Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway August 19, 2011

Hmmm- I thought I set this to publish this morning but I must have saved it to draft. *Sigh*
Thank you to all who entered August 12 Pick. There were no 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).

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from August 12 Pick:

Misha gets a Gift Card

and
Faith Hope Cherrytea chose Resort to Murder

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. 

Hmm - only one more month of summer now! 

How Time Flies! :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 213 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: The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

This is a smooth, quick and engaging read.
The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238835
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238833

Genre: Regency Historical Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0
 Product Description
    Less than a hero's welcome...

    Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.

    One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.

Review: The mystery kept me wondering as I enjoyed the characters.

Gervace Frant returns from war to the mismatched castle and estate of Stanyon where he hasn’t felt welcome for years.  Now he is returning as the new Earl to take control of the estate. His younger half-brother, Martin, is the son who has been doted on and treated as if he would become the Lord of the manor. Someone is so unhappy about the new Earl that he begins to suffer accidents. At first they seem almost like careless pranks that might cause some small harm but when the Earl is shot it is clear that someone really does mean to remove him.

Martin is a hot head with a short temper. He doesn’t like his elder brother whom he barely remembers. His antagonism increases when Gervace begins to pay attention to the local beauty, Marianne, interfering with Martin’s courtship attempts. One of Gervace’s good friends from the service visits and he too shows interest in Marianne.

Other members of the household include Martin’s mother, the Dowager, who only sees perfection in Martin and views Gervace as a threat to her son’s happiness.  At least Gervace finds one friend at home in his cousin, Theo, who has been his man of business watching over his affairs.  There is also Miss Morville, a neighbor young lady who serves as a sensible, and seemingly unremarkable, temporary companion to the Dowager.

Marianne is the sweet beauty who attracts the men. The estimable Miss Morville, Drusilla, manages the household and handles all circumstances from planning a ball to taking charge when the Earl arrives with a gunshot wound.  Drusilla clearly likes the Earl and is concerned for his welfare but she has no expectation that he would be interested in her.

There are red herrings that blur the search for the person attempting to murder Gervace.  This kept me interested to see if I was guessing the villain and motive correctly. I did guess about midway into the story but the confirmation didn’t come until near the end.

