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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

W...W...W...Wednesdays (September 28)


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?


What do you think you’ll read next?

I'll probably read one of these next:


Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside MysteryA Dime a Dozen (The Million Dollar Mysteries, #3)Necessary Deception, A: A Novel (The Daughters of Bainbridge House)
~♦~

Just a note - I'm hosting a giveaway - you can enter to win 'The Queen': A Patrick Bowers Thriller by Steven James! Enter here.

Waterfall Wednesdays (Week 5)




The final week of 'Waterfall Wednesdays'!


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 24-28





1.  After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic.  Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell.  Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?


No, I don't think I would. I'm a vegan, so I'm particular about what I consume; but even putting that aside, if he wouldn't tell me what was in the tonic, I would be very leery about taking it.

2.  Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people especially Lord Forabosch are becoming suspicious of them.  But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win.  Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?


I definitely think she did the right thing. She showed that she was one of the best archers.

3.  When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but they have to tell Marcello the truth.  Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future he believes in Gabi because he loves her.  Do you think this is believable?  What would you have done if you were Marcello?


It's unbelievable, yet in the story completely believable! I have no idea what I would have done if I was Marcello, but I think what he did was great.

4.       In the end Gabi and Lia return home.  Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?


I've read 'Cascade' and 'Torrent' so I know if she does or doesn't, but I'm pretty sure that I was hoping for her to return.


5.  Looking back at Waterfall what was your favourite moment?


My favorite moment? I have to pick just one? Hmm... I don't know if I can. I loved the whole book!!!


I'm currently hosting two giveaways:




I've read 'The Queen' and the 'River of Time' trilogy and I can say that they are great - I loved them all! So go enter while you can!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What’s on Your Nightstand, September

Book Trailer of the Week! Longing: Bailey Flanigan Series (#3) by Karen Kingsbury

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

I'm trying something new. Each week I plan to choose a book trailer that I will "spotlight".

Longing (Bailey Flanigan Series)

This week I'm "spotlighting" Longing - Karen Kingsbury's third book in the Bailey Flanigan Series (to be released in November). I absolutely love the song in the background ('Can't Get Over You' by Anthem Lights) and the video makes me wonder what is going to happen next in Bailey's life - I can hardly wait to read 'Longing'!



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Monday, September 26, 2011

Interview & Book Giveaway: Steven James ♣ Author of 'The Queen'

The Queen: A Patrick Bowers Thriller (The Bowers Files)Steven James is the author of the newly released Patrick Bowers Thriller 'The Queen'. Here is the book description:


While investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East.


In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a multi-layered storytelling tour de force that not only delivers pulse-pounding suspense but also deftly explores the rippling effects of the choices we make.

The Queen is a techno-thriller that will leave you breathless, offered by the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."



~♣~


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Steven! I'm pleased to have you here. 


The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files, #1)When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 


Ever since I was a child I’ve loved stories, but I never thought I could be a writer until I finally ventured out and started writing magazine articles back in 1996. I guess I’ve known all my life that I wanted to be a storyteller, I just never thought I would be able to make a living doing it.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?


I received my first book contract in 2000 and I guess I was 31 at the time. It seems like a lifetime ago! 

The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files, #2)Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?


My novels usually take between six to ten months to complete. It really depends on the story, the length, the complexity, etc… I tend to write very involved, complex stories with lots of subplots and twists (because those are the kinds of stories I like) but it adds a lot of time on to the writing schedule. 

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?


Hmm . . . Good question. I recently bought a music stand so that I can stand and edit rather than sitting on my hind end all day long. So I will stand there with my noise-canceling headphones on, sometimes trying to balance on one leg just to make things interesting. Pretty weird to imagine, I know. But hey, you need to break things up and try to see what works for you personally.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?


I do a lot of research and fact-checking on my books. As far as ideas, I have no trouble with that. They come from life and from thinking hard about my stories all day long for months and months at a time. You just can’t help but come up with ideas when you are constantly asking yourself, “What would this character naturally do next?” and “How can I make things worse?”



The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files, #3)What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?


I learned that sharks are the only animals to have a scientifically-proven sixth sense. That was surprising. I write about it in The Rook.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?


