Book Review and Giveaway: Everybody Loved Roger Harden by Cecil Murphey

This is a nice blend of genres: cozy mystery and Christian fiction.

Everybody Loved Roger Harden (Everybody's Suspect in Georgia)
by Cecil Murphey

• Hardcover: 317 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Pr; Lrg edition (December 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410422232
• ISBN-13: 978-1410422231

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2011

Psychologist Julie West and Reverend James Burton arrive late for dinner on Palm Island - but just in time to discover their host, millionaire Roger Harden, murdered. Ten possible suspects share closed quarters on the secluded island, all of them with deep secrets and sufficient motive to have wanted the wealthy benefactor dead. Can Julie and Burton ignore the mysterious attraction developing between them long enough to discover who among them didn't love Roger Harden enough to let him live?

Review:
Remember the classic Agathie Christie mysteries, Ten Little Indians, 13 Came to Dinner or the game/movie Clue?  Here is a book fashioned on the same premise but with some inspirational surprises added in.

Psychologist Julie West and Reverend James Burton (called Burton) arrive together for dinner at the exclusive Palm Island estate of millionaire Roger Harden.  There are ten guests properly seated all having been summoned, rather than invited, to the dinner. The problem is, the 8 pm bong sounds and Roger fails to appear.

When the cook/maid, Elaine, is sent to retrieve Roger from his study she finds him lying under his desk, dead.  Julie and Burton know they aren’t the killer. That leaves eight guests and two staff as suspects. They begin to interview the suspects to uncover motives and opportunity so they can pin point the killer.  Although everyone initially claims to have loved Roger it doesn’t take long for accusations across the table to reveal that everyone had reason to hate him. He was an obsessively controlling husband, an indifferent or demanding step-father and a controlling employer. No one was really a friend as it turns out that Roger knew a secret about each of them and used that he used as blackmail.

As the investigation proceeds another person is killed and one is shot at.  It isn’t until midway through the book that facts begin to reveal that Roger had been changing in his attitude over the past several weeks. Once revealed the source and consequences of Roger’s change mean that the murderer may have committed a crime that wasn’t necessary.

This was a fast and easy read.  The characters are well developed and there is a great contrast between Julie and Burton. Julie has a condemning and narrow focus not only towards he suspects but towards herself too.  Burton is gentle and non-judgmental allowing him to get the suspects to tell him their grievances with the deceased.

Our ladies book club members agreed this was an easy read although several felt it started slowly.  It was noted that all of the guests seemed rather nonchalant in spite of murders and attacks occurring around them. We all agreed that Simon, the ‘butler’, man-Friday, was a great secondary character.  He is a man that is more likely to shrug his shoulders than speak and when he does speak, it is few words, like “Wait no longer.”

I really enjoyed several of the inspirational elements that Mr. Murphey smoothly wove into the friendship developing between Julie and Burton. This is a fun read and just what it purports to be: a Christian Cozy Mystery.

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

Burton to Julie:

You keep bringing in judgmental words–like bad or wrong.  I’d prefer to say it this way: You and I live in different worlds.  Location 896.

I understand why a lot of people have turned away from church. I just wish they wouldn’t turn away from God, as well.....
That’s the direction I like to point people–from imperfect people to a perfect God.  Location 1972-74.

God may be your best option and not just your last one. Location 1986.

I have the three volume set (Everybody's Suspect in Georgia) but I picked up this paperback recently and now I offer it as a Giveaway.

This is set in Georgia. I will also add it to my New Author reading List.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for  used Print Copy - OPEN WORLDWIDE.**

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website or The Man Behind the Words and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open Worldwide **providing shipping is under $7.00.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 19, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 20, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: The Aleppo Codex by Matti Friedman

This may sound dry but it is ultimately a quite fascinating documentary thriller.
The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible
by Matti Friedman

• Audio CD: 450 pages (6 discs)
• Publisher: HighBridge Company; Unabridged; 7.5 hours edition (May 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1611747724
• ISBN-13: 978-1611747720

Genre: History, Documentary
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Book Description for Audio version
Publication Date: May 15, 2012
 A true-life thriller about the journey of one of the world’s most precious manuscripts—the 10th century annotated Hebrew Bible known as the Aleppo Codex—from its hiding place in an ancient Syrian synagogue to the newly-founded Israel. Using his research, including documents which have been secret for 50 years and interviews with key players, AP correspondent Friedman tells a story of political upheaval, international intrigue, charged courtroom battles, obsession, and subterfuge.
 
