Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour and Giveaway> Two Books, Three Winners!

2012-02-01T06:32:00.000-06:00

As part of the Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour I am please to share a Mini Q&A with Kendra Leigh Castle, author of Midnight Reckoning.

1. Do I plot out the series?

I openly admit to being a pantser extraordinaire. I never know what’s going to happen when I sit down to write! Each book flows naturally from the previous one, and I like it that way. It’s actually really difficult for me to plot. I do have to write synopses, but they rarely bear much resemblance to the finished product. Fortunately, my editor is awesome and doesn’t seem to mind!

2. Do I do anything helpful for world-building?

I don’t really have much of a system. I do like visuals, but I rarely tack up anything more than character models on my bulletin board. If I need to “see” something, I’ll go hunting on Google. I do keep a notebook for each story, but they’re sort of jumbled—sometimes I’ll write chapters longhand when I’m not getting anywhere on the keyboard. One of these days I really need to sit down and put all my bits and pieces together into a story bible, because it really is a pain to have to look things up that I’ve forgotten. Oh, I also write things on Post-it notes, which I would not recommend for anyone. My husband sometimes gets overzealous with the cleaning!

3. Best tips I’ve received on writing

I’m a fan of the Nora Roberts method: just get your butt in the chair. There are really only a few tips that apply to everyone as far as the actual process goes. We’re all different, and we all work our own way. But truly, one of the most important things is just getting your butt in that chair, every day, and writing something. You can’t wait until the spirit moves you if you want to make a career of this. Deadlines are unmoved by anything, especially the spirit. Along those lines, one of my favorite pieces of advice is from Steven King in his amazing book On Writing. He basically says to keep pressing forward with every story, to get your word count in for the day, every day, because sometimes you’re actually doing good work even if you feel like all you’re doing is shoveling, um, manure from a sitting positionJ

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Thank you to Kendra for sharing these answers on her writing:
Please check out my review of Midnight Reckoning - a very enjoyable read!

Thank you to Jillian at Hachette Forever for these two books to read and for providing THREE sets of Midnight Reckoning and Firelight for giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for BOTH BOOKS:

1. Visit BOTH Kendra's website and Kristen's website and tell me something you found interesting and each site.
You must visit both please. This is required for entry and worth TWO entries.

2. For extra entry, comment on one or both of the reviews - worth one entry a piece.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Seven total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 10, 2012
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on February 11 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Book Review: Firelight by Kristen Callihan

2012-02-01T06:31:00.000-06:00

This is wonderfully Gothic with dark elements that last to the very end!

Firelight (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever; Import edition (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455508594
ISBN-13: 978-1455508594

Genre: Paranormal Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Series: Darkest London | Publication Date: January 31, 2012

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Review:
Miranda’s strange ability brought destruction and ruin to her family. Her father taught her the ways of thievery on the streets to make up for the lose of his business. She had resigned herself to being alone but then a dark nobleman chooses her as his bride. She doesn’t understand but she is intrigued by the adventure and mystery of her new husband. Who is the man behind the mask that he wears?

Lord Archer is whispered about all around the ton. He had been away for years but returned to London a few years before. Then he first met Miranda on a dark night in an alley. He protected the young girl from some ruffians but she acted as though she didn’t need his protection. He has been searching for a cure to his curse but decides he must have Miranda as his own even though he shouldn’t drag her into his dark world. But he cannot resist the light and passion she brings to his lonely life. He doesn’t know why, but she seems to be willing to look beyond the mask to try to find the man.

As they dance around their secrets men connected with Archer are being murdered in a gruesome way. The clues point to him although it becomes clear that there is an enemy trying to frame him and the enemy is also seeking to hurt Miranda.

As there comraderie grows Miranda wants to know Archer’s true secrets. They both struggle to control their secrets when they really long to let them free. Will Miranda be willing to reveal her own to get Archer to reveal his? Once their secrets are revealed can Miranda find a way to stop the curse before Archer meets his nemesis?

This reads very quickly and you are pulled into the characters dark world of loneliness seeking to be loved for who they really are. The relationship is warm and sensual leading up to a loving and fairly detailed sexual encounter. The mystery of Archer’s curse and the hidden enemy remains - and there is only a hint at how Miranda might save him - but you don’t know until the end. This is an excellent debut novel which I really enjoyed. I will definitely look forward to more from this author.

One phrase I particularly liked:
"Her strangled request drove the air from his lungs. He struggled to find more, his heart a panicked rabbit in the cage of his ribs." p199.

Thank you to Forever Romance for this book to read and review.
This takes place in London, England.
I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenges.

Check the Giveaway post for a chance to win this book with another good paranormal romance, Midnight Reckoning.

Book Review: Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties) by Kendra Leigh Castle

2012-02-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

This is very engaging with strong protagonists.

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties)

by Kendra Leigh Castle

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (January 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609418387
ISBN-13: 978-1609418380

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

Two separate worlds . . .

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

Review:

Lyra Black is the only child of her father, the Alpha leader of the Thorn werewolf pack. She is beautiful, smart and pretty much fearless. She is determined to participate in the Proving where the werewolves battle for the right to become the next Alpha of the pack. The problem is that her father and friends refuse to train her to fight and she is seriously out “manned” by the bigger wolves, especially her cousin, Eric, who has a very nasty reputation. Even though there are concerns that Eric’s leadership would be repressive, it is the tradition of the pack that they conform to the leader.

Jaden is a powerful vampire cat-shifter who has recently been freed from a live of slavery. He met Lyra briefly once before and hasn’t been able to get her off his mind. He stumbles upon her and rescues her when she is attacked by a larger wolf. He is so intrigued that he decides to help train her to fight in ways that are suitable to her slight build - flexible and fast. Although they are two different species and have no business wanting to be together the attraction is undeniable. Jaden thinks that maybe he has found a woman who is strong enough for him. But if Lyra dares to succumb she will be driven from her pack and lose everything she has ever loved.

As they struggle with fulfilling or losing their individual dreams, Jaden has to duck attacks from an old enemy. Meanwhile the pack doesn’t know that there is one among them who is leading them toward destruction.

These are both wonderfully strong characters caught in lonely lives. I was rooting for them all along hoping they could overcome the difficulties and be able to be together. There is plenty of action, emotional and romantic conflict, with sensual interaction leading to a sexy union. The writing is easy and there is underlying humor that makes the reading even better. I’m sorry I missed the first book in the series and hope to pick that up as well as additional books by this author.

A couple of passages I liked:
"When you were a vampire, especially a lowly shape-shifting cat of a vampire, deadly kisses were sort of your stock and trade." p 2
"[Lyra had] been so worried about shaping her own destiny she'd nearly missed the best parts that fate had sent her." p 331

Thank you to Forever Romance for the book to read and review.
This is set primarily in Silver Falls, NY for my Where Are You Reading Map.
I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenges.

Check out the Author mini-Interview and Giveaway post for a chance to win this book together with Firelight by Kristen Callihan - two great reads!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 30, 2012.

2012-01-30T01:02:00.003-06:00

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I completed four more good books; posted four reviews, two with giveaways, and one blog tour announcement. (Again I was hoping to post five reviews but it didn't happen -*sigh*.) As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post.

I visited a dozen or so blogs last Sunday night and one or two during the week. I won't get to visit any tonight since it is late and I need to get to bed. Hopefully I can visit Monday night.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

It's Monday What are You Reading? January 23, 2012.

Audible Book Review: Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

Book Review and 2 Copy Giveaway: Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow; Christian Mystery; my rating 4.75. Ends 2/3.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Demon Does it Better by Linda Wisdom; Paranormal romance; my rating 4.5. Ends 2/3.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 27, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/2.

Announcement: Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour 1/30 to 2/8.

Sharing Beyond Books #33 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/3.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2012.

Audible Book Review: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.

Finished Reading:

1. Kindle

Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1]

by Karen Wiesner

Another enjoyable family story.
I will be posting a review this week.
Read for the Author.

2. Kindle

Exclusively Yours

by Shannon Stacey

Fun second chance romance!

Read for Harlequin through NetGalley.

Will post a review late this week.

Product Description
When Keri Daniels's boss finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town—and looking for him. He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping trip, Keri can ask one question.

The chemistry between Joe and Keri is as potent as the bug spray, but Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart, and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever?

3. Print/Kindle

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties)

by Kendra Leigh Castle

Nice paranormal!
Read for Forever Romance Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.
Visit for Review, Q&A and Giveaway!

4. Audio MP3

Grant Me Timely Grace

by Timothy Woods

I really found this interesting.

I hope to post the review by the end of the week.

Reviewing for Crossroad Press through AudioJukebox.

Line Edits/Releases: Nothing new this week.

Currently reading:

1. Print

Firelight (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

Another good paranormal read with a Gothic feel.
Reading for Forever Romance

Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Book Description

Series: Darkest London | Publication Date: January 31, 2012

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

They will burn for eternity . . .

2. Kindle

Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations)

by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a bit longer (585 pages) but I am very engaged by the characters at 10% in.

Reviewing for Orbit through NetGalley.

Product Description
THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.
Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles--until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.

Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires in order to keep a secret too terrible for the world to know?

And so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.

When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere.

3. Print (Audible)

The Whisperer

by Donato Carrisi

I have really been captured by
the beginning of this thriller.

