Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Tentative and Flexible Schedule of Blog Postings!

I have been mulling over a bit of a rhythm for my little blog and this is what I'm thinking:

Mondays-
  1. Its Monday What are you Reading - Meme with J. Kaye
  2. Monday Mailbox - Meme with Printed. This post will be for books I have won or received other than review books.
Tuesdays - Review to be posted. This will be the review I will also post at SaSR group where I host a drawing from those who comment on reviews or the recipe of the day.



Wednesdays - Will vary. There will be author interviews and miscellaneous posts of general life interest!


Thursdays - Review to be posted; some with a Giveaway that will usually run 3 to 4 weeks.

Fridays - I will list books received for review.  I will start with  a book or two currently on my schedule until I work up to being able to post review books received during the week.  I may also do author interviews that go with the Thursday review book!

Saturday - hmmm - currently an open day! I'll have to see if any particular idea strikes my fancy!  Maybe something funny.

Sunday - Sunday Words of Encouragement.

Soooo - that's what I'm thinking and sort of planning! 
Now I just need to get those interviews started!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Review of Loyalty's Web - A 5.0!

Title: Loyalty’s Web
Author: Joyce DiPastena
Genre: Historical Romance (Medieval)
Publisher: Leatherwood Press

Rating: 5.0 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sweet
Author Website: Joyce DiPastena
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Buy Link: Loyalty's Web
ISBN: 9781599921235


Blurb: In twelfth century France, King Henry II of England has just finished quashing a rebellion by his power-hungry sons and now seeks to tame the lawless barons who supported them in this corner of his "Angevin empire." To this end, the king has sent the Earl of Gunthar as his royal representative to ensure that Prince Richard and his former cohorts faithfully adhere to the terms of the peace treaty.


Far from being welcomed with open arms, Gunthar no sooner steps foot in the county of Poitou than he is greeted by a series of assassination attempts. All appear to be linked to the former rebellious prince through the agents of the family and friends of young Heléne de Laurant. A clever, intrepid young woman, she realizes that the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. Heléne races against time—and dark secrets of the past—to unmask the killer before the kingdom plunges back into war.


Fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction as Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor. But their blinding magnetism almost causes them to overlook an even deadlier threat from an entirely unexpected direction.

REVIEW:  This is a superbly written, action packed, “classic” medieval romance. I say “classic” as I see this in the tradition of the top historical romances I have read – rich in authentic details, descriptions, characters and plot.

I love Heléne’s character. She is smart, brave, humble, resourceful, and caring without being hysterically emotional. She is loyal to her family and friends and wants to protect her father, her sister and even her friend who is caught attacking Gunthar. She doesn’t faint or panic but rather takes a deep breath and manages to get done what has to be done! She has learned skills that most young ladies would not: she can read, she can shoot a bow and she has learned about herbs and healing. She is not rebelliously disobedient to her parents but she is not going to let them “sell” her in marriage to a man she has not even met. She may not be the physical beauty in the family, but she is beautiful in character. Heléne thinks Gunthar is cold and ruthless at first, but their impassioned confrontations ultimately lead to an attraction that surprises and distresses her since he is to be betrothed to her reluctant sister. Heléne wants to trust him but fears she must keep her secrets because of his narrow minded view of “traitors” which allows no mercy.

Gunthar is a great character also. He definitely fits the expectations of a King’s trusted knight and representative. He is big, powerful in presence, and a skilled warrior and strategist. He believes in honor, loyalty and duty. He is pretty stubborn and obstinate in his attitude towards traitors, taking the usual position of a medieval knight that if a member of a family is guilty then, in addition to death to the traitor, the whole family is stripped of title and lands, even if it means putting the women and children out to fend for themselves. He doesn’t believe in love and certainly doesn’t lose control of his fierce demeanor… at least he didn’t before he tangled with the spirited Heléne!

The plot is wonderfully full of tension, from the very first page until the end, with blackmail, murder, and secrets tangled up with political intrigues. Although it is obvious there are several conspirators and spies, there are red herrings and twists that make it difficult to determine for sure who the enemies are, especially since more than one party wants Gunthar dead.

