning that. Three mentioned everything is difficult this season; two said trees and a few other items like mailing gifts (we were late too) and planning Christmas dinner. Only two people feel fully prepared - lucky folks. :-)

Thirteen people will be giving books for gifts to family members from moms to great nephews. Two said "maybe" they will give books and two said no.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #130 comments is: #4 Sue 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 #131

Q1. Margaret asks: If you drink tea, which herbal tea is your favorite??

A: I enjoy various teas - different flavors for different moods. I most prefer Earl Grey and Breakfast Blend - usually decaf. I think my favorite herbal tea is Mandarin Orange although I do enjoy getting a variety pack to try other flavors.

Image found at itsallisonbtch.

Q2. ElizabethL poses a book question: What book are you looking forward to for the new year??

A: I had a third book in a trilogy I was looking forward to until I saw the less than favorable reviews. Now I am totally undecided what book to make my first read in 2014.  I am pretty sure it is going to be The Harbinger which I have been looking forward to for some time. I am also looking forward to reading the Four Blood Moons early in 2014. Other than those - I always look forward to many books! :-)  BTW - please see special Giveaway below regarding this!!

Image found at Pages of Forbidden Love.

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 are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Margaret asks: If you drink tea which herbal tea is your favorite??

Q2. ElizabethL poses a book question: What book are you looking forward to for the new year??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 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 by Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10 PM central.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!
In addition to the usual giveaway I have a special Giveaway to add: I plan to pick a winner from all those who share a title that they are looking forward to reading in 2014. If the winner has not yet purchased the book I will purchase it for them as a gift. If they already have the book then I will send a GC for the price of the book (up to a reasonable amount - up to $20.00). So let me hear what books you want!!
Winner to be selected 12/27/13 at 10PM central.

Book Review: Christmas Wishes by Wendy Vella

This is another delightful historical gem - perfect for quick Christmas reading joy.
Christmas Wishes
by Wendy Vella

• File Size: 2698 KB
• Print Length: 95 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Wendy Vella (December 8, 2013)
• ASIN: B00H707SG0

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers, however she was desperate for money to support the orphans in her care this Christmas, so it is to him she must go. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to point out his many faults so boldly, but the man drove her to distraction and all thoughts of lady-like behaviour disappeared in his infuriating presence.

Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long forgotten Christmas wish really come true?

Review:
Hero is from a society family but her father was a wastrel and she is now alone and reliant on a family relative for support. She is content to live at a ramshackle estate she inherited but she needs more to care for the six orphaned children she has taken in. They really need financial patronage to make repairs and have a bit of Christmas joy. She has written to the local “Lord” but he hasn’t even had the decency to reply.

Shortly before Christmas Hero learns that Lord Caruthers, Max, has returned from town so she ‘storms the castle’ to seek his help. It isn’t very encouraging when she discovers him with bloodshot eyes and clearly suffering from a night of excess. Hero doesn’t have much faith or sympathy for the obviously indulgent Lord and he initially views her as a prissy termagant.

Max surprises Hero when he keeps his promise to visit her the next day but she is still distrustful and rude. Max realizes how outspoken Hero can be but he also sees how lovely and caring she really is. Max has known little of love through his life and is surprised to watch this young woman who is willing to give so freely to children who aren’t even her own. One little boy has clearly suffered abuse but he attaches himself to Max and is sure that he will protect them.

Max manages to surprise Hero again, first with repairs and gifts and then with personal attention. She is attracted to him although she knows that she isn’t likely to attract such a rake. When danger threatens the children and then Hero, Max is quick to come to the rescue and to decide that there is something special about Hero that brings to mind Christmas wishes. 

Although this is a rather common plotline for a historical novel--the poor innocent miss and the rich rake--Ms. Vella makes it a fun read with the addition of delightfully cute children, good chemical attraction, a little danger and sweet romance. It is a quick, easy read that was a delight. This is a wonderful novella to give a reader a taste of this author, or a treat for those readers who already enjoy her work.

Max recognizes that Hero is special:

“... She was everything he had never wanted in a wife. She would be demanding, argumentative and want to play a full role in his affairs....” Location 1408

I was glad to read this quick Christmas delight from the author.

Book Review: Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters) by Wendy Vella

This is a lovely historical with the tensions of society issues and a little bit of danger and mystery.

