Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Friday, October 7, 2011

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 7, 2011

*Sigh* My first week back is almost done. Part of me has been glad to get back to my three businesses and juggling the priorities. Another part already misses the mostly lazy days of cruising. I'll be putting together a new group of books soon and deleting all the picked ones to save space. Also - be on the watch for a Flash giveaway... I have been itching to do one but missed it before the trip so maybe this weekend?

Thank you to all who entered September 30 Pick. There was only 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 who chose Cimmaron Rose.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from September 30 Pick:

Michelle chose One Night but may get a GC

and
LuAnn chose Iced

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 - sensual or sexy +plus - I am currently low on just sweet.

This picture is helping me feel more like fall.

Image: "books autumn." by m0thyyku

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Double Set by Lori Copeland:
June (Brides of the West #2) (HeartQuest)
The Courtship of Cade Kolby (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Singles:
~~Rides A Hero by Heather Graham~~
~~One Night by Debbie Macomber~~
Tender Triumph? (I have to check) by Judith McNaught
~~Quentins by Maeve Binchy~~
Firestorm (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen
~~In the Prince's Bed (Royal Brotherhood) by Sabrina Jeffries~~
~~Everywhere That Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline~~
Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries) by Charles Todd
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
~~Cimarron Rose (Billy Bob Holland) by James Lee Burke~~
Lost Light (Harry Bosch Series #9) by Michael Connelly
A Maiden's Grave by Jeffrey Deaver
Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

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 22 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 236 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)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Book Review: A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall

Christmas is sneaking up on us and this is a good time to look at some of our favorite gifts: books!
A Christmas Secret would make a lovely Christmas Gift!

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Perfect Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617773530
ISBN-13: 978-1617773532
Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches

Genre: Young Children, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5

Product Description:
When Santa’s reindeer discover a lost kitten named O’Malley, they have no choice but to rescue him and bring him back to the North Pole. Soon all the residents of the North Pole are doing their part to save O’Malley, including Broome, the head Elf, and Wilma the mouse. Because only those who were born in the North Pole can live there, everyone decides to keep O’Malley a secret–until O’Malley goes missing. Will O’Malley be able to stay in the North Pole? What will Santa think about ‘A Christmas Secret’?

Review: This is a really sweet story with charming drawings.

It’s Christmas Eve and Rudolph and all of Santa’s reindeer are cheerily pulling Santa on his way. They come to a rooftop and Rudolph hears a pitiful noise below. He spots a tiny kitten in trouble in the snow. He rescues the kitten and it is dubbed O’Malley. The other reindeer and the head Elf, Broome, agree to hide the kitten while they try to help it. There is even a mother mouse who is willing to “adopt” the orphan baby. But what are they going to do with the sweet creature who wasn’t born at the North Pole and therefore isn’t allowed to stay? How long can they keep the secret from Santa?

This is an easy story for middle school children to read or for grandmothers, like me, to read to their little ones. The sweet cover draws you in to want to know the secret. My only disappointment was that the cute illustrations are in black and white instead of color. That doesn’t lessen the charm of the story but it was a surprise. The story will "warm the cockles of your heart" and bring a smile to adults and children alike.

You can learn more about Candace at www.candacehallbooks.com or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HallCandace.

I received this book from from the author through Pump Up Your Book Tours for an honest review.
You can also learn more about the author and visit the other Tour participants through the links listed here.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway: Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

This is an intense tale of emotional rebirth in a "dead" society.
Forbidden (The Book of Mortals)
by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Center Street (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599953544
ISBN-13: 978-1599953540

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

Review: This is a wonderfully gripping read - truly entertaining.

This medieval-type world is full of the living dead...at least they are dead emotionally. About four hundred years ago civilization was destroyed by war. One of the scientists of that day, the alchemists, decided the best way to control society was to eliminate all emotions except for fear. Fear could be used to control people so there would be a world of peace. They set loose an emotion killing virus and established The Order, the peaceful society with royal families, guards, artisans and slaves, all governed by rules and traditions and controlled by fear. Anyone who has a defect or illness is sent to a Wellness Center and never returns. Anyone who disobeys the rules is turned in by others who fear punishment and death.

