R7: SS "Lucky 13" (13)

[Lisa Kay]

Thanks, Kim. BTW, I've company coming, tomorrow, so I don't know if I can get back on GRs before Saturday. I'll try...but, you never know.

[Kme_17]

No problem . Have fun : )

[Brianna]

Week: 3 Spot: 25
Qualification: Has to be #2, #5 or #25 in a series, or Texas
Flawless by Sara Shepard
Rating: 4 stars
Date finished: 2/4/2016
Review: I'm enjoying the series. I wasn't as interested in this book as much as I was with the first book. I guess it's because I've seen at least the first season of the TV show and so many things are different that it is taking me some time to successfully process them. I was shocked with the death that occurred in this book. I'm super glad the TV series decided not to go that route. I was glad that the girls are starting to become a little more friendly towards each other. I don't know about Hanna and Aria though. I'm curious as to what will happen in the next book.

[Brianna]

Amy wrote: "I love the pretty little liars books! I am on book 6! I tried watching the show and it was nothing like the books.."

I am enjoying the series myself. The books and the TV show are definitely different. I now see in some ways why the TV show went the direction that it did. However, I've only watched the first season of Pretty Little Liars.

[Linda C]

Finished my book and posted my review in message #89

[Lisa Kay]

Thanks, Kim!

[Amy]

Hey guys, I am going to have to drop out of this game. Just found out my husband has pancreas cancer and its pretty far gone. so I will not have time reading. So I am going to take a break from goodreads for a little

Good luck all!

[Linda C]

So sorry, Amy. Definitely use your time to keep him strong. You'll both be in my prayers.

[Kme_17]

I am so sorry Amy. I will be praying for both of you and your family. My thoughts will be with you all.

[Kme_17]

okay guys we are on 33

Options:

3rd in a Series
33. Text Item: Bag

[Kme_17]

Kme_17-Mightier Than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer (Text item bag) kme_17's review
Briana-Perfect by Sara Shepard (3rd in the series)- Free Pass
Ashley-Distraction by Aurora Rose Reynolds (3rd in the series) Ashley 's review
Linda C-A Pinch of Poison byClaudia Bishop (3rd in the series) Linda C's review
Lisa Kay-The Cowboy Imports a Bride by Cora Seton (3rd in the series) Lisa Kay 's review
Denise-Fiancé by Friday by Catherine Bybee ( 3rd in the series) Denise's review

[Kme_17]

going with text item bag

[Brianna]

I'll read Perfect by Sara Shepard. It's the third book in the Pretty Little Liars series

[Brianna]

I'm sorry to hear that Amy. I will keep you guys in my prayers. I hope things get better.

[Lisa Kay]

Sending out good thoughts and prayers to you and yours, Amy!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Amy wrote: "Hey guys, I am going to have to drop out of this game. Just found out my husband has pancreas cancer and its pretty far gone. so I will not have time reading. So I am going to take a break from goo..."

I am so sorry to hear. I pray for your family. Take care Amy

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

No new member. You guys are fine with the current members

[Lisa Kay]

Here is my review.

The Challenge Factory: Round 7 Super Series Challenge > R7: SS "Lucky 13"

Week 4: Spot 33
Series: #33 or #3
Alternate: Text item = "bag"
Finished: 2/6/2016
Pages: 310

Book: The Cowboy Imports a Bride Cowboys of Chance Creek #3, by Cora Seton (audible.com)

Review/Rating: ★★★½✩ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Nicely narrated by Amy Rubinate. Quick, fast story that she handled well.

There were story-lines in this I enjoyed more than in the other books, but by contrast, I was disappointed with other parts that just didn't come across as quite right. Or maybe "fully developed" is more accurate. The arguments were not between the hero and heroine (which was nice!), but mostly between the other characters from previous books. Nice change of pace, that. Loved Rob's epiphany moment in the bar, too.