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella

• File Size: 2673 KB
• Print Length: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wendy Vella; 3 edition (December 10, 2013)
• ASIN: B00G88MQQY

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
Desperate and penniless, Miss Olivia Langley is out of options. To ensure her family's survival she and her sister decide to take a drastic step - they don masks and take to the road as highwaymen. Disaster strikes when, inside the first carriage they rob, they find the one man Olivia had hoped never to see again. Five years ago Lord William Ryder had broken Livvy's heart. Now he has returned and she has a bad feeling that if anyone can succeed at unmasking her deepest secrets, it will be him.
Will knew his return would be greeted with both joy and resentment, but after five years of hard living he was ready to come home and take his place in society. He had never forgotten Olivia no matter how hard he'd tried, and whilst he hadn't imagined she would welcome him with open arms, the hostility and anger she displays are at odds with the woman he once knew. It is not long before he realizes she's living a dangerous lie, and now that he’s back, Will is determined to keep her safe and finally claim her for his own.

Review:
Olivia is a proper young lady but has the burden of trying to support her younger sisters and household after the untimely death of their father. Olivia is too proud to let the community see that their finances are in desperate shape. They have sold most of the pictures and things of value in their home and they need extra funds to get medical help for the youngest girl, Bella. Now Olivia and her middle sister, Phoebe, have become highway robbers to assure their next meals and to build up the funds to help Beth.

Will has just returned home from his travels and adventures abroad. Five years earlier Will had been dressed down as a wastrel by his elder brother. Will, being a young hothead, stomped off in the heat of anger taking his long time friend, Luke, as coachman and side kick. Now they are returning with a third partner and fortunes secured for each.

Will is thrilled to see his childhood best friend and almost sweetheart, Olivia. Granted he had left her behind with no word too, but they were young and he was a selfish young man enjoying his life of freedom with wicked friends in town. But Olivia had always been special to him and now, as a mature man of means, he is determined to pursue her and keep her safe.

Olivia doesn’t want to acknowledge that Will broke her young heart when he left without so much as a note. She had hoped she had gotten over her youthful infatuation but fears that is not the case when she inadvertently robs his coach on the night of his return. Now she struggles to give him a cold shoulder and to keep him from getting close enough to learn the secrets of her family circumstances. Then Olivia’s odious and lewd cousin determines that he will take advantage of the three young girls. Can Olivia execute an escape before getting caught or will she accept help before it is too late?

The plot may be somewhat old hat but Ms. Vella makes it work nicely with warm characters and good action. This is an easy, light read with strong emotions between the matured characters. I enjoyed the touch of danger that exists with the highway robberies and of course the added villainy of a lecher set to control the girls. Will and his two companions make good heros and add more sidelines of interest. The sexual encounters in this one are strong but not too steamy and play second place to a larger plot which is how I like it. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an engaging, warm historical romance and I look forward to more stories from Ms. Vella.

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 20, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
{NOTE: Most books are out in the mail and GCs will be gifted Friday or Saturday.}
NOTE TWO: Per my note last week, and as a holiday special: Any winner from December 6 - 27 can choose a book (even for International) or GC (even for US). 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! TO ALL Friday Pick visitors!!  Only five days to Christmas and I am so NOT ready. At least I have tried to focus on the real reason for the season and I'm not stressing about the rest. I just hope everyone else can understand my attitude. :-)

{More good health news: the additional biopsy came back negative. Another doctor consult tomorrow but we still may not have a plan of treatment until next Friday when I see the second (chemo) oncologist. }

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the December 13 Pick. There were TWO Automatic wins again 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 two titles blocked and again one was won.

Anita gets Caught in a Bind
bn100 gets Deceptions & Dreams

CONGRATULATIONS
[I picked an extra winner for Holiday gifting. :-)]
to Random.org picked Winners from December 13 Pick:
Sue gets Dove in the Window (after several weeks blocked)

LindaK gets Never Tell
marjorie gets a GC

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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

 Image found at hypable. 

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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! I am happy to say that so far about 605+ 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.

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 $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight 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 and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: Traitor's Knife (Five Gems) by E. Kaiser

This is an easy reading, action packed adventure tale.
Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser

• File Size: 704 KB
• Print Length: 271 pages
• Publisher: Hearth Books; 1 edition (December 18, 2013)
• ASIN: B00DUEEVBC

Genre: YA Fantasy, Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
When the loyalist cause enlists the mountain house into a weaponry, apprentice Fia is confronted with three refugee children, a disturbingly upstart former messenger, and accidents happening everywhere. Are saboteurs out to nix the weapons works... or is it the incognito crown prince they're after?

