What are you Reading Monday? April 5, 2010

This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I got to visit a few blogs this week for this meme for the Top Ten meme and for Friday's Blog Hop meme.  Wish I had more time

My circumstances are pretty much the same as last week: lots of books to review; two interviews with Giveaways to prepare and at least three other Giveaways to post soon.  *Sigh*

Finished:



PB:  Death Mill Mansion - A Lighthearted Comehy by Will Hartzell-Baird. This was fun to read something so different and bizarre. Book provided by author.  Giveaway of three copies plus my copy for review coming up soon.

 Kindle2 -  Stopping Time Part 1 by Melissa Marr

I needed a quick read the other day so I read this

which was a free Kindle read.

It is really 3 or 4 chapters so next I will have to read Part 2.

An exciting e-story original sequel to INK EXCHANGE! Leslie walked away from the Dark Court, determined to reclaim her life and live it on her own terms-even if it meant leaving behind the two faeries who love her. She knows Niall and Irial watch over her, and she would give almost anything to keep them from hurting. But she resists the pull to be with either one of them. Someone knows about Leslie-s past, however, and is intent on using her to reach the fey. And he doesn't care who gets hurt.

Audio CD:  -------------

Currently reading:

PB: The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee.
I am 70% complete on this. A fine historical with lots of horse racing history! 
Review (with Giveaway of the ARC copy provided by Sourcebooks) to be posted around the first week of April.
The breathtaking origins of thoroughbred horse racing
A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman’s world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won… and lost…
She’s lonely and neglected, but she knows horses…
Charlotte Wallace is orphaned and alone until a sympathetic stable boy takes her under his wing and teaches her everything about thoroughbred racing. In the process, the two discover in each other a love destined to be thwarted at every turn…
If only he could, he’d take her away with him forever…
Robert Devington has tried everything to persuade Charlotte’s uncle to allow them to marry. Then an ill-fated friendship, a scandal in the making, and one desperate act of folly rob them of their love and his livelihood… Dead set on retribution, all Robert’s hopes are hanging on one small horse—his only chance to reclaim his land, his dignity, and his love, against all odds…

PB (and Audible):  The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
I have this in print to read from Hachette but to speed things along I have just started to listen to it on Audible.

Someone is killing the richest people in the city—and it's the Women's Murder Club's scariest investigation ever.
APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING
At the party of the year, San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle...while someone is watching—waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder.
BUT THE TRUTH CAN BE DEADLY
While Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile killings, someone else is found brutally executed—a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it and soon discovers the victim may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.
LET THE CONFESSIONS BEGIN
As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and Lindsay's partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: Will love destroy all that four friends have built? James Patterson serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations.

Kindle2: King of Swords -A Dom for Christmas by Antonio Tiranth.

I am 40% along on this very fast paced, sexy read.

Lilyrose Munroe has always felt something was missing from her life and on Christmas, she finds that her old teenage crush, Sebastian Alexander, a Dominate is just the one to give it to her.


Audio CD - No audio but have The 8th Confession on Audible to listen to this week. Last week I listened to my Easter Choir songs.  :)

Same old story:  This week I am again committed to writing more reviews!  It could happen!

Upcoming books:

God Never Blinks - 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours by Regina Brett
Review and Hachette Giveaway to be posted soon.

Traction - Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Print Book reading and reviewing for YGR Reviews.
I have three businesses - I wonder why they asked if I wanted to review this one. :o)

The Guise of a Gentleman [The Rogue Heart Series] by Donna Hatch.
I saw this on the review list and couldn't resist!

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kindale -
This is a re-release by Sourcebooks. I can do a giveaway for this ARC too at the end of April or beginning of May.

Top Ten Picks Meme: Fictional Characters

This is a new meme hosted by Jillian at Random Ramblings. The week's (Tuesday to Monday) topic is "Fictional Characters".  I had to think on this a few days. 
Here are the ones I picked - in no particular order although the first five came to mind quicker than the rest.

Several people picked characters from Harry Potter - I picked a different Wizard.
1. Gandalf the Grey from Lord of the Rings.
(Aragorn would be a good choice too.)

2. Chloe from the TV series 24

Just look at this sulk!
She manages the computer sooo well!

3. Sookie Stackhouse from the Vampire Series
by Charlaine Harris. From the book not the TV series.


I'm waiting for the next book due out in May!

4.  Tempe Brennan
from the Bones series
by Kathy Reichs.

Again - the books not the TV series.
She is a wonderful forensic
anthropologist -and very human!

