FRIDAY FINDS: AUDIOBOOKS and FREE EBOOKS June 5.15

~ FRIDAY FINDS at Jenn's A Daily Rhythm showcases the books we 'find' and add to our To Be Read [TBR] list... whether we found them online, in a bookstore, in the library ___ wherever! [they aren't necessarily books you purchased]...
I'm featuring AUDIOBOOK  finds for this week of June

Juliette and the Monday ManDates by Becky Doughty [Released May 14.15 Book 1 of the Gustafson Girls] Elderberry Croft by Becky Doughty Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep The Rose Girls by Victoria Connelly [June 1st release!] Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta  [found on my library's online hoopla audios] 
 Also your invite to be found reading along The Forgotten Garden readalong
during June at the #TraveltheWorldinBooks Challenge

and for a FREE ebook ?

Elberberry Croft Vol 1 by Becky Doughty January Breeze, February Embers, March Whispers * if you pick up this ebook Free, the audio is available for 1.99!

Adding all to my #20booksofsummer and #bookishsideoflife reading
I'm updating my JUNE AUDIO MONTH READING HERE
Have a wonderful Audiobook Month of listening! and some excellent reading moments ...
Find more Friday Finds linked at A Daily Rhythm





~*~ Shared with:
* inspire me monday * literary musing mondays * musing mondays * book nook * * TGI Saturdays * ~*~
FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
Tweet

SHORT STORY MONTH : MAY 2015

 

~ Have you been enjoying the pleasure of  short stories this month? Perfect reads for those in between moments.  The perfect read when I'm not ready to begin a new novel or have a few minutes where I can fill the time with a quick read. Also a great way to meet and try out a new to you author!
~ Here's what I've read so far : ~

~

~ Free and absorbing preview of the full novel is available at goodreads link. ~

~

~ This one, an audio listen, was ideal at 1 hr 43 min. ~

~

~ Continuing the collected short stories of LM Montgomery in ~

~ Also a great month to wade my way through all the ebook short story downloads waiting for their reading moment.  And I 'm pretty sure it's not just me! ~

~

Fun book contest win that introduced me to a new series - Wildflower BandB Romances Book 2 Island Dreams, releases this summer 2015.  Thanks to author, Kimberly Rose Johnson. ~

~
Gifted by author, Alexis A Goring  -  3 shorts in a hope filled happily ever after vein.
~

~ Short stories Karen writes intending as prompts for full length novels.
This collection includes :  The Silver Lining - In the End - Just Desserts -Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder - Joy - A True Friend - The Silent Type - Regrets All stories themed of Life and Love. ~

~ Looking forward to this Short Story conclusion to one romantic couple from Stacy Henrie's 'Of Love and War' series of WWI novels. Offered at the author's website Stacy Henrie ~

An absolute delight!

and a quick reminder of Stacy Henrie's capability in storytelling. Emotionally evocative, Hope's Promise is a short story richly satisfying in faith and familiarity of well drawn characters met earlier in Hope Rising book 2 'Of Love and War' series. I loved seeing Sergeant George Dennis in his farm home setting, struggling with his current setting while longing for commitment to a future. A future with a love of which he's unsure. Tenderly written and experienced in the reading. On both sides of the relationship, as we're privy to Nurse Alice Thornton's heart desires though being pursued for a different future than she'd desired.

Wonderfully satisfying conclusion, tears included!
Thanks, Stacy, for wrapping this one with a bow.

