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.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

#NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz

I enjoyed this alternate history, military series.
Battle Hymn (America Rising)
by William C. Dietz
File Size: 1861 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0425278743
Publisher: Ace (February 20, 2018)
ASIN: B072LT18QW
Genre: Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned® novels comes the final volume in the postapocalyptic military science fiction trilogy about America warring with itself and the people trying to keep it together...
The Second Civil War continues to rage as Union president Samuel T. Sloan battles to keep America whole and, more than that, to restore the country to its former greatness.
"Wanted Dead or Alive." Following a fateful battle between Union Army major Robin "Mac" Macintyre and her sister, the New Confederacy places a price on Mac's head, and bounty hunters are on her trail.
But there's work to be done, and Mac is determined to help Sloan reunify the country by freeing hundreds of Union POWs from appalling conditions in Mexico and capturing a strategic oil reserve that lies deep inside Confederate territory.
However, to truly have peace it will be necessary to capture or kill the New Confederacy's leadership, and that includes Mac's father, General Bo Macintyre.


Review:
At the end of book two Mac and her sister had a fateful confrontation. The New Confederacy, by the command of her own father, has placed a price on Mac’s head making her the target of bounty hunters. Many of Mac’s original platoon have been lost so there is a steady stream of new troops coming in. Some of those under her command have Confederate sympathies, or are just greedy, making it hard to know whom she can trust.

Mac’s new commander views Mac as lucky and getting favoritism as the suspected ‘lover’ of Union President, Sam Sloan. Mac gets a new team together and has to prove her worth through a treacherous rescue of abused POWs held in a Mexican prison. More losses occur but the battles don’t stop.
Mac and her Marauders are assigned to capture a strategic oil reserve within Confederacy territory. The odds aren’t good and get worse when unexpected Mexican troops begin to swarm from the south. The Confederacy leadership has made a devil’s bargain with Mexican leaders in an effort to turn the tide of their losses.

President Sloan struggles to prevail as the engagements heat up and the Union faces fresh masses of troops arriving from Mexico. A ravaging hurricane hitting New Orleans adds to the confusion and the tense situation. A daring plan is implemented to take down the leaders of the New Confederacy hoping to stop the confrontation once and for all.

Between battles, corruption and betrayal are revealed. There are a few moments for Sloan and Mac to come together but they can’t let their guard down as enemies continue to stalk them.

This final book in the America Rising series packs a lot of action and some inconsistencies. There are some early bounty attacks on Mac, but those threats pretty much stop in spite of her notoriety and visibility. Some chilling attack plans are discussed and then never mentioned again. This was a good thing, but it seemed strange that it was introduced as a possibility only to never be revisited.

As in the prior books some of the scenes are implausible and have to be accepted as just entertainment. In spite of these inconsistencies, I enjoyed the steady action and suspense that continues to the end. I liked the teasing relationship between Sloan and Mac even in their brief encounters. This series was entertaining and the ending was a satisfactory conclusion.

Source: Publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

My Review of Book One: Into the Guns (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.0

My Review of Book Two: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.5

Note: I think this series is overpriced in the Kindle format and, IMHO, that may limit readership.
The Audible prices might be acceptable but with so many choices of books available it seems strange to overprice a series that may be entertaining but isn’t really stellar.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Book Review: The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest) by Laura L. Walker

This is a charming, clean romance – lovely for a Valentine or anytime romance read.
The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
File Size: 1402 KB
Print Length: 191 pages
Publication Date: January 18, 2018
ASIN: B0794PGVBK
Genre: Holiday, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


When a Valentine's Day contest for Arizona's Cutest Couple throws two romance-challenged friends together, can they survive a fake engagement and win the prize?
All Penny Merrill wants to do is run her own sweet shop in ritzy Scottsdale, Arizona, but her money-hungry mother and conniving stepfather are making it nearly impossible to keep her dream alive. When Penny finds an advertisement for a Valentine’s Day contest for Arizona’s Cutest Couple, with the winnings being enough to enable her to hold on to her floundering business, she comes up with an idea that might just work—if she can find the right man for the job.
Commercial contractor Preston Ames is starting to develop feelings for Penny, and even though he’s been through enough heartache to know that he should avoid her at all costs, he can’t keep himself from visiting her sweet shop every day. When Penny asks him to participate in a crazy scheme so that she can overturn her stepfather’s underhanded business ploy, Preston hesitates, wanting to keep the fact that he’s a billionaire a secret. However, one look into her soulful blue eyes and he’s a goner.
Everything seems to be going well for Penny and Preston until they compete with another couple whose heartache transcends all of their misconceptions about love. When all is said and done, will they do the right thing and, in the process, discover a bond that is greater than they thought was even possible? Can just one picture turn Penny into Preston’s sweet Valentine? Find out in this clean and wholesome romance featuring a fun holiday contest!


