Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 9, 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! Let's see - 46 days to Christmas... Are we getting ready yet? Ok - let's slow down a little. Only 13 days to Thanksgiving... Now THAT I want to get ready for. :-)

Thank you to all who entered the November 2 Pick. There were no 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 -- 50% of the non-GC entries were blocked picks this week.  :-( The most sought after title was won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 2 Pick:

Paranormal & Romantic Suspense chose (the one that six of you were vying for!) the Gena Showalter pair
and
Llehn gets a Gift Certificate

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.

Image found Challenging the Book Worm
 Pizza Hut is sponsoring National Young Readers Week this year November 12 through November 16 with an assortment of challenges and prizes.

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: Extraordinary Rendition by Paul Batista

Quite remarkable and rather scary, this story is definitely a page turner!
Extraordinary Rendition
by Paul Batista

• File Size: 422 KB
• Print Length: 380 pages
• Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions (October 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009K71N3M

Genre: Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
When Ali Hussein, suspected terrorist and alleged banker for Al Qaeda, is finally transported from Guantanamo Bay to the US mainland to stand trial, many are stunned when Byron Carlos Johnson, a pre-eminent lawyer and son of a high-profile diplomat, volunteers to represent him. On principle, Johnson thought he was merely defending a man unjustly captured through Rendition and water-boarded illegally. But Johnson soon learns that there is much more at stake than one man’s civil rights.Hussein’s intimate knowledge of key financial transactions could lead to the capture of—or the unabated funding of—the world’s most dangerous terror cells. This makes Hussein the target of corrupt US intelligence forces on one side, and ruthless international terrorists on the other. And, it puts Byron Carlos Johnson squarely in the crosshairs of both. Pulled irresistibly by forces he can and cannot see, Johnson enters a lethal maze of espionage, manipulation, legal traps and murder. But when his life, his love, and his acclaimed principles are on the line, Johnson may have one gambit left that can save them all; a play that even his confidants could not have anticipated. He must become the hunter among hunters in the deadliest game.Written by no-holds-barred-attorney Paul Batista, Extraordinary Rendition excels not only as an action thriller, but as a sophisticated legal procedural as well. Batista’s keen legal mind and feel for suspense bleed onto every the page. Smart. Fast. Heart-pounding. A legal thriller of the highest order.

Review:

Byron Johnson is a sharp corporate attorney in a well respected firm. He is not ambitious for money as he is more interested in doing the right thing and representing his clients to the best of his ability. He seems to be winding down a bit in the firm and he decides to take on the representation of an alleged banker for Al Quada. Byron knows nothing of the detainee, Ali Hussien, nor of the supposed ‘brother’ who brought the case to him.

Ali has been kept in seclusion for nine years without books, visits or even charges having been brought against him. The only human contact he has had are the guards who are there 24/7 and the man who repeatedly has tortured him trying to get him to reveal the whereabouts of the hidden money.  The process of interrogation falls under the term “extraordinary rendition.” (See links below for full definition.)

When Ali was first snatched off the streets of Germany the intimidating, arrogant and intrepid agent, who he named Jessie Ventura, bullied him and subjected him to water-boarding. Ali, who continually claims his innocence, is glad to have human contact when Byron introduces himself for the short 10 minute visit they are allotted.  Ali is slow to trust but over time Byron is allowed to bring in a Koran and Ali gives passages for Byron to share with Ali’s brother. 

The government agents believe that the passages are an intricate code of information leading to hidden bank accounts. Soon it becomes clear that the corrupt agents involved will do anything in order to get the information. Byron knows he can’t trust the prosecuting attorney who refuses to provide any discovery. The case is put under extreme confidentiality restrictions and Byron is unsure what courage the Judge will bring to the proceeding. The lines cross as Byron comes under attack and it becomes apparent that the government is not necessarily the “good guy” doing the right thing.

At mid point I was feeling sympathy for Byron but that was soon overshadowed by my incredulity at his naivete.  I was relieved when Byron finally started to recognize the treachery and betrayal around him.  The story is one of those that is ‘scary’ as it could well be real, similar to “The Net” or “Enemy of the State.” It makes one contemplate - When dealing with suspected terrorists, does the end justify the means?

Although Batista deals with legal processes, the writing is crisp, direct and easy to follow. There were a couple of sections of calm detachment and I wondered why they were included. But I do think they made Byron’s life more realistic as we can each use times of hiatus in our lives to help cope with the intensity and traumas we face. This is a story that kept me reading as I worried for Byron and rooted for him. If you like legal thrillers you won’t want to miss this one!

Words I noted while reading:
            Intense, intrigue, uneasy, courage or stupidity, scary.

Extraordinary Rendition description links:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition
http://www.aclu.org/national-security/fact-sheet-extraordinary-rendition

I received this from Blue Dot Literary for an honest review.

