Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf: July 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Book Review: Glass Angels by Karen Wiesner

This is a wonderful story of forgiveness and how a fragile, broken life can find healing and rebuild in strength.

Glass Angels (Family Heirlooms Series Book 4)

by Karen Wiesner

Book 4 of the Family Heirlooms Series
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
by Karen Wiesner
Available now from Whiskey Creek Press
978-1-61160-009-4 (trade paperback); 978-1-61160-008-7 (electronic)
Click here for a printable order form
The paperback may be available at a significant discount
with this special order form
Paperback from Amazon.com
Download from Amazon.com
Download from BN.com

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2011

A young Christian woman struggles with seeking pardon from those she's hurt when she can't seem to get past her own inability to forgive those who have wronged her.

Three years ago, Samantha Samuels had suffered under the violent hands of Ryder Feldmann, a juvenile delinquent her pastor father had been counseling. Now she's completed her psychiatry training and plans to help other victims of violent crimes at the rape counseling clinic in her hometown of Peaceful, Wisconsin. Unexpectedly, she finds herself sharing an office building and Sunday services at her new church with the older brother, a divorce counselor, of her attacker...the very man she'd been in love with before her rape.

In the time since Kyle Feldmann's brother was jailed for his crime against Samantha, he's lived with the torment of all he's lost because of his sibling. Before the tragedy that stole Samantha from him and destroyed his dreams, Kyle had begged her to risk her father's disappointment and elope with him. Seeing Samantha again after so many years, being near her, only puts him right back where he was before the rape. Kyle wants to heal Samantha, love her, and fulfill the dreams he grieved the loss of—by marrying her. But how can they be together forever when she's still so broken?

All her life, Samantha had wanted her father's approval, but his selfish part in putting her in a dangerous situation has led her to a painful place of desperately needing to forgive him and her attacker...and being unable to in all the time since the traumatic event that ripped her life in two. As she gives her heart to Kyle once more, her already fractured relationship with the Lord is tested. In the crossfire of faith, she wonders if glass angels shatter beyond recognition when they take a leap of faith, or if they can heal and become stronger than ever before.

Review:
This is Book 4 of the Family Heirloom series. Samantha is the younger sister of Peter who was the male lead in Book three, Foolish Games. Their father is a pastor who is zealous about bringing lost souls to accept Christ. Samantha was always an obedient daughter, following her father’s instructions even against her own misgivings and intuition. In Book three, Pastor Samuels was helping a young man, Ryder, through a Juvenile Delinquent program, and chose not to learn what Ryder was accused of. Pastor Samuels insisted that Samantha befriend Ryder, even though she was uncomfortable with him. The pastor hoped that Samantha could lead Ryder to Christ. Instead Ryder attacked Samantha, knocking her unconscious and raping her.

Book 4 is Samantha’s story of struggling to reach a place of restoration and forgiveness, not only for her attacker, but also for her father who’s zeal placed her in a position of danger. Samantha has completed her Master’s Degree in psychology and has returned to her home town to join her friend in their clinic for rape victims, Glass Angels.

Before Samantha was attacked she had developed a secret romance with Ryder’s older brother, Kyle. Kyle wanted to marry Samantha but Samantha knew her father wouldn’t approve of her dating or marrying a divorced, older man. Their relationship and all of Samantha’s dreams of marriage and a future with Kyle were shattered by the rape.

As soon as Kyle runs into Samantha he begins to hope that they can renew their romance. Can he convince her that she is still worthy of love? Can Samantha find a way through her pain and growing anger to forgive her attacker and her father before her bitterness destroys her own chance for renewed happiness?

The characters are really well developed so you share their anguish and confusion.
The romance scenes are a very warm and real blend of sweet and sensual. Ms. Wiesner does a great job handling the issues of struggling with forgiveness. The story also raises interesting questions about family reactions to a young rapist and enabling bad behavior. This was a very engaging and sweet read. There is sufficient background so this can be read without reading the prior book but I encourage you to read that charming story too.

This opening quote is a great statement!

“Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all of us love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour– unceasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.” Henri Nouwen. Location 27.

