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Thursday, June 14, 2012

MBS Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop June 15 - 20, 2012

This is a great way to clear out more books!
Thank you to Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting! 


I have updated my Review and ARC pictures into these three pictures. The books are in alphabetical order by title and the books are listed below under either Review or ARC.

PRIZES FOR THIS GIVEAWAY:
**First Place - Pick of any Three books from the Review/ARC List
Second Place - Pick of any Two books from the Review/ARC List
Third Place - Pick of One book from the Review/ARC List

**This is OPEN WORLDWIDE with the limitation that postage for an international winner not exceed $15.00.
Please Enter by using the Rafflecopter form below the lists.








Review Books:
Barely a Lady (The Drake's Rakes series) by Eileen Dryer
Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye     Chosen by Maria
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow
Duchess of Sin (Daughters of Erin)
The Fear of God: Jaguar Series by B.A. Chepaitis
The Fear Principle: Jaguar Series by B.A. Chepaitis
Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis     Chosen by Maria
How to Marry a Duke by Vicki Dreiling
Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine
Lonestar Secrets (Lonestar Series Book 2) by Coleen Coble
Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle     Chosen by Maria
Miss Hildreath Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd SSB June win
Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes Series) by Eileen Dryer (3 copies - one ARC, two review)
New Tricks by David Rosenfelt
Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories by Jeffery W Turner (not in picture)
Still the One by Robin Wells
Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry 

ARC Books:
A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore (2 copies - one ARC, one review)
Confessions of an Improper Bride (A Donovan Novel) by Jennifer Haymore
Deliciously Sinful by Lilli Feisty
Everyone Loves a Hero: ...and that's the problem by Marie Force   Chosen by Yto
Firelight by Kristen Callihan
The Goblin King by Shona Husk
The Guardian (Return of the Highlanders) by Margaret Mallory
Highland Hero by Hannah Howell
Lady of Seduction (Daughters of Erin) by Laurel McKee
Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen      Chosen by Yto
My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel  Chosen for SSB May 2012 Q Win
Montana Glory by R. C. Ryan
No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper Chosen by Diane
Sin Undone (Demonica, Book 5) by Larissa Ione (2 ARCs)
The Sinner by by Margaret Mallory
Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
The Storm that is Stirling by Lisa Renee Jones
Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel (Highland Warriors 2) by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon  (2 ARCs) - 1 Chosen for SBB June win
Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsey
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Giveaway will close 12:01am on June 21.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are lots of awesome giveaways to check out:. Happy Hopping!

Guest Post and Interview With Ray Gorham, Author of 77 Days In September

Living With Your Editor

As I came to the conclusion of the second draft of my book, I decided I had probably better have someone with better English skills than myself do a little bit of editing.  In school I had always been a good reader and decent speller, and strong in math and science, but for some reason the rules of English, beyond the basics, never made sense to me.  Fortunately, I have a very talented wife.

Feeling pretty good about my book, I approached her with a 2” stack of paper (I had managed to talk her into editing).   “Prepare to be amazed,” I said (or something equally witty, I’m sure).  She stuck her hand out for the manuscript.  “I’m pretty busy, but I’ll get to it as soon as I can,” she replied.  From the expression on her face, I could tell she wasn’t expecting to be amazed.

Being in need of affirmation after such a long project, I was very anxious to get her feedback.  It was probably only a week, but it seemed like a month before she announced she had the first chapter done.  I eagerly snatched the papers from her hand, expecting to see smiley faces on each page, an occasional missing comma fixed, and a mushy love note at the end of the chapter telling me how wonderful my writing was and how glad she was she married me.

She turned to go make dinner and missed seeing my legs buckle as I glanced down at the first page.  Red ink everywhere!  I stumbled to the bedroom and fell into my writing chair.  With shaking hands I fanned through the 20 or so pages in my hand, more red than black.  My head spun.  I had thought my wife was pretty smart, now I wasn’t so sure. 

Commas, apostrophes, possessives, verbiage, wording—you name it, she nailed me on it.  I opened the document on my computer and started making corrections.  Okay, maybe I need a comma there.  I guess that word fits better.  I’ll trust you on this one.  By the end of the night the first chapter was done, and it was looking and sounding quite a bit better than it had hours earlier.

We did make it through the book, and the final product is much, much better than my original version.  We liked the process so much that we went through it two more times for the book (just kidding about the like part).  In my defense, I can proudly report that there were some pages towards the end of the book that didn’t need any editing, but they were few and far between.

