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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays (Week 1)



'Waterfall Wednesdays' if a read-along event where we discuss Lisa T. Bergren's novel 'Waterfall'. This week we are discussing Chapters 1-6.

Discussion questions and my answers for Chapters 1-6

1 - Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, she's depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?



It's hard for me to remember how I felt about Gabi when I first read 'Waterfall' (I've now read all three books), but I think I already liked her character and I feel like we are similar in many aspects.

2 - Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?


I don't think I would want to travel back in time - even if I could - to ANY time in history, but I find 1900's, Medieval time, and Henry VIII's story interesting.

3 - Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she's a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men's mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?


I think it's a mix. Somewhat gentlemanly, but also chauvinistic.


4 - When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?


I don't think it's fair to be judged on differences and I think most people feel like an outsider at some point in their lives.


5 - What do you think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?


I think the coolest thing would be...hmmm that's tough, but I'll say the beautiful dresses and castles. The worst thing would be to not have plumbing and electricity.


+++++


Feel free to share your thoughts below!

W...W...W...Wednesdays & Waiting on Wednesday: 'Injustice For All' by Robin Caroll (August 31)


W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
My answers:

What are you currently reading?
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn


What did you recently finish reading?



What do you think you’ll read next?
The Chair: A Novel



















Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Injustice For All: A Justice Seekers Novel
Injustice For All: A Justice Seekers Novel by Robin Caroll is my 'Waiting on Wednesday' pick this week. It sounds really interesting & I hope to read it ASAP.



  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher:  B&H Books
  • Release date: January 1, 2012
  • ISBN-10: 143367212X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1433672125


About the book:


A federal judge lies bleeding on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to disappear after witnessing this crime?

When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell, Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you trust?

Month in Review (August)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Book Review: Torrent (River of Time #3) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Torrent (River of Time, #3)Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket


TORRENT SUMMARY:
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.   But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.
My Review:
'Torrent' the third (and final) book in 'The River of Time' series and the fourth book that I've read by Lisa T. Bergren.

'Torrent' picks up right where 'Cascade' left off. After traveling through time to save their dad - Gabi, Lia, Adri (their mom), and Ben (their dad), travel back in time to 14th Century Italy.


Even though there is the threat of the 'Black Plague' arriving, getting killed, and/or tortured, Gabi and Lia still want to return and remain in Medieval Italy for as long as possible.

They will have to deal with wars (again), imprisonment (again), kidnapping, and forced marriage.

I loved this book! The story was so addicting and I finished 'Torrent' in under 2 days! There was alot of action, romance, and a ton of suspense! I liked many of the characters including: Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, Ben, and Adri - to name some of them.


As I said 'Torrent' is very addicting and I don't think there was a "good" place to stop reading because I wanted to continue on and see where the story was going to continue. If you decide to read 'Torrent' be prepared to stay up late reading☺!

I REALLY hope that Lisa Bergren will write more books in the future with these characters (I don't want to say goodbye to them yet...) and if she does, I definitely plan on reading them!

I highly recommend the entire 'River of Time' series ('Waterfall', 'Cascade', and 'Torrent').
Many thanks to David C. Cook for providing me a complimentary copy for my review and Lisa T. Bergren for sending me a Galley Copy.


Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren





AUTHOR CONNECTIONS:
http://www.LisaBergren.com (author web site)
http://www.theworldiscalling.com (the Bergrens’ travel web site)
Facebook: “Lisa Tawn Bergren” and “River of Time Series
Twitter: @LisaTBergren

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (8/29)


Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/ hosts this event and I decided to participate. I made my own banner (above), but Book Journey is where I heard about this.

What I've recently finished:

Thursday, August 25, 2011

2011 Christian Suspense Challenge Progress

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

I decided to post about my progress on my '2011 Christian Suspense Challenge' (if you want to participate, go here). 

I made myself a challenge to read 40 Christian suspense books in the year 2011 and here is what I've read as of now:

  1. The Witness by Josh Mcdowell
  2. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis
  3. Head Game by Tim Downs
  4. Deceit By Brandilyn Collins
  5. The Pawn by Steven James
  6. The Rook by Steven James
  7. The Knight by Steven James
  8. In The Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll
  9. Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon
  10. False Pretenses by Kathy Herman
  11. No Safe Haven by Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse
  12. The Bishop by Steven James
  13. Possession by Rene Gutteridge
  14. Against All Odds by Irene Hannon
  15. An Eye For An Eye by Irene Hannon
  16. In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
  17. Over The Edge by Brandilyn Collin
  18. The Alarmists by Don Hoesel
  19. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann*
  20. Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson*
  21. Inside Threat: A Riley Covington Thriller by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
  22. False Witness by Randy D. Singer
  23. Reluctant Burglar (#1) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson*
  24. Formula for Danger (Sonoma Series #2) by Camy Tang
  25. Reluctant Runaway (#2) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson*
  26. Reluctant Smuggler (#3) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson*
  27. The Queen: A Patrick Bowers Thriller by Steven James
  28. Deadly Pursuit: Guardians of Justice (#2) by Irene Hannon
  29. The Chair by James L. Rubart
  30. Vigilante by Robin Parrish
  31. The Economics of Ego Surplus by Paul McDonnold
  32. A Dime a Dozen by Mindy Starns Clark
  33. Refuge on Crescent Hill: A Novel by Melanie Dobson
  34. Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery by Gayle G. Roper 
  35. A Quarter for a Kiss (Million Dollar Mysteries Series #4) by Mindy Starns Clark
  36. The Keeper: A Short Story Prequel to Forbidden by Ted Dekker
  37. Dangerous Mercy: A Novel by Kathy Herman
  38. Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills
  39. The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

I will continue to update this post with my progress.