5.  Rachel Morgan from the Hollows series

by Kim Harrison

I have to check my Audible for this

book that was just released.

6.  Yelena and 7. Valek
from the Study trilogy by Maria V. Snyder.

If I forgot that series last week
then it should be added!

I LOVED all three books!

8.  Doc--Delilah Oliver Clementyne the heroine of  Girl Gone Nova
by Pauline Baird Jones
Doc's mission is to do the impossible.
Usually she succeeds!
Sara from The Key, the first book
in the series,  was close behind this choice.

 9. Hawkeye from The Last of The Mohicans

- the 1992 movie.

I like the character.
This is the only movie I liked this actor in.

I had to pin this down because I also like 

John Dunbar (Kevin Costner)
in Dances with Wolves or

The Postman (Kevin Costner)
in The Postman or

Robin Hood (Kevin Costner)
in Robin Hood or

The Mariner (Kevin Costner)
in Water World

But since I was picking the character and not the actor...

10. Lucy Eleanor Moderatz
played by Sandra Bullock in the
Movie While You Were Sleeping
I also liked her character,
Angela Bennett in The Net.
Okay - guess I like quirky characters.

Also rans:
I had these listed but then remembered Yelen and Valek so they got bumped.

11.  Quigley from the Movie

Quigley Down Under

He was a good "cowboy" hero character - 

and I like Tom Selleck! :o)

12.  Dustfinger from  Inkheart by Cornelia Funke -
Again from the book not the movie.

He is an exceedingly flawed character IMHO.

Okay - I will stop now before I think of more. :o)



OHHH - I just remembered another that must be listed:

13. Aloysius Pendergast - The FBI protagonist

from the series by 

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

This is a series that my husband will listen to.

He actually has read the latest before me.

Sunday Words of Encouragment April 4, 2010

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

We had a powerful service today with wonderful Choir songs and a brief but meaningful sermon.
Pastor noted that the Greek word for "finished" is the word a servant would use to say to his master " I have completed the task you assigned me; it is good and ready for inspection."  When Jesus said on the cross "It is finished" He was saying to His father that He had completed the assigned task.  He did it voluntarily - He gave His life; no one took it from Him.  He did it for us.

I spent several hours yesterday looking for the song I wanted for Easter -
I found this song that I had never heard but it presents the meaning of Easter for me!

Words and Music by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Verses for today:
John 10: 17-18

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.

I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.

This command I received from my Father.”

I thank you and praise you Lord for your sacrifice.

Book Blogger Hop April 2, 2010

Well I am a day late again.  My weeks sometimes get too busy!

This meme is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.  I am going to put the button on the sidebar in case I miss posting.  This is a fun meme where lots of  book bloggers and readers connect to find new blogs to read.  It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends!   Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
Her are some of the nice bloggers I met last week:
Puss Reboots
CMash Loves to Read
LOIS GRESH: Paranormal and Speculative Fiction - looks like a busy author!
Zoe Reads - who was really sweet to give my blog an award. Someday I will do an award post. :o)
Draw a Blank (Mandariffic!)
DK'S Everything Books Blog
Bella at Obsessed
Mary at The Sweet Bookshelf (new blog design is very cute!)


Thank you for visiting me - it was nice to meet you.

Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway April 2, 2010

HAPPY EASTER

This post now repeasts except for the change in number of books and deletion of picked books. :o)
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED RULES IN RED BELOW!

I am going to continue to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see each post and the book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 51 books have found new homes! YAY.  When I get down near 100 I will post some new books! :)

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 the Friday Pick Giveaways.

I have posted ten Friday Pick posts with 16 books each.  I will strike out the books as they are chosen. Some of the books may be chosen by winners in the SaSR weekly drawings. So it will be first pick to the one who claims it.  SaSR winners are announced Friday mornings (or afternoon if I get busy!) and it usually takes that person a bit of time to get back to me. That means the Friday Pick winner who is drawn Thursday night will usually get the choice named in their comment as I will have time to remove it from the file list before announcing the winner at SaSR.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, 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.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists (less whichever books might be picked by the comment or SaSR winners each week).  PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM SETTING A NEW CUT OFF TIME AS 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 the next Friday.
ALSO, TO SAVE ME EXTRA WORK, I WILL ASK THE WINNERS TO CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND E-MAIL ME THEIR ADDRESSES at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder over the weekend but I won't be so rushed on Fridays!  So I still recommend that you leave your e-mail especially if you are new and I don't have a way to find it!

Thanks for helping these books find a new home!!

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!