Reviewing for Little Brown & Co.

[And I have an extra for giveaway. :-)]

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2012

A gripping literary thriller and smash bestseller that has taken Italy, France, Germany and the UK by storm.

Six severed arms are discovered, arranged in a mysterious circle and buried in a clearing in the woods. Five of them appear to belong to missing girls between the ages of eight and eighteen. The sixth is yet to be identified. Worse still, the girls' bodies, alive or dead, are nowhere to be found.

Lead investigators Mila Vasquez, a celebrated profiler, and Goran Gavila, an eerily prescient criminologist, dive into the case. They're confident they've got the right suspect in their sights until they discover no link between him and any of the kidnappings except the first. The evidence in the case of the second missing child points in a vastly different direction, creating more questions than it answers.

Vasquez and Gavila begin to wonder if they've been brought in to take the fall in a near-hopeless case. Is it all coincidence? Or is a copycat criminal at work? Obsessed with a case that becomes more tangled and intense as they unravel the layers of evil, Gavila and Vasquez find that their lives are increasingly in each other's hands.

THE WHISPERER, as sensational a bestseller in Europe as the Stieg Larsson novels, is that rare creation: a thought-provoking, intelligent thriller that is also utterly unputdownable.

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean.

[Reading until I get a new player but I got behind this week.]

Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around1989 so I will enjoy it again. I am at Leviticus.

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

January -One left will move into February. I will post February's schedule next Monday.

Others:
Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] by Karen Wiesner

[To be posted - I am setting these up soon for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Audible Book Review: How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf

2012-01-29T18:00:00.000-06:00

This is a fun listen with quirky characters, some mystery and a sexy romance.

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf

UNABRIDGED
by Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Gerne: Paranormal Romance, Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Even in Grundy, Alaska, its unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham,who has been openly critical of Mo's ability to adapt to life in Alaska, has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, its love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, hes worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if hes not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated.

Review:
Mo is a girl after my own heart. She is strong and determined. She has moved to Alaska to make a break from a broken engagement and her very hippy and controlling parents. She didn’t plan to work right away but somehow steps right into working as a short order cook at the local gathering diner.

Mo is attracted to the sulky, quite guy in the place, Cooper, even though he makes it clear he doesn’t think she’ll make it past the first winter. Since Cooper wants to remain sullen and stand-offish, Mo goes out with Park Ranger, Alan, who is a really nice guy but doesn’t give her shivers like Cooper. As Mo puts it ‘Cooper was caramel triple chocolate cheesecake deep fired on a stick. Alan was angel food cake, sweet and wholesome and nothing you’d regret.’

Mo suspects there is something really different about Cooper and then she learns it for sure when he shows up on her porch naked with a bear trap around his ankle. Cooper takes Mo home to meet his pack when he is summoned because his grandfather is so ill. The pack is at odds because Cooper is the Alpha but he is running from the responsibility. His sister is furious with him and attacks him whenever they are near to each other.

There is trouble in town because several people have been injured or killed by a wolf. Mo is sure that Cooper is not the wolf who is attacking people but he isn’t sure of himself so again he backs away from her rather than risk hurting her.

I really enjoyed the push, pull of the romance between Cooper and Mo with the added tension of conflict from Alan’s interest in Mo. The author gives good development of the characters and interesting wolf-pack dynamic as a family struggling under traditional rules. There is plenty of fun dialog and phrasing that had me chuckling out loud. This isn’t fast paced action but it moves along well with a good mix of romance and mystery.

The narrator did a really nice job of catching the quirkiness of the characters and I would enjoy more from both the author and the narrator. I recommend this if you want a light fun read or listen.

I selected this on Audible because it looked like fun and also because it was on the Recommended Reading Challenge list. I will link it to Alaska for Where are you Reading Map, and on the Recommended Reading and New Author Challenges.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T15:57:00.001-06:00

Our associate Pastor gave another good message this morning entitled Saboteurs. He directed us to 1 Timothy 4:1-10 where Paul is giving instructions. Think of parents who teach and warn children of dangers: 'look both ways, don't get in a car with strangers, don't tell someone at the door or on the phone that your parents aren't home.' Even with these warnings a child might be in danger from loved ones.

Paul was warning Timothy and followers of Christ to beware of deceivers and liars even within the body (the church.) Some believers fall away and their views become twisted. They may come as sheep in wolves' clothing. They would lead others astray if the people are not discerning.

Paul was preparing the people, preparing the troops (as mentioned in the first message this year).
You have to know the words of faith (Biblical foundations) to know the truth and to be able to recognize a deceiver.
(This is only part of the message but I will save more for another brief message.

This song seems to be a good choice as it reminds
us to be careful which voices we listen to.

Verses for Today:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Yesterday I had a lunch meeting with some ladies from our women's ministry group. Our leader encouraged us to be intentional about our faith and to pick 12 women to be praying for this year. As I began to prepare my list last night I of course thought of my family "sisters" first. Then I started thinking about online "friends." So I decided that each week I would pick an online follower to pray for. So, those of you who read these messages, be encouraged as I may be praying for YOU! If anyone wants extra prayer feel free to email me. I may not be able to help in any other way but I can pray.

Sharing Beyond Books #33 Comment Giveaway January 28, 2012

2012-01-29T00:16:00.000-06:00

Welcome to a late evening SBB. I've had a crazy week and busy day even today. I have to travel five hours tomorrow to attend closings on Monday.

Thank you to all those who commented last week.
The majority wear some mix of pjs and tshirts. I had to laugh at Carol L's comment - 'maybe she should have switched to PJs before getting 7 kids!' LOL Abby mentioned she likes her socks which I have to agree with especially during the cold weather.

There was a tie for chapter preference: eight had no preference and eight favored short chapters. Three like mixed length, depending on the genre; one liked long, and one liked mid-length.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #32 comments is: #15 Carol L. There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 1 Summer titles below. Carol L please choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below OR pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #33 Questions

Q1. This week winnie asks: What do you think about love triangles in romances??

A: I'm not big on infidelity so to that extent I don't like love triangles. Sorry - even the Guenevere and Lancelot affair is wrong in my mind, not romantic. But a triangle can create good conflict if set up as a difficult decision between two possible partners, a misunderstanding or where one doesn't realize how another feels and there is confusion, but not actual betrayal.

Guess who.

I didn't think of this love triangle right away but found it in images.

Q2. Here is my question: Name any two picky habits. Limit it to two but if you want to repeat this question say so in the comment so I'll know to add it again. *BG*

A: These are two that I am very aware of: a) I really want the toilet paper to pull in front and I will change it at places like church. b) I like to fill the dishwasher MY way... so it's just as easy to let me do it. :-)

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far. Either way - it works for me. :-) The question list is getting low so feel free to send in a Q or 2 or 4! Remember they don't all have to be book related. I'm going to be asking some other questions soon!
Questions in January have been provided by: mamabunny13; Abby, Mad Moose Mama and winnie. The winner of a book pick is #3 Mad Moose Mama. Congratulations! Please fill in the Winner form with your book pick.

Your turn to share:

1. This week winnie asks: What do you think about love triangles in romances??

2. Name any two picky habits. Limit it to two but if you want to repeat this question say so in the comment so I'll know to add it again.

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 12 books available plus 2 left in the Summer titles to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

~~A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)~~
~~I love Susan Wigg's historicals!~~

SBB Rules: a) Must be a follower;
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10PM central.

Winners of Love Engineered, A Cold Creek Secret and Miss Hildreth Wore Brown

2012-01-28T22:52:00.002-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS:

of Giveaways Ended January 27

Giveaway (Personally Autographed to me) Love Engineered

Suzanne (Hope you had a Happy Birthday!)

Giveaway 2 Copies of Cold Creek Secret

lag123 and Rachel

Giveaway of Miss Hidreth Wore Brown

RAnn

WINNERS please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form so I can mail the books out. Please reply within 72 hours!

Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour January 30 - February 8

2012-01-27T21:45:00.000-06:00

I finished Midnight Reckoning and am engaged by Firelight - good books! Visit here next Wednesday 2/1 for reviews, Q&A and chance to win both books!

Here is the full tour list:
          Blog URL                        Posting Date
My Book Addiction and More    1/30/2011 with Q&A
http://www.lovetoreadforfun.com    1/30/2011
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com    1/30/2011
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/    1/30/2011
http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com    1/30/2011
http://www.thebookgirl.net    1/30/2011
http://www.justanothernewblog.com    1/30/2011
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com    1/31/2011 with Q&A
rexrobotreviews.com    1/31/2011
www.boekiesbookreviews.com    1/31/2011
http://krazybooklady.blogspot.com    1/31/2011
http://gimmethescoopreviews.blogspot.com/    1/31/2011
http://www.seducedbyabook.com/    2/1/2011 with Q&A
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/    2/1/2011 with Q&A
http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com    2/2/2011
http://bookofsecretsblog.com    2/2/2011
http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com/    2/2/2011
http://dreyslibrary.com    2/2/2011
Novelreaction.com    2/2/2011
http://romancingrakes.blogspot.com    2/4/2011
http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/    2/5/2011
http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com    2/5/2011
hangingwithbells.com    2/6/2011
www.sosaloha.blogspot.com    2/6/2011
http://www.book-obsessed.com    2/6/2011
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/    2/7/2011
http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com    2/7/2011
http://kimberlysbookshelf.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011
www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com    2/8/2011
mothergamerwriter.com    2/8/2011
www.marygramlich.blogspot.com    2/8/2011 with Q&A
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com    2/8/2011
http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011
http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/    2/8/2011
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Whew! I have had such a week. I looked up tonight and WOW - it was Thursday already!
Thank you to all who entered January 20 Pick. There were FOUR Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
Way to Go!!
Carol M asked for Blackwater Sound for 4 weeks with no blocks.
mamabunny13 asked for The Marshall Takes a Bride for 4 weeks with no blocks.
lag123 asked for After Dark for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Lieder asked for The Shattered Rose for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 20 Pick:

Jane chose Swear by the Moon

Birgit gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy +plus - I am still low on just sweet.

