Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
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GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 15, 2016

Happy Friday.
Thank you for prayers last week. The surgery has been postponed again so we need continuing prayers.
We have had a cold week and spent it staying in our RV.  It's been like camping in the backyard which was sort of fun. Unfortunately our house wifi service didn't reach the coach so I had no internet for three nights. :-(  I missed that even as we enjoyed a couple of quiet nights.
I have set aside another set of books which I hope to photo and post in a week or so.


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 too 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 January 8 Pick. There were two automatic wins again 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 blocked titles, which was won.
AUTO: 
CarolNW gets Richard Paul Evans pair
bn100 gets The Wedding Night

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 8 Pick:
Alyn gets Death Angel
Elizabeth gets To Marry A British Lord, won through a block.

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.}

Let's hope 2016 is a book/year in a million!
Image found at Crystal Graphics.

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
(I was getting ready to leave the office and realized I hadn't taken the photo of the books yet.
I took this very quickly. I may try to get another next week but this will have to do for now.)

PAIRS
Joan Johnston – Colter’s Wife and The Rivals
Nora Roberts – Born in Ice and Carnal Innocence
SINGLES
The Wedding Night by Jane Ann Krentz
The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley
In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy
Into the Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Never Look Back by Linda Lael Miller
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver – CD Audiobook
Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)
Driven by Desire by LuAnn McLane (personally autographed)
To Marry a British Lord by Judith Obrien
A Highlander For Christmas by Sandy Blair
A Midnight Clear by Katherine Stone (slight seam creasing)
Silver Bells by JoAnn Ross, Fern Michaels, Mary Burton, Judy Duarte


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
The Bride Thief by Susan Spencer Paul
Bride by Stella Cameron (Seam creasing) (*)
An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley (*)
Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton
The Maiden Bride by Linda Needham (hardback)
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


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

ANTHOLOGIES:
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:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

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

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015


SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

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 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
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
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 918+ 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, January 14, 2016

Book Review: The Feral Sentence: Part One by G. C. Julien

This is a fast paced, engaging story introducing a different dystopian series.
The Feral Sentence: Part One
by G. C. Julien
  • File Size: 425 KB
  • Print Length: 60 pages
  • Publication Date: December 12, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • ASIN: B019BDTNV8
Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Novella
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0



The year is 2087, and the federal government has implemented a new sentence for criminal convictions—banishment to a remote island.

When Lydia Brone is wrongly convicted of murder, she is sentenced to three years on Kormace Island. She must forget all she’s ever heard about life in prison and develop the necessary skills to survive in the wild and defend herself against savage enemies—other felons who will fight for their rightful place within the island's hierarchy system by means of violence and sheer brutality.


Review:
Lydia is an everyday teenage girl who has been convicted of murder and sentenced to three years on a remote penal Island. When she is dropped off she quickly realizes this is no ordinary prison facility. In fact there is no facility – only other felons trying to survive the wilderness and each other.

Lydia is quickly surrounded by a band of wild looking women who escort her to a camp where they will try to discover what skill she can offer the clan. She isn’t an athlete and doesn’t have any particularly handy talents like doctoring or wilderness survival. Initially she is given a menial task to learn. She is struggling to fit in and to make friends when the camp comes under attack from an enemy clan. When several warriors are injured in the battle, Lydia is assigned a more crucial task which she will have to learn as she goes.

This is the introduction to the series leaving much to develop. I enjoyed the different plot full of action, danger and irony. Lydia is not a particularly talented heroine so it will be interesting to see how the story develops. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dystopian and survival stories.

I received this novella from the author for an honest review.



Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Book Review: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9) by Darynda Jones

Another engaging installment in this fun series although the forward movement is a small step.
by Darynda Jones

File Size: 1471 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (January 12, 2016)
ASIN: B00V36ODVM
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her-even from her new and trusted friends-the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.


Review:
Charley has found herself in Sleepy Hollow, New York, with no memory of who, or what, she is. She has been hired as a waitress at the local diner and is glad to have found a friend in another waitress, Cookie. Cookie is there with her new husband, Robert. There are regulars at the diner including, Garrett, Osh and the devastatingly handsome and alluring, Reyes. There are others too, including a few that Charley, aka “Janey”, recognizes as ghosts although she doesn’t want to acknowledge that she can see them.