A lot of the reasons for the animosity between Rob and is brothers is uncovered here, and they certainly held my interest. However, I particularly didn't like the confrontation between Rob and his father, Holt. (view spoiler)[ Rob notes his father not looking well, even a little frail, but then belittles him on his dyslexia & who's really running the ranch. What? How do you spell the words "mature" and "compassionate"? Also, I didn't find the responses from both Rob and Morgan regarding his father giving them the land, but still wanting Rob to work his father's ranch full-time, complete in their incredulity. Huh? What kind of gift is that? How about some input on this from Lisa, Rob's mother? She was certainly present in the book, not just filler. These conversations needed to be further developed.

And then the whole "playing a practical joke" on Rob's family fell flat for me. What kind of adults play a cruel joke like that, and for so long? Even if some of them deserved it (personally, I would have really moved to California), not all of them did! (hide spoiler)]

In addition, I was very unhappy that Claire, from The Cowboy Wins a Bride, is still a self-centered bitch; while this may make her consistent with book #2, it makes me like her book even less, as I believed the love and security of Jamie's arms tamed the "beast," so gave my rating the benefit of the doubt. Instead, some of Claire's bad traits rubbed on on Jamie in book #3. Thank goodness Ethan & Autumn were still their wonderful selves!

Still, I'm going to continue with the series.

[Denise]

I got a message that you need another player. Can I please sub in?

[Kme_17]

I will ask Ezi Denise : )

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Kme_17 wrote: "I will ask Ezi Denise : )"

I sent Denise the message. I pm'd her to ask if she would join you all:D

Welcome Denise. I hope you will be a good teammate !

[Kme_17]

Oh Awesome! Welcome then Denise! Glad to have you on the team.

[Linda C]

Welcome aboard, Denise

[Linda C]

Week 4: Spot 33
Series #: 3, 33 or alternate: Text item = "bag"

Book: A Pinch of Poison - Claudia Bishop
Qualification: #3 in Hemlock Falls mystery series
Finished: 2/11/16
Rating & Review: 4 stars
The Quilliam sisters' Inn is suffering under two different problems. Sarah has allowed Axminster Stoker, a long term guest, to apply his TQM principles to evaluating the running of the Inn with disastrous results. And Hedrick Conway, his mother and sister have bought the town newspaper and turned it into a scandal sheet, exposing secrets and implying corruption effecting everyone in town. Into this bedlam arrives the Kipling Society. When first Hedrick's mother and then sister are murdered there is no lack of suspects. We also have problems in the sister's romantic relations to add to the mix. I found this a more satisfying mystery then the previous 2 and am looking forward to the next installment.

[Ashley]

Amy wrote: "Hey guys, I am going to have to drop out of this game. Just found out my husband has pancreas cancer and its pretty far gone. so I will not have time reading. So I am going to take a break from goo..."

I am so sorry to hear that. I wish you and your husband the best.

[Brianna]

Welcome to the team, Denise

[Ashley]

Series 3rd

Week 4
Spot: 33 ( or text item bag)
Title: Distraction by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Qualification: Has to be 33rd, 3rd or have the text item bag
Finished: 2/5/16
Rating & Review: 3 Stars
I liked this book but I missed the relationship build up. The author had the couple meet, work together, and move in together (because of a scary situation). However, the author did not really write about any of the time that they lived together before becoming a couple. I missed the friendship build up. Instead it was oh few months later we are BFFs and had sex. Honestly I felt gipped. I felt like it was missing at least three chapters. All in all though I did find it enjoyable. I just would have liked to feel more of a connection.

[Denise]

Thanks! I'll jump in, then. We're on 33?

Quickly about me: I'm a mom to two teenage girls who have to be everywhere at once, in California. I get most of my reading done on the treadmill, during insomnia bouts or while waiting for someone to be done with whatever they are doing that requires transportation.

Thanks so much for letting me join you!

[Linda C]

Denise wrote: "Thanks! I'll jump in, then. We're on 33?

Quickly about me: I'm a mom to two teenage girls who have to be everywhere at once, in California. I get most of my reading done on the treadmill, during i..."

