November 2016 ~ Nighttime Reading Center

November 30, 2016

Turning To Stone by Gabriel Valjan

Book Title: Turning To Stone
Author: Gabriel Valjan
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime / Detective,
Series: Roma #4
Publisher: Winter Goose Publishing
Publish Date: February 13, 2012 (340 Pages, E-book)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free to review the book that is on a book tour with +Laura Fabiani which is Book Five of this series. My options and honesty review are my own.
Description: Forensic accountant Alabaster Black has always been steps ahead of her former employer, Rendition, a clandestine and apparently lethal organization. Once the star investigator of financial crimes, she fled from the United States to Italy, under a new name: Bianca Nerini. She carries on her work with a group of trusted friends, although a mysterious contact by the name of Loki reaches out to her on occasion. In this fourth installment, Bianca is in Naples against the Camorra, a crime syndicate unlike the American or Sicilian mafia.

Bianca Nerini is with her trusted friends. We meet up with the group and find out that they are all working together. This is a bit different in terms that there's not much action for them all. Bianca Nerini get in contact with Loki, and it may be that there are two Loki’s?

We meet an Intern that join their team. He seems to know Charlie Brooks and then Matteo is known by this TB. Who is TB? How has Farese involved once again? He seems to show up once again. Gabriel Valjan does it again. Who is really the enemy, and who are those you can trust? In this installment it about the mafia. Who might be the spiders?

Can the Gdf team figure out Farese and the mafia are doing? What is it that Farese wants in Naples? Who is this Madrina? We do know that Farrugia is undercover and his friend is as well this Claudio. What do these clans Marra, and Totarto want to do with the Euro and does the Silicons do with the US Bonds. Will the Gdf group be able to make the connections? Why has the Commissioner been assassinated? We also have agents McGrittery and Murphy that helps the teams as well.

Prizes:

5 winners get a paperback copy of CC

5 winners get an ebook copy of CC

1 winner gets the whole set of Roma series in paperback (signed)

1 winner gets the whole set of Roma series in ebook format

12 winners total

Print copies open to USA and ebooks open international

Giveaway ends Dec 17

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Gabriel Valjan lives in Boston, Massachusetts. He is the author of the Roma Series, available from Winter Goose Publishing. Gabriel has also written numerous short stories and essays found online and in print.

Connect with the author: Website ~Twitter ~ Facebook

November 26, 2016

7:13 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

The 12 Tasks of the Festive Season - Task the Seventh: The Christmas

Task the Seventh: The Christmas:

Mistletoe at Moonglow (Finished November 26, 2016)

- Read a book set during the Christmas holiday season.

- Grab your camera (or your phone) and set up a Christmas bookstagram-style scene with favorite holiday reads, objects or decorations. Possibly also a cat. Post it for everyone to enjoy!

November 22, 2016

12:00 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Tour: Bloodrealms by Aurora Whittet

Book Title: Bloodrealms
Author: Aurora Whittet
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Paramormal, Mystery
Series: Bloodmark Saga (#2)
Publisher: Wise Ink
Publish Date: October 31, 2014 (400 pages, Hardcover - E-book)
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher / author. I am reviewing this book for an honest review and +Laura Fabiani iRead Book Tours
Description: Werewolf princess Ashling Boru's eighteenth birthday is only a year away, which means that she only has twelve months before she is claimed and fulfills her prophecy to unite the packs and lead her people. Her father decrees that her four suitors must fight in the Bloodrealms, the werewolves' ancient underground fighting world, and the winner will have King Boru's choice to win Ashling's hand. The wolf laws are rigid and barbaric, and Ashling's illicit love for Grey, if discovered, will mean his death. But when Ashling and Grey get trapped in the blood-soaked depths of the Bloodrealms, they find ancient horrors far greater than Ashling's father's rule.

With betrayal around every corner and old nemeses set to destroy Ashling, she is more divided than ever between the destiny she didn't choose and the love that she did. To make matters worse, her decision will not only set the course of her future, but the future of her entire race.

Ashing Boru is told to leave both Barun and Gray. Though they really want to bring them. Ashing need to travel with her family for a wedding between Gwen and her brother Quinn. She and her pack leave for Castle Regan.

Things starts to happen during their visit at Castle Regan. Someone attacks Ashing in her sleep. This goes a bit awry during that time. Lord Baychen invites the Killan to the wedding. What is Grey doing during their time part?

