Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway 12/21/12

[** 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! I CHOSE FOUR WINNERS (in additional to automatics) as a special extra for Christmas! Still counting down! - 4 days to Christmas! We have been enjoying our visit with son, d-i-l and baby Victoria. Tomorrow morning we will go visit the Arizona monument at Pearl Harbor.

Thank you to all who entered the December 14 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). Once again, three titles were blocked picks this week; one was won!

Ana chose The Dream Horse
bn100 chose Wanna Get Lucky

CONGRATULATIONS
to FOUR Random.org picked Winners from December 14 Pick:

Mariska gets a GC

winnie won (through the block) Dark Desires 

Monica won The Da Vinci Code
and
Holly was the fourth pick but she will have to pick a different book since Dark Desires has already been won.

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.

I would love a tree like this! How about you?

Image found at This Little Lady; tree is in the lobby of the Belgraves Hotel.

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 and 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 (auto win 11/30)
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.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell

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

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

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)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

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
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
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 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 450 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

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
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
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 and Giveaway: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

This story is a fun, entertaining romance.

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition
ISBN-10: 1455522368
ISBN-13: 978-1455522361
Genre: Holiday Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .

With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

Review:
Cassie is a strong-minded, stubborn business woman. She handles the bookkeeping for her family’s construction business although she would be happier working on site or in design. She parted with her last real boyfriend 18 months before and has gotten into the habit of hiring escorts for events, like her company Christmas party. Usually the escorts are younger, good looking college types who are willing to let her be in charge. But the man who shows up for this event is mature, exudes confidence and has no plans to let Cassie control the evening.

James is immediately stricken by the sassy lady in the slinky red dress and sexy stilettos. He is also impressed by her knowledge and hutzpa.  It isn’t his fault that she jumps to the wrong conclusion thinking he is her paid escort for the night.

These two hit it off companionably and chemically.  James planned on explaining who he is before he tries to get her into his bed but those plans were waylaid by Cassie drinking a few too many glasses of champagne. When she wakes up in bed with her hunky date she decides to wake him with a surprise.  Things heat up between them while James tries to figure out how to tell her the truth and keep her by his side for more time together.

Cassie’s four brothers met James and liked him even though there was some protective posturing. But no one knew who he was until too late. When their father makes an insulting offer to buy out James’ business, both James and Cassie feel betrayed.  It looks like it will be a lonely Christmas for them unless they can get past their anger and a few more misunderstandings.

This story opens with and maintains a sense of feisty fun. Cassie and James are strong characters who both want the upper hand. Their interaction sizzles but it takes some effort to decide to trust and reveal their feelings. Cassie’s brothers are good characters too and there is a nice side romance involving one of them. The writing flows for easy, fast reading. I recommend this to those who enjoy a fun, sexy romance.

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

Cassie’s assistant points out her control issues:

“So stop hiring them and tr to find a nice guy to date. Or do you just like the control so much that you’re addicted?”... “That’s it, isn’t it? You can’t control your dad or your four brothers, but you can control some young sap for money.” Location 146.

James thinks he can control matters:

...He wanted to take as much time as possible, wanted to control every second of the kiss.
  It worked for all of a second.
  The second right before his lips touched hers. Once they did, he was lost.
  James no longer thought. He just felt.  Location 615

Received for an honest Review from Forever div of Hachette.

This is set in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the review Copy.

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 US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 28, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 29, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Colony by Scott Reeves

I enjoyed this futuristic story.
Colony
by Scott Reeves
Narrated by Martin Scott 

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 4 hours and 12 minutes
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Scott Reeves
• Audible.com Release Date: September 28, 2012
• ASIN: B009KFM356

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the 13th century, Earth is dangerously overcrowded. To reduce the population, people are chosen by lottery and shipped off to the stars to colonize other solar systems. Shiploads of colonists are dropped off on unexplored worlds and left to their own devices.

