BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Monday, March 4, 2013

Excerpt & Giveaway: Memories of Murder by Lara Nance



Back in January, Ms. Nance was on tour for her steampunk mystery, "Revenge of the Mad Scientist", and I had an excerpt on here. Now she's on tour for another book, "Memories of Murder", and again I have an excerpt along with a giveaway (see end of post).



Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres within the scope of women’s fiction. But the basis of all her stories is a tale that will entertain and intrigue.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales, to paranormal romance and adventure, Lara’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio. 

Find Lara online:

facebook 

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Book Blurb ~


When Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job.
     
As the town's sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father's friend, Maeve can't help but get involved--with both the case and him. Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community's memory unit--and Maeve's Alzheimer's patients.
     
Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she's denied herself.

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
Format: ebook, paperback
Length: 481 KB, 302 pages
Release Date: February 28, 2011
Buying Links:   Barnes & Noble  Amazon
 
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Excerpt

As if on cue, her cell phone rang and when she saw her mother’s number she sighed. Her Mom had been great during her crisis, but now had trouble letting go. Of course Maeve was grateful her mother and aunts had flown to Atlanta as soon as they’d heard about the attack. The Gems—the triumvirate of her mother, Opal, aunts Ruby and Pearl insisted Maeve return to Savannah to heal as soon as she could leave the hospital. There, the Gems helped restore her health with tenderness and a little magic.

Her mother and aunts had to stop worrying about her. She took a deep breath and forced a brightness into her voice she didn’t feel. “Hi, Mom.”



“Emerald, darling, how are you?” Her mother’s voice was a rich contralto tinged with concern.



Maeve cringed at her mother’s use of her first name. She chose to use her middle name after she bound her powers. However, her mother persisted in calling her Emerald or Em no matter how many times Maeve reminded her.



 “Yes, I’m fine. I made it and I’m on the way to the cabin I’m renting now,” Maeve said. “How are you?”



“Oh, I’m the same as ever,” her mother said with a deep chuckle. “Incorrigible.”



Maeve had to laugh. Yep, that was her mom.



“So, do you like it there?”



Maeve sighed. “I just got here. But so far it’s very picturesque. The retirement community is obviously exclusive. You should see it. In a few months maybe you guys could come up for a weekend and sightsee.”



“You’re not telling me something. What happened to upset you?” Opal’s tone sharpened.


“Mom, stop it. You always say that when I talk to you from out of town. I’m perfectly fine,” she lied.

“Really, Maeve, Ruby saw a crow in her front yard this morning. A crow!”

“Big deal, a bird flew into her yard.”

“No, not just any bird. And then she went out back to work in the garden and found another one dead on the stone path. You can’t say that’s a coincidence.” She ended on a triumphant note.

“Mom.”

“I know, I know. You don’t want to hear about omens. But mark my words Emerald Maeve McKenna, one day you will recognize the value of your heritage and be glad you have the powers.”

“Mom!”

“Okay. I’m done.”

“Good. Now please give the rest of the Gems my love, tell them I miss them and take care. I’ll call you later in the week and let you know how the job is going.”

“I will. Take care and I hope whatever it is you’re not telling me is nothing really bad.”

“Mom!”

“Good bye, darling.”

“Bye, Mom.”

She didn’t know whether to smile, grit her teeth, or both. Although her Gems had saved her, she also needed distance from her family for a while. It was important to find her own balance now that she had renounced her witch powers. She swallowed, regrouped her thoughts, and then headed into downtown Rolling Gap. She had to keep going. There was no other way to survive.


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The book is specially priced at $0.99 March 4 - 8. At each stop, Lara will award a signed cover flat; and a $50 Amazon gift card will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the book tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/virtual-super-book-blast-memories-of.html

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Sunday Book Share #26




I'm participating in Feed My Reader Friday hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A WriterThe Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews. These  memes allow book bloggers the chance to share print and digital books they've received, and different posts and events at their blogs. 

