Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Unleashed by Sara Humphreys

I like strong shape shifters and sexy, cherishing men - this fits the bill!

by Sara Humphreys

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402258437
ISBN-13: 978-1402258435

Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you'd ever imagined...

Samantha Logan's childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans...but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she's one of them...

And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way...

Get swept away into Sara Humphreys's glorious world and breathtaking love story...

Review: I was interested in this book although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I really liked the characters and the story kept me interested.

Samantha, “Sam”, struggled as a waitress in New York while hoping to have her artwork bring success. Then she begins to experience vivid dreams of a mysterious, faceless man calling to her. The dreams draw her home to her grandmother’s house in Rhode Island where she discovers a gorgeous man living next door.

Malcolm is a member of the Amoveo shape shifting people. He shifts into a magnificent golden eagle with sharp yellow eyes. He has reached an age where he is weakening and will die if he doesn’t find his mate. He knows that he has found his mate but he doesn't know how is he going to explain to Sam that she is his mate and on top of that she is half wolf.

Sam is attracted to Malcolm but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed. She has just gotten away from one overbearing, arrogant and controlling boyfriend. She is not ready to have someone step in and try to control her. Yet there is something going on as she begins to hear Malcolm’s thoughts in her head. Then there seems to be danger that not only interferes in her life-like dreams but is stalking them in real life too. Can Malcolm protect them both? Can she trust him with her life and her heart?

The characters are very strong and warm. Malcolm is particularly yummy as a gorgeous man who can fly, teleport and communicate telepathically. All that plus he is prepared to cherish Sam. It may be hard for him to adjust, but he is willing to do what it takes to win the beautiful and feisty woman whom he knows is destined to be his lifelong mate.

The story reads very quickly. There is enough action and danger to keep it interesting and the romance is sexy without being unpleasantly graphic. I felt there could have been some tighter editing to eliminate repetitive words and phrasing. Although I noticed this, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the entertaining read. If you like different shape shifters and a quick active read you should try this. I look forward to the next book in the series with Sam's best friend and another Amoveo cousin. No doubt there will be continuing danger from the unexposed enemy.

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

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. 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 November 11, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 12.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 31, 2011

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 had a really good reading week, finishing five books. I posted four reviews, two with giveaways. I had an Author guest post with tour wide giveaway and an announcement for special offers from Sourcebooks. I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway; Saturday Sharing Beyond Books, and Sunday posts.

I did make four review posts last week and this coming week I think I will be posting five. I'm working towards getting caught up on the posts and reads I have lined up. :-)

I visited a dozen or so blogs for Monday Reading last week to say "Hi."
These were last week's posts plus a Winner post not listed.

It's Monday What are You Reading? October 24, 2011.

Audio Book Review: TimeSplash by Graham Storrs. Fantasy/sci fi; My Rating: 4.25.

Blog Tour Guest Post by Jennifer Harlow Author of Mind Over Monsters. Blog tour wide giveaway of 5 copies - ends 10/31.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley. Fantasy/Time Travel; my rating 4.5. Ends 11/11.

Sourcebooks Halloween eBook Specials Announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 28, 2011. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/3.

Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb. Crime thriller; my rating 4.25.Ends 11/4.

Audible Book Review: Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb. Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.

Sharing Beyond Books #20 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/4.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 30, 2011.

Finished Reading:

1. Print/Kindle:

Unleashed

by Sara Humphreys

This is a good paranormal.

Read for Sourcebooks;
review to be posted this week.

2. Audible

Vengeance in Death: In Death, Book 6

by J.D. Robb

Another really good Eve Dallas story. Review linked above - see comments on emotion shown through the writing and narration.

3. Kindle:

The Path Home
by Caedem Marquez

I enjoyed this sweet read.
Read for the Author.
Review will be posted this week.

4. Print/Kindle:

Utterly Charming
by Kristine Grayson

This was a fun read.
I'll post the review this week.
Read for Sourcebooks.