The author clearly did her research on the time period and the writing is wonderfully authentic to the setting. The romance is sweet and balanced well with the action elements of the book. This book is a page turner that keeps you anxious to know what happens, but then I was sorry to come to the end. I will definitely be looking forward to more wonderful books from Ms. DiPastena. Thanks for a great read!
xxx
This book was supplied by the author for an unbiased review.

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

I have also linked this review to Book Review Wednesdays where you can find lots of other linked reviews. Right click on the badge to take you to the site in another window or tab! Thank you, Cym Lowell.
CymLowell

Monday, September 28, 2009

Mailbox Monday September 28, 2009


This Meme starts at The Printed Page

I missed posting this for several weeks so I have some catching up to do! These are books that I received other than review books. I will be posting those separately.



Blind Consent by http://davisstories.com/ Michael Davis won at RJR Shout out end of August! Thank you to Cat at RJR and Michael.


Under a Viking Moon by Tami Dee. Won from Author Contest September 6.

















A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding by Cindy Green.
Won at LaSR Chat early September. Thank you LaSR and Cindy!





Love, Lilies and the Unbroken Straw by Teri Wilson.
Received from WRDF September - Readers Package.
Thank you Teri and Lynda Cocker.







Sweet Briar Academy Book One
Having Faith by Nancy O'Berry
Thank you Nancy!
Won at Author contest 9/21

The Heart Never Lies by Cindy Green.
Received from Angelica Hart and Zi on 9/24.
Thank you!

What Are You Reading Monday September 28, 2009

Join this meme at: J. Kaye's Book Blog

Finished reading:

PB: Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena. This medieval romance was wonderfully written and action packed!. Reviewing for the Author as winner of my Friday SaSR contest! Review to be posted tomorrow.

Audible: ------

Kindle2: A Treasure for Sara by Allison Knight. This was a very good historical romance set in 1895 Yukon Territory. Review to be written and posted soon.

When the Bough Breaks by Miss Mae. This is a Young Adult/Mystery Thriller. Miss Mae has another winner with her usual good characters and twists in the mystery that keep you reading to discover the true villain! Click on the title to see my review at YGR.

Audio ------


**************************


Currently reading:

PB: THE TEXAS CEO'S SECRET by Nicole Foster – Silhouette Special Edition. About 1/3 into this. I really like the characters and story so far and it reads very easily! Reviewing for CataRomance.

Audible: March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo - Book Two in the Prince Roger (originally "Royal Brat") Sci Fi series. Still enjoying this (22 hours) from my own Audible TBR but reading more on the review books right now to get caught up.

Kindle2: The Last Guardian by Stephan LaFevers. Just started this sci fi and it is pretty unique so far! Reviewing for YGR.

Miss Bisque and the Colonel by Carol North. Received this from the author for review.

Audio CD: Ravens by George Dawes Green. A definite psychological, suspense Thriller with a diabolical antagonist! Now about 80% into this - I still like the story but not the bad language - very raw! I am even more curious to find out where it ends! Reviewing for YGR.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday Words of Encouragement 9/27/09

Our pastor's message this morning - "Worry is a life stealer not a life giver."
This is a good quote from Mary C. Crowley: "Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway."

This is a wonderful version of "Who Am I". It helps me to remember that God created me and loves me.




A verse for today:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We are praying for our country, our leaders and for wisdom and guidance.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Winner of Can't Stand the Heat!

Thank you to those who entered the giveaway for Can't Stand the Heat!
The WINNER is:

LoveMyCoffee!

If you didn't win - read my review here
or check out the BUY link.



Title: Can’t Stand the Heat “A Recipe for Love Novel”
Author: Louisa Edwards
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
ISBN-13: 9780312356491
Pub. Date: September 01, 2009
368pp

Rating: 4.75 of 5
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Thank you again to Jeanne at Nancy Berland Public Relations for providing the ARC for this giveaway!

Friday, September 25, 2009

September 24, 2009 - What's Your Favorite Book This Week?


Here is another MEME from J. Kaye. I have to start getting this posted Thursday morning instead of evening or Friday morning!