Hang in there! This too will pass. Hope they are readers. My daughter is a reader but during her teen years we had very different tastes. However we have both expanded our reading range and have great discussions now and pass books back and forth.

[Lisa Kay]

Welcome to Team Lucky 13, Denise!

[Kme_17]

I can definitely relate to the insomnia bouts Denise that's when I get a lot of quality reading done : ) We are on 33. let me know if you have any questions.

[Lisa Kay]

Updated Post #118 with my week 4 review.

[Denise]

I'm having a heck of a time finding a bag book. I'm looking and should have a decision soon. I was running a crab feed yesterday, so i didn't have time. Don't think I'm flaky, though

[Denise]

Hang in there! This too will pass. Hope they are readers.

One is, one isn't. The one who reads is a citric of what I'm reading, though, so I keep my mouth shut.

[Denise]

Picked one! Fiancé by Friday

[Kme_17]

Week 4: Spot 33
Series #: 3, 33 or alternate: Text item = "bag"



Mightier Than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer
text item bag : Page 9 …I was bringing to you,' Martinez insisted, holding up the bag.
Finished: 2/9/16
Rating & Review: 3 Stars


I received this as a first read. I really enjoy Archers books. This was no different. However, this is not my favorite Archer book. I definitely still liked this book. I still enjoyed read this one. I just find it a little bit lackluster at points. I did love the end! It has a cliffhanger ( as usual for archer) and I will definitely read the next in the series. Recommend for those looking for a good historical fiction read.

[Denise]

Week 4
Spot: 33 ( or text item bag)
Title: Fiancé by Friday
Qualification: Has to be 33rd, 3rd or have the text item bag
Finished: 2/10/16
Rating & Review: 4 Stars

Fiancé by Friday was the third in a series. I've read other ones in the series, which is written so you can read them out of order and still understand what's going on. During the whole book, I was getting a feeling that I'd read it before, since I knew what was going to happen with the other characters. It was a fun, quick read, though.

[Kme_17]

Great job Denise! Only one thing can you put the review in the format such as this one from Ashley. Thanks : )

Week 4
Spot: 33 ( or text item bag)
Title: Distraction by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Qualification: Has to be 33rd, 3rd or have the text item bag
Finished: 2/5/16
Rating & Review: 3 Stars

[Denise]

Kme_17 wrote: "Great job Denise! Only one thing can you put the review in the format such as this one from Ashley. Thanks : )

Week 4
Spot: 33 ( or text item bag)
Title: Distraction by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Quali..."

Fixed it! Sorry.

[Kme_17]

Not a problem . Just letting you know : ) Thanks for fixing it.

[Linda C]

Added review to message #124

Sorry I was so close to the deadline. I had to read #2 in the series before #3 and then I had to finish up my book for my F2F group meeting yesterday. But I got it done!

[Brianna]

I won't be able to finish my book this week. We have inspections at our district manager's restaurant locations tomorrow and they been working us super hard and having us go to different locations than the one we usually work at. I thought I still would've been able to manage getting my book read but I'm only at 74% and I don't think I can keep my eyes open any longer to try to read anymore. Sorry guys.

This week coming up will be fine for me though because everything will be back to normal.

[Kme_17]

Good job Linda! it looks like a really good book .

[Kme_17]

That's okay Brianna - we will just use our free pass . I hope this week will be better for you.

[Kme_17]

we rolled a twelve guys so we are on spot 45

options
45th of series
4th of series
5th of series
Title E

[Kme_17]

Roll 5
Kme_17-Elvis, Jesus, and Coca-Cola by Kinky Friedman (Title E) Kme_17's review
Briana-Unbelievable by Sara Shepard (4th book) Briana's review
Ashley-Indirect Lines by Dana Marie Bell (5th book) Ashley's review
Linda C-Eleanor's Story: An American Girl in Hitler's Germany by Eleanor Ramrath Garner (Title E) Linda C 's review
Lisa Kay-Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas (5th book) Lisa Kay 's review
Denise-An Event to Remember. . .or Forget by Melissa Baldwin (Title E) Denise's review

