December Challenge Wrap Up

Wrap Up

I went nuts last year with challenges. A few  I bombed, some I did great with, a few I squeaked by. Overall, it was a good year though. But, this year I'm doing fewer year-long challenges and more of the short-term ones such as COYER. Another challenge started this month that runs through March 6th, Winter COYER, so that's listed here too.

Grab a drink, get comfy, and get ready! 

Winter COYER - Goal: as many as I can

1. I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper
2. Love Under Two Flyboys by Cara Covington
3. My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni
4. A Reason to Believe by Diana Copland

TOTAL: 4

The TBR Book Tag - How Many Books Are On My TBR Pile? (Too Darn Many!)

Image from author Mary Balogh on facebook

I saw this meme at On Starships & Dragonwings last month and thought it sounded like fun. It also seemed like a good post for the end of the year, a way to look at what I've got to read. It's always interesting to me to hear about other people's TBR piles and how they manage them. One thing I've noticed is that definitions of a TBR, or To Be Read, pile differ. For me, the TBR pile is books actually in my possession; I own them or have borrowed them, whether from the library or a friend. If it's a book I want to read but don't have in my possession, then it's a wish list book. So, my wish list is a mix of books I want to review, books I want to own, and books I want to read. I use it for "shopping" the library and for requesting books as well as my personal shopping list.

Bea Reviews A Reason to Believe by Diana Copland

Publisher: Carina Press 
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Detective Matthew Bennett doesn't believe in ghosts. So when the spirit of a murdered child leads him to her body, he's shaken to the core--and taken off the case. Unable to explain his vision, or to let go of the investigation, Matthew turns to renowned medium Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Though he has doubts about Kiernan's claims to communicate with the dead, Matt is nevertheless drawn to the handsome psychic, who awakens feelings he thought were long-buried.

Haunted by the lingering spirit of the little girl, Kiernan is compelled to aid in the search for her killer. The chance to get closer to the enigmatic Matt is an unexpected bonus. Although Kiernan's been betrayed by people who turned out to be more interested in his fame than in himself, with Matt he's willing to risk his heart. As the two men grow closer, Kiernan helps Matt rediscover that life offers no guarantees--but love offers a reason to believe...

81,000 words

Bea Reviews My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Format Read: Kindle ARC
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 1st
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Tracy Crosswhite has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House—a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder—is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.
When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past—and open the door to deadly danger.

Sunday Book Share #121 - The Last One of 2014!

 

 I'm participating in The Sunday Post, hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer; Showcase Sunday hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea; Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews; and Bought Borrowed and Bagged, hosted by TalkSupe. All of these memes are about sharing the print and digital books received and/or posts and events on the blog.

I had a great Christmas, how was yours? We had a houseful of relatives. My dad's overall health is poor and the Alzheimer's keeps stealing away parts of him but I'm also seeing some different parts of him. Let's just say he's lost some of his social inhibitions :P Most of the time he knew who I was but when he would call me by the wrong name, I just went with it. I didn't see any need to correct or further confuse him. One sibling couldn't make it but the rest were there. I also got to see my BIL for the first time since his health crisis last year. While he's still not fully recovered, he's come a long way and looked and sounded great. I gave him some of my books and we discussed authors.

Bea Reviews Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

Publisher: Carina Press
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 3, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she's left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she's learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she'd be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail's son comes home, Christina's vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being "that poor man" who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it's time to go home. Only his mother's not alone. She's taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.blah

Bea Reviews Christmas Gift that Keeps Wagging by Jennifer Conner

Publisher: Books To Go Now
Series: Dog Tails #2
Format Read: Kindle book 
Source: borrowed from Reanna at Phantasmic Reads
Release Date: November 6, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords*
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Julian Barrows has his hands full working full time and being a single dad to his kindergarten, special needs son, Gabe. Gabe's teacher convinces Julian he doesn't need to do everything on his own and introduces him to a seizure dog trainer, Hanna Acker.

Hanna and her sister grew up without any 'Christmas Cheer'. She's trying to get her sister through college and doesn't have time to let anyone too close, especially the handsome single dad with a kid.

