Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway 11/4/11

[** If you are new to Friday Pick, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
This has been a sort of rough week for me as my work seemed scattered. I had clerical errors to fix that sort of stressed me. Who else is glad to say "TGIF!"? 

Thank you to all who entered October 28 Pick. There were There were two 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). Meanwhile there were at least half of the list blocked by duplicate requests.
Mammabunny13 chose A Price for Everything; and
LuAnn chose The Waterfall.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from October 28 Pick:

Carol M chose Until We Meet Again

and
Mariska gets a GC

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.

How is your favorite football team doing?
Sad to say the Dolphins are doing awful and 
the Gators aren't doing much better.

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October - Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Desperation by Stephen King
Vanish by Tess Gerritsen
Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)
Midnight by Dean Koontz (spine wear)
Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards (spine wear)
Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper
The Haunting of Josie by Kay Hooper
Dark Secret (the Carpathians Book 12) by Christine Feehan
Hokus Pokus (the Sisterhood: Rules of the Game Book 2) by Fern Michaels
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard
A Marked Man by Stella Cameron
Bone Cold by Erica Spindler (spine wear)
Exposed (Maggie O'Dell) by Alex Kava
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

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:
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries) by Charles Todd
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
Lost Light (Harry Bosch Series #9) by Michael Connelly
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.

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

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)

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

Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire (spine creased)

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

* The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

* Easy On the Heart by Jodi Thomas

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

A Price for Everything (Rosamunde Pilcher's Book Shelf) by Mary Sheepshank

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

The Hope Chest: Yesterday's Magic\Today's Secrets\Tomorrow's Promise (Signature Select) Anthology

Susan, Kearney, Julie Kenner and Jacquie D'Alessandro

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

The Waterfall

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

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 Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

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 23 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I have updated the lists - deleting those won. 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 252 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.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

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- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] 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
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney 

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

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

The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin

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

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

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

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith - Audio Cassette

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

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)

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)

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

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Sourcebooks Offers British Specials to Remember November

Here is another special announcement in from Sourcebooks!  I have read and reviewed three of the books offered and another book by Ms. Mansell. This is a great chance to get some wonderful books at a great value!

This year, for Guy Fawkes Day on November 5, we have 5 great titles by some of the best British authors around on sale through November 7 :) You can read more about the significance of Guy Fawkes Day here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes and how the day is celebrated now: http://www.westmountexaminer.com/Opinion/Columns/2011-11-02/article-2794543/Remember-Guy-Fawkes-Day-on-Nov.-5/1.

As always, please be patient if our online retailers don’t have every single title uploaded to their discounted price points, but the promotions are set to begin on the start dates listed below. These deals are available with all major e-Book retailers!

Feel free to share the info with your blog readers, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you’d like to spread the word.

You can always receive the latest information about our ebook deals by joining our newsletter: http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html

And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, The British Babes Book Brigade, where you can interact with our beloved UK authors and learn about their great books: http://www.facebook.com/britishbabesbookbrigade

Enjoy!

Danielle

DANIELLE L. JACKSON | Publicist

  

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November: 5 British Babes for $1.99! 

11/01/2011 – 11/07/2011

Title: Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell

http://www.jillmansell.co.uk/

Rumor Has It sizzles with New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Jill Mansell's signature fresh sense of humor, poignancy, and happy ending with a twist…. Newly single Tilly Cole impulsively moves to a small town, only to find she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the most desirable man—Jack Lucas, whose reputation is beyond bad. Tilly has no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost. But she finds the thoughtful, caring guy she comes to value as a friend doesn't seem to fit the town's playboy image. Should she listen to her friends or her heart? Is Tilly being mature and sensible—or running away from the love of her life?

Title: The Greatest Knight by Elisabeth Chadwick

http://www.elizabethchadwick.com/

Royal Protector. Loyal Servant. Forgotten Hero… A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II’s formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne. However, being a royal favorite brings its share of danger and jealousy as well as fame and reward. William’s influence over the volatile, fickle Prince Henry and his young wife is resented by less favored courtiers who set about engineering his downfall.

A writer of uncommon historical integrity and accuracy, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects the true story of one of England’s greatest forgotten heroes in a captivating blend of fact and fiction. The Greatest Knight restores William Marshal to his rightful place at the pinnacle of the Middle Ages, reflecting through him the triumphs, scandals, and power struggles that haven’t changed in eight hundred years.

Title: I am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick

http://www.helenhollick.net/

In this beautifully crafted tale, Harold Godwinesson, the last Saxon King of England, is a respected, quick-witted man both vulnerable and strong, honorable and loving -- and yet, in the end, only human. After the political turmoil and battles leading up to 1066, we all know William the Conqueror takes England. But USA Today Bestseller Helen Hollick will have readers at the edge of their seats, hoping that just this once, for Harold, the story will have a different ending.

Title: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

http://phillipa-ashley.com/

When a nice girl asks twelve men to get naked, it’s sure to cause a scandal... Emma Tremayne leaves her high-powered PR job and moves to the Lake District looking for peace, quiet—and celibacy. So perhaps it’s not the best idea when, in the spirit of “community-mindedness,” she agrees to help the local mountain rescue team fundraise by putting together a “tasteful” nude calendar. Especially since quite a lot of the community seems to mind what she’s up to—including the tall, dark and handsome Mr. July, Will Tennant, who appears to have got completely the wrong impression about Emma’s intentions. So how does she convince him that he’s more than just the flavor of the month? 