[Kme_17]

going with title E

[Denise]

I'm going with title e An Event to Remember. . .or Forget

[Linda C]

Week 5: Spot 45
Series #: 4, 5, 45 or alternate: Title E

Book: Eleanor's Story: An American Girl in Hitler's Germany - Eleanor Ramrath Garner
Qualification: Title E
Finished: 2/14/16
Rating & Review: 4 stars
Eleanor was 9 in 1939 when her father made the worst decision of his life. He accepted a 2 year commitment to a German engineering company. Her parents had immigrated to the US in the 20s and were hit by the Depression badly. In 1932 her mother returned with the children to Germany and left her and her brother with their grandparents, one to each set for 2 years. They returned, at 4 and 6, in the care of a cabin steward. Now in 39 the family sought economic security, despite the foreboding of friends.

They had second thoughts when Germany invaded Poland and war was declared by England and France during the crossing but since return passage could only be paid for in US dollars and they had converted their money to marks they were stuck. Determined to make the best of things they took the job in Berlin and tried to adjust. The family is fairly lucky during the early years; working, schooling, making friends and visiting their extended families. They live in a suburb of Berlin, but as rationing increases the children get sent for extensive periods to relatives in the country. After 2 years when they apply to return to the US they find that Father and the children can go but not the Mother who never got her US citizenship while in the US and she is pregnant.

The Father has a few run ins with the Gestapo for unrestrained comments, but again they are lucky. American citizenship saves them at other points. A second child is born. As bombing increases the family is again split and all but Father moves out of Berlin. When Russian advances threaten they return to Berlin. In 46 the Father and 2 older children return to the US and spend a year getting funds to bring the Mother and younger children to the US.

The story tells of hardship, death, horrifying experiences and a lot of luck. But for a few incidents involving Jews and prisoners of war they seem to have little understanding of that underlying agenda. Despite being involved in the Hitler Youth and moving from place to place by train they seemed oblivious and were shocked when the camps were revealed.

It was interesting to see how a family could live day to day facing immediate hardships and not be aware of the big picture, just keep your head down! The story was well told and written after Eleanor has retired. She changed some names and makes an attempt to tell what happened to many of the people mentioned. I liked that it gave her true understanding of things at the time and didn't superimpose ideas, foreshadow events, or try to justify incidents. Good memoir.

[Lisa Kay]

I'll go with this book, as I need to get to the one after this before the end of the month.

Here is my GRs review .

The Challenge Factory: Round 7 Super Series Challenge > R7: SS "Lucky 13"

Week 5: Spot 45
Series: #4, 5, or 45
Alternate: E
Finished: 02/13/2016
Pages: 336

Chance of a Lifetime - Harmony #5, by Jodi Thomas

Review/Rating: ★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Julia Gibson narrates Ms. Thomas' next installment of this charming series, as she does the rest, and I've gotten quite used to her. While she doesn't have a wide range in voice differentiation, she does have subtle tone changes that make the characters work. In addition, she has a calm soothing voice, which is perfect for this series. Although, there is a bit of excitement in Chance of a Lifetime; someone is out to kill hunky Rick Matheson, the town lawyer!

I love returning to Harmony, as it is one of my top five favorite fantasy towns to which I'd move to in a heartbeat. There are a few new story-lines, and a few that move right along: Rick Matheson (Hank's cousin) and a woman riding in on a bike named Trace Adams; shy Emily Tomlinson & workaholic Tannon Parker; and stuttering country singer Beau Yates and a new, Mustang driving, mystery woman. Ronnie Logan pops up every now and then, just enough to pique my interest in what she's up to. Sure, it goes without saying, I missed Reagan Truman and Noah McAllen, the mainstays of the series; but, I trust Ms. Thomas will get back to them in the future.

I always experience the wide range of emotions when reading about small town Harmony, sharing the residents' smiles, laughter, tears, poignant moments, regrets, loneliness, joys, comforts and cozy feelings. Someone's story always gets continued in the next book, but there's always satisfaction for the main-liners of the current book.