Tag Archives: In My Mailbox

In My Letterbox: (15) Sunday 12 August 2012

Posted on 12 August, 2012 | 4 comments

Welcome to
In My Letterbox!!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and Letterbox Love is a British take on the idea. If you want to know more, there is information under the Fun Things heading above, or you can click on the pictures at the top of this post to take you to the hosts’ blogs.

These posts are to tell you about the books I have acquired recently. I know most bloggers call all such posts “In My Mailbox”, however, as I’m English, my physical post comes through my letterbox and my electronic mail arrives in my mailbox (or my inbox…). So I have decided to use the following terms:

In My Letterbox (IML) for the physical books I aquire;
In My Mailbox (IMM) for the NetGalley books or ebooks sent to me for review by authors;
In My Inbox (IMI) for the free Kindle ebooks I compulsively download!

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Another quiet week on the book acquisition front. I have received two Frist Reads wins and bought just one book – for 30p from a charity stall! Read on to find out what they are 🙂

Books I have won on Goodreads First Reads:

1. Spin Doctor by M C Lewis

Spin Doctor by M.C. Lewis

Jack Abbott is a Washington spin doctor who longs to make the big time: the White House. Once there, he’ll do almost anything to hold onto his job. Will the country re-elect his boss, President Dexter, a beloved widower with a secret, because of Jack’s skillful deception? Will Jack’s conscience finally surface and spur him to make amends? Or is it too late?

Spin Doctor has a Washington theme, a realistic story and a soul. And unlike many Washington novels, Spin Doctor is not a memoir or polemic, not a message book or a thriller. Politically neutral, it goes to deeper truths: the conflict we all have between ambition and conscience. Spin Doctor is Washington from the inside, with humor and authenticity.

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I’m looking forward to this, it sounds to be an interesting and thought-provoking read.

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2. Johnny Doesn’t Drink Champagne by Cody Young

Johnny Doesn’t Drink Champagne by Cody Young

I’m seventeen and he’s twenty-one. That’s okay… isn’t it? He drives a Lamborghini. So what? He was born in 1462. Uh-oh. He seeks revenge, but there is one person standing in his way. Me.

On a high school trip to London, Madison Lambourne meets seductive stranger Johnny De Vere, who believes he knows her already, and is torn between love and revenge. Eager to learn more about this beautiful, lonely young man, Madison agrees to go with him to a re-enactment at the Tower of London. Dressed as a highborn medieval lady in a black velvet gown, she accidentally slips through a doorway that leads to the past. Knowing she will not last long on the streets of medieval London, Johnny must follow her… with devastating consequences for them both. A wild time-travel adventure full of love, lies, mystery and betrayal.

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Yay! A time-travelling love story…just what I need to escape!

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Books I have bought:

The Consul at Sunset by Gerald Hanley

I really like “The Reprint Society” books from the 50s… love the feel and the smell.

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A quiet week, as I said. Looking forward to catching up with reading and reviewing. What arrived through your letterbox this week? Do leave a note below, with a link to your post 🙂

In My Letterbox (11): Books to week ending Sunday 24 June 2012

Posted on 15 July, 2012 | 4 comments

Welcome to
In My Letterbox!!

In My Letterbox (IML) for the physical books I aquire;
In My Mailbox (IMM) for the NetGalley books or ebooks sent to me for review by authors or which I buy;
In My Inbox (IMI) for the free Kindle ebooks I compulsively download!

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Firstly, my apologies for not posting for a couple of weeks…lots of real life issues, starting with my RA being so badly exacerbated by having to stand for two days at work whilst doing some testing that I couldn’t think, let alone walk for most of the time for several days! Mostly better now (in time for work!) so I will try to get back on track. I did get quite a bit of reading done though, and added to my manuscript (but not posted 😦 ) reviews. Then a few other things landed on my plate and, well, something had to give 😦 On a brighter note, I’m hoping to get back to regular posting again – thanks for sticking around 🙂 This post is the one I was working on for 24 June; my next will summarise all the books acquired in the meantime!

Books I have won on Goodreads First Reads:

1. Doxology by Brian Holers

Doxology by Brian Holers

Vernon Davidson is an angry man. After a lifetime of abuse and loss the 61-year-old is ready to get back at God, his co-workers, and everyone else is in his north Louisiana hometown. He drinks too much to numb the pain, shuns his friends and embarrasses himself in the community. The once-cautious Vernon spirals into a reckless mess.

Only when he is reunited with his estranged nephew Jody is he forced to confront his situation. Jody is struggling in equal parts after inflicting a self-imposed exile upon himself by fleeing the family, and thereby himself, for a new life thousands of miles away. Now his father, Vernon’s brother, is dying and Vernon agrees to retrieve him for his brother’s sake.

Jody embarks on a reluctant journey back to his Louisiana home and the two men together embark on a journey that will ultimately change their lives.

Brian Holers’s Doxology examines an impossibly difficult question: how does a man go about forgiving a God he has grown to despise after the tragedies and endless disappointments he has faced?

Follow Vernon and Jody on their road from loss to healing in this deep and moving book that will challenge and surprise you, as it takes you deep into the backwaters of rural Louisiana.

Doxology does for small town Louisiana men what Steel Magnolias did for small-town Louisiana women, exposing flaws while showcasing their inner strengths. It is a tale of grandfathers, fathers, sons and brothers, and recreates family dynamics and memories in a way that forms a doxology, a song of praise for the male family bond, the emotional ties men conceal from the world and each other.

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I think I shall need my hanky, if it really is like Steel Magnolias…

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2. The 5 Greatest Spankings of All Time by Rob Wood

The 5 Greatest Spankings of All Time by Rob Wood

“The 5 Greatest Spankings of all Time” invites you to step into a fifty-five year old time capsule, to a simpler time when the misadventures of three young brothers growing up on a small ranch in the 1950’s stretch their parent’s patience and sanity to the breaking point. Taking place in the shadows of World War II, this tale not only unfolds the amusing and humorous events that led up to the “5 Greatest Spankings” but it conveys a flavorful and reminiscent glimpse of a time gone by, as the tastes and smells of the 50’s come rushing back. Readers of any adult generation will be entertained by the boy’s ability to effortlessly transform relatively innocent intentions into calamity and chaos. Laced throughout the chapters is an unmistakable underlying message addressing family dynamics and relationships that will surely summon to mind events of your own childhood. May laughter and joy be your companions as you journey through the adventures with these 1950’s versions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

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I just know I’m going to be so jealous about the freedom allowed these children…but not the spankings! LOL

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3. The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Prince Liam. Prince Frederic. Prince Duncan. Prince Gustav. You’ve never heard of them, have you? These are the princes who saved Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel, respectively, and yet, thanks to those lousy bards who wrote the tales, you likely know them only as Prince Charming. But all of this is about to change. Rejected by their princesses and cast out of their castles, Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav stumble upon an evil plot that could endanger each of their kingdoms. Now it’s up to them to triumph over their various shortcomings, take on trolls, bandits, dragons, witches, and other assorted terrors, and become the heroes no one ever thought they could be.

