Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 10, 2012

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

Happy Friday! It has still been busy for me but I am glad to say my daughter is feeling a bit better. Thanks for your kind words and prayers.

Thank you to all who entered the August 3 Pick.  There was only ONE Automatic winner this week. (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).  Dead Ringer was blocked again - a popular pick and it was won.
Sienny picked Midnight Rainbow four times for an automatic win.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from August 3 Pick:

June M chose Dead Ringer
and

Linda chose An Independent Woman but may get GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Don't you just love dragonflies? 
This one with a book is extra lovely!

Image found at Literanista

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottline

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

Threads of Destiny by Arnette Lamb

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (some spine wear)

{An Independent Woman by Candace Camp} Shipping cost TBD

Wolf Mountain Moon by Terry C. Johnston

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Virtue by Jane Feather

Don't Bargain with The Devil by Sabrina Jeffries

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

*The Contrary Corinthian by Emily Hendrickson (spine wear)

*There Was a Little Boy by Claire Rainwater Jacobs

*On Thin Ice by Linda Hall

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

 

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

The Promise by Kasey Michaels

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown

Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard

Death's Door by Meryl Sawyer

Life Support by Tess Gerristen Audio Cassettes

Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich

Exit to Eden by Anne Rice

While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*Simon Said by Sarah R. Shaber

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Mueller

*Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Game Over by Fern Michaels

Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)

In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott

Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin

Cross Country by James Patterson

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.


New Group #25 January 12, 2012

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

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

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


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

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011


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.

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

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

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone)

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

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 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

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 394 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

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

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

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Book Review and Giveaway: Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker

Hop on and hang on tight to this great, entertaining ride!

Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc.)

by Julie Ann Walker 

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402267134
• ISBN-13: 978-1402267130

Genre: Romanctic Suspense

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Black Knights Inc.—Behind the facade of their tricked–out motorcycle shop is an elite special ops team assigned the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.
Hold On Tight...
Ex–Marine Nate "Ghost" Weller is an expert at keeping his cool—and his distance—which makes him one hell of a sniper. It's also how he keeps his feelings for Ali Morgan in check. Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she's his best friend's baby sister...and totally off limits.
Rough Road Ahead
Ali's never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley—or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she's in trouble. First something happened to her brother, and now she's become the target of a nasty international organization. With Nate, her life is in the most capable hands possible—but her heart is another story altogether.

Review:

Ali thought she was close to her big brother, Grigg.  She and her parents are devastated when Grigg’s best friend, Nate, delivers the news that Grigg was killed in a freak accident at the motorcycle shop where they worked.  Ali has suppressed a crush for Nate since he seemed to always ignore her or dismiss her.

There is a lot Ali doesn’t know. Grigg and Nate are part of an elite black ops team and Grigg was tortured before being killed in action. Also Nate isn’t immune to her, but he does his best to ignore his attraction to her since Grigg warned him off years ago.

Nate is dark and quiet and apt to respond with one word sentences, especially if faced with Ali. Ali on the other hand gets nervous around Nate and tends to run off at the mouth.

Shortly after they learn that Grigg is dead, Ali starts feeling like she is being followed. After barely escaping a mugging she speeds off to Chicago to seek help from Nate. As soon as she enters the high tech machine shop with the ultra level security Ali suspects that this is more than a designer motorcycle shop team. It is discovered that Grigg took part in an 'off the books' operation and apparently sent secrets on a zip drive to Ali. She insists on going along to retrieve the drive as she really wants to uncover all the secrets.  But there is one secret that Nate will never reveal.

I loved the fast paced action of this story. The mob participation and bungling is a little bit of a stretch but it provided opportunities for danger and action.  The intense chemistry, resistance and passion between Ali and Nate makes a great romance. Ms. Walker's style is sleek and intense with a side of humor.  There was some rough language but not so much that I couldn’t read right on past it. 

There was a good secondary tension between Becky, the top notch mechanic and operative wanna be, and the team boss, Frank, who won’t allow himself to think of her beyond her great fix-it skills. They just rub each other the wrong way and I expect there will be another revved-up story for those two.

I would be glad to read more in this fast, tense series. If you like suspense, action and strong romance elements you will want to check out this book and the Black Knights series by Julie Ann Walker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ali's reaction to being stalked and nearly mugged:

She felt like her life had taken on the relative dimensions and kinetic energy of a tsunami, and she had nothing but her own two hands as protection against the coming onslaught. Page 78.

Nate stays on alert:

So yeah, the best thing for him to do would be to stay exactly where he was. Watching. Waiting. With five rounds of angry lead that could quickly affect an attitude adjustment in any unfriendly individuals.   Page 179.

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

This is set in Chicago and Jacksonville, NC for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add this to my New Author and ARC challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review 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 August 17, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 18, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

Giveaway: Discover Georgette Heyer!

Here is a chance to win THREE Georgette Heyer titles courtesy of Sourcebooks.

Georgette Heyer, the “Queen of Regency Romance,” is one of the most beloved authors of all time, and Sourcebooks couldn’t be more thrilled to be her North American publishing home: all 52 of her delightful novels are back in print!

Over the years we have come to find that fans of Heyer’s work all have “Heyer moments”—stories about how they discovered her, which novel is their favorite, how they used to sneak and read their mother’s copies, and so on.

We LOVE hearing these stories from fans, and what better time to sing the praises of one of our favorite authors then on the anniversary of her 110^th birthday!

In light of the anniversary, Sourcebooks wants to ask readers: “How did YOU discover Georgette Heyer?”

TO ENTER YOU MUST leave a comment:

(a) Share your "Heyer Moment": when you first discovered Georgette Heyer; what was her first book that you read; what is your favorite Heyer title.