5. Print

I Didn't Ask to Be Born

(But I'm Glad I Was)

by Bill Cosby
A collection of wit from this funny man!

I will post a review this week.

Read for Center Street.

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

The world's most beloved funnyman is back with his first humor book since the bestselling Cosbyology. In this hilarious new collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, Cosby introduces a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky, and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.
Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby, Jr. His success spans five decades and virtually all media-remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly housing project.
The doctor of comedy holds forth on everything from a game show contestant's confusing origins, to a grandchild with a Godzilla infatuation, to his first love Bernadette, and many more delightful digressions.
Bill Cosby may not have asked to be born, but we're sure glad he was.

Line Edits/Releases: I got some print books loaded this week.

Currently reading:

Audio

No Rest for the Dead

by Sandra Brown, R.L. Stine, Jeffery Deaver and Andrew Gulli

Introduction by: David Baldacci /
Read by: Richard Ferrone, Jonathan Davis, James Colby, Tom Stechschulte, Carol Monda and Eliza Foss

I have two more discs to finish this interesting mystery. I am reviewing this for Audiobook Jukebox and Simon & Schuster Audio.

Print:

The Revisionist

by Thomas Mullen

Another "Time Cop" type Story.

Reading for Little Brown & Co.

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2011
A fast-paced literary thriller that recalls dystopian classics such as 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, from the award-winning author of The Last Town on Earth.

Zed is an agent from the future. A time when the world’s problems have been solved. No hunger. No war. No despair.
His mission is to keep it that way. Even if it means ensuring every cataclysm throughout history runs its course—especially the Great Conflagration, an imminent disaster in our own time that Zed has been ordered to protect at all costs.

Zed’s mission will disrupt the lives of a disgraced former CIA agent; a young Washington lawyer grieving over the loss of her brother, a soldier in Iraq; the oppressed employee of a foreign diplomat; and countless others. But will he finish his final mission before the present takes precedence over a Perfect Future? One that may have more cracks than he realizes?

Print:

In Winter's Shadow

by Gillian Bradshaw

I will start this one tomorrow.

Reading for Sourcebooks.
Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011

Arthur Pendragon strives to unite a fragmented empire as his bastard son threatens to tear down the king, his queen, and their bravest champions. From the sudden death of innocence to a perilous campaign that strikes at the very heart of the empire, this third and final book of the acclaimed trilogy by Gillian Bradshaw offers the reader a front-row seat as Arthur's dream and his kingdom collapse around him.

Kindle:

Sierra Bride
by Suzanne Barrett

This review will post Saturday November 5;

for 11/6 release date.

Reading for the Author.

Description: Sierra County, California - 1883
Widowed rancher Wade Guthrie needs help raising his unruly young daughter and advertises for a housekeeper. Instead, he finds himself saddled with a mail order bride.
Irish immigrant Corrie Kiernan needs a place to hide. Witness to a brutal murder at the mill where she worked, she’ll do anything to escape the killer who now threatens her life, even if it means marrying a stranger and weaving a web of deception. Falling in love with the handsome rancher is easy, but can a man who values honesty above everything else love a woman whose life is a lie?

Print/Kindle:

Too Wicked to Wed

by Cara Elliott

This looks good and needs to be read for 11/10 blog tour.
Reading for Hachette.

Book Description
Series: Lords of Midnight | Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Bingham enjoys the heady freedom of making all her own decisions, even though the challenges of overseeing her family's country estate are daunting. But when a chance encounter with London's most notorious rake awakens a secret longing for adventure, she accepts her aunt's invitation for a Season in Town . . . only to find that breaking the rules of the ton has serious consequences.