Review:
Penny hasn’t had the easiest upraising with a single mother who went through one husband after another seeking riches. Now mom has married a rich man but for some reason they want to control her life. Penny broke out on her own and is struggling to give her sweet shop bakery a chance for success. When she learns of a Valentine’s Day Contest that has a $5,000.00 prize, she decides to be bold and ask Preston to pretend to be a couple with her.

Preston has been picking up treats at Penny’s shop for some time. He is a little reluctant to enter into a pretend relationship, but he really does want to help her. Preston has chosen to build his own business rather than just ride on his family money and he doesn’t want to explain to Penny his financial background. Instead he decides to enjoy the time with her as they become a couple for the contest.

Penny is facing more difficulties with her shop when she learns her step brother has become the new landlord and has moved in next door. Then some other troubles surface which are looking suspicious. Fortunately, Penny is enjoying her time with Preston and is glad to have him to lean on. She isn’t aware that Preston is investigating her problems in secret trying to determine what is going on.

I really liked this couple. Penny is full of optimism and determination. Preston has integrity and caring. It was sweet to watch their feelings for each other grow even as they tried to hide it. The other couples in the contest have different love stories that show love at various stages of life and through good times and struggles. The romance is sweet and clean and I found it charming. The storyline contest and touch of mystery flowed very smoothly and made for a nice, easy read.

I have to admit that I tend to avoid “billionaire” books. However, this one sounded like he wasn’t a pompous guy and it was a chance to read a Valentine story. I am glad I read this as it was a breath of fresh air and change of pace from some of the other things I have been reading. This is the second book I have read by Ms. Walker and I would be glad to read more. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a clean, sweet romance.

Note: Ms. Walker advised that she generally writes in the Christian genre. Although this is a sweet, clean novel, she has added Christian elements to the final version. I know I would have enjoyed those elements just fine.

Source: from the Author for review. This qualifies as a 2018 title for my Alphabet Reading Challenge.
Also see my review of Caitlyn's Christmas Wish by Laura L. Walker.

Monday, February 12, 2018

MBS January 2018 Reading List Wrap Up


MBS 2018 Reading List - JANUARY
Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2018

Favorite for January: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; rated 4.75

  1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
  2. A2018- Audible Book Review: Year One by Nora Roberts;Fantasy, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Supernatural; my rating 4.25.
  3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Year After by William R. Forstchen; Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 by Jim Butcher; Fantasy, Paranormal, Private Investigator, Wizards; my rating 4.25.
  5. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann; Christian, Inspirational, Holiday; my rating 4.25.
  6. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein; Classic, Space Marine, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emerald Atlas, Books of Beginning; Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10), Siblings; my rating 4.25.
  8. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
  9. PTBR- Book Review: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick; Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 4.0.
  11. A2018- Audible Book Review: Island by Aldous Huxley; Classic, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 2.0.
  12. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: X Minus One: A Gun for Dinosaur (March 7, 1956) by L. Sprague de Camp; Classic, Time Travel, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  13. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.

Total read = 13; TBR = 11; New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 8 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 0
NetGalley = 4 (4 TBRs)
Print = 1 (TBR)

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Sunday Post February 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 12, 2018


I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 came down with a sore throat on Monday with swollen glands. I stayed home Tuesday and slept most of the day. Today I am better with just a little bit of a cough left. I lost that day at work but keep plugging away.
We are having heavy rain right now and have a flashing leak at our chimney. We'll have to get repairs done this week.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this past week. I finished one ebook and one Audible. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 27 blogs again this past week :-)
Shout Out this week to The Book Jotter with Amazon’s 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime Tag post.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick; Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 4.0.
  • NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)


All Our Wrong Todays: A Novel
by Elan Mastai
This is an interesting time travel tale.
Source: NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3 (ABB 2018)



River Rising
Carson Chronicles, Book 1
By: John A. Heldt
Narrated by: Chaz Allen
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I enjoyed this. Mr. Hedlt creates engaging characters and situations.
Source: From the author through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)


The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
I'm enjoying this lighter romance. :-)
Source: Author.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3 (Author)



The Earth Bleeds Red
By: Jackson Baer
Narrator: Dan Carroll
Duration: 8 hrs and 41 mins
This sounded interesting; I will start listening tonight.
Source: Author
Publisher's Summary
Scott Miller has everything he's ever hoped for. He has a successful marriage to Jessie, a stunningly beautiful, creative woman. His 17-year-old daughter, Ashley, is both gorgeous and intelligent, and has just been accepted to the University of Notre Dame, where Scott received his PhD. He has a comforting home in the woods, and a fulfilling career as a college professor at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He's blissful, and at peace, until it all comes shattering down.
Ashley is kidnapped. The scene of the abduction is horrific and bloody, and the police are convinced she couldn't have survived. They accuse her boyfriend, Brandon, of Ashley's murder. He declares his innocence, and claims that a masked man who entered his house and overwhelmed them both took Ashley. No one believes Brandon.
Then the bodies of three other missing girls are discovered, all bearing the mark of a known serial killer the FBI has been hunting for years. Evidence mounts. As Special Agent James Duncan tracks the Hail Mary Killer, Scott and Jessie try to move on with their lives. But they can't shake the feeling that Ashley may still be alive, and that the time for saving their only daughter is quickly running out.
In the best tradition of literature and suspense, Jackson Baer has weaved a heartfelt tale of one family's struggle to survive after a despicable evil wrenches them apart.
©2013 Jackson Baer (P)2018 Jackson Baer