OR

(b) If you haven't read Ms. Heyer yet please share why you want to start reading her novels.

LEAVE your email so I can contact you if you win!

I will pick one winner from the comments who will receive a surprise grab-bag prize pack of 3 different Heyer novels: 1 Romance, 1 Mystery, 1 Historical Fiction (1 winner per blog, US and Canada addresses only)

This giveaway will end August 17, 2012 at 10pm Central.

Here are a few of the many wonderful titles. One of the first I read was False Colours.

Devil's Cub	False Colours	Faro's Daughter	The Foundling	Frederica	Friday's Child

Here are other activities Sourcebooks is sponsoring for Heyer’s 110^th birthday for the month of August!

All Available Georgette Heyer eBooks on sale for $2.99 from Tuesday August 14^th – Monday August 20^th! Check this link.

Get 30% off any Heyer print book during the whole month of August at the Sourcebooks store by using the coupon code HEYER at checkout!

http://www.sourcebooks.com/
store/fiction/georgette-heyer/

Also, check out our Georgette Heyer Facebook page where we will be having discussions, parties and giveaways! 
http://www.facebook.com/

thecompletegeorgetteheyer

Sourcebooks Specials for August!

Sourcebooks has A LOT of things going on in August that I am pleased to be able to share.

First, The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen is Barnes & Noble’s Free Friday pick for today! Pick it up today for free here: http://bookclubs.

barnesandnoble.com/t5/The-NOOK-Blog/bg-p/Unbound/label-name/free%20fridays

Also, The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick is only $2.99 for a limited time. Elizabeth’s upcoming new release A Place Beyond Courage (Sept.) is a prequel to Chadwick’s 2009 release The Greatest Knight. A Place Beyond Courage tells the gripping story of John FitzGilbert - the father of William Marshal (the hero from The Greatest Knight). http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

w/greatest-knight-elizabeth-
chadwick/1100202467?ean=9781402228643&itm=1&usri=elizabeth+chadwick

 

A Place Beyond Courage Coming September 2012

“Spellbinding prequel to 2009’s The Greatest Knight, Based on real characters and extensive research, Chadwick’s imaginative tale will keep readers captive till the final page.

―Publishers Weekly,  STARRED review

“Immerse your senses in the world created by Chadwick; be intrigued, entertained and enlightened by the deft skill of a master storyteller …For fans of William Marshal and Chadwick’s The Greatest Knight… this is a must-read.”

     ― RT Book Reviews    

And finally, I wanted to share the details of our annual Georgette Heyer birthday celebration for this year! Georgette Heyer would have been 110 years old this August 16^th.  Please feel free to share all of this with your followers! Thanks!

Georgette Heyer, the Queen of Regency Romance, will turn 110 years old on August 16^th!

And Sourcebooks is celebrating in a BIG way! Here is what they have going on:

All available Georgette Heyer eBooks on sale for $2.99 from Tuesday August 14^th – Monday August 20^th!  http://www.sourcebooks.com/

readers/browse-our-lists/
ebook-specials/1776-happy-birthday-ms-heyer-ebooks-for-299.html

Get 30% off any Heyer print book during the whole month of August at the Sourcebooks store by using the coupon code HEYER at checkout! http://www.sourcebooks.com/

store/fiction/georgette-heyer/

Check out our Georgette Heyer Facebook page where we will be having discussions, parties and giveaways!

http://www.facebook.com/

thecompletegeorgetteheyer

Book Review with Kindle Giveaway Link: Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9)

This episode of the Chronicles reveals the ancient enemy that continues to stalk Aislinn and the royal powers.

Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 113 KB
• Print Length: 41 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FRVK8

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Directed by one of their Earthly guides, Aislinn and Dylan venture to the Overlap, an ancient castle situated within a temporal rift where they discover the nature of Shakan’s treachery.

Seeking answers regarding the kidnapping of her parents, Aislinn and Dylan follow one of their Earthly guides to the mysterious Overlap, a temporal rift situated within an ancient castle. There they experience past events that reveal the nature of the rival Nirvanan bloodlines as well as the identity of the traitor in league with the Klatrians.

Review:

This is continuing this interesting sci fi series and as I have noted previously each book reads like an episode or installment of the full story.

Netherworld finds Aislinn and Dylan traveling to an ancient castle on a rarely visited portion of their planet, Nirvana. As they explore the castle they discover that it has shifting timelines that ‘overlap.’ One moment Aislinn is in front of Dylan, the next she turns her back and is in an ancient time facing an ancient enemy.

One temporal visit places Aislinn as a viewer of an generations old struggle between related factions for the power of the skull.  An ancient cousin of Aislinn's family is violent and bitter at being denied the royal claim to the skull. His ambition, hatred and bitterness have been passed down to Shakan, the current head Guard of the Nirvanian Council.

Aislinn is also given visions of the twisted, malevolent creatures in the dark caverns of Klatria and visions of another group who seem to be huddled in prayer. Aislinn is directed to collect two gifts.  One is a gift to get to Piper to help save Earth and the other is a elixir of justice to give to Shakan.  Ailsinn and Dylan turn to return to the capital city ready to face the traitor and the next step in their battles to rescue Aislinn's parents..

I am enjoying the intricate twining of the past history and the present conflict in this series.  I also like the excitement as it builds towards the confrontation of the enemies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The view of the ancient castle:

Bleached by the elements, the castle’s battle-scarred flanks reeked of history and old spilled blood. Location 49.

Dylan and Aislinn are awed at a the view of a magical world of paradise.

“Is this what it’s like on the other side of the looking glass?” Dylan wondered. Location 305.

I received this from the authors as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

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