Book Review: Deliver Me From Darkness by Tess Hilaire

This is a story where a tortured, dark, hero meets an innocent, light, heroine.  Are they enemies or mates?

Deliver Me from Darkness: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors 

by Tess Hilaire

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402264348
• ISBN-13: 978-1402264344

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2012

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

Review:
Roland was a Paladin, a warrior of the Light, fighting to protect humans. Then he was seduced, trapped, turned into a vampire, and rejected by his Paladin family.  His friend, Logan, was ordered to execute him but didn’t. Roland battles his bloodlust each day but his extra powers allow him to continue to fight evil in his own way - as a lone warrior.  One night Logan shows up with a dirty ruffian who turns out to be a striking, beautiful girl who is full of innocence and light.

Karissa was raised and sheltered by her grandfather who told her to be afraid of the creatures of the dark. Against his instructions she takes a class at the local college and brings death to her home. She doesn’t understand why dark creatures are after her but she is able to escape because she has some unusual powers, like teleporting herself out of reach.  Karissa had been told to find Logan so she feels he is trying to keep her safe. However, when she awakens in a vampire’s bed she is terrified. Initially she battles with Roland but she slowly begins to feel safe with him.

When Roland and Logan discover her powers they realize that Karissa is extremely rare and special: a female Paladin. Logan knows he should take her to the headquarters of the Paladin but Roland is convinced that the males will fight to form a mate bond with her. Although they may not form a true bond if they are not soul mates, they can try to create a lesser bond that would allow them to protect her but also would give them some control over her.  Logan doesn’t explain this problem and Karissa doesn’t realize the danger until she is in a room surrounded by eager Paladin.  The more troubles she has the more it seems that Roland is the one who is truly looking out for her safety. He believes she is his mate but that she can never be his. She believes he still has a soul and is good, not evil.

A full out battle ensues as the Paladins seek to protect Karissa from Vampires and Demons.  Some of the Paladins recognize, like Logan, that Roland is still a Paladin brother at his core, but the Paladin leader may give the order that will kill Roland before he can rescue Karissa again.

I loved Roland as a dark vampire who clearly is still a good guy hero. He is quite enticing! Karissa is a little flighty at times but she is young. The lovely thing is she is willing to look for the good and hold on to it when others doubt. The primary characters are strong and there are several secondary characters who add interest as well as conflict. There are weak and evil intents even among those protector warriors.

There is very good action, suspense and emotional bonding. The writing has good movement that helps give the book a good action pace. There is some bad language but the plot is worth getting past that. I enjoyed this a lot and will look for more in this series.

A quote of perception:
Though his embrace was a tad constricting, Karissa didn’t get the impression he meant her harm. Quite the opposite, in fact. If anything she felt...safe. Location 939.

Thank you to Sourcebooks through NetGalley for this book to review.

This is set in New York City for Where Am I Reading challenge and I will add this to my ARC, and New Author challenges.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Bleed For Me by Michael Robotham

This started a little slowly but midway it became engrossing so I didn’t want to stop until the end.

Bleed for Me (Joseph O'Loughlin) 
by Michael Robotham

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Mulholland Books; Reprint edition (February 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316126381
• ISBN-13: 978-0316126380

     Genre: Crime Fiction
     My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0 

Book Description
Publication Date: February 27, 2012 | Series: Joseph O'Loughlin
She's standing at the front door. Covered in blood. Is she the victim of a crime? Or the perpetrator?

A teenage girl--Sienna, a troubled friend of his daughter--comes to Joe O'Loughlin's door one night. She is terrorized, incoherent-and covered in blood.

The police find Sienna's father, a celebrated former cop, murdered in the home he shared with Sienna. Tests confirm that it's his blood on Sienna. She says she remembers nothing.

Joe O'Loughlin is a psychologist with troubles of his own. His marriage is coming to an end and his daughter will barely speak to him. He tries to help Sienna, hoping that if he succeeds it will win back his daughter's affection. But Sienna is unreachable, unable to mourn her father's death or to explain it.

