Saturday Snapshot November 3, 2012 - Our Visit to Juneau, AK

On the fifth day of our cruise we visited Juneau. We did two great tours - the Mendenhall Gardens and Mendenhall Glacier.

We learned that the Tongass National Forest is a temperate (rather than tropical) rain forest. A mudslide had brought many trees down the side of the Thunder Mountain leaving it bare and messy. It was purchased in 1985 and the new owners took many of the trees and made them hanging planters. They are gorgeous! The staff bring the flowers out in the spring and put them all back in the green house in late September, after the tourist trips are done. We took a tram ride up the hill and saw the beautiful Mendenhall Valley from the top.

Once we finished at the Gardens we visited Mendenhall Glacier and it was beautiful too. It was fascinating to see the blue in the ice. This is a zoom in and you can see some of the blue along the edge.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Audio Book Review: Outer Diverse by Nina Munteanu

If you enjoy strong science fiction with action and intrigue this is a story you should listen to (or at least read)!
Outer Diverse -- The Splintered Universe Book 1
by Nina Munteanu

Narrator:
    Dawn Harvey
Publisher:
    Starfire World Syndicate
Proof-listener:
    Mary McCullough
Length:
    11:27:35  
File Size:
    ~ 583 MB  
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Description
Outer Diverse is the first book of the Splintered Universe Trilogy, set in and around the Milky Way Galaxy. The first book begins as Galactic Guardian Rhea Hawke intestigates the massacre of an entire religious sect, catapulting her into a treacherous storm of politics, conspiracy and self-discovery. Her quest for justice leads her into the heart of a universal struggle and toward an unbearable truth she’s hidden from herself since she murdered an innocent man.

Review:
Rhea Hawke is some tough cookie... well - I guess you wouldn’t call a Galactic Guardian Enforcer, a “cookie”. Rhea has a strong sense of justice and is prepared to kill in the line of duty. The problem is that she killed an innocent man by accident when she was just a child and that still haunts her.  That event has shaped her life, leading her to become the only human law enforcement officer on the Eosian force. Now it is the reason she is on leave from her job and has enemies hunting her out of fear and for revenge.

Rhea has kickin' weapons, including a Guardian Great Coat that is a shield, weapon cache and healing cover. But her most significant weapon is the ‘MEC” (Magnetic-Eelectro Concussion) pistol that she designed herself. The gun is technically outlawed but it is being sought by many because it is so powerful. She has created it so it can’t be dismantled and copied and the only design schismatics are in her head.

Rhea is frustrated that her Eosian boss doesn’t believe her arguments that the Vos, a brutal alien race that attacked Earth, pose a  real terrorist threat to the galaxy. She continues the investigation on her own and with the help of another Guardian, Basileus, she steals Bennie, her beloved little ship, (saving him from the junk heap) and heads off to face more danger.

Whew- this one takes some concentration. I had a little confusion getting the characters, races, friends - well mostly foes - sorted out.  There is wonderful world building with fascinating aliens and planets, along with detailed  weapons, missions, errors, and blunders. I was a bit frustrated about a third into the book when Rhea falls in lust with a stranger and begins a heavy romantic relationship. Although Serge seems loving and caring it puzzled me that Rhea totally failed to use her police smarts in getting involved with this handsome guy.  Is he safe or not; lover or the worst sort of enemy?

Rhea faces one perilous situation after another. Some she is led into and others she plunges head long into. There are ideological twists and parallel world theories at the root of the terrorist threat that Rhea seeks to thwart. As her investigation proceeds the issues become even more complex. This isn’t a light read but it sure kept my attention as I listened to see who was really a foe or a friend and what Rhea’s ultimate fate might be.  This is the first book of the Splintered Universe Trilogy. I hope the next book will be available soon so I can continue to follow Rhea and Bennie on their dangerous adventures.

Audio Notes:
Ms. Harvey did a superb job with the narration. She manages to enthuse the personality of the characters into each voice. The wise, gentle Caw has a soft, strong sound that reminds you of a wise old bird. Shlsh Shle She, a slippery, slimy creature has a slurry, garbled voice like a mouthful of mushy, wet food.  Dawn's reading conveys the loneliness in Rhea, the sexiness of Serge, the frustrated, friendliness of Bas, and the faithful, coziness of Bennie. She is able to bring emphasis to the action or romance, weariness or fear elements of the story. The narration never takes over the story but rather enhances it.

Thought words jotted while listening:
         Harsh, lonely, intense, complex, naive, betrayal, secrets.  Some sexual content.

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

A good description of Rhea by wise Caw:

You are presumptuous, Rhea. You speak half truths.  You are a paradox, so out of tune; a jumble of discord yet surprisingly open for one so closed. You are very cynical for one so naive, so young; but also incredibly naive for one so cynical.  Track 21.

