It's Monday! What Are You Reading? March 18, 2013

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 know it is rather surprising I missed my Sunday post yesterday and am very late with this one today. I was en route home from 11:15am Pacific to 11:15pm Central yesterday. From Wednesday to Sunday morning I was in Vancouver having a wonderful visit with other publishers, editors and authors at EPICon 2013. We were in workshops or meetings (or eating) from 7am to 6pm each day. Then I did some more meetings (I am Treasurer of the group) and socializing in the eves. So I had very limited reading and blogging time. 

I only got to read on the plane trips so I only finished ONE book but am close to complete on the Audio and midway on another. I posted three reviews, on with Giveaway. There are also two special giveaways from Hachette.  I posted the Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway but not Sunday Words.

I had hoped to use airport time to visit but that didn't happen either. My layovers were about an hour so I had to rush from one to the other.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 11, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday March 11 2013.

• Book Review: Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  

• Book Review: Lord of Darkness (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Giveaway Five Print books - Full set Maiden Lane Series. Open US Only Ends 3/22.
  

• Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: White Picket Fences by Susan Miessner; Christian Fiction rating 4.25.  US Only. Ends 3/22.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 15, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/21/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (3/16/13) Flying Things from Hawaii.
  

• Print Giveaway: Admission by Jane Hanff Korelitz; Open US Only. Ends 3/26/13.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #91 Comment Giveaway 3/16/13. Ends 3/22/13.

Finished Reading:

 eBook/Kindle

Scent of Magic (The Healers)
by Maria V. Snyder
This was engaging fantasy.
I'll post a review tomorrow I hope.
Reviewed through NetGalley.

Line Edits/Releases:

We did get out the two wonderful releases last week and have one out for final proofs this week.

Currently reading:

1. Audio

Silver (An OgmiosTeam Adventure)
by Steven Savile
I am on the last few hours of this as the danger and climax builds.

I am reviewing this for
Crossroad Press through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on title for Book Description

2. Print and eBook/Kindle

Free Fall (Elite Force)
by Catherine Mann
I love how this series jumps into action. I am about 20% into this. 
Reading this from Sourcebooks;
I will be posting a review and ARC Giveaway.

Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Elite Force: That Others May Live
Click on title for Book Description

3. Print
 

Last Chance Book Club
by Hope Ramsay
I grabbed this print out of order to read on the plane. I am midway and enjoying the conflict. Reading for Hachette.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 26, 2013
After a painful divorce, Savannah White wants nothing more than to find her happy place. So when she gets the chance to pack up her life -and her son - and move to the idyllic town where she spent childhood summers, she jumps at the opportunity. Last Chance is just as charming as she remembered. She's even invited to join the local book club, where talk soon turns to Savannah's plan to bring the ramshackle downtown movie theater back to life. A new challenge is just what Savannah needs to move forward.. . .
Dash Randall wants to put his fortune to good use, but he remembers Savannah as the bratty "princess" who descended upon him each June, causing no end of trouble. But the teenager he remembered has grown into a gorgeous and generous woman, and it isn't long before Dash finds himself wanting to make brand new memories with Savannah. But first, Dash and Savannah will need to make peace with their pasts to find a new chance for love.

4. ebook/Kindle
 

The Persnickety Princess
by Falcon Storm
I am reading this for review on 3/23 as
part of Novel Publicity Book Tour.
High up in the tallest tower of the purplest castle in the Kingdom by the Sea, Princess
Lavender awaits rescue. Desperate as she may be, only the most dashing, well-dressed, properly mannered prince will do. Oh, and he must stand exactly four and three-quarters inches taller than her. A princess has got to have standards, after all.
When, finally, one such prince comes to her castle–not to rescue her, but her younger sister–Lavender refuses to be ignored. Instead of waiting for the next suitor to come along, she devises a plan to put herself in danger, thus forcing the upstart prince to forget her sister and rescue her instead.
Well accustomed to getting her way, there is only one thing, unfortunately, that this princess can’t control–her luck. When her plans go awry, putting her in very real danger, will she allow the prince to rescue her as he sees fit? Will he even want to try?
And will anyone be able to find a way to rescue Lavender from her persnickety ways once and for all? Find out in this comedic tale of princes, dragons, and dreams that just may come true.

5. eBook/Kindle

Sportsman’s Bet
by Judy Nichols
This looks like a good cozy mystery.
I am reading and reviewing at request of the Author.
Click on title for Book Description

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.]  I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: We are doing well with several more releases being prepared. I an also doing more Smashword conversions.

Now for March I have 17 on the list + 2 TBRs still to be determined so it should go nicely at about four a week. Hmm- I may fall behind if I don't speed up this week. I still need to up the number of reviews each week to four.