Investigators take aim at Sienna. O'Loughlin senses something different is happening, something subterranean and terrifying to Sienna. It may be something in her mind. Or it may be something real. Someone real. Someone capable of the most grim and gruesome murder, and willing to kill again if anyone gets too close.

His newest thriller is further evidence that Michael Robotham is, as David Baldacci has said, "the real deal--we only hope he will write faster."

Review:

The story is told by Joe O’Loughlin, a semi-retired psychologist who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He is separated from his wife, not because of his illness but because she can’t handle his deep unhappiness, as well as his tendency to get lost in a case.  Their 14 year old daughter, Charlie, is at an age where she is struggling to assert her own personality and she is confused and resentful.  Apparently Charlie was kidnaped and traumatized in a prior book that raises issues of balance between living and safety. Joe still spends lots of time around his family hoping that his wife will let him come home.

One night his daughter’s close friend shows up covered in blood and totally disoriented. Sienna is the immediate suspect in the brutal murder of her father. Joe doesn’t believe she is the killer and he sets out to investigate other suspects.  At first the tough police detective recruits Joe to help with the case but as the facts start to reveal that the murdered cop may have been an abuser the police become less friendly. Joe calls in an old friend, Ruiz, a private investigator who adds some more character depth.

The first part of the book was rather depressing and I struggled with the sad family drama. Midway the clues start to lead somewhere and it is nonstop clue tracking from then on. I really liked how the connection between pieces is revealed by interviews. The clues point to one suspect, a well-liked, respectable man who appears to have walked away from the murder of his first wife, who was never found.  The fellow is slick though and there isn’t enough to accuse or arrest him. Meanwhile there is a side story of a trial where Joe’s wife is serving as a translator. Not only do  issues of jury tampering, and more, arise, but along the line there is a connection discovered between Joe’s prime suspect and the trial defendants.

