Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 15, 2012

This morning our youth Pastor shared a nice sermon reminding us that we are only sojourners on this earth. That is why we are not always comfortable in spirit especially as the world becomes more corrupted around us.
I love the thought that earth, in all its beauty, is only a reflection of what we will find in Heaven. It is hard to imagine!

This is a matching song and the lyrics are below the video.

I Don't Belong by Buddy Greene
(1st Verse)
It's not home where men sell their souls
And the taste of power is sweet,
Where wrong is right and neighbors fight
While the hungry are dying in the streets
Where kids are abused, and women are used
And the weak are crushed by the strong
Nations gone mad, JESUS is sad
And I don't belong

(Chorus)
I don't belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
I don't belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
I don't belong, I'm a foreigner here
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong

(2nd Verse)
Don't belong, but while I'm here
I'll be living like I've nothing to lose
And while I breathe I'll still believe
My GOD is gonna see me through
I'll not be deceived by earth's make-believe
I'll close my ears to her siren-song
By praisin' HIS name, I'm not ashamed
'Cause I don't belong

(Chorus)
I don't belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
I don't belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
I don't belong, I'm a foreigner here
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong

(3rd Verse)
But I belong to a kingdom of peace
Where only love is the law
Where children lead, and captives are freed
And GOD is more than just a baby on the straw
Where dead men live and rich men give
Their kingdoms to buy back a song
Where sinners like me become royalty
And we'll all belong

(Chorus)
Yes I belong and I'm going someday
Home to my own native land
Where I'll belong and it seems like I hear
The sound of a "welcome home" band
Yes I'll belong, no foreigner there
Singing a sojourner's song
I've always known I'm going home
Where I belong.

(Tag)
Yes I've always known this place ain't home
And I don't belong.

Verses for Today:

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[a] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Today we receive grace for the moment, for each day, as we travel through a foreign land.
We are praying specially for peace and strength for our Pastor's family as he visits with his ailing father.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #31 Comment Giveaway January 14, 2012

Hello again SBB fans! Sorry to be late tonight but the kids came over to share dinner and watch the playoffs so I couldn't get this up earlier.

Thank you for commenting last week, especially since I had a wrong link for the giveaway post last week. Someone needs to nudge me when I do that. Sorry.

About 1/3 of us do not watch much TV at all. Add a couple more who do not watch reality shows put the count at 7 who do not watch versus 12 who do watch reality TV. Those that do watch seemed split between talent shows and bachelor or survivor type shows.

Surprisingly, the numbers were the same for making resolutions this year! 12 acknowledged making resolutions while 7 said no. However several of us who did not make resolutions agree that we may seek to make lifestyle changes. I like Llehn's attitude: if you want to accomplish something, then get to it! Heavensent1 was funny saying the only resolution she has kept was from 15 years ago - not to make any resolutions. :-)

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The Winner from SBB #30 comments is: #2 winnie. (I love when newbies win!) There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. Winnie 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 #31 Questions

Q1. This week Abby asks: If you could pick a favourite occupation (realistic or not) from a book, what would it be??

A: Hmmm- I actually tried a Google search to help me think of and pick an answer to this. I immediately thought of things like a kickin' demon killer or something like that... Then I thought twice. As much as I like Eve Dallas (the In Death series) I don't think I'd want to be a female detective in a future NY. I kept thinking...Ahhh! I think I would like to be a special operative, biblio-crimefighter (book detective) like Thursday Next! This reminds me I need to read more in this fun series.

This signage would only make sense if you are familiar with the series.

Check out the first book:
The Eyre Affair: A Thursday Next Novel (Thursday Next Novels)

Q2. Here is my question: What influences your book buying the most?
Price, cover, author, format or other?

A: There are certain authors that I will always check out their books but that doesn't mean I'll always buy right away. Generally I think I am initially drawn to a book by the author or by a cover but I have to admit that my buying decision is the price. It is a lot easier to buy a $5.99 Kindle ebook than a $9.99 one or a $6.99 mass paperback than a $14.95 trade book - even though I understand why those prices have to be as high as they are for indie presses and authors. And I love to get books at used prices - which doesn't even get a royalty back to the author, sad to say. Also, like Birgit I download many free Kindle books with the hope that someday I might read them!

[photo By mag3737]

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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. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far. Either way - it works for me. :-) The question list is getting low so feel free to send in a Q or 2 or 4! Remember they don't all have to be book related. I'm going to be asking some other questions soon!