Another busy week last week, both here and offline. The next few weeks are crazy busy for me at work so other than blog tours, posting may be erratic. This month I have a couple promised reviews but otherwise my reviews will be of books that I read for the Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge March 2013, hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated.

Last week I had a huge picture of my cat in my header and mentioned my frustration at not being able to size it properly. Kimba offered to play around with it and while she was at it, she cleaned up my text and fancied up the font. I like it, and smile every time I look at it. 

ETA: After I wrote this up and logged into Twitter, I discovered that Kara at Nocturnal Reviews had gifted me with a header that she made. It's gorgeous and now I'm torn. I want them both. Kimba's has Goof, Kara's has another cat, but they both look good. :D I may have to alternate and swap them around periodically. I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of both ladies. <3 Right now, Kara's is up. So, here is Kimba's:

click image to enlarge
 
The Week in Review












Odd & interesting phrases that led to the blog:  Nothing too odd this week but some interesting ones.

lung model showing healthy vs asthma - I'm happy whenever someone finds my blog due to one of my pics or posts about asthma. I like to think they'll be of some help to someone.


Upcoming this Week:

Blog tours: Excerpt & Giveaway - Memories of Murder by Lara Nance
Spotlight & Guest Post - Tin Cat by Misa Buckley
Excerpt - In My Sights by LJ Garland & Debbie Gould
Cover Reveal - Hell's Hollow by Summer Stone

Review: ARC Review & Excerpt - Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox

BOOKS

Bought -Kindle


This one just sounded fun and it was inexpensive. 

Library- Print


Kindle Freebies

Crack. They are crack, I swear. Now, everyone stop sharing freebies! I can't resist and you all are my enablers. :D



Astraea Press Freebies

The birthday celebration is over. There was a wonderful selection of books up for grabs and I eagerly took advantage. My Kindle is gorged and happy. :D



Have a good week and don't forget to leave a link to your share post so I can visit you.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

February's Reading Challenges Wrap Up

I'll put up a wrap up post every month or early the next month for all of my 2013 reading challenges. Some books, I posted reviews on the blog, some are on goodreads, there may be one or two without reviews, especially books I edit or that are put out by my publisher.

I didn't do as well this month; my jobs and the shorter month interfered with my reading and my reviewing. This month, March, I'm participating in Kimba the Caffeinated's Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge so next's month wrap up will include that also. I will be focusing my reading not on review books but my personal books. There will still be a few promised reviews but most of the reviews will be of books that I own and read for pleasure first, review second.

Book Chick City's 100 Books in 2013

For this challenge, I am not counting any children's books, unless it's YA, nor am I counting books that I edit. I am also doing goodreads' reading challenge and I'm counting everything for that one, but not tracking here on the blog. :D

 1. Darkness Hunts by Keri Arthur
 2. Dark Whispers by Krista D. Ball
 3. Stranger Delight by Tabitha Levin
 4. Easter Bunny Murder by Leslie Meier
 5. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
 6. Rally 'Round the Corpse by Hy Conrad
 7. Harry Potter: The Prequel by J. K. Rowling
 8. A Very Lusty Christmas by Cara Covington
 9. Frozen by Kate Watterson

Total to date: 18

Cruisin' Through the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013 - Goal 13 or more 

1. Easter Bunny Murder by Leslie Meier
2. Rally 'Round the Corpse by Hy Conrad

Total to date: 4

2013 Ebook Challenge - Goal 25 

1. Dark Whispers by Krista D. Ball
2. Stranger Delight by Tabitha Levin
3. Harry Potter: The Prequel by J. K. Rowling
4. A Very Lusty Christmas by Cara Covington

Total to date: 10

Just For Fun Reading Challenge 2013 - Goal 1 A Month 

I forgot to put this in my January Wrap Up Post so this has both January and February.

January - Painless Grammar (Barron's Painless Series) by Rebecca Elliott, 3rd edition (yes, I read this for fun. :D I enjoyed it quite a bit.)
 