The writing begins crisp and abrupt, fitting a male narrator. At other times the writing has an almost lyrical flow.  the characters are well developed to give a unique personality to each. The mystery was nicely puzzled and connected. This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be interested in reading more. I understand that this book is part of a series of books with Joe O'Loughlin.  It read fine as a stand alone although it is likely that reading earlier books might give a fuller picture of the family and friendship dynamics.

~~~~~~~~~~

A sad comment on Joe’s status with his family:
I know the script. I know the stage directions. I no longer have a walk on part. P71.

A good description as Joe takes a helicopter ride with injured suspect and cop:
Higher still, we’re above the whitecaps and rocky shore, higher than the Mendip Hills and the patchwork fields, where everything is bathed in lustrous sunshine that makes a mockery of all that is dark about the day. P 394.

Thank you to Little Brown & Co. for providing this book to read and review.

I will add this to my ARC, New Authors and Mystery and Suspense challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy: 

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something that interests you 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 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.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* 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 March 9, 2012.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on March 10 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Book Review: The Rogue Prirate's Bride by Shana Galen

This is a good swashbuckling action, historical romance.

The Rogue Pirate's Bride

by Shana Galen

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1062 KB
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006IBFWPI

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 7, 2012

"Galen pulls out all the stops, striking a balance between romance and adventure that will leave readers breathless and highly satisfied."
—RT Book Reviews

REVENGE SHOULD BE SWEET, BUT IT MAY COST HIM EVERYTHING

Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood...

FORGIVENESS IS UNTHINKABLE BUT IT MAY BE HER ONLY HOPE...

British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

"Don't miss this historic treat filled with swashbuckling danger, adventure, and romance."
—Fresh Fiction

"Galen strikes the perfect balance between dangerous intrigue and sexy romance."
—Booklist

Review:
I enjoy this type of historical romance with lots of action, strong and warm characters and a sensual romance that has heat but isn’t too graphic.

Raeven Russell is no debutante or high society miss. She is the daughter of a British Admiral who has been raised on board and knows more of ship’s rigging and sword play than she knows of ballrooms and ladies’ fans and flirtation. Raeven has a fiery temper and is set to revenge the death of her beloved fiancé’ a young Captain who died after an encounter with the famed pirate, Captain Cutlass.  Actually “Cutlass”, Bastien, is a privateer with papers from Spain but Raeven thinks of him as a blood thirsty, villainous pirate.

Bastien is a French nobleman who escaped as a child during the French Revolution. He believes that his twin and other family members were killed in the firing of their estate. He alone escaped with a trusted family stableman, Gaston, who remains with him now as his ship’s doctor. Bastien learned his sailing skills under a master who was betrayed and killed by Jourdain. Now Bastien seeks revenge against Jourdain and his ship the La Sirena.

Though Raeven ties to duel with Bastien, he initially tries to fend her off and keep her away from his ship. She repeatedly puts herself in his path and inadvertently becomes kidnapped, along with her father’s purser, Percy, who has been dragged along on her ill fated adventures. As Bastien tries to run down Jourdain he has to worry about the British navel sailing down his own neck to rescue Raeven, even if she is no longer clamoring for rescue.

There are battles on land and sea to give this story lots of action. There is the clashing of personalities between Raeven and Bastian as they face off and inevitably come together through the chemical pull of attraction for danger and excitement that they see in each other. The writing has an easy flow with good descriptions and fun dialogue. I enjoyed all the physical and emotional action that made this a fast paced, up beat read.

Quotes I liked:
Raeven to Bastien as they battle wills:
"If you are trying to seduce me, you are sailing in the wrong direction." Location 1744.

Bastien about Raeven as they surrender together:
It was about them, together, the connection between bodies and—he looked into her eyes—hearts. Location 2644.

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 27, 2012

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.

My busy week caught me short on posting and reading this week. Thanks to 16 hours of driving I did finish two more books after one very long one.  I posted two reviews but I have several ready for this week now.  I also posted an author interview with giveaway, and my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post. 

Thank you to the nice people who visited me last week. I was glad to get to visit last Sunday night but I will be crashing tonight after our busy weekend and long drive home.

These were last week's posts plus a couple of Winner posts not listed.

• It's Monday What are You Reading? February 20, 2012.

• Book Review: My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond; Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.5. 

• Interview with Laura Lond, Author of My Sparkling Misfortune, with Giveaway

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 24, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 3/2.