I learned a few things from the process.  A second set of eyes on your work is essential, because no matter how thorough you think you’ve been, you’ll miss a ton.  Editing isn’t personal.  Rules are rules, and no matter how good I think something is, it needs to be said the right way.  Also, English can be learned—she’s been through part of my second book and has commented that I’ve improved greatly on the technical side of writing (hooray for me!).

Finally, I’ve realized why we never hear about people falling in love with their editor.  Agent?  Yes.  Bodyguard?  Yes.  Backup dancer?  Yes.  Director?  Yes.  Fans?  Yes.  Editor?  Not on your life.  I don’t think it is humanly possible to fall madly in love with someone who points out everything you do wrong.  Fortunately for me, I had fallen in love with her years before, so we didn’t have that hurdle to cross.  So my life, and my writing, is much better for it.

INTERVIEW WITH RAY GORHAM:
Welcome today to Ray Gorham visiting with me at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf.

Hello Ray -
I thought your guest post was figurative until I read it and realized it was literal. That is great to have such support and assistance.

I have to tell you that I remember reading Alas Babylon back in the 1970s and I listened to it on Audible last year.  I enjoyed reading 77 Days in September as an updated perspective on an EMP attack against America through a very engaging story.

Q1.  What inspired you to write this particular story? 
RG: I had wanted to write a book for some time, but was tired of so many books with characters who were not moral people.  I don’t want saints, just people who try to do the right thing, even when it is really difficult.  In this story, I wanted to have people who, in the most difficult situation I could imagine, hold on to their decency, and try and do what’s right.
I very much appreciated the real characters you created and the morality aspects of your story.  
Q2.  What is the biggest obstacle you have to overcome when you want to write?
RG:  Finding the time to do it.  I have several ideas for books that I think could be quite enjoyable, but between work and family I don’t have the time I need to write.  I need to learn to do with less sleep I think, or things will never get done.
I can so relate to that problem. 
Q3.  Can you please share one thing you found surprising or unusual when researching or writing 77 Days in September?
RG:  The trigger in the story is an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP).  I found a report online that was prepared for congress a few years back, and reading their assessment of what would happen in with a low level EMP was way scary.  Most experts predict a mortality rate of over 50% for the entire population after the first year, and yet it is something we never hear about.  I ended up wanting to warn people as much as I wanted to entertain them.  Hopefully the book will inspire some people to become more prepared.
I agree that this is a threat that we tend to overlook or downplay.
Q4.  Do your work career/hobbies/interests influence your writing?
RG:  It’s not really a hobby, but I like to think about life, and God, and people, and some of my reflections come out in the characters and their conversations.  I thought I kept it pretty light, but there have been a few negative reviews referencing those sections.  Oh well, could be worse, I guess.
I was actually a little disappointed you did not include more faith in the ending of the story. Overall though I thought the tone was balanced.
Q5. What are some of the best tips you’ve received on writing and what one tip would you pass on to new authors?
RG:  It’s not really a tip, but I have Steven King’s book, On Writing, on audio book.  I’ve listened to it about three times and it helped give me the confidence I could do it.  In it, he compared writing a story to unearthing a dinosaur, said the writer does the digging and simply uncovers what is there.  It sounds kind of weird, but it worked for me.  For advice, I’d just say sit down and do it, but don’t expect a payback.  I’ve been pretty lucky, but most writers make next to nothing from their efforts. 
I am glad you are pleased with your efforts as I do think you are right that writing is a lot of work often with little monetary return.
Q6.  What do you normally read and what are you reading now? 
RG:  I like history and non-fiction.  I’m currently reading “How the Irish Saved Civilization,” by Thomas Cahill.  I also like Colleen McCulloch’s Masters of Rome series.  I really wish I had more time to read (and write, as well).
Thank you for sharing with my blog readers and me.

Book Review: 77 Days In September by Ray Gorham

This is an engaging post-apocalyptic story that gives you survival and moral issues to think about.
77 Days in September
by Ray Gorham

  • File Size: 460 KB
  • Print Length: 283 pages
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B0052T1O6S
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0




Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2011
On a Friday afternoon before Labor Day, Americans are getting ready for the holiday weekend, completely unaware of a long-planned terrorist plot about to be launched against the country. Kyle Tait is settling in for his flight home to Montana when a single nuclear bomb is detonated 300 miles above the heart of America. The blast, an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP), destroys every electrical device in the country, and results in the crippling of the power grid, the shutting down of modern communications, and bringing to a halt most forms of transportation.

Kyle narrowly escapes when his airplane crashes on take-off, only to find himself stranded 2,000 miles from home in a country that has been forced, from a technological standpoint, back to the 19th Century. Confused, hurt, scared, and alone, Kyle must make his way across a hostile continent to a family he’s not even sure has survived the effects of the attack. As Kyle forges his way home, his frightened family faces their own struggles for survival in a community trying to halt its slow spiral into chaos and anarchy.

