Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Kindle Fire & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!!

3 Prizes - 3 Winners

7" Kindle Fire HD + $50 Amazon Gift Card ($250 value)

$50 Amazon Gift Card

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Last day to enter - 2/28/13

Giveaway Sponsored by these Book Blogs

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Prize will be delivered in the form of the winners choice of either an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Saturday Snapshot (February 2, 2012) Volcanoes in Hawaii

This continues the tour on our third cruise day as we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on The Big Island of Hawaii. We did several stops on the Crater Rim Drive. I ended up choosing 10 photos so I will split them into two weeks.

Kīlauea caldera in the distance - note the pathway mid picture.

Zoomed in you can see the people (near top of the picture) who are walking across
the Kilauea Iki trail to the crater rim!

Then we got to walk through a Lava Tube
which was really fun!

My feet got a little wet in the tunnel. :-)

This is part of the path through the tropical rain forest returning from the tunnel.
I loved walking through this and took many shots of the wild undergrowth!

To be continued next week with pictures of the actual volcanoes.

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.

Book Review and Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks

This is a delightful, heart-warming read.

Journey to Forgiveness
by Laurean Brooks

Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: White Rose Publishing (January 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601543654
ISBN-13: 978-1601543653

Genre: Inspirational Historical
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 9, 2009
When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits and Jenny takes the train north to find work. Electricity has yet to reach rural Chicory Valley. But, not only is the young woman introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but also encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap.

Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm. She immediately labels him a thief. And after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds. Why did Austin pull money from the mission strong box and stuff a sizable roll into his pocket? Wasn't this just the proof Jenny needed? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart race at every encounter with the notorious Austin?

Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust was blatantly missing. Can Jenny muster enough courage to ask Austin the tough questions that will ultimately make or break their relationship? Can she forgive her father's brutality? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in "Journey To Forgiveness."

Review:
Jenny’s abusive father left home taking along her teenage brother. She, her mom and younger siblings have struggled to keep the primative Tennessee farm going to support the needs of the family. When a crop failure puts them behind Jenny travels to Chicago to live with her Aunt and earn money to send home. At a train station along the way to the city she meets a debonair, handsome man who she thinks is stealing her vanity case! The man introduces himself as Austin Grant and teases her, making her angrier.

Jenny runs into Austin in Chicago and is astounded he isn’t in jail. When he shows up in church seeking funds for an alleged rebuilding project, everyone, including her Aunt, believes he is a good guy. She is convinced she will find evidence that proves he is a con artist.

Jenny gets a good job as a secretary where she has to cope with her very particular and strict boss who is dictating a history of Chicago. Meanwhile Jenny has to fend off interest from the spoiled, rich young man who lives next door to her Aunt. During a vacation time she agrees to join a mission trip with others from the church arranged by Austin to help storm victims.

Austin is attracted to Jenny and does everything he can to charm her. Every time they are together she seems to overreact, be offended or is angry with him. He suspects she was hurt by someone in her past and he wants to find the truth to help her heal. Slowly Jenny falls for Austin’s charm and humor but she isn’t sure she can trust him. She saw him pocket some money from the mission strong box and she can’t understand why such a good man is a thief.

Austin is a lovable, charming character and Jenny is a sweet, impulsive young woman who jumps to conclusions. Their chemistry is warm and the misunderstandings humorous. In addition to enjoying the antics I loved the depth of history that is easily shared by Ms. Brooks through the comparison’s of country and city living and through the memories shared by the historian or others. I also loved the inspirational wisdom that permeates the story as part of the lives of the characters. Jenny’s situation with her father provides the perfect situation to share a strong message how holding bitterness and being unforgiving hurts the one refusing to forgive more than it hurts the one who offended. I loved the story, the humor and the faith based plot. This is a delightful read and I look forward to reading more stories by Ms. Brooks.

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

An example of Jenny’s prayer:

Lord, once again I have blundered with my mouth. I have read the third chapter of James many times–those scriptures about controlling the tongue. It will take a miracle to tame mine. Please send one soon. Page 52.

Austin wants to protect Jenny but recognizes that isn’t his place:

It was out of his league. Only God had that power. Only He held the remedy. Austin would put it into the Almighty’s capable hands. Trust Him with it. Page 148.

I pulled this from my Won TBR.

Set in Chicago, IL for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge?

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PERSONALLY AUTHORIZED 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 Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 16, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Winners of MBS January 2013 Flash Giveaway

I was very close in my estimate of entries for my first 2013 FLASH GIVEAWAY!
Thanks again to followers.
44 people entered. 23 prefer the 5 winners @ $5.00; 12 would choose two winners @ $12.50 and 9 would like to see one winner for $25.00.

Here are the Winners: FIRST FIVE GET $5.00 GC + Calendar and Bookmark

1.#29 Lauren M Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
2. #39 Linda T Small Calendar and Alaska bookmark
3. #20 Rita W Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
4. #38 Natasha Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
5. #2 Paranormal Rom Susp Rev Small Calendar and Hawaii bookmark
6. #7 Alice Wall Calendar and Seattle bookmark
7. #41 Pam K Small Calendar and Hawaii bookmark
8. #21 Koll Small Calendar and Seattle bookmark

Bookmarks from several trips! ALASKA CRUISE

SEATTLE VISIT

HAWAII VISIT

ALL WINNERS Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the GC (let me know if you want Amazon or PayPal) and I will mail out the calendars and bookmarks. FEEL FREE TO SPECIFY A CALENDAR (wall size; all small are the same) BOOKMARK within the group you chose and I will try to get you the one you pick.
Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways..
WATCH FOR MORE FLASH GIVEAWAYS (in between the giveaway hops) WITH SOME LITTLE GIFTS PICKED UP WHILE TRAVELING. :-)

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 1, 2013

[** 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! Hi everyone. It's hard to believe one month is gone already! Whew. I am feeling better having gotten past the worst of the cold. I hope everyone else is staying healthy and warm.

Thank you to all who entered the January 25 Pick. This is another week with no automatic winners :-( (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were FIVE titles blocked this week, with one won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 25 Pick:

Mona wins the Luanne Rice Pair.

June M wins The Beverly Barton Pair (- through weeks of block).

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.

So - Do you plan to read or watch the SuperBowl?
Image found at Huntley Library.

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Pairs
~~Beverly Barton:~~
    ~~Downright Dangerous and What She Doesn't Know~~
Heather Graham Pozzessere
    Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening

Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
~~Flashpoint by Linda Barnes~~
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Lady Beware by Fayrene Preston
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston

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
Singles:
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*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:
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)
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner (slight spine creasing)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- 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
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

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 (All gone)

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 470 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! ---(All gone)
~~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)