Debut author Christopher Healy takes us on a journey with four imperfect princes and their four improbable princesses, all of whom are trying to become perfect heroes–a fast-paced, funny, and fresh introduction to a world where everything, even our classic fairy tales, is not at all what it seems.

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It’s a glorious old-fashioned hardback, with dust jacket over a red “linen” cover with gold lettering. How absolutely perfect 😀
I have meantime read this book, the review is in manuscript and so will be appearing soon. In brief…it’s brilliant!

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4. Deadwater Lane by Stephen Barker

Deadwater Lane by Stephen Barker

Christopher Edmonds is on a mission to understand his old risk-taking, tearaway self.
There was an accident; an old man was killed one night when Christo and his mates were out racing their cars. Christo got the blame, and a head injury – that means his memory is not the best.
Soon Christo is back on the streets, without his licence and doing community service, helping out a lonely old man, Jimmy McBreen. What’s worse – his so called ‘friend’ has stolen his girl!
Inspired by a copy of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, he begins to plot revenge – it’s just that sometimes things don’t turn out the way you expected.
A fast-paced, gasoline soaked story with a beating heart.

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I just love face-paced thriller mysteries!

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books bought from the hospital’s charity sale shelves:

1. Frankenstein #1 by Dean Koontz

Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz

From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic storoes of all time. If you think you know the story, you know only half the truth. Get ready for the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of…

DEAN KOONTZ’S PRODIGAL SON

Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. His name is Deucalion, a tattoed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who’s travelled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that it missing in himself. Detective Carson O’Connor is coll, cynical, and every bit as tough as she looks. Her partner Michael Maddison would back her all the way to Hell itself – and that just may be where this case ends up. Fot the no-nonsense O’Connor is suddenly talking about an ages-old conspiracy, a near immortal race of beings, and killers that are more – and less – than human. Soon it will be clear that as crazy as she sounds, the truth is even more ominous. For their quarry isn’t merely a homicidal maniac – but his deranged maker.

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It’s a Dean Koontz book 😀

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2. Frankenstein #2 by Dean Koontz

City of Night by Dean Koontz

From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. Here is the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of…

DEAN KOONTZ’S CITY OF NIGHT

They are stronger, heal better, and think faster than any humans ever created–and they must be destroyed. But not even Victor Helios–once Frankenstein–can stop the engineered killers he’s set loose on a reign of terror through modern-day New Orleans. Now the only hope rests in a one-time “monster” and his all-too-human partners, Detectives Carson O’Connor and Michael Maddison. Deucalion’s centuries-old history began as Victor’s first and failed attempt to build the perfect human–and it is fated to end in the ultimate confrontation between a damned creature and his mad creator. But first Deucalion must destroy a monstrosity not even Victor’s malignant mind could have imagined–an indestructible entity that steps out of humankind’s collective nightmare with one purpose: to replace us.

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More Dean Koontz…. 🙂

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3. Frankenstein #3 by Dean Koontz

Dead and Alive by Dean Koontz

From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. Now the mesmerizing saga concludes. . . .

As a devastating hurricane approaches, as the benighted creations of Victor Helios begin to spin out of control, as New Orleans descends into chaos and the future of humanity hangs in the balance, the only hope rests with Victor’s first, failed attempt to build the perfect human. Deucalion’s centuries-old history began as the original manifestation of a soulless vision–and it is fated to end in the ultimate confrontation between a damned creature and his mad creator. But first they must face a monstrosity not even Victor’s malignant mind could have conceived–an indestructible entity that steps out of humankind’s collective nightmare with powers, and a purpose, beyond imagining.

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… and yet more…I feel a Fest coming on! I’m not sure why it says “the saga concludes” – I have Book Four, which I’ve just noticed I haven’t entered in an IML! Maybe it will make it into a future “Owned Unread” Post…

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4. Demon Seed by by Dean Koontz

Demon Seed by Dean Koontz

A woman is imprisoned and tortured by her state-of-the-art computer security system — and its perverse desire…

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Variety – a Dean Koontz book not in the Frankenstein series!!

BOoks i’ve bought

1. The Secret Chamber by Patrick Woodhead

The Secret Chamber by Patrick Woodhead

Conspiracies, secrets and high-octane adventure in the Congo. Another gripping thriller from the author of The Forbidden Temple.

People have been disappearing in what the explorer Stanley called the black heart of Africa — the impenetrable forests of northern Congo. But when a brilliant young English doctor vanishes, alarm bells really start to ring. Intelligence chief Jack Milton sends a message to his godson Luca Matthews (The Forbidden Temple hero) in the Himalayas asking him to go to Africa and find Joshua. Reluctantly Luca obeys, but he is no longer the man he once was, traumatised by his part in the death of his best friend, his legendary climbing nerve shot to pieces. Meanwhile in Africa, mining troubleshooter and brilliant flying pilot, Beatrice (Bear) Makuru, also wants to brave the northern wilderness. Coltan is the mineral without which no mobile phone or computer would work. Explosions have been wrecking coltan mines. Bear needs to find out why. Her journey with Luca to Africa’s black heart is the beginning of an utterly terrifying sequence of events, uncovering a secret so simple yet so startling that it could rock the foundations of the civilised world.

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I bought this in the supermarket. Having read the blurb, I decded an uncomplicated action book was just what I needed right then. I have already read this one…so as usual, keep a look out for the review, which will follow…eventually!

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2. Naked Writing: The No Frills Way to Write Your Book by Glenys O’Connell

A straightforward, no nonsense guide to writing – and finishing – your book, no matter what your experience level.
All over the world, at this very moment, thousands of writers are starting a novel, full of enthusiasm for their ideas. But the vast majority of those novels will fizzle by Chapter Three – an estimated 98 per cent! And their disappointed creators will put their work away and give up on their dream. It’s not that they aren’t talented and it’s not that they don’t have good ideas – what they lack are the basic tools.
In this book you’ll learn how to:
* Each chapter comes with assignments that help you apply what you’ve learned to your own new or work-in-progress book.
* Identify the kind of novel you want to write, and understand the elements of a good, workable idea
* Understand story structure and how to use it to make your novel flow
* Create an outline that will get you through the dry spells of Writer’s Block
* Know the important elements you must have at the start and end of each chapter
* Build characters you’ll love to work with – and readers will love to read about
* Points of View – just who’s telling this story, anyway?
* Develop plot points and sub-plots to add texture to your story
* Understand the two different types of character motivation – and how to use them
* Tap into the magic of dialogue, and learn when narrative and backstory can help, or hinder, your story
* Keep your story flowing to a satisfying ending with all the loose ends tied up.
* By the end of the book, using the assignments, you should be working on your own chapter three and ready to sail through to The End.

