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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Bargained for Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure

This is a delightfully sweet romance novella that was a treat to read.
Bargained-For Bride
by Marcia Lynn McClure
Amazon * Distractions Ink
  • File Size: 1025 KB
  • Print Length: 127 pages
  • Publisher: Distractions Ink; 1st edition (September 24, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • ASIN: B00FEZRGN0
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Excerpt:
“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.

Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.

Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.

Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part.

Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did.


Review:
Jilly is a young lady of 18 or so who has allowed herself to be charmed by the best looking man in town, Jack. Jack already has a reputation for playing loose with the hearts of the young ladies, but Jilly just doesn’t want to believe it.  Jilly lives with her aging grandparents, who have raised her carefully and are determined to find a way to protect her, even when they pass on.

One afternoon Boone Ramsey approaches Jilly’s grandfather seeking her hand. Boone is a loner who managed to make a success of his family ranch outside of town even after his parents died when he was just barely a teen. Boone has a reputation for being the one to call on for help and rescue. He always comes to the aid of his neighbors and helps out in dangerous situations.

Jilly is upset that her grandfather would promise her hand to Boone when he knows she has her mind set on Jack. Secretly she thinks Boone is really the handsomest man about the area but why would he want her? And if she did accept him would she have to worry as he goes about helpeing and saving everyone else?

Boone has never forgotten the special Christmas gift that Jilly gave him after the death of his parents. He has a tender spot for her and believes that something special can grow between them. Now he just has to convince her to accept what he has to offer out of true affection and not to spite Jack or her grandparents.

I really enjoyed the tender give and take of this old fashioned couple. Boone is a lovely character and willing to help Jilly grow beyond her immature feelings and anger. The writing is interesting as it has a very country aspect, almost hickish. It is suitable for the historical characters that are being portrayed, especially the sheltered, naive Jilly. There is a foundation of good quality in both Jilly and Boone.  I really liked how Ms. McClure displayed how Jilly learned from the strong, quite faith of her grandmother and the loving, tender joy of the relationship between her grandparents. There was a paragraph at the end that was so wonderful I came home and shared it with my own DH.

This is a quick, easy read and a very enjoyable sweet romance. Ms. McClure added some 'snippits' as an afterword that explained the inspiration for the story and some word history that I enjoyed too. This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be glad to read more. If you have not yet tried Ms. McClure's books I recommend this as a fine quick read to try out.

I received this title for an honest review as part of BookBlast Tour. Don't miss the other giveaway opportunity at the BookBlast post.

bargained tour

A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)
Amazon * Distractions Ink

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

marcia
Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”

Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.


Social Media Website Social Media Blog Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Goodreads

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/12/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Audible Book Review: The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson

This short mystery dramatization packs an active dilemma of time paradox to the extreme!
The Chronology Protection Case
by Paul Levinson


LENGTH    38 mins
RELEASE DATE    01-01-05
PUBLISHER    Listen & Live Audio
Genre: Mystery, Dramatization
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
The radio play of "The Chronology Protection Case" was adapted by Mark Shanahan with Paul Levinson, based on the novelette by Paul Levinson which first appeared in the pages of Analog magazine in September 1995. The script of the radio adaptation was nominated for a prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award as "Best Play of 2003" by the Mystery Writers of America.

The radio play was initially performed live before a studio audience at the Museum of TV & Radio in September of 2002. It was subsequently recorded at CDM Studios in New York City in 2003, featuring a cast of nine actors, with an original sound design and score. The CDM recording was produced by Charles de Montebello and Mark Shanahan.

"The Chronology Protection Case" radio play, a science fiction murder mystery, features Shanahan in the role of Dr. Phil D'Amato, the forensic detective who appears in Levinson's acclaimed novels, The Silk Code, The Consciousness Plague, and The Pixel Eye. When D'Amato is approached by the distraught wife of a missing scientist whose work is embroiled in secrecy, he is plunged into an adventure with a terrifying and powerful force of nature at the heart of a series of mysterious deaths.
©1995 Paul Levinson; (P)2005 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.


