Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Sunday, October 9, 2011

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 10, 2011

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other blog
gers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a good reading week - I finished six books. I posted three reviews, one with art feature. Also I posted two giveaways and the usual regular Friday Pick Giveaway; Saturday Sharing Beyond Books, and Sunday posts.

I only got to visit a little last week. I'll do better this week with tomorrow sort of a holiday.
These were last week's posts plus Winner posts not listed.

It's Monday What are You Reading? October 2, 2011.

Blog Tour Announcement - Forever Contemporary Romance: Hope Ramsey and Bella Riley.

Double Giveaway: Home at Last Chance by Hope Ramsey and Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley. Contemporary. Ends 10/21.

Book Review and Review Copy Giveaway: Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee. Fantasy; US Only; my rating 4.75.

Book Review: The Christmas Secret. Children; my rating 4.5.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 7, 2011. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/13.

Book Review and Art Feature: Afterlight by Joseph Corsentino. Fantasy, Graphic Novel; my rating 4.25.

Sharing Beyond Books #17 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/14.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 9, 2011.

Finished Reading:
1. Print:

A Christmas Secret

by Candace Hall

Review linked above.

2. Audio

Storm Runners
by Roland Smith

This is a story for 9-12 age.
Full of action. This was another SYNC YA Listen download from AudioBook Community.
I will post a review soon.

My Rating 4.0

3. eBook:

Afterlight: End of the World
by J. Corsentino

Review and art feature linked above.

4. Audio
Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

Interesting YA wolf-shifter story.
Now that I have finished
I think I want to read the next one.

This was another SYNC YA Listening download from AudioBook Community.

Product Description: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

5. Print:

Where Tomorrow Waits by Jane Peart

A very fine Pioneer tale.
I'll post a review with giveaway this week.

6. One undisclosed book.

Line Edits/Releases:
We released the first book in the Dark Brides and Secrets Anthology.

Ketchikan Man
by Ciara Lake

Leea, a young woman from Oklahoma engages in a heated sexting relationship with a man from Alaska. Lucan, on a hunt for his mate, advertised for a mail order bride. Leea aware of the risks, is still drawn to the Ketchikan man and his nightly naughty texts. Leea’s believes she’s behaved shockingly via text, now she’s embarrassed by the explicitness she shared with this virtual stranger. When she arrives in Alaska, she encounters an absolutely gorgeous male. Overwhelmed, she’s suddenly inhibited by timidity. However, Lucan is patient and determined to reveal Leea’s inner siren. His unique instincts tell him that she's his.
Lucan is a local artist, a talented man. He’s part Native American with an extra component in his genes. Unknown to Leea, his honored ancestor passed a special gift to him.
Will Leea and Lucan’s passion survive the wilds of Alaska?

Genre: Paranormal Romance
pages: 74, Novella

Currently reading:

Print/Kindle:

Kiss of Night
by Debbie Viguie'

This is reading very quickly.
I will post the review Wednesday, October 12.

Reading for FaithWords - Hachette.

Product Description: Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.

For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can’t control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God? is answered.

Audible/Audio

Unmeasured Strength
by Lauren Manning

This is a remarkable story.

I am reviewing this for Audiobook Jukebox

Product Description: A survivor's awe-inspiring story of how she overcame tragedy and re-created herself as a wife, mother, and woman
She was a hardworking business woman, had a loving husband and an infant son, and a confidence born of intelligence and beauty. But on 9/11, good fortune was no match for catastrophe. When a wall of flame at the World Trade Center burned more than 80 percent of her body, Lauren Manning began a ten-year journey of survival and rebirth that tested her almost beyond human endurance.
Long before that infamous September day, Manning learned the importance of perseverance, relentless hard work, and a deep faith in oneself. So when the horrific moment of her near-death arrived, she possessed the strength and resilience to insist that she would not yield—not to the terrorists, not to the long odds, not to the bottomless pain and exhaustion. But as the difficult months and years went by, she came to understand that she had to do more than survive. She needed to undergo a complete transformation, one that would allow her to embrace her life and her loved ones in an entirely new way.
Fleeing the burning tower, Manning promised herself that she would see her son's face again. Courageous and inspiring, Unmeasured Strength tells the riveting story of her heroic effort to make that miracle—and so many others—possible.

