Happy Fourth of July to United States of America
Thank your for freedom and blessings. May we share them wisely.
By the way - I hope Canadians had a Happy Canada Day on the 1st too!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy Fourth of July, 2012
Thank your for freedom and blessings. May we share them wisely.
By the way - I hope Canadians had a Happy Canada Day on the 1st too!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and light-hearted style of this writing.
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402265972
ISBN-13: 978-1402265976
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Review:
Sophie Valentine’s introduction to intimacy at age 18 lasted two and half minutes. Unfortunately the resulting ruining scandal and related scars are still with her ten years later. Her young beau, a childhood friend with status and expectancies, had offered marriage but Sophie wanted more than what she perceived as a convenient marriage where it was likely he would seek pleasures on the side.
At age 28, Sophie lives with her brother and sister-in-law who are ready for her to marry and move out. Her brother has managed to run up debts from gambling and indulging his indolent, demanding wife. The wife is constantly whining and haranguing Sophie. Sophie is still impetuous and in a moment of angry exasperation she has created trouble again by placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette.
Surprisingly the ad brings in two gentlemen seeking to marry her. One is a dark handsome stranger, Lazarus Kane. The other is Sophie’s childhood beau who has believed himself to be enamored of her and hopes that finally she will accept him, even if he has to “buy” her through her brother.
Lazarus has cleaned himself up to present himself as an acceptable and determined suitor. He is not a gentleman of means but he has rented a cottage farm that holds a fond place in Sophie’s heart. He is willing to work hard to convince her that she is his angel and that time is too precious to waste. He just isn’t willing to admit his past right away or the secret that he has been looking for her for half his life.
Jayne Fresina writes a story with wonderful wit, charm and vibrant descriptions that I loved! See some of the quotes below.) I really liked the quirky, less than perfect characters, the fun trouble that surrounds Sophie, and Lazarus’ romantic determination to win her. I was totally delighted with the story until about midway when the romance moved into some heavier sexual scenes which repeated more than necessary for my tastes. Again, this is an area that many romance readers will enjoy. I just prefer softer heat or at least fewer scenes as a little heat goes a long way for me. Even with the extra steamy scenes I still really like the writing of this author and will want to try more from her. If you like fun and really charming historical romance, and don’t mind the heated scenes, I do recommend you get this book to enjoy.
Here are examples of the vibrant writing style I so enjoyed:
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.
2. For an 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.
(Two total entries possible.)
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 14.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Jayne Fresina
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pagesPublisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402265972
ISBN-13: 978-1402265976
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
"A scintillating debut...as addictive as chocolate."—Mia Marlowe, author of Touch of a Rogue
"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply."—Miss Sophie Valentine
A SCANDALOUS LADY
Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette would bring her trouble-and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger. .. is she?
SEEKS HANDSOME STRANGER
Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with ...
A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL
Review:
Sophie Valentine’s introduction to intimacy at age 18 lasted two and half minutes. Unfortunately the resulting ruining scandal and related scars are still with her ten years later. Her young beau, a childhood friend with status and expectancies, had offered marriage but Sophie wanted more than what she perceived as a convenient marriage where it was likely he would seek pleasures on the side.
At age 28, Sophie lives with her brother and sister-in-law who are ready for her to marry and move out. Her brother has managed to run up debts from gambling and indulging his indolent, demanding wife. The wife is constantly whining and haranguing Sophie. Sophie is still impetuous and in a moment of angry exasperation she has created trouble again by placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette.
Surprisingly the ad brings in two gentlemen seeking to marry her. One is a dark handsome stranger, Lazarus Kane. The other is Sophie’s childhood beau who has believed himself to be enamored of her and hopes that finally she will accept him, even if he has to “buy” her through her brother.
Lazarus has cleaned himself up to present himself as an acceptable and determined suitor. He is not a gentleman of means but he has rented a cottage farm that holds a fond place in Sophie’s heart. He is willing to work hard to convince her that she is his angel and that time is too precious to waste. He just isn’t willing to admit his past right away or the secret that he has been looking for her for half his life.
