Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway April 29, 2011

I am now listing winners with the new Friday Pick each week. Thank you to all who entered.

No four week (who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks) winners this time.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from April 22 Pick:

Victoria gets Hunted

Tracey gets 

Pair - James Patterson

1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)

Kiss the Girls (2nd Alex Cross Novel)

All winners please email me with address information. 

I hope to add a new set of books next week.

3/25/11  I did get to set up a new group of books:
Group #19

Pair - James Patterson

1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)

Kiss the Girls (2nd Alex Cross Novel)

Singles

And Then Came You: Sam's StoryAnd Then Came You: Sam's Story

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

The Italian (Mira Historical Romance)

Rhapsody: A Love Story

The Waterfall

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

See No Evil (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #39) (black stripe on cover)

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!
Not all of these are two from a series but several are.  Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell:
Cruel and Unusual
At Risk (Win Garano)
John Grisham
Bleachers
The Last Juror
Jack Higgins
Touch the Devil (1983 Signet Edition)
Thunder Point (Sean Dillon)
Fern Michaels ?? These haven't been claimed yet so I have to check winner posts to see who won these.
Final Justice: Sisterhood Series #5
The Jury: Sisterhood Series #4 (Revenge of the Sisterhood)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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.

So far I have posted 19 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I am continuing to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off until I get around to deleting the crossed off books.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 169 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the correct number sent out.

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 $5.00 and $6.00 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. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.   
CUT OFF TIME IS 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 Friday mornings before the next Pick post. 
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND E-MAIL ME YOUR ADDRESS at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so.... 

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List 
#17

Scavenger by David Morrell
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
Turbulent Sea (Drake Sisters, Book 6) by Christine Feehan
Saving Faith by David Baldacci

12/3/10  Book Set:
#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith
Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart
Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (small tear on cover)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

Double Exposure (Brio Girls) by Kathy Wierenga

Wicked Widow  by Amanda Quick

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

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

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
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 Used books!

Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

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
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

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Looking Back by Belva Plain
The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Sixth Sense
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
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
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
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
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)
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
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
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
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
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

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

Book Review: Riddle of Berlin by Cym Lowell

This is an engaging and tense thriller.

Riddle of Berlin by Cym Lowell

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (June 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780595426652
• ISBN-13: 978-0595426652

     Genre: International Thriller
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

    Product Description
Riddle of Berlin is the story of John C. Jaëgerman. At the plateau of middle age frustration. In Paris, a voice in the water entices his leap from a parapet overlooking the Seine River at Notre Dame. A disfigured body without memory is lifted from the water days later by a gypsy nurse (Carmen) seeking her own path, embodiment of the voice. A campaign of terror engulfs the world. Thousands perish in terrorist incidents in Europe and California. Government is impotent to protect innocent citizens from brutal evisceration. Instigated by a shadowy arms trader, cleverly casting responsibility on others through an Internet site, insurance money laundering and government customers. Riddle of Berlin puts the integrity of NATO on the line, led by popular black American Vice President Lucius Alcorn. A man without fingerprints or history awakens on the Danube. Carmen calls him Del, my deliverer. Orange Girl at the Louvre attracts attention to the declared death of her father on the streets of Paris, becoming engulfed herself in the Riddle. Jaëgerman is deemed the terrorist. Del crafts resolution of the Riddle. Reliving thrills of danger as he tastes new love with Carmen. Denouement brings the choice of everyman. Home is where it was, is or could be? Can we ever return?

Review: I was quickly drawn by the action, the terror and the intrigue.

John C. Jaëgerman has disclosed a fraud scheme to the executives in his company but no one seems to care. The fight has gone out of John and he walks away. When his bloated body is pulled from the Seine by Carmen he thinks she is an angel. While Carmen is nursing the injured man, her deliverer or Del, back to health, a lot of terror is happening.

Mark Anton is a wealthy young man living in Berlin. He made his riches by developing a website that allows the trading of sports memorabilia. He got the idea for the business plan from his teacher mother, Dr. Lucy Anton.  Unexpectedly authorities show up in Mark’s home to arrest him for terrorism and treason. Just when they appear, a full blown attack occurs leaving Mark standing with an assault rifle amidst a lot of bodies and a lot of confusion. Mark goes on the run and has one narrow escape after another, leaving carnage behind him each time. His mother is also arrested as a co-conspirator.

Dr. Lucy was a teacher and good friend to the Vice President, Lucius Alcorn. He is already helping with the NATO investigations and is pulled further into the action because he doesn’t think his former teacher could be guilty. He thinks the evidence pointing to the “Alton Gang” is too pat and unsupported.
 
