Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway June 3, 2011

School is out and summer begins!
Thank you to all who entered May 27. There is one Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
Jennifer C gets Evil Whispers.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from May 27 Pick:

Margaret - gets ??? 
Margaret picked a book that was claimed last week so she'll have to email me a new choice and her address. :-)

Krystal - gets The Italian

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. 

Watch out for glare!

New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Pairs:

Debbie Macomber 

Between Friends

Thursdays at Eight

Luanne Rice

Firefly Beach

Cloud Nine

Singles

Iced (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 3)by Carol Higgins Clark

A Price for Everything (Rosamunde Pilcher's Book Shelf) by Mary Sheepshank

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery) by Sue Grafton

Poirot Investigates - Volume 1 Agatha Christie - Audio Cassettes

Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy

Hope Everlastin' by Mickee Madden

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

The Hope Chest: Yesterday's Magic\Today's Secrets\Tomorrow's Promise (Signature Select) Anthology

Susan, Kearney, Julie Kenner and Jacquie D'Alessandro

Once a Princess by Johanna Lindsey

Resistance: A Novel by Anita Shreve

Vanity by Jane Feather

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 Story

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

The Italian (Mira Historical Romance)

Rhapsody: A Love Story

A Sight for Sore Eyes 

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 
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 181 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) by Larson 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)

Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: The Devil Who Tamed Her by Johanna Lindsey

This is a Taming of the Shrew tale with a Regency beauty.

The Devil Who Tamed Her 
by Johanna Lindsey

• UNABRIDGED
• by Johanna Lindsey
• Narrated by Laural Merlington 

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75

Publisher's Summary:
Ophelia Reid is an incomparable beauty with a reputation for starting rumors and spreading them. Having purposely wrecked her engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a future marquis, which her social-climbing father arranged, Ophelia wants to return to London's marriage mart and make her own choice of a wealthy husband.

But on her journey home, something unexpected happens. The heir to a dukedom, Raphael Locke, Viscount Lynnfield is - in spite of his disinterest in marriage - the most sought-after young lord in England. He instantly disliked Ophelia when she caused a scandal to avoid marriage to his friend MacTavish, but having comforted her in a tearful moment, he begins to wonder if she's not all bad. So when MacTavish claims that Ophelia will never be anything but a spiteful beauty, Rafe bets his best friend that he can turn her into a kind-hearted lady who will one day make a good match, just not with him.

With her parents' blessing, Rafe commandeers Ophelia's coach and whisks her - chaperoned, of course - to his remote estate in the countryside. There, as he tries to show his furious, sharp-tongued "guest" the error of her ways, he discovers the surprising reasons for her bad behavior.

Soon his daily lessons with Ophelia take effect and he finds himself irresistibly attracted to her. When Rafe champions the new and improved Ophelia's re-entry to London society, marriage proposals pour in. Only then does Rafe start to wonder whether he hasn't gone and fallen in love with Ophelia himself.

Review: Some things I liked; others not so much.
The summary gives you a good picture of the story but doesn’t reveal the charm in Ophelia’s transformation. I tried to remember Ophelia from the first book (The Heir) but I had read that quite some time ago. Although she is presented as a vain, selfish and manipulative creature you quickly learn that she is hiding her loneliness and pain behind that termagant presence. You begin to feel some sympathy for Ophelia and she is likeable when she lets down her airs and allows herself some natural wit and fun. But the character is also annoying in her foolishness and spiteful temper which hurts her as much as anyone else.

Rafe is handsome and sexy. He has some good traits - loyalty and caring of a sort. But he has a mean streak and doesn’t make much effort at integrity. He pulls no punches telling Ophelia her faults. He helps Ophelia  to discover an outlet for her temper in other passions which are really inappropriate in the way she decides to indulge them with Rafe’s help.

When their reckless behavior results in Rafe’s father insisting that he marry the girl he takes his anger out on her. Even though he may like her he really isn't ready to marry. He convinces himself that she has reverted to her malicious, gossipy ways and he takes rash action which is designed to really hurt her. Not nice.

The ending is even more of a contrivance than Rafe abducting Ophelia. Through a tragic accident Ophelia finally is reconciled with her parents, especially her ambitious father, and Rafe finally acknowledges that he loves her. But I can’t say that "all is well that ends well" because, due to anger and spite, there are missed opportunities and missed events that can’t be redone.

