Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Sunday, December 9, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? December 9, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I finished four books but only got two reviews posted because of traveling. I posted two book giveaways and a Bookblast Giveaway. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, and Sunday Words.

I didn't get to visit hardly at all last week and will have little internet time again this week as I am on a cruise in Hawaii! So I hope everyone will understand my absence.
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me, especially when I don't get to visit back.

These were last week's posts:

It's Monday What are You Reading? December 3, 2012.

Monday Mailbox December 3, 2012.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman; Christian Inspirational Romance; my rating 4.75. Ends 12/15.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilare; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5. Ends 12/15

Bookblast Giveaway $50. GC -- All I Want Anthology. Ends 12/22.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 7, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/13.

Saturday Snapshot 12/8/12 - Hawaii Trip

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 9, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire
Fast-paced paranormal romance.
Review with ARC Giveaway are linked above.

2. Audio-Theatre

The Man Who Murdered His Mother-in-Law
by Steve Hendrickson
This is very entertaining! I may not be able to post a review until we return as this week is full of scheduled items.
Reviewing for Audio-Visceral Productions through Audiobook Jukebox.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Old Man & the Monkey
by George Polley
This is beautiful!
Review to post 12/10 as part of Bewitching Blog tour.

4. eBook/Kindle

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch
by Samuel Ben White
This is very interesting!
Review to post 12/11 as part of BookBlast Tour.

Book Description
Publication Date: July 22, 2008
"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"
Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.
But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.
Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?
If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?

Line Edits: I am working on formats a bit this week with hopes to release two next week.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

In Bed With the Opposition
by Stephanie Draven
I am enjoying this fun conflict.
Review and Giveaway to post 12/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 22, 2012
Armed with a sassy haircut, a sharp wit, and a personal list of rules for all life's exigencies, Grace Santiago has everything under control. At least until Ethan Castle walks back into her life. Grace hasn't forgotten their disastrous affair in law school, but she can't resist his bad boy charm.

When Grace learns that Ethan has been hired by the other side, her loyalties—and her heart—are torn in two. Though their sexual chemistry can't be denied, they find themselves deadlocked. Ethan believes that all is fair in love and war, but he won't give up the fight—not even to win Grace's heart. So what can a good girl like Grace do, but learn to play dirty?

2. eBook/Kindle

ALL I WANT Anthology
THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.
All I Want Anthology
by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin and Rachael Anderson
I have to get to this for Review post due 12/14!
Author Guest Post too.
Reviewing as part of BookBlast Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 14, 2012
Pretty Near Perfect by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all?

3. Audio MP3

Colony
by Scott Reeves
    UNABRIDGED
    by Scott Reeves
    Narrated by Martin Scott
This went on hold to finish review titles for this week.
I am about an hour into this.
There is conflict I am interested to follow.
Reviewing for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

I hope to pick Godspeed: A Love Story up again by the end of the week.

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on my new MP3.]
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. The reading this week is 1 John.

Line Edits: I have three books that I am completing formats on this week.

I have 15 books set for December with one done and two nearly completed. I hope to read some extra Christmas titles too.

Reviews carried forward to post this in December.
Kamra's Law

Scheduled for December
12/10 Review: The Old Man and the Monkey (Bewitching Blog Tours)
12/11 Review: First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White (BookBlast)
12/11 Gift Card Giveaway Hop Dec 11-17
12/12 Review: In Bed With the Opposition by Stephanie Draven (Entangled)
12/14 Review + Guest Post: All I Want by Rachael Anderson, Jolene Perry & Kaylee Baldwin (BookBlast)
12/14 End of World Hop Dec 14- 21
12/18 Review: Christmas Magic by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Lindsay McFarrin, Terri Rochenski
12/27 BookBlast: Dead Running
12/29 Blitz and Review: Perfection Unleashed (Bewitching Blog Tours)

Sourcebooks:

Hachette
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel) by Dee Davis
Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Audiobook Jukebox
Colony by Scott Reeves
Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck
(expecting two more soon)

NetGalley
Uninvited by Heather Graham - I started it but need to try again.
Christmas Promises Anthology

Authors
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace

I'd like to read at least one "Won"/TBR book and one free Kindle book.:-)
Older Won Book: TBD
Kindle Read - TBD

Sunday Words of Encoragement December 9, 2012

Today is the second Sunday in Advent -
In a world where we rush and worry and push to get ahead...I hope we learn to seek peace. And the only true Peace we can find is in resting our trust in God's Promises.
We light the second candle to symbolize the prophesies of Christ and the Peace that comes only through accepting Jesus as our Savior and accepting the gift of our position through Him as children of the King, with an inheritance of eternal life.