February - A Very Lusty Christmas  by Cara Covington

Total to date: 2

I actually did better this month than I thought. I'm on track for all of my goals so far. :)

Review of Darkness Hunts by Keri Arthur

Publisher: Signet Select
Series: Dark Angels #4
Format Read: Paperback
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon  The Book DepositorBarnes & Noble

Book blurb (from goodreads):
New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur returns to the enthralling Guardian World—and a twilight realm of danger and desire… 
Risa Jones, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, can enter the realm between life and death. She can speak to the dying and the dead, and she can see the reapers, collectors of souls. What she can not yet see is the identity of a stranger murdering women and draining their blood. Now Risa must summon her gifts to find him, even if it means putting her own life in danger. But Risa needn’t look far. The killer knows who she is. 

He tells her his victims are infected by darkness and he’s fated to destroy them. Fascinated by Risa, he engages her in a sinister game: the chance to save the life of his next victim by deciphering his series of clues. In a race against time, she enlists the help of the reaper Azriel. 

But as an attraction between them grows, so does the fear that the stranger’s motives are only part of a larger, more dangerous stratagem—one that that has lured Risa and Azriel into the dark.

Bea's Thoughts:

Judging by the reviews on goodreads and Amazon, I am in the minority in my feelings for this book. It left me lukewarm, impatient and I probably won't read the next one.

There's not much forward movement in the overall story arc: 2 steps forward, 4 steps back; too much repetition of events from one book to the next; and too many coincidences. But really, it's the slowness of the main arc that's bothering me. We're four books in and not a lot has happened. Each book has the main arc and then a plotline specific to that book, which takes up the majority of the book. I assume that the book specific plots are adding to and leading up to the finale but it feels like Arthur is dragging it out as long as she can. It's frustrating. 

There's some forward movement in the relationship between Risa and Azriel but we make it most of the way through the book before that happens and there's way too much rehashing of the problems between them. There's also change in the relationship between Risa and Lucian, one I was happy to see. Jak is back; I still don't trust him, or Lucian, but he was a little more likable.

The main mystery keeps Risa busy, with little time to rest, barely time to eat. She and Azriel are on a tight time line trying to track down the killer and maybe, hopefully, rescue his victims. Rhoan is actively involved in the investigation and not at all happy that Risa is, nor is Riley happy about it.
He groaned. "Don't tell me Riley's listening-"
"Yes, she is," Riley said mildly, over my shoulder. "And she's very interested in the reason why you're involving Risa in Directorate business."
 "Because I have no other damn choice, that's why. Look, I'll explain everything later. Right now, we have a murderer to hunt, and Ris has to be in on it."
"Is this something I can help with? I have more experience than Ris-"
"Yeah, but that's not going to help in this case. She made contact with the killer on the astral plane before she knew we were after him, and now he won't deal with anyone else."
"He's a murderer. He should be dead, not dealing with anyone, least of all Risa."
"The problem is, he's a f***ing ghost and we can't find him. We have to use Risa to have any hope of tracking him down, but trust me, we'll take good care of her."
 "I trust you, Rhoan. I just don't trust the killers you hunt."
She squeezed my shoulder, then walked away, leaving me feeling warm deep inside. I might have lost my real mom, but in very many ways, I still had another.
The book is fast-paced but as I said, the series itself is moving slowly. There's humor, some romance, and action but wish that the story arc was making more progress. There is some in this book but it's incremental. If that works for you, then you'll probably enjoy the book.

My review of Darkness Devours.

I received this book from the publisher for review. Ms. Arthur sent me books 1 & 2.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Review of Dark Whispers by Krista D Ball

Publisher: Krista D Ball
Series: Spirit Caller #2
Format Read: ebook
Release Date: February 25, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb (from goodreads):
A rash of teen suicides shakes the remote Newfoundland village that Rachel Mills calls home. As Rachel helps the school investigate, painful memories from her past – events she’s worked very hard to forget – resurface and won’t go back into the grave where they belong.
As if she didn’t have enough problems with her personal life! Her beloved 93-year-old neighbor falls ill. The man Rachel’s in love with moves into her house–along with his girlfriend, the most perfect woman in creation. And a strung-out wreck of a woman claiming to be Rachel’s biological mother shows up on her doorstep.
But it isn’t until a local boy with a talent for spellwork is attacked by a mysterious stranger that Rachel asks the question she’s avoided her whole life: how powerful can a Spirit Caller like herself become?