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Officially, this is an IMM book, but I wanted to list it early. I saw this book in Lynsey’s Letterbox Love post of 17 June over on Narratively Speaking. At 77p for the kindle version, I thought I’d give it a go. I doubt I’ll ever write a book – or even a short story – but I might pick up some tips to make my reviews more interesting. Then again…never say never!!!

There isn’t a Goodreads entry for this book (yet), so the image is from Glenys O’Connell’s blog; if you click on it, it will take you to her blog.

free books from Mills & boon

1. The Spy’s Secret Family (Top Secret Deliveries #2) by Cindy Dees

The Spy’s Secret Family by Cindy Dees

“Nobody’s messing with my baby”
Nick Cass wakes up in a hospital room with a case of amnesia–and a beautiful woman at his bedside. He only remembers that he was held captive for five grueling years. Surely he wouldn’t forget someone as easy on the eyes as Laura Delaney. But Laura assures him that she and their son are very real.
Laura never forgot the man who stole her heart six years ago–even after he disappeared. She knows Nick will someday have to face his demons. But that day is suddenly upon them when Nick’s past catches up to him and their son is kidnapped. Now he and Laura must rescue their child–and their last chance for a future together.

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Sent to me free by Mills and Boon

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2. Operation Baby Rescue (Top Secret Deliveries #3) by Beth Cornelison

Operation Baby Rescue by Beth Cornelison

Elise Norris wants nothing more than to be a mother. Her joy turns to agony when newborn baby girl Grace dies mysteriously—before the single mom could even say goodbye. But grief-stricken Elise can’t shake the feeling that the final chapter of Grace’s story isn’t yet written….

As he works through his own tragic loss, widower Jared Coleman and his one-year-old daughter become captivated by Elise. But while investigating the strange circumstances behind Grace’s death, their new friend teeters close to an explosive secret. Can Jared protect her—or is he in over his head in a desperate life-or-death struggle?

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Sent ot me free by Mills and Boon

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Rereading this post, I had quite a haul that week! I’m going to need to take a long hard look at my TBR list when choosing what to read next, though they may have to wait until I get a few more reviews posted! It’s surprising how much time it takes to write and format a post. I thought this one was pretty much finished bar a few formatting tweaks; I’ve been sat here for about an hour and a half! I also realised that one of the things that stopped me posting was that I’ve been getting a number of these books onto or updated on Goodreads.
I hope that you all have been reading and acquiring in a similar fashion – leave me a link in the comments section and I’ll pop by and and have a look, and gain more inspiration!

4 Comments

Posted in Bought Books, eBook, First Reads, In My Letterbox, In My Mailbox, Print Book - as Pledged!, Winnings

Tagged 2012, First Reads, IML, IMM, In My Letterbox, In My Mailbox, Mills & Boon, New, TBR

In My Mailbox (10): Sunday 17 June 2012

Posted on 17 June, 2012 | 4 comments

Welcome to
In My Mailbox!!

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Here is a list of some of the books for which I’ve been approved on NetGalley. I have downloaded all of these, the ones I haven’t listed aren’t available in kindle format and I haven’t yet installed Adobe Digital Editions. I have to say, if that means I can only read them on a computer, rather than my kindle, I probably won’t read them. However, since all the ones below are in kindle format, I shall be reading and reviewing them.

NETGALLEY Books RECEIVED during APRIL:

1. A Pocket Full of Kisses by Audrey Penn

Publisher: Tanglewood 15 May 2006

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2. Bandwidth by Angus Morrison

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing,LLC 08 October 2010

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3. Ravens Cove by Mary Ann Poll

Publisher: YouDOPR–PublicationConsultants 01 November 2010

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4. Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World by Dominick A. DellaSala

Publisher: Island Press 08 November 2010

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5. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Publisher: Flaming Chalice Press 17 December 2010

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6. Fearless Fair Isle Knitting by Kathleen Taylor

Publisher: The Taunton Press 15 February 2011

I’ve always wanted to know how to do Fair Isle knitting properly…

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7. Lucia’s Eyes & Other Stories by Marina Sonkina

Publisher: Guernica Editions 25 April 2011

I thought the title sounds intriguing.

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8. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 15 May 2012

I have read so many enthusiastic reviews about this book that I was delighted when the publishers released as copy to me. This is very high on my TBR list 🙂

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9. COLOSSUS: STONE & STEEL by David Blixt

Publisher: David Blixt 25 May 2012

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10. HER MAJESTY’S WILL by David Blixt

Publisher: David Blixt 25 May 2012

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11. THE MASTER OF VERONA by David Blixt

Publisher: David Blixt 25 May 2012

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12. Good Thinking by Denise Cummins

Publisher: Cambridge University Press 30 May 2012

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13. Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA 12 June 2012

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Another mixed bag of styles and genres. I intentionally looked for some already released books as well as some which are close to release. I shall be reading and reviewing the latter first. I hope that some of these catch your attention and interest and that you hunt them out and enjoy them!

See you all next week – meantime be sure to leave a link to your post in a comment and I’ll pop over.

4 Comments

Posted in In My Mailbox

Tagged 2012, IMM, In My Mailbox, NetGalley, TBR

In My Mailbox (9): Sunday 10 June 2012

Posted on 10 June, 2012 | 6 comments

Welcome to
In My Mailbox!!

These posts are to tell you about the books I have acquired recently. I know most bloggers call such posts “In My Mailbox”, however, as I’m English, my physical post comes through my letterbox and my electronic mail arrives in my mailbox (or my inbox…). So I have decided to use the following terms:

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Hello there! Welcome back to my blog and to an IMM that contains two author gift eBooks and a virtual pile of Kindle books that I’ve bought from Amazon. If you’ve read, or are planning to read, any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them.

Enjoy the browse – I hope you find something to pique your interest.

eBOOKS won on AUTHOR’S Private competitions for REVIEW:

1. Cameron Nation by David Carraturo

Cameron Nation: Going All-In to Save His Country by David Carraturo

Frustrated with the current political climate self-made billionaire, Chris Cameron retires from a successful hedge fund to focus on philanthropic endeavors. With the notoriety received after he competes in the World Series of Poker to raise money for his newest charities, the Tea Party member is introduced to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. A driven, charismatic, and brilliant leader by nature, Cameron soon finds himself invited into the elite world of professional politics.

When Chris is asked to be the running mate on the GOP ticket, he leaps at the opportunity. The duo is elected and with the assistance of a super-majority Republican-controlled Congress they quickly implement a far-reaching agenda to restore the United States to its rightful place atop the geopolitical stage.

