Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway June 17, 2011

The BLOGOVERSARY Party has begun! Hope you'll find some giveaways you'd like to enter!
Thank you to all who entered June 10 Pick. There is one Automatic winner this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
mamabunny13 gets Into the Forest

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from June 10th Pick:

Abby - is international; 
She is interested in Four to Score so I'll check the price for shipping before determining if it will be a GC

LuAnn- gets the Luanne Rice two books:
 Firefly Beach and Cloud Nine

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or 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. 

How is everyone holding up with the heat?

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 185 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)

MBS Blogoversary SPOTLIGHT #1: Author Cym Lowell

SPOTLIGHT: AUTHOR CYM LOWELL

Cym was so generous in his support that I am kicking off the giveaways with his spotlight!

I met Cym online through Book Blog when he started this wonderful event where I have been posting reviews most Wednesdays for the past two years:

Every Tuesday afternoon Cym hosts a linky for bloggers to link their reviews. Not only do we get to see what others are reading and visit each other to say "hi", but every week Cym picks one of the link posts to win a $15 Amazon eGC! Sometimes he has an extra book prize package too. How generous is that? To reward us for something we love doing anyway!!

Cym is an author and I recently reviewed his thriller Riddle of Berlin. 

I asked each author to answer two questions for their spoltlight.
The first I asked and the second they provided!

Question #1:  Why do you write/what do you hope your readers get from you books?

A:  In each of the stories I have written, I know that I have tried to blend a thrilling story with characters having emotional issues that each of us face in our lives. I have thought that this makes the stories real, not escapist (like James Bond stories, to me at least).

As I have thought about all of this, I know that I love the process of writing and improving my skills. Each discussion group, agent discussion, reviews, and other event adds to my knowledge base. I am avid, persistent student. While commercial success has not yet arrived, enjoyment has been a bountiful harvest. I love it!

Question #2: Of all the reviews that have been posted to CymLowell's blog, which have been your favorite?

A: All of the reviews that we have published in the blog, and other places, have been instructive. I find that I enjoy the most, reading books addressing emotion and life, and the least stories full of gruesome murder, violence, or seemingly endless chases with characters that seem flat as boards. One of my favorite series right now are Jon Land’s books about Kaitlin Strong.

Please visit Cym here to say THANKS for the support and Giveaway.
www.cymlowell.blogspot.com 

Giveaway donated by Cym:

Item #1: $30.00 Gift Card

Item #2: Autographed hard back copy of Riddle of Berlin


Cym is offering both prizes WORDLWIDE! See - I said he was really generous!

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS - one drawn for the GC and one for the book.


ENTER THE FORM HERE:
If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGRpWW9Ldk5OLTRfZEpLUHJTOW9hZ1E6MQ

This giveaway will close at 10PM Central on July 15, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Let's Party! MBS Blogoversary Extravaganza June 16 - July 15!!

Welcome to Martha’s Bookshelf Two Year Blogoversary Celebration! I set up my blog on June 15, 2009 although I didn’t really post until June 18, 2009. Check this post to see the history of why I started the blog.  My first meme on July 19 was It's Monday, What are you Reading, hosted then by J.Kaye Book Blog  and my first review, of Blind Fortune, was posted July 21.  Since then I have posted approximately 217 reviews, 30 author interviews and 15 author guest posts. And as my dear followers know - lots of Giveaways.

I wanted a blogoversary event to say THANK YOU to my 1116 followers and to showcase some of the authors and publishers who have provided books for me to read and review.




















I have approximately 25 posts planned to spotlight authors and publishers who agreed to offer a giveaway for the party! There are eBooks for worldwide entries, print books and a few other  special items as well.

Each event post will have this Sponsor icon. 

It would be especially appreciated if you comment to thank the sponsors!

On July 15 I will post the Grand Giveaway form with books up for grabs (so to speak).
To Enter you must be a GFC; GFC followers prior to June 16 will get extra credits.
Also there will be extra points for

• following on twitter, facebook and goodreads. +1 each follow
• Tweeting or promoting on facebook +3, awarded for up to two tweets/FB post in different weeks; i.e. total available is 6+ for promoting in two different weeks
• meaningful comments made from June 1 through July 15 on interview, review and comment posts of any date will count extra (except normal giveaway entries as they already apply toward that giveaway)
• posting the Giveaway button on sidebar of blog or wall. +3

<center><a href="http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Martha’s Bookshelf Blogoversary" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpFl_J067Jv4JaLWxxrHGsZACcF0Bji1V1qIwQR_HcuQzMeVKvvLGuHx02iGaqDLBxurNXom8vmCkOLi1SSKMP0zxFcMbxpyuJTRrqZ2IyDLhv_3JGKPnJ_jR3KndnZsr6-iZCUNIBhM/s144/vector-gold-frame-design-04-by-dragonart.jpg"/></a></center>

I still have some scheduled reviews and interviews for the month so please continue to support those too.  PLEASE NOTE: Comments made on posts, particularly interviews and non-giveaway posts, from June 1 to July 15 will count extra. I may just pop in a surprise giveaway now and then along the way.

