December 2009 – Page 4

Giveaway: I, ALex Cross by James Patterson (audio)

Published on December 18, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)65 Comments

Thank you to Hachette Audio Book Group for letting me have three of these audio books for giveaway!

Am I on a Patterson kick or what? 🙂

You can’t run

Detective Alex Cross is pulled out of a family celebration and given the awful news that a beloved relative has been found brutally murdered. Alex vows to hunt down the killer, and soon learns that she was mixed up in one of Washington’s wildest scenes. And she was not this killer’s only victim.

You can’t hide

The hunt for the murderer leads Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, to a place where every fantasy is possible, if you have the credentials to get in. Alex and Bree are soon facing down some very important, very protected, very dangerous people in levels of society where only one thing is certain—they will do anything to keep their secrets safe.

Alex Cross is your only hope to stay alive

As Alex closes in on the killer, he discovers evidence that points to the unimaginable—a revelation that could rock the entire world. With the unstoppable action, unforeseeable twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense that only a James Patterson thriller delivers, I, Alex Cross is the master of suspense at his sharpest and best.

I have 3 of these to give away – here is how you can enter!

For one entry: Leave a comment here letting me know your favorite genre

***(*you must answer the question to be entered!)***

Extra Entries? Sure!

For an additional entry tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave me a link here on a separate comment

Be a follower of this blog and let me know here (for another entry) or subscribe to this blog and let me know here on a separate comment and have two extra entries (doing both would be three extra entries)

That’s it – giveaway will end January 19. USA and Canada entrants only.

Giveaway: The Murder Of King Tut by James Patterson (audio)

Published on December 17, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)70 Comments

Thank you to Hachette Audio Book Group for letting me have three of these audio books for giveaway!

Synopsis

A secret buried for centuries

Thrust onto Egypt’s most powerful throne at the age of nine, King Tut’s reign was fiercely debated from the outset. Behind the palace’s veil of prosperity, bitter rivalries and jealousy flourished among the Boy King’s most trusted advisors, and after only nine years, King Tut suddenly perished, his name purged from Egyptian history. To this day, his death remains shrouded in controversy.

The keys to an unsolved mystery

Enchanted by the ruler’s tragic story and hoping to unlock the answers to the 3,000 year-old mystery, Howard Carter made it his life’s mission to uncover the pharaoh’s hidden tomb. He began his search in 1907, but encountered countless setbacks and dead-ends before he finally, uncovered the long-lost crypt.

The clues point to murder

Now, in The Murder of King Tut, James Patterson and Martin Dugard dig through stacks of evidence–X-rays, Carter’s files, forensic clues, and stories told through the ages–to arrive at their own account of King Tut’s life and death. The result is an exhilarating true crime tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal that casts fresh light on the oldest mystery of all.

I have 3 of these to give away – here is how you can enter!

For one entry: Leave a comment here letting me know your favorite genre

***(*you must answer the question to be entered!)***

Extra Entries? Sure!

For an additional entry tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave me a link here on a separate comment

Be a follower of this blog and let me know here (for another entry) or subscribe to this blog and let me know here on a separate comment and have two extra entries (doing both would be three extra entries)

That’s it – giveaway will end January 17. USA and Canada entrants only.

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

Published on December 16, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

When a rusty old tin box is unearthed at the Covington Homestead, longtime housemates Grace, Amelia, and Hannah discover that it contains letters and diaries written by two Civil War soldiers, one Union and one Confederate.

The friends are captivated by the drama revealed. The soldiers were found dying on a nearby battlefi eld by an old woman. She nursed them back to health, hiding them from bounty hunters seeking deserters. At the end of the war the men chose to stay in Covington, caring for their rescuer as she grew frail. But while their lives were rich, they still felt homesick and guilty for never contacting the families they’d left behind.

Christmas is coming, and the letters inspire Amelia with a generous impulse. What if she and her friends were to find the two soldiers’ descendants and invite them to Covington to meet? What better holiday gift could there be than the truth about these two heroic men and their dramatic shared fate? With little time left, the ladies spring into action to track down the men’s families in Connecticut and the Carolinas, and to make preparations in Covington for their most memorable, most historic Christmas yet.

A sweet read for this time of year. Joan Medlicott warmed my heart with her story of the amazing women that set out to make an amazing Christmas for perfect strangers. I really felt that this book captured within its pages the meaning of Christmas – of giving from the heart. The letters were touching and I easily placed myself along side Grace, Amelia, and Hannah as they were read, imagining the two soldiers of 1864 scraping out these words.