Jayne Fresina writes a story with wonderful wit, charm and vibrant descriptions that I loved! See some of the quotes below.) I really liked the quirky, less than perfect characters, the fun trouble that surrounds Sophie, and Lazarus’ romantic determination to win her. I was totally delighted with the story until about midway when the romance moved into some heavier sexual scenes which repeated more than necessary for my tastes. Again, this is an area that many romance readers will enjoy. I just prefer softer heat or at least fewer scenes as a little heat goes a long way for me. Even with the extra steamy scenes I still really like the writing of this author and will want to try more from her. If you like fun and really charming historical romance, and don’t mind the heated scenes, I do recommend you get this book to enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are examples of the vibrant writing style I so enjoyed:
... for everything was turned upside down, and her own nerves spun about like tumbling maple seeds. Page 38/Location 612
The countryside was at peace as it settled in to embrace the evening, like a mother with her arms around a play-weary child. Page 69/ Location 1040
The sun, like a playwright with all the winding threads of his imagination exhauted, put down his quill and dipped his weary head to rest. Lon shadows slowly crept across the ground, the bronzed fingers of sunset stretching to eas the cramp of a long day's writing. Page 79/Location 1233.
But she saw the gleam in his eyes, and Sophie knew how it felt to be taken by surprise, kidnapped and held ransom by a sudden sensation, a desire that came unwanted, unbidden. Page 158/Location 2424.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book to read and review.
I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.
2. For an 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.
(Two total entries possible.)
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 14.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Mailbox Monday July 2, 2012
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
My book garden is still growing! How about yours?
Review Titles
Wins
No new wins and I didn't receive any more of the wins yet from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. BUT I did select the books from The Wild Rose Press:
as listed below.
as listed below.
Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)
Week 1 - received 7 in bold
Week 2 - received 2 in gold
Soul Mate Publishing – $25 gift certificate
J. Taylor Publishing –
Darkness & Light by J.A. Belfield
Little White Lies by Aimee Laine
The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams
Into the Unknown by all three of the above authors
Instinct by J.A. Belfield
Touch of Frost by Jocelyn Adams
Hide & Seek by Aimee Laine
The P.U.R.E. by Claire Gillian
and we'll include Tidal Whispers by Jocelyn Adams, Julie Reece, Clair GIllian and Kelly Said as well (it releases June 4th).
Ellora’s Cave - 5 eBooks of the Winner’s Choice
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate
Books for a Buck – Gift Certificate for $11.97
eXtasy Books - $5.00 gift certificate
Eternal Press/Damnation Books- ???
Untreed Reads - $15.00 gift certificate
Torquere Press - $15 gift certificate
Liquid Silver – 2 books
Changeling Press – Free books for a month at ChangelingPress.com (2 books a week for 4 weeks)
Total E-Bound – ???
Champagne Books – Gift Certificate
Carnal Passions – Gift Certificate
BURST - Gift Certificate
JMS Books - $25 gift certificate
Inspired Romance Novels – 3 books, winners choice
Red Rose Publishing - $25 gift certificate
Loose Id – $10 gift certificate to each
Beachwalk Press – eBooks of Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck (Fantasy Romance), Soul Dancer by Aurora Rose Lynn (Science Fiction Romance/Interracial Romance) Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe (Erotic Contemporary Romance)
Gypsy Shadow Publishing – 50% off for the winners
Black Velvet Seduction – 3 eBooks (winner’s choice)
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate
| Item Name | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Train Through Time | |||||
| Memory's Edge | |||||
| Hearts Under Siege | |||||
| Charade of Hearts | |||||
| Luck of the Irish | |||||
| Trust in the Lawe | |||||
| Secrets of the Sapphires |
Purchased
I went over my TWRP $25.00 GC by about $3.25 so one of the books above is partly a purchase.
Free
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 2, 2012
This meme starts at Book Journey!
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
My reading was good even with interruptions and a couple of early nights due to stress and exhaustion (related to Dad's deteriorating health and catching up at work). I finished four books and posted three book reviews, one with giveaway link.
I also posted a Giveaway for Audiobook Week. As usual I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
I got to visit about 20 other sites early last week but never got back for more after that.
Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.
These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
1. eBook/Kindle
3. Print/Audible
4. Print
Line Edits/Releases: I am behind in these and plan to take a day this week to work on only releases..
Currently reading:
2. eBook/Kindle
3. eBook/Kindle (NG)
I finally selected fewer titles for a month! I have less than 12 committed although I may pick up a couple through the month..
