It's Tuesday, and in the world of books--both digital and print--that means new release day! Three of today's most exciting new eBooks are follow-ups to existing stories: One real-life account of a committed humanitarian, and two edge-of-your-seat tales of pure fantasy.
1.) Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the followup to the bestselling Three Cups of Tea, the amazing true story of Greg Mortensen, an American mountaineer and military veteran-turned-humanitarian who made good on his impulsive vow to build schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Stones Into Schools delves even further into the determined efforts of Mortensen and his colleagues in the NGO Central Asia Institute, as they overcome Taliban violence, the Kashmir earthquake of 2005, and injunctions against the education of young girls to fulfill their mission.
Parents, share the heartening tale with the children in your life with Three Cups of Tea: Young Reader's Edition, available in paperback and eBook formats.
2.) Find out why Sherrilyn Kenyon is the master of urban fantasy by downloading Born of Ice, the third book in the League Series.
In the futuristic Ichidian universe, the law is the hands of a government of assassins known as the League. But the rebellious Devyn Kell managed to escape the League and become a Runner—someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine and supplies they need. His cohort, Alix Garran, is on the run from a past she can't escape. And now that Devyn's enemies are hot on his trail, the two must put up a united front and fight for justice—and survival.
New to the League series? Start with Born of Night (League Series #1) and Born of Fire (League Series #2).
3.) The Paris Vendetta is the fifth book in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series—a powerful 
blend of historical fiction, mystery, and thriller. The series revolves around former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone. In The Paris Vendetta, Malone finds himself wrapped up in an intricate scheme involving his good friend, the Danish billionaire Henrik Thorvaldsen, a British aristocrat, a group of terrorists, a team of financial experts up to no good, and a legendary cache hidden by Napoleon Bonaparte.
The ultimate plot? To avenge the murder of Thorvaldsen's son by the aristocrat at the heart of the conspiracy.
So, what are you reading this week?
I ordered my nook on 11/15 and was given a "ship-by" date of 12/18. On 12/18 I received a nice email from B&N, confirming my nook was about to ship and although the shipment had been delayed, they would send it overnight to ensure I receive it by 12/24. I am thankful so many of you were impatient and canceled your orders, which ensured my before-Christmas delivery. 
Seriously, though, I was told up front when I bought it that there would be a wait, so I was not upset about the delay. And if it ends up being all I expect and want, then what is a few weeks of waiting? My son has a Kindle and loves it, but I prefer the look of the nook with its color panel at the bottom and virtual keyboard. I already stopped by the local B&N to purchase a cover for the nook. As someone who visits many countries in the world, I am looking forward to having the nook replace the many books I take to read while I travel. It will allow more room for souvenirs!
My wife ordered my nook for my Christmas present back in Nov - with a ship date of 12/18. This was not at all surprising given the new-ness of this product and the market for it (we are at the top of the ereader hype folks). On the 18th I received a note it would be delayed but a promise to ship overnight in order to receive prior to Christmas day (greatly appreciated communication B&N). My wife received it at the door on 12/24 11am and let out a gleeful shout - thus ending my "surprise" Needless to say, I am very happily perusing the nook and have had no issues w/ downloads, etc... I did have a few issues with understanding where the memory slot was and other product related issues and then realized (of course!) that the manual was in the nook itself (nice). Welcome to the electronic age indeed - and in a good way.
I do understand some of the frustration of attempting to download on the first day received and work out the kinks of your new toy - but, seriously, think about the first release of any other great product requiring data access their first day, e.g. iPhone, and this pales in comparison. Still, I do like the idea of a free bestseller ebook for us patient early-adopters... B&N??? 
