Lumby on the Air Winner

The winner of my Uncorrected Proof of LUMBY ON THE AIR is...

Carol Naomi Wong

Congrats!! I've emailed you already and you have until Friday, September 10th to email me back. Thanks so much to those that entered. =)

ARC Review: Lumby on the Air + GIVEAWAY

Lumby on the Air

Gail Fraser

Series or Stand Alone: Lumby series, book five

Release Date: July 2010

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 496

Book Site: http://www.lumbybooks.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Recieved for review from FSB Associates

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Fifth in the acclaimed series set in the enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby.

Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

Review:

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the first book in this series, THE LUMBY LINES, and I reviewed it a couple of months ago in March. (read it here) I really liked the book and was looking forward to continuing on with the second book. But when I was asked to review , LUMBY ON THE AIR, I couldn't pass the opportunity up even though it was book number five.

Now I’m not too sure what I missed between the first book and LUMBY ON THE AIR but I don’t think it was a lot because book five can definitely stand-alone. Its four years after main characters Pam and Mark Walker first arrived in Lumby. I can imagine the crazy things that have happened to Lumby in the meantime. The book centers on a family reunion celebrating Pam and Mark’s 25th anniversary. However, the book wouldn’t be so long (and not as fun) if everything went according to plan. Like most families, the prospect of being together for a week can definitely be interesting. Personalities clash, past arguments resurface and the healing magic of Lumby make a surprisingly emotional read.

Mark and Pam remain to be a sweet couple. I quickly became attached to them just like I did in the first book. The visiting members of their families make the read an adventure. Mark’s estranged sister Lynn makes her appearance after an embezzlement scandal involving her ex-husband and Mark’s money. His other sister Nancy brings along her often troublesome husband Carter and their son Corey. His brother Patrick arrives with his wife Elaine and rebellious teenage daughter Jessica. And finally on Pam’s side her mother comes to visit bringing a surprise guest with her…a boyfriend!!

It seems a bit daunting to have to remember who everyone is and I admit that sometimes I got a little confused and had to step back a minute to get everyone straight. The story also includes additional secondary characters that are mixed in with the main stories. However, Gail Fraser does a pretty darn good job of creating such relatable characters. I found myself easily falling into Lumby living as I got further along into the book. Funny, heart-warming, and filled with a surprising emotional depth I think many readers will enjoy this installment of the Lumby series. And like I said before it can be read as a stand-alone. I still have some catching up to do with the in-between books and I know I’ll be a frequent visitor of Lumby.

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I'm giving away my gently read ARC copy of LUMBY ON THE AIR (July 6, 2010). To enter simply comment below with an email address... (no email address = no entry)


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Giveaway ends September 4th and the winner will be announced September 5th. Sorry, US Entries only.

Good Luck!

Book Arrivals

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From Paperbackswap.com:

An Offer From a Gentleman :: Julia Quinn

(Book three in the Bridgerton series)

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

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From Contests/Giveaways & Misc:

Saving Max :: Antoinette van Heugten

(Recieved ARC for review)

What would a loving mother not do for her child?

Lawyer Danielle Parkman is at her wits' end. Her son Max, a whip-smart teen with high-functioning autism, has always been a handful. But lately he's shutting down, using drugs and lashing out - violently.

Desperate, Danielle brings Max to a top-flight psychiatric facility for a full assessment. But rather than reassurance, Danielle receives an agonizing diagnosis describing a deeply damaged, dangerous boy - one she's never met.

Then Danielle finds Max unconscious and bloodied at the feet of a patient who has been brutally stabbed to death. A fiercely protective mother instinct rears its head - and Danielle is arrested as an accessory to the heinous crime.

In a baffling netherworld of doubt and fear, barred from contacting her son, Danielle clings to the thought of Max's innocence. But has she, too, lost touch with reality? Is her baby boy really a killer?

With the justice system bearing down on them both, Danielle steels herself to discover the truth - no matter how horrifying. It's a path well on the wrong side of the law. But only finding the true killer will absolve her from having to choose between her son and her soul.