The narration was fair - it didn’t enhance the story but neither did it detract too much. All in all the story and the narration are okay but they lacked real pizzazz.  I am a Lindsey fan having read a good number of her books and collecting all the rest (28 up to 2008) in a TBR box. The sexual content in this 2007 book is a bit more bold than in some of her earlier books. This one is okay but not my favorite.

xxx

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE PRINT BOOK:

1.   The author doesn't seem to have her own website but has a section at Fantastic Fiction For your entry, tell me if you have read this author and what you think about her books.  If you have already read this one, please tell me about it and if you win this giveaway you may pick from the review or ARC books and I'll award the book to another winner. 

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 June 17, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Audible Book Reviews: Kitty and the Midnight Hour and Kitty Goes to Washington

A DJ werewolf who accidentally sets off trouble.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour: Kitty Norville Book 1 

• UNABRIDGED
• by Carrie Vaughn
• Narrated by Marguerite Gavin 

     Genre: Paranormal
      My Rating: 4.5

Product Summary:
Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station---and a werewolf in the closet. Sick of lame song requests, she accidentally starts "The Midnight Hour," a late-night advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. After desperate vampires, werewolves, and witches across the country begin calling in to share their woes, her new show is a raging success. But it's Kitty who can use some help. With one sexy werewolf hunter and a few homicidal undead on her tail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew.

Review:

This starts the series introducing a gutsy, although submissive Kitty. She accidentally gets a caller who starts ranting about Bat Boy and vampires and all of sudden she has a new call in show - The Midnight Hour. She quickly becomes a talk show success as lots of humans and other creatures are calling in.  Some are glad to have their secrets revealed but others are not. Kitty’s own pack isn’t thrilled and the local vampires are really unhappy. And someone is aiming to take Kitty off the air - permanently.

The story starts a little slowly with Kitty being an oddly submissive wolf but a stubborn human. The pace then picks up as the police seek Kitty’s help, the she convinces a would be assassin to help her turn the tables. It has mystery, humor and personal relationship dynamics.

I really enjoyed the DJ character and the details of the radio show, with the theme song “Bad Moon Rising” and the closing signature Kitty’s own wolf howl. There is also interesting, if not always congenial, interaction in the werewolf pack family. The narrator does a god job as a late night talk show DJ host as well as presenting the story through Kitty’s experience. There was some explicit, but not vulgar, sex and the bad language was limited. This is an engaging plot and an enjoyable listen.

Kitty Goes to Washington: Kitty Norville Book 2

• UNABRIDGED
• by Carrie Vaughn
• Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

Genre: Paranormal
My Rating:  4.25

Product Summary:
The country's only celebrity werewolf, late-night radio host Kitty Norville prefers to be heard, not seen. But when she's invited to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, her face gets plastered on national television. Kitty has been in hot water before, but jumping into the D.C. underworld brings a new set of problems - and a new set of friends and enemies, including the vampire mistress of the city; a super-hot Brazilian were-jaguar; and a paranoid, Bible-thumping senator who wants to expose Kitty as a monster. Kitty quickly learns that in this city of dirty politicians and backstabbing pundits, everyone's itching for a fight.

Review:

Kitty has broken from her pack and taken her radio show on the road to hopefully lay low and avoid trouble. But don’t you know that trouble comes calling as she is subpoenaed to speak before congressional hearings in Washington. It looks like Kitty will have to face a Senate "witch hunt."

As soon as she hits town she is stopped and escorted – er invited - to meet the local Vampire Queen. Kitty doesn't want to take a leadership role but she sure is being pushed into being a spokesperson for the Supernatural community. She just has to survive a kidnaping by an unscrupulous scientist (the bad side of animal testing) and a fanatical politician. Meanwhile she also gets to deal with the self proclaimed religious healer from the first story. At least she gets a sexy brazilian were-jaguar to romp with during her visit.

This book introduces some new and interesting support characters, but also has Kitty’s attorney, Ben, and the dark and brooding Vampire hunter, Cormac, stepping in to give a little back up.
Again, there is some pretty steamy sex and occasional foul language. There is plenty of action and an interesting look at fear, prejudices and discrimination against those who are different. Although this could be read alone, I recommend reading the stories in order. I plan to continue with more in the series as I get some new Audible credits.

