Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick January 6, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

A NEW YEAR! Wow 2012. I hope everyone has had a good first week.
Thank you to all who entered December 30 Pick.  There was ONE Automatic winner (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).

There were two books blocked again by multiple requests.

[I think it will be time next week for another new group to be added. :-)  I'll update the lists too by removing those already picked.-- Oops - didn't get to that yet -- I promise a new set next week- definitely some sets coming up!]

Krystal asked for The Path to Her Heart for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from December 30 Pick:

Tore chose Runaway Heart

Mariee chose Walking After Midnight

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 still low on just sweet. 

Is your TBR pile getting old and dusty?

Time to get reading!

Found at Leaf

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

Skin Tight by Susan Andersen  (Cover has one thin black marker stripe)
Hour Game by David Baldacci
After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)
The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley
Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey
Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver
Lucifer Rising by Barbara Fifield
Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag (spine wear)
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
Sweet Vengeance by Kat Martin
Lost Highways by Curtiss Ann Matlock
The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell
Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon
Cause for Alarm by Erica Spindler
Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods


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
Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)
Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards (spine wear)
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)

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
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

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)

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

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

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. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I have posted 24 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I have periodically update 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 291 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

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 too. :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 with 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

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

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

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

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

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

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

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)

Audible Book Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Highly Recommended! This second book in the series is even better than the first! 

Linger
• UNABRIDGED
• by Maggie Stiefvater
• Narrated by Jenna Lamia


• LENGTH
  10 hrs and 43 mins
• AUDIBLE RELEASE DATE
  07-01-10
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, YA; 
My Rating: 4.75.
Publisher's Summary
in Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past...and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves...and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love - the light and the dark, the warm and the cold - in a way you will never forget.

Review:  This story continues and expands from Shiver. Here we have four character perspectives: Grace, Sam, Isabelle and new character Cole.

Sam has been staying with Grace, and although they have not been sexually active, they have grown accustomed to sleeping together and sharing most of their free time when Grace is not in school and Sam is not at work. 

Spring is approaching and Cole is the first of the wolves to shift back. This is particularly frustrating to Cole since he is an angry, bitter young man and is trying to lose himself in the wolf. Isabelle finds him in her house and although she doesn’t like his attitude, she is inexorably drawn to his magnetic darkness. Isabelle lost her brother Jack who refused to remain a shifting wolf and died from the attempted “cure.”

That is only a minor irony in comparison to the big problem. Sam did survive the cure and he no longer shifts. But as the story moves on Grace becomes ill and it is fairly clear her body is fighting the wolf that struggles within her. Sam is burdened with the responsibilities of caring for the pack and preparing for their shift for the summer. He is initially disgusted and somewhat frightened by Cole’s arrogance and destructive nature. 

Now Grace’s parents have forbidden him from their home and are trying to ground Grace. Grace will break away to be with Sam.  As Grace gets weaker and sicker, can Sam hold on to the “summer” girl he loves?

I loved the four voices in the Audio. There are tidbits of Sam’s songs through the book and then a bit more in the studio practice (a birthday gift from Grace.) I really like the gentle love story, the ethereal music and the suspense of what is to happen. I’m ready for the next book!!

 I acquired this audiobook through my subscription at Audible.

Audio Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

This is a very engaging and haunting story of young love.

Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater
  David LeDoux (Narrator), Jenna Lamia (Narrator)

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Scholastic Audio Books (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545165067
• ISBN-13: 978-0545165068

Genre:  Paranormal Romance, YA
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:
These are YA characters but the story is very engaging with real emotions and an ethereal tone.
Grace is dependable and strong, a good student and reliable teen. Her parents are mostly absent as her dad is at work and her mother is an artist absorbed in her studio. Grace was bitten by wolves as a child. No one knew they were shifter-wolves because she did not shift. What made her different?

Even though Grace survived that trauma she looks to the woods and almost yearns for the wolves. Especially the one with the yellow eyes.

Sam has been a winter wolf for a long time. His parental situation is so sad but it brought him to Beck, the wolf leader,  who has raised him to lead the pack when Beck is gone.  Sam writes lilting, emotional songs that fit the loneliness and confusion of a boy caught between two worlds.