This is set primarily in New York for my Where are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Buy Extraordinary Rendition at:

“Batista does it again when international intrigue collides with murder in Extraordinary Rendition! A high -priced Wall Street lawyer gets the shock of a lifetime…  law school never prepared him for this!  It’s a fast ride–buckle up!”
–Nancy Grace, Attorney, TV Personality and NY Times Bestselling Author of Death on the D-List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Batista, novelist and television personality, is one of the most widely known trial lawyers in the country. As a trial attorney, he specializes in federal criminal litigation. As a media figure, he is known for his regular appearances as guest legal commentator on a variety of television shows including, Court TV, CNN, HLN and WNBC. He’s also appeared in the HBO movie, You Don't Know Jack, starring Al Pacino.

A prolific writer, Batista authored the leading treatise on the primary federal anti-racketeering statute, Civil RICO Practice Manual, which is now in its third edition (Wiley & Sons, 1987; Wolters Kluwer, 2008). He has written articles for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The National Law Journal.

Batista's debut novel, Death's Witness, was awarded a Silver Medal by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). And his new novel, Extraordinary Rendition, is now being published—along with a special reissue of Death’s Witness—by Astor + Blue Editions.

Batista is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Cornell Law School. He’s proud to have served in the United States Army. Paul Batista lives in New York City and Sag Harbor, New York.

Holiday Affair Feature and eBook Giveaway

Holiday Affair by Annie Seaton
Synopsis :
Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense, not runaway passion. And she would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body just made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless.
When Nick blows into town, he’s stunned to discover that his no-nonsense new neighbor and co-worker is the same sultry creature he seduced for one night of forbidden island pleasure. He’s unaccustomed to staying in one place for long, but he just can’t seem to keep his hands off the multi-faceted woman. Will Nick break loyal Lissy’s heart or will she be the one woman he simply can’t walk away from?

Find Holiday Affair on :
Goodreads || Amazon  || Barnes & Noble

About Annie Seaton : 

Annie Seaton lives on the beautiful east coast of Australia, where she loves sitting in her writing chair, gazing at the ocean and writing stories. She has always been fascinated by all things historical and has found her niche writing contemporary romance and steampunk, where strong heroines and brooding heroes fight together to make their alternative world a better place.
Her debut novel, Holiday Affair, a contemporary romance set in the South Pacific was released as part of Entangled Publishing’s Indulgence line in March. The sequel Italian Affair is currently underway Watch out for the story of Tom and Brianna the sex therapist who spices up his life!
Winter of the Passion Flower was released through Lyrical Press at the same time. It is also available in print from the Books page of Annie’s website. Currently immersed in the creation of Book Two, a full length novel, the adventures of Sofia and her Scottish laird, Annie is already looking forward to the rest of the series, particularly the adventures of Indigo’s four boys: Jago and Jory, Ruan and Kit. Strong sassy heroines and rebellious heroes have a rollicking good time as they work to make the world a better place–albeit their own steampunk world.
Blind Lust, a paranormal novella will be released by Musa Publishing on 15th June.
Find Annie on :
Goodreads || Website || Twitter || Blog 

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for eBook COPY provided by the Publisher:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
For 2 Extra Bonus entries comment on my Review. 

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 16, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 17, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

FOR more chances to win and other reviews, visit the other tour stops:

Blog Tour Schedule:

28th October @ Author Nicola Marsh’s Blog

http://nicolamarsh.blogspot.com

29th October @ Kindle and Me

http://www.kindleandme.com

30th October @ Book Passion for Life

http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co.uk

31st October @ Butterfly-O-Meter

http://butterflyometerbooks.blogspot.in

1st November @ Passionate Book Divas 

http://passionatebookdivas.com

2nd November @ Bookaru Ju

http://bookarooju.wordpress.com

5th November @ Delighted Reader

http://www.delightedreader.com

6th November @A Purrfect Read

http://trh87books.blogspot.ca

7th November @ Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf

http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com

8th November @ Tana Rae Reads

http://tana-someofmyfavoritebooks.blogspot.com

9th November @ Close Encounters with the Night Kind

http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com

Book Review: Holiday Affair by Annie Seaton

This is a solidly nice contemporary romance.

Holiday Affair 
by Annie Seaton

• File Size: 276 KB
• Print Length: 126 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Indulgence)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
 

Book Description
Publication Date: March 15, 2012
Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense, not runaway passion. And she would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body just made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless.

When Nick blows into town, he’s stunned to discover that his no-nonsense new neighbor and co-worker is the same sultry creature he seduced for one night of forbidden island pleasure. He’s unaccustomed to staying in one place for long, but he just can’t seem to keep his hands off the multi-faceted woman. Will Nick break loyal Lissy’s heart or will she be the one woman he simply can’t walk away from?

Review: Lissy has a dual personality! In her home town she is a conservative, quiet history professor working toward a promotion at a University in the New England Tablelands of Australia. She hasn’t really been dating although she has a regular Friday date with a handsome, stable accountant, Tom. But this story opens with a wind blown Lissy on a sailboat in North Queensland, Australia. She is taking a vacation to help recoup from the death of her beloved Gramps.