MARCH Scheduled: 
3/20-25 2nd Annual Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop
3/23 Review: The Persnickety Princess by Falcon Storm (Novel Publicity)
3/27 Review, Interview + Cross the Line by Jack Patterson (Partners In Crime)
3/28+/- Review: Girl v Earl by Phillipa Ashley

Unscheduled 

Sourceboooks
     Free Fall (Elite Force) by Catherine Mann
     A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

Hachette 
    Jake by R.C. Ryan

Thomas Nelson (through NetGalley invitation)
     An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

Audios:
  For Audiobook Jukebox
    Silver by Steven Savile
    Did You Miss Me by Karen Rose

NetGalley:
(Maybe if I can fit it in) Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi

Authors:
     Sportsman’s Bet by Judy Nichols
     Girl v. Earl by Phillipa Ashley

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sharing Beyond Books #91 Comment #Giveaway March 16, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.
I hope everyone has had a lovely week. I have had a great visit in Vancouver, WA at EPICon 2013.  I have learned good info for my publishing company and picked up a new supply of bookmarks to share as well as a few new books to review and share!
Thank you to all who shared last week.

We had some really nice ideas for libraries. The three biggest criteria were lots of shelves, comfy seating and good lighting. Several liked staircases or rolling stairs and a few liked fireplaces. Texas Book Lover would want accessible and rotating (forward and back) shelves which sounds good. I love nrlymrtl's suggestion of a revolving book door always bringing in new books to replace old! Congrat's to Carol NW who has a library room - maybe you could share pictures. :-)

Some of you named favorite pet birds and others outside birds. Cardinals, cockatiels and hummingbirds got three votes each; owls and seagulls got two each. Then there were a variety of wonderful choices. I figured at least a few of you might have birds as pets. We used to have many zebra and society finches as well as a couple of lovebirds. One of our son's favorite was a talking green parrot.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #90 comments is: #16 Natasha, who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. OR- if international, choice GC. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #91 Questions

Q1. Carol L says: I love Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series. I realize these books start with a young Jamie and up to middle aged so far so I'd ask with him being in his 30's & early 40's. Who would you choose to play the role of Jamie Fraser in a movie??

A:  I have to admit that I have put off using this question as I can't answer it because I don't pay much attention to actors. I'll be interested in everyone else's answer as I don't have a clue! ... although - maybe the guy who plays Castle - Nathan Fillion?

Image found at IMBd.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite flower??

A: Well, who doesn't love a beautiful rose? But that is not my favorite. Of outdoor flowers I pick Daffodils BUT for most favorite and an indoor choice I go with African Violets. 

I might have pictures of my own violets in bloom but since it is too late and I am too tired to pull out my back up drive to try to find them. 

Besides- this is a great shot with variety.
Image found at Parkseed.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1. Carol L asks: Who would you choose to play the role of Jamie Fraser in a movie??

2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite flower??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books  or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.
 
SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, March 22, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Giveaway: Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Hachette is pleased to announce that the movie adaption of Jean Hanff Korelitz’s ADMISSION hits theaters March 22! Directed by Oscar-nominated Paul Weitz, the film is based on Korelitz’s 2009 novel about 38-year-old Portia Nathan, an Admissions Officer at Princeton University with a settled domestic life and a rewarding, if sometimes punishing, career. The cast includes Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn, and Lily Tomlin.

Hachette has generously allowed me to Host a Giveaway for ONE COPY of the movie-tie-in edition of ADMISSION (one winner, US only).

For years, 38-year-old Portia Nathan has avoided the past, hiding behind her busy (and sometimes punishing) career as a Princeton University admissions officer and her dependable domestic life. Her reluctance to confront the truth is suddenly overwhelmed by the resurfacing of a life-altering decision, and Portia is faced with an extraordinary test. Just as thousands of the nation's brightest students await her decision regarding their academic admission, so too must Portia decide whether to make her own ultimate admission.
Admission is at once a fascinating look at the complex college admissions process and an emotional examination of what happens when the secrets of the past return and shake a woman's life to its core.

GIVEAWAY ONE COPY to one lucky US winner!! 

ENTER HERE

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

* This contest is open US Only.
* No P.O Boxes. 
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 27, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement. 

Saturday Snapshot (March 16, 2013) More Flying Things from Hawaii

Here is one more set of pictures from our December visit with our son and daughter-in-law in Hawaii.

I did look up Hawaiian birds and the white chested bird with the red crest pictured last week is a Red Crested Cardinal.  The yellow eyed bird was a Myna. 
But here are just a few more shots of a pretty bird and other objects you might see in the sky!

This lovely red cardinal had a great time getting a bath!

We saw several beautiful, full rainbows.

We also saw AirForce One parked nearby. The President was attending the funeral for the Hawaiian senator.

And before I leave Hawaii, as a proud mom, 
I'll share one more view of our proud son with his new joy!

That about wraps our wonderful Hawaiian trip.
Next week I'll find a new adventure.

Thanks again to all the nice people who have commented on my Saturday pictures. I am so sorry I have only been able to return the visits at the end of the week. :-(

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.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 15, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Hello everyone from Vancouver,  Washington where I am enjoying visiting with other publishers and authors at EPICon 2013. I'm also getting used to using the touch pad on my new 11" travel computer.  I didn't get to take a picture of the next group of books before I left Florida so watch for that next week!

[***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 March 1 Pick. There was ONE 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 only two titles blocked again this week.
Louisa selected And Then You Die
Emily selected The Shadow (Kiss of Shadows was part of a pair and blocked by others interested)

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 8 Pick:

Linda T gets a GC

Brooke wins One Dead Under the Cuckoo's Nest 

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 hope everyone has a Blimey Good Weekend!
Image found at Library Visit.

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 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:
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 483 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)