I've finished three good books this past week! I mentioned Turtle Soup by Danielle Thorne that I finished Sunday... that was a fun contemporary and I hope to share the review soon after it gets posted at the review site!

Then I finished A Treasure for Sarah by Allison Knight which was a heartwarming historical set in the Yukon. A warm, sweet read! I hope to post this review next week.

But I guess my favorite this week would be When the Bough Breaks by Miss Mae. This is a Young Adult/Mystery Thriller and Miss Mae has another winner! If you haven't read any of her books I highly recommend them! I have read three of her books and in my opinion she consistently writes wonderful, sweet stories with good characters and mysteries that keep you reading to discover all the twists! I have to go write the review now!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

September 24 - National Punctuation Day

I know this is posting a bit late in the day but I found this interesting tidbit and wanted to share!

September 24, 2009 is National Punctuation Day!

Haven't we all slipped that apostrophe in the wrong place at one time or another? I know I am guilty and sometimes I look back at a post or comment and think "Yikes - how did I miss that glaring error?"

Lynn Truss, author of best-seller “Eats, Shoots & Leaves” is a self-proclaimed punctuation vigilante. She illustrates the importance of good punctuation between these two sentences:

A woman, without her man, is nothing.
A woman: without her, man is nothing.

There is a National Punctuation Day Website with tips, fun "error" photos and even a baking contest as part of the celebration festivities!





I'm saying thanks to Torie Lynn at Happy Daze Blog where I spotted the original info! She has daily posts with fun facts like this or notable events, including birthdays of famous people. There seems to be something special going on somewhere every day!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

BBAW GRAND PRIZE WINNER!


I want to thank all of you who came by and participated here at the blog and helped make BBAW special fun for me! I am honored to be up to 100 followers and I hope many of you will stop by often to check the Reviews and Giveaways. I have some good things coming up - author interviews, more giveaways and just some fun posts - so don't stay away too long!


For the GRAND PRIZE Winner I included all of the Giveaway Entries from this past week!!

AND the winner of a $25.00 gift card for Barnes & Nobles is:


nfmgirl!!
Congratulations!

Review of Once A Dreamer


Title: Once a Dreamer
(Book 4 Champagne Orphan Train Series)
Author: Rebecca Goings
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Champagne Books
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sensuous to Sultry
Reviewed by: MarthaE
ISBN: 9781897445839
"Bringing the Historical Western Back, One Cowboy at a Time!"


Blurb: When her adoptive mother dies in a bank shootout, orphan Karina Vadislav is sent to live with Patrick Baker, her uncle in Dodge City, Kansas. After years of abuse, she flees, meeting Benjamin Sawyer, a gambler with a sordid past. He agrees to help her claim her inheritance in Topeka, posing as her husband to keep her safe. But there are men who are out for Ben’s blood and will stop at nothing to see him dead. Coupled with Karina’s bloodthirsty uncle, neither of them is safe on the trail.When bullets fly and truths are revealed, will Ben and Karina’s fragile love survive the ultimate betrayal?

Review: This is a very enjoyable, action packed, historical western!

Young Karina Vadislav was sent out west on the orphan train. She had three good years with a wealthy widow until her benefactress was killed in a bank robbery. Then Karina went to stay with the widow’s kin and became a slave to that vile man. She has survived a brutal and tragic existence over the past seven years and is intent on getting away from her awful Uncle, collecting her inheritance and returning back east to meet with her friends from the orphan train. .

Benjamin Sawyer doesn’t usually lose at cards but he got distracted by the young beauty who stumbled into the saloon! You can’t allow distractions, especially when playing with the infamous Doc Holliday! By a fluke, and with a little help from Doc Holliday, Karina finds herself marrying Ben. Ben hadn’t planned on marrying, but he has determined that he will do what’s necessary to get Karina away from her wicked uncle and protect her from being on the streets alone.