Lumby on the Air :: Gail Fraser

(Book five in the Lumby series)

(Received uncorrected proof for review)

Fifth in the acclaimed series set in the enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby. Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

Never Let You Go :: Erin Healy

(Recieved for review)

Losing everything has made Lexi hold those she loves tightly. Hell is determined to loosen her grip.

Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant's choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything-work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially-just to see Molly smile.

When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter's life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi's doorstep, demanding payment of Grant's old debts.

But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

Spirit :: Andrew Feder

(Recieved for review)

Randall Lender was a Wanted Man. He was wanted by the Clergy of the Major Organized Religions, the Governments and the New World Order, but that was the least of his problems. After going out of body (astral projection) Randall Lender suddenly found himself in such a paradox where the surrealism meets dilemma. Within this phenomenon of Looking Through the Hour Glass he unfortunately after leaving his physical body ended up into another's. This was his paradox. This was his dilemma. This was his surrealism. And regrettably for Lender this was the real quantum problem. Randall Lender found himself on an unexpected journey with its twists and turns until he realizes that he must die to live for his return to his former body. And now the elixir of questions remains: What? How? And Why? Then you'll ask why me? Why him? And What If?

The Lumby Lines

The Lumby Lines

Gail Fraser

Series or Stand Alone: The Lumby series, book one

Release Date: May 2007

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 336

Author Site: http://www.lumbybooks.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Received from FSB Associates for review

Synopsis [from fsbmedia.com]:

Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby has the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it's hours from the nearest big city, you'll always find Lumby close to your heart ...

Nearly destroyed by fire, Montis Abbey remains a ruin on the outskirts of Lumby. Once home to a resourceful order of monks, it stands abandoned, surrounded by its overgrown orchards. Then Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple from the East Coast, stumble upon it -- and upon the answer to their prayers. Leaving behind their hectic lives to restore the monastery and turn it into an inn is a dream come true.

But some residents of Lumby take a while to warm up to outsiders. One of them is irascible William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines -- the newspaper "worth the paper it's printed on." At every turn, he tries to hinder the Walkers' efforts. The couple soon learns that for every citizen like William, there are many more willing to lend a hand, and that Lumby isn't just a place -- it's a way of life.

Review:

I wasn't going into THE LUMBY LINES with many expectations. The synopsis sound decent at best and I had never heard of Gail Fraser before. I enjoy working with the people with FSB Associates however, and am always happy to receive a query through the email. And it's at these times, when I dont' expect a book to be much, that I'm overjoyed to find a sweet little gem of a read in the most unexpected places!!

THE LUMBY LINES isn't a ground-breaking novel, however I was so surprised by how much I ended up really enjoying the book. It's simply a lovely, cozy little read that will definitely leave any reader with warm fuzzies after they close the back cover. The town of Lumby itself is a character all it's own with the inhabitants fiercely loyal and protective. When an east-coast couple discover a new path to their lives while on a vaction, they end up buying a deserted abbey that was burned down many years ago. Determined to rebuild Montis Abbey into a bed and breakfast, Mark and Pam Walker discover the true magic of Lumby.

I'll definitely be continuing on with all Lumby-connected books. And although everything seems to always work out in the end (which was a little too unrealistic for me) it was nice to escape into such a warm and loving world that Gail has created. I highly recommend this charming book to anyone who is in the mood to laugh and become attached to some really great characters!

Book Arrivals

From Paperbackswap.com:

The Mists of Avalon :: Marion Zimmer Bradley
(Book one in the Avalon series)

Here is the magical legend of King Arthur, vividly retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne. A spellbinding novel, an extraordinary literary achievement, THE MISTS OF AVALON will stay with you for a long time to come....

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From Contests/Giveaways & Misc:

Dawn of the Dreadfuls :: Steve Hockensmith
(Prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies)
(Received for review - Check it out here!)