Each individual giveaway will have it's own Giveaway Form and entry instructions.

1. When entering a giveaway, pay attention to the instructions. They may be different depending upon the giveaway.

2.  Please make sure to pay close attention to the shipping on each giveaway. Some are open to US citizens only, others US/Canada and others will be open internationally.

3. You can enter as many event giveaways as you want.

4. All giveaways will run for approximately two weeks, the end date to be noted in each giveaway, with the Grand Giveaway starting on July 15 and ending on July 29th. In accordance with my new Giveaway Protocols all winners will be announced on Saturdays. Winners will have 4 days to respond by completing the Winner Form or emailing me at mesreads(at)gmail(dot)com or another winner will be chosen.

I will be updating this post with each new Giveaway as they might get too long for the usual top of the blog list.

Here is a sneak preview of the Giveaways:
Hachette: 10 books- June and July releases, 2 winners each - US or Canada
Sourcebooks: 8 books - I just got the book bundles tied up with bows - how sweet! US or Canada
Tribute Books: 4 eBooks - 2 winners each - Worldwide
eTreasures Publishing: 2 books US or Canada; $10 GC to the bookstore, PLUS three winners to get a package with Sticky notepad, clip-on book light and handmade bookmark -Worldwide.

Author Contributions:

• Gift Certificate and print book - open worldwide
• 9 offerings of eBooks open worldwide
• 9 offerings of Print books - US only
• 2 Gift Certificates - open worldwide

So check each day to see which generous author or publisher is being spotlighted!

Sneek Peek at some Grand Giveaway packages:

Historical Romance

Romantic Suspense

YA

Plus more to come!

1.  Giveaway #1: Spotlight Author Cym Lowell $30.00 Amazon Gift Card and Autographed Book Riddle of Berlin -Both OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED
2. Giveaway #2: Spotlight Author Sandy James Choice backlist ebook. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
3. Giveaway #3: Spotlight Author Jacquie Rogers Choice of two trade paperback novels. OPEN US ONLY. CLOSED.
4. Giveaway #4: Spotlight Publisher Tribute Books Choice of four eBooks - Three winners each! OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
5. Giveaway #5. Spotlight Author Suza Kates Choice of a print book. OPEN US and CANADA. CLOSED.
6. Giveaway #6. Spotlight Author Susan Helene Gottfried Two eBooks. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
7. Giveaway #7. Spotlight Author JL. McDougall $25.00 Amazon Gift Card. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
8.  Giveaway #8. Spotlight Author Diane Craver Print Copy of A Christmas Gift. OPEN US ONLY. CLOSED.
9.  Giveaway #9. Spotlight Author Carol North eBook Copy of Love's Reflection. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
10. Giveaway #10. Spotlight Author Patricia Andres Two Childrens' books. US or CANADA. CLOSED.
11. Giveaway #11. Spotlight Author Karen Michelle Nutt Two eBooks. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
12. Giveaway #12. Spotlight Publisher eTreasures Publishing Three sets books and goodies! OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
13. Giveaway #13. Spotlight Author Patricia Bates eBook and spotlight in Publisher's Corner ezine. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
14. Giveaway #14. Spotlight Author Suzanne Barrett Print Copy of Late Harvest. OPEN US and CANADA. CLOSED.
15. Giveaway #15. Spotlight Author Jean Hart Stewart eBook choice from backlist. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
16. Giveaway #16. Spotlight Author Anne Patrick Print Copy of Lethal Dreams. OPEN US. CLOSED.
17. Giveaway #17. Spotlight Author Danielle Thorne. eBook of Josette. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
18. Giveaway #18. Spotlight Author Joyce DiPastena Print (US) or ebook (International) of Illuminations of the Heart; Plus Martha's Print Copy (US) of Loyalty's Web. CLOSED.
19. Giveaway #19. Spotlight Author Judy Nickles/Gwyneth Greer eBook copy of The Showboat Affair. OPEN WORLDWIDE; print copy Open US and Canada. CLOSED.
20. Giveaway #20. Spotlight Author Pauline Baird Jones Amazon Gift Certificate $20.00. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
21. Giveaway #21. Spotlight Author Karen Wiesner eBook copy of Glass Angels. OPEN WORLDWIDE. CLOSED.
22. Giveaway #22. Spotlight Author Lynda Coker Autographed copy of The Ocean Between. OPEN US ONLY. CLOSED.
23. Giveaway #23. Spotlight Publisher Sourcebooks Eight books to eight winners. OPEN US and Canada. CLOSED.
24. Giveaway #24. Spotlight Publisher Hachette Two winners for 10 books - 20 winners! OPEN US and Canada. CLOSED.

Grand Giveaway - Six book packages US/Canada; Two Winners International. CLOSED.

Whew!!

Book Review and Giveaway 3 Copies: Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden

A fast paced, intense romantic suspense.

Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446572802
• ISBN-13: 978-0446572804

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching . . . And once he has you, all you can do is. . .

BEG FOR MERCY

Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother-the only family she has left-for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.

Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey.

Review: This is an intense romantic suspense.
Megan Flynn was falling in love with sexy and intense cop, Cole Williams. Until he arrested her brother, Sean, and distanced himself from her. Megan won’t believe her brother was responsible for the brutal murder and she searches relentlessly for any clue to lead to another suspect and reason that someone would frame Sean.  She is exhausting herself as she alone persistently insists on Sean’s innocence.

Three years have passed and Megan still has made no progress. Even Sean is to a point of such despair that he is giving up any more appeals and has allowed his execution date to be set. With time counting down Megan finally gets a break on a lead. Although the police try to keep her away there is no stopping her from investigating on her own. As people she talks to start to die she comes fact to face again with Cole.

Cole tried to forget the woman he was falling in love with but when he sees her again he knows he cannot forget her. This time he can’t walk away and leave her to push on alone. Even if he doesn’t believe in her brother’s innocence he decides he must give her whatever help he can to make up for the past. He doesn’t expect she will ever forgive him but it is clear that the electrifying sexual chemistry is still there between them.

I liked the intensity of the plot and mystery which were well laid out. There were several possible villains to decide among. There was good action and the story was well paced. Unfortunately I did not warm up to Megan's character from the very beginning and I could never get that to change. Her perseverance is commendable even though her desperation becomes a bit annoying. The risks she takes investigating are a bit extreme. I also struggled with Megan and Cole both thinking the other was not interested in getting back together when it was clear that the chemistry between them was gripping.  The story is definitely entertaining - it just didn’t grab me in a warm way.

Three word description: Edgy, intense, suspenseful.

xxx

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and for providing THREE copies for giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 

1. Visit the Author's website or Five Fun Facts and tell me something you found interesting;
This is required for entry.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

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

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

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

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 1 , 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Giveaway: From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice

This is a smooth and uplifting memoir with lots of gems of poetry and scripture to enjoy.

From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice by Neil Cullan McKinlay

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Nordskog Publishing (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982707479
• ISBN-13: 978-0982707470

Genre: Memoir, Inspirational
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
An adventurous, captivating and poetic memoir of the author's courageous and spiritual journey from Scotland to Canada to Australia in his quest to "find the Truth and know the living God." Neither an apologetic nor a polemic, he corrects much misinterpretation and misunderstanding of Freemasonry. We learn how inspiration from Masonic teachings about Solomon's Temple, the arch, and keystone led him to a deep study of the revelation from the Bible of "the stone the builders rejected"; which is Christ. Readers will be uplifted, inspired, and delighted as they follow along with him in the discovery of his calling to become a minister.

Review:
I don’t read lots of memoirs but this ‘life-story’ caught my interest.  Masonry is shrouded in secrecy and not looked upon favorably by fundamental Christian organizations. I thought that reading this book might give me insight to the nature of the Masons. The book goes beyond the nature of Masonry and the real story is the author’s spiritual journey through the Mason's shortcomings.

The book starts with personal background as the author relates how he initially sought  fellowship in the Masons. As I understand from the book, the purpose of the Masons is to encourage men to be good workers and workers of good and this goal was originally founded on Biblical teachings and centered on the building of Solomon's temple. However in the 1800s a directive was made which diluted or stifled the Christian aspects in order to encompass a broader membership of men from all faiths. Although the teachings encourage a relationship with God, it would seem that members are not to push religion nor to even discuss Christ in their lives.

This dichotomy presented a puzzle that gave Mr. McKinlay the impetus to study deeper into scripture. Mr. McKinlay studied first to understand how the scriptures related to the teachings of  Masonry and later how they related to the ‘practices’ or living walk of the Masons. Each level or degree he achieved brought more disenchantment with the practices of the organizations and a more in depth study of God.

As McKinlay studied the Bible he began to see the creator God everywhere in the world around him.  For a time he felt lost, as a spaceman floating without a tether, until he recognized Christ as the only way to God the Father and thereby he found the missing “cornerstone” - the stone that was rejected - Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed the easy flow and phrasing McKinlay uses. The early chapters at first seemed disjointed but  then I realized that there was a meandering path that moved the journey along, with some side trips in memory. The 'Ministry' section is more direct, perhaps because it is the most recent in time and the author no longer has to tread the fine line of discussing his Masonry experiences. The author does not seem to disclose any real secrets but rather presents revelations of basic tenets and their impact on him with some philosophical insights as well.  He also gives a cogent discussion of the trilogy which is a very difficult concept for many to grasp.  I view the book as a grouping of revelations,  recollections, and reflections on the spiritual awakening in the author’s life.

I admit that sometimes I fold the corners on a page (I know an awful habit) to mark a particularly poignant phrase or point. The problem I found with this book is I was apt to fold every couple of pages as comments repeatedly struck my own spirit. This is an easy read and an enjoyable, as well as informative book.

Three word description: Personal, lyrical, uplifting.

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book Tour and the author for the book to read and review.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

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

2. Comment on the Author's Interview for TWO extra entries.

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 to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 24, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.