Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 20, 2015

Happy Colder Friday! I thought it was cold last Friday at 27 but today (Thursday) our low was 24! and Friday morning it may get down to 25F degrees again.  I guess I should just bundle and not complain since many Mid and NE states are below 0 and the lowest temperature on Thursday in the contiguous US was -42 at Cotton, MN. No wonder only 60 people live there.  I hope everyone is able to cozy up to a good book whether cold or hot across the globe!

TO ENTER:

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. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the February 13 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There was one title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 13 Pick:
Mary P gets a GC 

Linda gets Queen of Babble

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.}

Cuddle up with a good book!

Image found at Norfolk Reading Council.

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

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
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)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
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
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
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 769+ 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!

Book Review: The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup by David S. Brody

This is a twisted mystery with likable characters.

The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup

(Book #4 in Templars in America Series)

by David S. Brody

• File Size: 3771 KB
• Print Length: 283 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0990741303
• Publisher: Eyes That See Publishing (September 24, 2014)
• ASIN: B00NW13QTG
• Genre: Mystery, Historical Theories
• My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 2014

A mysterious race of North American giants.

An ancient Hebrew inscription in a Cherokee burial mound.

A blood oath made by blindfolded Freemasons.

Are these three historical oddities the reason the CIA is trying to brainwash historian Cameron Thorne and his fiancée Amanda Spencer-Gunn? The answer lies buried in the legends of the Knights Templar, within the rituals of the secretive Freemasons and, most significantly of all, inside the bowels of the Smithsonian Institution. The problem for Cam and Amanda? If they go rummaging around the Smithsonian, they may find themselves buried alongside the ancient giants.

Review:
Cameron Thorne, a semiretired lawyer, and his fiancée, Amanda Spencer-Gunn, a museum curator, love researching history. Cam has done some deep studies regarding the Templar Knights, but they currently are delving into America archaeological sites that indicate that there were people on American soil before Columbus. Cam is searching one thread of study that indicates that Phoenicians and/or Vikings had left their mark. Amanda is researching another thread that shows evidence of giants having lived in America and perhaps having mated with native Indians. Both Cam and Amanda have run into blocks to their studies, either by way of suppressed or destroyed evidence or prior historians who have been discredited.

A retired CIA agent, Randall, has sought Cam out to tell him that he is being targeted by a CIA program designed to brainwash people. Randall explains that there has been a secretive but ongoing division of the CIA, known as the MK-Ultra, which has been dedicated to brainwash techniques since the early 1950s. As Cam begins to worry about how and why they are coming after him, he also has to deal with some brutal Chinese who kidnap and attack him because he was given a bronze artifact they think is valuable.

Mr. Brody covers a lot of fascinating archaeological and historical detail as well as political issues regarding the balance between public safety, government control and individual privacy and rights. These details are woven into a twisted plot that kept me lightly puzzling and chuckling. At times the characters and themes seem to be running in circles like an Abbott and Costell skit of “Whose on first? What's on second?” which is even mentioned by Cam to Randall.

The story flows well with good humor and nice relationship situations developed around Cam, Amanda and their very bright foster child, Astarte. There is a good mix of history, mystery, action all with a little romance. There is a wonderful scene where Amanda takes on the Chinese thugs, fairing much better then Cam did. I also liked the archaeological images that are shared throughout the book, supporting the historical arguments.

I enjoyed the fun action and sweet relations. I recommend this to readers who enjoy history and mystery.

I received this ebook from New Shelves Distribution for an honest review.

Sharing Beyond Books #190 Comment Giveaway February 17, 2015 (delayed from 2/14/15)

Hello again on Saturday Tuesday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Sorry for the delayed post this week. We made a last minute trip in the RV to join our daughter and grandson for his baseball tournament. I forgot the mobile hotspot and had no internet. But it was worth it since we had a really good time with family in a very nice state park.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Three commenters definitely would not read a book that contained blurb or excerpt errors; four probably would not, especially if noticeable errors; three people wouldn't allow errors to deter them and nine of us might read depending on things such as whether it is an ARC, review book, paid for purchase, whether the errors are systemic and repetitive, and depending on moods.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #189 comments is: #11 Fredamans 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 #190 (One Question.)

Q1. Jess1 asks:   What fictional book do you remember having a big impact on you as a young teenager??

A: Young teenager -- that is so long ago and hard to remember. I did love horse stories before I was a teen. I remember loving detective stories like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew as a tweeny I think. Then came a time of reading Camelot, King Arthur and Merlin. But as a young teen I discovered Mary Stewart with the movie and book: Moonspinners. That is when I really got hooked on reading! And - I think I still have a Mary Stewart book that I have carried in a small box of books since high school!

Image found at Goodreads

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! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Jess1 asks: What fictional book do you remember having a big impact on you as a young teenager??

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. I still have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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 through Saturday February 21, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams

I really enjoyed this cute, sweet story.
Accept This Dandelion
by Brooke Williams
*Fun Fact: Brooke was also a radio host just like her heroine!

• File Size: 366 KB
• Print Length: 206 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 150616255X
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Prism Book Group (February 4, 2015)
• ASIN: B00R54MUXY

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2015
Renee Lockhart has her eye on a lofty goal…to fill the open position of morning radio show host at the station where she works. When her co-workers sign her up for a local TV version of The Bachelor, Renee goes along with it in order to raise her profile.
Upon seeing her bumbling audition, Ben McConnell, one of the most eligible bachelors in town, insists that Renee be placed on the show. But Ben gets much more than he expected in Renee… he gets a girl who can’t seem to do anything right…and a girl he can’t seem to resist.