Ben doesn’t realize at first that Karina is on her way to collect an inheritance and that her Uncle has extra incentive to catch up to them. Ben has troubles of his own chasing close behind him and he may have put Karina in more danger. He is sure if Karina had known his background she wouldn’t have consented to the crazy idea of getting married. Now they are together on the run from an awful Uncle and a self imposed posse set on revenge. While they race through the prairie, they try, unsuccessfully, to fight off their hungry attraction for one another!

This story has a wonderful plot and a great heroine and hero! Karina is resourceful and determined to survive! Ben is honorable and trying to overcome a past which he isn’t proud of. They are both vulnerable and it is lovely and fun to watch the attraction win as trust and love grows between them. Of course that leaves their hearts wide open for betrayal or at least perceived betrayal!

The author has done a good job of character building on the villains and Doc Holliday too, adding a lot of interesting personalities! The story is filled with action and subtle humor! The writing has a very enjoyable flow and is pretty authentic. Of course that authenticity results in some rough language and some fairly raw descriptions. Beyond the brashness I really liked this fun, action packed romance!


[This is the review today for SaSR R&R Tuesday!]

Winner of BBAW Friday's Giveaway!




Today we have a winner of One $10.00 gift certificate at Amazon.




Congratulations to---------------------



Allison!




[BBAW Grand Prize Winner to be announced tonight!]

Monday, September 21, 2009

What Are You Reading Monday September 21, 2009

Join this meme at: J. Kaye's Book Blog
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO J. KAYE FOR WINNING THREE AWARDS AT 2009 BOOK BLOGGER APPRECIATION WEEK: (1) BEST COMMENTATOR, (2)MOST PROLIFIC BLOGGER AND (3)BEST CHALLENGE. SHE FULLY DESERVES EACH OF THESE!! Go by, visit and say hello!

9/21/09

Seems like I didn't get as much finished this week but I have several midway!!

Finished reading:

PB: --------

Audible: ------

Kindle2: Shorline by Jennifer Loy. This is a story about a merman and a female human doctor. It is very entertaining! Review sent in to BTL/WRDF.

Turtle Soup by Danielle Thorne. This is a wonderful, sweet contemporary romance with some nice scuba diving details! I read this almost all in one sitting - a great fast read! Review to be sent to eCataRomance. [I'm going to leave the book cover up at least a couple days as it didn't get any exposure since I read it over the weekend!!]


**************************

Currently reading:

PB: THE TEXAS CEO'S SECRET by Nicole Foster – Sillouette Special Edition. About 1/3 into this. I really like the characters and story so far! Reviewing for CataRomance.

Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena. About 20% into this. A medieval romance which caught my attention right away! Reviewing for the Author as winner of a Friday SaSR contest!

Audible: March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo - Book Two in the Prince Roger (originally "Royal Brat") Sci Fi series. I liked the first one and the narrator... this one is continuing with interesting military adventure. My own Audible TBR.

Kindle2: A Treasure for Sara by Allison Knight - an historical romance set in 1895 Yukon Territory. Half way through this engaging story. Reviewing for the author.

Audio CD: Ravens by George Dawes Green. A definite psychological, suspense Thriller with a diabolical antagonist! About 60% into this I still like the story but not the bad language - very raw! I am curious to find out where it ends! Reviewing for YGR.

Winner of Thursday's BBAW Giveaway




The winner of the $10.00 online gift certificate at
The Literacy Site Store is -----------------------

Pam! (aka melacan)
Congratulations!

Please reply to my e-mail to confirm your e-mail and I will send on the certificate!


THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICPATED AND CLICKED FOR GIVING! I hope you will continue to click for your favorite charities!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sunday Words of Encouragement 9/20/09

God is so awesome and yet he touches us with healing, compassion and restoration!

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin




A verse for today - Psalm 19:1 NIV
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.


This morning one of our congregants had lost a soldier this past week. We prayed for all of our troops and their families.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Winner of Wednesday's BBAW Giveaway!



Congratulations to the winner of Wednesday's Giveaway of $10.00 gift certificate at Barnes and Noble is ----



VIRGINIA!

I'll need you to get back to me with full name and confirmed e-mail for the online certificate!

Thanks for celebrating BBAW week with me!

Winners of Tuesday BBAW Giveaway!






