Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway July 23, 2010

Wouldn't you like to be on the beach reading?
NOTE: New rules for international participants. I learned over the past weeks that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00. 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 hone that will make me happy. :o)

This week was crazy busy so still no picture of the next list. We'll get there soon!

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

Blue Screen (Sunny Randall) by Robert Parker

Golden Buddha by Clive Cussler

Proof of Intent: A Charley Sloan Courtroom Thriller by William Coughlin, Walter Sorrels

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) byLarson Reed

The Hangman's Knot: A Novel (Billy Tree Mysteries) by David Wiltse

The Darkness by Jason Pinter

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
Atlantis by David Gibbins
Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom
The Summons by John Grisham - Audio CDs

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

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

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

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
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Taking the Fifth by J.A.Jance
Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Swan Road by Rebecca Brandewyne
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
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!)

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 88 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
A Jockey's Life by Dick Francis
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Net Force - One is the Loneliest Number by Tom Clancy
Almost Single by Advaita Kala

Pick#2
Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey

Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
The Lighthouse by Mary Schramski

Pick #3
Delivered by Christmas Anthology - Linda Howard, Joan Hohl andSandra Steffen
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
Red Fire by Dierdre Knight
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4
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).
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
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
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Surrender a Dream by Jill Barnett
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
Tin Man by Dale Brown
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith
The Edge of Town by Dorothy Garlock
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
In Her Defense by Stephen Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
Deception Point by Dan Brown
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey (spine frayed a bit at bottom)
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

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
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
The Vision by Heather Graham (sc))
Fool Me Once by Fern Michaels
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (sc)
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
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10
Cruel & Unusual by Patricia Cornwell (slightly creased -sc)
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
The Hunter by Gennita Low (sc)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Winners of Friday Pick July 16, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners of Friday Pick July 16, 2010

Linda K chose Warning Signs

and

Lisa chose The Lighthouse

Please email me (mesreads@gmail.com) with your address and choice of bookmarks: either sweet and sensual only or mixed with some erotic/erotica.

Thanks everyone for entering.

Review - The Wild Irish Sea by Loucinda McGary

In this tale you have mystery, romance and some selkie magic - plus an attractive cover too!

The Wild Irish Sea: A windswept tale of love and magic by Loucinda McGary

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402226713
• ISBN-13: 978-1402226717

Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Drawn to a force he can't resist...
Former police officer Kevin Hennessey is running from his past-choosing to battle smugglers instead of dealing with his personal demons. When a desperate, rain-drenched American woman appears on his doorstep with wild tales of danger, Kevin is drawn to helping her, despite his reservations...

She never saw him coming...
Amber O'Neill knew without a doubt that her brother was in mortal danger. Rushing heedlessly to the rocky shores of Ireland, Amber was stunned to find her rescue mission derailed by a gorgeous, but deeply flawed Irishman...

The tumultuous sea, the intertwined fates of the coastal villagers, and unearthly tales of a hidden selkie prince bring Kevin and Amber together in a connection of mind, body, and soul that neither can deny...

Review: This is a good romantic suspense with a touch of Irish magic.
Amber and her twin have a special connection as twins often do.  Their’s is a bit more pronounced than some and has helped them form a close bond with one another but kept them separated from others who often think them freaks.

Amber has come from America to Ireland knowing her brother is in trouble. She shows up on a storming night, dragging herself to the door of this handsome Irishman. Kevin is a former police official who lost his child and had his wife leave him due to his neglect. He has dug himself out of a bottle and shut himself off from the world in the process. But there is still a protector buried deep inside Kevin and Amber draws that to the surface.

Kevin and Amber discover a mental connection as they struggle to find Parker. Along the way, as they dodge smugglers, they get help from a teenage lad, Conner, who gets a bit of a crush on Amber. They also get help, and then some trouble, in the form of a teenage girl, Meriol and her younger brother, Ronan. Amber and Parker are surprised to be able to form mental connections with several of their new friends, but the most surprising is the help they get from the seals. This ties in the selkie lore, especially for young Ronan, and is quite a charming element.

The mental connection between Amber and Kevin enhances their physical connection in a lovely manner. The author manages to transport you to the wet, wild and dangerous setting. This adds to the intrigue, which, along with the interesting characters, keeps the story rolling at a good clip. There is a good amount of romance and that special touch of Irish lore and magic.

Here is a particular line I liked (p 247): “Mentally, Kevin reached for her, felt the tingling comfort of her presence as she settled into that empty space in his mind that only she filled.”
I think you will enjoy this story if you like solid intrigue, warm romance between vulnerable characters, and a paranormal element with an Irish twist.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Ms. McGary for providing this book to review. See Ms. McGary's guest post and enter the Giveaway for a chance to win one of two books.

It's Monday! What are you Reading July 19, 2010?