With more than one million copies in print, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was the surprise publishing phenomenon of 2009. A best seller on three continents, PPZ has been translated into 21 languages and optioned to become a major motion picture.

In this terrifying and hilarious prequel, we witness the genesis of the zombie plague in early-nineteenth-century England. We watch Elizabeth Bennet evolve from a naïve young teenager into a savage slayer of the undead. We laugh as she begins her first clumsy training with nunchucks and katana swords and cry when her first blush with romance goes tragically awry. Written by acclaimed novelist (and Edgar Award nominee) Steve Hockensmith, Dawn of the Dreadfuls invites Austen fans to step back into Regency England, Land of the Undead!

The Lumby Lines :: Gail Fraser
(Book one in the Lumby series)
(Received for review)

Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby is home to the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it's hours from the nearest big city, readers will always find Lumby close to their hearts.

When Mark and Pam Walker, a vacationing couple from the East Coast, decide to restore Lumby's ramshackle Montis Abbey and turn it into an inn, it takes a while for the locals to warm up to them. Especially the irascible William Beezer, owner of The Lumby Lines-the newspaper "worth the paper it's printed on." At every turn, he tries to hinder the Walkers' efforts. But the couple soon learns that for every citizen like William, there are many more willing to lend a hand-and that Lumby isn't just a place, it's a way of life.

The Clouds Roll Away :: Sibella Giorello
(Book one in the Raleigh Harmon series)
(Received for review)

Forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon unravels mysteries in her hometown of Richmond where things are never quite what they seem. Raleigh's exemplary service in Seattle opened the door for her disciplinary transfer to be lifted, allowing her to return to her home FBI field office in Richmond, VA. A civil rights case turns out to be much more complex than anyone thought when Raleigh is forced to go undercover in a drug trafficking case. Things aren't any simpler at home. Raleigh's old friend DeMott wants her to find time for things outside of her FBI work: friendship and maybe something more. Raleigh will have to rely on her sharpest skills--and the faith that is slowly returning to her--to navigate her way through these clouds.

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Purchased:

The Fellowship of the Ring :: J.R.R. Tolkien
(Book one in The Lord of Rings Trilogy)

The first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure The Lord of the Rings"Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron." -- C. S. Lewis"Exciting . . . Tolkien's invention is unflagging." -- W. H. AudenOne Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,One Ring to bring them all and in the darkeness bind themIn ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, The Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit.In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

Sweetheart :: Chelsea Cain
(Book two in the Gretchen Lowell series)

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

Burning Wild :: Christine Feehan
(Book three in the Leopard series)

Born into a world of twisted monsters, Jake Bannaconni is shaped and molded into a cold, revenge driven man. Honed in the fires of hell, he controls his world and rules with an iron hand. He has everything and anything money can buy. He’s ruthless, merciless and considered a man to leave alone. His hidden legacy, that of a shapeshifter, makes him doubly dangerous in the corporate world. Emma Reynolds is a woman who knows how to love and love well. When their two worlds collide, Jake’s plans for a complete take over, may just come tumbling down.

Stardoc :: S.L. Viehl
(Book one in the Stardoc series)

Dr. Cherijo Grey Veil leaves Earth and accepts a position as a physician at Kevarzanga-2's FreeClinic. Her surgical skills are desperately needed on a hostile frontier world with over 200 sentient species and her understanding of alien physiology is nothing short of miraculous. But the truth behind her expertise is a secret which, if discovered, could have disastrous consequences between human and alien relations...

Feast of Souls :: C.S. Friedman
(Book one in The Magister Trilogy)

C.S. Friedman, acclaimed author of The Coldfire Trilogy, returns to the epic style which has made her one of the most popular fantasy writers in the genre. In this first book of the trilogy, Friedman introduces readers to a world of high fantasy, replete with vampire-like magical powers, erotic interludes, treachery, war, sorcery, and a draconic creature of horrific power and evil that will have readers eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series.

The Iron King :: Julie Kagawa
(Book one in the Iron Fey series)

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series.