I really enjoyed the three women’s characters as they were colorful and likable. All this inside a darling little hard cover book that is really a gift in itself!

Joan Medlicott was born and raised on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She lives with her husband in the mountains of North Carolina.

I received my review copy from Sarah Reidy and Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster

Morning Meanderings…

Published on December 16, 2009December 16, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)25 Comments

If you read yesterdays meandering post you know that I had an early workout with a friend yesterday. What you do now know…. is that i was wrong, and I was not meeting her at 6:30 at all…

I was late.

Turns out we were suppose to meet at 6 am, and I totally goofed it. :0

So today – I did meet her at the designated time of 6 am. That was harder yet to be ready and motivated but I did it and it is amazing how it sets my day off better. For one, after the work out I was able to go get groceries for the white chili I want to make tonight for dinner instead of scrambling to do so after work. Secondly – I arrive not only on time to the office – but early! By the time everyone else gets in today I will well be on my way!

I thought this called for a little music as I am finally getting (just a bit) into the spirit of Christmas. This is my absolute favorite Christmas show…. makes me cry every time.

Here’s an awesome version of this song:

I will have a review up this afternoon and another giveaway or two tonight! have a great day everyone!

Primal by Mark Batterson

Published on December 16, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it with one commandment: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Primal Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity and power. Along the way, he calls Christians to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in their own lives.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you?” asks Batterson. “A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.” Batterson says that that moment may have been during a sermon, on a mission trip or at an altar, but regardless of the time or place, a return to a primal faith is essential to all believers.

According to Batterson that primal faith will lead Christians to a new reformation, an overhaul of the way they love God. “Reformations are born out of primal truths rediscovered, reimagined and radically reapplied to our lives,” he says. And the importance of rediscovering the need to love God with all that we are can’t be measured. Primal will help readers live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God, becoming great at the Great Commandment.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God?

I have enjoyed Mark Batterson’s writing in his past books and this book was icing on the cake. Well written, thought provoking as is the norm for Batterson, who this time around is aiming to take us to new places intellectually and spiritually so that we may discover new ways of loving God. Mark Batterson’s words flow off the paper and cause me to think outside the box.

In ways that I like to refer to as “teachable moments”, Mark Batterson uses a style of writing where he shares personal life stories that he turns right back to God. Primal is all about getting back to the basics that the Bible has given us within the great commandment: loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Obviously as a book lover – I enjoy great writing and Mark Batterson does not lack in that department! I for one cant wait to see what Mark Patterson comes up with next!

Want to make a difference? Make Primal the first book you read in 2010 and start your New Year off with a new kind of resolution.

About The Author

Mark Batterson is the author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com

I received my review copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (audio)

Published on December 16, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)62 Comments

I am thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful book on audio thanks to Hachette Book Group!

An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life–until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. “Dear John,” the letter read…and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love–and face the hardest decision of his life.

See the movie trailer here

Official Movie site here

I have 3 of these to give away – here is how you can enter!

For one entry: Leave a comment here with a favorite Nicholas Sparks book that you have enjoyed. Never read Sparks? Then let me know here is you are planning to see this movie that will be out in February 2010

Extra Entries? Sure!

For an additional entry tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave me a link here on a separate comment

Be a follower of this blog and let me know here (for another entry) or subscribe to this blog and let me know here on a separate comment and have two extra entries (doing both would be three extra entries)

That’s it – giveaway will end January 15. USA and Canada entrants only.

The Ghost, The Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano by Larry Sweitzer

Published on December 15, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

It’s the summer of 2004 and Freddie Holtzman can’t wait to get to Camp Mason, a summer camp for eggheads or rather, gifted teens. He hopes to reconnect with Ginny Haig, a girl he met at camp last year. Freddie’s old friends, Logan and Monty, are there along with some new faces. He tries to win Ginny’s affection, but every time he tries to talk to her, he says-and does-nerdy things.

At Camp Mason, a science fair pits the eggheads against one another for the top prize of a five thousand dollar scholarship. But, when the projects go missing, friendships are put to the test, relationships get put on hold, and everyone’s a suspect. To make matters worse, the camp is haunted by young Billy Mason who died there decades ago. The boys are determined to solve the mystery of the ghost and the missing science projects.

Freddie’s quest to win the scholarship—add the girl of his dreams—are constantly in jeopardy. There are complications at every turn: the ghost, a creepy caretaker, Freddie’s high school nemesis, a cantankerous camp manager, and a saboteur all threaten his chance to win the prize and Ginny’s heart.

