Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Sunday, January 22, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 23, 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 completed three (and one midway) books last week and posted four reviews, two with giveaways, and one author guest post. (I was hoping to post five reviews but didn't get the fifth up so this week will likely see five reviews.) As always I posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books and the Sunday post.

I visited a dozen or so blogs last Sunday and Monday but barely any visits later during the week. *Sigh.*

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

It's Monday What are You Reading? January 16, 2012.

Book Review: The Second Sonata by Nathan Patrick Hardt; Contemporary Fiction; my Rating 4.25.

Book Review and 2 Copy Giveaway: A Cold Creek Secret by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25. Ends 1/27.

Guest Post Books and Bellies by Olivia deBelle Byrd, Author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown.

Book Review and Giveaway: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd . Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

Book Review: Smitten Anthology; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 20, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/26.

Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/27.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

The review, author guest post
and Giveaway linked above.

2. Print/Kindle

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

This was a lot of fun to read.
I'll post the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Sourcebooks.

3. Print

The Rook

by Daniel O'Malley

This was sort of wacky action - I liked it.
I'll be posting the review and ARC Giveaway this week.

Reviewing for Little Brown & Co.

Line Edits/Releases: Nothing new this week.

Currently reading:

1. Kindle

Baby, Baby [Family Heirlooms Series Book 1]

by Karen Wiesner

I am halfway through this and it is very engaging!

I really want to learn how they resolve their conflicts.

Product Description Book One Family Heirloom: Accepting God’s will A Proverbs 31 wife wonders, does “submissive” mean giving up having anything of her own?

Thirty-seven-year-old Tamara Wolfe married her childhood sweetheart, Robert, right out of high school and proceeded to have a passel of children who fill her life to capacity. With the last of her children in preschool, Tamara decides to make a business out of her long-time love of creating designer gift baskets. She doesn’t expect Robert to be against it from her first word.

Robert has always prided himself on giving Tamara the option of staying home to raise the children, just as his father did before him. Since birth, it’s been drilled into him that a man who doesn’t provide for his family is the worst kind of loser. What will happen if her business takes off? She won’t have time to take care of the family. Worse, maybe she won’t need him anymore.

Although they’d agreed years before their family was complete, Robert considers that perhaps the cure for Tamara’s restlessness is another baby.

Tamara prays for wisdom. All she wants is a small space of time for herself. Is she being selfish? Or is God leading her to continue being an outdated model of the Proverbs 31 wife--submissive, but never equal?

2. Audio MP3

Grant Me Timely Grace

by Timothy Woods

This is a twisting conspiracy.
I got stalled as my MP3 player died.

I'll get started again this week
when a new player arrives.
Reviewing for Crossroad Press through AudioJukebox.

Product Description

Washington, D.C., June 1863. It is the week before Gettysburg, and the nation's fate hangs in the balance.

[... see more at title link.]

I am preparing these two for next week - February 1, 2012 blog tour stop with mini author Q&A.

3. Print/Kindle

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties)

by Kendra Leigh Castle

Reading for Forever Romance Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Product Description

Two separate worlds . . .

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

4. Print

Firelight (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

Reading for Forever Romance

Paranormal Blog Tour 2/1.

Book Description

Series: Darkest London | Publication Date: January 31, 2012

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

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

[Reading until I get a new player.]

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 am at Leviticus.

Line Edits: I am continuing to work on Smashword and print releases and making special arrangements for a children's book.

January - I had 16 total for January, plus added Audibles. I will probably start at least one of these this week but the others will slide into February.
I am using NetGalley now so the (NG) means NetGalley.

LB&Co
The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

Orbit
(NG) Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan

Others:
(NG) Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Shadow Boxing [Family Heirlooms Series Book 2] 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.
Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2012

Our senior Pastor is still away with his ailing father. Our associate Pastor presented another sermon continuing along the theme of last week that we are only sojourners here. He reminded us that we should leave behind our old ways, our old thoughts and our old memories when we follow Christ. We should not be repeatedly looking in the rearview mirror or looking over our shoulder but rather we should focus our eyes on what lies ahead. If we look behind then the front of the 'board' (surfing, sailing, bicycling, even driving) will veer off track.

Remember that things of this world are on the way out and will give way to a new order. Jesus' call is radical. There will be a cost to abandon all we know and love to follow Him. We must fight against the worldly ways and strive for the greater things that are not of this world.

I was searching for the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and found many good videos.
This one has different verses with the well known chorus.
I liked the additional words so I am sharing this with the traditional hymn words below.

Lyrics:
O soul, are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's a light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

# Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are

His Word shall not fail you - He promised
Believe Him, and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect Salvation to tell

A different version that is called "soaking music" and is extremely soothing can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2dS5ZZ8e8&feature=related

Verses for Today:

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We prayed today, both at church and in our lunch connect gathering, that we might focus on the important things of heaven and make a difference this year to those whose lives we touch.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway January 21, 2012

Hello again SBB fans! Welcome to Saturday --- Sharing Beyond Books!

Thank you for commenting last week.
You guys did a great job of thinking of good occupations! Travel reporter or travel host would offer fun as would being a bookstore owner. Marybelle thought of Guardian Angel which is great choice! Now Louisa - I suppose a mental patient might have free time but I think I would worry about medication and treatment! :-0

I think favorite authors was the biggest influence on purchasing. Price was next. Covers, blurbs and even reviews are factors too. And Mystica has more difficulty than most of us because she has to choose when books are available.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #31 comments is: #4 lag123 (another commenter new to SBB!) There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. lag123 please 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 #32 Questions

Q1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks: What do you wear to bed?? Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper??

A: When I was first married (many years ago) I wore slinky nightgowns. But for the past many years I wear warm pajamas if the bedroom is under 68 degrees (outside below 50) or a night T-shirt if it is warmer. One of mine is an Eeyore looking out of bed at a plateful of cookies saying "I woke up on the right side of bed!" I couldn't find a picture so I choose this one.

Q2. Here is my question: Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??

A: I really do prefer shorter chapters because they tend to be well focused on a point and they let you read quick bits if you only have a short time without stopping in the middle of something. Some authors who really use short chapters are James Patterson, David Baldacci and Margaret Atwood. Do you know other authors who use short chapters?

[photo found at Modern Ekklesia]

~~~~

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 getting low so feel free to send in a Q or 2 or 4! Remember they don't all have to be book related. I'm going to be asking some other questions soon!

Your turn to share:

1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks: What do you wear to bed?? Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper??

2. Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 12 books available plus 2 left in the Summer titles to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)
I love Susan Wigg's historicals!

SBB Rules: a) Must be a follower;
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, January 27 at 10PM central.

Winners of Bossypants and Scrumptious!

Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS!

Giveaways Ended January 20

Giveaway Print Copy of Bossypants

bn100

Giveaway ARC Copy of Scrumptious

Patricia's Particularity

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

Friday, January 20, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Giveaway Pick January 20, 2012

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

Another week has flown by. Even with Monday off I feel like it was a rushed week.
Thank you to all who entered January 13 Pick. There was only one 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). We have a lot of 3x requests so hopefully there will be several automatics next week.

Carol L asked for Rhapsody: A Love Story for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 13 Pick:

lilahshea chose Thinner

Linda H chose Baby and All

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy +plus - I am still low on just sweet.

Here's a new bookshelf to start the year:
Has been read and Will be read!
Found at Style of Design

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!

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 298 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