There are adventures on every page. Why are all evils trying to stop Grey and Ashling? Once they get stuck inside the Bloodrealms. Will they get out or will they end up dying there? Ashling and Grey seem to get separated. Who will win Ashling’s hand in marriage. What about her pack. Will they all want her to find the love to reunite the packs?

Ashing is to deal with her Aunt Vidagis and the Dagmar’s? She also finds some allies in the Bloodreams when she is trying to escape. We find out Vidagis and Verci daughter and how she related to the Boru or at least to Ashling Boru. We really do find out the worst horrors that can be found in the bloodrealms.

Aurora Whittet has really outdone herself again in this second book. We find out what Bloodrealms is all about and all it horrors. Can Ashling and Grey and her pack survive the attacks. There even a revel about Emmons Dagmar and what he is will to do.

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Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is just the latest in a string of acclaimed works. Her first official writing endeavor became The Bloodmark Saga, featuring a werewolf princess-turned-ruler who falls in love with a human boy. Her first novel in the Bloodmark Saga, Bloodmark, came out in 2013, followed by Bloodrealms in 2014 and the final book Bloodmoon in 2016.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

November 21, 2016

12:00 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

The Berenstain Bears Love One Another

Book Title: Love One Another
Author: Mike Berenstain
Genres: Children, Family, Fiction
Series: The Berenstain Bears, Living Lights,
Publisher: Worthykids/Ideals
Publish Date: 2016-10-04 (20 Pages, Board Book)
Disclaimer: I received this book free from +WorthyPublishing for and honest review and for +Leeannan.
Description: Stan and Jan Berenstain launched the Berenstain Bears books in 1962 with The Big Honey Hunt. Since that time, more than 400 Berenstain Bears books have been published, making it one of the best-selling children’s series ever. Today, Mike Berenstain continues his parents’ tradition. In The Berenstain Bears Love One Another, the cubs are helping Mama make berry muffins for a neighbor. When the cubs ask why they can’t have the muffins, Mama reminds them that when we love one another, we find ways to help each other. The short, simple story and well-loved characters provide toddlers with a perfect introduction to the concept of showing love and kindness.

In “The Berenstain Bears Love One Another” the plot is good. This book teaches you how to love one another. Mike get it done nicely. It the picture tell the story. The concept is to show love and help out and show the love to your family and others in your neighborhood.

Bother and Sister are taught what Love One another means by Mama bear. They Brother and Sister Bear bother show it though performs it throughout the book. Find out what they do and how they help by reading the book.

It great for children and young readers. Parents can use this book as a teaching tool if they choose. It great for young children as and good book to learn how to read.

November 16, 2016

12:30 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Threading the Needle by Gabriel Valjan

Book Title: Threading the Needle
Author: Gabriel Valjan
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime / Detective,
Series: Roma #3
Publisher: Winter Goose Publishing
Publish Date: August 7, 2013 (366 Pages, E-book)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free to review the book that is on a book tour with +Laura Fabiani which is Book Five of this series. My options and honesty review are my own.
Description: Milan. Bianca’s curiosity gets a young university student murdered, but not before he gives her a file that details a secret weapon under development with defense contractor Adastra. Guilt may drive her to find justice for the slain Charlie Brooks, but she is warned by the mysterious Loki to stay away from this case that runs deep with conspiracy. Bianca must find a way to uncover government secrets and corporate alliances without returning Italy to one of its darkest hours, the decades of daily terrorism known as the “Years of Lead.”

“It is even more to Gabriel Valjan’s credit that with Threading the Needle he, as an American, was nonetheless capable of unusual insight into the Misteri Italiani, the Italian Mysteries, without taking any prejudicial standpoint, one way or the other, or putting the blame on anyone, but rather inviting readers to judge for themselves.” —Claudio Ferrara, Italian journalist and translator

“But after the first few pages, I knew I was committed to the end of the book ... and would be reading the two earlier books…Characters, plot, ideas, background: In Threading the Needle, Valjan weaves it all into an international crime novel worth the read.” —Beth Kannell of Kingdom Books, a specialty mystery bookshop in northeastern Vermont.

We are at it again with the gang with all them thrown into a murder from the very beginning. Gabriel Valjan gets all them involved including Binica but not in investing it all. It seems to be about Trust or does you trust throughout the book.

It all starts with a young man murder and also thrown in a politician death. What does Farse want, and why is he there? He seems to only show up ever so often. Why is the gang all pulled in to uncover it but it seems that they are being screwed? Dante, Gennaro, Farrugia, and Alessandro are pulled here and there to do something. They get told to investigate the murders. What with Farrugia getting disgraced by the news.

