Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 7, 2012

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

We had a marvelous trip and great weather the whole 10 days. I have used one picture today and will put together a montage or slide show soon. We will be glad to get home today to our 'furry' kids. Maybe I will get to visit online friends a bit this weekend!

Thank you to all who entered the August 31 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).  Several books were blocked again this week..
Linda K chose There Was a Little Boy for four weeks without conflict.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from August 31 Pick:

Texas Book Lover chose Leopards Kill
and

Tore chose Wolf Mountain Moon

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. 

This is the first of several Bookstores I visited!

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

In the Presence of Enemies by William J. Coughlin
Shattered by Dick Francis
Shadow Fires by Dean Koontz
Hard News by Jeffrey Deavers
Palindrome by Stuart Woods (spine creases)
Afterimage by Jay Brandon
Tall, Dark and Cajun by Sandra Hill
Hot Streak by Susan Johnson
When Lightning Strikes Twice by Barbara Boswell
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Thunder Creek by Jill Gregory
His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
The Body They May Kill by Stallsmith
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell
Summer Light by Luanne Rice

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

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).

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 408 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: A Fistful of Collars by Spencer Quinn

This is a fun mystery tail tale told by Chet, the side kick dog!
A Fistful of Collars (Chet and Bernie Mysteries)
by Spencer Quinn

• File Size: 997 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books (September 11, 2012)
• Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0061OQXRI

Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 11, 2012 | Series: Chet and Bernie Mysteries

Everyone’s favorite detective team returns in a new adventure as canine narrator Chet and his human partner P.I. Bernie Little find that Hollywood has gone to the dogs.

Hoping to bring some Tinseltown money to the Valley, the mayor lures a movie studio to town to shoot their next production, a big-budget Western in the classic tradition. The star is none other than ruggedly handsome—and notoriously badly behaved—Thad Perry. When the mayor decides that someone needs to keep an eye on Thad so that he doesn’t get into too much trouble, Bernie and Chet are handpicked for the job. The money is good but something smells fishy, and what should have been a simple matter of babysitting soon gets more complicated—especially when they discover that Thad has a mysterious connection to the Valley that nobody wants to talk about. What kind of secret could Thad have left behind when he went to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune? The only people who might know the answer have a bad habit of turning up dead before they can talk.

As Bernie’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend Suzie goes long-distance, and Chet’s late-night assignations appear to have resulted in an unexpected dividend, it’s all our two sleuths can do to keep Thad and his motley entourage of yes-men, handlers, and hangers-on in their sights. Worst of all, Thad is a self-proclaimed cat person, and his feline friend Brando has taken an instant dislike to Chet.

Like the winning books before it, this fifth book in the series combines a top-notch mystery with genuine humor and a perceptive take on the relationship between human and dog that will stay with you long after the case is solved.

Review:
This story is narrated by Chet, the canine, loyal sidekick of Bernie, a former cop turned Private Investigator. The mystery is shared from the perspective of Chet who apparently failed in the last stages as a trained work dog and in the last stages as a police dog. It was never quite clear to me what kind of dog Chet is other than large, one hundred pounds, and with mismatched ears.

Chet describes his surroundings from the dog’s view of senses: sounds, smells, and textures. His thinking is simple and consistent for a dog, complete with disjointed thoughts that trail off as he loses attention or his attention is caught by something else. It makes for fun narration and dialogue.

Bernie is hired to protect a movie star brought into town by the mayor in hopes of bringing in money and work to the valley.  Bernie is suspicious of the hire from the beginning and goes to the source to inquire.  He continues to suspect something is off and sure enough his investigations lead him to uncover a secret payoff and then discover a dead body.

Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie, is a reporter who gets an offer of a job with the Washington post. They are struggling with their separation while Bernie continues his investigation.  He gets help from a reporter friend of Suzie’s, and that friend soon ends up dead too. Now Bernie is determined to put all the pieces together before there are any more murders.

There are a few twists to unravel, including a cold case with a connection. I did enjoy the mystery and the story from the dog’s narration. However I felt there were several “loose ends”, including resolving some conflicts between Bernie and Suzie.  I didn’t understand why Bernie wouldn’t be more open with his cop friend, Rick, who could have helped with the investigation. Also I didn’t fully understand why Bernie felt he shouldn’t accept payment for work he did, although there was a point I wondered how he was doing his security work when he was off on his investigations. Maybe I’m not in favor of a one man, one dog, show. Still, it is a fun read and I would be likely to try more in the series.

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

Suzie tries to tell Bernie of her new job offer:

"I have some news.”
“You’re a newswoman.” Location 129

Chet's view of an official meeting:

Then came handshaking, hello hellos, and nobody took a single sniff of nobody, all very human, and everyone sat down.  Location 224.

Chet comments on Bernie's reaction:

Bernie nodded. He was a great nodder, if that hasn’t come up yet, had all kinds of different nods. I’d seen this nod before–not a friendly kind–mostly when we were dealing with perps. Location 2012.

I appreciate recieving this book from Simon and Schuster through NetGalley.

This is set in Hollywood, California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add this to the New Author, ARC and Mystery Challenge lists.

Audio Book Review: Titanium Rain by Josh Finney

This is a fast paced, action packed wonderful full drama audio.

Titanium Rain

by Josh Finney

Audio CD (June 26, 2012)
1ST edition
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Original recording
Label: The AudioComics Company
Run Time: 98 minutes
ASIN: 098547971X

THE TITANIUM RAIN AUDIO MOVIE IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH iTunes, Amazon Mp3, CDBaby, 7Digital (US), AND AudioComics Digital Direct! CD’s ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH Amazon, ZBS, CDBaby, Discount Comic Book Services, AND The AudioComics Webstore!