But, Christmas has a way of changing what we thought we wanted... especially when Santa and an adorable four-legged 'elf' are involved.

Cat Thursday Christmas

 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! We hope you have a joyous day.

Bea, Goof, Claude, and Thing Two

Bea Reviews I'm Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

Publisher: PocketStar
Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review 
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Experience the vampire world for the holidays through the eyes of Gigi Scanlon in this e-novella prequel to The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire from beloved paranormal romance author Molly Harper!

College co-ed Gigi is headed home to Half-Moon Hollow for her first Christmas since her sister, Iris, was turned into a vampire by her beloved undead husband, Cal. Iris is working overtime to make this holiday as normal and special as possible. After all, it’s taken her months of working with Jane Jameson and the Hollow’s vampires to convince herself that she won’t bite her baby sister on sight.

Gigi has her own worries. She’s falling out of love with her high school sweetheart, Ben, and has no idea how to tell him. She’s got a secret job interview with terrifying teen Council official, Ophelia Lambert. And there’s a handsome but cagey vampire following her around town and then disappearing before Gigi can confirm that he’s not, in fact, a figment of her fertile imagination. Holidays with family are complicated. Christmas with an undead family can be downright dangerous. 

Bea Reviews Gifted by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Traverse Press
Series: Otherworld Stories #13.4
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: owned by the reviewer
Release Date: November 13, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | iBooks | PayHip | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Contains two holiday stories, one Otherworld Pack and one Cainsville.

Gabriel’s Gargoyles - (Cainsville short story, Gabriel Walsh as 10 year old narrator.) Cainsville was where a boy could walk the streets safely at any time, day or night. Where everyone was genuinely glad to see you, and didn’t think you were odd if you wanted to keep to yourself. Because Cainsville was odd, too. For one thing, there are the gargoyles. Unlike the others, Gabriel doesn’t believe the carven creatures came to life to protect the town. It’s up to a boy to protect himself. Now he’s determined to find the last hidden gargoyle by winter Solstice. He’s also determined to get the perfect gift for his great-aunt Rose. And when Gabriel Walsh sets goals, he achieves them…one way or another.

The Puppy Plan (Otherworld novella, 9 year old Logan Danvers as narrator.) When Logan finds an puppy abandoned by the roadside a few days before Christmas, he knows it’s a sign. His sister Kate wants a dog more than anything. Their parents aren’t completely opposed to the idea. It’s just a bad time. A really bad time. Maybe next year. But now there’s this puppy in need of a home and a girl in need of a pet… So how does a boy who always plays by the rules give his sister what she wants most?blah

Bea Reviews 'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Series: Virgin River #8 & #12
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Together for the first time in one volume, two classic holiday stories—plus a bonus novella!—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

'Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…

Under the Christmas Tree

With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions

Holiday kisses don't end with Christmas—there's still the New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr's trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.the festive season in your favorite mountain town.blah

Sunday Book Share #120

 

 I'm participating in The Sunday Post, hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer; Showcase Sunday hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea; Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews; and Bought Borrowed and Bagged, hosted by TalkSupe. All of these memes are about sharing the print and digital books received and/or posts and events on the blog.

2 more days and I'll be in Virgina, with my parents and siblings. I fly out way too early Tuesday morning and by noon I'll be at their house and settled in. I have posts planned for every day this week but I'm not taking my laptop so I won't be visiting or commenting much (though I will have my tablet and smartphone). I'll be back home next weekend though I'm not sure if I'll get a Sunday post up.

For everyone celebrating Hannukah, I wish a you a happy, joyous Hannukah and for everyone celebrating Christmas, have a merry and wondrous holiday. Best wishes for a wonderful week to everyone!

Karen Harper Discusses Where Authors Get Their Ideas & A Giveaway

I do love me some romantic suspense. One of my sisters is a big Karen Harper fan and first told me about her several years ago. I'd had her on my authors-to-try list ever since. I actually have book two in the Cold Creek trilogy, "Broken Bonds", sitting on my kindle, waiting to be read and reviewed.  I know, a real shocker that I haven't gotten to it yet, huh? :D And book one is on my wish list (cuz I am the QUEEN of reading out of order). So when the chance to be part of the tour for book three arose, I jumped all over it.