*Please rate my review. I thank you in advance, if you decide to.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays ~ A Read-Along Event!!!



I've read and LOVED 'Waterfall' and 'Cascade' and this event sounds really cool!  Lisa Bergren will be giving away a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week! It's an event that anyone who has read 'Waterfall' (or wants to) can't miss!

The Discussion Schedule:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

To read the complete details go here - Waterfall Wednesdays

W...W...W...Wednesdays (8/24/11)


W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
My answers:

The Queen: A Patrick Bowers Thriller (The Bowers Files)What are you currently reading?
Torrent (River of Time, #3)
What do you think you’ll read next?




Waiting On Wednesday: 'Race Against Time' by Kimberley & Kayla Woodhouse


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week my pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is...

Race Against Time: A NovelRace Against Time
by Kimberley & Kayla Woodhouse
Publication date: November 1, 2011
Publisher: B&H Books

About the book (from Amazon):

Anesia Naltsiine has made mistakes that have cost her-and her 13-year old daughter, Zoya-dearly. But no more. She will prove her worth as a mother and as a breeder of champion sprint racing dogs. Her kennel is so successful that buyers come from all over the world. So why does she still feel so worthless?

Zoya misses the dad she never knew. All she wants is to follow in his footsteps as a champion sprint dog racer. But when she witnesses a murder in their town of North Pole, Alaska, she finds herself thrown into dangers and emotions she can’t begin to understand.

Enter Sean Connelly, a new employee at the kennel with demons of his own. When he discovers macrochips bearing military secrets implanted in the Naltsiine's dogs, a puzzle tracing back to the murder unfolds. Then strange "accidents" start happening; clearly someone wants Zoya silenced. Anesia tells her daughter it's not safe to race, but Zoya, angry with the world- and God-takes off across dangerous Alaskan terrain alone. Anesia and Sean must race against time to save the girl-and themselves.


♥♥♥♥♥

That's my WoW...What's your 'Waiting on Wednesday' pick this week?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Book Review: Reluctant Smuggler (#3) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Reluctant Smuggler (To Catch a Thief #3)Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My rating: PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

THEY SAY KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER... BUT WHAT IF YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE?


'Reluctant Smuggler' is the third book in Jill Elizabeth Nelson's 'To Catch a Thief' series and my favorite of the three.

Desiree Jacobs is trying to plan her wedding, run her business 'HJ Securities', and avoid dangerous situations. But her plan isn't working - it seems as though danger follows Desi everywhere.

While she's in Mexico, she was robbed three times in the same day, was held at gun point, and many other similar incidents.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tony Lucano was stuck in Boston...literally. A blizzard made airports close, phone lines go down, and cell phone service unavailable. And when Tony goes on a mission during the storm, he ends up in a coma fighting for his life.

"Don't even try to tell me you're a victim. The reluctant smuggler. Hah!" - Page 301

'Reluctant Smuggler' is my favorite in the series (so far). I don't know whether there will be another addition, but if there is, I will definitely want to read it.

As usual, I loved Desi's, Tony's, and Max's characters, but I also enjoyed Mama Gina and even Stevo's character.

I loved this story - it had so many twists and kept me guessing. There were many times I was "on the edge of my seat" waiting for what was going to happen next.

I won't mention one other thing that I really liked about this novel because I feel it would spoil parts of the book for you -  should you decide to read it.

I recommend 'Reluctant Smuggler' if you enjoy a good, clean suspense/mystery book (with romance)!

PLEASE rate my review. Thanks in advance if you do!  :)
Note: You need to submit your email address for it to count. 

Book Review: Formula For Danger by Camy Tang

Formula for DangerFormula for Danger by Camy Tang

My rating: PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket


Someone is trying to harm Rachel Grant. 


First, she is attacked and robbed outside her family's spa - then the greenhouse where she stores special plants for her new scar-reduction cream is broken into and trashed - and if that isn't enough, a car tries to run Rachel down when she is riding her bike.

I love reading 'Love Inspired Suspense' books because they are quick and easy to read, full of suspense, have romance, and are mostly clean. I've had this book on my shelf for awhile and since I had the time, I decided to pick 'Formula For Danger' up and read it...finally!

I realize that this is the second book in the 'Sonoma Series' (the first book is 'Deadly Intent') and I probably should have read 'Deadly Intent' first. I don't feel like I wrecked the first book, however, by reading them out of order - I just know a few extra details.

'Formula For Danger' starts out with Rachel getting attacked and robbed of a brand new laptop outside her family's spa. From there the story escalates. The twists and turns kept me guessing and trying to figure out who the culprit was.

I really liked the characters, especially Rachel and Edward. Rachel worked really hard at her work in an attempt to please her father but all she got was rebuking and criticism.

Edward's father was a workaholic and Edward doesn't want his future kids to ever have to deal with the pain associated with a parent that chooses work over major moments in a person's life  - that's why he distanced himself from Rachel when he saw her choosing work over family and friends.

Rachel thought he was rejecting her - when she finally starting to open up and be herself...

As you can see, 'Formula for Danger' has a really interesting plot. I loved the romance and mystery. I loved how the reader could play detective and maybe figure out the mastermind behind it all.

The only reason I'm giving this 4.5 stars is because I wasn't totally captivated by the book in the beginning. I recommend 'Formula For Danger' if you enjoy mystery and romance.
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