Cameron Nation tells the story of how a street smart kid from the suburbs of New York City leverages a deep understanding of economic theory, the business world and the capital markets combined with the savvy of an experienced poker player to provide overwhelming strategic support and gain the trust of the new president and the growing conservative movement.

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I’ve entered a few competitions to win this one, so I was really pleased when I won David’s Goodreads competition for one of twenty e-copies of the book. Looking forward to reading this one – and aiming to get the review out before the end of the month!!

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2. Colombus Avenue Boys by David Carraturo

Columbus Avenue Boys by David Carraturo

Salvatore Esposito, Anthony Albanese, and Christopher Cameron—the Columbus Avenue Boys—are somewhat related, as they share lineage back to before the turn of century. Having grown up together in a small community north of New York City, each became successful in his own right. Chris moved to Dallas to be a portfolio manager with a financial firm while Sal and Tony earn their living the hard way—by being enforcers and major earners for the mob.

Tony’s grandfather, Pops Scala, tells them a horrific secret from the Scalamarri Family past: twelve members of their family were massacred at the hands of Bugsy Siegel and his ruthless gang from Murder Inc. in 1935. Pops was the sole witness and lone survivor, and he was more than happy to pull the trigger and end Bugsy’s murderous life.

Now fifty years later, Pops convinces the Columbus Avenue Boys they must leave the underworld life for good. Since one cannot just give two weeks’ notice to the Gambino crime family, the three blood brothers devise a plan to infiltrate the inner workings of the Mafia in the 1990s to avenge the massacre in their family tree.

Columbus Avenue Boys chronicles the Scalamarri family tree throughout the twentieth century and presents a historical perspective of the life and struggles of an Italian immigrant family as well as that of America’s organized crime.

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As with Cameron Nation, I’ve entered several competitions to win this book – and was one of the first five to respond to David’s Goodreads competition! Now all I need to do is win a copy of Cameron’s Court and I’ll be able to review the set 🙂 Again, I’m aiming to have the review posted before the end of the month.

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eBooks (kindle) bought from amazon

1. The Flute Keeper’s Voyage (The Flute Keeper Saga #2) by Ashley Setzer

The Flute Keeper’s Voyage by Ashley Setzer

Just as she’s settling into her new life in Faylinn, Emma Wren stands accused of causing a horrible curse that drains Ivywild castle and all the Fay living in it of their magic and vitality. Faced with banishment back to the human world, Emma becomes a fugitive and convinces the ever contrary Lev Hartwig to help her clear her name by curing the curse. The journey for the cure takes them to the high seas, where they must match wits with a wily Hobgoblin captain and her crew of pipe-smoking Gremlins, one very hairy cook, and a doctor with a split personality.
With the Fay army on her trail and a traitor racing her to reach the cure first, Emma is pushed to the limits of her burgeoning power. Though she treks across oceans, forests, deserts, and into the heart of a ghost city, she never walks the path alone. Friends old and new are on hand to help with bar brawls, flying serpents, and other travel hazards. When an evil greater than the curse is uncovered, Emma’s journey becomes a battle to save not just her home, but her friends as well.

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I decided the the 77p Amazon were asking for this book was worth it (LOL) since Book 1 was free and the reviews make me think I’ll want to read the set.

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2. The Flute Keeper’s Training (The Flute Keeper Saga #3) by Ashley Setzer

The Flute Keeper’s Training (The Flute Keeper Saga, #3) by Ashley Setzer

Princess Chloe’s sixteenth birthday is looming near, but an attack by a strange, half-mechanical monster leaves Emma little time to bother with the upcoming birthday ball—that is, until a certain handsome, blonde guest shows up early and sweeps both girls off their feet. The rivalry tests Emma’s loyalty to her best friend, as well as her devotion to her new job as a priestess trainee. To make matters worse, Lev Hartwig appears to be shunning her in favor of late night meetings with another girl. Ivywild castle is bursting with secrets and it is up to Emma to decide who she can trust and who the real monsters are before it’s too late.

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As with Book 2, this was on offer at 77p, so I’m set for plenty of time with the Flute Keeper. I’m not sure when I’ll get to read these…there are so many other books in my TBR list, some with deadlines!

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3. Never Forgotten (DCI Victor Moyes) by Peter Kirby

Set in the 1960’s this is the sixth in the series of stories covering DCI Victor Moyes’s attempts to contain the criminals operating in and around the fictional town of Abberford. Victor was what you would call a plodder refusing to give up on the cases he was involved in and relying to a certain extent on his second in command DS Victoria Morgan to come up with the ideas that would eventually bring the criminals to book.

As well as being involved in the work place they were also involved in their private lives their interest in dancing being the common denominator. They also used each other emotionally to satisfy their needs by spending passionate nights of love making although love was not involved…only their animal instincts.

This story covers the abduction of a girl held captive for seven years and repeated sexually and physically abused by her captor over this period of time and how she is eventually discovered

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I like detective stories, and at £1.02, I decided that I would buy this one too!

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4. Winter’s Destiny by Nancy Allan

Winter’s Destiny by Nancy Allan

She’s an architect, a wife, and a mother, but the quiet life ends suddenly for Amy Johnson. Alone, with a fall gale howling around the rafters, she turns to see a woman’s rain-streaked face staring at her through the dark window.

The face is identical to her own!

Instantly, Amy’s life crumbles. Her husband leaves, her only child disappears, and something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. Amy is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about–a place where a killer rules, where answers stay buried, where time ticks dangerously by, where her life is in constant peril, and worse, where her son, Jamie is hidden.

To find her child, she must find her look-alike, and that dislodges a killer who hunts her relentlessly. Sheriff Dallas Wayburne’s investigation parallels Amy’s, and their combined efforts draw them together when time is critical and when their relationship adds yet another dimension to Amy’s stressful life.

They finally track down the powerful, destructive man behind the scenes, learn the identity of Amy’s look-alike, and unravel a puzzle decades in the making. As time runs out, Amy struggles to save her son while fighting both a dangerous man and the perils of the treacherous Oregon coast.

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I didn’t win this on the Goodreads Giveaways, so when I spotted it at £1.92, I decided to go for it!

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5. Paradox – The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts

Paradox: The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts

Paradox Series: Spanning over centuries to the present day, this is a story about love, loss, and betrayal.

My name is Juliette. Nine hundred years ago, I died. Today, I am alive…

The Ancient World – This is not a story about Vampires. However, we are talking about a predatory being that existed long before the word Vampire was ever whispered… the real monsters behind the legendary Vampire myths that reigned in Ancient times. They were a race of Fallen Angels called Grigorians.

The New World – Grace is a little girl struggling to understand the catastrophic events that are forcing their way into her otherwise seemingly normal, if not sometimes, strange world. Haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away.