How will Samantha answer these questions?

How can I forgive him when I don’t believe he deserves it? And if I take that step and forgive him, how can I stop the cancer from growing even more because of my resentment? Location 2507.

I received this book for review from the Author.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Mailbox Monday July 30, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This week was a little quieter for my book garden. How is yours doing?

Review Titles

I didn't receive any new review titles last week and I didn't pick up any new titles at NetGalley.
However, for August reading, I did pull out Wild Irish Rose from the group of books I received from Walnut Press for review.
Wild Irish Rose by Deborah L. Weikel

Wins

I won bookmarks from Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book! Thank you Lori!

I still have some wins due in from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. And I need to select some more books this week; then I will post them.

I picked four titles from BooksForABuck won thru the CT and TRS anniversary.
Thank you BooksForABuck.
BIG SICK HEART by Mike Markel:

QUIET ANCHORAGE by Ed Lynskey

COUNTERFEIT COWBOY by Robyn Anders

THE LAST MIND TRAVELER by Kate Rothwell:

Purchased

None

Free

I downloaded more free Kindle titles this past week.

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

I read several good romantic suspense books this week. I finished five books and have moved well into one more. I posted five book reviews, one with giveaway and one with giveaway link. I also posted a Blogoversary Flash Giveaway. As usual I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I got to visit about 20 or so bloggers early last week but not later in the week. Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

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

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

Monday Mailbox July 23, 2012.

Book Review and Kindle Giveaway link: Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

Guest Post - Knowing Your Story by Kaylin McFarren.

Book Review: Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.

AudioBook Review and Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson; Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction; my rating 4.5.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 27, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/2.

Book Review: In The Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson; Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.0.

Updated ARC and Review List for Giveaways.

MBS July Blogoversary 2012 Flash Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/31.

Book Review: Blackout by Annie Solomon; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.

Sharing Beyond Books #59 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/3.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 29, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

There is good imagination in this series. The review is linked above.

2. Print (Galley)

Severed Threads

by Kaylin McFarren

This is good romantic suspense.

The review is linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle

Moonglow (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

I did enjoy reading this and will post a review this week.

Picked up on NetGalley for Hachette.

4. eBook/Kindle

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)

by Colleen Coble

This was a really enjoyable romantic suspense!
I will post a review soon. Read for Thomas Nelson.

5. eBook/Kindle

A Lady Can Never be Too Curious

by Mary Wine

I really liked the premise of this story.

Check in on August 1 for Author Guest Post and my review.

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Beneath the Surface of Victorian Life Lies a Very Different World...

Hated and feared by the upper classes, the Illuminists guard their secrets with their lives. Janette Aston's insatiable quest for answers brings her to their locked golden doors, where she encounters the most formidable man she's ever met.

Darius Lawley's job is to eliminate would–be infiltrators, but even he may be no match for Janette's cunning and charm...

Line Edits/Releases: coming soon.

Currently reading:

1. Audible

The Watchman of Ephraim: Cris De Niro, Book 1

UNABRIDGED
by Gerard de Marigny
Narrated by Elijah Alexander
Series: Cris De Niro, Book 1

I am a third into this and the intrigue is building..

Reviewing for JarRyJorNo Publishing through Audiobook Jukebox.

2. eBook/Kindle

The Perses Effect: Book 1: Root Causation

by R.E.Robinson Jr.

I just started this to review as part of Bewitching Book Tour on August 2; with Author Interview.

Book Description
Publication Date: February 26, 2011
In August 2012 an amateur astronomer spotted a comet; which was later dubbed Perses, Greek god of destruction. While NASA was tracking its trajectory they discovered it would pass dangerously close to the moon causing Earth’s gravitational field to shift leading to a global catastrophe. The world’s entire nuclear arsenal was launched.

Perses was destroyed and rained down on the unsuspecting world. A dormant alien virus triggered by the nuclear radiation swept across the planet leaving death and mutation in its wake.

Now its time to survive…

3. Print

Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc.)

by Julie Ann Walker

This is a wild ride! I am 2/3rds complete.

Reviewing for Sourcebooks.

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Nate Weller is a crackerjack sniper and masterful covert operative, and he's loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But she's his best friend's baby sister, so he keeps his feelings to himself. When she blows into town with a motherlode of bad guys on her tail, all of his protective instincts kick into high gear. But will keeping her safe cost him his heart?

4. eBook/Kindle

Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

I will read this for review to post 8/6 as part of

Pump Up Your Book tour - with Kindle Giveaway link

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Directed by one of their Earthly guides, Aislinn and Dylan venture to the Overlap, an ancient castle situated within a temporal rift where they discover the nature of Shakan’s treachery.

Seeking answers regarding the kidnapping of her parents, Aislinn and Dylan follow one of their Earthly guides to the mysterious Overlap, a temporal rift situated within an ancient castle. There they experience past events that reveal the nature of the rival Nirvanan bloodlines as well as the identity of the traitor in league with the Klatrians.

5. eBook/Kindle

One Breath Away
by Heather Gudenkauf

I saw this on other blogs and it caught my attention.

I was able to pick this up on NetGalley to review.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2012

In her most emotionally charged novel to date, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores the unspoken events that shape a community, the ties between parents and their children and how the fragile normalcy of our everyday life is so easily shattered.

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town's children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again. Trapped in her classroom, Evelyn Oliver watches for an opportunity to rescue the children in her care. And thirteen-year-old Augie Baker, already struggling with the aftermath of a terrible accident that has brought her to Broken Branch, will risk her own safety to protect her little brother.

As tension mounts with each passing minute, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

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 around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. This week the reading is Acts 1-12.

Line Edits: Still hoping to train one of my assistants to upload conversions to Kindle and Smashwords.

I am starting August with 14 books to read and review. I have three reviews to post for books finished in July. Looks like I'll be posting 5 reviews a week again in August to keep up with the reading. :-)

Scheduled for August:

8/1 Lady Can Never Be Too Curious by Mary Wine w/Guest Post (Sourcebooks)
8/2 The Perses Effect by R.E. Robinson, Jr., w/Interview (Bewitching Blog Tour)
8/6 Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
8/10 Bloodline (The Samsara Chronicles Book 10) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
8/11 Nipped in the Bud by Susan Sleeman (Ladies Book Club) with Print Giveaway
8/15 Entity (The Samsara Chronicles Book 11) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
8/20 A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey w/ Guest Post (Sourcebooks)
8/22 Kindred (The Samsara Chronicles Book 12) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
8/27 Nexus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 13) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link

8/30 I Own the Dawn: The Night Stalkers by M.L. Buchman w/ Author Interview (Sourcebooks)

Unscheduled for August:

Sourcebooks:
Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker

Thomas Nelson
The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck
Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

Walnut Press:
Wild Irish Rose by Deborah L. Weikel

I plan to slip in at least one "Won"/TBR books again this month.:-)

[To be posted - I am setting these up 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 July 29, 2012

We shared lunch out at "dinner club" groups today so this is another 'late' post.
We had a lovely communion service this morning. There was a brief report from our teens who went to Los Angeles for a week of street ministry. I will share more about that later. The Pastor then shared a message from a book and film that we have been studying in the adult Sunday School. I am saving more about that for another day too.

Today I am sharing from some notes on prayer from a few years ago.
Why is prayer important?
1. Prayer is how we communicate with God.
2. Prayer changes things.
3. Prayer is the rail on which the locomotive of God's will moves.
4. Prayer changes me.

Here is a lively version of The Lord's Prayer in song.

A Verse for Today:

Ephesians 6:18

...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Why is it I sometimes need to remind myself to pray EVERY day? If you want to read a book that will change your view of prayer, read This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #59 July 28, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

Another busy week for me and I am working hard to get things caught up. I have been reading some good suspense this week.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

There are several people who don't drink while reading so they don't risk spills. For others the drinks range from coffee, tea, water and sodas... even an occasional glass of wine. I think I would fall asleep if I tried to drink wine when I read. Llehn had the most different drink a banana mocha shake - which almost sounds decadent. :-) Maria admits to reading through meals, when alone. I do that too, especially at lunchtime when I eat at my desk with the Kindle going.

Snack choices are for the most part not healthy things like: chocolate, cookies, chips, popcorn. Marianne had the more healthy choice with nuts or craisins; and Lissette eats fruit. Carol L eats trail mix as a second choice after chocolate licorice! Really?? I love chocolate and I love licorice ... but not together. LOL

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #58 comments is: #11 Di There are still 6 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Di please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #59 Questions

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever watched a movie because it won an award? Which movie was it? Did you actually like it??

A: I had to think about this. Well, actually I had to look up a list of award winning movies to remember. One movie was A Beautiful Mind. And yes I liked it although it isn't one I would watch over and over - rather sad.

Image found at Wikipedia

Q2. My question: To go with Abby's - Have you ever read a book because it won an award? Which book? Did you like it ??

A: I again went the lists: Hugo Awards (sci fi) and Pulitzer Prize. I had picked up two books at Audible for their ratings and award: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Hugo 2009) which I just read this month and rated it a 5.0.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy (Pulitzer Prize 2007) I listened to in 2008 and rated it a 5.0 at Audible. This book started me reading more post-apocalyptic stories.

Image found at Audible

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! July questions were offered by: Krystal, Mary P, Faith Hope and CherryTea and Abby. Random.org picked #4 -- Abby gets a book pick.

Your turn to share:

1. Abby asks: Have you ever watched a movie because it won an award? Which movie was it? Did you actually like it??

2. My question: Have you ever read a book because it won an award? Which book? Did you like it ??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 8 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

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, August 3, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winners of Illusion and Heroes Die Young

I was checking books for updated ARC and Review Giveaway list and discovered that I had never announced a winner for this one - so sorry for the delay.

Ended April 27, 2012
ARC Copy of Illusion

Helen

Ended July 27, 2012

Heroes Die Young by T.M. Young

Bison61

Helen and Bison61 please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I'll send out the books and/or notify the publisher/author. Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered.

Book Review: Blackout by Annie Solomon

This is a fast paced, twisting suspense; a bargain of a read on Kindle for $2.99!

Blackout

by Annie Solomon

File Size: 470 KB
Print Length: 376 pages
Publisher: Forever Yours (December 2, 2008)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Language: English
ASIN: B001M2FTFQ

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2008
LIVING NIGHTMARE

A month ago Margo Scott was a book dealer with family and friends. Now, suddenly, she can't remember the last four weeks of her life, everyone close to her has disappeared, and she's the prime suspect in a murder. When an intruder attacks, she responds with lightning-quick moves she has no memory of ever learning. Undercover agent Jake Wise has her in his sights and can't decide if this mysterious woman is an assassin or a pawn. Is he tempted to protect her because she's innocent or because he's falling for her? Thrust together, these two loners realize that trusting each other is their only hope of survival. Because the good guys and the bad guys have one thing in common. They all want Margo Scott dead-the sooner, the better.

Review:

Margo Scott wakes up one day and feels a bit under the weather. Later in the day she discovers from her book store neighbor that she has lost a month. Not only has she lost time, but she realizes she can’t really verify her identity, much less her whereabouts. She really knows she is in trouble when she begins to respond with skills she doesn’t recognize: fighting off an attacker with skilled defense moves, throwing knives with deadly accuracy and picking up guns that feel naturally familiar to her hands.

The police are beginning to suspect Margo of first one murder, then another. Since she has no memory she isn’t certain she didn’t commit the crimes. As she begins to get flash backs she suspects she may be a skilled, government or covert assassin who has committed worse killings. Is it possible she shot a child a point-blank range?

Jake Wise was asked do ‘watch’ Margo by his ‘mentor’ and covert operations boss, Frank. Now Frank is dead, Margo is a likely suspect and there are lots of questions as to why Jake was to be watching her. Is Margo the killer and who are the men who are attacking her? One group is looking to question her and another is intent on executing her. Can he keep her alive long enough to find out what the heck is going on?

Can two loners with clearly deadly skills find a place of comfort and peace together? Assuming they live of course.

This story has great suspense and full on action from beginning to end. The romance starts as a battle of two untrusting loners and slowly moves to a merger of need, first for comfort and reassurance of life, and later for companionship, passion and commitment. The writing is crisp and has a fast flow that moves well with the pace of the story.There is some rough language - "f" word used 13 times.

I looked back to see I read Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon in September 2010 and gave it a 4.5 rating. I don’t plan on letting another two years go by before reading this author again. She is going on my "don't miss" list of romantic suspense authors!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Margo realizes she doesn't know what has happened over the past month:

Then where had she been for the last month?
The question thumped inside her, deadly and relentless, and she longed to skitter away to a safe comforting place. A place with no questions. Location 382

Jake wonders if he had made up his mind if she was telling the truth:

Had he? The truth hit him like a gale-force wind, like one of those moments in the movies where the camera closes in and everything slows way down. ... It was that he didn’t care. He would support her either way. Fight for her either way. Location 2455.

Love this quote!! Margo thinks about her love of books:

Books were always more reliable than people anyway. Stories never let her down. No matter where she went there was a bookstore or a library. New worlds, better worlds. Location 2938.

I am very glad that I picked this title up on NetGalley to read for Hachette/Forever Yours imprint of Grand Central Publishing.

This story is set in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. for the Where are You Reading Challenge.

MBS July Blogoversary 2012 Flash Giveaway

Here is a 2012 Blogoversary FLASH GIVEAWAY - WORLDWIDE --- ONLY OPEN till Midnight 7/31.
I hope this giveaway serves to reward close followers and to help my reading picks. :-)

I want to read some of my Kindle Free reads but I need help choosing. I have pulled 15 summer titles (some that have the word "summer", "heat", June, July or August somewhere) that I have had in my Kindle Library before 2012:

1. Summer of Fire: Book One in the Yellowstone series
    Jacobs, Linda    September 10, 2011
2. Sons of Thunder (Brothers in Arms Collection (Summerside Press))
    Warren, Susan May    September 10, 2011
3. Summer Loving - No link available
    Folsom, Tina, Andre, Bella    August 7, 2011
4. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook Presents: 10 Summertime Treats
    Bucholz, Dinah    July 17, 2011
5. Summer Sizzlers
    Reeves, Joan, Wicklund, Cynthia, Raco Chase, Elaine    July 9, 2011
6. Summer of Firsts
    Simon, Coco, Evans, Zoe    July 5, 2011
7. The Days Of Summer
    Barnett, Jill    June 23, 2011
8. Summer's Crossing (The Iron Fey)
    Kagawa, Julie    June 11, 2011
9. Making Waves: A Novel (Lake Manawa Summers Book #1)
    Seilstad, Lorna    May 1, 2011
10. Love on a Dime (Ladies of Summerhill)
    James, Cara Lynn    November 15, 2010
11. Lucy's Perfect Summer (Faithgirlz! / A Lucy Novel)
    Rue, Nancy    July 24, 2010
12. Summer of the Midnight Sun (Alaskan Quest #1)
    Peterson, Tracie    January 20, 2010
13. June Bug (Murder-by-Month Mysteries, No. 2) (Murder-By-Month Mystery)
    Lourey, Jess    June 4, 2011
14. Heating Up the Kitchen: Recipes with Love from Lucky Harbor
    Shalvis, Jill    October 14, 2011
15. Icy Heat
    Wyndfield, Leigh    February 3, 2010

I am going to select TWO Winners; Both get same prize choice but #1 gets to pick first.
a) Print copy of Days of Summer by Jill Barnett which I have in my book boxes
b) ANY book from my Updated Review and ARC giveaway list! (Subject to reasonable postage.)
OR
c) Choice of the Summer Titles above (if available), in eBook (up to $10.00 value), or print to be sent through The Book Depository.

I may substitute the prize for International winner as $8.00 GC if you don't get delivery from TBD or if the postage on book choice is too high.