Review:
This is a dramatized story featuring forensic Detective, Dr. Phil D’Amato. Phil is called by Dr. Lauren Goldring, a physicist married to another physicist, Ian Goldring, who specializes in quantum physics. Ian was working on a device to send signals that would travel faster than light particles. But Ian has disappeared. As Phil begins searching for Dr. Goldring he discovers Ian with three gun shot wounds. Then Lauren turns up dead from an allergic reaction to sedative that Phil requested.

Phil works with Detective Lieutenant Jannie to pursue the case and he calls a Science and Research Journalist friend, Jack who dies next day. There were six people working on the special project and now four are already dead. The two survivors are not talking and all evidence of discussions and correspondence, even emails have been erased.

Now there is only one. Phil meets with Dr. Julie Fenwick, the only remaining survivor from the research project. Their discussion is remarkably intense as they try to figure out how to avoid becoming the next to die as time... or something or someone... protects itself.

There was no in depth character development but the plot line carried the story. Although the science of quantum physics would be difficult for most of us non-scientific types to follow, the impact of the time paradox was still understandable and created the basis of a unique mystery.

Audio Notes: This is a great audio dramatization that reminded me of radio dramas from the years before television – although the quality is much better. If you enjoy listening to fun stories, this is a quick mystery with an ironically twisted plot.

I received this download for review from the Author through AudioBook Jukebox.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Five Winners! Convict Dad, Sisterhood, My Lady Quicksilver and These Boots...

I apologize that I haven't kept up with picking and announcing winners these past two months. It seems like it has been easier for me to find a time when I can pick several at a time instead of once each weekend. Either I have to get back on track each weekend or announce that I will be announcing winners at four week intervals.
Also, I have been behind in delivering wins and my assistant has a box of books to mail out.
Anyone waiting to receive a giftcard/paypal those will all be up-to-date tomorrow.
Anyone waiting to get a book - they should be mailed out by the end of this week. 
Thank you all for being patient!

Giveaway Ended September 30, 2013

Giveaway Review Copy:
 by P. Ryan Hempree
Winner: bn100

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

Giveaway Ended October 11, 2013


Giveaway: Sisterhood 
by Deleyna Marr
Winner: Meghan


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


Giveaways Ended October 18, 2013

Giveaway: My Lady Quicksilver 
by Bec McMaster 
Winner: Jess1


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


by Melody Carlton
Winners: Vicki (email: irb...)
and rubynreba

bn100, Meghan, Jess1, Vicki and Rubynreba Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing, as I have all of these books available.  Please reply within 72 hours!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Mailbox Monday October 21, 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 OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gina @ Book Dragon’s Lair.
[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 received three review titles: two ebook and one audio.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Title

I received two eBooks from Hachette for review:



Accidentally In Love With...A God? (Accidentally Yours)
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Review and Blitz to post on October 31
and
(Accidentally Yours)
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Review and Blitz to post
 on November 20



This Audio received through AudioBook Jukebox.




Battle for LA
Author: CJ Henderson, Mark Sparacio
Narrator: Full Cast
Publisher: AudioComics




Won

NONE


Purchased

Once again I made a $.99 purchase while downloading some free Kindle reads.

Footsteps in Time/Prince of Time (The After Cilmeri Series Books One and Two)
by Sarah Woodbury



Free

I also downloaded another 15 or so free Kindle Titles linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tayInspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? October 21, 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.

It seemed like a strange week but I accomplished different tasks each day.  Reading is still good. :-)  I finished three books and posted five reviews again.   I posted one book Giveaway and two Tour Feature Giveaways.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did some visiting last week which I enjoyed.  None this weekend because we are watching grand kids. I'll have to try visiting through the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts plus win post:
  • Book Review, Feature and Giveaway Link: Lord Trowbridge's Angel by G.G. Vandagriff, Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 10/24.
  • Audible Book Review: The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick, Middle Grade, Fantasy; my rating 4.25. 
  • Book Review and Giveaway Link: Just Ella  by Annette K. Larsen, Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. Ends 11/5.
  • Book Review with Giveaway: The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone, Contemporary Romance, my rating 4.0. Open US and Canada; Ends 10/25/13.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Bargained-For Bride
by Marcia Lynn McClure
This is a cute, sweet romance.
Review as part of BookBlast Tour to post 10/24.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Print


