Review and Giveaway - Three Copies of ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL

Title: ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL

Author: James Patterson, Richard Dilallo

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (April 6, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0446561800
• ISBN-13: 978-0446561808

Rating: 5.0

Description from Author's site:
Alex Cross tells the incredible story—passed down through the generations—of an ancestor's courageous fight for freedom.

SEPARATED BY TIME
From his grandmother, Alex Cross heard the story of his great-uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a book he's written—a novel called Trial.

CONNECTED BY BLOOD
A lawyer in early-1900s Washington, D.C., Ben Corbett fights against oppression and racism—and risks his family and his life in the process. When President Theodore Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his hometown to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

UNITED BY BRAVERY
In Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful daughter, Moody. With their help, Ben discovers that lynchings have become commonplace. Ben vows to break the reign of terror—but the truth of who is really behind it may break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and unparalleled bravery.

REVIEW: This was an awesome story depicting Ku Klux Klan brutality, racial hatred and the atmosphere of fear that reigned in southern communities in the early 1900s. 

Do not be misled by the average rating at Amazon. Apparently a lot of Alex Cross fans were outraged that the book was not about Alex Cross but used his name in the title.  I agree that the title “Alex Cross’s” Trial was strange, but the book description indicates that it is not an Alex Cross mystery. Rather it is presented as a book written by Alex Cross.

Ben Corbitt is sent by Presidential order to investigate the truth of lynching activities in his home town of Eudora, Mississippi.  Ben is a sensitive Washington, D.C. lawyer who has bypassed legal fame and fortune to devote himself to helping the poor and oppressed. There is an interesting side story dealing with Ben’s martial trouble as his wife objects to his failure to seek monetary success instead of the path he has chosen. But duty calls and Ben heads off not realizing the terror he will face.

Abraham Cross has been directed to assist Ben and he shows Ben around the “Quarters” where the blacks live in dilapidated shacks. Then Abraham takes him to the stately homes of the wealthy whites with the nearby lynching trees that are set up for “entertainment” during the brutal punishment and murders. Abraham’s young granddaughter, Moody, is stubborn, resentful and belligerent.  These three characters exhibit extreme bravery facing a hostile community.

Ben knew he would not have a warm welcome from his estranged father.  Unfortunately, Ben  slowly discovers that he may not be able to trust any of his old childhood friends as he finds them
deceiving him and in cahoots with the very men who threaten to kill the “upstart” blacks and Ben.

Several incidents of beatings and murder go unheeded. Finally three white men are arrested and charged with murder when they are caught red handed during an attack against Abraham and his family in his own home.  I was distressed by the complete injustices during the ensuing trial and not real thrilled with the Presidential response. On the other hand, it all fit with the times and the story.

I was fascinated and horrified by this descriptive, up close and personal, account of beatings and lynchings. The story gives insight into possible fears of the white men and women that resulted in their horrible treatment of black people during this turbulent time. It opened my eyes and made me think more about the injustices suffered by the blacks and the white people who were willing to try to help them. "Gripping" is an apt description for this story.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY - THREE WINNERS:

1.a) Tell me if you know of another book that you would recommend that depicts these racial struggles. Or
b) Check out the video of the author on this book and comment on it.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Three total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

THANK YOU AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND VALERIE for providing the book for me to read and providing the books for Giveaway!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on June 11, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway May 28, 2010

Here is set #13 of "new" Used books!

Immortal Sins by Amanda Ashley
Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
Flamingo Diner by Sherryl Woods
Death Cruise (St. Martin's True Crime Library) by Don Davis
Bed of Roses (Topaz Historical Romance, Je 519) by Suzanne Simmons
The Angel by Carla Neggers
Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman
The Bone Garden: A Novel  by Tess Gerritsen
Atonement by Ian McEwan
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
First, Best And Only by Barbara Delinsky
The Outside Man by Richard North Patterson
The Night We Met: The Panty Raid\Frame By Frame\Three Wishes (Harlequin Signature Select) Anthology
Pamela Morsi, Karen Kendall and Colleen Collins

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read.  Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!"  Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....
Group #12
The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson
A Case of Need by Michael Crichton
First King of Shannara (Shannara Trilogy, Prequel)  by Terry Brooks
Seal Team Oneby Dick Couch
Motion to Suppress by Perri O'Saughnessy
Presumption of Death by Perri O'Saughnessy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver
Pandemic by Daniel Kalla
Lethal Practice by Peter Clement
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Burning Man by Phillip M. Margollin
Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt
The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case
Death Takes Passage (Alaska Mysteries) by Sue Henry
The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, Book 1) by Stephen King


Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Rainbow in the Mist by Phyllis Whitney
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Taking the Fifth by J.A.Jance
Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen
Reckless by Amanda Quick
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Swan Road by Rebecca Brandewyne
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Faery Magic Anthology (This has a red mark across the front where the book store marked it)
Looking Back by Belva Plain
The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly
Rainmaker by John Grisham - Audio Tapes
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (Oops - better make sure my daughter has read this one!)
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy

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 70 books have found new homes! YAY.  I pulled a couple of hardbacks and larger books as the postage cost was prohibitive. 