I will read either the winner's choice or the most picked title - or maybe both - in August. ;-)
ALSO, THE #1 WINNER GETS TO GIVE ME A WORD CHOICE TO PICK THE NEXT GROUP FROM MY KINDLE LIBRARY (like I picked 'Summer' with it's add-ons this time) for a September read. :-) THANKS FOR HELPING!!

TO ENTER:

Follow my blog in any social form.
Comment to tell me which book you think I should read from the summer titles.
Enter through the Google Form!
Extra bonus entries for commenting on Non Giveaway review or Author feature posts (guest post or interviews) since January 1, 2012. (Up to three posts for 6 bonus entries.)

Open Worldwide. Closes 11:59 pm EST July 31, 2012; winner to be announced August 1.

Updated ARC and Review List for Giveaways

5/25/13- I have some new books to add and I will be updating the list soon.
Latest update at bottom - 3/25/13

10/6/12 Update: I have added some extra titles with a new photo below.

6/14/12 I have updated my Review and ARC pictures into these three pictures. The books are in alphabetical order by title and the books are listed below under either Review or ARC.

Review Books:

~~Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden~~ March SBB
Duchess of Sin (Daughters of Erin) by Laurel McKee
~~The Fear Principle: Jaguar Series by B.A. Chepaitis~~ April/May SBB Choice
Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine
Lonestar Secrets (Lonestar Series Book 2) by Coleen Coble
Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes Series) by Eileen Dryer (3 copies - one ARC, two review)
Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories by Jeffery W Turner (not in picture)
~~Still the One by Robin Wells~~
Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry

ARC Books:

A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore (one ARC, ~~one review~~)
Confessions of an Improper Bride (A Donovan Novel) by Jennifer Haymore
Deliciously Sinful by Lilli Feisty
~~The Goblin King by Shona Husk~~
The Guardian (Return of the Highlanders) by Margaret Mallory
Lady of Seduction (Daughters of Erin) by Laurel McKee
Montana Glory by R. C. Ryan
~~Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5) by Larissa Ione (1 ARCs)~~ May SBB choice
Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
~~The Storm that is Stirling by Lisa Renee Jones~~ Dec SBB choice
Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel (Highland Warriors 2) by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon (2 ARCs) - 1 Chosen for SBB June win
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Added Titles 7/28/12
Review Copy:

ARC Copy (no cover images)
15. ~~Hotly Bedded, Conveniently Wedded by Kate Hardy~~ March SBB
16. The Maverick's Greek Island Mistress by Kelly Hunter

New Picture and Additions October 6, 2012

A Lady's Revenge by Tracey Devlyn
The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen
The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine

Newly Added (Picture to be added) 1/30/13
4. Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance) by Larissa Ione Print Book Hop Selection
5. The Claimed (Sin Hunters) by Caridad Pineiro - personally autographed
6. Relentless Pursuit by Sara Orwig
7. Everybody's Suspect in Georgia by Cecil Murphey
8. Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner
9. Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Newly Added 3/25/13 (I'll picture these with the ones above soon.)
Review books:
10. Desperate Deeds by Dee Davis
~~11. The Book of Madness~~ May SBB choice
12. Lethal Rider
13. Angels Landing
14. Nipped in the Bud

ARC books
15. Embracing the Highlander
16. What in God's Name
17. Thief of Shadow

Friday, July 27, 2012

Book Review: In the Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson

This is a nice, light "Doctor" romance story.

In the Doctor's Bed

by Brenda Jackson

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Kimani (July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373862202
ISBN-13: 978-0373862207

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

The skills of a surgeon…

Having a crush on her drop–dead–gorgeous boss could get Hopewell General intern Jasmine Campbell fired…especially with the prestigious Virginia hospital reeling from a shocking scandal. But head resident Lucien De Winter is impossible to resist. And he's arousing a healthy dose of desire as the good doctor wages an all–out war to make the sheltered Southern belle his own…

The heart of a lover

Head over heels for Jasmine, Lucien vows to keep their relationship a secret. He knows they're playing a dangerous game, but he can't live without the sensual sister. Even if it means putting his hard–fought career on the line, the seduced surgeon is ready to risk it all. Because Lucien knows that the only thing to cure his acute condition is a lifetime of love.