Book Description for Print version
Publication Date: May 15, 2012
In an age when physical books matter less and less, here is a thrilling story about a book that meant everything. This true-life detective story unveils the journey of a sacred text—the tenth-century annotated bible known as the Aleppo Codex—from its hiding place in a Syrian synagogue to the newly founded state of Israel. Based on Matti Friedman’s independent research, documents kept secret for fifty years, and personal interviews with key players, the book proposes a new theory of what happened when the codex left Aleppo, Syria, in the late 1940s and eventually surfaced in Jerusalem, mysteriously incomplete.

The codex provides vital keys to reading biblical texts. By recounting its history, Friedman explores the once vibrant Jewish communities in Islamic lands and follows the thread into the present, uncovering difficult truths about how the manuscript was taken to Israel and how its most important pages went missing. Along the way, he raises critical questions about who owns historical treasures and the role of myth and legend in the creation of a nation.

Review:
The Aleppo Codex is an ancient, sacred handwritten version of the Hebrew Bible which dates back to the tenth century. The Codex, also known as the Crown of Aleppo, was protected for centuries by a strong Jewish  community living in Aleppo, Syria.

AP correspondent Matti Friedman set out to do an article about the Aleppo Codex and discovered a mysteries in its condition, ownership and history.  This book contains two adventurous journeys. One is Mr. Friedman’s journey of research as he struggled to gather information from reluctant sources and conflicting witnesses and interviews.  As he delved into the past written texts on the Codex it became clear that there were inconsistencies, and many facts still uncovered, some perhaps intentionally. This book documents the extensive digging he had to do to piece together the second journey - the historical trail of The Aleppo Codex from the tenth century to its current home.

The sacred text went through dangers during the Christian Crusades before settling for years of hidden safety.  During rebellion in Syria in the 1940s the precious book was removed from the attacked Temple that had been its hiding place. The fragile parcel went through upheaval, threats of destruction and rumors of burning. Although Jewish authorities sought the book on and off, it continued to be hidden by Aleppo Jews before being smuggled out of Syria to Jerusalem in the 1950s.

The Codex faced a tug of war trial between the Jewish government and Aleppo leaders until a settlement was reached placing the text, or what pieces then remained, into Trust. Unfortunately the Trust locked the Codex away instead of making it available for others to see and share this wondrous piece of history.

I was pleasantly surprised by the danger and excitement revealed by this documentary. Mr. Friedman does an excellent job of laying out the details, moving back and forth between his research efforts and the history of the Codex to keep the information interesting.   Woven through the story is a good deal of history of the Jewish people.  Mr. Friedman provokes thought too on the rights to historical treasures that are removed during times of invasion and war.

AUDIO Observations:
The audio version is narrated by Simon Vance, an extremely talented and respected narrator. I felt he did an excellent job keeping a good pace to enhance the interest in the history and evoking emotions in response to the work.  Both author and narrator help make the reader feel the trauma of the Aleppo Jews at losing possession of the book and the even greater sadness for all caring Jews, scholars and those who respect great historical works at the damage the precious book suffered.  As a book lover, imagine the sorrow you might experience upon discovering an ancient, revered work and learning that 40% of the pages have gone missing, perhaps as the result of greed.

At first glance you might think you wouldn’t enjoy this documentary work, but I assure you it is a worthwhile listen.  I recommend this to readers who like mystery thrillers as well as those who would enjoy the historical significance.

I appreciate receiving this Audio Book for Review from HighBridge Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 12, 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 Fall Friday! I am really enjoying our cooler days. I hope everyone is recovering from those colds we shared around. :-)  Hey I have a question: for the next group of Friday Giveaway books do  you want pairs (two books by same author which count as one pick) or Christmas titles?  If you comment to let me know, majority will rule.

Thank you to all who entered the October 5 Pick. There were THREE automatic winners this week. :-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Two books are still blocked.

Anubha gets Love and Other Four Letter Words
Faith Hope Cherrytea gets Carousel
and
Texas Book Lover gets Afterimage

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 5 Pick:

Birgit gets a Gift Credit
and
Alyn chose Tangled

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.

Isn't this a nice fall card?

Crafty and a good use of old book pages.

Image found at Craft-T-Creations
Check out some great cards and crafts I spotted there!

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

 Demon's Fire by Emma Holly
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
Tangled by Mary Balogh
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Angel of Midnight  by JoAnn Power
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Touchstone by Linda Hilton
Restless Hearts by Marta Perry
Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
A Delecate Deception by Jenna Jones


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 Audrey 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

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

An Independent Woman by Candace Camp

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

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

 

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

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

*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

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

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)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

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.