• Book Review: The  Canker Death by James R. Bottino; Fantasy; my rating 3.0. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #37 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 3/3.

•  Sunday Words of Encouragement February 26, 2012.

Finished Reading

1. eBook/Kindle 
 

The Canker Death

by James R. Bottino

Review linked above; good writing and characters but I didn't get the story.

Product Description

When the reclusive, cynical systems administrator, Petor Fidelistro, discovers that one of his own servers has been cracked late one night, he makes it his personal business to track down the perpetrator. What his search uncovers thrusts him, unaware, into a mad shifting between worlds, time and alien minds.
See book link or review for full description.

2. Audible
 

Silver Borne: Mercy Thompson, Book 5

• UNABRIDGED
• by Patricia Briggs
• Narrated by Lorelei King
• Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 5

Another wonderful, action packed and

pack-bonding book in this series. I will try to get a mini-review posted (for read for fun challenge.)

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

All-new action in the number-one New York Times best-selling urban fantasy series.

When mechanic and shapeshifter Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down. It seems the book contains secret knowledge - and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands.

And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side - leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live.

3. Kindle/NG
 

The Night is Mine

by M.L. Buchman

This is great action and romance - I really liked it.

Review to be posted for Sourcebooks.

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2012 | Series: The Night Stalker

NAME: Emily Beale

RANK: Captain

MISSION: Fly undercover to prevent the assassination of the First Lady, posing as her executive pilot.

NAME: Mark Henderson, code name Viper

RANK: Major

MISSION: Undercover role of wealthy, ex-mercenary boyfriend to Emily

Their jobs are high risk, high reward:

Protect the lives of the powerful and the elite at all cost. Neither expected that one kiss could distract them from their mission. But as the passion mounts between them, their lives and their hearts will both be risked...and the reward this time may well be worth it.

Line Edits/Releases: I hope to get a print book out this week.

Currently reading:

1. Audio

 

Lothaire

by Kresley Cole

Lothaire is still a pretty hard character to like and I am rooting for Elizabeth. I am at disc 5 of 14.

Reviewing for Simon & Schuster through AudioJukebox

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2012 

From the humblest of beginnings a millennia ago, Lothaire the Enemy of Old rose to power, becoming the most feared and evil vampire in the immortal world. Driven by his past, he will not rest until he captures the vampire Horde’s crown for himself. The discovery of his Bride, the female meant only for him, threatens to derail his plot.

Elizabeth Peirce is a mere mortal, a glaring vulnerability for a male with so many deadly foes bent on annihilating anything he desires. Yet soon he discovers his Bride’s secret. A magnificent power dwells inside the fragile human, one that will aid his quest. But to possess that power, he will have to destroy her. Will Lothaire succumb to the torments of his past, or seize a future with her?

2. Print

 

The Snow Child 

by Eowyn Ivey

Lovely writing in this.

Reading for Little Brown & Co.

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season's first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.

3. eBook/Kindle
 

Keeper of My Heart

by  Darcy Flynn

Bewitching Blog Tour; Review scheduled for March 2.

Product Description
Katie McCullough doesn’t know it, but Max Sawyer, the over confident, insufferable thief who outbid her for the lighthouse property, is none other than her mystery lighthouse sailor. The one man who captured her heart five years earlier, the one man who has since been the plumb line for every other unsuspecting male who has crossed her path. Unfortunately for Max, he doesn’t measure up either.

Still reeling from losing the property she’d planned to call home, sparks fly when Katie assumes Max is turning her beloved lighthouse compound into one of his “Serenity Spa Resorts.” Outraged, Katie sets out on a mission to dismantle the property…and his plans.

Except Max’s plans have absolutely nothing to do with hotels and everything to do with winning Katie’s heart
.

4. eBook/Kindle 
 

 

Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2]

by Karen Wiesner

I am reading this for review for the author.

Product Description

WRDF Top Read of Excellence!

1st Place winner in the contemporary romance category of the 2010 Love Romances & More Golden Rose Award!

5 Hearts Award - The Romance Studio

Joined before God and family out of a sense of responsibility? Or love?

As a teenager, Justine Morris’s escape from the pressures of caring for her dying father was stolen moments with Joshua Samuels. But their tender, desperate liaison found them facing teen pregnancy. Afraid of their Christian families’ responses to the situation, they married quickly and built a life for their child.

But now that their daughter is ready to fly the nest, Justine can no longer ignore the truth: She and Joshua haven’t had a real marriage for a long time. Maybe they never had one at all.

Joshua is only too aware that his busy, professional attorney wife is an independent woman who never really needed him. After nearly two decades of marriage, he’s quit trying to get more than a piece of her at a time. Without their daughter holding them together, he knows the chasm between them will grow to epic proportions.

Their empty nest looming, they face the hard questions. Had they married in love…or out of a hasty sense of responsibility? Was it God’s will for them to be together? And now, is it worth the effort to learn to become one as the Lord intends for a man and a woman…or better to simply let go?

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