Title: Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange

http://amandagrange.com/

The only place Darcy could share his innermost feelings was in the private pages of his diary... Torn between his sense of duty to his family name and his growing passion for Elizabeth Bennet, all he can do is struggle not to fall in love. Mr. Darcy's Diary presents the story of the unlikely courtship of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Darcy's point of view. This graceful imagining and sequel to Pride and Prejudice explains Darcy's moodiness and the difficulties of his reluctant relationship as he struggles to avoid falling in love with Miss Bennet. Though seemingly stiff and stubborn at times, Darcy's words prove him also to be quite devoted and endearing - qualities that eventually win over Miss Bennet's heart. This continuation of a classic romantic novel is charming and elegant, much like Darcy himself.

Book Review: The Path Home by Caedem Marquez

This is a sweet romance with a different storyline.

The Path Home

by Caedem Marquez
 

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 218 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Caedem Marquez (July 31, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005FEBMEO

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description:
A chance encounter at a bookstore...the start of a sweet love story.
When Mr. Dominguez runs into Antoinette at their beachside community bookstore, the connection between them is instantaneous and unmistakable. They seem to be made for each other. There is just one problem.
He is a priest, and she doesn't know.
Father Dominguez must decide if his true path is with Antoinette, or with the God he has always been devoted to. And he must do it soon, before he breaks not only his vows, but also Antoinette’s heart.

Review: I thought this was a very different plotline.

I really liked Father Dominguez and his relationships: as a ‘son’ and comrade to his senior Priest, as a father figure and friend to the young orphan, Chris, and as a potential love interest to the secular young woman, Antoinette, “Toni.”

Father Dominguez meets the Toni at the bookstore and he is awed by her beauty. He is surprised when they meet again and he can barely imagine that she is interested in him.  He cannot tell her where he lives or that he is a priest. He has to sneak out in the middle of the night to see her.
His dilemma becomes more difficult as he continues to spend time with her, their friendship grows and they even go on a picnic with Chris.
 
The clear - or you might say muddled - dilemma: Father Dominguez’s life has been pledged to love and serve God.  He feels he cannot love another person in a full, personal way even when Toni is so clearly enamored with him. Can he change the commitments of his life? Would it be a betrayal or abandonment of his pledge?

He burdens himself with lies and sneaking out like a teenage girl sneaking out to visit a boyfriend the parents disapprove of. Oddly when he counsels such a young girl he does not extend the circumstances or advise to his own situation. This is a true human failing that we are often blinded to our own circumstances, especially if we want to justify our wrong actions. Can Father Dominguez come to accept the possibility of a love and live other than what he has known?

The story flows nicely and I was kept interested to find out what would happen. There were parts where I shook my head and parts where I was close to tears.  I liked the ending which has a bit of a surprise, even while there is some sadness too.  The interesting plot, likeable characters, natural emotion and human dilemma make a good package. I am interested to read more by this author.

On a personal note - I am not Catholic although I was raised in a fairly “high” Episcopal church before moving toward to a charismatic, Evangelical  church home. When I was a teenager I actually saw a similar dilemma in real life with one of our Priests. Therefore I was even more curious where this story would go - I wasn't disappoited.

Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Path-Home-ebook/dp/B005FEBMEO/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-path-home-caedem-marquez/1104639231

The eBook copy was provided by the author for an impartial and honest review.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson

This is quite a fun and “charming” read.

Utterly Charming

by Kristine Grayson

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402248512
• ISBN-13: 978-1402248511

Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2011

Bestselling author Kristine Grayson's fairy tale romances bring the classic stories into the present day, where fairy tale characters must grapple with the complexities of modern life as well as their own destinies.

This time when Sleeping Beauty wakes up, she wants nothing to do with the man who kissed her. Consoling Alex Blackstone, the rejected suitor who is a brilliant magician but inept when it comes to women, falls to modern career woman and lawyer, Nora Barr. Nora now has to deal with Beauty's evil stepmother, and the discovery that Alex just might be her own personal Prince Charming...

Review:  This is a light, fun read.

Nora is a young, struggling attorney when she accidently meets Alex Blackstone and his friend, a dwarf named Sancho. There is something decidedly strange about the two who seemed to appear out of nowhere in her office garage. Alex is stunning and charming even with a hissing snake peeking out of his sleeve. The next thing Nora knows she is called by Sancho to come and defend Blackstone who has been in some wild neighborhood fight. Blackstone, the would be soul mate, and Ealhswith, the not quite stepmother,  have been fighting over the glass case containing Sleeping Beauty for almost a 1000 years.

Nora gets dragged into the situation, being engaged by Sancho to shelter a minibus, keeping its location secret, even from Blackstone and Sancho. At the end of ten years, Nora’s nightmares bring her to open the bus and discover Sleeping Beauty, Emma, just as she wakes up.  Now Nora needs to help Emma cope with a strange new world while protecting her from the manipulations of the two who put Emma in this situation: her mentor witch, Ealhswith, and her "boyfriend", Blackstone.

Blackstone thinks that an early prophesy declared Emma would be his soul mate. Although he has fought over Emma for a thousand years, he is drawn to Nora’s vibrant strength and integrity. His admiration for her helps change his own arrogant behavior.

Nora is a strong character.  I could relate to some of her ethical dilemma’s and appreciated her efforts to always do the right thing for her clients. Blackstone is easy to like as the charmer he is. The supporting cast, Sancho, Ealhswith, Nora's mother and mom's boyfriend, all have quirky traits that make them fun characters. There are a number of different, if not completely surprising, hops and twists in the story. The story is not deep although there are some nice comments on integrity and abuse of power, (even) magic. I liked the concept that 'there is a little bit of truth in all fairy tales.'  Take a fairy tale, update the magic, add the sweet HEA and what's not to like?

I have to say that I was surprised to visit the author’s website and discover that she writes The Retrieval Artist Series as Kristine Katherine Rusch. I have listened to two of those and like the humor and sci fi combination in those too. I'd say this is an author who provides a reliably entertaining read.

~~~~~~~

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. 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.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 19. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.