Genre:  Sci Fi, Graphic

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

 To be alive is to be at odds with the world. 
Man against nature. Man against man.

The instinct to survive is what has
made us who we are.

In the year 2031 mankind’s survival instinct is put to the test when a civil war in China spirals into global conflict. Nations are destroyed. Millions are killed. And for many, like US Air Force pilot Alec Killian, survival will mean shedding some of his humanity in exchange for biotech and machine. Is this the ultimate corruption of nature, or the birth pains of a new chapter in mankind’s evolution?

This is the basis for one of the most acclaimed graphic novel series in recent years: Titanium Rain, created and produced by 01 Publishing and published by Archaia Entertainment. Now Titanium Rain makes the jump from the printed page to full-cast audio movie adapted for audio by co-creator Josh Finney and directed by William Dufris. Visit the Titanium Rain Audio site for more information!

Review:
This story focuses on a group of special Air Force pilots, the primary character being Alec Killian and his flight team members. These pilots are sometimes referred to as “hacks” because their DNA was hacked and ‘upgraded.’ In a world where there are not enough pilots they became part of the Prometheus program where those who didn’t make the cut got a second chance. They become special fighter pilots with manufactured eyes & hearts and DNA with what it takes to handle the adrenalin.

There is a discussion on whether it is appropriate to improve on God’s design. Those in favor express the view that it is information and technology that God has allowed similar to allowing doctors to find cures to the plagues and illnesses from the middle ages to current times.

There is a lot of excitement and action in the fast paced, brief story taking place in a futuristic war setting. The story gives background explaining how the current war began and the extreme opposition the forces face. This is definitely a graphic audio with wonderful, adrenaline pumping background sounds of fighter jets. There are also ‘on the ground’ troop dialogues at play and under fire. There is some vulgar language and humor although it is most likely realistic.


I really enjoyed the story although it is short and left me interested for more. The full cast drama sound is great so I recommend this as a good way to listen to these stories.

 I received this for review from Audio Comics through Audiobook Jukebox.

Hardcover available at Amazon.
I will add this to my Audio and New Author Challenge lists.

Book Review, Feature and Giveaway: God Loves You. - Chester Blue by Suzanne Anderson

This is a sweet story with a loving message of encouragement.

God Loves You. - Chester Blue

by Suzanne Anderson

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Henry and George Press (June 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615654835
• ISBN-13: 978-0615654836

Genre: Inspirational, Children
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2012

What if when you most needed help,  a blue bear appeared with a note from God? One night, Miss Millie of Blossom, Ohio turns her face to the stars and asks God for help. The next day, a package arrives on her doorstep containing a blue teddy bear and a special note.  Over the course of a year, this remarkable blue bear travels across the country, showing up just when he’s needed most.    During his journey, Chester Blue helps a young girl trying to impress her big sisters; saves a sailor caught in a terrible storm; reunites two constantly fighting brothers; helps a cowboy become a rodeo clown; and aids a father and daughter in bonding after divorce.  If you ever needed a message from God, it's here...

Review:

The unique and beautiful blue teddy bear shows up mysteriously on the doorstep of Miss Millie just when she needs encouragement. Miss Millie specializes in teddy bear restoration and history but she was saddened that she might have to close her downtown store due to business getting less and less in her small town of Blossom, Ohio. One night Miss Millie prays out under the bright night stars. The next morning she receives a package in which she discovers a blue bear and a special note: “God Loves You. -Chester Blue.” Miss Millie puts a name tag on “Chester Blue” and decides to send the bear to two young boys who are having some struggles.  She prepares Chester Blue with a small suitcase with blue thread and a needle, and of course his original note.

Chester Blue helps his new owners but they occasionally lose him on their adventures. Each time Chester Blue is lost he is picked up by a person who needs his special message. The message helps with those who need to share, those who are lonely, those who are confused and discouraged. Often the blue thread comes in handy at just the needed moment too.  But most of all each person, adult or child, is encouraged by the message they find in Chester Blue’s suitcase.

Each chapter ends with a very short and encouraging scripture verse which are another lovely addition. I enjoyed this easy story.  It is told primarily in third person although there is one section that is told from Chester’s view. This is a nice light read for an adult to read to a child or for an older child to read.  I think this would also make a great gift to someone who might need the special encouraging message that Chester Blue gives.

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

 Example of the encouragement that comes with Chester Blue:

And for the first time since he’d met Chester Blue, Sam felt a genuine sense of hope and happiness....
That was where Sam’s heart already lived. Now Sam finally had the opportunity to follow. Sometimes, things that seemed bad could turn into good, thought Sam.  Page 88.

Thank you to the author for providing this book to Review with BookBlast event. See the next post for more info and Giveaway.

God Loves You. - Chester Blue by Suzanne Anderson

Meet Author Suzanne Anderson

I was born in Fort Lauderdale, attended the University of Michigan on an athletic scholarship for swimming and then worked on Wall Street. I left the bright lights of the big city fifteen years ago and traveled the world. I now live in the mountains of Colorado, where I pursue my dream of writing novels.

LINKS:

Website: http://www.suzanneanderson.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzanne-Anderson-Author-Page/201662786512944

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seakiev

http://bookblastpromotions.blogspot.com/

Giveaway Details:

$50 Amazon Gift Card

Ends 9/11/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Mailbox Monday September 3, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR SEPTEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Kristen’s at BookNAround.

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. 

I was away but my office let me know I had added someaudios to my book garden. How is yours doing?

Review Titles

I received two audio review books through Audiobook Jukebox:
The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible
by Matti Friedman

and

Bones Are Forever
by Kathy Reichs

Wins

No wins received or selected books this week.

I still have some wins due in from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio.  I still need to select some more books but I haven't yet.

Purchased

None

Free 

There were no downloads this week.