Image found at Creative Communications.

Sorry I can't load a video on the cruise internet.

A Verse for Today:

Luke 2:12

“Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests”

A prayer for today:
May Christ our Savior bring peace into our hearts and lives as we continue to prepare to welcome Him.
Amen

No Sharing Beyond Books This Week

Sorry to the Sharing Beyond Books followers -- Due to my being on the cruise and not getting internet time ahead to set up posts I am going to take this week off and pick up again next week.
Thanks for understanding.

I will announce last week's winner with next Saturday's post.
Have a great week!

Saturday Snapshot (December 8, 2012) Hawaii Cruise Day 1

[This is very late for Saturday based on Central time but I am still on Saturday in Hawaii!]

Aloha blogging friends!
We made it to Hawaii a day late after the first leg of our trip on Thursday was grounded after an FAA inspection. We spent many hours sitting in Fort Walton airport until they could get us to Atlanta and then to LA. Although they gave us a hotel voucher we didn’t arrive there until after midnight (4am our home time). We didn’t get much sleep getting up two days in a row at 4:30am to make our connections on time.

But we were happy to get to Hawaii on Friday where we enjoyed an Airforce Ball on the historic Missouri with our son and daughter-in-law. Here is a picture of Matt and Hui. Who would guess the baby is due 12/9?? I should have spent plane time on the net as I have had no time since arriving.

Matt and Hui dressed to attend the 1940's themed Airforce Ball.

This morning (Saturday 12/8) we had a few avian visitors getting their morning shower from our son’s sprinkler. I hope to get more pictures of the birds on their back porch when we return next week.

This is a pretty little bird taken from our son's kitchen.

Unfortunately it was through the door screen.

Late today we boarded the Pride of America (Norwegian Cruise Line) for a seven day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. [BTW- for those that may think we did back to back Alaska and Hawaii cruises, the pictures I was posting in November were from our August/September cruise. However it is rather neat that we are visiting these two off mainland states in the same year. :-)]

This my husband testing the bed in our cabin as I finish unpacking!

Tonight I had some difficulties getting online and I am told to expect the internet to be very slow.
I hope I will be able to upload some pictures and my book reviews for this coming week.
The next two days we will be in Maui doing a bit of site seeing.

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.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 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.]

Happy Friday! Counting Down! - 17 days to Christmas!... waiting in airport after the first plane of our Hawaii trip was grounded! We will end up staying overnight in LA before finishing the flights tomorrow. I hope to be sharing pictures of our trip on Saturday Spotlights. :-)
I hope everyone is getting ready for a special and beautiful Holiday month!

****I have a new book group loaded today!****.

Thank you to all who entered the November 30 Pick. There were two automatic winner 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). Once again, three titles were blocked picks this week; one was won!

Carol L chose Hot Streak
Tore chose Angel of Midnight

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 30 Pick:

Anubha won (through the block) A Family For Christmas

and
Becky won (also through a block) The Mary Balogh Pair

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 at Montgomery County Public Library
I love the look of a pretty bow - especially on a book!

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Pairs:
Fern Michaels
Payback and Full Me Once
Luanne Rice
Silver Bells (spine wear) and True Blue
Janet Evanovich
Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Linda Howard:
Duncan's Bride and Again Forever
Singles:
Dark Desires After Dark by Kresley Cole
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
Savage Thunder by Johanna Lindsey (Cover is loose)
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*From Doon With Death: The First Inspector Wexford Novel by Ruth Rendell
*Mrs Mallory a nd the Silent Killer by Hazel Holt

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 three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 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 437 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