List 1
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Married at Midnight (Anthology) Kathleen Woodiwiss, Jo Beverley, Tanya Anne Crosby & Samantha James
A Jockey's Life by Dick Francis
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Net Force - One is the Lonliest Number by Tom Clancy
Everlasting by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peritti
A Time to Kill by John Girsham
Unlaced by Kristina Cook
Love in Bloom by Shelia Roberts
Tamed by a Laird by Amanda Scott
Jerusalem Vigil by Bodie & Brock Thoene
Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding
Never Seduce a Scoundrel by Sabrina Jeffries
Almost Single by Advaita Kala

Pick#2
Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey
It Had to be you (the Gossip Girl prequel) by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
Lord of a Thousand Nights by Madeline Hunter
On the Run by Iris Johansen
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
Abandon by Carla Neggers
Shadows in the Heart - A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology *PA*
Bait by Karen Robards
The Lighthouse by Mary Schramski
Listen to the Silence by Marcia Muller
Kissing Midnight by Emma Holly
The Lightkeeper by Susan Wiggs (I loved this historical romance and it got me to reading all of Susan Wiggs!)
It's Always Something by Gilda Radner - Gilda's poignant battle with cancer.
11th Hour by Bradley Warshauer

Pick #3
Put Your Dreams First - Handle your [entertainment] business HY[E]B by Thembisa Mshaka
Delivered by Christmas Anthology - Linda Howard, Joan Hohl andSandra Steffen
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
Until Prove Guilty by J.A. Jance
One Night with a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries
Maverick Wild by Stacey Kane
Red Fire by Dierdre Knight
Cloud Nine by LuAnn Rice
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh
The Bartered Bride by Mary Jo Putney
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
Payback by R.I. Kaiser
The Angels of Darkness by Caleb Carr
Dream in Color - How the Sanchez Sisters are Making History in Congress

Pick #4
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Twelve Acres by Barbara Delinsky
Black Ice by Anne Stuart
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
CORRECTION:  This was not The Last of The Mohicans based on the Novel by James Fenimore Cooper - although I do have that;  The book in the group is The Sixth Sense (a book my son left me when he went off to the service).
A Cowboys Redemption by Jeanie Watt (PA)
Three Weeks in Paris by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Tripwire by Lee Child
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
Children of the Wild by Orson Scott Card
Until Death Do Us Part by Christine Mcquire
Warning Signs by Stephen White
The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman
Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee
Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)
The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes
Firestorm by Nevada Barr
Manhunt by Janet Evanovich - Audio CDs
Bloodlines by Dinah McCall (slightly creased "SC")
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Wish You Well by David Baldacci - Audio Tapes
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Ice Hunt by James Rollins
Surrender a Dream by Jill Barnett
Irresistible by Mary Balogh
Misfortune by Nancy Geary
False Prophet by Faye Kellerman
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6
Best Kept Secrets by Sandra Brown - Audio CDs
Demon Rum by Sandra Brown
Tin Man by Dale Brown
Song of the Beast by Carol Berg
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
The Torment of Others by Val McDermid
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith
The Edge of Town by Dorothy Garlock
The Hostage Bride by Jane Feather
Gypsy Lover by Edith Layton
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
The House of Women by Alison G. Taylor
The Healer by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan
Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James
In Her Defense by Stepehn Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
When A Stranger Loves Me by Julianne Maclean (Autographed)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Barbarians of Malka by Justus Roux
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Wedded in a Whirlwind by Liz Fielding (Autographed)
Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey (spine frayed a bit at bottom)
Kisscut by Karen Slaughter - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)
The Janson Directive by Robert Ludlum 

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
The Vision by Heather Graham (sc))
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Fool Me Once by Fern Michaels
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (sc)
Silent Thunder by Iris Johansen (sc)
The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels
Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9
Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes
The Closers by Michael Connelly
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
The Rogue and the Rival by Maya Rodale (Personally Autographed)
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
Her Highness My Wife by Victoria Alexander
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murrray
Darkfall by Stephen Laws
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Grace in Autumn by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt
The Lottery Winner by Mary Higgins Clark
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes
Vanity by Jane Feather

Pick #10
Night by Elie Wiesel
Cruel & Unusual by Patricia Cornwell (slightly creased -sc)
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
Fool's Paradise by Tori Phillips
Deep Black by Stephen Coonts
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodwiss (spine creased)
A Stranger in The House by Gloria Murphy
The Hunter by Gennita Low (sc)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)
Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Aristocrat by Catherine Coulter (I have most of her books and this is a duplicate!)