Janey is hounded a bit by Ian, the local cop who first found her. Ian seems the hardest one to convince that they are no more than friends. Janey is determined to pay her own way until she can recall who she is. Others have offered help and she will borrow the car from her elderly neighbor because she can do errands for her and bring her groceries. But she won’t take actual gifts, even from Reyes as he shows sincere concern for her and they grow closer.

As usual form, Janey/Charley has a few mysteries to solve, including an evil spirit that is killing children of another co-worker and a neighbor businessman whose family has been taken hostage as a crew of Russians digs under his building to another neighboring building. Janey doesn’t want to expose the family to danger so she tells “Bobert” (Cookie’s hubby, Robert) in hopes he can find an unobtrusive way to help. Janey may be able to solve the local problems but she doesn’t recognize the larger danger stalking her.

I really enjoyed having all the usual characters surrounding Charley even though they wouldn’t let her know her background. They are supposedly keeping an eye on her with team tag surveillance but somehow she slips through the cracks. It was a surprise, and emotional moment, how she finally regains her memory.

I think this one could have used a little more backstory earlier to refresh my memory from book eight, but the gap was filled in later so all was fine. The book is full of the usual Charley snarkiness, complete with coffee addiction, T-shirt and internet quotes, and, of course, lust for Reyes.There is even a headless horseman. For the most part I enjoyed the action, the upheaval of emotion, danger and the underlying sense of love even during the balancing of good versus evil.There is still mystery and danger to be unraveled in future books.

What I didn’t enjoy was the totally unnecessary use of the “F” word. Really? What does that add that the author and editors feel it has to be included? Yuck. I keep hoping it will stop but I guess not. I either live with it and keep reading or say “that’s enough” and find some other series to read/listen to. I am glad I received this from Net Galley for review so I wasn’t paying for that language.

This is the first time I have read a Charely Davidson novel instead of listening. Although I missed Lorelei King’s wonderful narration, I was able to hear a lot of it in my mind so I’m not sorry I snagged this for review while I could. I do recommend the book and series as good entertainment, just with the caution that it does contain language that is offensive to some of us.

I received this through NetGalley. Title Release date 1/12/16. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge and TBR Triple Dare.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Post January 10, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 11, 2016



I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

My work week was busy but not crazy. We are settling into the new year. Weather was warmer but going cold again Sunday and Monday nights. We are spending a few nights in our RV since it is smaller to keep warm and we have a new memory foam mattress. :-)
Reading was enjoyable and I finished four books, 3 ebooks and 1 audio. I posted five reviews (three in one), the usual memes and one new 'challenge' post.


I enjoyed visiting early in the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

Finished Reading:
1 eBook/Kindle


The Colossus
by Ranjini Iyer
Good action but strange heroine.
Review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




2. eBook/Kindle (NG)


The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9)
by Darynda Jones
Another good installment.
I will post the review in time for Release date 1/12/16.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible/MP3


Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1
Written by: Anthony Vicino
Narrated by: Adam Verner

This has some good twists!
I received this audio title from the author
Click on book title for full description.



4. eBook/Kindle


The Feral Sentence: Part One
by G. C. Julien
This is an interesting beginning to a series.
I received this novella from the author for review.
The year is 2087, and the federal government has implemented a new sentence for criminal convictions—banishment to a remote island.

When Lydia Brone is wrongly convicted of murder, she is sentenced to three years on Kormace Island. She must forget all she’s ever heard about life in prison and develop the necessary skills to survive in the wild and defend herself against savage enemies—other felons who will fight for their rightful place within the island's hierarchy system by means of violence and sheer brutality.




Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)


Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3)
by Alison May
I am looking forward to enjoying one last Christmas story.
Received through NetGalley.
Real Christmas miracles only ever happen in the movies – don’t they?
When Jessica was fifteen, she shared the perfect kiss with a mystery boy at a Christmas party. It might have only lasted a moment, and the boy might have disappeared shortly afterwards but, to Jessica, it was just a little bit magic.
Fourteen years later, and Jessica is faced with a less than magical Christmas after uncovering her husband’s secret affair. And, whilst she wouldn’t admit it, she sometimes finds herself thinking about that perfect Christmas kiss, back when her life still seemed full of hope and possibility.
But she never would have guessed that the boy she kissed in the kitchen all those years ago might still think about her too …



2. Audible/ MP3


Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives
Written by: RAF Police Flight Sergeant Will Barrow, Isabel George
Narrated by: James Langton
This caught my attention.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
"With some dogs you share a boil-in-the-bag breakfast and maybe a blanket on a cold desert floor. Some you wouldn't leave in charge of your Grandma unless you wanted to find out just how fast the old girl could run. But if you're very, very lucky, there will be the one dog you would lay down your life for - and for me that dog is Buster."
Buster, an English springer spaniel who has served his comrades and his country with unstinting devotion, has saved thousands of lives. This is the story of his partnership with RAF Police Sergeant Will Barrow, told by Will himself, describing how each came to save the other's life. It is a relationship that produced some heroic feats - including sniffing out explosive vests that led to the arrests of two suicide bombers - in the dust and desert heat of Afghanistan and beyond.
Buster, uniquely, has served five tours of duty in three theaters of war (Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan) - more than any other military dog. He also won the prestigious Crufts Friends for Life Award in 2012 and has gone on to become the official lifetime mascot of the RAF Police, the only dog in history to have been honored in that manner. A best friend in dog's clothing, an RAF dog with his mossy feet firmly on the ground, Buster is truly a dog in a million.
©2015 Will Barrow (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG)


Night Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder
I am looking forward to continuing this series 
that I really enjoy.
I received this through NetGalley.
New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek…secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.


January 3, 2016
We start again "In the Beginning" reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.


I posted all reviews for last week plus one for this week, so I am starting out up to date. 
I am thinking I may try to get ahead... such a dream for me.



NetGalley friends:
eTreasures added another book to our NetGally account. This will also be releasing later this month:

King's Reign 
by Joy Brooks
Book two of the King Trilogy

Fantasy, General Fiction




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 titles for review, one audio and one through NetGalley.
I resisted purchases now for 9 days.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives
Written by: RAF Police Flight Sergeant Will Barrow, Isabel George
Narrated by: James Langton
This sounds so good!
See Current Reading above for full description.

AND I got this eBook through Forever Romance from NetGalley:
by Piper J. Drake
Forever Romance (Releasing 1/26/16)
Romantic Suspense/Military hero (and note the dog too).


Won

NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free

Over the past week I added (only) 49 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.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 10, 2016

We continued our Sunday School study in Romans with an air of expectancy for transitions we believe to be coming. Our teacher reminded us that Paul was writing to the Roman church where none of the disciples had yet been to visit. Paul’s message is to not be slothful or lazy, not be lagging in diligence; don’t get complacent, don’t get burned out. Romans 12:11-12.

There are many things that might lead us to be less than diligent instead of intentional about relationship with God. We experience exasperation. We are sidetracked by worldly concerns. We allow ourselves to become overloaded, even doing good sometimes. We can be misled by worldly propaganda and lies that cause discouragement and loss of enthusiasm. Even prosperity can lead to complacency.

Paul tells the Romans, and us, to endure and persevere; push beyond complacency as well as hardship. We need to stay focused, to stay in the word and prioritize with prayer and worship. We need to keep ourselves fueled and aflame. We need to examine ourselves, which is good advice for a new year. Examining can be like stoking or prodding a banked, quiet fire to renew the flame. Poking our own lives can renew our zeal, devotion and enthusiasm for our Christian walk and sharing the good news. We hopefully will find that enthusiasm leads to fulfillment!

Our Pastor continued his message on fasting and praying. He noted that habits can be good or bad, but they can still be and addiction. An addiction is “a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity”. A Christian can define this as any compulsion that pulls us away from our relationship with God. We are to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5. Or as Jesus notes in the new testament: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” We do not have to try in our own human strength as we now can turn our minds to that love and rely on the strength of Christ.

The church is full of former sinners. 2 Corinthians 5:17. We all need to bring our bodies and minds into subjection; to confess weakness and choose God. Only then can we be transformed by the good news (Grace) of Jesus Christ.