It feels like time is flying.
Maybe a book clock would help!
Found at The Bookshelf

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

~~Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie~~

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

~~Thinner by Stephen King~~

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

~~After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)~~

~~The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley~~

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

~~Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver~~

Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery

The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell

Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook

~~Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall~~

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

~~Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler~~

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Disguised Blessing

~~Rhapsody: A Love Story~~

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I posted 24 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (Nov 2011)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 303 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17

Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

~~The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster~~

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

~~The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case~~

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

~~Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee~~

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Demon Does it Better by Linda Wisdom

2012-01-25T22:18:00.000-06:00

This is fast paced and great fun!

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402236727
ISBN-13: 978-1402236723

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
A MADHOUSE IS NO PLACE FOR A CURIOUS WITCH...
After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked his happening. Patients are disappearing, and Lil wants to know why.
AND DOUBLY DANGEROUS FOR A DEMON...
Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all-a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What's behind the gorgeous chameleon demon's late-night escapades?
Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other-and creating a whole new kind of magic.

Review:
Lili is a lively witch Doctor - as in healer. She has returned to the San Francisco hospital where she worked years before to try to find out why one of her good friends disappeared. Lili is to work closely with the insane patients in the Asylum. The hospital is designed for supernatural beings and the upper floors are well maintained and bright under the command of a dragon of a nurse - literally - she’s a tough dragon shifter. Unfortunately the wizard doctor in charge of the mental Asylum has left that area like a dungeon.

Jared is one of the patients kept in the dark. He is a demon who once massacred a pack of vampires, getting him banned from his own clan as too dangerous. The guard trolls love to rough him up. Lili wants to help all of the patients but especially Jared. There is torture going on and a locked lab that Lili must investigate.

Jared is a shadow demon and uses the shadows to sneak out and visit Lili. She knows it is unprofessional to date a patient but Lili can’t help but be drawn to Jared. When he visits her he is clean, kind, charming, funny and darkly sexy. And he is astounded that she treats him as 'human.'

These are two really warm and likeable characters. There’s also a snarky side kick cat, Cleo, and lots of other supernatural beings. There is mystery, tension and courting leading up to a sweet but sexy romance which comes along at an appropriate distance in the book blending into the action of the story. The writing flow is easy and makes a good package with the fast action, humor and warm romance. I have wanted to read the Hexed series by this author but haven’t had the chance yet. I am so glad I read this and now I want to read her books even more.

Here is an example of the snarky humor:
When staying out of the way of her cat’s claws, Lili says: “...been there, done that, treated the scratches.”

This book is set in San Francisco, CA for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author and ARC challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 4.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow

2012-01-24T12:27:00.001-06:00

I highly recommend this book!

Deeper Water (Tides of Truth Series, Book 1)

by Robert Whitlow

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595541322
ISBN-13: 978-1595541321

Genre: Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2008

The Tides of Truth novels follow one lawyer's passionate pursuit of truth in matters of life and the law.

In the murky waters of Savannah's shoreline, a young law student is under fire as she tries her first case at a prominent and established law firm. A complex mix of betrayal and deception quickly weaves its way through the case and her life, as she uncovers dark and confusing secrets about the man she's defending--and the senior partners of the firm.

How deep will the conspiracy run? Will she have to abandon her true self to fulfill a higher calling? And how far will she have to go to discover the truth behind a tragic cold case?

Review:
My notes on completing this book: Wow! Slow start but picks up; easy reading, awesome and unique plotline; engaging warmth and deep faith.

The book opens upon the scene of an elderly black man poling his aluminum johnboat in the deep marshy waters of a Savannah river. Moses is fishing in the dark of night and he is distressed by the faces he sees in the water that apparently bring old memories he would rather hide from. The reader won’t know for a bit how Moses ties in to the story of the main protagonist, a young law student, but all will become clear soon enough.

Tammy Lynn is a second year law student who is able to secure a summer internship with a prestigious law firm in Savannah. This is a wonderful but scary opportunity. Tammy Lynn has been raised in a close knit, deeply religious and conservative family. She has been home schooled and her first real experiences outside of her small home community have been as a student at the University of Georgia. She has not made lots of friends at school because she is rather clearly different: she never wears pants, she doesn’t date, drink or party.

Tammy Lynn secretly sent her resumes out under the name of “Tami”. Although she doesn’t
mean any disrespect to her parents it appears to be a step into another phase of life. She will not be going to Savannah without the approval of her parents and without a clear answer from God to their, and her own, prayers. That is how the family operates in life. God is their guide in all decisions and they do not rush, but wait until they have an answer.

There is so much that goes on in this story as Tami is challenged at work and in social and personal situations. She meets many people who are clearly different from her upbringing. Her convictions are constantly bombarded. The other female intern is Jewish and although not orthodox, she has cousins who are. Julie challenges Tami’s boundaries but she also respects her convictions.

The third intern is a young man, Vince, from Yale. He is serious, brilliant and a Christian, albeit a more mainstream Christian. Then there is the law associate who is to mentor her, Zach. She discovers that he was raised in a Christian communal group in California.

Both Zach and Vince show interest in Tami so in addition to being given new challenges at work she also faces the new situation of ‘dating’ or for her it is more like old fashioned ‘stepping out’ to get to know each other better. But first she must seek her parent’s approval.

Meanwhile, one of her work assignments is developing into a mystery that may involve senior members of her own firm. Who can she trust to help her? Is she willing to risk her future career chances if she stands firm to protect a client against what she views as a conflict with the firm?

Of course I like that this book and series are about a law student and include scenes in law firms and court - I felt pretty much at home. I liked the easy writing style and the plot flow that makes it clear there can be other stories with these characters. I particularly like that this story is steeped in faith. It is not religious dressing or preachy but it is full of relational depth where Tami and her family rely upon God for direction in all things. This story concludes the criminal mystery but the relational issues are open to move on to the next story!

Our ladies book group all loved this book and one friend had already started the second in the series before we met. There is a study guide at the back to help deepen group discussions.

This book is set in Georgia for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author challenge list.

I have two new books from our group reading - a couple of us end up reading on Kindle or Nook.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the print book - Two Winners:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

Audible Book Review: Hounded:The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne

2012-01-23T18:31:00.001-06:00

This is a fun and engaging listen.
Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

UNABRIDGED

by Kevin Hearne

Narrated by Luke Daniels

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review: This is fast paced with good action.
Atticus tells the tale explaining his history and introducing some friends and enemies. His friends include his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, with whom he speaks telepathically. The dog is a fun character and his voice and narrow minded focus reminded me of the dog in the movie UP. Atticus’ friends also include his lawyers (I know that’s surprising but he is a good client), who consist of a werewolf pack and a vampire who is available at night. Then there is Morrigan, the Chooser of the Slain, who shows up as a large crow. It’s not quite clear if she is friend or foe although she has promised not to come for Atticus as long as he keeps annoying his long time enemy Aenghus Og, a petty and power hungry Celtic god.

Many centuries ago Atticus’ left a battle with a magical sword and Aenghus wants the power the sword would give him. Morrigan, and others, begin to visit to warn Atticus that, after all these years, Aenghus has located him and is determined to get the sword. The attacks start with Atticus battling a few faeries who have been sent to assassinate him. Then he and Oberon get threatened by a park ranger and police while hunting with the Huntress goddess. With each fight we learn more of Atticus’ defenses and secrets.

A local witch coven joins the melee and again it isn’t clear if they are friend or foe. When Oberon and one of the wolfpack lawyers are kidnapped Atticus’ recruits backup from some other strange friends, including a powerful witch trapped in the body of a friendly barmaid. Although friends are there to help in the rescue, this time Atticus must face Aenghus one on one and death's messenger is standing by waiting for one of them.

I like Atticus as a character. Even though he is a powerful druid who has lived for thousands of years he is not obnoxiously arrogant like some of the ‘god’ characters. I enjoyed the fast paced action, the variety of characters and the mixed relationships. The narrator did a great job with the different voices, some humor and lots of tension. I look forward to listening to more books in this series.

I picked this up at Audible based on high ratings and positive reviews.
I'll be linking this to Arizona for my Where are you Reading map and it will be added to my Audio, New Author and Just for Fun Challenges.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 23, 2012

2012-01-22T19:42:00.000-06:00

This meme starts at Book Journey!

I completed three (and one midway) books last week and posted four reviews, two with giveaways, and one author guest post. (I was hoping to post five reviews but didn't get the fifth up so this week will likely see five reviews.) As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post.