We have two winners of the $6.00 gift certificates at White Rose Publishing "Where faith is the cornerstone of love".


Congratulations to Kira and Froggy! Please e-mail me with correct info so I can send the gift certificates to you!

I hope you will come back and tell us what book you got and how you liked it!
Thanks for participating!

Winners of Imposter's Daughter

Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway from Hachette of The Imposter's Daughter!

Here are the three winners:

Lizzi
Ensee
Wanda

I have sent e-mails and I will need your snail mail addresses. Please respond within 72 hours so I can get the list sent out to Hachette!
I hope you will come back and let us know how you like the book!

Friday, September 18, 2009

BBAW- What I like about my Blog!



The Meme today is to say in 50 words or less what I love about my blog. Then in 50 words or less where I want the blog to be next year for BBAW.
[Do you know how hard it is to say anything in 50 words or less!:O]


I like having my own blog so that I can post reviews for books that I get from sources other than my review sites. I love that I can encourage authors and other book bloggers! I like giving away books as a form of passing on the blessings I have.

I would like to be better prepared to participate in the daily memes for BBAW 2010. I hope I will know more bloggers so I can vote on more than just a couple. And wouldn’t it be nice if my blog got a nomination, although I don’t know which category?

Winners of 61 Followers and Monday BBAW Giveaways





Thank you again to my original 61 followers! The Winner for that drawing is:

Razlover's Book Blog! Please contact me with your choice for the gift certificate!

**************************************************

Hello and thanks for participating in BBAW to many new followers!

The winners of the two $5.99 gift certificates at Desert Breeze Publishing are:

Mishel and Cathy M! I hope you both will enjoy the books you get....maybe you will come back and tell me about them!

BBAW Friday Giveaway!




One $10.00 gift certificates at Amazon.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Today tell me of another blog that I can go visit! :) Include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

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

3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.

You may include all your entries in one comment. (Three total entries possible.)

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on September 21, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Check out lots of BBAW Giveaways and other Blogs!


There are many giveaways listed at the main BBAW blog here:
http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/index.php/giveaways


Here are a couple special ones I’m blogging about!

Chance to win a $25.00 Amazon card:
http://debbiesworldofbooks.com/2009/09/13/bbaw-giveaways-grand-prize-is-open-internationally/


An interesting group of books:
http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/09/bbaw-big-give-away.html

BBAW Thursday Giveaway!



One $10.00 online gift certificate at The Literacy Site Store.
If you ever scroll down the right hand column of my blog you will find a button for The Hunger Site. If you go there you can click and help provide food to the hungry. Doesn't cost you anything but a minute to click! And while there you can click to help fund Cancer research, Animal Rescue, Child's Health, the Rainforest and Literacy! Six quick clicks to help others!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Today please click on The Hunger Site or one of the other sites and then tell me which one you clicked to help others! Include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

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

3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.

You may include all your entries in one comment. (Three total entries possible.)

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on September 20, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Giveaway for One Scream Away

Here is another Hachette Book Giveaway for One Scream Away! There will be FIVE (5) Winners!!


by Kate Brady
Mass Market Paperback
Pages 464
Published by Forever in 2009
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-10: 0-446-54152-4
Blurb:
Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Chevy sends the dolls to Beth one-by-one and she soon realizes that these antiques carry the same marks as his victims, signaling that the final piece in his collection will be for her.

Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth. Neil is the only one who can get through Beth's defenses and, as they grow closer, discover the secrets that Beth is hiding about her fateful night with Chevy.

I haven't done my review yet but it will be coming up!

TO ENTER:

1. Comment here telling me what you look for or like about romantic suspense. Please include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win.
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For another entry, blog or tweet about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
4. Leave a separate comment for each entry or you'll only be entered once. (This method is used to make it easier to put the entries into the random generator!)
(Three total entries possible.)


  • This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
  • No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
  • This contest will close Midnight (Central) on October 16, 2009. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

A Big Thank You to Anna and Hachette Book Group who have graciously offered the 5 copies for this Giveaway!