*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 422 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--- (All gone)

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

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

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---(All Gone)

Giveaway Opportunity for Once Upon a Remembrance

GIVEAWAY: Comment on tour posts to win an ebook copy of Once Upon a Remembrance!  
Grace is giving an ebook copy of  Once Upon a Remembrance to a commenter during her blog tour.
Just leave a comment on my review post or the guest post to be entered.
Tour runs through October 12.  Open International.



{thanks Grace!}








 Here is the schedule of stops to check out other spotlights, excerpts, interviews and reviews. Remember to comment for a chance to win this lovely story.
Tuesday October 2
    The Reflections of a Bookworm – Interview
  
Wednesday October 3
    Bodice Ripper Novels – promo post
 
Thursday October 4

    Reviews by Molly – review

Friday October 5

    The Thoughts of a Girl – excerpt
 
Monday October 8

    Herding Cats and Burning – excerpt
  
Tuesday October 9

    Oh Chrys! –  review
  
Wednesday October 10

    Insomnia of Books – review
  
Thursday October 11

    Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf – guest post
   
Friday October 12

    The Romance Reviewer- Review
  

Book Review: Once Upon a Remembrance by Grace Brannigan

This is a lovely romance with the extra element of the perplexities of time travel.

Once Upon a Remembrance (Women of Strength Time Travel)
by Grace Brannigan

• File Size: 427 KB
• Print Length: 275 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Questor Books (August 10, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008WBSWY0

Genre: Romance, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 10, 2012
Once Upon a Remembrance: Book 1 Women of Strength time travel trilogy: Photographer Isabeau Remington travels to 1894 Virgina and falls in love with a man she must ultimately leave behind when she returns to her own time...but things are not always as they seem.

Modern day photographer Isabeau is pulled from the present time and thrust back into the year 1894 in Virginia. She must help save Hawk Morgan, a man threatened by a killer, a man endangered by his own erased memories. Hawk must survive in 1894 so his present day ancestor Pierce Morgan, will be alive in Isabeau's future.

Isabeau begins to fall in love with Hawk Morgan but with both their future's uncertain and a killer on the loose, neither one of them may have a tomorrow to look forward to.

Review:
Isabeau has arrived at an estate known as Hawk’s Den to do a professional photography shoot with her boss.  She is looking at the antique Morgan family Bible when she becomes disoriented.  Suddenly she finds herself hiding on a ship. She believes she has been kidnapped until the settings, clothing and characters around her convince her that she is in 1894 instead of 2012.

Isabeau has been summoned to the past to help save Hawk Morgan. He has escaped a couple of attempts on his life but Isabeau is to help protect him with her special gift. Isabeau does manage to warn him and save his life.  That doesn’t mean that he or his right hand man, Malry, will trust the mysterious stowaway, especially when she claims to be from the future.

Hawk is a wealthy shipper who is kind to his family, staff and orphans.  He was attacked and beaten and suffers from amnesia.  His long time friend, Malrey, and his strange aunts have had to refresh Hawk’s memories. They have reminded him that he has a fiancé even though he can dredge up no recollection.

Isabeau helps to protect Hawk from danger but fails several times to protect herself. As they travel to New York Isabeau and Hawk try to resist the dynamic pull between them. Slowly Hawk begins to regain his memories until he makes a remarkable discovery. Now things are more twisted than ever.  Hawk wants them to make a commitment but Isabeau is frightened that she could be whisked away at any time.

The characters are well developed, warm and honorable.  I enjoyed the conflict of a strong, modern woman fighting to save a strong, old-fashioned man. There is plenty of suspense with startling time travel, numerous murder attempts, muggings and more. The romance grows nicely and builds as the reader waits to see if it can become a love to survive the separation of time. Ms. Brannigan’s writing has a certain elegance that fits the time period. It flows well and the package of characters, plot and smooth writing make this an engaging read sure to please romance and time travel fans.

~~~~~~~~~~

A new view for Isabeau:

Looking around, she knew the simpler pleasures were not meant to be ignored.  It had taken this cataclysmic event to open her eyes. Location 1285.

Emotions for Hawk:

Heat and want and emotion became tangled in his mind, until feeling was the only thing between them. Location 1801.

Thank you to Ms. Brannigan for sharing with a Guest Post and Giveaway. Blog Tour through Lace and Lavender Book tour.

This was set in Virginia for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author challenge list.