3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)



Scarlet
The Lunar Chronicles, Book 2
By: Marissa Meyer
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler
I am enjoying this second in the series.
Source: December 2017 Audible Credit Purchase
Publisher's Summary
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the best-selling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison - even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life.
When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
©2013 Marissa Meyer (P)2013 Macmillan Audio



4. PLBC (TBR)


When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall
I am 110 pages in and this pulls you in and keeps attention.
This book was for our Ladies Book Club but we didn't get them started in time so it is being read for March. Some of the ladies will read book two also.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016.
Hannah Lapp was raised in an Old Order Amish Family. Now seventeen, she is ready to get out and experience the world. She is thrilled to accept the proposal from her Mennonite boyfriend. If she were forced to live outside the community on her own, could she handle it? Will she turn to God for answers?


February 11, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying reading and listening to the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. However we realized that it does not match the book plan so we aren't not reading the same scriptures. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.


I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews. That moves me to 4 current reviews.
I have started linking again at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

My NetGalley shelf is now at 19. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie.
I have more new author requests but haven't had time to reply.



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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I selected/received one audiobook for review this week.
I picked up two free Audible titles this week but resisted purchases.
As usual, I picked up (many) more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
I accepted this audiobook/Audible title from the author:
2/10/18 Received for Review:


The Earth Bleeds Red
By: Jackson Baer
Narrator: Dan Carroll
Duration: 8 hrs and 41 mins


Won
NONE

Purchased

Here is the picture of the books I got last week for $15.00. I will read a handful of these but the rest will go into my Friday Pick boxes.


Free
I picked up two free Audibles:
2/8/2018 Free
West Cork cover artWest Cork
By: Sam Bungey, Jennifer Forde
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 02-08-18



2/7/2018 Free
The Minefield Girl cover artThe Minefield Girl
By: Sofia Ek
Narrated by: Camilla Belle. Sound design by: Rich Macar – Buttons NY. 3D spatial audio by: VisiSonics.
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 02-01-18

I added 73! free titles to my Kindle library this week! 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 February 11, 2018

We braved the rain to share and worship at church. Our Sunday School teacher continued his interesting lessons regarding death. Pastor shared for the second week on his sermon series: Inhabited.

He reminded us that the Holy Spirit is a person, dwelling and living within us. He also reminded us of last week’s point:
Point: We are not all we are meant to be when everything in our lives can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God.

Then Pastor asked: Are we desperate for more of Him, for His presence every day?
As he asked last week: Will we be satisfied to live a life that can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Holy Spirit?

When we enter a committed relationship, such as marriage, everything changes. We cannot live life as we did like a single person or their will be friction and trouble. This is true when we enter a committed relationship with Jesus. When we accepted Jesus did our life change? Did we (do we) allow the Spirit to be present and working in us or did we (do we) push Him aside to a corner? The Holy Spirit is not just to be added like a condiment, or a good luck charm to bring blessings.

Accepting Jesus should result in a change, a new nature. We should be immersed as is symbolized by the baptism through immersion in water.
Truth: The Holy Spirit is for anyone who believes on Jesus as Lord.

Acts 2:17-21 ‘In last days... And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Romans 8:9-11 ‘The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus, lives inside of us.’

Point: The Holy Spirit gives us power to put sin to death.

Satan, the Enemy lies to us trying to make us complacent in our sins. He says that sin is part of our life; it is part of genetics; it is part of social environment; everyone is doing it. But the Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin and generational curses. There are no earthly excuses to justify sin.

If you see brackish water where sea water has mixed with fresh water you know that is not safe or good to drink. The Holy Spirit makes us a wholly new person, if we allow. We are not to be part sin and part holy.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
There should be a big difference in our lives if we have the Holy Spirit living within. Is your life different? Do you recognize Him at work in your life? Have you limited the Spirit in you? Don't continue to live with the sin and the curses. Is it possible the Holy Spirit lives within is just not head knowledge, but not moving in you?

If you do not allow the Spirit to control within you, there is no power, no presence, and no work. Surrender your all every day and let the Holy Spirit have complete access to move within you to make you the new person you are meant to be.

The words of this song fit perfectly – “desperate for You, I surrender…”
Verses for Today:
Romans 8:5-6
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Lord, help me to surrender my will each morning to Your Will; to allow the Holy Spirit to lead over my carnal nature.
Related image

Related image

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails