Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf: July 2015

Friday, July 31, 2015

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 31, 2015

Happy Friday -
Sorry to be so late with this post. I got a cold last Thursday night and, between fever and a sudden funeral on Saturday morning we didn't go out of town. I have muddled through the week with my cold and fever early on. Altho the fever seems gone I am still coughing (hacking) hard. I have been going to bed by 8:30 almost every night without getting onto computer most nights.
I have posted a new picture of a book group but I haven't had the chance to input the names yet.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the July 24 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week.
AUTO: CarolL gets The Reiver's Woman

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 24 Pick:
Marjorie gets a GC

Rubynreba gets JoAnn Ross Pair

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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

eBook on the Beach - Yes!

Image found at Reader's Connection.

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
~~JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor~~
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
~~Honeymoon by James Patterson~~
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
~~The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel~~
~~Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle~~
~~Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels~~
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
~~Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade~~
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
~~Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce~~
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
~~Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes~~
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
~~Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene~~
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
~~The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin~~
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
~~Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens~~
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner

BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
~~Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper~~

BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 on November 27, 2009 and in five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 847+ 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. I 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!

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 $7.00 and $10.00 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)

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!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Audible Book Review: Sector 64: Ambush by Dean M. Cole

This is an engaging story with alien danger. "X-Files meet Independence Day" is an accurate tag line.

Sector 64: Ambush

Written by: Dean M. Cole

Narrated by: Mike Ortego

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:11-14-14

Publisher: Dean M. Cole

Genre: Sci Fi Suspense

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

**Huffington Post - IndieReader Best of 2014**

What happens to present-day Earth if friendly aliens take humanity under their wing?

What happens when their enemy becomes ours?

X-Files meet Independence Day when incredible events thrust Air Force Captains Jake Giard and Sandra Fitzpatrick into a decades-long global conspiracy to integrate humanity into a galactic government. However, as Jake finishes indoctrination into the program, it renders present-day Earth a disposable pawn in a galactic civil war.

Unknown aliens with a dark secret raid the planet.

Within and even below Washington DC, Jake fights through a post-apocalyptic hell, struggling to comprehend the enigmatic aftermath of the first attack. On the West Coast, Sandra's squadron smashes against the invading aliens. Thrown to ground, Sandy wades through blazing infernos and demented looters in a desperate attempt to save her family.

Finally, with the fate of the world in the balance, both captains must take the battle to the enemy--humanity's very survival hanging on their success....

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Review:
Jake Giard and Sandra Fitzpatrick are Air Force Captains ready to fly to the defense of their country. Jake experiences an X-File type of event while helping a younger pilot friend, Vince, with night flying practice. Something approaches them and first Vince’s jet, then Jake’s, is disabled. Energy returns allowing Jake to break free of a nose dive but Vince isn’t so fortunate. When Jake returns to base he is whisked away as a criminal with no one believing his story. Hours later he is released only after swearing to complete secrecy regarding the event.

Soon after the loss of his friend, Jake is summoned to Washington to meet with another pilot friend from training days. What he learns is full of surprises that start on the ground, continue in the air and on into outerspace. Jack and his friends end up in an epic battle against the alien forces. The race to save Earth comes close to disaster.

While Sandy is wondering where Jake is, Earth suddenly suffers a wide spread and horrible attack. The ships and weapons are nothing known to Earth forces and have a devastating and large kill zone. By a fluke, Sandy survives an attack in California that takes out her full squadron. Shaken and concerned to determine if her parents, who live to the south of the attack, have survived she heads south with orders to provide needed military intel along the way. She has to fight through ground damage, danger and human looters to get home.

The action is engaging and the story has elements that definitely made me think of Independence Day, especially with a strong, kill-minded alien. I enjoyed the history of the advanced Galactic allies, and the long time civil war with their evil, alien enemies. There is some technical detail that added authenticity without bogging down the story. The ending leaves open future engagements between the primary characters and aliens. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sci fi space battle action.

Audio Notes: Mike Ortega does a solid job with the narration. He provids a unique sound to each of the characters - male, female and alien. The narration provided a steady pacing and easy listening that enhanced my enjoyment in the story.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox, for an honest review. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Post July 26, 2015 / It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 27, 2015

Sunday Post - It's Monday! is still not up and linking while Sheila finds her way after her family tragedy.
Kathryn at Date Book suggested linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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 caught a surprise cold on Thursday and have spend the weekend trying to sleep when not coughing/hacking.

I had a good reading/listening week. I finished two audios and one ebook. I posted three reviews, one with tour giveaway. I also posted the memes.

I enjoyed visiting at the beginning of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

Sunday Post July 19, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 20, 2015.

Winners: May 30, 2015 through July 11, 2015.

Book Review: A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley; Sci Fi, YA Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Killer Past by Maris Soule; Criminal Thriller; my rating 4.25. Ended.

Friday Pick Giveaway July 24, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/30/2015.

Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Sharing Beyond Books #212 Comment Giveaway for July 25, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/1/2015.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 26, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Sector 64: Ambush

Written by: Dean M. Cole

Narrated by: Mike Ortego

This is entertaining.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox
by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo
This has a lot of interesting detail supporting an exciting story.
I selected this title through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1
Written by: Gretchen Archer
This is a fun romp.
I received this from Claire McKinneyPR
together with the next two to review.
Publisher's Summary
Davis Way thinks she's hit the jackpot when she lands a job as the fifth wheel on an elite security team at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. But once there, she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged slot machine, her evil twin, and a trail of dead bodies.
Davis learns the truth, and it does not set her free - in fact, it lands her in the pokey. Buried under a mistaken identity, unable to seek help from her family, her hot streak runs cold until her landlord, Bradley Cole, steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. With his help, Davis must win this high-stakes game before her luck runs out.
This book is part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! Double Whammy is the first book in the Davis Way humorous mystery series.
©2012 Gretchen Archer (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (and Print)

Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel
by Lorena McCourtney
This is a good Cozy/Female PI. I had this in my Kindle Library since 2013.
I picked up print copies at discount for our Ladies Book Club on February 1.
"Lorena McCourtney's lively cozy mysteries hit all the right notes for me, and her newest doesn't miss a chord. A quirky, likable heroine, a handsome guy, and oh, a murder. Don't miss Cate Kinkaid's first case as a PI. It's a killer."--Lyn Cote, author of La Belle Christian
All she wanted was a paycheck. What she got was a murder.
Cate Kinkaid's life is . . . well, frankly it's floundering. Her social life, her career, her haircut--they're all a mess. Unemployed, she jumps at the chance to work for her PI uncle, even though she has no experience and no instincts. After all, she is just dabbling in the world of private investigating until she can find a "real" job.
All she has to do for her first assignment is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? But when she reaches the dark Victorian house, she runs into an hungry horde of gray-haired mystery readers and a dead body. This routine PI job is turning out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

2. eBook/Kindle

A Curse of Ash and Iron
by Christine Norris
I am 37% in and enjoying the steampunk
and mystery elements.
I received this at NetGalley.
Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
She asks for his help, and he can't refuse. Even if he doesn't believe in 'real' magic, he can't abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother's death under the watchful and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year's Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.

3. Audible

Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Amber Benson
I look forward to continuing Davis' crazy antics.
I received this from Claire McKinneyPR.
Publisher's Summary
“A smart, snappy writer who hits your funny bone!” (Janet Evanovich).
It’s Davis Way’s first slot-tournament season. And it may be her last. Things are dicey at work. A personal assistant goes missing, a little old lady goes on a suspicious winning streak, and a Bellissimo executive goes gaga for Davis. She follows a disappearing slot-tournament player trail to the So Help Me God Pentecostal Church in Beehive, Alabama, then jumps headlong into a high stakes holy scandal. She’s on a losing streak at home, too. Her days, nights, and dinners run together, as Davis juggles a revolving door of uninvited guests, namely her rotten ex-ex-husband, Eddie Crawford. And Bradley Cole thinks three’s a crowd. The worst? Davis doesn’t feel so hot. Maybe it’s the banana pudding, or maybe it’s a little bundle of something else. Double Dip. A reckless ride in the fast lane, and Davis Way can’t find the brakes.
©2013 Gretchen Archer (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week and I have three so far for this week.
I am down to nine NetGalley titles.
I'm counting Dying to Read as my TBR eBook in July. I hope to do a few more in August.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I still didn't get replies to several new author offered books being busy and then getting a cold.
I added three audio review titles.
I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC and I added more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received three Audible titles from Claire McKinneyPR:

Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Dina Pearlman
{See information above under Finished Reading.}

Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper

Written by: Gretchen Archer

Narrated by: Amber Benson

It’s Davis Way’s first slot-tournament season. And it may be her last. Things are dicey at work.

...

A reckless ride in the fast lane, and Davis Way can’t find the brakes.

Double Strike
Written by: Gretchen Archer

Narrated by: Amber Benson

A VIP invitation to an extraordinary high-stakes gaming event, as thieves, feds, dance instructors, shady bankers, kidnappers, and gold waiters go all in.

Won

None.

Purchased

None.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Eleven.

March
by Geraldine Brooks

Read by Richard Easton

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Read by Kate Reading

Over the past week I added 45 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encoragement July 26, 2015

We attended a funeral yesterday morning for a dear brother in the Lord. He died a week short of his 97th birthday. We only knew him for the past ten years that we have been at out church. He made a big impression as a simple man who loved God and never missed an opportunity to share Jesus. He and his wife, who is only a year or so younger, have been faithful prayer warriors. She has been suffering from Alzheimer's the past couple of years and only comes to church sporadically now.

Brother Roy’s family shared several lovely stories of his past and his influence on children and grandchildren. Pastor read a poem that Brother Roy carried with him in WWII. I could not find it on the internet so it may have been a private poem. It was very striking. It started by asking for protection and stated along the lines: “do not allow any bomb to burst, unless my God assigns it first.” I will have to ask for a copy.

Pastor also shared bits of wisdom written in the margins of Brother Roy’s Bibles. One was: “Before you shoot your mouth off, make sure your brain is loaded.” Another was “Any man who thinks by an inch and talks by a mile, needs to be kicked by a foot.”

This beautiful song, which I had never heard, was song live.
Celebrate Me Home.

Verses for today:
Psalm 116: (NIV)
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.

Lord, I thank you that I had the chance to know Brother Roy here in this world. My DH always joked that they would "ride the elevator together". Although that didn’t happen, I hope he tells you that DH and I are 'on our way'. We look forward to seeing our family and friends – and You, when You bring us home.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #212 Comment Giveaway for July 25, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! I had another busy week and spent today at home trying to work through a cough/cold that sprang up on me on Thursday. Ugh. I hope to post this and then head off to bed.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Six of us chose a flower or flowers and agreed they, at least sort of, reflected our personalities. Four chose flowers but were not sure if they reflected their personalities. Two chose flowers but made no comment on personalities, One chose no favorite and thought that matched them being a bit indecisive. The final two said they had no favorite flower.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #211 comments is: #2 Mary P who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #212 (One Question.)

Nikki asks: Q1 Is there a short series that you wish had a continuation??

A: The first series I thought of was The Magnificent Devices series by Shelley Adina. I only thought there were four books but when I looked I discovered it is up to eight so there are more for me to read. The second series I thought about was Project Universe by Pauline Baird Jones. That one ended at six books. The third one I thought of was The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger which also stopped at five books. (I should try her other series.) I am sure there are others but I can't think of them right at the moment.

Image found at The Adventures of Library Girl.

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 draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
There were three questions submitted for July: Miki, MaryP, Nikki. Random Org chose #3 - Nikki.

Your turn to share:
Nikki asks: Q1 Is there a short series that you wish had a continuation??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 through Saturday August 1, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb

This is another entertaining crime investigation with two of my fav characters, Eve and Roarke.
Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
Series: In Death, Book 13
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Dante had been courting his victim in cyberspace for weeks before meeting her in person. A few sips of wine and a few hours later, she was dead. The murder weapon: a rare, usually undetectable date-rape drug with a street value of a quarter million dollars. Detective Eve Dallas is playing and replaying the clues in her mind. The candlelight, the music, the rose petals strewn across the bed - a seduction meant for his benefit, not hers. He hadn't intended to kill her. But now that he has, he is left with only two choices: to either hole up in fear and guilt or start hunting again....
©2001 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Eve Dallas knows that evil comes in all shapes and sizes. She is a detective who fights for the innocent dead. The latest victim is a young woman who had fallen onto the sidewalk from her high up apartment. Eve quickly recognizes that the death is not a suicide. The evidence shows that someone romanced her with flowers and wine. Eve correctly suspects she died from an accidental, but lethal, overdose or mix of rare date-rape drugs.

The security cameras caught images of the perpetrator, and he left a trail of fingerprints and DNA. But none of that is in the system and it appears that not even his face is real. Eve and her team are going to have to go the long route to track down the expensive shoes, clothing, flowers, wine, wig, make-up traces and, most importantly, the hard to get drugs, in an effort to tie them to the killer.

A few nights later another young woman is found murdered. This time the death is clearly not accidental - it is intentional and brutal. There is no trace evidence left at the scene of this fragile young woman. Either the killer is upping his game or there is more than one person involved.

Eve is determined, as always, to get the killer(s) before more young ladies die. She isn’t beyond using a little computer help from Roarke who is brought on board as a civilian consultant to help Eve think more like a man in this process of seduction.

The plot is detailed, a bit gritty because of the sexual/rape nature of the crimes, and has effective twists. JD Robb (Nora Roberts) does a wonderful job weaving personal character issues (this episode has the estranged romance between Peabody and McNab) in the background of the crime investigation. This story also reveals the crimes from the view of the killer(s) which adds interest. These books are always reliable entertainment and I will continue to download and listen to them as there is a long list ahead.