Jorge Leever and Meesha Androva are the only survivors of one such failed attempt to colonize a distant planet. For 20 years, they've been alone, unable to communicate with Earth. Now, another cargo ship arrives and discharges a new group of would-be colonists.

Jorge and Meesha intend to guide the development of the new colony, since they've accumulated 20 years' worth of knowledge about the planet.

Bannock, a brutal, criminal slumlord back on Earth, has other plans. He intends to reestablish his crime syndicate on this fledgling colony world and eventually return to Earth as a conqueror. But Jorge and Meesha stand in his way.

Review:
Jorge and Meesha have lived on ‘New Earth’ for 20 years since their group of colonists arrived from earth. The colony survived some dangers, set up camps and housing and began a new community. Tragically all the other colonists were killed. Each year Jorge and Meesha have traveled to a certain plain in hopes there will be another ship of colonists from earth.

This is the year a ship arrives. Although Jorge and Meesha are thrilled to have other people the group includes some brutal criminals. The leader of the criminals, Bannock, plans to take over the colony and spread his control to other planets as well as returning to Earth.  Bannock brought along a female, Aria, who has special talents he intends to use.

Aria and a handful of others make friends with Jorge and Meesha. They want to help but they need to protect each other and their secrets too. Jorge and Meesha know that Bannock needs them because they know the dangers that exist on the planet and obviously know how to survive.  On the other hand, they pose a danger to Bannock’s control.

As Bannock threatens lives, Aria makes a connection that may be the only hope for the colony to survive as a healthy, good society instead of a evil, criminal syndicate. Aria ultimately takes a risk for the sake of all.

The battle between good and evil is nothing new but this story is a good adventure with interesting elements. I liked Jorge, Meesha and Aria’s brave characters. The writing was not stunning but it is comfortable story telling and I enjoyed the creative aspects of the alien land and dangerous creatures. The action kept me wrapped in the story waiting to discover what happened next.

Audio Notes: The narration was done well, blending the characters and pacing to keep the forward motion of the story. The story is short and easy to listen to. I would be glad to read more by Mr. Reeves and listen to other readings by Mr. Scott.

I received this title from the author through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Book Review and PDF Giveaway Link: Christmas Magic Anthology

This is another lovely, sweet and quick reading Christmas Anthology.

Christmas Magic

by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Terri Rochenski, Lindsay McFerrin

• File Size: 390 KB
• Print Length: 163 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1481191519
• Publisher: Still Moments Publishing (December 2, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Holiday Romance Anthology
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2012

Wishes Come True by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Will mixing one lonely baker and the town’s prodigal son with spices and laughter make a tasty recipe for love?

Harbor Homecoming by Lindsay McFerrin

Can a gigantic dog named Bear be a matchmaker?

If it’s Christmas in romantic Bar Harbor, Maine, the answer is yes!

Beginning of Forever by Terri Rochenski

A new face in town forces Lillian Davis to choose between living in her past and what is blossoming in her heart.

Review:
I enjoyed all three of these different stories. They are quick, nicely written, sweet romances. This is a nice way to discover new authors and I would be interested to read more from all three of these.

The first title, Wishes Come True, has a light, humorous bend to it.
Tora has operated her family-owned bakery, Sugar ‘n Spice, in the small town of Dorado, Texas for ten years. The small business was started by her grandmother and passed down through her mother. Through the years they have provided lots of sweets and charity support for the community. But Tora has never been away from home, not even for college experience.  Just as she has decided she is ready to sell the business and seek adventure in a big city, the winter wind blows a sweet little girl and her handsome, widowed father, Ryan, into her shop. Ryan initiates a plan to derail the sale of the shop and show Tora she can find a better adventure close to home.