I visited a dozen or so blogs last Sunday and Monday but barely any visits later during the week. *Sigh.*

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

It's Monday What are You Reading? January 16, 2012.

Book Review: The Second Sonata by Nathan Patrick Hardt; Contemporary Fiction; my Rating 4.25.

Book Review and 2 Copy Giveaway: A Cold Creek Secret by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25. Ends 1/27.

Guest Post Books and Bellies by Olivia deBelle Byrd, Author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown.

Book Review and Giveaway: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd . Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

Book Review: Smitten Anthology; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 20, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/26.

Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

The review, author guest post
and Giveaway linked above.

2. Print/Kindle

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

This was a lot of fun to read.
I'll post the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Sourcebooks.

3. Print

The Rook

by Daniel O'Malley

This was sort of wacky action - I liked it.
I'll be posting the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Little Brown & Co.

Line Edits/Releases: Nothing new this week.

Currently reading:

1. Kindle

Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1]

by Karen Wiesner

I am halfway through this and it is very engaging!

I really want to learn how they resolve their conflicts.

Product DescriptionBook One Family Heirloom: Accepting God’s will A Proverbs 31 wife wonders, does “submissive” mean giving up having anything of her own?

Thirty-seven-year-old Tamara Wolfe married her childhood sweetheart, Robert, right out of high school and proceeded to have a passel of children who fill her life to capacity. With the last of her children in preschool, Tamara decides to make a business out of her long-time love of creating designer gift baskets. She doesn’t expect Robert to be against it from her first word.

Robert has always prided himself on giving Tamara the option of staying home to raise the children, just as his father did before him. Since birth, it’s been drilled into him that a man who doesn’t provide for his family is the worst kind of loser. What will happen if her business takes off? She won’t have time to take care of the family. Worse, maybe she won’t need him anymore.

Although they’d agreed years before their family was complete, Robert considers that perhaps the cure for Tamara’s restlessness is another baby.

Tamara prays for wisdom. All she wants is a small space of time for herself. Is she being selfish? Or is God leading her to continue being an outdated model of the Proverbs 31 wife--submissive, but never equal?

2. Audio MP3

Grant Me Timely Grace

by Timothy Woods

This is a twisting conspiracy.
I got stalled as my MP3 player died.

I'll get started again this week
when a new player arrives.
Reviewing for Crossroad Press through AudioJukebox.

Product Description

Washington, D.C., June 1863. It is the week before Gettysburg, and the nation's fate hangs in the balance.

[... see more at title link.]

I am preparing these two for next week - February 1, 2012 blog tour stop with mini author Q&A.

3. Print/Kindle

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties)

by Kendra Leigh Castle

Reading for Forever Romance Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Product Description

Two separate worlds . . .

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

4. Print

Firelight (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

Reading for Forever Romance

Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Book Description

Series: Darkest London | Publication Date: January 31, 2012

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

They will burn for eternity . . .

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean.

[Reading until I get a new player.]

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

January - I had 16 total for January, plus added Audibles. I will probably start at least one of these this week but the others will slide into February.
I am using NetGalley now so the (NG) means NetGalley.

LB&Co
The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

Orbit
(NG) Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan

Others:
(NG) Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] by Karen Wiesner

[To be posted - I am setting these up soon for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T17:41:00.001-06:00

Our senior Pastor is still away with his ailing father. Our associate Pastor presented another sermon continuing along the theme of last week that we are only sojourners here. He reminded us that we should leave behind our old ways, our old thoughts and our old memories when we follow Christ. We should not be repeatedly looking in the rearview mirror or looking over our shoulder but rather we should focus our eyes on what lies ahead. If we look behind then the front of the 'board' (surfing, sailing, bicycling, even driving) will veer off track.

Remember that things of this world are on the way out and will give way to a new order. Jesus' call is radical. There will be a cost to abandon all we know and love to follow Him. We must fight against the worldly ways and strive for the greater things that are not of this world.

I was searching for the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and found many good videos.
This one has different verses with the well known chorus.
I liked the additional words so I am sharing this with the traditional hymn words below.

Lyrics:
O soul, are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's a light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

# Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are

His Word shall not fail you - He promised
Believe Him, and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect Salvation to tell

A different version that is called "soaking music" and is extremely soothing can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2dS5ZZ8e8&feature=related

Verses for Today:

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We prayed today, both at church and in our lunch connect gathering, that we might focus on the important things of heaven and make a difference this year to those whose lives we touch.

Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway January 21, 2012

2012-01-21T22:29:00.001-06:00

Hello again SBB fans! Welcome to Saturday --- Sharing Beyond Books!

Thank you for commenting last week.
You guys did a great job of thinking of good occupations! Travel reporter or travel host would offer fun as would being a bookstore owner. Marybelle thought of Guardian Angel which is great choice! Now Louisa - I suppose a mental patient might have free time but I think I would worry about medication and treatment! :-0

I think favorite authors was the biggest influence on purchasing. Price was next. Covers, blurbs and even reviews are factors too. And Mystica has more difficulty than most of us because she has to choose when books are available.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #31 comments is: #4 lag123 (another commenter new to SBB!) There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. lag123 please choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below OR pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #32 Questions

Q1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks: What do you wear to bed?? Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper??

A: When I was first married (many years ago) I wore slinky nightgowns. But for the past many years I wear warm pajamas if the bedroom is under 68 degrees (outside below 50) or a night T-shirt if it is warmer. One of mine is an Eeyore looking out of bed at a plateful of cookies saying "I woke up on the right side of bed!" I couldn't find a picture so I choose this one.

Q2. Here is my question: Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??

A: I really do prefer shorter chapters because they tend to be well focused on a point and they let you read quick bits if you only have a short time without stopping in the middle of something. Some authors who really use short chapters are James Patterson, David Baldacci and Margaret Atwood. Do you know other authors who use short chapters?