The Earl of Killingworth uses his rakehell reputation to hide the fact that poverty has forced him to work for a living. As the owner of a gambling den and brothel, Connor has no time for glittering ballrooms or innocent young ladies. But after a reckless wager leaves him with a new business partner, he is forced to take a risky gamble . . . Will the cards fall in their favor? Alexa and Connor begin to play a dangerous game of intrigue and deception as they seek to outwit a cunning adversary who wants to put them permanently out of business. But if they are not careful, it is the flames of their own fiery attraction that may destroy them.

I am also listening to The Listener's Bible NIV
read by Max McLean.
I am at Lamentations 1 and Hebrews 1.

Line Edits: I still have one more of the Dark Bride Anthology series and I am continuing to set up print releases.

Remaining September (or October) Author Selections - These are now into November and I really want to get to them in between the publisher selections which I will post next week.
Karen Wiesner - Love Is Blind and It Don't Pay the Bills Either (Denim Blues Mysteries, Book 2) (read)

Souls on (B)oring Street [Denim Blues Mysteries Book 3]
Anne Patrick Renegade Hearts
Nibi Soto - The Chronicles of Quant
Nathan Patrick Hardt - The Second Sonata

[To be posted:
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors. I am sending out interviews for these. I hope to post them all soon.
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 October 30, 2011

Our Pastor continued his message based on 2 Corinthians 9:8. He encouraged us again to feed the Spirit more than the Physical body. Then he reminded us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. He gave two "laws" to apply.
1. The Law of Concentration - what we think on/focus on is what happens. Always focus on the positive, not the negative.
2. The Law of Substitution - it is not possible to truly concentrate on two things at one time. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Blessings come to those who are committed to God's Will by feeding the Spirit through the word (Bible), prayer and obedience. Pastor asked: What is the level of your commitment?

This song is a good reminder that
when we are weak, He makes us strong;
when we are poor, He makes us rich.
All Things Are Possible --- with God

A Verse for Today:

Romans 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I pray that my commitment is strong and will lead me to daily recognition of God's power, love, grace, and renewal.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Sharing Beyond Books Week #20 Comment Giveaway 10/29/11

Once more .... welcome to Saturday Night and Sharing Beyond Books!
Thanks for your comments this past week.

There were several interesting and catching titles that attracted us. Most of them seem to be cozy mystery titles. I like Birgit's mention of If Books Could Kill but I think that Llehn's title - Putting Makeup On Dead People - was the most alarming. :-)

It sounds like the overseas countries do not celebrate Halloween. That is sort of surprising as I thought it was a holiday founded in pagan ritual and I would have thought it was from somewhere in Europe. The only ones who are planning to fully dress are Krystal as a gypsy and Mad Moose as Pinocchio. I hope you both have fun! And I have to agree with Linda K that it is best to pick candy that you will enjoy if you get leftovers. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #19 comments is: #5 Birgit. There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 5 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below so Birgit please let me know if you want a GC or 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 #20 Questions

Q1. Abby asks a question fitting for Halloween events: If you had a choice of being a paranormal character, which would you want to be, and would you change it's characteristics??

A: Hmmm - Another hard question. I'm thinking of choices- vampire, were/shifter, faerie, incubus, succubus, demon, mermaid, zombie... I'm sure there are plenty I'm missing. I think I will go with a shape shifter. Now I have to determine if I would want to be a feline - like a tiger - or a bird - like a hawk. I think a hawk might be nice. One thing I would want as a shifter is to be able to remember human thought while in the animal form.

Q2. If you could have any ONE animal (pet) that you wanted, money no obstacles, what would it be ???