Sam has been enamored of Grace for several years. He saw her in the bookstore where he works in the summer but she didn’t recognize his interest ... until now.  They spend a glorious summer together but as winter approaches, when Sam will shift again, they struggle for a way to stay together. There are dangers facing the pack as certain members of the community hunt the wolves in the woods. Some other teens have disappeared and Beck has brought some strangers back to renew the strength of the pack.

The biggest problem is that this may be Sam’s last year of shifting. The wolves only get about 15 years of human shifting and then they remain in the wolf form. Sam doesn’t want to be separated from Grace but what can they do? Can Sam and Grace find a way to be together?

I really like the Audio version of this book. As the chapters rock from Grace to Sam there is a female and male voice. Both narrators do a wonderful job portraying the gentle kindness of Sam and the strong minded but tender Grace.  They also capture the other characters: Grace's parents, Beck and Grace's friends, the wealthy and somewhat arrogant siblings, Jack and Isabelle, and Grace's curious friend, Olivia, who loves to photograph the wolves.  I also enjoyed that Sam reads poetry and his song prose is haunting. I highly recommend the Audio version!

This was a SYNC YA Listening download from AudioBook Community. I am so thankful I got this as I might not have read it otherwise.

2012 Challenges Post Six (20 - 23) Around, Audio, Where, And Addict

How did I do? Completed 14 and failed 9. 

 Twenty (genres) Failed -missed poetry.
Twenty-one - Completed -- signed up for 24 but listened to 45 Audios!
Twenty-two 50 States - failed by 15.
Twenty-three 16 Challenges to be completed - Failed by two.

These are the rest of the challenges TWENTY thru TWENTY-THREE!

I just found this one or I might have added it to Post One. :-)

TWENTY:  Around the Stack

Hosted by Dog Ear Discs

Missed this by one as I didn't ready a Poetry book. The genres we are using, are as follows:

1. Crime/Mystery – Sherlock Holmes, Rebus, Lincoln Rhyme. 
   Night Rounds by Helene Tursten; Mystery, Scandinavian Crime; my rating 4.0.
2. Thriller – Lee Child, Dan Brown.  The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.5
3. Romance – Smitten. Scrumptious by Amanda Usen; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25.  
4. Fantasy – Can be anything from Lord Of The Rings to The Dark Tower.  Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
5. Sci-Fi – Space Opera, China Mieville, Gollancz Classics.   Kicking Ashe by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance;  my rating 5.0.
6. Literary – Just look at the past Booker lists. Read a winner for bonus points. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey; Fiction; my rating 4.5.  
7. Young Adult – There’s plenty out there, scour your local bookstore.  My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond; Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.5. 
8. Historical Fiction – Wolf Hall, Conn Iggulden. The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
9. Dystopian – Never Let Me Go, Margaret Atwood.  Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer; YA, Fantasy, Dystopia;  my rating 4.5.
10. Steampunk – Boneshaker, Affinity Bridge.  The Jupiter Chronicles by Leonardo Ramirez; Children's, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.0.
11. Comedy/Black Comedy – Michael Chabon, Nick Hornby.  What In God's Name by Simon Rich; Comedy; my rating 4.0.
12. Horror/Ghost Story – Stephen King, Clive Barker, Susan Hill.  Creative Spirit by Scott Nicholson; Horror;  my rating 4.25
13. Adventure – Treasure Island, Jamrach’s Menagerie.  The Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan; Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.75.
14. War – Birdsong, My Dear I Wanted To Tell You.  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
15. Gothic – Poe is a perfect example.  Firelight by Kristen Callihan; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
16. Poetry – Research something that grabs you.
17. Drama – Graham Swift, Ishiguro, The Help. Henny on the Couch by Rebecca Land Soodak; Women's Fiction;  my rating 4.0.
18. Kids – Harry Potter, Narnia.  God Loves You. - Chester Blue by Suzanne Anderson; Inspirational, Children; my rating 4.25.
19. Graphic Novel – Anything from Marvel and DC to Jonathan Cape stuff. Titanium Rain by Josh Finney; Science Fiction, Graphic; my rating 4.25.
20. Classic – As it says on the tin, pick a classic book from Dickens to Haddon. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck; Adapted Classic, Dramatization; my rating 4.25.

Rewards:

• Hiker – Up to 5 genres
• Backpacker – 5-10 genres
• Traveler – 10-15
• Palin-esque – 20+

 I am starting with Traveler but I hope to upgrade! :-)

TWENTY-ONE:  Audio Challenge! You know I love my Audio and Audible listens!

Hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner

• Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
• Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
• Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
• Married-Listen to +++  Audio Books

I Choose Lover-Listen I expect to do at least two a month!

1. Audible Book Review: Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
2. Audible Book Review: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25. 
3. Audible Book Review: Grant Me Timely Grace by Timothy Woods; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
4. Silver Borne: Mercy Thompson, Book 5 by Patricia Briggs My Rating: 4.75.
5. Audio Book Review: Lothaire by Kresley Cole; Paranormal Romance;  my rating 4.0.
6. Audio Book Review: Jacob's Return by Amanda Blair; Inspirational Romantic Fiction  my rating 4.25.
7. Audio Book Review: The Templar Chronicles 1 The Heretic by Joe Nassise; Urban Fantasy;  my rating 4.25.  
8. Audible Book Review: Illusion by Frank Peretti; Paranormal, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.5.
9. Audible Book Review: Crusade: Destroyermen Book 2 by Taylor Anderson; Science Fiction;  my rating 4.5.
10. Audio Book Review: A Tar's Wandering by Helen Sea; Paranormal; rating 4.5. 
11. Audio Book Review: The Withering of Willoughby and the Professor by Joe Bevilacqua; Fantasy Comedy, Sci Fi;  my rating 3.75.  
12. Audio Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, Werewolves;  my rating 4.0.  
13. Audio Book Review: Turn Up For the Book by Julia Franklin; Romantic Comedy;  my rating 4.25. 
14. Audible Book Review: River Marked by Patricia Briggs; Urban Fantasy; rating 4.5.
15. Audio Book Review: Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer; YA, Fantasy, Dystopia;  my rating 4.5. 
16. Audio Book Review: Web of Evil by J.A. Jance; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 3.5. 
17. Audio Book Review: Wired Kingdom by Rick Chesler; Thriller; my rating 4.25. 
18. Audible Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen; Mystery (Historical); my rating 4.25. 
19. Audio Book Review: Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.25. 
20. Audible Book Review: Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate Fifth by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance, Steampunk; my rating 4.5
21. Audible Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman; fantasy; rating 5.0
22. AudioBook Review: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson; Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction; my rating 4.5.
23.  Audible Book Review: The Watchman of Ephraim by Gerard de Marigny; Thriller, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.25.
24. AudioBook Review: The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
25. AudioBook Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.  
26. Audio Book Review:  Titanium Rain by Josh Finney; Science Fiction, Graphic; my rating 4.25.
27. Audio Book Review:  Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm; Science Fiction; my rating 4.5.
28. Audio Book Review: Night Rounds by Helene Tursten; Mystery, Scandinavian Crime; my rating 4.0.
29. Audio Book Review:  The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck; Adapted Classic, Dramatization; my rating 4.25.
30. Audible Book Review: The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card; Fantasy; my rating 3.75.
31. Audio Book Review: Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs; Forensic Mystery; my rating 4.25.
32. Audio Book Review:  Dying for You by MaryJanice Davidson; Paranormal Comedy; my rating 4.25.
33. Audio Book Review:  The Aleppo Codex  by Matti Friedman;Documentary Historical; my rating 4.5.
34. Audio Book Review: Scarifyers: 08 The Thirteen Hallows; full cast, comedy; my rating 4.5.
35. Audio Book Review: The Magician's Apprentice; Fiction, Middle Grade; my rating 5.0.
36. Audio Book Review: Emily Goes to Exeter: The Traveling Matchmaker, Book One by Marion Chesney; Historical Regency; my rating 4.5.
37. Audio Book Review: A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.5.
38. Audio Book Review: The Crooked Wreath by Christianna Brand; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
39. Audio Book Review: Karma's Law by Kristi Lamb; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
40. My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent; Paranormal; my rating 3.75.
41. Audio-Theater Book Review: The Man Who Murdered His Mother-In-Law by Jeffrey Hatcher; Audio Theater; my rating 5.0.
42. Audio Book Review: Colony Scott Reeves; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
43. Audio Book Review: Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck; Thriller; my rating 4.0.
44. Broken Token
45. Audio Book Review: Christmas in An Elevator by Kay Murky; Holiday Romance; my rating 4.0. 
 