~ Have you taken the challenge?  What short stories have you read this month?
Share what short stories you've EnJoYed so far...
~*~
Sharing with: * Literacy Musing Mondays *  Book Nook *  Small Victories * Thursday Fav Things * * #JoyHopeLive * Not Just Homemaking * Friday Finds * Pink Saturday * * Inspire Me Monday *
~ photo credit Penguin Books Ca  ~*~ FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
Tweet

WRAPUP: CLEAN SWEEP ARC CHALLENGE: MAY 2015 1.5.15

Time for ... ~

*
Wrap Up:  My second year participating, I anticipated 6 ARC reads.
The month ended with  8  9 ARC completions
[along with a Lot of other reading, being Short Story Month, as well].
Very pleased with that - and surprised.  It proves to me, once again, the motivational impact of
taking up challenges that make my choices intentional.  With some pretty great outcomes!
~ Thanks for hosting, Kimberly ~

~*~

Anticipating a clean sweep of my ARC copies since I discovered Kimberly's signup in March. It's about to begin and I intend to be ready. My goal is at least {least!} 6 ARCs. Some reads waiting to be enjoyed and introduced ? ~

I've been following a radio broadcast discussion  of Sonja Corbitt's meditational read, UNLEASHED, increasing interest as I've been anticipating my arc copy. Review will follow and Ave Maria Press will be happy for that [or at least satisfied] :)  June 2nd I had the opp to participate in a live webinar with author, Sonja Corbitt, hosted by Ave Maria Press.
* *My Thoughts? Excellent first hand insights gained by live discussion of book content with author and educator, Sonja Corbitt, describing her own journey in the understanding of living 'Unleashed' by and with Holy Spirit.  Understandable concepts and language enable incorporation into readers/listeners lives.  Living abiding in the Vine allowing the 'sap' of Holy Spirit to energize faith life.  To expose root issues that produce habits that need to be dealt with for  healthy living and ministering.  Rich resource.

~*~

Two audiobook arcs by the amazing Susan Meissner for review,
I 've decided to hold off til June for Audiobook month..

~

I did love the print library copy of

SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE.  WWII story, London setting, tells the story of two sisters during the evacuation just prior to the blitz.  Now to review the audiobook arc as to narrator and recording quality...  as well as for A FALL OF MARIGOLDS, a dual storyline of past and present losses.  Cover love for both these beauties!
~

*

 THE SECOND SISTER  [see below for review link]
has been biding its time for this ARC Challenge despite being paraded out in anticipation.  It's kept my interest piqued in the interim!
~




LIKE THE FIRST MORNING is one I anticipate incorporating into my daily rhythm.  Definitely looking forward to hearing what author, Michael Ortiz offers readers... May 12-15 * My Thoughts? Found this one to be directed to those of RC tradition.  Theology was specific and pointed in comparing and denouncing other faith perspectives. Not the welcoming daily rhythm inspiration I'd hoped for. 


~*~ Just a few top of the stack ARCs for me and my goal of 6... Here are the Rules for the Challenge:

• ARC’s must be read between May 1st and May 31st, 2014
• Challenge starts and ends at midnight in your local time zone
• All ARCS/finished copies that were provided by publisher/author are eligible.
  They can be in any format (eBook, physical, audio)
• Post start-up post with goals (can be posted during event)
• Tweet using hashtag #CleanSweepARC
• You do not have to post review on blog during the month of May. Just provide a link to Goodreads showing read May 1 to 31st with a two sentence review.
• Twitter Party Wednesday May 13th 7pm (EST) #CleanSweepARC
• Participate in at least one challenge.
• The Participant Giveaway will include entries for books read (1 book entry a day allowed on giveaway), posting about challenge, start up/results post (can be combined), having button on your sidebar, participation in Twitter party, entering challenges and for following hosts.
• Grand Prize- One winner will receive a new release of their choice (can be audible credit, novel or gift card) valued at up to 20.00 US dollars. Open internationally.
• Challenge Schedule and entry form will post on May 1st and
  participant giveaway will close on June 3 at 11:59 (CST)

* Are you participating?  or are your ARCs under control? I'll look forward to hearing more from my reading friends following this ARC clean sweep! ~*~ ~ Clean Sweep ARC Updates ~ ~

May 3rd - *ESCAPE TO MULBERRY COTTAGE   by Victoria Connelly [audiobook 1 hr 43 min] ~~~ Delighted to listen to Victoria's eventful journey from urban London to rural Suffolk with many twists along the route. Concise chapters, short stories in themselves, kept me intrigued. Emotive insights into British life in both settings had me laughing along with her at the misadventures. Victoria's acquisition of a growing menagerie, dealings with real estate agents, new country neighbours and side trips with her artist hubby, Ron, all provide charming anecdotes. 