Scheduled for July:
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
My reading was good even with interruptions and a couple of early nights due to stress and exhaustion (related to Dad's deteriorating health and catching up at work). I finished four books and posted three book reviews, one with giveaway link.
I also posted a Giveaway for Audiobook Week. As usual I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.
I got to visit about 20 other sites early last week but never got back for more after that.
Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.
These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.
- Audible Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen; Mystery (Historical); my rating 4.25.
- Book Review: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
- Book Review and Giveaway Link: Itineras (The Samsara Chronicles Book 4) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley; Science Fiction; my rating 4.0.
- AudioBook Week 2012 Giveaway. Ends 7/6.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 29, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/ 5.
- Sharing Beyond Books #55 Comment Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/6.
1. eBook/Kindle
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
I like this series. Rated 4.0.
Review is linked above.
Review is linked above.
2. Print
Jayne Fresina
I really enjoyed this story. Rating 4.25
I will post the review Tuesday 7/3.
3. Print/Audible
by Ray Blackston
This was our Ladies' Book Club pick for June 30; fun and a good message.
We all agreed this was a great read. Rating 4.5
We all agreed this was a great read. Rating 4.5
I will post the review on Wednesday 7/4.
4. Print
by Brenda Jackson.
I am not a big fan of "doctor stories"
but I did enjoy this.
This author writes warm enjoyable romance.
I read this for Harlequin Survey
and will post a review sometime this week.
but I did enjoy this.
This author writes warm enjoyable romance.
I read this for Harlequin Survey
and will post a review sometime this week.
Line Edits/Releases: I am behind in these and plan to take a day this week to work on only releases..
Currently reading:
1. Audible
Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth
Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth
- UNABRIDGED
- by
- Narrated by
I am enjoying this although it seems I haven't had a lot of time to listen as I have been reading and listening to the Kindle books.
2. eBook/Kindle
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
I look forward to continuing this series.
Review to post 7/5 for Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan must flee both human and alien pursuers.
Narrowly escaping danger during their quest to acquire the talismans and suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan endure harsh winter conditions to evade the military and corrupt human minions seeking to stop them from the opening of the portal.
3. eBook/Kindle (NG)
by Kristine Grayson (NetGalley)
I am 75% on this and it is delightful!
Reviewing for Sourcebooks through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Sleeping Beauty has sworn off kissing...
Emma awakens to an entirely different world than the one she lived in a thousand years ago, and although she's the real Sleeping Beauty, her life is no fairy tale. After parting ways with her supposed Prince Charming, she's determined to be a normal girl—she hides her magic and swears off kissing strange men.
But her gorgeous boss Michael knows there 's something unusual about Emma, and he thinks she's as infuriating as she is beautiful. Now Emma needs to teach Michael a lesson, which means mastering her magic. She knows she's flirting with danger, but after one look at Michael's perfect lips, all she can think is, "What's another thousand years ... ?"
Welcome to the fractious fairy tale world of Kristine Grayson, where the bumpy road to happily ever after is paved with surprises ...
4. eBook/Kindle
5. Print
Book Description
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Child advocate Lelia Freeman saves children for a living. As the director of ChildSafe Shelters, she ventures to abandoned squats and crackhouses to rescue teens from the hellish streets of Los Angeles. When she is summoned to Washington to serve on a committee that aids the children of a war-torn African nation, Lelia is kidnapped and becomes a political pawn in a sinister conspiracy. Oceans away from everything she knows, she must trust a mercenary to save her life, or die in the clutches of a psychopath.
Hunting, combat and staying alive are Elijah Dune's specialties. Vengeance is his passion. Haunted by past demons, he travels to the Motherland to collect a debt. A debt that demands one payment. Death.
Caught in the crosshairs of a madman, Lelia and Elijah must survive the jungles of Zaire and the horrors of their pasts or be forever consumed by the DARK SIDE OF VALOR.
by Lane Diamond
This looked interesting so
I am reading for tour review on 7/9,
with Giveaway through Novel Publicity.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2011
Evolved Publishing presents an intimate look inside the mind of a killer, and of the man determined to end that killer, in "Forgive Me, Alex" by Lane Diamond. (Psychological Suspense Thriller)
~~~~~~~~~~
Tony Hooper stands in shadow across the street, one amongst many in the crowd of curiosity-hounds gathered to watch a monster's release. Seventeen years after Mitchell Norton, "the devil," terrorized Algonquin, Illinois on a spree of kidnapping, torture and murder, the authorities release the butcher from psychiatric prison.