Nick is a character who I found hard to like at first. He is the type of handsome, charming rogue who bets with the other sailors which lady from the tour he will bed each night. Ugh. His personality does go a little deeper than that so he feels a bit guilty about his bet, but not enough to say good-bye to Lissy or even leave a note after she succumbs to a passionate night after a jag of grief.

Imagine Lissy’s surprise when she is settling in back at home and discovers that the walk away man from her holiday is not only the new history professor in her department, but the new neighbor on the other side of her duplex. Lissy is further dismayed when she learns there is a connection between Tom and Nick. Common sense tells Lizzy she should run the other way but Nick makes it very difficult for her as he keeps getting in her face and interfering with her friendship with Tom.

I was captured early by the warmth of the story and knowing that the characters had a surprise reunion coming when they got back to work. Even though Nick is hard to like at first, I did enjoy the tension in the story. I admit I was annoyed by Lizzy’s weak drinking night and that she kept giving in and then expecting something more. Both Lizzy and Nick had to make some risk assessments and changes in order to move forward. Fortunately Nick realized that he could lose something special.

I enjoyed Nick’s close knit family, especially his warm mother. The romance is hot but not unpleasantly graphic. Miss Seaton uses strong, bright descriptions of settings and shares interesting local customs. This added extra strength to the story.  The writing is easy and the pacing moves well. If you enjoy solid contemporary romance that sizzles but isn't over the edge, this makes a nice choice to read.

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

Example of the strong descriptions:

The screeching of the rainbow lorikeets woke her the next morning. Lying in bed, she watched the birds hang upside down in the huge bottlebrush tree outside her window as they ate the honey from the red flowers.  Location 1195.

I received this eBook from the Publisher for an honest review. See Book Feature and Giveaway next post!.

I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter

This is an enjoyable romance with several inspirational messages.

The Trouble with Cowboys
by Denise Hunter
File Size: 783 KB
Print Length: 302 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548033
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Also available at: Thomas Nelson CBD B&N
Genre:  Christian Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.

Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.

The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

“. . . a story filled with romantic tension . . . Hunter’s well-developed characters and plot twists make for a delightful and inspirational journey.” —Publishers Weekly

Review: 
Annie has a lot of responsibility on her young shoulders. Her father, a cowboy, left when she was young and her mother had been through several more husbands who also left. Annie works two jobs to make ends meet for herself and her younger sister, Sierra, and Ryan, Sierra’s  young son. Annie is intent on putting Sierra through college and is frustrated that Sierra can’t hold a job long and isn’t as dedicated to college as Annie feels she should be. She understands that Sierra is still young at 20 but Annie feels she shouldn’t be out partying when she has a young son at home and needs to prepare for her future.  It is clear that Sierra is beginning to resent being “mothered” by Annie.

Annie is attracted to Dylan who is a handsome, flirty cowboy. But there is no way that she is going to get involved with a cowboy. Her mother’s history says that cowboys are trouble and they can’t be trusted. Instead Annie is dating a nice, stable banker, John, even though there may not be the zing with him that she feels with Dylan.

Dylan appears to be a flirt but he had a painful experience that has left him sour on commitment. He finds Annie attractive and more stable than a lot of women he knows. Yet he knows that she isn’t the type of woman to treat lightly. Dylan really needs Annie’s expertise as a  horse trainer to help with Braveheart, an older horse who is going blind.

Although reluctant, Annie agrees to work with the horse if Dylan will help her with her new column - advise to the lovelorn. She figures he has had plenty of experience to share in the love arena. They strike a bargain even though it is clear they won’t always agree on recommendations for the column. Annie also finds it hard to decide if her answers should be consistent with God’s advise or man’s less forgiving nature.

I enjoyed the relationship between these nice characters and their pull and resistance made for good conflict and nice sensual tension.  The situation with Sierra was definitely frustrating and created a major obstacle for Annie. I like how it worked out with a few surprises. 

Annie and Dylan are both Christians so it would seem that they might have come together sooner with a bit more openness and that was annoying ... but then there wouldn’t have been the story. There are nice messages on issues of being judgmental, relinquishing fear, trusting God and allowing Him control to accomplish the impossible. The Christian issues are handled well through life style examples rather than preachiness.

The writing has a nice easy flow and the romance is sweet with enough heat to make it interesting and enjoyable. If you like Christian and sweet romances you should enjoy this read.
  

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

Dylan's effect on Annie:

“...Have a seat. Warm enough? I can get a fire going.”
He already had–he just didn’t know it. And if she were smart, she’d stick to the porch. Location 683.

What Annie seeks: 

She wanted security and love. Commitment and chemistry. Was that too much to ask? Location 2001

I received this title through NetGalley for  Review for Thomas Nelson.

This story is set near Bozeman, Montana for my Where Are You Reading challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a PRINT COPY provided by the Publisher:

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

* This contest is open to US only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 16, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 17, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.