What is Lead of the Year? What are connections? Something is up. We get through from assassins to terrorists. What can a G9 want? Gabriel Valjan get you wondering what in the world is going on in Italy. With all the murders you seem to follow the group. Can they solve it or not?

Prizes:

5 winners get a paperback copy of CC

5 winners get an ebook copy of CC

1 winner gets the whole set of Roma series in paperback (signed)

1 winner gets the whole set of Roma series in ebook format

12 winners total

Print copies open to USA and ebooks open international

Giveaway ends Dec 17

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November 15, 2016

11:34 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

The Twelve Tasks of the Festive Season - Task the Ninth: The Happy New Year

Task the Ninth: The Happy New Year

The Berenstain Bears Love One Another (Finished November 4, 2016)

- Every year you get a little bit older! Read a coming of age novel or any old favorite comfort read to start the new year right.

8:55 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

The Twelve Tasks of the Festive Season

I know I said I wasn't going to reveal the full game until tomorrow, but with Halloween Bingo coming to a close, I just can't wait anymore! The game runs from November 1, 2016, through January 2, 2017.

This one is just for fun! Activities/reads can be gathered in any order - you don't need to complete any individual task before moving on to the next. We have come up with 12 festive tasks for you to undertake - each task has two options for completion. One of the tasks is reading related, the other is an activity. You can fulfill the task by doing one task, but feel free to do both if they catch your fancy.

This game isn't really prize focused, but there will be a drawing on January 2, 2016, for a prize, with everyone who completes the twelve tasks eligible to win!

Task the First: The Winter Wonderland:

- Read a book that is set in a snowy place.

- If you are lucky enough to live in a snowy place, or even if you aren't, take a walk outside and post a picture of something pretty you encountered on your way.!

Task the Second: The Silent Nights:

- Read a book set in one of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and/or Denmark), where winter nights are long!

- Get your hygge on! Hygge is a Danish concept that relates to being content and cozy. Put on your fuzziest socks, light a candle, and spend some time (reading) in front of the fireplace or your coziest nook. Post a picture if you want!

Task the Third: The Holiday Party:

- Read a book where a celebration is a big part of the action. Examples would include holiday parties, country house hunting/weekend parties, weddings, etc.

- Make something that is considered party food where you are from, and post a picture of it on booklikes.

Task the Fourth: The Gift Card:

- Read a book that you either received as a gift or have given as a gift.

- Give a book to a friend and post a picture of the wrapped present.

Task the Fifth: The Kwanzaa:

- Read a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.

- Make a small donation to a charitable organization that operates in Africa.

Task the Sixth: The Hanukkah:

- Let the dreidel choose a book for you: create a list of four books, and assign a dreidel symbol to each one (Nun = miracle; Gimel = great; He = happened; Shin = there, i.e. Israel). Google "spin the dreidel," and a dreidel comes up for you to spin. Give it a spin and read the book that the dreidel chooses!

- Make a traditional Hanukkah food like doughnuts or potato latkes. Post a picture, or tell us how they turned out!

Task the Seventh: The Christmas:

- Read a book set during the Christmas holiday season.

- Grab your camera (or your phone) and set up a Christmas bookstagram-style scene with favorite holiday reads, objects or decorations. Possibly also a cat. Post it for everyone to enjoy!

Task Eighth: The Movie Ticket

- Read a book that has been adapted to a holiday movie.

- Go see a new theater release this holiday season (during November/December. This does not have to be a holiday movie, so yes, Fantastic Beasts will qualify).

Task the Ninth: The Happy New Year

- Every year you get a little bit older! Read a coming of age novel or any old favorite comfort read to start the new year right.

- If you're feeling brave, post a holiday picture of yourself from your childhood or misspent youth.

Task the Tenth The Holiday Down Under

- Read a book set in Australia or by an Australian author, or read a book you would consider a "beach read".

- Christmas crackers are a traditional part of an Australian Christmas. Buy some (or make your own) to add to your festivities and share some pictures!

Task the Eleventh: The Polar Express

- Read a book that involves train travel (such as Murder on the Orient Express).

- Read a classic holiday book from your childhood (to a child if you have one handy) or tell us a story about a childhood Christmas you'd like to share.

Task the Twelfth: The Wassail Bowl

- Read a book set in the UK, preferably during the medieval or Victorian periods (for those of us doing the Merlin read-along, the Crystal Cave works for this task).

- Drink a festive, holiday beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Take a picture of your drink, and post it to share - make it as festive as possible!

We hope you will join us in the fun!