When I was young I would have chosen a horse. But now - if I could only have one animal I would choose a dog - my sweet Princess - for a companion pet.

~~~~

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. :-)

OCTOBER Q submissions were: Jennifer, Faith Hope & CherryTea, Jennifer, Mary P and Abby.

Then pick this time goes to #3 Jennifer.

Your turn to share:

1. If you had a choice of being a paranormal character, which would you want to be, and would you change it's characteristics??

2. If you could have any ONE animal (pet) that you wanted, money no obstacles, what would it be???

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 14 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, November 04 at 10PM central.

Winner of Kiss of Night

Congratulations

to Winner of the copy of

Kiss of Night

by Debbie Viguie

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

Audible Book Review: Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb

My favorite "In Death" listen so far!

Vengeance in Death: In Death, Book 6

UNABRIDGED
by J. D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen

Genre: Crime Thriller
My rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Product Description:
He is an expert with the latest technology...a madman with the mind of a genius and the heart of a killer. He quietly stalks his prey. Then he haunts the police with cryptic riddles about the crimes he is about to commit - always solved moments too late to save the victims' lives.
Police lieutenant Eve Dallas found the first victim butchered in his own home. The second lost his life in a vacant luxury apartment. The two men had little in common. Both suffered unspeakable torture before their deaths. And both had ties to an ugly secret of 10 years past - a secret shared by none other than Eve's new husband, Roarke.

Review:

The serial killer in this book is a brutal, twisted religious fanatic who sees himself as an instrument of God’s righteous vengeance. He is taunting Eve with clues that have her racing to the crime scenes only to arrive moments after the death of the victims. It is soon clear that the killer is purposefully playing Eve and plans to include Roarke and Eve as ultimate victims in his plan of revenge.

I have always been a bit put off by the antagonism between Eve and Roarke’s friend/man servant, Sommerset. I really think they should be getting/ trying to get along better since they both have such strong connection and love for Roarke. This story brings their animosity to a head as the killer twists the clues and events to point to Sommerset. And there is cause for Sommerset to become the primary suspect when the connection of the victims to Raorke’s and Sommerset’s past lives is revealed to Eve. Even though Eve is trying to do her job and trying to prove Sommerset’s innocence, Sommerset is not particularly cooperative.

This book is full of the great dialogue I enjoy between the characters. There is great sensual heat and growing emotional attachment between Eve and Roarke. There is growing comraderie too between Eve and Peabody. More and more of Peabody’s quirky character is being revealed.

I love how the emotions are “shown” by action. I can clearly visualize Eve’s anger through this phrase: she...“closed her mouth, teeth first.” The narrator, Susan Ericksen, does a suburb job with the accents, including Eve’s crisp tough cop persona, Peabody’s nasally New York, Sommerset’s uptight, prissy butler tone, Roarke’s cheerful and passionate Irish, Dr. Mira’s fresh and professional female, and various other, particularly Irish, accents of the characters in this story. Even more impressive is Ms. Ericksen’s fine performance of the emotional action. She nails the expressions of trembling fear, snarling disapproval, chuckling warmth, frustrated weariness and twisted psychotic venom - just to identify a few.

One apt quote I jotted down from this Audible was Eve’s summary of the killer’s twisted religious vengeful purpose:
“And the seeds of his faith were sown in blood, rooted in vengeance and bloomed in death.”

I thought this was the best of the series so far. I look forward to listening to book 7, Holiday in Death.
This book was from my own Audible TBR list. Check the review before this one for a chance to win a used copy of Book 5, Ceremony in Death.

This series consists of 33 full length novels plus a few Novellas and a few in anthologies. If anyone wants to join this challenge let me know and I will set up a linky or we can just share reading along.

Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb

This is another suspenseful investigation with the wonderful narration that makes this series click for me.

Ceremony in Death: In Death, Book 5

UNABRIDGED
by J. D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen

Genre: Thriller Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow police officer has Lieutenant Eve Dallas treading on dangerous ground. She must put professional ethics before personal loyalties. But when a dead body is placed outside her home, Eve takes the warning personally. With her husband, Roarke, watching her every move, Eve is drawn into the most dangerous case of her career. Every step she takes makes her question her own sense of right and wrong - and brings her closer to a confrontation with humanity's most seductive form of evil.

Review: In this fifth installment Eve is intent on investigating the death of a fellow officer. Eve doesn't believe the rumors of corruption and she will have to push to find the evidence of murder in the death that some would pass off as a suicide. Her superiors are only giving her limited time and resources to check out her hunches. There is more strain as she is looking into the death behind the back of her former partner and good friend, Captain Feeney.