Traitor's Knife continues where Jeweler's Apprentice ended, and nearly seventeen year old Fia Brithin from the foothills still has a lot to learn about the mountains, and the people now in them.

Review:
Fia is a young lady who has been given a rare position as an apprentice jeweler under the royal household. She has developed a special friendship with the beleaguered royal family and especially their sole surviving son, Ilido. Now it is important to keep Ilido safe, in disguise and hiding as a commoner.

Fia travels with other refugees, befriending small children who lost their father and have to leave their mother behind with a sick infant. There is also a ragged looking former messenger, who tries to charm Fia into friendship.  Willex will rival Ilido but the reader suspects that he is more rogue than charmer.

Arriving at another stronghold, Fia rejoins old friends and her jeweler mentor determines that Fia has a knack for serving as a spy as well as an apprentice. It seems that Fia is a good listener and few would suspect her of watching and listening for secrets. One of Fia’s sisters shows up asking too many questions and they distract her by convincing her to use her healing skills to help the injured. The children continue to help Fia and offer sweet amusement.

The king’s supporters try to rebuild their resources to stand against the armies of the Barons who are expected to come up the mountain but accidents are obstructing the project. Fortunately Fia is always in the right place to help save Ilido from repeated assassination attacks. There is intrigue, sneaking thieves, spies, traitors and danger. There are strong characters to like, some to question as to motives and then dislike as true villainy is revealed.

The story reads easily and moves along well for the most part. It opens with a good hook and I enjoyed the steady story and action. The setting has a medieval feel and there are wonderful, full descriptive scenes.  There is also a bit too much minutia of activity that lengthens the story without adding to the plot.

This is a second in a series and although there is some hint at intrigue that placed Fia and her sisters in connection with the royal family it is never clearly explained. There is also a scene involving a special mountain gem which seems like it should be more developed since the series is called 'Five Gems'. Traitor's Knife is still interesting and engaging despite this and I would be interested in reading the first book and then continuing to follow Fia’s adventures. I recommend this to readers, young and old, who enjoy good story telling with warm characters, secret intrigues and adventure.

I received this from the author for an honest review.

Book Blitz Feature and GC Giveaway - The Double Life of Incorporate Things by Leanna Renee Hieber

The Double Life of Incorporate Things
by Leanna Renee Hieber
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal (gaslamp fantasy)
ISBN: 9781494324551

Summary

"Just when we think our nightmares are over, the Society has invented a new horror. Around every corner a shadow, behind every whisper a demon. If we don't end what the devils began, we will die haunted..."

The Magic Most Foul saga takes a deadly turn as The Master’s Society unveils its next ungodly avenue of paranormal experimentation. First, souls were split from bodies. Then the dead were reanimated. Now, a mind-altering chemical has been unleashed in Manhattan. Demonic trauma and terror escalates for the dashing Lord Denbury and brave, feisty Miss Natalie Stewart. Together with their stalwart friends and unlikely heroes, they take the fight directly to the Denbury estate, where a collective evil has awakened. But are Natalie and Jonathon prepared for all the sacrifices that shall be asked of them? With their very lives and the sanctity of their mortal souls at stake, these lovers are past the point of no return...

Excerpt

I set the paper down slowly enough to see the thin edges shake as the full, personal impact of the newspaper article hit me.

"Natalie, what is it?" Jonathon asked, staring at me with those eviscerating blue eyes of his. I opened my mouth but no sound came out. Damn my unpredictable, inconstant voice.

For the past many months now, I'd been pummeled by one strange event after another, pulled into the center of a paranormal whirlpool. At least in this case, we had an inkling, some sense of the next onslaught. Still, a foreshadow was hardly a comfort. We couldn't have guessed the scope.

Now it wasn't just myself or Jonathon Whitby, Lord Denbury in danger, with the occasional collateral victim. Now it was a crowd. I knew the Association. I adored them. They weren't hooligans or criminals, they were gentle souls, artistic and individual. Overdramatic, yes, but a threat? Hardly. This maligning was the work of The Master's Society, turning lambs into lions in ungodly experiments, leaving them for fodder in sensational, indelicate journalism. It could only get worse. Exponentially worse.