I loved these characters and the sweet, light story.  It was fun how even some of Ms. Carroll-Bradd’s descriptive feelings fit with the baking theme like this phrase: “Her insides felt as quivery as the middle of a jelly doughnut.” (Location 109.)  Individual Rating 4.5.
Author Link

*********
A big, lovable dog is the added star character, and inspiration, of the second story, Harbor Homecoming. Cat McHugh owns an antique and Celtic specialty shop in Bal Harbor, Maine. She is excited at the possibility of purchasing a home that has come up for estate sale. It is near her downtown shop and although small and older, has a nice fireplace and lots of potential.  When she goes to view the home she discovers the backyard is ruled by a giant malamute named Bear.

Liam, a renowned modern artist, has come into town to handle the estate he was surprised to inherit from a great aunt he never knew. He is set on handling matters with the care and concern he thinks his aunt would want. That includes finding an appropriate, caring home for her dog. When he meets Cat while she is looking over the yard he is intrigued. Maybe his plans to evaluate and liquidate Great Aunt Sarah’s estate will take a different direction and longer than he first expected.

This is another lovely pair of characters - bright and independent. The dog is an armful of warm welcome and a sweet addition to the easy going, direct story. I liked the Irish influences too (holiday tradition included in the story) and would like to see if Ms. McFerrin explores these themes in longer stories. Individual Rating: 4.5.

*********
The third sweet romance, Beginning Forever, is set in Newburyport in 1955-1962. It is told in first person by Lillian who is called to the hospital when her husband and ‘forever’ love, Ronnie, is injured in a car crash. He reminds her with his dying breath that T.W. made a promise but Lillian doesn’t understand. She struggles with her grief and sorrow and only manages to move forward for the sake of their infant son and with the help of her good friend, Marion.

Seven years later finds Lillian still in a cocoon of grief, mostly just going through the motions of living. Marion introduces Lillian to her new neighbor, Wayne, and interest finally sparks but along with it come feelings of guilt. Can Lillian move beyond her past and will Texas Wayne be able to make her see that she is more than a burden to him?

It may be the sorrow and grief of this story made it less enjoyable for me. Certainly loss is never as light as a new love story.   I liked the portrayal of Wayne from Ronnie’s war memories and in his friendly reactions to Lillian and her son, Steven.  I would have liked his character to have been a little more developed. Although I was not as fully charmed by this story, I particularly liked the wonderful, descriptive imagery by Ms. Rochenski.  Individual Rating 4.25.

My flower beds lay buried. The absence of sound weighed like an omen, quickening my breath. My clothing rustled, mingling with the crunch of my footsteps to drown the silence. Location 1030.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

This eBook was provided for an honest review through Author Blog Tour.

These titles are set in Texas, Maine and Massachusetts for My Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenges.

Thank you to Terri Rochenski who is giving away a PDF copy to celebrate the release.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? December 17, 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 and was pleased to get six reviews posted!   I also posted two giveaway Hops, an author Guest post and two additional giveaways or links. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I didn't get to visit last week due to limited internet time on the ship. I hope to get around to visiting on Monday!
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 10, 2012.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Old Man & The Monkey by George Polley; Inspirational Romance; my rating 5.0. Ends 12/24.

• Gift Card Giveaway Hop. Ends 12/17.
  

• Book Review: First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White; Time Travel; my rating 4.75.

• Book Review and eBook Giveaway: In Bed with the Opposition by Stephanie Draven; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 12/21

• Audio Book Review: Karma's Law by Kristi Lamb; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• End of the World Giveaway Hop. Ends 12/21.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 14, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/20.

• Book Review: All I Want -- Three Stories. Three Couples. One Holiday.  Contemporary, Holiday Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Author Guest Post by Kaylee Baldwin author of Six Days of Christmas in All I Want Anthology.

• Audio-Theater Book Review: The Man Who Murdered His Mother-In-Lawby Jeffrey Hatcher; Audio Theater; my rating 5.0.

• Saturday Snapshot 12/15/12 - Baby Victoria

• Sharing Beyond Books #78 Comment Giveaway 12/15/12. Ends 12/21.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 16, 2012.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

In Bed With the Opposition
by Stephanie Draven
Review and Giveaway linked above.