Tony longs to charge across the street to destroy Norton—no remorse—as if stepping on a cockroach. Only sheer force of will prevents his doing so.
"The devil" walks the world again. What shall Tony do about it? Aye, what indeed.
After all, this is what Tony does. It's who he is. "The devil" himself long ago made Tony into this hunter of monsters. What a sweet twist of fate this is, that he may still, finally, administer justice.
Will FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe stop him? She owes him her life, so how can she possibly put an end to his?
Tony Hooper and Mitchell Norton battle for supremacy, with law enforcement always a step away, in this story of justice and vengeance, evil and redemption, fear and courage, love and loss.
~~~~~~~~~~
.
5. Print
by Alicia Singleton
I like how this has started.
Reading to review on 7/10 for Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour with $100 GC link.Book Description
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Child advocate Lelia Freeman saves children for a living. As the director of ChildSafe Shelters, she ventures to abandoned squats and crackhouses to rescue teens from the hellish streets of Los Angeles. When she is summoned to Washington to serve on a committee that aids the children of a war-torn African nation, Lelia is kidnapped and becomes a political pawn in a sinister conspiracy. Oceans away from everything she knows, she must trust a mercenary to save her life, or die in the clutches of a psychopath.
Hunting, combat and staying alive are Elijah Dune's specialties. Vengeance is his passion. Haunted by past demons, he travels to the Motherland to collect a debt. A debt that demands one payment. Death.
Caught in the crosshairs of a madman, Lelia and Elijah must survive the jungles of Zaire and the horrors of their pasts or be forever consumed by the DARK SIDE OF VALOR.
I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean.
[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. Last week's reading was Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. This week I start the New Testament with Matthew.
Line Edits: I am behind in these too and hoping to train one of my assistants to upload conversions to Kindle and Smashwords.
I finally selected fewer titles for a month! I have less than 12 committed although I may pick up a couple through the month..
Scheduled for July:
7/5 Tempest (The Samsara Chronicles Book 5) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/9 Forgive Me Alex by Lane Diamond - Review with $50.00 GC Giveaway link tour through Novel Publicity
7/10 Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton - Review for Pump Up Your Book with $100.00 GC Giveaway link
7/11 Maelstrom (The Samsara Chronicles Book 6) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/18 Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/24 Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/25 Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren
July but Unscheduled:
Sourcebooks- I've picked a few for August/September but none in July unless I pick up something at NG during the month.
Other NetGalley Review choices:
None yet.
Audiobook Jukebox:
No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose
Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione
Other:
Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch
Glass Angels by Karen Wiesner
With some open time I really do hope to read a couple of Won books this month.:-)
[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get)
and To See (What You See is What You Get)
by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]
7/10 Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton - Review for Pump Up Your Book with $100.00 GC Giveaway link
7/11 Maelstrom (The Samsara Chronicles Book 6) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/18 Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/24 Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8) by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book - with Kindle Giveaway link
7/25 Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren
July but Unscheduled:
Sourcebooks- I've picked a few for August/September but none in July unless I pick up something at NG during the month.
Other NetGalley Review choices:
None yet.
Audiobook Jukebox:
No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose
Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione
Other:
Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch
Glass Angels by Karen Wiesner
With some open time I really do hope to read a couple of Won books this month.:-)
[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get)
and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Sunday Words of Encouragement July 1, 2012
We were out this afternoon to another hot ballgame.
We had a lovely service this morning with a guest pianist. He played some great medleys with patriotic songs melding into beautiful and powerful old hymns of victory.
Interestingly I finished reading the Christian novel Flabbargasted and I think it ties in well with victory and American views. I will post the review on July 4.
Meanwhile - please enjoy this video. (I still cannot see videos on this computer as something is blocking the video... I have to get time to figure this out.
We had a lovely service this morning with a guest pianist. He played some great medleys with patriotic songs melding into beautiful and powerful old hymns of victory.
Interestingly I finished reading the Christian novel Flabbargasted and I think it ties in well with victory and American views. I will post the review on July 4.
Meanwhile - please enjoy this video. (I still cannot see videos on this computer as something is blocking the video... I have to get time to figure this out.
Verses for today:
Psalm 96:1-2
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Today I am thankful for the many blessings America has but more so I am thankful for the Victory I have in Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