Here is a song I have loved for years and seemed good for a new year song.
Verses for Today:
Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Lord – now, in this new year, (and always), help me stay focused on my relationship with You and sharing Your Love and good news to others.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Sharing Beyond Books #235 January 9, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We had a nice, if short, visit from my sister, her husband and two of my nephews. I hope to see them again as they travel back across Florida.
Our weather has warmed a little again but we still have rain.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

(Fredamans added to last week's comments that she just got a new computer with Windows 10 and likes it so far.)
I was a little surprised that six people do not use FB at all. Seven people do follow some businesses, three of which mentioned local companies and two mentioned following products. Three of us follow book related sites and I am surprised that number wasn't higher.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #234 comments is: #12 Becky 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #235
(One Question.)
Becky asks: 1) What books did you hate reading in school?
 Although I can't say I ever "hated" reading, the first book that came to mind that I didn't like was War and Peace although I can't honestly say why except it was long and about war. Then I did a little research to try to recall what books I might have been asked to read in high school (almost 50 years ago). I found this list of 21 classics which is consistent with titles I recall. I read all of these but three (Their Eyes Were Watching God, Heart of Darkness and The Crucible). I found this list of 23 books you should have read in high school. From this list I have not read Mrs. Dalloway, As I Lay Dying, The Bell Jar and Metamorphosis. Of those I did read, I remember that I did not like Waiting for Godot.
Here is one more, longer, list. I didn't like reading Dickens in High School although I came to appreciate him later.
Image found at Great! Kids.

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.

Your turn to share:
Becky asks: 1) What books did you hate reading in school?

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 January 16, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: The Colossus by Ranjini Iyer

There is action, adventure and danger in this medical mystery/suspense.
The Colossus
by Ranjini Iyer

File Size: 745 KB
Print Length: 254 pages
Publisher: HighLine Editions; New edition (February 7, 2015)
ASIN: B016TX3HWE
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


Maxine Rosen, a demure, clumsy, Chicago caterer gets more than she bargains for when she discovers her father’s coded research document linked to health pills unearthed from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The pills, she learns, carry frightening secrets about the true nature of her father’s death; a truth that may be more than she can bear. Enlisting the help of handsome professor Julian McIntosh, Max travels across the continents to unlock the mystery of her father’s research, struggling to keep one step ahead of a powerful German pharmaceutical company who will stop at nothing to keep the disturbing document under wraps.


Review:
Maxine Rosen is a superb cook who struggles with her own weight. She hopes to make a success of the catering business she is building in Chicago. She was young when her mother died and hurt by her alcoholic father’s apparent suicide. Max is surprised when a scientist friend of her father arrives and implies that her father’s death may not have been suicide. Lars begins to explain a little about the research that her father had been working on and asks if Max can help decode the research papers. Lars and Max are threatened by a thug who takes papers he thinks are part of the research. Lars returns home to London leaving a trail of questions.

Max seeks help at a local University and meets handsome professor, Julian McIntosh. Julian is intrigued by the history involving an ancient civilization and begins to help Max gather information. Although Julian has been in a long time relationship, he is drawn to Max and finds her full figure attractive.

Max sets off to London trying to track down mysteries. Julian follows when she calls in a panic. The two set off following clues and trying to gather intel as they try to avoid the thug and a second enemy who is trying to capture any secrets they uncover.

The medical mystery plot-line includes engaging action, adventure and danger. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for Max’s squeamish, mostly wimpy, character. Her reactions were just this side of hysterical and nonsensical to me. Every once in a while she showed some sense and bravery, but usually I was struck by her weakness and stupidity. So – she didn’t work for me. Julian was an okay character although he delayed telling the truth of his status.

The writing moves fairly well with occasional spurts of strong description. The feel of the story is action adventure with a determined, if clumsy and wimpy, heroine. The medical issue is an interesting theory and the author adds notes at the end as supporting research. This book would be good for those who are interested by the mystery and adventure nature. There are many more positive reviews at Amazon so I suggest checking those and perhaps reading the “look inside” to get a feel for the book.