 

TWENTY-TWO:  Where are you Reading Challenge
I never got started with this last year but I'll give it a shot this year!

Hosted by Book Journey

The point of the challenge is to read in each of the 50 States between January 1 2012 – December 31, 2012.

I am thinking this will be fun.

Here is my MBS Map link.
Missed 15
View MBS Where Are You Reading 2012 in a larger map
Alabama - Power
Alaska - How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf
Arizona - Hounded
Arkansas -
California - Irish Rogue and more
Colorado - The Proposal and more
Connecticut - Templar Chronicles
Delaware -
Florida -  Miss Hildreath Wore Brown
Georgia - Deeper Water
Hawaii -
Idaho - A Cold Creek Secret and more
Illinois - Home and more
Indiana -
Iowa - One Breathe Away
Kansas -
Kentucky -
Louisiana - Untouched
Maine - Beyond the Misty Shore
Maryland - Keeper of My Heart and more

Massachusetts - 52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You

Michigan -
Minnesota - Forever and more
Mississippi - A Light on the Veranda
Missouri -
Montana - 77 Days in September
Nebraska - Secrets of the Red Box
Nevada - The Watchman of Ephriam
New Hampshire - Exclusively Yours
New Jersey - The Claimed
New Mexico -
New York - Scrumptious and more
North Carolina -  Creative Spirit and more
North Dakota -
Ohio - Scent of Rain and more
Oklahoma - Grapes of Wrath (starts in OK)
Oregon - Believe it or Not
Pennsylvania - Bossypant and more
Rhode Island -
South Carolina - Flabbergasted and more
South Dakota -
Tennessee - The Bridge
Texas - Calico Canyon and more
Utah -
Vermont - Smitten
Virginia - In the Doctor's Bed and more
Washington - Lucky in Love and more
Washington, D.C - Grant Me Timely Grace and more
West Virginia -
Wisconsin - Baby, Baby and more
Wyoming -


TWENTY-THREE: Obviously I now qualify for Reading Challenge Addict!

Hosted at Reading Challenge Addict

How addicted are you?

• Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• In Flight: 11-15 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)

I didn't set out to do so many challenges but the list kept growing and there are more listed below that I'm still tempted by! Yikes!!
That puts me in the OUT OF THIS WORLD level.

How did I do? Completed 14 and failed 9.

 If I get time to figure out how this works I would like to participate in:
Seasonal Challenge - 11 Dec to 31 March

 
Other Challenges that Tempt Me:
1001 Books You Must Read - I may check to see if any of these fit my other challenges and thus read a couple.
Operation Deepen Faith - but I will probably stick with my read the Bible through the year and add some faith reads along the way.
Clocks, Cogs and Mechanisms Reading Challenge 2012 - I do like Steampunk!
Find the Cover, Coversuch 2012 - Match items on the covers to the letters in 2012 ie.: TWOTHOUSANDTWELVE  I'll check as I go along and see if I can do this.
Harlequin Silhouette - I'd like to do this if I find time to add more Harlequin books.
52 Books in 52 Weeks - I know I'll read that many books and I like the subcatagories.
Fairy Tales Retold - can sign up until "Junish."  I'll have to see if any of my reading goes this direction.
Time Travel Reading - I love this genre so I may sign up if I end up with books that fit.
I Want More - This entails reading a second stand alone book from an author you like.  It could happen for me. If I do this it will be for the lower challenge:   Waited too long: 2 - 4 books.

I'm almost up to date on Patterson 1st to Die Women's Murder Club Series and Sookie Series so I won't be joining the Challenges although I hope to read the latest releases. I have read/listened to the Outlander series but I could do the Lord John series.


ALL RIGHT ALREADY!! ENOUGH!! STOP!!

I scanned months of posts last week but as I go back through I see more and more of interest but I must STOP.
There are a lot more great challenges to be found... the best list I know of to check for challenges is at
A Novel Challenge.  If you host a challenge - send it in there to get it included in the long list!
HAPPY READING!!

2012 Challenges - Post Five (15 - 19 ) - Mystery Related

Fifteen, Sixteen and Seventeen, Mysteries and Cozies - Completed
Nineteen (Criminal Plots) and Twenty (In Death)

All of these challenges involve mysteries so I have grouped them together.  I was looking for the Suspense Challenge where you have to pick a book from various themes of suspense like legal, cozy, serial, detective, etc. If anyone has seen that challenge please let me know as I'd like to sign up for that too. :-)
FIFTEEN:  Mystery & Suspense

Hosted by Book Chick City

I will do Twelve
(This list does not include Romantic Suspense.)

01. Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow; Christian Mystery; my rating 4.75.

02. The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.5

03. Bleed For Me by Michael Robotham; Crime Fiction; my rating 4.25.

04  Lethal Legacy by Carol Ann Erhardt; a little mystery, a little romance; my rating 4.0.

05. Illusion by Frank Peretti; Paranormal, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.5.

06. Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey; Mystery; my rating 4.0.

07. Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey; Mystery; my rating 3.75.

08. Web of Evil by J.A. Jance; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 3.5.

09. Wired Kingdom by Rick Chesler; Thriller; my rating 4.25. 

10. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen; Mystery (Historical); my rating 4.25.

11. Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.25.

12. Forgive Me Alex by Lane Diamond; Psychological suspense thriller; my rating 4.5.
13. Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton; Christian Suspense; my rating 4.75.
14. Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble; Christian Mystery Romance; my rating 4.5.


SIXTEEN: Cozy Mystery

Hosted by Debbie's Book Bag!

What's a cozy you ask?
A cozy mystery generally follows a few guidelines:
1) It is clean, no language, very little if any sexual situations, no gore.
2.) Cozies are lighter in nature than a mainstream mystery or thriller. (Readers who loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden as young readers will love cozies!)
3.) Cozies usually have a female protagonist but not always (a few are male), who has another day job.
4.) Cozies are about amateur sleuths, not professionals.
5.) Cozies generally have a small town setting but that's not always the case.

Sign-Ups for this challenge will run from December 4, 2011 to February 4, 2012.
I am choosing:  Level 2 Gumshoe: 4 to 6 Cozy Mysteries

SEVENTEEN: Cruisin' thru the Cozies

Hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews

To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries.
I choose Level 1 - Snoop - Read at least 6 books

For Sixteen and Seventeen:

01. Lethal Legacy by Carol Ann Erhardt; a little mystery, a little romance; my rating 4.0.

02. Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey; Mystery; my rating 4.0.

03. Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey; Mystery; my rating 3.75.

04. Nipped in the Bud by Susan Sleeman; Cozy Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.25.

05. A Fistful of Collars by Spenser Quinn; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.0.

06. Everybody Loved Roger Harden by Cecil Murphey; Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.0.

07. A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle; Cozy Mystery; rating 4.5.

EIGHTEEN:  Criminal Plots II

Hosted by JensBookThoughts

This year's Rules of the Road:

You'll be reading six books between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012. One book should be read that fits into each of the following categories:

1. Novel with a weapon in the title (examples: A Night of Long Knives, A Nail Through the Heart, Sharp Objects, The Rope, Lay Down my Sword and Shield) NO

2. Book published at least 10 years ago - this should be an easy one, time to pull out those backlists (examples: Goodnight Irene, The Black Echo, Indemnity Only)  NO

3. Book written by an author from the state/provinence/etc. where you live. (I live in Ohio, so examples for me would be Carla Buckley, Les Roberts, Craig McDonald) No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75

4. Book written by an author using a pen name (i.e., Spencer Quinn, Ross Macdonald, Ariana Franklin, Noah Boyd, Juliett Blackwell, Lisa Black)  Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey; Mystery; my rating 4.0.

5. Crime novel whose protagonist is the opposite gender of the author (i.e., Demolition Angel, Bury Your Dead, Calumet City)   Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow; Christian Mystery; my rating 4.75.

6. A stand-alone novel written by an author who writes at least one series (i.e., El Gavilan (Craig McDonald), Long Gone (Alafair Burke), The Lock Artist (Steve Hamilton), Envy the Night (Michael Koryta), The Most Dangerous Thing (Laura Lippman)) Illusion by Frank Peretti; Paranormal, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.5.

NINETEEN:  In Death Series

Hosted by The Happily Ever After

This challenge calls for reading one IN DEATH book each month.  Since I have been reading these books I'm glad to do this!

I'll be starting the year with book:
7.5. "Midnight in Death" (in the Silent Night anthology or the Three in Death anthology)
 Midnight in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.0.