Jan Cramer's expressive narration follows the story with excellent voice inflection, providing characterization and colour. The authentic British accent is tops - one I'd highly recommend for audio listening. The quality of recording is clear and free of distraction, adding to listening enjoyment. Sharing these tales is like accepting Victoria's personal invitation to further the acquaintance begun by reading her novels. A definite pleasure. 

Put the kettle on for a cuppa while you listen to this highly recommended memoir. ~*~

May 4-5th Completed ARC of  TO WIN HER FAVOR by Tamera Alexander #2 Belle Meade Plantation series  

352 pages

Expected publication: May 19th 2015 by Zondervan

I'd happily give this historical novel
5+ many more *s It is that good.  

Full ARC Review HERE at FHC blog
and
*goodreads 

~*~

May 7-8th  THE SECOND SISTER
by Marie Bostwick

352 pages 

Published March 31st 2015 by Kensington

~

Emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances--and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. . .

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown she'd left as a teen. - publisher

~
*My Thoughts of ARC?

New to me author, Marie Bostwick, offers a homecoming journey to roots, discovery of healing, and a new beginning for several characters plus our protagonist. 
Well drawn contrast between politically driven environment and characters surrounding Lucy vies with the multi-layered stories of hometown neighbours growing in friendship and support as women who begin quilting together. Fulfillment of the deceased sister's hopes for her pragmatic, politically involved and ever absent younger sister.  As does reconnection with a former school crush.
A  surprise twist in the history of these two sisters leads to a welcome though unexpected 
and very satisfying conclusion.

~*~

~ May 17 THE HATMAKER'S HEART by Carla Stewart 300 pages - Published June 2014 by Hachette ~ Couture fashion in the Jazz Age 1922 New York and London England...
*My thoughts? Reading and luving this enchanting story of British born Nell and her creative millinery designing for NY and London's elite in the 1920's...

A favourite of the customers,
her nasty boss, Oscar, is another story. Ms Stewart describes a vibrant jazz era and draws well defined characters, easily denoting my likes from dislikes! Though Nell is surrounded by supportive friends, 
Oscar is a nasty piece of work. I kept watching for strength in Nell to stand up against his bullying and cheered inwardly at every step she took in that direction. Yet it appeared there was no denigration of her to which he would not go. Oh, and those promised work recognition perks? right!
Only when it served to ingratiate him in the eyes of the public...
Romance seems at once closing in on Nell, then with the turn of the tide she's facing life standing on her own.
Excellent writing kept me guessing.
Plot twists shocked then provided for a satisfying yet surprise ending.  
Another novel endearing Carla Stewart's writing to this reader -
~*~

May 28.15 Hope in My Heart  by Alexis A. Goring 148 pgs by CrossBooks Publishing Sept 2013
Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories  with characters in need of hope.
*Ecopy received for reading and review without obligation or compensation. *Review posted HERE




~*~ May 30 - 31st Squeezing another ARC in before #CleanSweep ends- IRISH MEADOWS Ready to begin this next ARC with anticipation for both #CleanSweepARC and my  last month of the annual #CanBookChallenge -
Canadian Book Challenge #8 - ending July 1st each year when the next, #9, also begins.
You're invited to participate in reading Canadian authors, settings, publishers, characters
- all broaden our reading and experience of our wonderful Canadian writing heritage. So my newest ARC addition to read by end of June 3rd for #CleanSweepARC is by Canadian author Susan Anne Mason, a new to me author. Baker Books Publishing to release early July 2015 ~ *My Thoughts?  A well researched historical novel set in 1911 NY, descriptive of the struggles of Irish immigrants of the era. Struggles that inform the attitudes and expectations of patriarch James O'Leary toward his daughters and family.  Not an easy home relationally, a lifetime of experiences lie ahead for this family's maturing and the saving of their thoroughbred farm, Irish Meadows.