77 Days in September follows Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, as they are stretched past their breaking point, but find in their devotion to each other the strength to persevere. 


Review:
I have been enjoying reading post-apocalyptic books and was anxious to read this story when it was offered.
I wasn’t far into it when it made me think of the reality-like quality of The War of the Worlds. The story is set up so realistically I was quickly engaged and pretty much read the book in one day.

A group of terrorists have waited and planned for many years to make a strike that will disable America. The bombs explode miles in space but the resulting EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) impacts all electrical devices causing devastating plane crashes, car crashes and stopping all communication and crippling any business dependent on electricity.

The story shifts between the characters. The reader experiences Kyle’s struggles traveling on foot through hostile cities to get home to his family in Montana.  Kyle shares thoughts and emotional feelings through journaling letters to his family. Alternating chapters show his wife, Jennifer, and their children as they fight for basic survival and to keep hope alive. There are some good, caring people willing to help but that is contrasted with the societal breakdowns shown through the greed and malicious actions of evil people. Kyle faces danger and has to decide how far he will go to defend his meager supplies or himself against evil attackers.

Jennifer faces different problems trying to find food sources for her children and keeping them busy and optimistic in times that bring despair. I felt this part of the story was a little weak. Although different survival, medical and social issues are touched on there is not much depth on these issues.

Additionally both husband and wife face relationship temptation. How does Jennifer fend off unwanted attention from a local leader in the community, a man of power and control? Will Kyle resist the seduction of an attractive woman in circumstances where there are no witnesses and no others to know his actions? The story demonstrates that the EMP damage creates a world where anyone could walk away from their responsibilities, leave who they were and become someone else.

I liked the realistic sense of the story and the easy flow of the writing.  I liked Kyle’s determination and Jennifer’s positive attitude. I also enjoyed how Mr. Gorham shared probable societal issues and he provided a view of faith through good people who were willing to do the “right” things even when it wasn’t necessarily expedient.

I was interested to compare this to the 1950s classic Alas Babylon. 77 Days story deals with more modern losses like cell phones and computers. But primarily this story is distinct in that it focuses on two partners of a marriage and how they cope with moral issues rather than telling the story of a surviving village. I found 77 Days in September to be engaging and entertaining and recommend it to those who enjoy Post-Apocalyptic stories and a book that presents moral issues to consider.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some of Kyle’s thoughts on his way:
I’ve realized in the past few days that we don’t need much to be happy, just good people to be with. Location 2774.
An important lesson to note:
“...We’ve been so conditioned to think that the government is always going to be there to fix things that we expect everything to work out. But now that the government can’t take care of us, we’re helpless to do anything for ourselves.” Location 4677
Thank you to the author and Bewitching Book Tour for providing this book for review. Please enjoy the author Guest Post and Interview that follow.
Part of this book takes place in Montana for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also include this on my ARC, New Author and Post-Apocalyptic Challenge lists.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Book Review: Nadir (The Samsara Chronicles Book 2) + Kindle Giveaway Link!

The mystery continues to build.
Nadir (The Samsara Chronicles Book 2)
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

  • File Size: 139 KB
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B0086FP9AC
Genre:Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
The fate of a besieged Earth rests on Aislinn and her soul mate, Dylan, to battle the alien Eletarii bent on conquering humanity.

Aislinn, directed by circumstance to meet her past and future soul mate, Dylan Young, begins to understand the daunting task awaiting her. In order to save Earth, she and Dylan must open the portal, the celestial gateway that will allow salvation of Earth's chosen. Facing opposition at every step from a world plunged into chaos, they have until midnight, December 31st, to reach their destination.


Review:
This is the second book in the Samsara Chronicles series. Although it picks up where the first book ends, it doesn’t review much of the first book but seems to assume that the reader has read book 1. This book is all about introducing the reader to Aislinn and Dylan and briefly explaining their mission.

Aislinn is a survivor who moved from her parents’ farm (book 1) to go to college and then get a job in the city of Vancouver which, even with much destruction, has fared better than many cities that have been reduced to rubble by earthquakes, fires, drought and uncontrolled looting. Aislinn has always had her own private light bubbles to comfort her in times of stress. Now she learns from her bubbly light friends that she is "the bearer of the light", a chosen leader. The warm, comforting lights explain that Aislinn must run and hide to be kept safe from the enemy, the Eletarii, who are actively seeking to kill her. The Eletarii presence is growing and they will do whatever it takes to stop Aislinn from saving Earth.