BBAW Wednesday Giveaway



One $10.00 gift certificate at Barnes and Noble.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Well - I won't make you look today... just post a comment and name a good book you recommend! Include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

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

3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.

You may include all your entries in one comment. (Three total entries possible.)

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on September 19, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day September 15, 2009

This meme can be found at May Dreams Gardens.

This is what we found in our garden last week!!



DH thinks it is from some watermelon seeds that were discarded in the planter area!

I would have taken a picture of our monster tomato plant but the caterpillars had stripped it and it looked so sad!!!


Here is a picture of the log splitter DH rented to help clean up some of the trees he has cut down. Believe me we will have plenty of fire wood this year!

BBAW Interview Exchange



I hope you have noticed that we are celebrating Book Blogger Appreciation Week this week! My interview partner was Evelyn at Evelyn N. Alfred blog. It was nice to meet another blogger that I might not have crossed paths with if we both were not participating in the BBAW events. Evelyn sent me the questions below to answer!

1. How long have you been book blogging?

Just at two months!
What motivates you to keep going?

I really enjoy sharing with authors and readers! I like having a place to post the reviews I do for authors and publishers that are not for the sites I review for.

2. How do most of your followers find you?

I think they have found me through the chat groups I participate in!

Do you Twitter?

I am very new to Twitter – I have an account and I may visit once a day to see what others are doing but I don’t make many comments myself.

3. Do you ever review poetry or independently published books?

[I noted that Evelyn likes and writes poetry at her blog!] I have not reviewed poetry yet but I would as I love poetry- I read and wrote lots of poetry when I was young! I have reviewed independently published books or at least one which was self published if that is what you mean!

4. You mentioned being contacted by an author. Are there any authors out there that would make you faint if they contacted you?

HA! Good question!! I don’t faint easily so I probably would only gulp and go speechless! I saw Heather Graham at the RWA bookfair in Orlando this year – I think all I did was look at her across the room!! LOL I would love to have an interview or a good chat with Mary Balogh, Catherine Coulter, Christina Dodd, Julie Garwood, Merline Lovelace or Julia Quinn!! And those are only a couple of the HR authors who I love!

5. Are you as motivated to write reviews for books you don't enjoy?

I’m still motivated to write the review but it is harder to write a review for a book I didn’t enjoy. I have to take more time to be specific about what I liked and what I didn’t like so that the author might know an area that needs improvement…. at least in my humble opinion. I don’t wish to ever discourage an author! But sometimes there are books that just don’t make it for me!

6. Which authors can you always count on to write a good book?

I named some authors in my answer to 4 that I can count on to write a good book. In addition to those “big name” authors I would include these newer authors whose books have consistently been good books: Miss Mae and Rebecca Vickery. Recently I have been reading lots of "new to me" authors with very good books!! I am hoping all their books will be as good as the first ones I have read!

7. What are some of your favorite memes?

It’s Monday What Are Your Reading? (Join this meme at: J. Kaye's Book Blog) and What’s in Your Mailbox (This Meme starts at The Printed Page). I’m planning to start following another meme on the 15th of each month about Gardening!

Thanks for the fun questions Evelyn!

Review of Dreams Do Come True


This is the review posted today for the SaSR Tuesday R&R contest event.


Title: Dreams Do Come True
Author: E.A. West
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.0 of 5
Page count 26
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: MarthaE





Publisher: TWRP- White Rose Publishing
Buy Link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/cartage.html?option=com_cartage&main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Dreams+Do+Come+True
Blurb: Aspiring author Cassie Teague has been rejected…again. As she considers giving up her dream of getting published, a handsome editor walks into her life and makes her wonder if God has more in store for her than just writing.
Acquisitions editor David Jameson wants more than just Cassie’s book. But will office politics destroy his hope for the future?

Review: This is a lovely, sweet romance!