The Christmas He Loved Her (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake)
by Juliana Stone

This is an emotional romance;
I posted the review with ARC giveaway - linked above.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible


A Reason to Live: A Marty Singer Mystery, Book 1
    UNABRIDGED
    by Matthew Iden
    Narrated by Lloyd Sherr
I really enjoyed this mystery which has good action and twists.
This week I'll be posting a review; 
received from the author.
Click on book title for full description.



Line Edits/Releases:
We had two print books released this past week at Amazon - The Late Great Benjamin Bale and There's a Monster in Mommy's Tummy.  They will be linked up at eTreasures (where the net payout is better without the Amazon fees) as soon as I have my copies in hand to make the final overlook. :-)
We also have an ebook that may be finalized for release this week.

Back to working on formatting some new releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Coming Home by Joy Brooks; part of Anthology set: Spring Historicals - Sweethearts in Bloom.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


No Escape (Texas Rangers)
Mary Burton
This is very suspenseful with good romance conflict!
Review, author Interview and Giveaway to post 10/29.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Print


Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait 
by Grace Burrows
This is starting out to be usual Burrows' charming.
I am reviewing for Sourcebooks to post with ARC Giveaway.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
A freshly wrapped Regency Christmas romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes.

What Lady Jenny wants for Christmas...
For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though it will mean scandalizing her ducal parents and abandoning all hope of a family of her own. She confides her plans to successful artist Elijah Harrison when he's commissioned to paint a portrait of her small nephews, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart's desire--won't it?

...Will break both their hearts
Elijah Harrison finds in his unlikely assistant not only an inspiring muse and unappreciated talent, but also a lovely and passionate woman. If Elijah supports Jenny's career, his own professional interests will suffer, but more significantly, he will lose Jenny forever. Both Jenny and Elijah must choose between true love and a lifelong dream.



3. Audible/MP3
 


Third Grave Dead Ahead
by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 3
I'm not enjoying the beginning
of this quite as much as the first two.
Maybe it will get better. This is from my own Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary

Third in the award-winning paranormal series that’s “hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising.” (J.R. Ward)

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back in Darynda Jones' Third Grave Dead Ahead! And she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the parthuman, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hellbent on murder when the devil’s son just won’t give up?



4. Audio/MP3


Battle for LA
Author: CJ Henderson, Mark Sparacio
Narrator: Full Cast
Publisher: AudioComics
This is a comic audio that I received from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox.

In the early morning hours of February 25, 1945, US anti-aircraft shore artillery opened fire on an unidentified object in the skies above Los Angeles, California. Over the course of the next three hours, “swarms of planes” were reported as roaming the skies above the city of angels, though in the end the only actual damage was the result of traffic accidents, friendly fire from the attack, and in some cases, heart attacks caused by stress.

The public was later told that there the attack was a false alarm. Moonstone Books, however, has unearthed the government documents that show the real truth…and how some of the greatest heroes in pulp history fought back against the “event”…
Battle for LA is AudioComics’ second collaboration with Moonstone Entertainment, Inc., adapted from the illustrated novella by CJ Henderson and Mark Sparacio, and starring pulp heroes The Black Bat, Domino Lady, Secret Agent X, and The Phantom Detective, and classic comic character Airboy. America’s pulp and comic avengers pit their wits (and guns) against a menace from another world in a story actually inspired by true events!



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 am working on poetry formatting this week.

I am enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-)
I now have seven titles ready for reviews so I hope to continue with at least five a week which I have tentatively calendared for each day.

October Scheduled
10/24  BookBlast Tour Review: Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure
10/29  Review with Author Interview and Giveaway: No Escape by Mary Burton (Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting) (reading)
10/31 Review with Giveaway: I Accidentally Married a God

Sourcebooks
     Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrows (reading)

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox 
   More to come

Authors - I have several requests to consider.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: When Night Falls - read. 

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