Bea's Thoughts:

Look at that cover! The colors are gorgeous and the overall atmosphere is spooky and the image is a good representation of what happens in the book. I wish this were available in print so I could just look at the cover; as is, I have to turn on my laptop and open my book covers folder, open the book in Adobe Editions or open up goodreads or Krista's site. And I'm just not that obsessed. :D Yeah I have it in Kindle also but I have the e-reader and not the Fire so no color, just boring black and white.

Okay, enough rambling about the cover. I read the first book when it came out in January 2012 but didn't get a chance to re-read it before "Dark Whispers" came out. Happily that wasn't a problem. I recalled enough to understand references and Ball also worked in little bits of info here and there so that even if you haven't read the first book, you shouldn't have a problem. 

This book is a little longer, about 100 pages and it packs a lot in. It starts out humorously and becomes darker though still with some humorous bits. I was laughing and laughing the first 10 or so pages, and Ball's summary of the typical paranormal romance cracked me up:
It was a dark and stormy night. A good paranormal romance could never have a better opening. You know how it goes. Girl meets boy. Boy is a vampire. Girl gives in to carnal temptation. Tab A inserts into Slot B. Someone shoves an assault rifle up a demon's ass. Everyone lives happy ever after.
When the book starts, Rachel could use some romance in her life. She is in love with a local Mountie, Jeremy, but instead they are just friends. He has a steady girlfriend and both of them are staying at Rachel's house while repair work is done at Jeremy's apartment after it was flooded. Yep, Rachel's a glutton for punishment. It doesn't help that Donna is practically perfect in every way. Add in Rachel's distress over the recent teen suicides and her neighbor's failing health, and she's an emotional mess.  So naturally, that's when Rachel's biological mother shows up on her door step.

The book zooms along from there, with Rachel dealing with both her biological mother and adoptive mother, more teen suicides and attempted suicides, a neighbor who is convinced she's in league with Satan due to to her ability to communicate with spirits and call them to her, more teen suicides, unhappy memories of her teen years, an assassin, her new and unwanted, quite bossy, spirit sidekick, her love life and her neighbor who is also her best friend. That sounds like a lot for a hundred pages but it never felt rushed or crammed, and several times I was in tears. It's a heck of an emotional ride and along the way Rachel comes to several realizations about herself. One thing about the neighbor who believes Rachel is evil - at one point, he comes over to talk to Rachel about his son and it's a wonderful scene. It's poignant, well-written, had me in tears and shows off Ball's writing skills. She could have taken the easy way out and portrayed David as one dimensional or Rachel as the know-it-all but saintly victim. Instead, we get nuances and depth.

There are unanswered questions and we still have so much to learn about Rachel's background and her abilities, as does Rachel herself. Despite Rachel's abilities and the VERY small town setting, Rachel feels in many ways like someone the reader would know. She's imperfect, she has flaws but they're ordinary, everyday flaws: her eating habits need improvement, she's shy, hates to ask for help, etc. Although she discovers new aspects to her powers in this book, she isn't some ninja, ass-kicking, every-man-has-to-have her urban fantasy heroine that many UF books have. I like that. She holds down a job, has bills to pay, is loyal, has family problems but loves her family, she's sarcastic, kind, and in many respects is just a normal woman. Who can see and talk to ghosts. 

There's enough detail so that you can visual people and places but you aren't drowning in detail, the story is the thing. The characters are rich and real and the plotting is tight. I liked book one but I love this one. There are several more books planned and I am very much looking forward to them, and seeing what happens next.

If the review intrigues you , both this book and the first book are on sale for 99 cents, but the sale ends today. The regular price is $2.99.

The author gifted me an ePub copy and I own a Kindle copy. 

Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge March 2013

 

I was sure I had already done a post for this challenge but I can't find it if I did. It's hosted by Kimba at Kimba the Caffeinated. You can still sign up if you'd like.

So, if you come around often, you know I have a huge tbr pile. According to goodreads, I have almost 900 books to be read. Yes, you read that right, almost 900. Now, that number includes print and digital, review and pleasure, books I own and books I don't yet own or will get from the library. I also have print books that I haven't yet entered on goodreads but that haven't been read yet so the real number of unread books is even higher.

With so many books, it's been hard to decide what to read, but for now, I think I'll focus on books that I have won and library books. I may change my mind during the month; I'm sure I'll read others while not reading some on the list.
 


My tentative reading list:

Paws with a Cause Fundraiser and Giveaway!



Hello Everyone! We have a total of 59 blogs that have gotten together to help raise money for a great cause. There are going to be some awesome prizes up for grabs for people that donate money to the cause.  Here is a little about the company that we are raising the money for:

Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.

PAWS® increases awareness of the rights and roles of Assistance Dog teams through education and advocacy.  Founded in 1979, Paws With A Cause is dedicated to helping its clients who are challenged by many disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorders, and Hearing Disorders to name just some.  Each of our dogs are trained to meet the specific needs of our clients. Tasks may include opening and closing doors, picking up objects, pulling a wheelchair, turning lights on and off, and alerting a person to particular sounds like a telephone, doorbell, smoke detector and many others. Our dogs change lives by enhancing the independence of our clients. By just opening a door, a dog opens up the world for a person with a disability and your donations will go to making that happen.  PAWS thanks you so much for your donation and allowing us to open more doors.

Paws With A Cause
4646 South Division
Wayland, MI 49348

How to donate:

2. Click on "Make a Donation"

3. Enter a amount you wish to donate. Everibbon will add a small fee to your donation for processing. My fee for donating $5.00 was .49 cents. So keep this in mind when deciding your donation amount. You will receive 1 entry into the giveaway for every $1 you donate. 

4. In the box that says "on the behalf of" please put your name. This is the name that will be listed on the everibbon website so put a name you do not mind being visible to everyone. Do not check the box to make a anonymous donation because I will not be able to track your donation to enter you into the giveaways.

5. Next it will ask you for your credit or debit card information.

6. Then it will ask for your email address to send you a receipt. This is so that you can submit it for tax purposes.

7. Ta Da! You're all done making your donation. Now you need to contact Danielle to enter the giveaway.

8. Please email Danielle at RomanceBookJunkiesDanielle@Yahoo.com with the name you used to donate your money. For example the name I used to donate on behalf of was Romance Book Junkies. Do not send me your name off your credit or debit card because I will not be able to see this. Along with the name you used please tell me how much you donated and if you live in the US or are International.

9. You're all done. Thank you for donating!

Warning: Do not try to email Danielle the name and donation amount of another person that is not yourself. If Danielle recieves more than one email with the same persons name and donation amount she will have to ask for your copy of the receipt from everibbon to verify that you are the correct winner. Thank you.

We will have 4 winners for the main giveaway.
We have 2 $65 gift certificates to any online book store.
Also we have 2 huge boxes of books and swag from Romance Book Junkies and Bitten by Paranormal Romance for US residents only.


Good luck to all and thank you for helping make this fundraiser a success. 

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I am an animal lover, with cats being my favorite. Many studies have shown the emotional and physical benefits of living with a pet. My own cat provides benefits, including letting me know of impending asthma flare ups. We all know of people who have service animals and the tremendous services they provide and enable their owners to live a normal, full life. Please take a minute, donate as much as you are able, and please spread the word - post on your blog, share a link to this post, share on twitter, facebook, Google+ and any other social media sites you use.

THANK YOU!

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I'm giving away one cat-themed book of your choice, fiction or non-fiction, print or digital, from either Amazon or The Book Depository, worth up to $10. Enter by commenting below. Giveaway ends at 11:59PM EST on March 8th. Please read my Giveaway Policy. Open internationally.