"It's begun," I finally managed to reply quietly, sliding the paper across the lacquered console table behind the sofa toward Jonathon's reach. "Another phase. They've gone after the Association. And the papers will vilify those poor dears, every last one of them. Jonathon, the demons won't give up..."

Social Networking Links

Website - http://www.leannareneehieber.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LRHieber

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Leannarenee

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1651952.Leanna_Renee_Hieber


Buy Links

Amazon -  http://amzn.to/19mdmN0
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1cG5C9o

GIVEAWAY $50.00 GC

Ends 1/6/14

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday December 16, 2013

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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader

[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't get any review books this week but I did purchase two Kindle books.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I am so utterly behind in responding to review requests. I have to figure out how to handle this. (I need an assistant! Ha!)

Won

None this week.

Purchased

While downloading free Kindle books I came across one Christmas mystery that looked cute and a boxed paranormal romance set, each at $.99.

Silent Night (Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries)

Nina Decker (paranormal romance boxed set)

Free

I downloaded about 32 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? December 16, 2013

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 had a busy week with several closings in the office and having to drive out to doctor appointments twice. I am still waiting for results of the new biopsy but we got good news that neither my sister nor I have the mutated cancer gene. 

I only finished four books (six if you count the two novellas in Lucky Harbor.  I only posted three reviews, (squeezing the third in today), and I posted a Bookblast Giveaway and a print Giveaway. 
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway,  Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I finally did a little visiting earlier today. I have to keep working on that.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 9, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 12/9/13.

• BookBlast Feature with Giveaway: Silver White
  $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
  Ends 12/31/13

• Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carson,  Inspirational Fiction; my rating 4.25. Ends 12/18.

• Book Review: Unfinished Business, An Angela Panther Novel by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, Paranormal (Ghosts), Chick Lit; my rating 4.5. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 13, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/19/13.

• Sharing Beyond Books #130 Comment Giveaway 12/14/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/20.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 15, 2013.
  

• Audible Book Review: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncleby Arthur Conan Doyle, Mystery, Classic; my rating 4.5.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella
A sweet Regency romance with a bit of sizzle.
I'll post my review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Christmas Wishes
by Wendy Vella
I enjoyed the other book so much
I jumped straight to this one.
This is a quick Christmas delight.
I'll post a review for this one this week too.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers, however she was desperate for money to support the orphans in her care this Christmas, so it is to him she must go. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to point out his many faults so boldly, but the man drove her to distraction and all thoughts of lady-like behaviour disappeared in his infuriating presence.

Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long forgotten Christmas wish really come true?

3. Print

Christmas in Lucky Harbor:
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
Shalvis delivers fun conflict as usual in the novel and two short stores. 
I'll post a review with giveaway later this week.  
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3

Title: The New Space Opera 2
Editor: Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Stahan
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
I am on the last story;
About an hour left so I'll probably done
by Monday morning.
I hope to post a review this week.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have several print files to upload as soon as I get cover flats and final proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Gift Cards for the Holidays!

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
 

The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus 
by Scott Roloff
I am a third into this and so far it is an interesting fictionalized rendition of the birth and childhood of Jesus.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description continues at link.]

2. eBook/Kindle

 

The Wanderers
by Cheryl Mahoney
I picked this title to read.
It is written by a blog friend author.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Any wandering adventurer hoping to survive needs rules—and Jasper has many. There’s Rule #2: Never make plans; Rule #20: Never make a Good Fairy angry; and the surprisingly challenging Rule #18: Always travel alone.

The talking cat breaks Rule #18 badly enough. The witch’s daughter, desperate to escape her horrible mother, is even worse. Between them, they up-end Jasper’s previously simple life (when all he had to worry about was an occasional giant or dragon), and prove that sometimes, rules are no help at all.

You might recognize the countryside and you may think you know what to expect. But whether it’s a refined ogre, a youngest son in need of lots of questing help or a very dangerous Good Fairy, things here rarely go quite as the Brothers Grimm would tell it.

You’ve strayed beyond the tales…

3.eBook/Kindle

Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1)
by Shawn Underhill
I featured this in BookBlast and it sounded interesting.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time.
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: I will still be finalizing four print releases/waiting for more cover flats.

I want to keep enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-) I have added a few titles to my current line up for December.
I didn't get caught up last week but my backlog for review is now four books and I hope to post four or five this week and then I'll be up to date again.