Aislinn also learns that the police detective, Dylan, who responded to the break in at her home is another 'chosen'. It is implied they had a past together and that they are intended to be together to help save the Earth although the battle and plan of salvation are not yet fully explained. I liked the calm strength of both Aislinn and Dylan.

The authors set the scene in the devastated city, including many devastated lives that have sunk into extreme depravity. It is ugly and shocking. There is some bit of telling through the light beings rather than showing through action. Yet the story is engaging as it builds.  This book only lays a foundation for the continuing story. There is much yet to be developed in the characters and the plot and I am interested to learn more in the next book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An example of description that I liked:
Misshapen snowflakes resembling gray tufts of cotton candy rained a dismal veil. It seemed ironic that the frosty blanket would soon smother the drought-scorched land... Location 645.
I am Reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.
This is set in Vancouver and I will add it to my ARC challenge List.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Kindle Fire

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].





~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!



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Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Q&A With Caridad Pineiro, Author of The Claimed

Please help me welcome Caridad Piñeiro
author of

Questions for Caridad:
Q1  What is a “Typical” day like for you?
CP:  I am an early riser and during the week I head to work on the train.  I usually write on the train during the commute and that gives me some solid time to write.  When I head home, I try to get in some exercise and lots of time with my family.  I don’t normally write at night because I’m too tired, but if a deadline calls, I will do so.  On the weekends, I sleep in a little later (until 6) and then get up and put in a few hours of writing.  Then it’s off to do household chores or maybe a nice long stroll along the boardwalk.
Q2  Claimed is part of the Sin Hunter Series. I am always curious about series books: did you have each book plotted out before you started the first one or did the subsequent books flow from the first book?
CP:  I had a very strong idea about the plots for the first two books.  I knew I was going to introduce the world and the Hunters in the first book and then really build on their powers and the mythology in the second.  Of course, I also knew what the romances would be like in both because for me it’s important to have a strong emotional arc for the characters.  As I was finishing up the second book, I knew which two characters would headline in the third and based on what had happened in the battles, created the storyline for books 3 and 4 – THE SHATTERED and THE HUNTED.
Q3  How do find your characters and personalities?  Is there any special inspiration?
CP:  They say writers are the only people where it’s okay to have someone talking to them in their heads!  My characters come to me very powerfully and scream for me to write their stories.  It’s also usually the female characters and because I want them to really have to work to have the happily-ever-after, I generally try to set up the worst possible guy and/or climax for them.  In THE CLAIMED, it can’t get any worse for Victoria than to fall in love with her mortal enemy and I knew it would be hard work for them to get together.
Q4  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?
CP:  I am a Type AA.  I am very driven and determined, but also kind and friendly.  Basically shy which shocks a lot of people.  I’ve only learned to be more extroverted because of my day job and also because of the writing.  I’ve been lucky to meet so many fabulous people with the writing and I would have missed them if I hadn’t gotten over my shyness.
Q5  How do you handle it when some element of what you're writing decides that it just doesn't want to work the way you want it to?
CP:  It’s very frustrating to want something to work when it isn’t going the way you want.  But as Einstein said, lunacy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.  So I guess what I’m saying is that if it’s not working, you need to step back and figure out a different way of approaching it, otherwise you will continue to be frustrated.  When that happens to me, I’ll take a long walk or a shower.  Both help me clear my brain and think about what I might be doing wrong in a scene and how to get it to work better.

Questions for Victoria:
Q6  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality? 
Victoria: I’m determined to help my people do better, but I’m also lonely because of the weight of leadership.  I’d love to find a partner that could help me carry that burden.

Q7  What is something you would never be caught dead doing/saying?
Victoria:  “I can’t….”  There is nothing that I can’t do because I will work hard at accomplishing what I want for myself and my people.

Q8  Do you have any pet peeves? 
Victoria:  People who pollute the environment or litter.  We all share the world and leave it for our children, so we should respect it and care for it.

Q9  What do you do for fun when you aren’t helping your family, friends or managing your business? 
Victoria:  I love to do all kinds of water sports like kayaking, surfing and swimming.  My natural affinity is for the water, so I love to spend as much time as I can in it.

Q10  What is the one thing your reader’s would be surprised to know about you?
Victoria:  That I wish I was more human.  Having the powers that I have brings great responsibility and that can be tiring if you don’t have someone by your side.

Final Question:
Q11  If you could have readers finish a sentence what would it be?
 If I could shapeshift, I’d love to become a ……

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a copy of The Claimed:
1. Answer the author's Question in red at Q11.  This is required for entry.

2. For another entry:  Make a meaningful comment on the interview or review (previous post).

3.  For two extra entries: Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.

4.  For one more extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 22, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 23. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

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