Grace finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief as she painfully witnesses her mother slowly being torn away from her.

A journey crossing Two Worlds. One Ancient – One New. How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend?

Grace’s story will indeed break your heart and leave you asking… Who, When, Where? WHAT!

Book 2 in the Paradox Series – Progeny Of Innocence. Will evil strike again? You can bet your soul on it!

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Book 2 was on the free offer, and at 99p, I thought I’d risk getting Book 1! 😉 This looks like a promising series.

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6. Firecracker by Charles R. Verhey

Firecracker by Charles R. Verhey

Firecracker is a fun contemporary fantasy thriller about a young woman named Aideen Cassidy, who has to be careful with her emotions because when she explodes, things literally explode! Being a pyrokinetic – able to start fires with her mind – isn’t an easy thing to live with, especially when trying to find work in the modern world. Luck or fate lands her a job with a group of eccentric psychics who use their gifts to help local authorities with difficult cases. They can see the future, sense feelings, read minds – useful traits. All Aideen can do is blow things up. But there’ something special about her that has caught the attention of the most powerful psychic in the world, and there are secrets about the organization even the psychics don’t know. Plans have been put into motion, secrets are unraveling, lives are in danger, and the group soon find themselves caught in a conspiracy of shadowy monsters, government spies, and ancient legends that date back 600 years.

All Aideen wanted was to fit in. Now the lives of all her new friends must rely on her talents for fiery destruction.

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I thought this was on the free list, so when I checked my order I was a bit surprised to find this cost me £3.23. This wasn’t the only one in this order where this happens…guess I’ll have to be a bit more careful and double check before I hit the “Buy” button… 😀

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7. Chocolate Aftertaste by Liz Grace Davis

Chocolate Aftertaste by Liz Grace Davis

At her pre-wedding dinner, Nora Darkin, the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, discovers her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. As her father hoists his glass to toast them, she makes an announcement: there will be no wedding to her father’s right-hand man.

Due to the fresh rift driven between her and her father, Nora escapes to the quaint town of Dreara. Determined to live her life her own way, she makes new friends and pursues her lifelong desire of becoming a chef. Ethan Danes, a neighbour with his own broken heart, helps soothe hers.

Just as Nora discovers what it means to be happy, and she begins to fall in love with Ethan, a woman from his past re-enters his life…

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At £1.95, I’m not so upset at not noticing this wasn’t on the freebie list.

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8. Immortal Coil (A Dragon Spirit Novel, Book 1) by C.I. Black

Immortal Coil by C.I. Black

Two souls. One Body. Sharing is not an option…

Terrible news has turned Anaea Salis’s life upside down. There’s nothing she can do to make it right and the stranger who stops to talk to her can’t help. But when that stranger, Hunter, an ancient dragon spirit, is viciously attacked and forced to transfer his spirit into her body, Anaea’s life takes a new terrifying twist.

Hunter should have known by now not to get involved with human affairs, but there was something about the woman that drew him to her and he just couldn’t help himself. Trapped in her body all he wants is to get out, except whoever is trying to kill him is now after her.

Their only hope of survival… plunge into the deadly world of dragons.

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This is another one where I didn’t spot that it wasn’t a freebie. Even when I thought it was a freebie, I was in two minds about downloading it, so finding I’d paid £4.47 for it was a bit of a downer! Let’s hope that when I read it, I decide it was worth it!

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9. Wicked Game by Matt Johnson

Wicked Game by Matt Johnson

A policeman is killed in a bomb blast, a second is gunned down in his own driveway. The Wicked Game has started.

Former SAS and now Royalty protection officer Robert Finlay has had enough of the job’s not-so-glamorous demands and opts to transfer to a local police station. But Fate has plans for Finlay – both of the murdered policemen are former Army colleagues.

Finlay doesn’t see himself as the hero type – just a survivor. A ‘Wicked Game’, where he is the target, is about to test his skills to the limit.

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This was £1.99. I can’t remember if I knew that before I bought it, but I suspect not. Still, it sounds like something I’ll enjoy, so I’m not too annoyed with myself.

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…………………………………………..

So there we go: two more books won and intended for review; five books bought intentionally and four books I thought were free but weren’t. A lesson learned. Quite a fun-filled week on the book acquisition front!!

Next week’s IMM will be a look at some of the NetGalley books for which I’ve been approved, so the following week’s IML will look at new arrivals over the two weeks between now and then – I know it will be an IML as I bought four books at a charity stall yesterday and I’ve been told a book is in the post and winging its way to my sticky paws from Canada 🙂 Come back in two weeks to find out what all these are!

Leave a link to your IMM post, or blog in general, and I’ll pop over and say hello. I hope there is something here that is new to you and that it has inspired you to go on a book hunt. Whatever you’re reading in the coming week – enjoy and share the love 😀

6 Comments

Posted in Author Gift for Review, eBook, First in Series 2012, Goodreads 2012 RC, In My Mailbox, Second in Series

Tagged 2012, IML, IMM, In My Letterbox, In My Mailbox, New, TBR

In My Inbox (7): Sunday 27 May 2012

Posted on 27 May, 2012 | 2 comments

Welcome to
In My Inbox!!

I have been treatening to do this for a some time now – and here it is: the list of the ebooks I have downloaded, for free, from Amazon during 2011; the 2012 books will appear in a later IMI post. Now I can see them all, I realise that I’ve been a bit like a small child in a sweet shop, grabbing pretty much anything I can see. In fact, I’ve downloaded more books in three months than I said I’d read in a year for the Goodreads Challenge! I think I need to take a few deep breaths and be a little more picky…or have someone tell me to “put down the mouse and step away from the computer” 🙂

I have read quite a number of these books (more than I’ve yet registered on Goodreads…that’s next on my To Do List) and I’ve linked the ones I’ve already reviewed. I doubt I’ll come back and retrospectively link, since the next item on my To Do List (it’s a long list) is to update my reading challenge pages with the appropriate books.