The investigation reveals that the officer’s granddaughter was involved with a group of Wiccan. The investigation becomes more intense when the young girl turns up dead and the body of an associated boy is dumped at Eve and Roarke’s gate. The further trail of death leads to a Satanic cult.

Officer Peabody continues to build in character as Eve’s sharp and eager to learn assistant. She is able to share some knowledge of the Wiccan practices. But it is the dark rituals and ceremonies that are dragging Eve into danger, with Roarke butting in of course.

The narrator does a good job with pacing, helping to keep the suspense building. I wasn’t enthralled with the witchcraft issues but they made for a an interesting, sinister plotline. As usual the dialogue is sharp and an enjoyable aspect of the book. I am really enjoying the series. Check out the next review of Vengeance in Death which has more detail on my feelings about the emotions and narration.

This series consists of 33 full length novels plus a few Novellas and a few in anthologies. I am moving on to book 7 now. If anyone wants to join this challenge let me know and I will set up a linky. or we can just share reading along together.

I listened to the Audible version from my TBR but once again I set aside my used copy of the book to share. :-)
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE USED PAPERBACK COPY of Ceremony in Death:
If you have already read this book tell me about it and if you win this giveaway you may pick from the review or ARC books and I'll award this book to another winner.

1.Mandatory entry: I'm not going to make you jog to the author's website each time I read and offer one of these books. So just enter a comment if you are interested and tell me if you have read any of the series yet.

2. For an extra entry tell me if you have a series you like enough to do as a challenge.

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

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

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on November 4, 2011.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 5.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 28, 2011

[** If you are new to Friday Pick, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
This has been a good week. I am enjoying the cooler nights (40s) but it still gets to the high 70s in the day. Is everyone ready to move into November... and then December???

Thank you to all who entered October 21 Pick. There were There were two 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).
Victoria chose Evil Whispers; and
Sarah E chose Lost Light.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from October 21 Pick:

Mad Moose chose Desperation

and
Maria S chose the Dean Koontz - Midnight

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 currently low on just sweet.

Here is a creepy library for Halloween!
Have a safe night to those who go out for trick or treating. :-)

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
~~Desperation by Stephen King~~
Vanish by Tess Gerritsen
Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)
~~Midnight by Dean Koontz (spine wear)~~
Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards (spine wear)
Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper
The Haunting of Josie by Kay Hooper
Dark Secret (the Carpathians Book 12) by Christine Feehan
Hokus Pokus (the Sisterhood: Rules of the Game Book 2) by Fern Michaels
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard
A Marked Man by Stella Cameron
Bone Cold by Erica Spindler (spine wear)
Exposed (Maggie O'Dell) by Alex Kava
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Double Set by Lori Copeland:
June (Brides of the West #2) (HeartQuest)
The Courtship of Cade Kolby (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Singles:
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries) by Charles Todd
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
~~Lost Light (Harry Bosch Series #9) by Michael Connelly~~
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

~~The Cheshire Cat's Eye by Marcia Muller~~

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)

Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire (spine creased)

* Undercover Pursuit (Love Inspired Suspense) by Susan May Warren

* The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

* Easy On the Heart by Jodi Thomas

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

A Price for Everything (Rosamunde Pilcher's Book Shelf) by Mary Sheepshank

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

~~The Hope Chest: Yesterday's Magic\Today's Secrets\Tomorrow's Promise (Signature Select) Anthology~~

~~Susan, Kearney, Julie Kenner and Jacquie D'Alessandro~~

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

Group #19

Singles

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

The Waterfall

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

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.

So far I have posted 23 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I have updated 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 249 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the correct number sent out.

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. :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 before 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

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

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

~~Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney~~

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

The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio

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