 

This audio download was provided for review by Iambik Audiobooks through AudioBook Jukebox.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 2, 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, Happy November! I love November as I am reminded to be especially thankful - all month long.   

Thank you to all who entered the October 26 Pick. There were Two automatic winners this week (the first and last comments :-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Yikes -- there were many blocks this week.  :-( Two were won. :-)

Sienny gets Rogue Stallion
mamabunny13 gets Touchstone

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 26 Pick:

Linda chose a The Mistletoe Wager
and
Liss (persistence paid off!) chose Close to Home

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 beautiful - altered books?

Image found at Felt and Wire

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

 PAIRS:
Gena Showalter:
     The Darkest Kiss and the Darkest Night
Mary Balogh:
     Simply Perfect and A Summer to Remember
Tami Hoag:
     Ashes to Ashes and A Thin Dark Line (Both have spine creasing)
Dick Francis:
     10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
     Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Gift of Murder by M.D. Lake  (slight spine creasing)
*The Mistletoe Wager by Christine Merrill
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)
*A Family for Christmas by Kate Welsh  (slight spine creasing)
*A Regency Christmas Anthology - Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly and Gail Rainstorm



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---(All gone)

*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---(All gone)


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 429 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)

Book Review: The Wicked Wager by Anya Wylde

This cute story has an interesting and fun premise and goes from masquerade to murder.

The Wicked Wager (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romance)
by Anya Wylde

• File Size: 455 KB
• Print Length: 233 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008UWBJB4

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.
The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.
Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).
His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.

Review:
Lord Richard Hamilton has a reputation as a rake but one evening he stumbles onto an outspoken beauty ... and instantly falls in love. Emma Grey is beautiful and lively. She is also a dutiful young woman prepared to follow her families’ requirement of scheduling the wedding a few months away. That is difficult enough for Richard but he refuses to wait a year which is now the plan according to Emma’s Uncle, the Duke of Arden.

Emma is set to go live with her Uncle while she contemplates if this marriage is really suitable. Richard wants to prove that he is smarter than the Duke and that Emma should submit to his instructions rather than the Duke’s.  He makes a wager that he can masquerade as a gardner under the Duke’s nose for a month without being found out. This way he can be close to Emma and spend time with her. If he fails to last a month, he will wait the year if he must. If he succeeds then he will proceed to convince the Duke to let him marry Emma right away, even if it means compromising her.

The scenario leaves itself open to the old adage: “oh what a web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” One masquerade leads to another as Richard calls in a friend to pose as Richard himself when the Duke invites Emma’s fiancé (Richard) to visit the estate. This brings more lies to juggle. What Richard didn’t expect is a Duke who prides himself on knowing what is going on with the people and servants in his household.

Emma and Richard discover a blackmailing scheme and increased tension in the house. Richard's friend wants to reveal himself because he has fallen in love with Emma’s cousin. Before the young people can sort things out, there is a murder and they all become suspects.  At this point Duke Arden takes control of the investigation with a private agent at his side.

I really enjoyed the wacky mischief that Richard instigates. I also liked how Ms. Wylde uses a technique of Agatha Christie to pursue the solution of the crime. The Duke interviews each of the suspects and then gathers everyone together to reveal motives, opportunity and likelihood of guilt. The writing is light and breezes along nicely. The mystery gives added interest to the zany masquerade and sweet romance. I hope you will pick this book up to enjoy.

Words noted:
     Cute, Richard - Scamp, conflicted charade, sweet.

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

Richard realizes life is different for the servant class:

He wondered how people managed daily without any assets. Every day would be a struggle if one always had to depend on one’s wit rather than one’s looks or name.  Location 655.

Richard was accustomed to mischief:

His brilliant ideas of gluing teachers to chairs, putting spiders in desks, and bribing servants for treats, to name a few, bought him the loyalty and love of his classmates. Location 1007.

I received the eBook from the Author for an honest review.

NOTE:  The Wicked Wager (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romanc ) is now Free for Amazon Prime Members and will be free for everyone November 1 – 5! I hope you will pick this book up to enjoy.

Author Bio 
Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.

Winners - Victoria Alexander's What Happens at Christmas

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS:

Giveaway Ended October 29, 2012.

Giveaway Chat with Victoria Alexander and Three Copies of What Happens at Christmas.

Oddly/Sadly - no one is interested in chatting with this lovely author!
If anyone reading this win post would like the opportunity to chat November 6 at 6pm PST (chat moved from google+ to GoToMeeting forum) please email me (mesreads ATgmail.com) within the next 42 hours so I can send your name in by end of Friday. (I'll pick a winner from emails received if more than one.)

Oh - I almost forgot to remind you:

Everyone  is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag. 

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participates should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

 To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

Anyone registered will get an email from Author Marketing Experts 1 day prior to the event reminding him or her of all of the above information.

 


Three book winners are:

Cheryl C, Anubha and Diane Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will notify the publicist.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered this giveaway.