[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]

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 finish will be reading Judges and Ruth this week.

Line Edits: As soon as reports are finished I will be back to continuing to work on print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

I am starting with 13 books to read and review for March plus three to finish from February and a week of reviews to catch up on. It looks like another busy month although some of these are shorter reading.
March:
Scheduled:
3/2 Keeper of My Heart by Darcy Flynn (Bewitching Blog Tour)
3/5-9 I will be reviewing Kicking Ashe by Pauline Baird Jones; highlighting the Project Enterprise series including: The Key, Girl Gone Nova, Steamrolled, Tangled in Time with author interview and book giveaways.
3/15 True Highland Spirit by Amanda Forester with Guest Post (Sourcebooks)
3/19 The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Calvani and Edwards (Bewitching Blog Tour)
3/20 Assassins in Love by Kris DeLake with Guest Post (Sourcebooks)
3/22 The Day of First Sun by Sheryl Steines  (Novel Publicity)
3/24 Love to Water My Soul (Dreamcatcher Series #2) by Jane Kirkpatrick, review (my Ladies' Book Club)

Sourcebooks
Believe it or Not by Tawna Fenske
A Light on the Veranda by Ciji Ware

Author Reviews:
Promise Me by Dee Julian
Echo Falls by Jamie McDougall
An Irish Rogue by Suzanne Barrett
Foolish Games [Family Heirlooms Series Book 3] 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.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 26, 2012

We will not make church this morning as we are driving the seven and a half hours from South Florida to home. I don't expect to have internet access on the drive so I have prepared this ahead of time.
This is a song our choir sang at Christmas but it fits for anytime.

Love came gently, soft, as a Baby born to a lowly virgin girl

Wrapped in rags and laid in a manger, love came gently to our world.

Only shepherds and the wisest found Him beneath the star so bright.

While the nations lay deep in slumber, love came gently in the night.

No applause, no fanfare of trumpets heralding hope had come to earth.

For the Promise tenderly answered, choosing instead a humble birth.

Love came gently, sweetly to save us, knowing the price He'd have to pay.

And to all who trust in the Savior, love comes gently..........

love comes gently, love comes gently still today. 

A Verse for Today:

John 8:12 NIV

 ¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

A thought prayer for today:
Jesus, you are the light of the world. May your light shine brightly so we can see you everywhere. Help us to spread your light and joy by giving freely and happily to all we meet.

Sharing Beyond Books #37 Comment Giveaway 2/25/12

Welcome to another Saturday SBB. I had another busy week and wasn't sure if I could get on tonight to get this post up. But - here I am. :-).

Thank you to all those who commented last week.
Only two or three people would collect a full series before beginning to read and several readers like to read a series back to back.  Everyone else would just jump in (or, as Julie says: "dive in") to series books. Most of you would read them as you can get them. Not a patient group here - as Abby admitted. LOL!

The chore picked most (9x) was folding laundry, followed by dusting (5x), then vacuuming (3x). Julie didn't pick a chore because she was assigning them among her 5 children! Mystica and Marybelle sweep rather than vacuum... I love learning differences about our countries and cultures like that! Now LindaK is allergic to dust so she chooses not to disturb it. I don't really think that works does it??  I ended up dusting first so then I could vacuum. As Mamabunny said, I don't want dust falling on clean floors. Abby had an idea though using the vacuum to dust but then you have to put on a brush or special attachment. I like to use a Grab It or similar dusting cloth to get nooks and crannies.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #36 comments is: #13 Dusia. There are still 8 'love' books to pick from, 2 Christmas choices and 1 Summer title below. Dusia please let me know if you want a GC (if you are international) 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 #37 Questions

Q1. This week Louisa asks: Of all the bedrooms that you've had, which one is your favourite, and why??

A:  Jeepers Louisa- that is not an easy question when you've lived as long as I have and have had many bedrooms! :-)  I do really like our current bedroom because it is big.  We have room for a coffee pot and we have an outside balcony. But thinking back I did love my bedroom when I was 5 to 12. We lived on a farm in a very large house. My room overlooked a small hill in front of our house and the side garden where the daffodils grew.  The best part was my roomy brass bed covered with my stuffed animals.  I would crawl in and out of the covers so I didn't mess them up and the bed was easy to make.  Plus I have a  fond memory of my favorite cat trusting me enough to have her kittens on my bed when I was about 10 years old.

Image found at Antique Restoration

Q2. I'll ask a book question this week: What was the last occasion you gave a book as a gift (other than a book giveaway) and/or what was the book??

A:  I gave my review copy of I NeverThought I'd See the Day!: Culture at The Crossroads by David Jeremiah to my Pastor because I thought he would enjoy it. No special occasion.

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 being replenished!  Thanks for sending in questions!  The question submitters for February have been:
Emily, Margaret, Carol L. and Louisa. The winner of a book pick for February is: Margaret

Your turn to share:

1. Louisa asks: Of all the bedrooms that you've had, which one is your favourite, and why??