Your turn to share:

1. If you could pick a favourite occupation (realistic or not) from a book, what would it be??

2. What influences your book buying the most? Price, cover, author, format or other??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 12 books available plus 2 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.

A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)
I love Susan Wigg's 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, January 20 at 10PM central.

Winners of 52 Small Changes

I am really excited about working on this with others who are willing to help share the progress. I wish I could get books for everyone who entered. Since there was only one international entry, I decided to add one more to the print book wins in US/Canada.

Congratulations to the FOUR Winners:

International:

FLO

US/Canadian

RENEE

ROBIN

and

ALEX

We have two additional people who will be joining the "tracking" group. Winners, and others who wish to share, please email me at mesreadsATgmail.com. Then we will coordinate the best way to share without posting all the details of the book, or our efforts, online. :-)

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Engineered by Jenna Dawlish

This is a sweet romance story with likeable characters and an interesting element of engineering in Victorian times.

Love Engineered

by Jenna Dawlish

Print on Demand (Paperback): 236 pages
Publisher: Unknown (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 095611914X
ISBN-13: 978-0956119148

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Shortlisted for the RNA New Writers' Award. It's 1855 and Louise Thomas, owner of a large estate in Devon is ready to fall in love, but only if she can find a man who will put up with her thirst for knowledge in the engineering and scientific world.

Charles Lucas is one of the country's top Engineer's, tipped to be the new Brunel. He is too busy with his work for love - especially with a member of the gentry. When he meets Louise, she interests and intrigues him like no woman before. But he must make some serious decisions when he hears disturbing rumours about her.

Review:

Louise is a wealthy, blue-stocking, heiress who is often pursued for her money. She has no other living family except for a single cousin who half-heartedly watches over her but is there for her when needed. Although they are affectionate they agree they aren’t interested in marrying each other. Neither of them is seeking a mate as Phillip is enjoying his bachelor life and Louise doesn’t think she will ever find a man that is interested in her and not her money. Besides she has never met a man who has caught her interest - until now.

Louise enjoys attending scientific and engineering lectures. Although some speakers are boring, her interest is sparked by the lecture given by the attractive Charles Lucas. Charles is an esteemed and sought after engineer. Louise is able to ask him some interesting questions and he is surprised by her knowledge. Charles is rather busy and not inclined to pursue a relationship yet he is drawn to her intelligence. His partner is eager to strike up a friendship to encourage Louise as an investor in their work. Plus Louise has a close connection to their mysterious investor, Robert Adams. Meanwhile, Louise begins a warm and sincere friendship with Charles' sister.

An old friend tells Charles some disturbing tales about Louise. Charles meets with Louise to confront her, but she has a totally different agenda in mind. The encounter leads to a large misunderstanding and hurt feelings. Charles forbids Louise to have any contact with his family. She is distressed by having lost not only the man of her interest but a close friend.

Will Charles discover the truth before Louise is exposed to more danger? Will they be able to reconcile their relationship?

I liked the discussions of the engineering projects and wished there was more detail about them.
Engineers and blue-stockings can be presented as aloof and unemotional. Unfortunately I felt the characters were a bit too cool and although I really enjoyed the story and the characters I just didn’t feel a strong warmth in this book. I can’t quite say why I think it was missing emotional depth but that is how I felt. The writing had a good flow and I liked the mystery and danger added to the romantic plot. Maybe a touch more detail would have made it richer. Even so, I enjoyed the story and would try this author again.

This is a book I won a year or so ago. I will be tying this into my New Authors, Books Won and TBR challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the personally autographed book:
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 January 27, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 28.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick January 13, 2012

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

Moving along in 2012. How are things going for everyone?
Thank you to all who entered January 6 Pick. There were TWO Automatic winners (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).

Elizabeth asked for The Texas Ceo's Secret for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Carol W asked for Coffin Underground for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 6 Pick:

Louisa chose Praying for Sleep
(This has been blocked for weeks so the only way someone was going to win was to get the Random select... Louisa got it this week.)

Stacie chose The Genesis Code

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.

It is cold tonight and I am sitting in front of the
fire with my warm slippers and a cup of tea!
How about you?
Found at Echoing Green

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Thinner by Stephen King

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

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.)

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~~
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell
Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

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)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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)

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

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

Primary Colors - audio tapes

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 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 295 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

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