Rom comes upon an elderly man running from the elite Citadel Guards. The man claims he is a Keeper and that Rom’s own father said that Rom could be trusted. The man thrusts a bundle to Rom and tells him to find The Keeper known as The Book. Rom watches the guards slaughter the man, then he runs with the bundle. He discovers that the bundle contains a vial of blood and a message regarding ‘true life’.

Rom and three select friends go into hiding. Trying to understand what the blood is about, they each drink a portion and begin to experience the myriad of human emotions that had been lost. They discover laughter, wonder, anguish and pain. They begin to realize that with no emotion there is no love; without suffering there is no real pleasure; without tears there is no joy... there is no longing and no hope. Rom and his companions find themselves “[O]ut of Order, fully human...”

A new royal Sovereign, Feyn, is about to be inaugurated. Her older brother, Saric, is being fed a blood mixture by The Alchemists who seek power and control. Saric is full of anger, greed, ambition and obsession. He plots against his father, the current Sovereign, and against Feyn.

Now the ‘true life’ of mankind is in the hands of Rom's band of rebels, including a cripple boy, Jonathan. Although it seems impossible, Jonathan must become Sovereign to bring life back to people.

I caught the excitement and tension of the story from the beginning and the intensity continued to the end. The story is not necessarily religious but I really liked the Christian allegories that I perceived: there is betrayal, a procession to royalty, a sacrifice, a promised savior, evil v. good, a need to believe by faith and circumstances working together to bring hope to a dead people.

I hope the next book in the series comes soon!
(I have not read The Circle trilogy but I will have to look into that.)

Thank you to Sarah at Center Street for this book to review.

USA ONLY GIVEAWAY (due to postage costs - sorry)
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

1. Visit Ted Dekker's website and tell me something you found interesting there.
This is required for entry.
You might want to watch the book trailer which is very good.

2. For an additional entry visit Tosca Lee's Website and tell me something you learned there.

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

4. 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.
(Five total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of the US.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 21, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on October 22 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Double Giveaway - 'Going Home' Romances from Forever Romance!

Double your Reading Fun!

HOPE RAMSAY (HOME AT LAST CHANCE)

You won't believe what's happened. My son Tulane has come back home! You remember Tulane? He'd set out to find fame and fortune in the big, wide world outside of Last Chance, and I'm mighty proud. But that's not the half of it-Tulane isn't only back, he's brought a young lady with him.

You can find out more about Hope Ramsay and her books at Hope's website or on Facebook and Twitter.

HOME AT LAST CHANCE
By Hope Ramsay
ISBN: 9780446576109
Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE
Published on: 9/01/2011
Format: MASS MARKET
Pages: 352

BELLA RILEY (HOME SWEET HOME)

Ten years and two hundred miles. That's what separates Andi Powell from quiet, secluded Emerald Lake-and that's exactly how she likes it. But now her job brings her back to the hometown she's tried so hard to forget . . . and to Nate Duncan, the man she's never been able to.

You can find out more about Bella Riley and her books at Bella's website or on Twitter (where she tweets as @bellaandre).

HOME SWEET HOME
By Bella Riley
ISBN: 9780446584210
Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE
Published on: 10/01/2011
Format: MASS MARKET
Pages: 368

I really enjoyed reading Welcome to Last Chance but Ms. Riley is a new author to me. I received these books while I was away so I don't have reviews yet but as I get to them I'll let you know. :-)

Thank you to Jillian at Forever Romance for these two book to read and for providing TWO sets of BOTH BOOKS for giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for BOTH BOOKS:

1. Visit BOTH Hope's website and Bella's website and tell me something you found interesting and each site.
You must visit both please. This is required for entry and worth TWO entries.

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

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.
(Five total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO 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 October 21, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on October 22 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Blog Tour: Forever Contemporary Romance - Hope Ramsay and Bella Riley

These look like fun romance reads. I wasn't in town to get the books in time to read them for October 4 but I am still hosting a giveaway! Meanwhile you can check reviews at the other tour stops. Just check the great blog list of stops below.