Review:
Renee is a naturally lovely person, attractive inside and out. Her friends and co-workers at the radio station know that she has worked hard and hasn’t done much dating so they sign her up for a local TV version of The Bachelor. Renee doesn’t expect to find love but she hopes that she can put on a good appearance to the audience gaining recognition that could help her get the open position as the important morning radio show co-host.

Renee is different from the other a flawless model contestents. She bravely portrays more of the natural girl she is. Her less than perfect interview answers grab the attention of the bachelor who has remained secret. He tells the producer to keep her in the running and even takes one of her answers to rename the show to “Accept This Dandelion”.

Handsome and wealthy Ben McConnell is one of the town’s most sought after bachelors. He has decided this TV show will give him the chance to look for a serious relationship that could help him to dispel his playboy reputation. Although most of the female contestants are gorgeous, shining beauties he really hopes to find someone who shines from the inside too.

Initially Renee isn’t interested in the sort of man Ben is rumored to be, but she soon learns there is more substance to him and finds herself falling for him. Renee manages to do something accidentally bumbling in every episode. Although the producer is frustrated by her, Ben find’s her genuine character surprising and endearing. Ben and Renee clearly have a strong attraction but he is restricted by the show to act upon it and the further along things go the more she realizes that she should guard her heart.

But Renee has kept back a secret that could change Ben’s attitude and break Renee’s heart. Can the pair get past the glitz and rules of the show to begin, or continue, an honest relationship?

Renee’s bumbling incidents are fun and create good opportunity to expose more of the characters. Even though it is clear there will be a clash to pull the two apart, it was still fun to see the reactions and the recovery, which was charmingly done.  Although I noted a couple of repetitions and typo errors they did not detract from my enjoyment.The writing flows well and reads quickly. I really enjoyed the cute, sweet story and I would enjoy reading more by Ms. Williams. I recommend this as a fun, light, easy romance.

I received this ebook through RockStar PR for an honest review. It is A in the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 16, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a good, if rather strange week.  Mid-week we decided to take the motor home for a test run to be with our daughter and family for our grandson's baseball tournament. I had to spend some extra time getting things sorted and packed. Then I had to leave my office early with things on my desk that I had hoped to get done. *Sigh* They things will be there on Monday. :-) 

I enjoyed the reading. I finished three books and started two more.  I posted two reviews, and have two ready but was out of town with no internet. I posted the usual memes. 

I did visit early in the week and a little more in mid-week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 9, 2015.

• Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.

• GUEST POST: Author's Hilarious Tips for Married Women to Survive Valentine's Day

• Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 13, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/19/15.

• Sharing Beyond Books Delayed as out of town.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 15, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP4

Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Narrated by: Reneé Raudman
I enjoyed this sweet historical romance.
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup
(Book #4 in Templars in America Series)
by David S. Brody
This has entertaining twists. I have the review ready and will post it this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Accept This Dandelion
by Brooke Williams
This was really a fun read.
I will post the review as part of
RockStar PR tour on 2/17.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1.eBook/Kindle

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne
I finally started this! I like this author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery
Written by: James R. Callan
Narrated by: Jonathan Mumm
I am finding this interesting and I like Father Frank.
I am half way through.
I received this title for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Arsonists have torched two churches in a small Texas town, plunging its residents into a state of fear. Father Frank DeLuca, pastor of Prince of Peace Church, is thrust into an impossible dilemma when he hears that another church will be burned. The disturbing information comes to him via the confessional, and church law forbids him from telling anyone - even the police. Still, he can't sit idly by, and no law prevents him from looking into the matter himself. The crimes have set the town's residents on edge, fraying the bonds of trust. Is the mysterious newcomer with ties to the local drug scene involved? What about the man who says maybe the churches deserved to burn? Or the school drop-out who threatens the priest with a knife. Father Frank digs deeper into the town's secrets when a man is murdered. His investigation leads him dangerously close to the drug scene and he discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?
Cleansed by Fire is the first of the Father Frank Mysteries.
©2012 James R. Callan (P)2014 James R. Callan

3. eBook/Kindle

What a Devilish Duke Desires
by Vicky Dreiling
I am reading this for Forever Romance. 
Review and giveaway to post 2/24.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS
Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle's title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it's all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.
LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?
Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome-not to mention wealthy-duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man's trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry's scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn't change it first.

4. Audible/MP4

Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller
I received this title for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Eighteen-year-old Sage Hannigan wants to get back to her own time, preferably one that hasn't been destroyed by an underworld plot brewing in Edwardian-era South Carolina. How hard can it be?
Sage never asked to be chosen by the Druid Priestess, Amerach, to become a Warper and she never asked to have the future hanging on her shoulders or to warp a hundred years into the past. She certainly never asked to meet Dr. Aldwin Blake, who would make her question her desire to get back to her own time. But if she fails her mission, people will die, history will change, and the present she wishes to return to will be no more.
©2012 Peggy Martinez (P)2014 Peggy Martinez

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. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
2/17/15 Rock Star PR Tour/Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
2/24/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I again have two reviews to complete from this week.
I'll be reading one NetGalley title this week and have three more for this month. 
I also have some author titles I hope to get to this month.

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 received two audio review titles.
I downloaded 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 these two titles from Audible through Audiobook Jukebox.

Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery
Written by: James R. Callan
Narrated by: Jonathan Mumm
Mystery.

Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 42 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.