Del/John begins to take back his strong life, rebuilding his previous military honed strength, dedication to the mission and honor. Slowly he remembers details of the past. Coincidence brings Mark to the boat where Del has been sheltered and Del realizes that things are not as they appear. John's name has been linked with the “Anton gang” and his daughter, who came searching for him, has disappeared. Del takes up the battle to find the true terrorists.

Del and Mark, with the help of Carmen, have to stay one step ahead of the terrorist who is out to destroy them.  The Vice President is working from a different angle but they are all on a seven day count down before the next bombs are set to go off.

This is good intrigue, fast paced action with a soft romance blended in. Carmen almost has the quality of an angel at times and the only inaccuracy that troubled me was how she went in just a few weeks from not understanding English to being able to follow detailed planning between Mark and Del in what I am sure were English conversations. But if you let that issue slide the rest of the story keeps you turning pages through tense anticipation and sometimes anguished emotion. I also enjoyed the riddled taunts by the terrorist. I recommend this for a fast paced thriller.

xxx

I was provided a copy of this book by the author some time ago and I am only sorry I took so long to get around to enjoying it.

Congratulations to Winners of Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

CONGRATULATIONS 

to the Winners 

from the
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop!

Thank you to everyone who entered. I will email the winners!

Next Week May 2- 8 a blog Hop for Childrens' Books!

Hosted by Mymcbooks & Co-host at Family Literacy and You.

Then the next Giveaway Hop:

The Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Page Turners.
It will take place from May 25th to 31st.

I haven't forgotten or abandoned my BIG Giveaway for reaching 1000 followers. I am still lining up author and publisher book prizes, bookmarks from my friend and some other goodies! Because April just zipped by and I have some items to concentrate on in May it looks like I will run the event for a month going into my Blog Anniversary so it will be June-July. Keep an eye out!

Book Review Audible; Print Giveaway: Glory in Death by J. D. Robb

This is an entertaining mystery series with good strong characters.

Glory in Death (In Death #2) by J.D. Robb.

Glory in Death: In Death, Book 2

• UNABRIDGED
• by J. D. Robb
• Narrated by Susan Ericksen
• Price:$15.95
  Sale Price:$9.23

    Genre:  Mystery, Romantic Suspense
      My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary:
In a time when technology can reveal the darkest of secrets, there's only one place to hide a crime of passion - in the heart.

The first victim was found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second was murdered in her own apartment building. Police lieutenant Eve Dallas had no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provided Eve with a long list of suspects - including her own lover, Roarke.

    As a woman, Eve was compelled to trust the man who shared her bed. But as a cop, it was her job to follow every lead... to investigate every scandalous rumor... to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark, or how dangerous.

Review:  Action heats up between Lt. Eve Dallas and Roarke.
This is the second book of the “in death” series set in New York in a future with hi tech investigative tools.  Eve Dallas is a gutsy police detective who has a knack for walking through the crime scene and visualizing the crime. She is relentless on tracking evidence.

Eve has to do her job and that includes documenting that her powerful lover, Roarke, is not a viable suspect. Roarke is pushing for a commitment but Eve has a painful and abusive past that makes it difficult for her to commit to anyone and she only wants to trust and depend on herself.  Will Eve be able to keep Roarke if she can’t offer more in the relationship?

While pursing the murderer Eve has to fend off obnoxious reporter C.J. Morse.  Eve makes arrangements to work with female investigative reporter Nadine. With the help of the police profiler, Eve determines that the killer is striking down successful and visibly powerful women. Eve realizes that both her friend, Nadine, and Eve herself could be targets. Eve decides to heat up the publicity setting herself up as bait.

I really enjoyed the mystery story as well as the intense romance between Eve and Roarke. The narrator does a wonderful job with the accents. I am anxious to get the next book and expect it will be within the next week or so.

I listened to the Audible version but I had a used copy of the book
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE USED PAPERBACK COPY:

1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.   For an extra entry tell me if you have read this author or this series and what you think about it.  If you have already read this book tell me about it and if you win this giveaway you may pick from the review or ARC books and I'll award this book to another winner.

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

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 6, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

It's Monday! What are you Reading April 25, 2011?

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 had another good reading week. I finished four books; posted four reviews, two with Giveaways; Friday Pick giveaway; an Easter Blog Hop Giveaway; a Blog Tour announcement; a Sourcebooks announcement; Enquiring Mind Meme, Sunday post and winners post.