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

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 finished reading three books and formatted two ebooks. I posted two reviews and have several ready to post soon.

I only visited a few blogs early in the week and a few at the end of the week.

These were last week's posts plus a couple of Winner posts not listed.

• Its Monday What are You Reading?
• Mailbox Monday July 12, 2010 I got eight wonderful books!
• Blog Tour Guest Post by Loucinda McGary with Giveaway of The Wild Irish Sea
• Blog Tour Guest Post by Amanda Scott

• Review of Tempted by a Warrior by Amanda Scott

• Giveaway of Tempted by a Winner.

• MBS Blogoversary Giveaway.

• Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway July 16, 2010.

• Review of Still the One by Robin Wells

• Giveaway of Still the One - Five Copies.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 18, 2010.

Finished: 
 

PB:  Tempted by a Warrior by Amanda Scott.   
The review and giveaway have been posted. This is another good book in the series.

PB & Kindle:  Still the One by Robin Wells.  

The review and 
giveaway have been posted.
I was very pleased with this read.

Kindle: Payback in Wayback by Lynda Coker
I slipped this in as a quick read. It is a nice story and easy read.

After spending twelve years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Corey Donovan is bent on getting a little payback. He’s headed for Wayback, Texas, the place where it all began. And who better to start with than the recently widowed Tiffany Covington. Tiffany Covington is both thrilled and afraid when she learns Corey Donovan has returned to Wayback. She’s ready to repay old debts, the question is...will Corey accept her currency of exchange?

Audio CD: --------  

Line Edits: I formatted two ebooks for release.:)

Currently reading: 

PB: The Last Track: A Mike Brody Novel by Sam Hilliard.   
I am participating in a Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour post and review on July 23, 2010. I am half way done and enjoying the tracking detail and the suspense.

Product Description
Imagine if being late meant a child disappeared forever. That is the fear that drives Mike Brody: the man you want, when the one you love is missing. Mike is more than just a master tracker. An ex-Special Forces operative, Smoke jumper, and now extreme adventure tour guide, he also possesses a unique ability to tap into the memory and emotional state of those he pursues. In The Last Track, a police detective recruits Mike to help find an asthmatic boy lost in the dense woods surrounding a dude ranch in Montana. An unwitting murder witness, the boy burrows ever deeper into the rugged terrain, fearful of being found. As Mike and a local officer search for the boy, the killer follows them. While the investigation expands, his ex-wife, a well-connected journalist, uses her contacts to unravel the truth behind the murder. Her discoveries threaten to snare them all in a treacherous conspiracy . . .

PB & Kindle: The Fire Lord's Lover (The Elven Lords) by Kathryne Kennedy. Reviewing in July for Sourcebooks. 
I am 30% along on this and really like Lady Cassandra and Dominic!
Product Description:
If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...
In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father-until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever...
Unless his fiancée kills him first...
Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...
Then Dominic and Cassandra together uncover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save...

Audio CD: Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. I do like how Patterson has several investigations going on at once. I'll finish this by Tuesday and post the review and giveaway by the end of the week.

Product Description

The police can't help you Former CIA agent Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily--and his staff of investigators uses the world's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases. The press will destroy you Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer. Only one place to turn: Private But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

PB & Audible:  The Castaways: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand.  
I picked this up just to get a feel for it and have already read one third. It just pulls you right in. Review and Giveaway to be posted by the weekend.

Product Description

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

Line Edits: Will be finishing the sci fi shorts in Exis: Gods, Ghosts & Battered Cellphones by Anne Abad. Then I will start on the edits for YA fantasy Drinna by Jared Gullage.

Upcoming books:
Bloodmaiden by Christine D. Schulze.Reading and reviewing for the author.

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden. Blog Tour in August.

The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter. Part Three - The Hounds of Sunset. Reviewing for Sourcebooks.  Not quite sure when I will be getting back to this but it is still on the schedule.

Kindle: Thinking of sliding in one of the ebooks I have won. Not sure which yet.

Audio:  My next Hachette Audio for review and giveaway is When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man by Jerry Weintraub.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 18, 2010

Our Pastor  spoke on Renewing Your Passion today. The verses are 2 Timothy 1:3-12.  It was an excellent message which culminated with "Do not despair; never lose hope. Live with Passion." It was certainly upbeat and a "never quit" type of message. Don't forget that God has a purpose for you.

On a second theme- today was our daughter's 23rd birthday. The DH was disappointed that she wasn't coming over today to celebrate. She had her best friend in from out of town and they wanted to go to the beach (an hour away) with the children.
This reminded me of the following:

On Children
 Kahlil Gibran
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

I found this video for our daughter. 

She likes Carrie Underwood and this song. It has a message that is good for all of us.

A verse for today:

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

I prayed today for blessings for our children - that they might know God more clearly in their lives and that He might bless them and bless others through their witness.