December Scheduled- done

NetGalley:
  couple requests pending

Authors
   The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author (reading)
   Christmas on Main Street Anthology  - picked up at Kindle
   The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff  (reading)

AudioBook Jukebox 
    more being requested

From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

A Month of Winners!

I apologize to all these winners - I have been late in picking the winners and although I have listed them in the right sidebar I have not posted the a Winners post for November Giveaways.
So here are the Winners to bring us up-to-date.
{Note- Friday Pick and Sharing Beyond Books Winners are announced each week and listed in the sidebar too so they are not included in winner link listing - you can check those winners by clicking on Friday Pick link or Sharing Beyond Books link found on the right sidebar.}


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Giveaway Ended November 8, 2013


Giveaway: No Escape
WINNER: Texas Book Lover







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Giveaway Ended November 15, 2013

Accidentally in Love With...A God?
Winners: 

Entry #74 Amber H.

Entry #22 Meghan S.

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Giveaways Ended November 15, 2013

Giveaway: The Last Christian by David Gregory, 
Two Copies US - Print: Becky W and Vicki W
International - Digital: Mary P and Djamel E





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Giveaway Ended November 22, 2013

Giveaway: Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait  

Winner: Martha L






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ARC Giveaway: To Have and To Hold

Winner: Di








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Giveaways Ended November 29 , 2013

 

Giveaway Accidentally Married to...A Vampire?

TWO COPIES from Hachette:
OPEN WORLDWIDE: Print for US or digital for Canada or International
WINNERS: 

Entry #101  Amber H.

Entry #63  Jossy M.

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Giveaway Ended December 6, 2013

ARC Giveaway: Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell, 
US address

Winner: Rita






ALL WINNERS - if you have not already done so - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[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! :-)]

Audible Book Review: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle

This makes a delightful mystery listen for Christmas or anytime.

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle

    UNABRIDGED

    by Arthur Conan Doyle

    Narrated by Alan Cumming 

    LENGTH    46 mins
    RELEASE DATE    12-06-12
    PUBLISHER  Audible, Inc.

Genre: Mystery, Classic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Two-time Emmy Award nominee (The Good Wife) and Audie
Award winner for best narrator Alan Cumming here narrates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first-rate Yuletide whodunit "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle". Cumming adds his personal flair to the mystery classic and turns in an outstanding performance of the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his pal, Watson.
Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Holmes contemplates an abandoned hat brought to him by a local commissioner together with a fat Christmas Goose. Although Watson sees only a battered hat, Holmes deduces detailed inferences from the initials and condition of the hat. Then the commissioner bursts through the door with a blue stone found in the gullet of the goose. Holmes recognizes the gem as the famous Blue Carbuncle that was stolen a few weeks before. Now he sets out to unravel the mystery of the theft and its discovery in the goose.

Anyone who has read the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes knows the wonderful deductive reasoning that is combined with the rather snippy, snarky and subtly humorous repartee between Holmes and Watson as Holmes unwinds the mystery. The commonplace to Watson and the normal reader/listener is so much more to Holmes – because to him it is “elementary” of course! This is a quick, fun listen perfect to delight mystery lovers.

Audio Notes: The narration is perfectly fitting for a Holmes adventure -- full of dry wit and enthusiasm for the mystery! I would be glad to listen to more narration by Mr. Cumming.

I received this audio in December 2012 as a free gift with my Audible Subscription.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 15, 2013

[As noted - I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]

ADVENT WEEK THREE is a time of Preparation... a time to weigh the signs, consider the circumstances and prepare our hearts so that commitment can be made to the truth and not to deceiving spirits.

The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Week Three :: Preparation
The Annunciation has happened and slowly word begins to spread. You can almost see the whispers in the night spreading out beyond Bethlehem town. The rumours are true. The wisemen, the magi, the sheep and the goats, all hear of the coming of the messiah. Things have begun looking clearer. The signs foretold have begun to appear. The scriptures, the history of the people, foretell Jesus’ incarnation. Hope fills hearts.
....

This morning we had our church and Christian school program. It is lovely to see the joy and light of the season in the eyes of children!

This is a wonderful adaptation of a beautiful Christmas Hymn.

O Little Town of Bethlehem from amyslack on GodTube.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

I am not particularly prepared for this Christmas season as I have left cards, decorating and even gift buying to the last ten days now. Even as I push on with those preparations, I pray that I may do the more important thing of preparing my heart to celebrate the true gift of the season:- a Godly child born to bring Salvation to those who believe.