[photo found at Modern Ekklesia]

~~~~

Your turn to share:

1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks: What do you wear to bed?? Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper??

2. Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)
I love Susan Wigg's historicals!

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, January 27 at 10PM central.

Winners of Bossypants and Scrumptious!

2012-01-21T20:49:00.002-06:00

Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS!

Giveaways Ended January 20

Giveaway Print Copy of Bossypants

bn100

Giveaway ARC Copy of Scrumptious

Patricia's Particularity

WINNERS please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form so I can mail the books out. Please reply within 72 hours!

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Giveaway Pick January 20, 2012

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000-06:00

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Another week has flown by. Even with Monday off I feel like it was a rushed week.
Thank you to all who entered January 13 Pick. There was only one Automatic winner this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). We have a lot of 3x requests so hopefully there will be several automatics next week.

Carol L asked for Rhapsody: A Love Story for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 13 Pick:

lilahshea chose Thinner

Linda H chose Baby and All

Here's a new bookshelf to start the year:
Has been read and Will be read!
Found at Style of Design

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

~~Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie~~

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

~~Thinner by Stephen King~~

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)

The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

~~Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver~~

Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery

The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell

Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook

Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

~~Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler~~

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Disguised Blessing

~~Rhapsody: A Love Story~~

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 298 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

TO ENTER:

1/14/11 New List
#17

Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

~~The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster~~

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

~~The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case~~

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Congratulations to the Winners of MBS Dreaming Hop!

2012-01-19T21:38:00.000-06:00

I have to say I am so glad I used Rafflecopter for this giveaway Hop. I didn't have to print out the spreadsheet and number the entries, including extras. So simple to go to Rafflecopter and click: pick winner!!

2 Winners get a Book or two from your own "DREAM LIST" Up to $15.00 Value

And the winners are...

results powered by Random.org

Entry #1172 Adeeb F.

Entry #501 Lisa J.

The winners have been emailed (Rafflecopter makes that easy too).
Happy book picking Adeeb and Lisa!

Book Review: Smitten Anthology

2012-01-19T15:49:00.002-06:00

Delightful reading! "Smitten" is a perfect way to describe how you feel when you read these heartwarming stories of love, friendship and faith.

Smitten Anthology

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401684947
ISBN-13: 978-1401684945

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.25+ of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 20, 2011
Welcome to Smitten, Vermont.
With the help of four friends, it's about to become the most romantic town in America.

The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think they've got just the plan to save Smitten. They'll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for lovers-complete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs.

But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests?

Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the town's hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on Valentine's Day. And little Mia's lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the town's transformation-energetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reese-get in the spirit by reviving their own love lives.

Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard.

One visit . . . and you'll be smitten too.

Review:

This really is adorable! The four friends are like close sisters and they have the grit and determination to initiate changes to save their town. The mill is closing so the four decide to turn the town into a romantic getaway. After all, the name Smitten fits the desired new image. Of course the men in town resist what they think will turn their town into a frilly girl place that is going to fade around them.

The four stories have different voices but fit together beautifully. They each have varying faith issues of forgiveness, trust, independence and pride that they have to overcome. The Biblical references are well placed and appropriate in the lives of the Christian characters. They are shared in the natural circumstances so they aren’t really preachy but are rather a reminder of God’s safe control and desire for the best in our lives.

There is a fun forward and a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors" describing how the authors got together to work up the anthology. There is a brief blog post here: http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

I would recommend reading any of these authors for warm characters and engaging plots. I look forward to reading more by each of them. I rate each story as 4.25 and the whole package gets extra bonus for working so well together!

Natalie: Birthday Wishes by Colleen Coble
Natalie’s father left when she was young and she doesn't trust men or relationships. Carson is a dependable businessman in town but Natalie’s sister, Lisa, has named him as the father of her daughter, Mia. Natalie is raising the adorable Mia who is making lavender wreaths for the doors. The wreaths are to give the townspeople hope during the difficult times.

When Carson’s country star brother agrees to be married in Smitten, Natalie is able to talk Carson into updating the old fishing cabins he owns. He can’t see it until she begins to describe the changes and becomes his assistant to remodel. As they work closely together they are drawn to notice each other as more than just friends. Natalie has to find forgiveness and learn to trust if she wants to allow love to remodel her own life.

Julia: Small Town, Big Dreams by Kristin Billerbeck
Julia has returned from New York to take care of her injured mother. Her friends encourage her to set up a spa like the one she ran in the city. A big city fellow comes to town to give her advice and to consider investing in her plans. He recommends that she rent space that is owned by rugged Zak who has the local rustic grill. It is a beautiful setting but Julia has always had a crush on her older brother’s best friend, Zak. She claims that she can’t envision a spa next to the smells of a rustic grill even though Zak is remodeling his restaurant.

Zak has always liked Julia but promised her brother that he would look after Julia and never try to seduce her. But he’ll chase away that city slicker and remodel the space for her spa because he knows she can make it work even if she doesn’t think so. Can Julia find enough faith to risk telling Zak how she really feels or will she run back to New York?

Shelby: You’ve Got a Friend by Diann Hunt
Shelby tends to be a little accident prone but her friend Nick is always there coaching her on safety and rescuing her. Shelby isn’t really a socialite, she just appreciates fashion and teaches Social Graces to young girls so they will have nice manners and deportment. Nick is a strong lumberman and doesn’t see himself as someone Shelby could fall for. Besides, Nick has an ex-wife who left because she wanted the society things that Smitten and Nick couldn’t offer. But when Nick’s ex-wife dies and his preteen daughter comes to live with him its Shelby’s turn to rescue him by helping with this sweet lost young girl. Meanwhile Shelby’s long absent father moves in and they begin to rebuild their relationship.

When Shelby and Nick grow closer Shelby knows she has to tell him of her secret. She has had to learn to put aside the guilt and forgive herself but will she be able to forgive Nick when he judges her for her past?

Reese: All Along by Denise Hunter
Reese and Griffen were best buddies in high school. When Reese was preparing to marry Sawyer Smitten Griffen left town to hide his broken heart. He is back in town now to help with all of the renovations and to see if he can’t show Reese how he really feels. Too bad that Reese seems to be struggling with her old feelings for her ex-fiancé who is coming back to town to marry someone else.

Reese is working hard on setting up her outfitters shop and she is really glad to have her good friend Griffen there for support. But suddenly she sees him as more than a good friend. She decides to take plans into her own hands, even if it means a little deception. But her plans to make Griffen jealous backfire when he thinks she is trying to make Sawyer jealous.

Reese realizes how God must feel loving us so much when we don’t always love him back. Can she get out of her own tangled web before Griffen leaves town again?

I received this book for review from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
This book will be linked to Vermont in my Where are you reading map; it will also go towards my ARC challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd

2012-01-18T06:31:00.000-06:00

Treat yourself to these delightful 'bon bons' of Southern charm!

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing (May 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600377483
ISBN-13: 978-1600377488

Genre: Humor
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description Publication Date: May 1, 2010
While Olivia deBelle Byrd was repeating one of her many Southern stories for the umpteenth time, her long-suffering husband looked at her with glazed over eyes and said,“Why don’t you write this stuff down?” Thus was born Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle. If the genesis for a book is to shut your wife up, I guess that’s as good as any. On top of that, Olivia’s mother had burdened her with one of those Southern middle names kids love to make fun. To see “deBelle” printed on the front of a book seemed vindication for all the childhood teasing. With storytelling written in the finest Southern tradition from the soap operas of Chandler Street in the quaint town of Gainesville, Georgia, to a country store on the Alabama state line, Oliviade Belle Byrd delves with wit and amusement into the world of the Deep South with all its unique idiosyncrasies and colloquialisms. The characters who dance across the pages range from Great-Aunt LottieMae, who is as “old-fashioned and opinionated as the day is long,” to Mrs. Brewton, who calls everyone “dahling” whether they are darling or not, to Isabella with her penchant for mint juleps and drama. Humorous anecdotes from a Christmas coffee, where one can converse with a lady who has Christmas trees with blinking lights dangling from her ears, to Sunday church,where a mink coat is mistaken for possum, will delight Southerners and baffle many a non-Southerner. There is the proverbial Southern beauty pageant, where even a six-month-old can win a tiara, to a funeral faux pas of the iron clad Southern rule—one never wears white after Labor Day and, dear gussy, most certainly not to a funeral. Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle is guaranteed to provide an afternoon of laugh-out-loud reading and hilarious enjoyment.

Review: Ha - This is such a delight.
The wonderful thing about this book is that it oozes Southern charm which is quite distinct from northern arrogance. Now I don’t agree that all the antidotes would be limited to a Southern lady... I can relate to many. I was raised up north but moved to Florida when I was 13 so you would think I might be a southerner. Then again... we lived in Broward and Palm Beach counties until a few years ago. That is more like the north than the south.

The author shares humorous tales with a Southern flair - sometimes genteel and sometimes feisty. She reaffirms that women, who know colors like teal and camel and share details when they talk together, are from Venus while men, who see blues and browns and speak “yes” and “sure”, are from Mars. She tells tales from a different generation, one that had to earn a car at college age. Compare this to her children’s generation where a child is given a car because ‘they are breathing at age 16'. The south has their “characters” who are tough “eccentrics” by another name but sweeter I think. Ms. Byrd shares stories of several Southern "Characters."

There are delightful stories from childhood antics, weddings, funerals, fashion, and adventures with pets. My favorites were hilarious Southern problems while visiting in foreign places like New York and Boston! I had to really laugh at one of her anecdotes disparaging Christmas Sweaters as I am one of those ladies who loves to wear Christmas sweaters for three weeks in December!

This is an easy, fun read and I chuckled through a couple of quick chapters at a time. This would be a great book to pick up for those bloggers participating in the Southern Literature or Reading Challenge. It is also a wonderful choice to keep on a side table for a relaxing evening and it would make a lovely gift for a friend.

This book will go in Florida for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also be on the New Author list and ARC list.

Thank you to the gracious generosity of the author for the book to review and an extra copy for Giveaway.
I thought about giving my copy too but decided I wanted to keep it and share it with a local friend. :-)
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the print book:

1. Visit the author's site and tell me something of interest you found there and/OR for two entries, leave a comment on the Guest Post to show warm hospitality to Ms. Byrd. :-). One of these is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 27, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 28.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Guest Post: Books and Bellies by Olivia deBelle Byrd

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-06:00

BOOKS AND BELLIES

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

Author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown

      A funny thing happened before a recent book signing of my published book Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle. A new library had just been built in my hometown and the library foundation had graciously asked me to do a book signing. The event would be complete with a Southern tea and beautiful belles in antebellum dresses using the catchy theme “Books and Belles.” The Sunday before this lovely event, the announcement came out in our local newspaper, but due to a sleepy proof editor the event was billed “Books and Bellies—A Taste of the South.” The head of the library foundation immediately called with the words, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. My friend said to look on the bright side—maybe a lot of people will come just to see exactly what she is going to do!”

      I assured this gracious gal that if they were expecting a belly dance they would be sorely disappointed. As I explained, “I was raised by a host of Southern women and threatened within an inch of my life if I ever showed my belly in public. I am still not over it. This belly has yet to see the light of day.”

      As my birthright, I passed this on to my daughter. It is true I had to give in to bikinis, but if she were not within two inches of a beach, her belly was not to be seen. Before she left the house, I even made her perform the “belly test,” as she exasperatedly called it. She had to raise both arms so I could be sure her shirt covered every inch of her belly. If you are raised by a slew of Southern women, some lessons stick for life. Trust me on this one!

      I have had book signings where tea, homemade pound cake, cheese straws, and Mississippi Mud were served. I have spoken at book clubs, luncheons, garden clubs, and discussion groups. I have been on blogs, guest posts, facebook, and twitter. This author has dressed in a straw brimmed hat, white gloves, camellias, and a brown suit. But I stand my ground on this one. I do not care what the newspaper says. This Southern Belle is not displaying her belly—not even to sell a book!

Olivia deBelle Byrd is a self-proclaimed Southern Belle who resides in Panama City, Florida, with her husband, Tommy. She is the author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle, which is her first collection of humorous essays. Like many Southerners, Olivia has a penchant for turning ordinary happenings into entertainment. Visit her website at www.oliviadebellebyrd.com

I want to share that Ms. Byrd spoke at a Women's Luncheon I attended in December. She was a fun speaker and even more attractive than her lovely picture. She wore the same suit as on the cover of the book! Check my Review Post for a chance to win this charming book.

Book Review and Giveaway Two Copies: A Cold Creek Secret by RaeAnne Thayne

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

I find Harlequin romances to be reliably easy and engaging reading. I’m happy to say that this one fits the rule.

A Cold Creek Secret

by RaeAnne Thayne

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Mills & Boon (February 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0263888630
ISBN-13: 978-0263888638

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Cherish | Publication Date: February 2011
Just back from a tour of duty, all Major Brant Western wanted was a hot meal and a warm bed. What he didn't need was the stunning socialite in disguise who'd just shown up at his family's Cold Creek ranch. Scandal trailed bad girl Mimi Van Hoyt--aka "Maura"--everywhere she went. But once Brant discovered her secret, how could he turn her away?

Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard was not Mimi's idea of a fun time in the Tetons. Then why was she starting to think this sexy soldier could be more than her shelter from the storm? And the more determined Brant was to protect her and her unborn child, the more she believed that this honorable, irresistible military man was the only man for her.

Review:

Major Brant Western is a hardcore military doctor who is home from Afghanistan for a Christmas break. His home is a rustic cabin, ranch in Idaho where it gets really cold and they have sudden blizzards. While Brant is out checking on his horses he spots car lights veering into the stream near his home. Brant rescues a young woman and her fluffy little white dog from the car.

The woman identifies herself as Maura Howard and her bichon frise as Simone. She was on her way for an unannounced visit to Gwen, Brant’s caretaker who lived in a smaller cabin on the property. Although Brant puzzles at the familiarity of the woman it doesn’t take long for him to recognize her as the wild socialite, Mimi Van Hoyt, whom he, and all of the world, have seen in the tabloids.

Mimi/Maura is reluctant to trust this handsome, quiet and intense looking man even though he did rescue her and he seems to be kind. She doesn’t have much choice about hanging around though since they are snowed in. She decides to start cleaning and redecorating in order to relieve the boredom considering that Brant pretty much keeps to himself and avoids her. Brant doesn’t know what Mimi/Maura is up to but it is clear she is hiding secrets. And he’s having trouble understanding what a rich socialite is doing fussing around his place like a decorator.

Mimi is glad for a chance to be “a regular woman” for a change. She is attracted to this strong man but he’ll be leaving town in a week to return to duty. Besides she believes he has a relationship with his neighbor friend and she isn’t going to repeat the mistake of getting involved with a man whose affections belong elsewhere.

Brandt is strongly drawn to ‘Maura’ but he knows he isn’t in 'Mimi’s' league. Besides he’ll be gone and she can keep her secrets. But then he learns her secret and he wants to protect her. It doesn’t seem likely that these two from opposite social ends could get together as they go their separate ways.

I enjoyed the conflict between the pair, the misunderstandings and the warm but denied passion. The ending is not completely surprising as it unfolds but it is very heartwarming. This is the second story I have read recently by Ms. Thayne and I appreciate her easy style and warm characters. If you want a quick, sweet romance this is a fine choice.

This book is set in Idaho for my Where Are You Reading challenge.

This book was provided as a free gift from Harlequin with an extra copy for Giveaway.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the print book - Two Winners:

1. Tell me if you have a favorite Harlequin book or category. If you haven't visited Harlequin recently, visit their site and tell me a category (genre) or book of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

Book Review: The Second Sonata by Nathan Patrick Hardt

2012-01-16T15:41:00.000-06:00

This is a very different story that left me pondering.

The Second Sonata

by Nathan Patrick Hardt

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 552 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004FEFB9W

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description

Awake? Asleep?

Living, breathing, dreaming?

After crawling miraculously unscathed from a pulverizing car accident, Nicholas returns to his life to find that little is as it had been and even less is what it seems. With a newfound appreciation for life and an insatiable thirst to discover all it has to offer, he wastes no time beginning to mend damaged relationships and reconcile so much time squandered and forfeit.

At the behest of a charismatic but cryptic stranger, Nicholas takes every opportunity to seize upon his borrowed time, reuniting with loves long since lost. But even as his life is shaping to become everything it always could and should have been, Nicholas is increasingly certain that something is dreadfully amiss, uncovering mysteries lurking within every shadow and secrets behind each blessing.

Unsure of whether his journey of sudden self-awareness is being aided or daunted by this enigmatic chaperone, Nicholas must face the raw and painful truths creeping just beyond his senses, make decisions of dire and mortal consequence, and confront his most haunting of judgments before at last discovering the horrifying fate buried deep within the gathering darkness that has always been awaiting his return.

Painted within these pages is a simple reflecting pool of each of our lives and loves, our most joyous celebrations and mournful regrets, and a journey upon which we must all one day embark.

Review:
Nicholas is a bitter, resentful and defeated man who has allowed his life to spiral down into the bottle. He is a man ‘alone, desperate and drowning.’ Life has battered him down and finally his wife divorced him and moved away with their son, Ashton, his “blue and gold”, sky and sun.

The story begins one night as Nicholas is racing against closing time for one more drink. Instead of reaching the pub he slams into a tree. Thoughts of his son and a strange voice calling him “Jack” force him out of the wreckage to get away before the car explodes. Suddenly things begin to change around him as he thinks he has gained a second chance to make something of his life.

Nicholas visits the pub a night or so later and is warmly welcomed by a friendly bartender and buddies whom he doesn’t remember but he is happy to be part of this group. Nicholas says goodbye to a lover as, even though they have good times when drinking, he knows they are not good for each other. He realizes that he must ‘get his act together’ so he can begin a new relationship with his distant son.

Things are working out positively for Nicholas. He has talked to his ex-wife and is excited about visiting with his son. A dog just like the one he had as a youngster has adopted him and he has renewed a friendship with his college sweetheart. Nicholas continues to have visits with a strange man/friend, Bradley, who seems almost like an angel. He also has strange dreams about destruction of his home and a rebirth. When Ashton comes to visit they plant a young tree but it just doesn’t seen to thrive in spite of all the care he gives it.

As a slow metamorphose takes place it is not altogether clear if this is real or a dream. The story is full of inner contemplation and ideas that provoke thought about alcoholism, creation, angels, purpose, free will, love, struggles and lives that are individual yet interconnected.

This did not read quickly although, or perhaps because, the writing is full of rich descriptions that had me making many notes. There is a fine mixture of “showing” and “telling” between the portrayal of Nicholas’ current doings and the narration of his past and his dreams and unconscious thoughts.

This is not a book for light reading or easy entertainment but when you want a change of pace to make you think a bit about our lives in this world this would be an interesting book to read. I think it was a suitable (ironically) book to start the new year with.

Two phrases I particularly liked and noted:

“Some people come into our lives, if only for fleeting moments, to make dramatic differences for the better.”
“...[T]he legacy left when you are gone is the only testimony to the life you led.”

It's Monday! What are You Reading? January 16, 2012

2012-01-15T20:40:00.000-06:00

This meme starts at Book Journey!

I completed four books last week but only posted three reviews and one author interview. II may have to post extra reviews this week.) I posted three book giveaways and one Giveaway hop. As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post.

I visited a handful of blogs last Sunday but then was busy and didn't get to visit at all during the week. *Sigh.*

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

It's Monday What are You Reading? January 9, 2012.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Bossypants by Tina Fey; Comedic Memoir; my Rating 4.0.

Interview of Amanda Usen, Author of Scrumptious.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Scrumptious by Amanda Usen; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25.

Sourcebook's eBook Specials Announcement.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/18.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 13, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/19.

Book Review and Copy Giveaway: Love Engineered by Jenna Dawlish; Historical Romance; my Rating 4.0.

Sharing Beyond Books #31 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/20.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 15, 2012.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Smitten Anthology

This was very nice! I'll post a review this week.
Read for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

2. Print

A Cold Creek Secret

by RaeAnne Thayne
This was a free gift from Harlequin and I have a 2nd one for giveaway too.

I enjoyed this and will post a review later this week.

3. Audible

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf

UNABRIDGED
by Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

This was really fun! I do a review sometime this week.

4. Print/Kindle

Deeper Water (Tides of Truth Series, Book 1)

by Robert Whitlow

Wow! I really liked this Christian mystery!

I read this for my church book club meeting this coming Saturday and will post the review then.

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2008

The Tides of Truth novels follow one lawyer's passionate pursuit of truth in matters of life and the law.

How deep will the conspiracy run? Will she have to abandon her true self to fulfill a higher calling? And how far will she have to go to discover the truth behind a tragic cold case?

Line Edits/Releases: Nothing new this week.

Currently reading:

1. Print

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

This is really charming. I am almost finished.

The review, author guest post and Giveaway will post on January 18.

2. Audio MP3

Grant Me Timely Grace

by Timothy Woods

This is very engaging!

Listening to review for
Crossroad Press through AudioJukebox.

Product Description

Washington, D.C., June 1863. It is the week before Gettysburg, and the nation's fate hangs in the balance.

A Union officer was not court-martialed after disobeying a direct order during battle. Why?

Major Russell Johns is being played by puppet-master, Gerard Chantier. Transplanted New Orleans businessman and toast of the town. Chantier hosts the city’s most lavish entertainments attended by members of Lincoln’s cabinet and Washington’s elite.

Little do they know Gerard is coordinating an attack with Confederate general JEB Stuart's cavalry to take over the city, kidnap Lincoln and bring victory to the South.

When Russell’s probing brings him in contact with Chantier's daughter, Thérèse, he has to face his most difficult moral choice: manipulating her to get to her father or honoring the one thing that has sustained him through years of battle and loss—his own integrity.

3. Print/Kindle

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

I will be starting this one next.

Reviewing for Sourcebooks.

4. Print

The Rook

by Daniel O'Malley

This sounds fascinating and

I am looking forward to reading it.

Reviewing for Little Brown & Co.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 11, 2012
"The body you are wearing used to be mine." So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

Filled with characters both fascinating and fantastical, THE ROOK is a richly inventive, suspenseful, and often wry thriller that marks an ambitious debut from a promising young writer.

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean.
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around1989 so I will enjoy it again. I am at Exodus.

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

January - I have 16 total for January, plus added Audibles. Hmmm - four a week may be okay. I am using NetGalley now so the (NG) means NetGalley.

Scheduled:
1/18 Miss Hildreth Wore Brown, Ancedotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd with Author Guest Post and Giveaway
1/20 Deeper Water Tides of Truth Series, Book 1) by Robert Whitlow - for Ladies Book Club (Read waiting for review post.)

LB&Co
The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

Orbit
(NG) Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan

Others:
(NG) Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1] by Karen Wiesner
Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] by Karen Wiesner

[To be posted - I am setting these up for January interview/feature days since I didn't get them in this year:
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T14:54:00.001-06:00

This morning our youth Pastor shared a nice sermon reminding us that we are only sojourners on this earth. That is why we are not always comfortable in spirit especially as the world becomes more corrupted around us.
I love the thought that earth, in all its beauty, is only a reflection of what we will find in Heaven. It is hard to imagine!

This is a matching song and the lyrics are below the video.

I Don't Belong by Buddy Greene
(1st Verse)
It's not home where men sell their souls
And the taste of power is sweet,
Where wrong is right and neighbors fight
While the hungry are dying in the streets
Where kids are abused, and women are used
And the weak are crushed by the strong
Nations gone mad, JESUS is sad
And I don't belong

(Chorus)
I don't belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
I don't belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
I don't belong, I'm a foreigner here
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong

(2nd Verse)
Don't belong, but while I'm here
I'll be living like I've nothing to lose
And while I breathe I'll still believe
My GOD is gonna see me through
I'll not be deceived by earth's make-believe
I'll close my ears to her siren-song
By praisin' HIS name, I'm not ashamed
'Cause I don't belong

(Chorus)
I don't belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
I don't belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
I don't belong, I'm a foreigner here
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong

(3rd Verse)
But I belong to a kingdom of peace
Where only love is the law
Where children lead, and captives are freed
And GOD is more than just a baby on the straw
Where dead men live and rich men give
Their kingdoms to buy back a song
Where sinners like me become royalty
And we'll all belong

(Chorus)
Yes I belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
Where I'll belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
Yes I'll belong, no foreigner there
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known I'm going home
Where I belong.

(Tag)
Yes I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong.

Verses for Today:

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[a] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Today we receive grace for the moment, for each day, as we travel through a foreign land.
We are praying specially for peace and strength for our Pastor's family as he visits with his ailing father.

Sharing Beyond Books #31 Comment Giveaway January 14, 2012

2012-01-14T23:30:00.000-06:00

Hello again SBB fans! Sorry to be late tonight but the kids came over to share dinner and watch the playoffs so I couldn't get this up earlier.

Thank you for commenting last week, especially since I had a wrong link for the giveaway post last week. Someone needs to nudge me when I do that. Sorry.

About 1/3 of us do not watch much TV at all. Add a couple more who do not watch reality shows put the count at 7 who do not watch versus 12 who do watch reality TV. Those that do watch seemed split between talent shows and bachelor or survivor type shows.

Surprisingly, the numbers were the same for making resolutions this year! 12 acknowledged making resolutions while 7 said no. However several of us who did not make resolutions agree that we may seek to make lifestyle changes. I like Llehn's attitude: if you want to accomplish something, then get to it! Heavensent1 was funny saying the only resolution she has kept was from 15 years ago - not to make any resolutions. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #30 comments is: #2 winnie. (I love when newbies win!) There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. Winnie please choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below OR pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #31 Questions

Q1. This week Abby asks: If you could pick a favourite occupation (realistic or not) from a book, what would it be??

A: Hmmm- I actually tried a Google search to help me think of and pick an answer to this. I immediately thought of things like a kickin' demon killer or something like that... Then I thought twice. As much as I like Eve Dallas (the In Death series) I don't think I'd want to be a female detective in a future NY. I kept thinking...Ahhh! I think I would like to be a special operative, biblio-crimefighter (book detective) like Thursday Next! This reminds me I need to read more in this fun series.

This signage would only make sense if you are familiar with the series.

Check out the first book:
The Eyre Affair: A Thursday Next Novel (Thursday Next Novels)

Q2. Here is my question: What influences your book buying the most?
Price, cover, author, format or other?

A: There are certain authors that I will always check out their books but that doesn't mean I'll always buy right away. Generally I think I am initially drawn to a book by the author or by a cover but I have to admit that my buying decision is the price. It is a lot easier to buy a $5.99 Kindle ebook than a $9.99 one or a $6.99 mass paperback than a $14.95 trade book - even though I understand why those prices have to be as high as they are for indie presses and authors. And I love to get books at used prices - which doesn't even get a royalty back to the author, sad to say. Also, like Birgit I download many free Kindle books with the hope that someday I might read them!

[photo By mag3737]