Cassie has just received another manuscript rejection letter and is ready to give up. The very handsome stranger who just walked into the cafe can’t help but overhear the conversation as Cassie’s waitress friend, Gayle, tries to encourage her. David also encourages Cassie and she is excited when he reveals that he works for a publishing house. He agrees to read her book and likes it. Although he passes the book on to another editor in his office to avoid impropriety, the personal contact he has already had put both his job and Cassie’s manuscript chances at risk. When the promised book contract doesn’t appear and David doesn’t make any contact with Cassie for a week she is not only hurt but fears she has been misled by a smooth talking stranger. Did she once again misinterpret God’s plans for her life? And will she have to give up on her dreams of being published and finding the right mate?

There is a lot of angst and some heartache in the story, but, with a little forgiveness, it has a wonderful happy ending! The characters are likeable and the story very believable. In fact I imagine that the dejection and stress that are portrayed are all too real to authors! The writing is smooth and easy and the spiritual message is not at all preachy. The elements work together to make this a lovely, quick, uplifting read.

Author website and blog:
http://eawest.mcphitty.com/
http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/

BBAW Tuesday Giveaway!




Two $6.00 gift certificates (two winners) at White Rose Publishing "Where faith is the cornerstone of love".



TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Follow the link to the Publisher site and tell me what book you might like to get! Include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.


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


3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.


You may include all your entries in one comment. (Three total entries possible.)

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on September 18, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.


Monday, September 14, 2009

BBAW Monday Giveaway!




Two $5.99 gift certificates (two winners) at Desert Breeze Publishing. Lots of wonderful books there!



TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Follow the link to the Publisher site and tell me what book you would like to get if you win! Include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.


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


3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.


You may include all your entries in one comment. (Three total entries possible.)

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on September 17, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

What Are You Reading September 14, 2009

Join this meme at: J. Kaye's Book Blog
AND A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO J. KAYE FOR MAKING THE SHORTLIST OF AWARDS FOR BOOK BLOGGER APPRECIATION WEEK - YOU FULLY DESERVE IT!!

9/14/09

Finished reading:

PB: Hardball by Sara Paretsky – the first V.I. Warshawski book I have read. A solid mystery that gets you caught up about a third into it and keeps you following clues to the end! I'll be doing the review later this week to post at my blog for the publisher.


Audible: ------

Kindle2: The Macgregor's Daughter by Dee Julian an historical romance set in 1775 Scotland. I really liked this romance packed with action and mystery! A Gotta Read rating for YGR! The review should be posted today.




**************************
Currently reading:

PB: THE TEXAS CEO'S SECRET by Nicole Foster – Sillouette Special Edition. Looks like a nice quick read!

Audible: March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo - Book Two in the Prince Roger (originally "Royal Brat") Sci Fi series. I liked the first one and the narrator... this one is starting out with more fun military adventure.

Kindle2: Shorline by Jennifer Loy. This is a story about a merman and a female human doctor. I am about 35% into it and it is very entertaining! Reviewing for BTL/WRDF.

A Treasure for Sara by Allison Knight - an historical romance set in 1895 Yukon Territory. Just started on this when I realized I had a deadline on the Loy book so have to get that one done and then get into this one! Reviewing for the author.

Audio CD: Ravens by George Dawes Green. A definite psychological, suspense Thriller with a diabolical antagonist! I like the story so far but not the bad language!

A Giveaway for the 61 Current Followers!

My blog has been up for not quite 2 months and I already have 61 followers!! That is exciting to me and I appreciate it! I hope you are getting to enjoy the reviews and memes I post! I especially hope you find some new authors and books to read!!

Before I get more new followers from the BBAW Giveaways I decided to reward the existing group of followers for their support. So this contest is for YOU CURRENT 61 Followers!!

I am giving a $10.00 gift certificate - online or gift card - whichever works for the winner! This is just a one comment entry per person! Please comment to this post to enter and I would like you to tell me what you like about my blog or what items you would like to see here! The contest will remain open until Thursday September 17th at midnight central time, with the winner to be announced on Friday!

Speaking of items to see here - I will be starting author interviews... if not during this busy week then next week!

Since this is a gift certificate/card of choice, it is open worldwide! I'm not sure which of my followers are across the seas but I think there are a couple of you out there! You would know what would work for you if you win so I hope you will enter for your chance!

Thanks again to each and every one of you for your support!!!

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