~*~ Sharing With  ~ * Friday Finds at A Daily Rhythm * Literacy Musing Mondays * Book Nook * 
* Small Victories Travel the World * Musing Mondays *
~ ~ * ~ FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
Tweet

SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW : WHERE TO FIND eBOOKS

IT'S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? 
Sharing this week's reading plus my response to SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW

* [ hosted at Should Be Reading]

Share 3 tips on one of the topics below, OR 

3 tips on a different topic that you know well 
and feel others would benefit from!

Topics?:•* Where to find eBooks online *• Links to your favorite blogging tools• Blogging for profit• Coming up with new content for your blog

*

I'm Jumping in on the first topic Where to Find eBooks Online
* *UPDATE - Feb 18 thru April 2 Pelican Book Group is offering over 300 ebooks FREE! They've opened their catalogue to readers HERE Don't Miss your chance to meet new authors, add ebooks to your reader and share the News!
* Outside of the well known designated retail purchase sites like amazon's free kindle reads, I find ebooks at  ChristianBook , links to inspy 'on sale' + 'Free'  daily via subscriptions to Pelican Book Group,  Gospel eBooks, Bookbub, Kobo ebooks,  BN, and ChaptersIndigo. and the many FB pages that post current ebooks offered both free and sale priced. The Vessel Project is one of those. *

FHC is part of the Tyndale Rewards Points program as found on the sidebar button .  By participating in 5 min surveys on likes and dislikes regarding books, or helping in choosing a book cover, you gain points that quickly add up to give you options of free books. Here's THE LINK to check it out and begin collecting your own rewards!
* One ebook source coming to mind is directly from publishers' websites and their Facebook pages. I've noticed many offer ebooks and  excerpts as gifts for readers to sample and hopefully  win over new readers.  Some have Friday or weekend giveaway offers. Monthly newsletters often include author and title giveaway promos, along with new releases, book and bookclub intros of authors works in all genres often including free downloads. Here's a minute number of eg Tyndale's E-Book Extra,   Choc Lit, LoveReading,
Rosetta Books, Destiny Image Publishers, Moody Collective, Baker Publishing Group Each of these sites add MANY ebooks to my ereader each month * Another option?  Purchase Direct from author websites. Signing up for author email subscriptions often includes an intro to their work via the gift of some item of their writing - eg enovella, writing tips or an ebook. Helpful in making informed decisions whether or not this author is as promo'd  on many publicity sites.
Authors also promo their writing on facebook and through FB ebook giveaway events . * Audio books are an entirely different book option I will include here as access is often  included on retail book sites, I was pleased to find Book Depository carries audiobooks -
[ No delivery charge or minimum purchase required Thanks for your orders at FHC ] * Some specific audiobook distributors in addition? downpour, oasis audio, christianaudio [offers 1 free audiobook/month] post hypnotic press * Free audiobooks available at ambling books, LibriVox, are 2 sources coming to mind. Public libraries offer another Free source via Overdrive and Hoopla - all you need is your library card! *  2 Currently FREE Audiobooks I 'read' this weekend  ~
Brilliant Book House FREE offer -
Graham Cooke's THE PRACTICE OF DELIGHT  [ til end of Valentine Weekend ] *

*
And Audible's FREE CLASSIC LOVE POEMS
read by Richard Armitage til Mar 9th My response HERE *