For a book with an extremely unusual title (that gave me flashbacks of A Curios Incident Of The Dog In The Night) I found the whole read fascinating! I felt like a kid again buried eye balls deep in Hardy Boy and Nancy Drew Mysteries. Larry Sweitzer’s book was a great reminder of books of my past. The setting of a camp is an excellent fit for a book that revolves around the importance of friendships.

Many different elements make up this book that would be wonderful for the 7 – 10 age group. I liked the fact that Freddie was extremely smart but also a jock. This really brought together two groups that are usually quite separate the jocks and the…. well the eggheads. I liked that about this book as it shows that you don’t have to be one or the other. Once I started the book I did not put it down until on that last page our main character Freddie…. oh – that’s right, I can’t tell you! Guess you will just have to read it for yourself! 😉

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Larry Sweitzer is a writer, musician, and avid baseball fan. He was born and raised in western Maryland and now lives in Virginia with his wife and two daughters. The Ghost, the Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano is his first novel. Visit him at www.larrysweitzer.com.

My Amazon Review

I received my copy fro review from Pump Up Your Book Promotion

Morning Meanderings

Published on December 15, 2009December 15, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)36 Comments

I have pulled Coffee Cup off the shelf at 5:45 am this morning. Why? Because I made a commitment to work out with a friend (do I use this term loosely because of the time we have committed to?) at 6:30 am at the YMCA.

On paper, this sounds good…. get up early – get it out of the way…. move on with my day and not have the pending workout hanging over my head.

In reality? I am tired… unmotivated… and going to really not be happy if she is thinking the same thing and says forget this and doesn’t show up.

SO…. while I have a few minutes here for a second cup of coffee before I grab my work clothes and head out the door… I want to talk books. Have you see this?

This is the set of all 8 of the Sookie Stackhouse books for $35.46 at Amazon. I seen this last week and I keep looking at it. I think it is a good deal… I only have the first on e in this series and believe I paid at least $8 for it. It still sits on my shelf unread… but I do find comfort in the fact that I can pick it up and read it any time I want.

They seem to have such a following and so many people have read them and are loving them.

So have you read any of these? Are they good?

I have to run…. later on there is of course a review… and if I can find some time later – I have a few giveaways I need to post as well!

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

Published on December 14, 2009December 14, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

This is the weekly meme hosted by J Kaye’s Blog that takes a look at what is on on our reading agenda for the week….

I am pleased to say that in light of the mega reading I have been doing lately – I am taking this week to catch up on some reviews that seem to be piling up all around me and only working on reading one book this week – The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent:

I know, right? Me the person who strives for 5 or 6 books a week needs to take a step back! I have plenty of reviews to get posted this week and with my son here for the month now from college and my other son having left for the Navy…. I am just going to slow down a bit.

In my car I am listening to James Patterson: Run For Your Life and I am loving it!

Last week I read and reviewed:

The Secret Of The Christmas Box by Steven Hornby (a quick read and a good holiday story)

The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea (This book through me for a loop – a great read on child labor!)

Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly (The book didn’t impress me, but the review did!)

Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan (I had been listening to this on audio for the past week)

Gringos In Paradise by Malana Ashlie (A look into an area that I know well, it was fun to read about Honduras)

So that’s my plan…. I am doing a discussion next Monday afternoon here about The Heretic’s Daughter that I I hope many will join in. If you have read it, let me know as I will be linking reviews here to those who join in the discussion of what I am hoping is going to be a fascinating read!

40 Loaves by c.d. baker with Giveaway!

Published on December 14, 2009December 14, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments

A refreshingly different devotional that left me hungry for more and hopeful that there are 40 more loaves in the oven… ~ Sheila

“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.

–Psalm 139:23 NIV

This is the kind of book that you want break into the bread of each day to find insights to great questions such as they are listed above as well as others. Chapter after chapter c. d. baker offers up a fresh topic – 40 actually. These topics are thought provoking and each chapter ends with a little food for thought as well a prayer that either came out of the Bible, or many times a prayer from another author which I really enjoyed.

The book is not overly preachy, instead peppered with modern stories, each chapter leads you through a question and some thoughts to take away. Written in short 4 page chapters, this is something that you could read through while you have your morning coffee. Each chapter asking the questions that we feel we shouldn’t be asking… but are so glad that someone did. I think this book could be given to anyone at any level of Faith and they would find understanding within the pages.

This book should be read in 40 days. I would recommend taking a chapter a day to breathe in the aroma of God’s words and really take those words to heart as you go through the 40 days, hopefully coming out the other side with a fresh perspective. Even if you think daily devotional type books are not your thing, I think you would find this book to be different and interesting. I plan on going through this book again starting the first of the year and doing just that.