Audio Notes: Susan Erickson does her usual wonderful job of narrating this series. She has these characters pinned with personality and voice. I really enjoy listening to the books as I can follow them while doing mindless chores - vacuuming, folding laundry, etc. It makes for enjoyable and productive use of my time.

I purchased this with an Audible credit to continue in the series. This qualifies for my 2015 Audio Challenge.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 24, 2015

Happy Friday -
Sigh - it has been a busy, busy week. I have much work to complete and DH wants to go away for the weekend to visit our son at their new house. Not sure I can go without working this Saturday - we'll see.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the July 17 Pick. There were three automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week.
AUTO: LindaK gets Honeymoon,
CarolNW gets Dead in the Water Audio, and
SueF gets Patriot Dreams

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 17 Pick:
Llehn gets a GC

Betty gets Where is He Now?

Doesnt' this look relaxing?

Image found at GoiTalk

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor\
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
~~Honeymoon by James Patterson~~
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tommow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
~~Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle~~
~~Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels~~
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
~~Dark Possession by Christine Feehan~~
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
~~Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt~~
~~Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun~~

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 on November 27, 2009 and in five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 844+ 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. I 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!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Killer Past by Maris Soule

This thriller has a twisted, fairly unique plotline.

A Killer Past
by Maris Soule

File Size: 656 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Robert Hale; Alabama edition (June 1, 2015)
Publication Date: March 1, 2015
ASIN: B00ZO3LQE2
Genre: Crime Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own
Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.

Review:
Mary Harrington appears to be just a quiet widow in her 70s. But looks can be deceiving. She works out a lot at the gym to stay in shape mostly because it makes her feel better. There are other, long seated reasons that few people, not even her family, know about.

Mary’s quiet suburban neighborhood is slowly being encroached upon by drug dealing, violent gangs. Her car breaks down a block from home where two teenagers are hanging out. They think she will be an easy target but, again, looks can be deceiving. They didn't expect her to fight back. A local Sergeant, Jack Rossini, ends up investigating the mugging. Jack has been around the crime force a long time and senses there are facts that Mary is hiding. He warns her to expect retaliation by the gang but she thinks she can handle it.

Sure enough it is not long before the danger heats up with an attack on her house. The day of the attack a friend from 40 years in her past shows up on her doorstep. Mary has to explain to Jack and her own family that David is a friend from her youthful days exploring Europe - a time before she settled in this community, met and married her sweet husband. Jack thinks the man looks very dangerous and Mary’s family suspect he may be trying to con her out of money. David brings news of another danger to Mary so now she has to cope with two lines of threats.

Ms. Soule does a lovely job building tension and giving the story some good twists. The primary characters are well developed, showing their sharp minds, strengths, determination and a few flaws. The description of the deterioration of the once nice suburban community and how that impacts the residents, especially the aging members, was insightful. The story was just a tad slow in the beginning but it did pick up. There were also some back history details that seemed repeated unnecessarily. Still, the twists made this an engaging story and I appreciated that the story had a different character history - which I can’t reveal or it would be a spoiler.

I would be interested to try other stories by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy their mystery/crime thriller with some good twists.

I picked this up last minute from Novel Book Tour for an honest review on tour.

A Killer Past Buy Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | Books-A-Million

Writer, teacher, artist, wife, mother, dog trainer, horse rider, boater. Maris Soule can list an array of occupations and avocations. Even as a writer her 29 published books span a variety of genres and subgenres, ranging from short stories to romances, romantic suspense, and mystery. A two-time RITA finalist, Soule has placed in and won several writing contests. Born and raised in California, Soule and her husband now spend their summers in Michigan and their winters in Florida.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit other Tour Stops for Excerpts, Author Interviews and more:

Monday, July 20, 2015
A Blue Million Books – Author Interview
Christine’s Words – Author Interview
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Fundinmental – Book Review

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
The Book Diva’s Reads – Guest Post
Sexy Between the Covers-Melissa Keir – Spotlight
Tales of a Book Addict – Spotlight

Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Cathie Dunn writes… – Guest Post
Authors’ Cafe – Book Review
Lora Lee – Spotlight

Thursday, July 23, 2015
Christa Reads and Writes – Spotlight
Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf – Book Review

Friday, July 24, 2015
What Readers Want – Spotlight
Finding Fantastical Books – Spotlight
Margo Hoornstra – Writing Inside & Out – Spotlight

Saturday, July 25, 2015
Diane Burton – Adventure and Romance…in this world and beyond – Guest Post & Book Review