The story focuses on the different society positions, the behavioral expectations and the jealousies existing among the characters.  The romance is merely light flirtations. I enjoyed the subtle satire, sarcasms and gentle humor. The writing tone, detail and characterizations fit the time period to perfection.  There is a certain propriety and elegance to be found in Heyer’s writing and characters. If you enjoy an old-fashioned romance, with no sexual content but plenty of character, you would like this story and this author.

~~~~

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Don't forget that Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only.  Take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Tell me which character you think you would like best. Female choices: the sweet beauty or the sensible companion; Male choices: the commanding Earl or the volatile younger son? This is required for entry.

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.)

* 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 September 2, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 3 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Tears of Gold by Laurie McBain

This is a story rich in detail but a little on the long side.

Tears of Gold by Laurie McBain

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140224245X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402242458

     Genre: Historical Romance
     My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Product Description
New York Times bestselling author and Reviewers' Choice Award–winner Laurie McBain has sold more than 11 million copies of her romances around the world with lush, epic storytelling that has made her a favorite among generations of readers.

She has sworn never to love.
To many, she has a perfect life-freedom to travel the world, expensive gifts from wealthy men. But consummate actress though she is, Mara Flynn can never make herself believe the passion is real. One more job. That's all she needs to ensure her family's financial future. And California is just teeming with gold. There, her daring impersonation will fool everyone...except one man.

He has sworn never to forgive.
Mara didn't plan for Nicholas Chantale, though. He has hunted her from the steamy streets of New Orleans all the way to the blinding brilliance of California gold country, only to have his dreams of vengeance crushed when he meets her in the flesh. For though he was sworn to kill her, she was the love he would die for.

Review: The second half of the book made up for the first half that is filled with beautiful, rich historical descriptions but a dragging story.

Mara and her brother, Brendan, inherited their mother’s beauty and knowledge of acting.  But Mara learned young that she can trust no man after watching her mother struggle when the family was abandoned by their nobleman father.  Mara has developed the art of seducing men only to abandon them.

Brendan gets gold fever and sets off to San Francisco with his six year old son, Paddy, Mara and their fierce nurse, Jamie. During the long voyage he loses all of their savings and puts them in a position where Mara has to impersonate the niece of a Spanish Californian until he gets what he wants from the niece’s fiance.

They are comfortably set up in a ranchero hacienda but Brendan is itching to get to the gold fields. Then the gorgeous, imperious Nicholas comes to visit. He is convinced that the dark beauty is the Irish siren who seduced his young nephew and broke his heart. Nicholas has been set on seeking revenge for years.

Nicholas and Mara become entangled in a prideful, volatile relationship. Their passion is high but they do not trust each other. Although Mara is intent on maintaining her aloof independence, she has no choice but to rely on Nicholas after Brendan dies.  Nicholas takes the impoverished family back to his home plantation outside of New Orleans where he has to face his own demons, including his first love, a beautiful aristocratic neighbor. The battle for control in their relationship and refusal to acknowledge their love continues between Nicholas and Mara until the end.

The story is rich in wonderfully detailed settings which are enlightening and interesting but tend to stretch the length of the story. I had to press through the first 200 or so pages enjoying the descriptions but wanting the story to move on. Once the story became more driven by the two strong protagonist characters I was better engaged and the reading was quicker.

So this is a mixed read. You have to enjoy historical detail to get through the front of the book until you get to the romance. Then you have to enjoy hard headed conflict and be prepared to keep reading to find out how the relationship between these two is resolved.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Tell me if you have read other books that describe the muddy streets of 1849 San Francisco OR the flooding of the ground floors of Louisiana Plantation mansions. If you haven't read these descriptions, which do you think you would like to read about? Both of these events are detailed in this book. :-)  This is required for entry.

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.)

* 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 August 26, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 27 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Venetia by Georgette Heyer

I am glad to post a review to celebrate Georgette Heyer's Birth date. 
Venetia by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238843
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238840

 Genre:  Regency Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Product Description
Venetia features a remarkably independent heroine who falls deeply in love with the wrong man. Venetia Lanyon lives a quiet life until she meets her notorious neighbor Jasper, Lord Damerel, who would marry her in a heartbeat if he didn't think it would ruin her. Then she discovers a shocking family secret that changes everything...

[Audible Description
Venetia Lanyon, beautiful, intelligent and independent woman, lives in comfortable seclusion in rural Yorkshire with her precocious brother Aubrey. Her future seems safe and predictable: either marriage to the respectable but dull Edward Yardley, or a life of peaceful spinsterhood. But when she meets the dashing, dangerous rake Lord Damerel, her well-ordered life is turned upside down, and she embarks upon a relationship with him that scandalizes and horrifies the whole community. Has she found her soul-mate, or is she playing with fire?]

Review: This is a lovely, charming read.

Venetia is a beauty but her more important qualities are her intelligence, wit and confidence.  She has remained home, living a rather reclusive and bookish country lifestyle, to watch over her sickly younger brother.  She doesn’t feel that she can leave for a season in town or a life of her own until their elder brother returns from the war to take over the household responsibilities.  Venetia does have two local suitors who are enthralled with her beauty.  One is an infatuated young man who is several years younger. The other is a serious neighbor who would make a respectable, if not exciting, husband.  Neither her relatives or suitors recognize the spirited young woman just waiting to be allowed some independence away from home.

Unexpectedly Venetia encounters another neighbor, the dangerous rake, Lord Damerel.  There have been many rumors about his dissolute and scandalous past but Venetia always looks for the good in people. The cynical Damerel is immediately enchanted by the natural warmth and spirit he sees in Venetia.  She is charmed by his willingness to challenge her wit and spirit. They share literary interests and enjoy bantering as they toss quotes back and forth.

Despite objections from the community a close friendship develops between Damerel and Venetia.  Damerel knows that he doesn’t deserve such an innocent beauty; she is much too special for a tainted character like himself.  Damerel is determined not to hurt Venetia’s reputation but in charming her he hurts her heart.  Venetia sees that Damerel cares for her but he will only treat it as a passing idle.  How can she convince him that she doesn’t care about his past or the scandal if only she can be with him?

Damerel is a deliciously wicked hero with a cynical view of life.  It is enjoyable to watch as he falls in love with the sweet heroine who is determined to catch the man she wants. Although this may be a predicable relationship - the rake and the innocent - it is charmingly handled with a few twists to add interest.

I listened to the Audible version as well as reading along at parts. The narrator did a fine job capturing the charm and personalities once you got used to the accent. However, I was disappointed that the Audible version was abridged and I would recommend going with the printed book so as not to miss any of the charming descriptions and banter.

~~~~

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only so take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Heyer Celebration page at Sourcebooks and tell me what other title catches your attention. This is required for entry.

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.)

* 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 August 26, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 27 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.