Book Review and Giveaway: Mary of Carisbrooke by Margaret Campbell Barnes

This is a rich and engaging story of a young girl who tries to help a King.

Mary of Carisbrooke: The Girl Who Would Not Betray Her King 

by Margaret Campbell Barnes

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781402255953
• ISBN-13: 978-1402255953

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25

Product Description
"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists."
-Chicago Tribune
A Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever...
Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between.

Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king's escape.

A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary's brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power.

Review: A beautifully written tale blending sweetness and sadness.

Mary is a quiet girl of 17 with a sunny disposition and a helpful nature. Her father is the Sergeant of the Guard at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight.  Mary helps her Aunt Druscilla who is the housekeeper of the small household. Although they have to deal with the soldiers who came recently from London, the political struggles between the Cromwellian Parliament and King Charles I mean little to Mary and the other Islanders.

Mary’s quite life changes when the King, with several faithful retainers, escapes from Hampton Court, and seeks refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Although the King and his supporters thought he was being granted sanctuary, the Governor is a staunch “servant of Parliament” who promptly sends word to Parliament for instructions on how to handle the King’s ‘visit.’

The story portrays Mary’s dedication, gentleness, caring nature and quiet courage. She serves the King with dignity not only as a laundress but also by becoming involved with the intrigue of passing secret letters, planning and helping with escape attempts. Unfortunately, poor planning, problems and betrayal beset the escape efforts and one by one the King’s friends are removed from him.  Mary becomes a source of comfort listening to his distress and trying to encourage him.

All of the King’s men, old and young, find Mary’s innocence and steadfastness to be charming. Mary blossoms into womanhood responding to the warm friendship of Harry Firebrace, the Groom of the Bedchamber. One of the other servants of the King, Richard Osborne, who has a bit of a reputation, tries to warn Mary to protect her heart.  Meanwhile Mary is threatened by the unwanted attentions of the leering Captain Rolph who is fiercely ambitious and opposed to the King.

The author does a wonderful job setting the tone as I felt a sense of sadness and tragedy even though I did not know how the King’s story would end. The characters are developed with unique depths that make them very real, whether likeable or detestable. Some of the characters are caught in the political machinations and their ambivalence is conveyed as they are caught between official duty and private feelings.

The book started a bit slowly but I think that is part of the somber ambiance. It soon picked up and the intrigue, dangers, and personal relationships kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened to the King and to Mary. There are plenty of rich details creating a vivid picture of the Isle and Castle. These enhance the smooth flow of the story.  If you enjoy historical fiction don’t miss this tender story.

xxx

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

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment on the review and/OR tell me if knowing the historical outcome effects your reading of historical fiction...Do you ever stop while reading and look up the real people?

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 June 17, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Monday Mailbox May 30, 2011

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

This Meme started  with Marcia at The Printed Page but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts. The host for May is MariReads.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Because I have so many books on my TBR shelves and plenty in my review box I have not been entering too many giveaways. Not even the blog hops which are huge, have great prizes but are just too time consuming.
But I have managed to win a few books/giveaways since my last post in March.

A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man

by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan
To be honest I am not positive how I came by this ARC which releases June 1.
I know I saw it in THE HOT SHEET newsletter on March 2 from She Loves Hot Reads and St. Martin's Press but I can't quite figure out where I signed up to read or win it.

I won this book from a comment entry at Bookaholics.

Andy McDougal and the Crypt of the Chimera (Book 1)

by Kevin Richardson.

Thank you Kevin and Aik.

 I won an Amazon Gift Card for $15.00 through the Wednesday Review party at Cym's. This is a favorite weekly event for me. I love posting a review there  and getting to check out other reviews.  Winner a GC is icing on the cake! Thank you CYM.

I received Fated

by Rebecca Zanetti

and a Kensignton TShirt from the

 April Goodie Box at AuthorIsland 

Thank you DeNita and Kensington.

I also received A Blue and Gray Christmas (Ladies of Covington)
by Joan Medlicott. 
This was my book choice form a win at Book Journey one week when I visited more than 10 It's Monday posts.
Thank you Sheila. :-)