Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway may 6, 2011

I am now listing winners with the new Friday Pick each week. Thank you to all who entered April 29.

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 29 Pick:

MammaBunny gets The Summons Audio CD

Elizabeth will have to pick as

the James Patterson were won last week.

All winners please email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - either sweet and sensual or sexy +plus.

I know MammaBunny's address but not Elizabeth's.

I got to busy this week to get a new set of books up so I will try again for next week. 

 I like this book journal for Mother's Day

Project Love Journal can be found at:

http://www.rangerink.com/projects/books_journals/proj_lovejournal.htm

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 171 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 One by 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)

Happy Cinco De Mayo! Book Review and ARC Giveaway! Holy Guacomole!

This is a delicious offering and perfect to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Holy Guacamole by Dan Harmer and Denise Harmer

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Lamp Post Inc. (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600391834
• ISBN-13: 978-1600391835

Genre: Inspirational Comedy Adventure
My Rating: 5.0

Product Description
Nestled along San Diego's coast, the former romantic getaway of the silver screen's most notorious lovers is now the sizzling hacienda of Bonnie Miller's culinary boot camp. "If you are what you eat, make it hot, spicy and irresistible," is her motto, and this queen of Southwestern cuisine enjoys quite a savory life; success, fame, and a reputation for the finest palate west of Barcelona. That is, until a pot-rattling bang causes Trace Domingo, a washed-up sports writer, to crash into her life. His arrival turns up the heat at the culinary boot camp as Bonnie discovers in life's recipe book, it is not the spices which add the most flavor, but how truly hungry you are.

Review: This book is full of good things: food, fun, frightening adventures, fast flow and faith. What’s not to love?
The story is told by Trace Domingo, an affable former sports journalist who is excited to get a chance to learn culinary skills under the famous TV chef, Bonnie Miller.  Trace sets out with his run down jeep and shows up late. He first meets Bonnie when it appears that he attacks her on the set although he is actually trying to protect her after a shot goes through the window. What a way to make an impression - memorable if not favorable.

Bonnie is a food snob and although not quite a Diva she is a rather snippety TV chef. But there is a soft side burried under that successful star.

Bonnie is distracted because her beloved adoptive father is dying. Meanwhile she is getting notes that she believes are from her birth mom wishing to meet with her. As far as Bonnie knows her birth mother dumped her out as trash. Few people other than her family know that Bonnie was born with a deformity that she had to struggle with it all of her young life. Trace inadvertently discovers the flaw and Bonnie threatens to throw him out of the training program.  Before that happens though she uses Trace to help her escape the paparazzi and get to her family home. From there the two head off to Mexico for Bonnie’s mission which isn’t explained until later in their adventures.

Setting off during a downpour in Trace’s unreliable and leaky Jeep isn’t a good idea and leads to misadventures reminiscent of Romancing the Stone! The jeep gets stuck; unsavory bandits attack but a suave plantation owner, who recognizes Bonnie, comes to the rescue - maybe.  Uhh- an Armani clad farmer? Really??? Not!

There is a roller coaster ride of escape to get to Bonnie’s ultimate destination - a poor Mission where she was rescued as the thrown away infant.  There Bonnie looks at her life and realizes how blessed she was as a child to be rescued from the poverty and how ungrateful her behavior as a spoiled and famous person has been.

The references to faith and the heart revelations, although not precisely subtle, are soft and not preachy. They fit in naturally with the story flow, delivering warm lessons on acceptance, forgiveness, humility and unselfish caring. The story is pleasantly “peppered” with food analogies that are fun. The characters are real and the writing easy with a good flow. It is a fast and satisfying read! I hope there will be more fun adventures from this spousal team of authors.
As icing on the cake, so to speak, to top off all the good things about this book, a portion of the proceeds of the book sales go to support the ministry of Outside the Bowl (see link in giveaway item 2. below).

Thank you to Glass Road Public Relations for the book to read and review and for allowing the giveaway.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR MY BOOK COPY:

1. Visit the authors' website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!


2.  For two extra entries, visit Outside the Bowl and tell me something you find of interest there.

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.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 20, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
 

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain by Margaret Irwin

A beautifully written historical portrayal of the political and personal conflicts of the royal half sisters.

Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain (Elizabeth I Trilogy) by Margaret Irwin

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781402229985
• ISBN-13: 978-1402229985

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review: I found this a bit slower to read but still engaging and interesting.
This is the concluding book of the trilogy which included Young Bess (which I did not read) and Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne which I did read and review.

As I noted in my review of Elizabeth, Captive Princess, the writing style is unusual as if flows yet twists in a puzzling fashion that seems to fit Princess Elizabeth. The thought process presented is almost frenetic as Elizabeth tries to maintain such a fine line between her fierce independence and her need to show submissiveness to Queen Mary and Prince Philip. There is already political tension between Queen Mary and the imprisoned Elizabeth due to their respective claims to the throne and due to their religious differences. Queen Mary has brought England back to the Catholic faith as the only true religion which is supported by Rome and Prince Philip. On the other hand, Elizabeth was raised with their father's less formal ritual in the Protestant church. The tension is increased by the jealousy evoked by Prince Philip's interest and leniency towards Elizabeth. Prince Philip, aged 27, marries Queen Mary, aged 38,  as a political move to increase the power of Spain. Philip convinces Mary to show mercy and release Elizabeth from The Tower and allow her to live freely, if guardedly. 