Okay, enough of my rambling. On with the show! Get your drink, shove the cats off the couch, and enjoy. :)

Bea Reviews Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Series: Spirit Caller #4
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 10, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Rachel finds herself investigating a ghost's murder and his accusations cause her to dig into the pasts of the dead and the living to uncover the truth. Only, all roads lead back to the same horrible place: her elderly neighbour's doorstep.

The Friday 56 - Wolves' Bane by Angela Addams

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join in the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm about to start reading a paranormal romance, "Wolves' Bane", by Angela Addams. The quote is from 56%  in the eGalley. My review will be up at Romance at Random later this month or early next month.

Cal pounded on the door, suddenly too angry to think straight. She would not lock him out. 

Cat Thursday - Cute While Sleeping

 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

I swear, every cat I've ever had has thought this way. Though to be fair, cats looks cute while sleeping and it's hard not to touch them and pet them.

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One More Challenge - 2015 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge!

I saw this over at Socrates' Book Blog and decided to join in. I have an embarrassing pile of ARCs from NetGalley and Edelweiss and this may be the kick in the pants I need to whittle it down. It also seems lke a good complement to the COYER challenge. Maybe I'll finally get my NetGalley ratio to 80%! I've come close several times but I can't quite achieve it. It would help if I stopped requesting titles and accepting invites. :D By my count, I currently have 39 unread ARCS from NG & E (some I'll be reading in the next few weeks). Eeeep!

The challenge is being hosted by Falling for YA and you can find all the details at her sign up post. The challenge will run from Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015. I'm going for the second level of silver - 25 Books. I would like to go for the third level, gold, which is 50 books, but I'll wait and see how I do. For now, I'm aiming for the silver. I'll track my titles each month in my monthly challenge wrap up post. 

Bea Reviews Kitty In The Underworld by Carrie Vaughn

Publisher: Tor
Series: Kitty Norville #12
Format Read: paperback
Source: local library 
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

As Denver adjusts to a new master vampire, Kitty gets word of an intruder in the Denver werewolf pack’s territory, and she investigates the challenge to her authority. She follows the scent of the lycanthrope through the mountains where she is lured into a trap, tranquilized, and captured. When she wakes up, she finds herself in a defunct silver mine: the perfect cage for a werewolf. Her captors are a mysterious cult seeking to induct Kitty into their ranks in a ritual they hope will put an end to Dux Bellorum. Though skeptical of their power, even Kitty finds herself struggling to resist joining their cause. Whatever she decides, they expect Kitty to join them in their plot . . . willingly or otherwise.

EXCERPT And GIVEAWAY: Vision of Darkness by Tonya Burrows

Welcome to my stop on Tonya's blog tour for her newest book, "Vision of Darkness". It came out at the beginning of the month and is the first in a great new paranormal romantic suspense series. That hits all my likes so I knew I had to be part of the tour. I also have the book in my TBR pile and hope to have the review up next month. Fans of Christine Feehan's Ghost Walker series, or Rebecca Zanetti's FORGOTTEN SINS, will love this new series from Tonya! Today, I have an excerpt for you and at the end is a giveaway. So fix yourself a drink, push the cats out of your way, and sit back and enjoy!

Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance in 8th grade and hasn't put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she’s currently soaking up the sun as a Florida girl. She suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and usually ends up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, her two dogs and ginormous cat are excellent travel buddies.

GIVEAWAY! The Novel Cure by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin

Thanks to Penguin Press, I have a copy of a fun new non-fiction book, "The Novel Cure" to give away.  In THE NOVEL CURE: From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You (available in paperback December 30, 2014) authors and bibliotherapists Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin present a  witty and irresistible A-Z of literary remedies that recommend works of classic and contemporary fiction as  cures for ailments of the mind and body.

To create this apothecary, Berthoud and Elderkin have searched through 2,000 years of literature for the most brilliant and engrossing reads. Structured like a reference book, readers simply look up their ailment and are given the recommended novels to read as the antidote. Suffering from anxiety? Pick up The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa. A broken leg? Get Johanna Spyri’s Heidi. Had a falling out with your best friend? Try William Maxwell’s So Long, See You Tomorrow.