~~~~

Your turn to share:

1. If you could pick a favourite occupation (realistic or not) from a book, what would it be??

2. What influences your book buying the most? Price, cover, author, format or other??

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)
I love Susan Wigg's historicals!

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, January 20 at 10PM central.

Winners of 52 Small Changes

2012-01-14T19:55:00.002-06:00

I am really excited about working on this with others who are willing to help share the progress. I wish I could get books for everyone who entered. Since there was only one international entry, I decided to add one more to the print book wins in US/Canada.

Congratulations to the FOUR Winners:

International:

FLO

US/Canadian

RENEE

ROBIN

and

ALEX

We have two additional people who will be joining the "tracking" group. Winners, and others who wish to share, please email me at mesreadsATgmail.com. Then we will coordinate the best way to share without posting all the details of the book, or our efforts, online. :-)

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Engineered by Jenna Dawlish

2012-01-14T17:11:00.003-06:00

This is a sweet romance story with likeable characters and an interesting element of engineering in Victorian times.

Love Engineered

by Jenna Dawlish

Print on Demand (Paperback): 236 pages
Publisher: Unknown (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 095611914X
ISBN-13: 978-0956119148

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Shortlisted for the RNA New Writers' Award. It's 1855 and Louise Thomas, owner of a large estate in Devon is ready to fall in love, but only if she can find a man who will put up with her thirst for knowledge in the engineering and scientific world.

Charles Lucas is one of the country's top Engineer's, tipped to be the new Brunel. He is too busy with his work for love - especially with a member of the gentry. When he meets Louise, she interests and intrigues him like no woman before. But he must make some serious decisions when he hears disturbing rumours about her.

Review:

Louise is a wealthy, blue-stocking, heiress who is often pursued for her money. She has no other living family except for a single cousin who half-heartedly watches over her but is there for her when needed. Although they are affectionate they agree they aren’t interested in marrying each other. Neither of them is seeking a mate as Phillip is enjoying his bachelor life and Louise doesn’t think she will ever find a man that is interested in her and not her money. Besides she has never met a man who has caught her interest - until now.

Louise enjoys attending scientific and engineering lectures. Although some speakers are boring, her interest is sparked by the lecture given by the attractive Charles Lucas. Charles is an esteemed and sought after engineer. Louise is able to ask him some interesting questions and he is surprised by her knowledge. Charles is rather busy and not inclined to pursue a relationship yet he is drawn to her intelligence. His partner is eager to strike up a friendship to encourage Louise as an investor in their work. Plus Louise has a close connection to their mysterious investor, Robert Adams. Meanwhile, Louise begins a warm and sincere friendship with Charles' sister.

An old friend tells Charles some disturbing tales about Louise. Charles meets with Louise to confront her, but she has a totally different agenda in mind. The encounter leads to a large misunderstanding and hurt feelings. Charles forbids Louise to have any contact with his family. She is distressed by having lost not only the man of her interest but a close friend.

Will Charles discover the truth before Louise is exposed to more danger? Will they be able to reconcile their relationship?

I liked the discussions of the engineering projects and wished there was more detail about them.
Engineers and blue-stockings can be presented as aloof and unemotional. Unfortunately I felt the characters were a bit too cool and although I really enjoyed the story and the characters I just didn’t feel a strong warmth in this book. I can’t quite say why I think it was missing emotional depth but that is how I felt. The writing had a good flow and I liked the mystery and danger added to the romantic plot. Maybe a touch more detail would have made it richer. Even so, I enjoyed the story and would try this author again.

This is a book I won a year or so ago. I will be tying this into my New Authors, Books Won and TBR challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the personally autographed book:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Moving along in 2012. How are things going for everyone?
Thank you to all who entered January 6 Pick. There were TWO Automatic winners (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).

Elizabeth asked for The Texas Ceo's Secret for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Carol W asked for Coffin Underground for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 6 Pick:

Louisa chose Praying for Sleep
(This has been blocked for weeks so the only way someone was going to win was to get the Random select... Louisa got it this week.)