Elizabeth is portrayed as a bright young woman who draws men, young and old, to her ethereal manner and charms the common masses with her natural exuberance. She continually chants  in word games and speaks in riddles to keep her meaning ambiguous or at least uncommitted.  The author catches this character so well that, for me, it made the reading slower as I had to pay close attention to catch the nuances and think about the implications of what Elizabeth is saying outwardly compared to what she is thinking or feeling that she is not expressing.

It appears that the author did detailed research into the important events and times of the story and into the known letters written by the participants. These then are fleshed out in fiction that gives the characters depth - and life. A large part of the story focuses on portraying the development and character of Philip before shifting back to Elizabeth. It can not be known how they truly interacted and felt, but the author pulls you into their lives in a vivid way. The book made me want to look up what factually happened to these historical characters and try to determine how close to reality the story is.

The story makes me glad that I do not live a life that must play such political games of manipulation. It was somewhat surprising that Elizabeth was allowed to live by Queen Mary. This was due in great part to Prince Philip who was inclined to subtly be with Elizabeth with the hope they might be together if Mary died.  Ultimately Elizabeth does succeed to the throne upon Mary’s death but she continues to keep Philip at bay. As the bookmakers in Europe took bets that Elizabeth’s reign would not make it past six months one gets a glimpse from the author of the matters of state, marriage proposals and considerations that Elizabeth had to  juggle. This is a remarkable historical portrayal of very interesting historical figures.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

1. Tell me what you like about historical fiction.
Please leave your e-mail!

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

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

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 13, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Audible Book Review: First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

A solid romance offering.
First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Dell (February 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780440244226
• ISBN-13: 978-0440244226

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

  Product Description:
  Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times
    best-selling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family - the fiery, sensual Huxtables. Vanessa is the second daughter, proud and daring, a young widow who has her own reason for pursuing the most eligible bachelor in London. One that has nothing to do with love. Or does it?
    The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can't keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret - one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables - Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed...and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can't be far behind.

Review: This is a pleasant historical romance. 

This book introduces the Huxtable family. The eldest sister, 25 year old Margaret, is beautiful, reserved and dedicated to raising her younger siblings. The youngest sister, 18 year old Katherine is another beauty with a vibrant and sweet personality. Middle sister Vanessa is the “plain Jane” of the family but she is well loved for her wonderfully warm and sunny disposition. All of the girls are devoted to helping raise their younger brother, 17 year old Stephen.

Vanessa is a young widow who married a childhood friend who loved her dearly. He was dying and she married him to be a loving companion and to bring him happiness by fulfilling one of his dreams since so many would go unfulfilled.

Viscount Lyngate, is a very rigid, proper and dutiful gentleman. He appears at the Huxtable cottage and surprises the family when he announces that Stephen has inherited a title and estates.  Elliott is to be Stephen’s guardian and is prepared to take him away immediately to put him with proper tutors for training in the ways of the nobility. The sisters are not about to let Stephen go off on his own so they all head to Stephen’s new estate under the escort of Elliott.

Elliott has decided it is time to settle down and begin the business of producing heirs. He takes the usual ton view of marriage, seeking ‘a suitable arrangement’ and not concerning himself with romance. After brief thought it appears that he will seek Margaret’s hand but Vanessa brashly proposes in order to protect Meg. The bold Vanessa and stuffy Elliott have already butted heads a few times so this seems surprising. Vanessa doesn’t have the beauty of her sisters but Elliott sees determination and life in her and so agrees to the proposal.

There is only a little bit of intrigue in the story, which I imagine will get answered later in the series. There is lots of conflict, not only with the opposite characters of Vanessa and Elliott, but also with Elliott’s estranged friend, Con, and Elliott’s beautiful former mistress.

There is some slight repetition of thought patterns in the first half of the book but it still moved quickly enough. I particularly liked the second half which displays Vanessa’s optimism and strength as she slowly charms Elliott out of his dour presence.  The early battles between them and later philosophical enlightenments were enjoyable.  It was nice to see an eligible lord accept and grow to love a woman for her character rather than just her looks. 

The narration was not the most exciting that I have listened to as it was rather flat and expressionless so this might be a better read than audio listen. Still I enjoyed Ms. Balogh’s usual flawed and likable characters, the charming writing flow and the romance that is full without being graphic.

Celebrate Children's Book Week May 2-8, 2011

I'm participating in the Children's Book Week Spotlight Hop. 

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

It's the 1st annual Children's Book Week Spotlight and you are all invited to party with us!  There are 20 blogs participating in this giveaway hop. Be sure to visit each and enter their giveaways and tell them Thanks for sharing too!
  To enter the other giveaways please visit Family Literacy and You  for the linky list.

I have several groups of books but my pictures are lost on a thumb drive I don't have at home so I have used Amazon pictures for now. All of the books are gently used - like new.

Package #1

Two Dr. Seuss books:  Hop on Pop and The Foot Book: Dr. Seuss's Wacky Book of Opposites

Package #2

Two Veggie Tale books:
Junior's Colors (Veggietales Series) and Bob and Larry's ABC's (Veggietales Series)

Package #3

Rapunzel (Picture Puffin Books) (hardcover) and a second book - I will post the picture Monday morning. Elmo's Guessing Game About Colors

Package #4 - INTERNATIONAL ONLY

Winner's choice of children's book(s) from Book Depository - value up to $10.00

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM. 



Again, To enter the other giveaways please visit Family Literacy and You  for the full list.