I received this for review last spring but it got lost in email. This is part of my TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 8, 2016

Happy Friday.
I hope everyone had a great first week in "Sweet 2016".
We had a busy beginning to the new year, which is consistent with our business. 
Our weather has been cold -- for us.  We are anticipating family visitors for Friday and Saturday.
We have a special prayer need in the extended family so I will appreciate prayers for safe, successful surgery this coming week.
I expect to spend the rest of today planning my reading and setting up Challenge posts for 2016 - fun stuff. :-)

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 too 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 January 1 Pick. There was only one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no blocked titles.
AUTO: 
Rubynreba gets It Had to Be You

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 1 Pick:
Marjorie gets a GC
Rita gets Into the Valley

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.}
Do you ever feel that life is circular. 
Image found at Bustle.

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
(I was getting ready to leave the office and realized I hadn't taken the photo of the books yet.
I took this very quickly. I may try to get another next week but this will have to do for now.)

PAIRS
Joan Johnston – Colter’s Wife and The Rivals
Nora Roberts – Born in Ice and Carnal Innocence
SINGLES
The Wedding Night by Jane Ann Krentz
The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley
In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy
Into the Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Never Look Back by Linda Lael Miller
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver – CD Audiobook
Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)
Driven by Desire by LuAnn McLane (personally autographed)
To Marry a British Lord by Judith Obrien
A Highlander For Christmas by Sandy Blair
A Midnight Clear by Katherine Stone (slight seam creasing)
Silver Bells by JoAnn Ross, Fern Michaels, Mary Burton, Judy Duarte


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
The Bride Thief by Susan Spencer Paul
Bride by Stella Cameron (Seam creasing) (*)
An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley (*)
Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton
The Maiden Bride by Linda Needham (hardback)
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


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

ANTHOLOGIES:
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:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

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

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015


SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

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 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
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
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 913+ 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, January 7, 2016

Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul

Treat yourself to this delightful, magical read!
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella
by Donita K. Paul
  • File Size: 432 KB
  • Print Length: 242 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)
  • Sold by: Random House LLC
  • ASIN: B003EI2EIQ
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.
This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?


Review:
Cora has accepted her lone life style having successfully removed herself from her negative family environment. She is preparing for Christmas with careful shopping, including a gift for the person whose name she selected at her work department. Her hunt for the right gifts has her stumbling upon a hidden shopping area on Sage Street and an unusual bookshop called Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s. While making her selections she is surprised when her boss’ boss, Simon Derrick, appears in the store. Cora arrives home and discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball in her bag and she isn’t sure what to make of it.

All the young women at work show some interest in Simon, their handsome co-worker, but he is totally oblivious to the women in the office. Simon is surprised to see Cora at an obscure bookstore, but he is pleased when she helps with a gift recommendation. Simon arrives home to his warm, loving family. He is prepared to read a story to his specially challenged sister, Sandy. When he discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball, Sandy declares her desire to go with him.

Cora and Simon keep bumping into each other and Cora agrees to give her ticket so Simon can take Sandy to the ball. The mysterious matchmakers at the bookstore and the antique costume store are set on making sure that Simon and Cora go to the old fashioned ball but they didn’t realize they would have to work so hard to get this off beat pair together.

We found this quickly moving story absolutely charming. Cora is no social butterfly and Simon is no playboy – far from it. They are loners who are good people who deserve to find loves of their own. Simon’s family members, especially Sandy, are lovely characters who add to the story with their warm personalities. The bookstore and costume dress crew are fun old men and ladies who have special skills at matchmaking. Their work with this pair will face a few challenges including Cora’s sister who makes an unexpected and unwelcome visit.

Although some might think it strange to include magical elements in a Christian story the author presents them as part of God’s ‘fantastical’ creation. It didn't bother me at all and the faith messages are sweet and simply shared.

All of the ladies in book club agreed that this was a delightful read. We are interested in trying other works by Ms. Paul. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light, fun romance with a touch of Godly magic.

This title was our Ladies Book Club in December. I had picked up inexpensive, irregular print copies for my friends and I was lucky to find the ebook on sale!
(If I can get a copy back from one of my ladies, I'll add a giveaway. Unfortunately the discounted prices are all gone.)

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