I had a rather strange week with our son home. Every night over the past two weeks we watched TV series. First Firefly and its wrap up movie Serenity; then Jericho. Pretty interesting even if we railed at some obvious errors. So that cut into computer time.
I did get to visit a little bit  but of course still want to do more.

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

•  It's Monday What are You Reading? April 18, 2011.

• Book Review of Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado, Spirituality, Religion, Inspiration; my rating 4.5. 

•  Blog Tour Announcement for Never a Gentleman.

•  Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop Giveaway. Ends 4/25.

• Book Review of Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.

• Q&A with author Roxanne St. Claire.

• Book Review and Giveaway (Three copies of 2 Books!) of Face of Danger by Roxanne St. Claire;  Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 22, 2011. Ends 4/28.

• Book Review and Giveaway, Three Copies, of Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. Ends 5/6.

•  Sourcebooks British Babes, Royal Wedding Celebration Announcement.

•  Enquiring Minds Meme Week #34 with Comment Giveaway.  Ends 4/22.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 24, 2011.

Finished Reading:

Print:
 
Face of Danger (Guardian Angelinos)
by Roxanne St. Claire
A sexy Romantic Suspense.
Review, Giveaway and Author Q&A
linked above. 

Print:
 
Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes series)
by Eileen Dreyer
Review and Giveaway
linked above

Audible:

Glory in Death (In Death, Book 2) 
by J.D.Robb

I enjoyed this second in the series.
I have the paperback so I'll
do a giveaway with my review soon.

Audible: 
Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1)

by Patricia Briggs
Mercy is a Coyote shifter.
This is well done.
I will post a review soon and 

get more in the series. :-)

Product Description
Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

Line Edits/Releases:

Still finalizing formatting of Silicon Self by Kirtimaya Varma.

Currently reading:

Print:
Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain (Elizabeth I Trilogy) 

by Margaret Irwin

This has started well, introducing Prince Philip-
an interesting character portrayal.

I plan to post this review and 

ARC Giveaway during the week.
This is a review for Sourcebooks.

From the Publisher:
First published in 1946, Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain continues the “vivid, psychologically brilliant” (Times Literary Supplement) journey begun in Young Bess and Elizabeth, Captive Princess. Philip, Prince of Spain, the unwilling bridegroom of Queen Mary, has been warned about the young Elizabeth. According to all reports, she is a heretic, a rebel, and a potential enemy—but she’s also alluring. Accused of treachery by Mary, Elizabeth finds herself teetering between Mary’s vengeance and Philip’s uneasy ardor, with her life in the balance.

Kindle:

Riddle of Berlin

by Cym Lowell

This international thriller 
is moving pretty fast -
good Mystery.
Reading from my TBR.

Product Description
Riddle of Berlin is the story of John C. Jaëgerman. At the plateau of middle age frustration. In Paris, a voice in the water entices his leap from a parapet overlooking the Seine River at Notre Dame. A disfigured body without memory is lifted from the water days later by a gypsy nurse (Carmen) seeking her own path, embodiment of the voice.A campaign of terror engulfs the world. Thousands perish in terrorist incidents in Europe and California. Government is impotent to protect innocent citizens from brutal evisceration.Instigated by a shadowy arms trader, cleverly casting responsibility on others through an Internet site, insurance money laundering and government customers.Riddle of Berlin puts the integrity of NATO on the line, led by popular black American Vice President Lucius Alcorn.A man without fingerprints or history awakens on the Danube. Carmen calls him Del, my deliverer. Orange Girl at the Louvre attracts attention to the declared death of her father on the streets of Paris, becoming engulfed herself in the Riddle.Jaëgerman is deemed the terrorist. Del crafts resolution of the Riddle. Reliving thrills of danger as he tastes new love with Carmen. Denouement brings the choice of everyman. Home is where it was, is or could be? Can we ever return?

Audible:
Deciding-Deciding! 
First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh
OR
the next JD Robb, Immortal in Death (In Death, Book 3)

OR
the next Mercy Thompson, Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2) (Patricia Briggs)
OR???

Audible: 

I am listening to The Listener's Bible NIV 

read by Max McLean. I am at Joshua 22 and Psalm 80 and Mark 16.

Line Edits: Next I will work on finalizing formats on Soylent Red by Jamieson Wolf. Ready to complete the formats on Desperate Measures by Cindy Comer too.

Review books for April:
Only one to be completed and posted.

First Review book for May:
Holy Guacamole by Dan & Denise Harmer; Glass Road PR Blog Tour post for May 5.