Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway August 12, 2011

Thank you to all who entered August 5 Pick. There were FOUR 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). Sarah E gets The Perfect Storm.
Lieder gets The Darkest Evening of the Year (Dean Koontz).
Mamabunny gets Motion to Suppress and
Victoria gets Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from August 5 Pick:

LuAnn chose Mistletoe And Mischief (Harlequin Regency Romance)

and
Mona chose  Having Faith

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. 

I Hope  your reading is going along swimmingly! :o)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Dead Jitterbug by Victoria Houston

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

* Wolf to the Slaughter: An Inspector Wexford Novel (Mortalis) by Ruth Rendell

* Point No Point by Mary Logue

The Cheshire Cat's Eye by Marcia Muller

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell 

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

* Resort to Murder: A Henrie O Mystery by Carolyn Hart

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire (spine creased)

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans (spine creased)

* Undercover Pursuit (Love Inspired Suspense) by Susan May Warren

* The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

* Having Faith by Barbara Delinsky

* Easy On the Heart by Jodi Thomas

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 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 21 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 212 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 fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me 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 - Audio Cassette
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 and Giveaway 3 Copies: Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore

A pleasant Historical Romance read.

Confessions of an Improper Bride (A Donovan Novel) 

by Jennifer Haymore

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446573140
• ISBN-13: 978-0446573146

Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

Review: This is an engaging story with interesting characters.

Wild Serena and her proper twin sister Meg were only 18 when they came from Antigua to London. Their mother’s plan was for them to wed rich and respectable husbands so they could help introduce their younger sisters in another year or two.  Serena lost her heart, and her reputation, to the deliciously devilish Jonathan Dane. He professed to love Serena but as a younger son he bent to the threats of his father who insisted he end their relationship. After Serena and Jonathan were caught in a compromising situation he turned away from her forcing  Serena and Meg to return home in disgrace.

Meg had developed a tendre and romantic relationship with a straight laced naval conspired for Serena to return to London as Meg and marry Captain Langley. Serena knows her family is depending on her and that her only hope to reenter society is to pose as the respectable twin. She has quieted since Meg’s death and the guilt of her impetuous youth weighs heavily. Surely she can learn to love Meg’s fiancé. But can she ever forget her passionate love for the man who betrayed her?

Jonathan was young himself when he cowardly abandoned Serena to scandal.  He has spent the past six years trying to drown his guilt in debauchery.  Surprisingly he and Captain Langley have become close friends.  Although it is difficult he will support Langley in his wedding plans. That is until he sees Meg and knows in his heart that it is really Serena. Now he must find a way to make her trust that he will never abandon her again and that they can find a way to be together.

The chemistry between Serena and Jonathan is lush.  Serena tries to avoid him and even more to resist him. Jonathan is relentless in his efforts to get her to admit that she is truly Serena and to convince her to give him a second chance. I can’t say I was comfortable with the deception and the impact it would have on Langley but the story kept me interested wondering how the masquerade would be resolved.  I enjoyed the side romance of Serena’s younger sister, Phoebe, who seems headed for the same destruction as Serena when she becomes infatuated with a younger son known for gambling and womanizing.  The story moves at a good pace with engaging characters.

xxx

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read, review and to offer for Giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. 1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.This is required for entry.

2. Follow me and let me know how you follow: by GFC, Subscribe or Twitter.

3.  For TWO more 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.) THREE winners!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* Only one winner per household.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 26, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries. 
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 27 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun romance by one of my favorite authors of Regency Romance.

Audible:

On the Way to the Wedding

by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Simon Prebble

• Mass Market Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060531258
• ISBN-13: 978-0060531256

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher’s Summary from Audible:
This Regency-era tale closes best-selling author Julia Quinn's popular and critically acclaimed Bridgerton series. Gregory Bridgerton has watched love simply walk into the lives of his six siblings, so he has just been waiting for his turn. When he sees beautiful Hermione Watson, he is sure he has found his soul-mate. But then Hermione's friend Lucy informs him that Hermione's heart belongs to another.

Review:  I have always enjoyed Julia Quinn’s Regency historical romances and the Bridgerton's are a grand series. This book didn’t disappoint me.

Gregory Bridgerton hasn’t rushed to find a wife as he believes that true love is waiting to claim him as it has his siblings.  Finally he has spotted the woman who takes his breath away just by the sight of the curve of her neck.  Surely she will feel love’s zing too. But if not, then he can charm her ... just as soon as he meets her. 

Hermione Watson is a beauty who is accustomed to men instantly falling for her and Gregory is just one more. Hermione’s best friend, Lady Lucinda, on the other hand, thinks Gregory is wonderful. But Lucinda has been betrothed for years and she doesn’t believe in or expect love. 

Hermione is sweet for such a beauty but she has learned to be aloof in order not to encourage men. Although Lucy is attracted to Gregory herself, she is willing to help his pursuit of Hermione. Lucy is sunny, friendly, witty and comfortable to be with, even with her obsessive and quirky tendencies. Gregory enjoys her company but does’t see what is under his nose until it is too late.

Lucy’s brother appears to bring the bad news that their Uncle is ready to push Lucy into the long delayed marriage. Rumor has it that not all is right with Lucy’s betrothed but she is told he “will treat her right.” Lucy’s Uncle has secret reasons to force the arrangement and he is not beyond threatening Lucy if necessary.

It isn’t until Lucy is heading down the isle that Gregory realizes he can’t lose her.  She is the one who makes his world whole and bright. Can he get to her before she is wed to another man?

I love the little chapter titles that give you a clue to the chapter content: Chapter Ten: In which love is triumphant— but not for Our Hero and Heroine. I listened to this on Audible and enjoyed Simon Prebble’s smooth British narration which, for me, adds a nice flow and richness to the story. I thought the ending went a bit beyond expectations but mostly this was a sweet, lovely story.  I was glad for the humor and the easy, sweet romance as a nice break from the heavy sensuality of some other reads.

I picked this up on Audible to listen to but I have a print copy of the Book for Giveaway. (I have collected JQuinn's books and am tempted to keep this but decided I would rather share this lovely author.)

Back Cover Blurb:
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with someone else. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar... 

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.   This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry tell me if you have read this author before and if  you have a favorite book by her.  If you have read this particular book and you win the giveaway then you may pick a book from my ARC and review list.

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

4. 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.
(Five total entries possible.)

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

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 19, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 20 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winner's form linked in the announcement.