I’ve written over thirty books now, including five novels. I would say my favorite nonfiction book is “Story” and my favorite novel so far is my latest one, “The Queen.” Or maybe “The Rook.” It’s hard to say.
What do you think makes a good story?


A compelling and empathetic character who is taken to the brink and then makes a discovery that changes his life.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?


I like to go trail running, play disc golf, rock climb, watch movies, hang out with my daughters and date my wife. 

The Bishop (The Patrick Bowers Files, #4)What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?


My notebook, my pen, and my Cheetos.
Are you currently working on any new novels?


I’m actually in the middle of writing two novels, the prequel to the Bowers series—a dark and atmospheric novel, probably the most chilling one yet, called “Opening Moves.” And I’m starting a new series of thrillers, with the first book entitled “Placebo.”
Do you plan on writing more Patrick Bowers Thrillers?


In addition to “Opening Moves,” which I mentioned earlier, I am planning to write “The King” and then ”Checkmate.” After that, who knows. I might be convinced to bring Bowers back if enough people beg me to . . .
Where can we find you on the web? 
You can also follow my twitter feed at sjamesauthor
~♣~

Book Giveaway!

One winner will receive a SIGNED copy of 'The Queen'! USA residents only. To enter the giveaway use the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). There are two mandatory entries - follow via email & leave a blog post comment answering this question: Have you read any of the 'Patrick Bowers Thrillers? The rest are all optional! Many thanks to Steven James for this giveaway! Giveaway ends November 1st.


This giveaway is now closed!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Book Review: Heiress: Daughters of Fortune (#1) by Susan May Warren (Litfuse Tour & Giveaway)


HeiressHeiress by Susan May Warren


My rating: PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket


What makes a person truly blessed? Riches? Popularity? Or is it something deeper? I think the greatest blessing is being a child of God - forgiven.


I very much enjoyed 'Heiress'. The Price sister's stories had me feeling many emotions. I was saddened at times, but at other times I was happy and laughing.


Esme Price doesn't want to marry for status, but for love. She longs to be a journalist and soon finds herself on a journey.


Jinx Price could hardly wait to be debuted into society, but a series of events causes an interesting twist in her plans.


I think Susan May Warren wrote 'Heiress' in a very believable way. Since there was so much sadness, the story felt very realistic.


There were a lot of twists (some I expected) and the ending to 'Heiress' makes me really want to read 'Baroness' - book two in the 'Daughters of Fortune' series.


I very much recommend 'Heiress'. I found the romance, mystery, and story great!


♥I received a complimentary copy for my review. The opinions I've expressed are my own.♥


View all my reviews
Go here to view the complete blog tour list. 
You can purchase 'Heiress' here.


---

About the book:
They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.
But they can’t buy love.
The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?
Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.
Susan is celebrating the release of Heiress with an opulent Gilded Age Giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 gift certificate to ModCloth.com
  • A sleek silver iPod™ Shuffle
  • A beautiful strand of Pearls
  • Titanic DVD
  • Speakeasy Compilation Music CD from Starbucks™
  • Heiress by Susan May Warren
Click one of the icons below to enter. But do so soon - this giveaway ends 10/5/11. The winner will be announced Thursday, October 6 on Susan’s blog.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays (Week 4)





DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 18-23


1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?


That is a tough question. I really don't know for sure, but I would like to think that I would fight to defend others.


2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

It would be a long, gold, red, or blue gown with a ribbon/band around the waist and fabric that shimmers in the light.


3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?


I like to think that I'm good with tolerating pain, but I probably would have cried. Though, of course, I don't know for sure.


4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?


I don't know. All of it. Especially how the men act like such gentlemen.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

Definitely a little of both. I see Gabi's point - she's found love, but I also see Lia's point - her friends, her life is back home.

--


I'm currently hosting a giveaway! You can win the book of your choice in the 'River of Time' trilogy. Enter here.

W...W...W...Wednesdays (September 21)


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?

I loved 'Vigilante'! You can read my review here.


What do you think you’ll read next?

I'll probably read one of these next:


Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A NovelShadows on the Sand: A Seaside MysteryA Dime a Dozen (The Million Dollar Mysteries, #3)

~♦~

Just a note - I'm currently hosting a giveaway! Click here for the details! Hope you stop by and enter.
Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
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