2. eBook/Kindle

ALL I WANT Anthology
THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.
by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin and Rachael Anderson
Review and Author Guest Post linked above.

3. Audio MP3
 

Colony
by Scott Reeves 
Narrated by Martin Scott
I enjoyed this futuristic story.
I will post a review this week.
Reviewing for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

4. Print (read on Kindle)

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane
This is a quick, fun read!
Reviewing for Forever div of Hachette.
I'll post the review and giveaway this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .

With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

Line Edits: I am still working on formats.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 

Christmas Magic
by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Terri Rochenski, Lindsay McFerrin
I am on the third story and really enjoying this which is set for review on December 18. Reading for Author Blog Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2012
Wishes Come True by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Will mixing one lonely baker and the town’s prodigal son with spices and laughter make a tasty recipe for love?

Harbor Homecoming by Lindsay McFerrin
Can a gigantic dog named Bear be a matchmaker? If it’s Christmas in romantic Bar Harbor, Maine, the answer is yes!

Beginning of Forever by Terri Rochenski
A new face in town forces Lillian Davis to choose between living in her past and what is blossoming in her heart.

2. Audio CD
 

Agenda 21 
by Glenn Beck (Author), 
January LaVoy (Reader)
I have just started this.
Reviewing for Simon and Schuster
 through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Release Date: November 20, 2012
“I was just a baby when we were relocated and I don’t remember much. Everybody has that black hole at the beginning of their life. That time you can’t remember. Your first step. Your first taste of table food. My real memories begin in our assigned living area in Compound 14.”

Just a generation ago this place was called America. Now, after the worldwide implementation of UN-lead program called Agenda 21, it’s simply known as the “Republic.” There is no president. No congress. No Supreme Court. No freedom.

There are only the Authorities.

Citizens have two primary goals in the new Republic: to create clean energy and to create new human life.

Those who cannot do either are of no use to society.

This bleak and barren existence is all that eighteen-year-old Emmeline has ever known. She dutifully walks her energy board daily and accepts all male pairings assigned to her by the Authorities. Like most citizens, she keeps her head down and her eyes closed.

Until the day they came for her mother.

“You save what you think you’re going to lose.”

Woken up to the harsh reality of her life and her family’s future inside the Republic, Emmeline begins to search for the truth. Why are all citizens confined to ubiquitous concrete living spaces? Why are Compounds guarded by Gatekeepers who track all movements? Why are food, water and energy rationed so strictly? And, most important, why are babies taken from their mothers at birth?

As Emmeline begins to understand the true objectives of Agenda 21 she realizes that she is up against far more than she ever thought. With the Authorities closing in, and nowhere to run, Emmeline embarks on an audacious plan to save her family and expose the Republic—but is she already too late?

3. eBook/Kindle

Godspeed: a love story
Dan Chabot
Finally - I really will start this by the end of the week.
Reading for the Author to post in December.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2012
How far will a man go to atone for guilt?
When Derry and Amedee meet during her first day on the job at the Milwaukee Ledger, it is a collision of destinies. Their love affair is so intense and perfect and pure that they are certain it will be eternal. But when it ends in heartbreak, compounded by the ignominy of a disastrously mismanaged funeral service, Derry descends into an abyss of devastation and remorse and despair.

In his overpowering grief this tormented newspaperman embarks on an obsessive crusade for redemption, an astonishing twist that will leave readers tearful yet smiling in sympathetic admiration. His improbable, tender quest eventually will lead him to peace of mind, and to someone who will help him build a new life from the ashes of the past.

"Godspeed" is a bittersweet story of laughter and tears, irrepressible humor, reckless devotion, the value of true friendship, and unimaginable longing for the "forever" that can no longer be. And as the story and its astonishing twists unfold, a poignant question lingers: How can a lie be wrong if it makes so many people feel so good?

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 2 John.

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

I started with 15 books set for December and have completed seven. I hope to read some extra Christmas titles too.

Scheduled for December
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
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Audiobook Jukebox

(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