  * Libraries have wide selection of ebooks and audiobooks - Overdrive and Hoopla their main providers - wherever you are, you can check online library catalogs for titles you're interested in accessing with your library card. * If you're interested in more than just reading enjoyment, there is the reviewing avenue for ebook access. Many publishers make their authors' new releases or upcoming releases available in exchange for your commitment to public reviews within a time frame, on your blog as well as multiple retail and social media sites, creating buzz for the book/author.   [Check FHC's sidebar for several review company opps] * One of this week's reads was just such a publisher's offer. Fantastic 1st in a new series by seasoned historical author, Sandra Byrd, I could not put it down. Gothic mysterious suspense, expertly crafted with enough clues to keep me clueless until the reveal! * One more way to find new ereads and new to you authors that may turn into favs you'll love to discover. blogger * LibraryThing offers a monthly list of books/ebooks, available for signing up with a request  of books/ebooks in your interest area at Early Reviewers  Check publisher sites for review commitments before going into overload ! * Publishers also make ebooks available for publicity tours via blogs. Note their contact details on book blogs hosting a particular title during a designated blog tour promoting a new release and author on a week or month long  schedule of blog appearances and offer to participate. * Giveaways are another way to find ebooks and entering the contest may add to your collection with a WIN.  Goodreads have many book giveaways to search and several book groups
directed at book/ebook giveaways, Some blogs have weekly draws and linkys offering the option to signup for giveaway offers as well as adding your own.  FHC has a weekly giveaway button on the sidebar. Plus, I have a Pinterest board designated specifically for Book/ebook Giveaways HERE  that includes the option to add any books you'd like to sell, swap or trade. Just message me your email to be added to pin to the board. * In fact, my 2nd read this week was a win from the FHC pinterest board. I loved the cover, checked out the storyline and ended with the package in the mail. Though not an eread, as this Giveaway offered the pb for Int'l entries, I was thrilled to discover the Book Depository package in the post so quickly after the winning email message. Though most often the win is an ebook, so definitely worth entering when it's a book of interest! *

* A new to me author, Michelle Griep, whom I'm now keen to find for more of her uniquely humorous, warmly human, suspense filled historical writings.  Whew! Got it out.  Suffice it to say, Michelle writes a great story! * I look forward to hearing your suggestions and recommendations in comments. There may be entirely new options we haven't yet discovered or discussed. I'll update my info as I find more sources and as you offer links. Thanks for sharing! and  Thanks to each of you for sharing your recommendations!  * UP NEXT ? I'm back to reading ebooks for a few days this week as I wait for Library holds to arrive. I look forward to hearing about yours...
*

     Several fantastic WWII novels recently released I look forward to reading.
 

* Julie Klassen‘s newest release is on blog tour and FHC will be featuring
THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK on February 26th. *

~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Shared With: * Thursday Fav Things * * Little Things Thursday * * Weekend Wind Down * * Inspire Me Monday * * Literacy Musing Mondays * * Book Nook * * Book Journey *

* FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING

Tweet *

Armchair BEA GIVEAWAY DAY !! PO Dixon eBook Choice ends June 2nd midnite CST

GIVEAWAY DAY ! at Armchair BEA Today !
I'm sure you've been happily making the rounds of the blogs linked for today's Giveaways.
 FHC is hosting a fave author for our Giveaway!
I've had the pleasure of getting to know author PO Dixon through Jane Austen FB book groups to which we both belong  and it's my pleasure to introduce to you, Pamela Dixon! * Pamela has just created a beautiful new author/book site and newsletter that features updates on her writing, new releases, and special offers which you're welcome to browse and join for your own updates as released here

P. O. Dixon

Follow on Twitter ✽ Newsletter Updates!

Pamela has graciously provided a most generous offer for 2 winners here at FHC! Winners will have their choice from 2 of her ebooks ~ either 'Bewitched, Body and Soul' 


or her Newest June 1st Release,  ~ 'Lady Harriette' ~


Thank you, Pamela!
and  Thank you for your interest in this FHC Giveaway and PO Dixon's books!

Now CLOSED - THANK YOU for Participating !

Tweet

Free ebook !

interested in a free ebook?

thomas nelson is looking for your reading habits

to help direct their publishing decisions.

the first 2000 entrants that respond to their survey

receive a free ebook download ~

plus

entry into a grand prize draw for 10K.

interested?

here's the survey

Tweet