FREE eBooks downloaded in October 2011:

1. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (with Cross-References): Old and New Testaments by Crossway Bibles

2. The Holy Bible: HCSB Digital Text Edition by B & H Publishing Group

3. The Man Who Knew Too Much by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)

4. Beowulf

5. How to Live on 24 Hours a Day by Arnold Bennett

6. Winning the Zero Moment of Truth – ZMOT (Enhanced Version) (Kindle Edition with Audio/Video) by Jim Lecinski

7. Prayers for Today by Kurt Bjorklund

8. Secrets Uncovered – Blogs, hints and the inside scoop from Mills & Boon editors and authors by Various Authors

9. Overcoming Redundancy: 52 Inspiring Ideas to Help You Bounce Back From Losing Your Job by Gordon Adams

10. Self-Empowerment through Self-Hypnosis: Harnessing the Enormous Potential of the Mind by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke and Joe H. Slate PhD

11. Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday

12. The Iliad by Homer

13. The One You Love (suspense mystery) by Paul Pilkington Read

14. FREE 25 Language Phrasebook by Mobile Reference (Mobi Travel) MobileReference

FREE eBooks downloaded in November 2011:

1. First Impressions (Grace deHaviland) by David DeLee

2. Legwork (Casey Jones Mystery Series) by Katy Munger Read

3. The Samurai Strategy by Thomas Hoover Read

4. QB1 by Pete Bowen Read

5. Killing Faith (A Gabriel De Sade Thriller, book 1) by Eric Meyer Read

6. Chili Con Corpses: A Supper Club Mystery (The Supper Club Mysteries) by J.B. Stanley Read

7. Inspector Zhang Gets His Wish (a free short story) by Stephen Leather Read

8. Delver Magic Book I: Sanctum’s Breach by Jeff Inlo

9. Delver Magic Book II: Throne of Vengeance by Jeff Inlo

10. Delver Magic Book III: Balance of Fate by Jeff Inlo

11. The Thorn (The Chronicles of Gan) by Daron Fraley

12. Comic History of England by Bill Nye

13. Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading Selected from English and American Literature

14. The Glass Wall (Book One – The Glass Wall) by Carmen Caine & Madison Adler Read

15. History of Egypt, Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria in the Light of Recent Discovery by L. W. King (Leonard William) & H. R. Hall (Harry Reginald)

16. Exposed:Misbehaving with the Magnate by Kelly Hunter Read

17. Sephardic Israeli Cuisine: A Mediterranean Mosaic by Sheilah Kaufman

18. The Personal Credibility Factor: How to Get It, Keep It, and Get It Back (If You’ve Lost It) by Sandy Allgeier

19. Make More, Worry Less: Secrets from 18 Extraordinary People Who Created a Bigger Income and a Better Life by Wes Moss

20. The Kerala Kitchen: Recipes and Recollections from the Syrian Christians of South India (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) by Lathika George & Latha George Pottenkulam

21. Cuisines of the Alps: Recipes, Drinks and Lore From France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Germany, Austria and Slovenia (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) by Kay Shaw Nelson

22. Cooking from China’s Fujian Province: One of China’s Eight Great Cuisines by Jacqueline M. Newman

23. Gypsy Feast: Recipes and Culinary Traditions of the Romany People (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) by Carol Wilson

24. Nile Style: Egyptian Cuisine and Culture: Ancient Festivals, Significant Ceremonies, and Modern Celebrations (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) by Amy Riolo

25. Aprovecho: A Mexican-American Border Cookbook (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) by Teresa Cordero-Cordell & Robert Cordell

26. The Best of Polish Cooking: A Delightful Compilation of Traditional Polish Fare in an Easy-to-use Menu Format by Karen West

27. Healthy South Indian Cooking by Alamelu Vairavan & Patricia Marquardt

28. Give Me – A Romance of Wyrd and Fae by LK Rigel

29. The God’s Wife by Lynn Voedisch

30. A Little Bit of Everything For Dummies For Dummies

31. Holy Bible, GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) (with direct verse lookup and book and chapter navigation) by Baker Publishing Group

32. Falling Star by Diana Dempsey Read

33. Write That Book Already!: The Tough Love You Need To Get Published Now by Sam Barry & Kathi Kamen Goldmark

34. Strategy Power Plays (Infinite Success Series) by Tim Phillips & Karen Mccreadie

35. Legends of Babylon and Egypt in relation to Hebrew tradition by L. W. King (Leonard William)

36. South: The Story of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Expedition by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton

37. The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Isabella Mary Beeton

FREE eBooks downloaded in December 2011:

1. Resting In the Bosom Of the Lamb by Augusta Trobaugh Read

2. The Bell-Ringer of Angel’s by Bret Harte

3. A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill

4. A Bell’s Biography by Nathaniel Hawthorne

5. Praise Jerusalem! by Augusta Trobaugh

6. Striking Back by Mark Nykanen Read

7. The Diving Bell Or, Pearls to be Sought for by Francis C. Woodworth (Francis Channing)

8. Sophie and the Rising Sun by Augusta Trobaugh Read|Reviewed

9. Biographical Notes on the Pseudonymous Bells by Charlotte Brontë

10. Masters of Space by Morse, Thompson, Bell, Marconi, Carty Towers, Walter Kellogg

11. The Past Came Hunting by Donnell Bell Read|Reviewed

12. Records of a Family of Engineers by Robert Louis Stevenson

13. Mai Tai One On by Jill Marie Landis Read

14. Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey Read|Reviewed

15. Exposure by Donna Ball Read

16. Renegade (Devoncroix Dynasty) by Donna Boyd Read|Reviewed

17. Night Flight by Donna Ball Read

18. Sanctuary by Donna Ball Read|Reviewed

19. Sweet Tea and Jesus Shoes by Sandra Chastain, Deborah Smith, Donna Ball, Virginia Ellis aka Lyn Ellis, Debra Dixon, Nancy Knight Read

20. Dwelling in His Presence / 30 Days of Intimacy with God: A Devotional for Today’s Woman (NavPress Devotional Readers) by Cynthia Heald

21. The Cart Before The Corpse (The Merry Abbot Carriage-Driving Mystery) by Carolyn McSparren Read

22. Mossy Creek by Deborah Smith, Sandra Chastain, Debra Dixon Read

23. Blood Rock by Anthony Francis

24. Beyond The Misty Shore by Vicki Hinze

25. Carl von Clausewitz’s On War: A Modern-Day Interpretation of a Strategy Classic (Infinite Success Series) by Andrew Holmes

26. Power-up Pilates: Power and Poise For Daily Life (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Steve Shipside

27. The Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKenna Read|Reviewed

28. Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times, New and Expanded Edition: Even in Hard Times by Jon M. Huntsman

29. Five Minutes on Mondays: Finding Unexpected Purpose, Peace, and Fulfillment at Work by Alan Lurie

30. The Year She Fell by Alicia Rasley Read|Reviewed

31. 25 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living: A Guide for Improving Every Aspect of Your Life by Richard W. Paul & Linda Elder

32. The Art of Asking: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers by Terry J. Fadem

33. The Clinch Knot: Fly Fishing Mystery Series, Book 3 by John Galligan Read

34. Smart Women Know When to Say No by Dr. Kevin Leman

35. The Last Drop de Camp by L. Sprague & L. Ron Hubbard

36. Samuel Smiles’ Self-Help: A 52 Brilliant Ideas Interpretation by Steve Shipside

37. Master Dating: Get the Life and Love You Want (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Lisa Helmanis

38. Horror at Halloween: Part One by John Gordon

39. World’s best romance tips by Peter Cross & Dr Sabina Dosani

40. The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales by Richard Garnett

41. Improve Your Business Communication (Collection) by Jerry Weissman, Terry J. Fadem, Natalie Canavor & Claire Meirowitz,