Print/Kindle:

The Goblin King
by Shona Husk

I am Preparing this for review and author Q&A on Monday October 17.
Reading for Sourcebooks.

Product Description: Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

Audible:

I am expecting two more Audio books for review.

If I don't get them this week I will pick a new Audible
but I'm not sure which yet.

I'm ready for the next Eve Dallas or Mercy Thompson book

but I am also interested in Linger and the next Sookie book.

Glad I have two credits and get two more on the 19th. :-)

10/14-15 I'm attending Women of Faith Conference in Tampa for BookSneeze! Anyone else going?

I am also listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. I am at Jeremiah 10 and Thessalonians 1.

Line Edits: Working on more of the Dark Bride Anthology series for October and continuing to set up print releases.

Scheduled Events in October:

10/17 The Goblin King Review with Author Q&A - Sourcebooks
10/18 The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo - Little Brown
10/26 Mind Over Matter - Author Guest Post and Giveaway - Bewitching Book Tours

Additional Sourcebooks Review Books:
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
In Winter's Shadow by Gillian Bradshaw
Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson
Unleashed by Sara Humphreys

Additional Hachette Titles (just received):
Help! For Writers by Roy Peter Clark - Little Brown
The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen - Mulholand/Little Brown

Remaining September Author Selections:
Karen Weisner - Love Is Blind and It Don't Pay the Bills Either (Denim Blues Mysteries, Book 2) (read)

and Souls on (B)oring Street [Denim Blues Mysteries Book 3]
Anne Patrick Renegade Hearts
Nibi Soto - The Chronicles of Quant
Nathan Patrick Hardt - The Second Sonata
Caedem Marquez - The Path Home

[To be posted:
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors. I am sending out interviews for these. I hope to post them all in September.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and

To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.

Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 9, 2011

Today is National Pastor Appreciation Day. Our Pastor gave a very good sermon and I have notes for another day. But before Pastor preached he prayed to lift up ministers everywhere. Sometimes ministers are not appreciated and they might get discouraged. I immediately thought that if a minister reaches one heart for Christ, he makes a difference. That thought brought to mind the "Starfish Story" by Loren Eisley and I decided to share that today.

I found a Video version to share:

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 28:19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Today I give thanks and pray for God's Blessing on ministers everywhere.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Sharing Beyond Books #17 October 8, 2011

Happy Saturday Night. I only found one or two books for Halloween so I don't have a list of those to add. I do have a few more Holiday and Valentine titles I can add next week. And I am going to include the ARC Giveaway Box ** for the SBB winners to pick from starting with the winner announced here for SBB#16.
**(I many have to cross off one or two books and I have a couple to add..but I have to be at work to check the box to do that.)
Thanks for your comments this past week.

It was interesting to see what books were named as "worst" reads. I thought it was funny how some of you don't remember them as you let the negative go. That is a good trait. I had to laugh at Linda K saying she goes to sleep when bored. Yep - that can happen.

Some of you named pretty well known movies as your "worst" nominations. Carol L remembered too how horrible Clockwork Orange was. But winnie is right too that Dumb and Dumber was pretty poor. I have to admit that last week one night my DH left the TV on while he fell asleep on the couch and I was working on the computer. There was a TERRIBLE movie on - Hachette 2. YUCK - don't bother! It must have been a D or worse horror flick.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #16 comments is: #8 Carol L. There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 7 Christmas choices and 1 Summer title below so Carol please choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below or pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #17 Questions

Q1. Faith, Hope and Cherrytea asks the book question this week: what are your preferred novel settings? rural/urban, local/foreign???

A: I don't know that I have a favorite setting since I like such variety. I like historical medieval, regency, western and I like science fiction set in space. I do think I prefer rural to city though... cities tend to be a bit more gritty and less to my taste.

Now wouldn't this setting be great for a story?