Stacie chose The Genesis Code

It is cold tonight and I am sitting in front of the
fire with my warm slippers and a cup of tea!
How about you?
Found at Echoing Green

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Thinner by Stephen King

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)
The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley
Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey
~~Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver~~
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell
Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October - Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

~~Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler~~

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 295 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

TO ENTER:

1/14/11 New List
#17

Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

~~The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster~~

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

~~The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case~~

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

2012 Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop - 1/13 thru 1/18/2012

2012-01-12T22:30:00.000-06:00

WELCOME TO 2012 DREAMING OF BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP!
This hop was organized by the fabulous Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and I am pleased to be the co-host again this year!

The hop runs from Friday, January 13th through Wednesday, January 18th.

My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner. So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.

There will be two winners:
$15.00 towards books at The Book Depository or Books from a vendor of the winner's choice.

I have asked you to name a book you are DREAMING to have but a final selection can be made by the winners after they are announced.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choices to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $15.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on January 19. Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN HOPPING!

Sourcebooks' Special eBook Offers for January - Time Sensitive!

2012-01-12T11:49:00.002-06:00

CHECK OUT THESE SPECIALS for some great reads at great prices - from info sent in from Sourcebooks! Don't miss the first title link which is active TODAY!!

Gabrielle Kimm’s His Last Duchess is the Daily Deal on Amazon Kindle today. You can get it for only .99 cents here!

That’s my last duchess painted on the wall…

Seduced by the hot sun and blinding passions of Renaissance Italy, sixteen-year-old Lucrezia de’ Medici sees a gilded life stretching ahead. Her wealthy new husband handpicked her to be his bride, and his great castle in Ferrara will be her playground. But Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara quickly proves to be just as dangerous and mysterious as he is dark and handsome, and the stone walls of the castle seem to trap Lucrezia like a prison.

Only the duke’s lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury, as his desperate need to produce an heir drives him deep into precarious obsession. With her head full of heartbroken dreams, Lucrezia flees from him down a dangerous path that may cost her everything.

Step into the elegant world of the Robert Browning poem “My Last Duchess,” as imagined by Gabrielle Kimm, where she brings to life the passions and people of sixteenth-century Tuscany and Ferrara. It is a chilling story of forbidden love and dark decadence that will haunt you.

“A saucy account of Lucrezia de’ Medici’s ill-fated marriage, inspired by Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess.”

- Kirkus

“Kimm neatly ties up all the loose ends while cleverly setting the stage for a spin-off. Poetry enthusiasts will be intrigued and historical fiction fans will appreciate the authentic Renaissance-era detailing.”

-Booklist

“This strong first novel is marked by well-developed, memorable protagonists and a pacing that quickens and builds readers' anxiety as the story progresses.”

- Library Journal

ALSO:

Good Afternoon,

I have some really great eBook deals to share with you for the month of January. We have some great romance titles and also some books to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions!

As always, please be patient if our online retailers don’t have every single title uploaded to their discounted price points, but the promotions are set to begin on the start dates listed below. These deals are available with all major e-Book retailers!

Feel free to share the info with your blog readers, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you’d like to spread the word. Please be sure to check the dates—some of our titles have different start dates than others, but I wanted to let you know what will be happening during this month!

You can always receive the latest information about our eBook deals by checking our eBook deals page, which also lists our eBook retailer partners: http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html.

Happy New Year!
Danielle

Sourcebooks January Deals and Discounts!

FICTION

The Lady of the Storm by Kathryne Kennedy

Promotional Price: $1.99 (1/10/2012 – 2/6/2012)

Fantasy Romance

There’s a thin line between duty and desire…

Giles Beaumont is stuck in a role he never wanted, trying to safeguard a woman of incendiary powers who doesn’t think she needs a protector.

Cecily Sutton has no idea of the enormity of her true task and no inkling of the effect she’s having on Giles. But somewhere along their perilous journey together, they’ll have no choice but to uncover the deep, dark connection that binds them one to the other…

Lose yourself in renowned author Kathryne Kennedy’s gorgeous love story set in a lush world made of equal parts wonder and danger.

Kathryn Kennedy's thrilling conclusion to the Elven Lords Series, The Lord of Illusion, releases in February. Check out The Lady of the Storm first!

The Making of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Promotional Price: $1.99 (1/10/2012 – 2/6/2012)

Regency/Adventure Romance

A very dangerous attraction…

Julien Harcourt, duc de Valère, is more than willing to marry the lovely young lady his mother has chosen. Little does he know, she’s been sent to prove him a spy and a traitor…

And an even more dangerous secret…

Sarah Smith’s mission is to find out whether the Duc’s trips to the Continent are as innocent as he claims, but the way he looks at her is far from innocent…

Their risky game of cat and mouse propels them from the ballrooms of London to the prisons of Paris, and into a fragile love that may not survive their deceptions…

Shana Galen’s new book and highly-anticipated conclusion to the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy, The Rogue Pirate’s Bride, will be available in February!

Warrior by Cheryl Brooks

Promotional Price: $1.99 (1/24/2012 – 2/6/2012)

Sci Fi Romance

“He came to me in the dead of winter, his body burning with fever.”

Even near death, his sensuality is amazing...

Leo arrives on Tisana's doorstep a beaten slave from a near-extinct race with feline genes. As soon as Leo recovers his strength, he'll use his extraordinary sexual talents to bewitch Tisana and make a bolt for freedom...

She has only one chance to tame him...

Tisana, whose healing powers are legendary, already knows Leo's the one who can help her fulfill her destiny... she can't let him get away now. Forced together on a dangerous journey, Tisana must reveal all of her powers, and Leo must give all of himself to gain his freedom...

Cheryl Brooks’ new book Stud, Book 8 in the Cat Star Chronicles, releases in February! Visit her captivating world with Warrior!

NONFICTION

A New Year, A New You!

Nonfiction eBooks for $1.99 (1/1/2012 – 1/31/2012)

SPECIAL OFFER: Start the New Year off right with 40 fantastic titles to help make this year the best yet! For the month of January, Sourcebooks is offering a wide range of nonfiction titles for only $1.99. With great selections from categories like Business, Diet & Health, Parenting, and Self Help, no matter what your resolution, we’ve got you covered! To see the full list of titles, please visit this page: http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials/1905-a-new-year-a-new-you.html

In conjunction with this great offer, we’re also giving away one title FREE each week in January:

·         20 Retirement Decisions You Need to Make Right Now (1/8/2012 – 1/14/2012)
·         How To Unspoil Your Child Fast (1/15/2012 – 1/21/2012)
·         Instant Self-Hypnosis (1/22/2012 – 1/28/2012)

Book Review and Giveaway: Scrumptious by Amanda Usen

2012-01-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

The setting and the lively, unique characters create a steamy kettle of fun.

SCRUMPTIOUS

by Amanda Usen

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402259824
ISBN-13: 978-1402259821

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
TALL DARK AND DELICIOUS
Joe Rafferty is just as mouthwatering as the food he cooks. But if he thinks he's going to waltz in and take over her kitchen, he's denser than a thick slice of chocolate ripple cheesecake. Marly has invested too much of her life in Chameleon to hand off the restaurant to someone else—especially a cocky-as-all-get-out superstar chef. But there's no denying the man knows how to light her fire. Question is: Can she have the sizzle without feeling the burn?

Review: The kitchen scenes reflect the relationship: fast, hot, fun and delectable.

Marly is a whiz around the kitchen even though she didn’t go to culinary school like her best friend and boss, Olivia. Marly had to move back to the bake room when Olivia married Keith and allowed him to be the main line Chef. Unfortunately Keith isn’t good in the kitchen and is bringing down the reputation of Chameleon.

When Olivia gives Keith the boot Marly hopes to get the Chef position back. But Olivia doesn’t see the dreams or appreciate the full talent of her friend. Instead Olivia asks her culinary school buddy, Joe Rafferty, to handle the line for a couple of weeks until she hires a new chef.

Marly is a female heartbreaker and Joe is a one-night stand stud. Olivia is sure they will hit it off. Marly is willing but it turns out that Joe promised his dying mother that he would give up “sluts” and look for a sweet girl to settle down with. Marly not only has to suffer rejection for the first time but now she has to put up with the sexy Chef running the kitchen.

Joe has a hard time resisting vibrant Marly. They work really well together on the prep and food lines even while they are taunting each other verbally and handling one sabotaging crisis after another. Is it possible that they can find in each other the love they have longed for all their lives?

I have to admit that I wasn’t impressed with the excessive and easily accepted promiscuity. Marly and Joe both had reasons for their inability to commit, and they were honest rather than pretending to care, but that doesn’t really justify that type of loose behavior. I was able to get beyond the apparent shallowness of their sexual appetites because of the fast paced action in the storyline.

I don't know my way around a kitchen but the descriptions were detailed enough to portray the intensity required without being boring. There is good character interaction in the restaurant, a crazy visit to Joe's Kentucky father for a pig roast, and a high-stakes poker game at a mafia owned casino. The latter might stretch credibility a bit but was fun nonetheless. The characters are very likeable and I was really glad that they finally found each other.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

MBS Where Are You Reading? Map link.

This also falls into my New Authors and ARC challenges for 2012.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2. Two extra entry for commenting on the Author Interview and one extra for answering her question.

3. For an extra entry tell me which cover you like better. (I like the ARC one to the left although I bet some of you will like the naked chest of the final cover!)

4. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 20, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 21.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.