42. Future Agenda: The World in 2020 by Tim Jones

43. Boost Your Child’s Confidence: 52 Brilliant Drama Techniques to Help Your Child Shine (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Lucy Morgans and Steve Hemsley

44. Haunted Love (Free short story) by Cynthia Leitich Smith

45. A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) by Delia Parr

46. Analysis Without Paralysis: 10 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions by Craig S. Fleisher and Babette E. Bensoussan

47. Healthy Children’s Lunches: 52 Brilliant Little Ideas For Junk-Free Meals Kids Will Love (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Mandy Francis

48. World’s best stress-busting tips by Elisabeth Wilson

49. Even You Can Learn Statistics: A Guide for Everyone Who Has Ever Been Afraid of Statistics (2nd Edition) by David M. Levine and David F. Stephan

50. Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn

51. God’s Eye by A.J. Scudiere

52. Tinseltown by Victoria Fox Read|Reviewed

53. Bridgehead by Stephen Huff

54. The Wrong Side Of Backwards by Stephen Huff

55. Darker Matter: Stories of Strange Futures by Aaron Polson

56. The Awakened: Book One by Jason Tesar

57. Human Resources by Stephen Huff

58. That Last Door Standing Wide Open by Stephen Huff

59. A Dixie Christmas by Sandra Hill

60. Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria by Rahma Krambo

61. Guardian of the Dawn (Short Story) (Kormak) by William King

62. Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose by Jagdish N. Sheth, Rajendra S. Sisodia & David B. Wolfe

63. A Victorian Christmas (Anthology) by Catherine Palmer Read

64. Child of the Mist (These Highland Hills, Book 1): These Highland Hills Series, Book 1 by Kathleen Morgan

65. The Culture Cycle: How to Shape the Unseen Force that Transforms Performance by James Heskett

66. Cultivate a Cool Career: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Reaching the Top by Ken Langdon

67. Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince: A 52 Brilliant Ideas Interpretation (Infinite Success Series) by Tim Phillips

68. Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich: A 52 Brilliant Ideas Interpretation (Infinite Success) by Karen

69. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self-Reliance: A Modern-day Interpretation of a Self-help Classic (Infinite Success Series) by Andrew Holmes

70. Frank Bettger’s How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success (Infinite Success Series) by Karen Mccreadie

71. C. Northcote Parkinson’s Parkinson’s Law (Infinite Success Series) by Leo Gough

72. The Disciplined Life (Ebook Short) by Calvin Miller

73. Kiss of The Christmas Wind by Janelle Taylor

74. Practically Fictive by Brian Kahin Read

75. Helpful herbs for health and beauty by Barbara Griggs

76. What’s Stopping You?: Shatter the 9 Most Common Myths Keeping You from Starting Your Own Business by R. Duane Ireland & Bruce Barringer

77. Networking: Work Your Contacts to Supercharge Your Career by Nicholas King

78. Insights from Remarkable Businesspeople (Collection) by D. Michael Abrashoff

79. Stress-proof Your Business and Your Life by Elisabeth Wilson & Steve Pipe

80. Transform Your Life by Penny Ferguson

81. Lose weight and stay slim: Secrets of Fad-free Dieting (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Eve Cameron

82. Drop a Dress Size: 52 Brilliant Little Ideas to Lose Weight and Stay Slim by Kate Cook & Eve Cameron

83. Have it Your Way by Nicholas Bate

84. The Golden Acorn: The Adventures of Jack Brenin by Catherine Cooper

85. Design on a Crime (Deadly Décor Mysteries, Book 1) by Ginny Aiken Read

86. Be your own best life coach: Take Charge and Live the Life You Always Wanted (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Jackee Holder

87. The brilliant book of calm: Down to Earth Ideas For Finding Inner Peace in a Chaotic World (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Tania Ahsan

88. Boundless Energy by Elisabeth Wilson

89. Children of Another God (The Broken World) by T C Southwell

…

This post has taken hours of work to format over the last month. I think it’s been worth it as I can see a number of books – particularly the business and self-help books that I’ve filed in suitably named folders on my Kindle – that I’d forgotten I’d downloaded. I really have to be more selective in my downloading!

2 Comments

Posted in free-eBooks, In My Inbox, WBTC2012

Tagged 2011, 2012, IMI, IML, IMM, In My Inbox, In My Mailbox, New, TBR, wbtc2012

In My Mailbox (5): Monday 14 May 2012

Posted on 14 May, 2012 | 5 comments

Hello and welcome to the latest installment on In My Mailbox, which is a weekly meme originated by The Story Siren. It gives an opportunity to showcase the books we’ve acquired, by whatever means!

This week all mine are ebooks – including my first two ebook purchases!!

eBOOKS AUTHORS HAVE GIVEN ME TO REVIEW:

1. Shattered by Donna Ball

A missing teenage girl… a desperate mother… a frantic call in the night… is this a cruel hoax, or the work of a maniacal serial killer?

The peaceful resort town of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea on Florida’s Forgotten Coast is known for its low crime rate, pristine beaches, and great fishing. But tragedy can come even to Paradise, as Carol Dennison found out two and a half years ago when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Kelly, disappeared on her way to a Tallahassee concert. Now, just as Carol as beginning to rebuild the pieces of her shattered life, she receives a midnight call from someone who calls her “mama” and begs for help. Is this a cruel prank designed to terrorize and punish Kelly’s father for the role he played in bringing a recently paroled criminal to justice? Or is it possible that Kelly is still alive?

A grim investigation uncovers a connection between Kelly and other girls who have gone missing along the Gulf Coast in the past few years. When the body of one of those missing girls washes up on the shores of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea, the police are forced to admit they may have a serial killer in their midst. And with over three thousand college students poised to descend on the tiny community for spring break, their only hope for stopping him before he strikes again is the frightened voice of a teenage girl on the telephone… and the desperate determination of the parents who love her.

Shattered is Donna Ball at her best: spine-tingling terror, chilling realism and unforgettable characters. No parent will ever watch her child leave the house in the same way again.

Donna Ball was looking for people to review her latest book and kindly let me have a copy, which I have already read – review to follow. My RA has been playing up, so life’s been a bit painful lately and I’ve not been abe to do as much as I’ve had planned. Briefly: I recommend this book – click on the (lifted from Amazon!) image to take you to the Amazon page for the Kindle edition.

2. Unforgettable Embrace by Joanne Clancy

Unforgettable Embrace by Joanne Clancy

Unforgettable Embrace, by Joanne Clancy, is a story of a woman’s journey in self-discovery with many unexpected and often hilarious encounters along the way.