House in gardens, English countryside.

Michael Busselle/Stone/Getty Images

Q2. If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

I spotted this in a interview at another blog and thought it would make a good question. Now if I only had an answer... Let's see - I think I would travel to the past. I would want to be able to come back home but I do think I might like to visit Medieval times but of course I would prefer to be wealthier rather than poorer. Then again - I don't look so good in hats so maybe this isn't a good time fit for me.

~~~~

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. September

Your turn to share:

1. What are your preferred novel settings? rural/urban, local/foreign??

2. If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 17 books available plus 1 left in the Summer titles to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

(not sure about mailing overseas on this one yet)

~~A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)~~
~~I love Susan Wiggs historicals!~~

SBB Rules: a) Must be a follower;
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, October 14 at 10PM central.

Winners for Life is Not a Stage, No Proper Lady and extra Lonestar Secrets

Congratulations

to the Winners of:

Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond

by Florence Henderson

Two Winners of:
No Proper Lady
by Isabel Cooper

Also - I discovered an extra copy of

Lonestar Secrets

by Colleen Coble

so I drew a second winner:

Linda Kish, mrsshukra, Mandy and Scottsgal -

ALL WINNERS please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form so I can mail the books out or let the Publisher know for mailing. Please reply within 72 hours!

Book Review and Graphic Art Feature: Afterlight by Joseph Corsentino

This is an apocalyptic battle of Angels and humans in graphic beauty.
Time of the Faeries: Afterlight, End of the World

Paperback: 98 pages
Publisher: Time of the Faeries; First edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0578085488
ISBN-13: 978-0578085487

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25

Product Description:
This is the end of the world. The end of our world. What went wrong? Why do the angels, once guardians charged with our protection and safety, now hunt us to extinction? As we become fewer and fewer will the questions be answered, or lost in the fires of ritual? When all things fade in the Afterlight...What will be left of hope?

Time of the Faeries: Afterlight, End of the World is the first of a four part graphic novel series featuring the photographic art of J. Corsentino.

Review: This is a different read for me - amazing artwork and an engaging story.

The story presents an interesting take on Mortal Angels... or are they demons, or fallen angels? The year is 2078 and a third world war has decimated the earth leaving only a remnant of humans. The Angels used to gain strength from the energy, or Kai, of the humans. Now, with the limited population, the Angels find themselves dying too.

The Angels are reminded of an ancient prophesy that says that E’ven will open up again only when mankind exists no more. So the head Angel, Sovereign Terra, issues orders to kill the remaining humans so the gates of E’ven will open and the Angels can return home.

This is contradictory as the prime purpose of the Angels has been to protect the humans from themselves. The Angels have spent thousands of years interfering in the lives of mankind to subtlety direct their choices. Now the Angels are trying to kill all remaining humans justifying their actions by claiming the humans were killing themselves anyway.

Some of the Angels are driven to kill by the drug like “high” of the energy “fix”. One particular Angel, Anavere, is on the verge of madness but is still a phenomenal tracker of the human Kai energy scents. Anavere is leading her sister Angels to the last communities of humans hiding under the streets of Los Angeles. Yet one Angel, Halyon, looks out across the burning streets and puzzles what went wrong. She keeps looking for a thread to change the outcome of man’s destruction and she cannot bring herself to kill the humans.

The humans have their own warriors who are leaders from the Angelarchy rebellion. They are intent on using all their cunning and years of experience to help the small group of civilians to run, hide and stay alive. These leaders include shapeshifting wolves with extra strength and powers.

Can the humans trust Halyon if they take her to their hiding place or is it a trap? Will she really stand with the humans against her sister Angels? Do the humans have enough warriors left to prevail? All of those questions remain.

The story opens with the Prophesy in prose, continues with a brief narrative of history explaining what has occurred, then moves into the action of the current conflicts. Certain characters are more developed than others but I suspect that some will be more visible in sequel volumes. I enjoyed the story which is a quick to read. The fairies are not featured yet but there is more to come. The overwhelming feature of the book is the absolutely amazing artwork which is vivid and striking.