Review:
Jaclyn Campbell is an attractive, caring and clearly smart intern at Hopewell General. She has worked hard to get where she is so she shouldn’t be thinking about risking all she has planned just because she fell for her handsome boss, Lucien DeWinter, the first time she saw him.

Lucien DeWinter is a talented surgeon and the head resident overseeing the intern program. He has a strong future and surely it isn’t worth the risk of dating one of his beautiful interns. But his efforts to resist her are failing after months of trying to avoid her.

The hospital has a strict non-fraternization policy and the chief of staff and head nurse are sticklers about enforcing rules. Jaclyn and Lucien have separately struggled with their attraction to each other. When circumstances finally put them together they don’t want to fight the draw anymore.

Jaclyn and Lucien in this story are both very likeable: attractive, smart, hard working and compassionate. Too bad that they are stuck in a not so likeable dilemma and a weak story. The beginning of the book focuses on their denied desires. After they get together the book focuses on their lovemaking and sneaking to avoid their relationship being discovered. In my opinion, this isn’t a great storyline. Not only is this not ‘likeable’ behavior, but it doesn’t seem likely to me as it seemed their careers should out weigh their sexual attraction until they could find some other solution - like one moving to another hospital position. I don’t tend to read many ‘doctor’ romances as it is not a field that draws me. I think I could have enjoyed this story if I wasn’t turned off by the sneaking around.

This is the second book I read by Brenda Jackson. I have to say that I like the characters she creates. Even the gorgeous, could-be stuck up and obnoxious males turn out to have good, likable qualities. I like Ms. Jackson’s writing style which is crisp and smooth flowing. The sexual attributes of this book are a little on the heavy side for my tastes– an aspect other romance readers might enjoy more. I have to classify this as a nice romance but it would never be a favorite of mine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quotes I liked:

It had taken all of his control to keep his features neutral, void of expression. Each and every time he was around her he risked the possibility of giving something away. Page 35.

There was something in his gentle and understanding tone that pushed her to the edge. There were so many emotions she was trying to deal with. Page 42.

I received this from Harlequin Romance.

This story is set in Washington, D.C. for my Where Are Your Reading Challenge.

Martha's Bookshefl***Friday Pick Giveaway July 27, 2012

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

How is everyone doing this nice warm summer Friday? Can you believe it is almost August? I have a new list of books added today. Check later today or tomorrow for an extra Blogoversary Giveaway.

Thank you to all who entered July 20 Pick. 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). There were also FOUR blocked titles but two have been won.
LindaK picked Simon Said
and
bn100 picked Misfortune

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from July 20 Pick:

Carol NW chose Life Support Audio
and

Carol M chose Death's Door

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.

How about sitting at the lake with a book?

Image found at CBS News - Books of all Kind for Summer

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottline

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

Threads of Destiny by Arnette Lamb

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (some spine wear)

An Independent Woman by Candace Camp

Wolf Mountain Moon by Terry C. Johnston

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Virtue by Jane Feather

Don't Bargain with The Devil by Sabrina Jeffries

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

*The Contrary Corinthian by Emily Hendrickson (spine wear)

*There Was a Little Boy by Claire Rainwater Jacobs

*On Thin Ice by Linda Hall

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

The Promise by Kasey Michaels

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown

Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard

~~Death's Door by Meryl Sawyer~~

~~Life Support by Tess Gerristen Audio Cassettes~~

~~Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich~~

Exit to Eden by Anne Rice

While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*Simon Said by Sarah R. Shaber

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Mueller

*Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Game Over by Fern Michaels

~~Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock~~

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

~~Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)~~

~~In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott~~

~~Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis~~

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

~~The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin~~

~~Cross Country by James Patterson~~

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

~~Dear John by Nicholas Sparks~~

~~Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon~~

~~September Morning by Diana Palmer~~

~~Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)~~

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

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

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

~~Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson~~

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

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

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

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

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.

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

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

Primary Colors - audio tapes

~~Note of Peril (black strip on cover)~~

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone)

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

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 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

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 392 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

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

Pick #4