Rachel’s life has become a boring and monotonous routine. Life is just not what she expected it to be, so she decides to make some drastic but exciting changes.

A significant event occurs during a friend’s hen weekend, the seriousness of which wouldn’t be unveiled until later.

Tense moments arise that are suddenly and brutally made to look miniscule compared to the serious events, that unknown to Rachel, have already taken place, in which she is unwittingly but dangerously involved

Joanne had a weekend giveaway for Unforgettable Embrace, and I jumped at the opportunity to read this book having just finished Unfaithfully Yours.

3. Growing Up Wired by David Wallace Fleming

Growing up Wired by David Wallace Fleming

How will romantic relationships withstand technology’s offer of instant gratification? While on his computer, Victor Hastings admires the provocative pictures of the girl he’s dating. Meanwhile, she’s posting more and more on Facebook and all the social sites. Now everyone in his cramped fraternity is competing for her. What kind of love is this? The wired kind.

I follow David’s blog and have been looking at his books for a while. Recently David offered Growing Up Wired foc on Smashwords for a weekend…well…I’m sure you’ve noticed what a sucker I am for a free book! I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing this book.

ebooks i have bought

1. Twined by A. L. Collins

Twined by A.L. Collins

Avalin Marsh is used to disappointment. When her mother murdered a woman in the kitchen of her home on her eleventh birthday, Avalin decided that the people in your life were only there to let you down. She built up walls over the years making a mental fortress impervious to disappointment, heartache and sadness. However it also isolated her from others, making her bitter… and lonely.

When her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia after the murder, Avalin began to see and experience things that she couldn’t explain. She thought she could handle these episodes by pushing them back into her mind. Until the day she sees one of her classmates morph into a monster right in front of her eyes. Pushed to the brink of paranoia, Avalin truly believes she’s insane. Then a mysterious man named Albert comes into her life. She’s wary of his motives yet for some reason finds herself drawn to him even though they’ve never met. What’s even more inexplicable is that Albert knows who Avalin is. She’s the daughter of the famous Abigail Marsh. Her mother.

Now the two of them will need to put their differences aside and trust one another. If Avalin can’t let her guard down long enough to let Albert in, then there might be dire and far reaching consequences in store for them.

It turns out Avalin Marsh isn’t as crazy as she thought.

I bought this, my first paid for ebook (!!) because I didn’t win it on First Reads and really wanted to read it. My good blogging friend, Daisy Chain did win a copy…I’m sure she’ll be reviewing it soon too! I have actually finished reading this, and the review joins my list of “Reviews to Written…Soon!”

2. Scarlett’s by A. L. Collins

Scarlett’s by A.L. Collins

Just when everything around Jaime Williams starts to cave in and, when it looks like the economy has claimed another victim. She takes a job as a last resort at the local diner. Scarlett’s will have you cheering for all that is good in this world. She builds some amazing relationships along the way and Jaime’s solace comes in the help and encouragement that she gives to those closest to her. When a friend stumbles upon some writings in an old binder under her bed while helping her move, the world that Jaime once knew is about to change… Karma is a wonderful thing!

I bought this because the reviews on Amazon were gushing. I’m about three-quarters of the way through and I’m not impressed.

………….

Five more books added to my TBR, of which I have already read two and a half! I think a “No Reading” rule will be in force for a couple of weeks while I catch up with my reviewing!
Have a great week’s reading – be sure to leave a link to your IMM in your comment 🙂

5 Comments

Posted in Author Gift for Review, eBook, free-eBooks, In My Mailbox

Tagged 2012, Donna Ball, ebooks, IMM, In My Mailbox, kindle, New, TBR

In My Mailbox: Thursday 26 April 2012

Posted on 26 April, 2012 | Leave a comment

Welcome to
In My Mailbox!!

Listed here are the NetGalley books I downloaded in April. As there are quite a few, I’m not going to link them, but full links will be provided in the reviews. I have included a few comments on some of them.

I decided to list them by publication date – for no particular reason but that it made sense to me.

NETGALLEY Books RECEIVED IN APRIL:

1. The Eternity Code & The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 06 May 2003

These are books Three and Four in the Artemis Fowl series. In honour of the latest AF release, all of the series are being released to NetGalley readers, two books each month. I have read one of the series before (when I bought it for my niece) and they are well written, rip-roaring adventures; but you knew that anyway!

2. Solitary by Travis Thrasher

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 August 2010

3. Becoming Fearless by Michelle Aguilar

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 October 2011

4. Beyond The Misty Shore by Vicki Hinze

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 November 2011

5. Taking a Stand by Ken Casper

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 November 2011

6. Beside a Dreamswept Sea by Vicki Hinze

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 December 2011

7. Dark River Road by Virginia Brown

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 December 2011

8. Stuck With You by Trish Jensen

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 January 2012

9. The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reid

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 January 2012

10. Into the Free by Julie Cantrell

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 February 2012

11. Lowcountry Bribe by C. Hope Clark

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 06 February 2012

12. Hound Dog Blues by Virginia Brown

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 01 March 2012

13. The Top Ten Leadership Commandments by Hans Finzel

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 March 2012

14. Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 March 2012

15. Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 31 March 2012

Murder, mystery and mischief among the pampered folks of posh Laguna Beach, CA and their equally pampered pets. Book One and Book Two of the Pampered Pets Mysteries are now available to NetGalley reviewers exclusively in this two-book review copy. In Desperate Housedogs, pet therapist Caro finds her client (the human one) dead. What did his two German Shepherds witness and how can Caro track down the killer? In Get Fluffy, Caro’s cousin, Melinda, the owner of a fancy pet boutique and spa, feuds with one of the snarkiest divas in town: Mona, whose pampered pup lives the life of a canine princess. When Mona is found dead, Mel is a prime suspect. Can she clear her name or will her career go to the dogs?

Sparkle Abbey is the writing team of Anita Carter and Mary Lee Woods. Visit the authors at http://sparkleabbey.com

I read Desperate Housedogs last December, and it’s a brilliantly hilarious read. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with Caro and the other characters – two- and four-legged – in Get Fluffy!

16. The God Who Sees You by Tammy Maltby with Anne Christian Buchanan

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 April 2012

17. The Jesus Life by Stephen W. Smith

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 April 2012

18. Temptation by Travis Thrasher

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 April 2012

19. Dancing with the Boss by Clare Gutierrez

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group 20 April 2012

I have already read this book and enjoyed it. There’s a brief review on my Goodreads shelf; I’m working on a more comprehensive one to post here and on NetGalley.

20. The River Witch by Kimberly Brock

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 30 April 2012

21. Relentless Pursuit by Kathy Herman

Publisher: David C. Cook 01 May 2012

22. The Work of Christ by R. C. Sproul