Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Kindle Fire Giveaway March 2013

I'm participating in another Kindle Fire Giveaway for March. :-) I want more of you out there to discover the joy of reading ebooks! This time my Rafflecopter entry requires following by Linky - you should be able to link from the entry but if you have trouble here is the link. Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

Enter to win!

Kindle Fire HD 7" + $50 Amazon Gift Card

Sponsored by these Fabulous Book Bloggers:

3 Prizes - 3 Winners

7" Kindle Fire HD + $50 Amazon Gift Card ($249 value)

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Last day to enter - 3/31/13

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday Snapshot (March 2, 2013) More Pics from Hawaii

During our December visit with our son and daughter-in-law in Hawaii we visited The Dole Plantation. We really enjoyed the garden, the train and the yummy ice cream. Unfortunately our d-i-l had to stay home with the newborn.

There is a nice gift shop entrance but we didn't stay inside long.

Several exhibits - Which way to go?

There are lovely orchids and other flowers in the guided tour garden area.

We have a ticket to ride -- the train goes all the way around the plantation.

There are fields and fields of pineapples and other tree and crop groves too.

From the far end of the circular track there are sculpted pineapple hedges and look at the mountain in the background!

Back at the park we found hungry koi fish in a pond.

There were chickens at the airport. Here is a mother and chicks at the edge of the Plantation parking lot.

Here are the chicks close up - so cute.

Thanks to all the nice people who have commented on my Saturday pictures. I am so sorry I have not had much chance to return the visits. I am a week behind again. :-(

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, March 1, 2013

Book Review and eBook Giveaway: The Midwife's Revolt by Jodi Daynard

Don't' miss a chance to read this remarkably wonderful story that is rich in detail, character and intrigue!

The Midwife’s Revolt

by Jodi Daynard

File Size: 685 KB
Print Length: 440 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00AHJ5J00

Genre: Historical Fiction, American Revolution

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2012

The Midwife’s Revolt takes the reader on a journey to the founding days of America. It follows one woman’s path, Lizzie Boylston, from her grieving days of widowhood after Bunker Hill, to her deepening friendship with Abigail Adams and midwifery, and finally to her dangerous work as a spy for the Cause. A novel rich in historical detail, The Midwife’s Revolt opens a window onto the real lives of colonial women.

"A charming, unexpected, and decidedly different view of the Revolutionary War."

-- Publishers Weekly

This humorous, exciting and touching story retells the familiar saga of the Revolutionary War in a stunning new way that feels fresh and alive."

-- Kirkus Indie Reviews

Review:
Lizzie's father was a British Judge and her mother taught her healing arts, particularly midwifery. Lizzie married young Jeb who was from another staunch British family. The young couple were determined to succeed on their small farm which was a gift to Jeb from an uncle of Abigail Adams. They live in the community of Braintree outside of Cambridge, Massachusetts. With illustrious neighbors such as the Quincys and the Adams, the couple soon found themselves entrenched for the cause of American freedom.

Lizzie is dedicated and firm but gentle and thorough in her care of young mothers giving birth as well as the elderly facing their last moments. Lizzie becomes a war widow and garners support and friendship from ‘political widow’ Abigail whom she deeply respects.

Another orphaned young woman, Martha, joins Lizzie’s household to help with chores and duties as a midwife. While Lizzie doesn’t know if her younger brother lives, Martha’s older brother, a charming man, is believed to be working for the Loyalist cause. Lizzie may feel attraction for Thomas but she can not fall in love with her political enemy.

Lizzie is not content to sit quietly when she discovers patriots have been murdered in her small community. She disguises herself as an errand boy so she spy in a loyalist tavern in spite of the grave danger.

This story begins with beautiful nostalgia at the time of Abigail Adams’ death. It proceeds with Lizzie’s recounting of hardship and deprivation from 1775 through 1778. Lizzie shares her day to day living as well as many philosophical thoughts on love, death, war, and the very nature--kind and evil--of men. The writing is superbly detailed with rich images full of sight, touch and smell. I felt that I was right there beside Lizzie as she struggled with her physical labors and hard winters, and as she grappled with her tender sentimentality that she attempts to keep hidden.

The plot includes treachery, mystery, intrigue, and betrayal. There are families torn by society snobbery and racial slavery. There are friendships strained by suspicion and exhaustion. There is fascinating detail of midwife skills and daily industry of surviving in colonial America. There is caring, forgiving and loving.

I blinked back tears before I was 10% into the story. The story also evoked anger, laughter, sadness and joy as I marveled at the remarkable portrayal of these stalwart women who supported the men who fought for the birth of America. The title could have more than one meaning as one reads of Lizzie’s brave efforts to spy for the cause but also as she denies emotions that try to rise in her own heart.

Ms. Daynard states in her author’s notes: “If a historical novel does its job, the reader will be hard pressed to know where fact leaves off and fiction begins.” (Location 4678.) Thank you Ms. Daynard for doing a wonderful job of entertaining with fact and fiction that seemed all real to me.

If you enjoy American history, don’t miss this interesting view from the perspective of colonial women. If you are a fan of strong heroines -- healers and caregivers who will not give in or give up -- then you will want to read the story of these wonderful women with glimpses of the real Abigail Adams. If you are a fan of historical fiction in general, I encourage you to enjoy this excellent story.

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

Here are two of the many passages I really like:

“Being of some use”defined our lives that year. It became increasingly necessary to use one’s energy and wits to find clever ways to subsist when provisions could not be had. Sugar, flour and labor were now entirely out of reach. Location 1177.

In the smaller spaces of the broad canvas I paint, the quiet drama of personal life and death continued apace. Location 2657.

I am extremely glad that I picked this up through NetGalley.

This story is set in Braintree, Massachusetts for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

I loved this story so much that I want to share by offering two eBooks, Kindle or Nook, to commenters on this post.

ENTRY REQUIRES COMMENT

FOR ENTRY:
a) Share why you think would like to read this book.
Extra entry:
b) Visit the author's website and tell me something you find there of interest.

2 Extra entries if you share the giveaway in any fashion - FB, Twitter, blog sidebar or even email a friend. Share the link in a comment below or email me with the info if you don't want to share all of it in a comment. Send to mesreadsATgmail.com

(Total possible entries per person = 4)
* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER(S) WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 16, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 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 and Happy March! Is anyone expecting some March Madness? I find it maddening to think the third month is here already! I had lots of driving to cover court hearings this week and I've been busy. And life is good. :-)

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the February 22 Pick. No automatic winner this week :-( (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were three titles blocked again this week, with one won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 22 Pick:

Becky wins the Heather Graham Pair - after several weeks blocked!

Marjorie wins Deadline

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.

Doesn't this look like a lovely book store?
Image found at The Ibooknet Blog.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Laurell K. Hamilton
   Cravings (actually an Anthology) and A Kiss of Shadows
Tara Taylor Quinn
   Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
~~Deadline by Fern Michaels~~
Timeline by Michael Crichton
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
Echoes by Maeve Binchy (worn spine)
One Dead Under the Cukoo's Nest by Lori Avocato
The Thunder Keeper by Margaret Coel
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart

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 (postage too much - replaced with GC)
~~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 (All gone)
~~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 481 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 (postage too much - replaced with GC)

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)

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts

Enjoyable even though parts seemed familiar.
X Marks the Scot
by Victoria Roberts

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402270097
ISBN-13: 978-1402270093

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
Release date: February 5, 2013
"An exciting Highland adventure with sensual and compelling romance."—Amanda Forester, author of True Highland Spirit on Temptation in a Kilt

He was a Highland Rogue Wicked with a Bow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.
Declan MacGregor hadn't a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and a willing woman...until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can't just abandon her to that vipers' nest without protection.
She Never Asked for a Bodyguard...
Liadain wasn't thrilled to be left in the care of her clan's archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows even sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust...

Review:
Liadain is the sister of a clan leader who was an enemy of the MacGregors and who has been killed for treason. She is at court waiting for the king to decide her fate. As a healer she is always quick to help others but whispers of witchcraft begin to place her life in danger.

Declan is a rascal and a lady’s man. He escorted Liadain to court and now feels responsible to remain and watch over her until a decision is made regarding her future. She is lovely but her independent nature and resistance to his obvious charms has him rankled.

While passing time, Declan is approached by several other men to participate in friendly games, particularly archery where his skills lie. The men talk and pose questions that could raise issues of treason. Declan dances a fine line away from the political and religious pitfalls that surround the court.

Liadain’s first love, who abandoned her without a word, suddenly appears at court with a very pregnant wife. Liadain is stricken to see Robert but can’t turn away when his lady wife needs assistance. The King throws a celebration to honor Robert and an archery contest, with a fine purse prize, is part of the festivities. But Robert whispers to the King who adds a greater prize for the winner – the forfeited lands of Liadain’s brother.

A twist of fate, through whispered hints, result in forcing Declan and Liadain to wed. Neither is pleased to be hastily pushed into marriage and anger, resentment, frustration and misunderstandings mar their mutual attraction. Liadain particular despairs of winning Declan’s heart.

When the King is nearly assassinated by a long distance arrow, Declan is the prime suspect. With the traitors using Declan as a pawn how can Liadain save the man she has come to love?

There is fun banter between Liadain and Declan but I had some difficulty with Declan’s character which is mercurial as he runs from playful and tender to angry and outright cruel. There are, somewhat usual, conflicts associated with insecure emotions from a forced marriage. The romance is written nicely with good tension. I enjoyed the intrigue in the traitors’ plots that adds some substance beyond the romance.

I think I am losing taste for highland stories. The story is enjoyable but I just didn’t find it special. Still, if you enjoy Highlander stories I think you would enjoy this.

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

I felt Liadain’s frustration:

Living most of her existence with Archie, unnoticed and alone, had been difficult, but how cruel it was to have the second part of her life beginning very much the same. She and MacGregor had to find a way to reach a compromise. Page 116.

I received this title from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC 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 March 8, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 9, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.