2. What was the last occasion you gave a book as a gift (other than a book giveaway) and/or what was the book??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 10 books available plus 1 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, March 3, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Two Winners of The Whisperer

CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO WINNERS: 
Giveaway 2 Copies of The Whisperer  Ends 2/24

TIFFANY

and

LILLIAN

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

Book Review: The Canker Death by James R. Bottino

This unusual, well written fantasy left me with mixed feelings.

The Canker Death

by James R. Bottino

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 836 KB
• Publisher: Septimus Press (August 22, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005IOMWPY

Genre:  Fantasy
My Rating:  3.0 of 5.0

Product Description

When the reclusive, cynical systems administrator, Petor Fidelistro, discovers that one of his own servers has been cracked late one night, he makes it his personal business to track down the perpetrator. What his search uncovers thrusts him, unaware, into a mad shifting between worlds, time and alien minds.

Fighting to keep his grip on reality, and forcing him to cope with his past, Petor finds himself uncontrollably transitioning between sentient minds that range from semi-conscious to dominant, from beings whose bodies and identities he can control, to those who control him so fully as to be unaware of his presence. As the story unfolds, Petor gathers clues in a twisting mystery that sends him shifting between the mourning child Nanzicwital; the golem giant Faskin; the lascivious, female ambassador Desidia; and Nokinis, an insane prisoner with whom Petor battles for mastery of his own memories. As he struggles to make sense of what is happening to him, Petor finds himself embroiled in the tumultuous upheaval of a ubiquitous society that transcends life, itself.

Review:

This is a well told and interesting story but I never figured out where it was heading or more importantly the end purpose. Let me address the positives first. The story is nicely written with very good flow and a good mix of action with some philosophical musings. The characters are delightful, especially the protagonist Petor and his four distinct and unique alien hosts (each identified in the blurb above). Also Petor has three good friends in his adventures. These are Faith, a human like female, with whom he is infatuated; Arrs, an almost human like male, who is the bold warrior and his female host’s (Desidia’s) lover and protector; and Pencha, another fierce creature, a mix of gorilla and black cat, who was once an enemy but is at times a friend. Then there is the very evil puppet master against whom the others, as a “counsel”, fight. The puppet master may be compared to Satan as an almost all knowing malevolent entity who manipulates those he touches to cause hatred, strife and even the massacre of whole species.

All of this is quite engaging but I had problems. The book is very long at 8476 in Kindle mode compared to a 419 page novel of 3846 pages on the Kindle. Even though I enjoyed the characters and found the story interesting I kept wondering where it was going and what was the point. I pushed through because I was committed. Petor has a past history of a few years in a mental asylum and I at times wondered if he was imagining all of the fantasy in a madness mode. I was glad that wasn't the explanation. There is a final confrontation with the evil one and maybe I was disappointed because I didn’t like the outcome. But the real problem was I didn’t understand the purpose.  Then again, maybe it was just an entertaining story that had an ending that I didn't like because it didn't make sense to me..

Even if a story is merely for entertainment, I like it to have an understandable resolution. This story seemed to be trying to make a statement: about our souls, our perceived religions, or perhaps on one’s lack of control in life. There are brief discussions of politics (like krytocracy - rule by judges), religions and reincarnation. But in the end I didn’t get it. At best it seemed a message of no hope: “There was no hope, and there could be no hope.” location 8476. That is unsatisfactory to me. I admit, as an attorney my brain is pretty pragmatic rather than creative and although I liked the fantasy, I was confused on where this ended. Perhaps other readers would get more from this, which seems the case from the good ratings that can be found at Amazon. Perhaps if I was willing to read this a second time, (which I can’t say I am at this time), I might understand more. Unfortunately, when I finished this long book after four days, I was left flat and disappointed.

 Thank you to the author and Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours for this book to read and review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway 2/24/12

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

Sorry to be late posting - this almost became a Saturday post this week! I had another busy week and then drove Thursday night to So Florida for a closing with no internet access last night or this morning. I visited with family for dinner so I didn't get back to internet until tonight.

I do plan to get those gift packages posted for giveaway soon - hopefully work will be at least a bit quieter this coming week.

I didn't get time to get the pictures of the book sets this week but I am determined to get some new books up by next week!

Thank you to all who entered February 17 Pick.  There were NO 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).  Three book choices were blocked. :-(

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from February 17 Pick:

Abby gets a GC
and

Krystal chose Uneasy Alliance

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 and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. 

Here's one last interesting book heart image!
Made from Harlequin books.  
 Found at thingiesilike

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 311 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)