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 originally 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 Loneliest 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!)

Winners of Friday Pick May 21, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Winners of Friday Pick May 21, 2010

Terri C. chose Gypsy Lover

And

Kara chose Cloud Nine.

Please email me with your mailing addresses and whether you want any bookmarks or just sweet and sensual.

Review and Giveaway - Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine

Title: Iron Man 2
Author: Alexander Irvine
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (April 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0446564583
ISBN-13: 978-0446564588

Hard to rate - For literature it would be lower but for fun, entertaining read I’ll be generous and give it a 3.75.

    Product Description

    "I am Iron Man." With those words, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark revealed his secret identity. Now a famous high-tech superhero, he uses his powers to protect mankind. Yet things are not going well for Tony Stark. The U.S. military demands control of the most powerful weapon on earth--the Iron Man suit. His beautiful new assistant has a strange, mysterious agenda while his best friend, Rhodey, has betrayed him. And Tony is hunted by a vengeful Russian criminal armed with a lethal technology that may be stronger than Tony's suit. But even as he fights his demons, the hero faces his greatest threat--one that no armor can defend against . . .

REVIEW: This is a fast and entertaining read.
I find Tony Stark to be a hard character for me to like.  He is the epitome of a wealthy, self absorbed playboy.  At least he is a good scientist so he isn’t “playing” all the time.  Also, I don’t care that he is hiding a secret, he doesn’t treat his top executive, Pepper Potts, nor his good friend, Lt. Col “Rhodey”, as good friends should be treated.

As I noted, this book is entertaining but it does have a cartoon-like quality. The hero is bigger than life and always steps in (arrogantly I might add) to save the day against what would appear to be impossible odds.  There is a lot of action and some good snipping dialogue. There is some techno jargon that you may or may not understand but... who cares?  It’s a superhero story after all.

The Russian criminal Ivan is a single minded, fanatical genius who is focused on taking revenge against Tony for “stealing” his father’s technology. Ivan does make a good villain/enemy.  Meanwhile, Tony’s old competitor, Justin Hammer, is just a truly greedy idiot who allows a clearly dangerous Ivan to take over his laboratory!

Sounds like a mix for explosive trouble? Yep,  it is.  This isn’t a book for a “literature lover” or “romance lover” but if you want a quick action packed romp - this will work.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND ANNA for the opportunity to give away my copy of this book.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my copy of the Book:

1. For your main entry tell me your favorite superhero! Don't forget to leave your email so I can easily contact you.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Three total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on June 4, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Review of Yesterday's Promise by Delia Latham

This review has been posted at You Gotta Read Reviews.
Title: Yesterday’s Promise
Author: Delia Latham
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Buy Yesterday's Promise Here!

Rating: You GOTTA Read

Reviewed by: MarthaE

A whirlwind romance amidst the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park.

A spur-of-the-moment wedding near Bridalveil Fall.

A young bride who awakens the morning after to find her new husband gone with the mountain wind.

Songbird Hannah Johns supports the child born of that ill-fated union by singing in a dinner lounge. Her dream of someday owning the elite establishment and turning it into a venue more suited to her Christian values is shattered when an unexpected transaction places it in the hands of Brock Ellis, the handsome biker who abandoned her in their honeymoon suite.

Ensuing sparks fly high, revealing buried secrets and forgotten pasts. Seeking to find peace with her painful past, Hannah returns to Yosemite, and Brock follows hard on her heels. Back where it all began, she finds herself in danger of losing her heart yet again to the man who shattered it the first time around.

REVIEW: This story grabs your attention and doesn’t let go!

Hannah is a dedicated singer at a dinner lounge. She dreams of saving her money to buy the lounge from her beloved, “fatherly” boss, Kip, and turn it into a Christian bookstore and coffee shop. That is hard to do as she struggles to raise her three year old son as a single mother.

Her dreams are shattered when Kip tells her he is selling out because of his deteriorating health. That is tough enough to take but becomes even harder when she discovers the buyer is Brock, the man who walked out of her live three years before after their wedding night. Add insult to injury when Brock shows absolutely no recognition of Hannah.

Brock is handsome and protective, if a bit overbearing. He is completely puzzled by Hannah’s antagonism towards him but still drawn to her and her impishly sweet son with whom he strikes up a quick friendship.

Hannah keeps her secrets out of pride and Brock hides his secrets for other reasons. The repartee and dance between them is engaging and endearing. Hannah struggles to allow her Christian faith to govern her actions rather than be controlled by her anger and resentment. Can she get past her hurt and open her heart to learn the truth and give healing forgiveness? Can Brock allow himself to heal from his injuries and discover the past he has lost?

The Yellowstone scenery is described exquisitely so that you want to go visit the setting. The supporting characters have enough depth to add to the story without distracting or detracting from the main protagonists.

The story moves along quickly as you wait to see how God will work things out for these two characters. Hannah’s steadfast faith, even laced with some natural doubt and human struggles, is wonderful to read. The romance that is revealed is warm and beautiful. This is just a superb story and I have added Ms. Latham to my “must read” author list!

Author's Website