Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
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GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 31, 2013 - Happy Easter!

Pastor's message today fit with our songs of redemption and praise. He noted that the three crosses discussed at Calvary have a meaning. The Thief who taunted Jesus was the doubter, signifying Rejection.
The second thief believed Jesus to be good and righteous. Jesus said he would welcome him into Paradise. This cross represents Restoration. Jesus' life and suffering reveal His Love for all men. His death and rising to life represents the Hope He gives us through His Resurrection. He encourages men to live life fully and joyfully in that Hope!

I had a difficult choice of songs to share today.
We sang five for our Easter Service and they were all powerful.
I choose this song which I did not know before we began practicing.
The lyrics include:
"Grace signed my pardon when Christ took my blame.
When I'm called to answer for my history,
Calvary answers for me!"

A Verse for Today:
Romans 5:9-11 The Message (MSG)
9-11 Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!

Thank you Lord Jesus for your great sacrifice and for being worthy to open the scroll to redeem this world when the time comes. I rejoice in your resurrection and that I can live even more fully through your resurrected life. 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Sharing Beyond Books #93 Comment Giveaway March 30, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.
I had a rather busy day with Skype meetings/training. Does anyone have special plans for Easter? I am looking forward to church worship service and a quiet day. I hope everyone gets to enjoy a beautiful day!


Thank you to all who shared last week.

By far the biggest factor mentioned in selecting  book to read was the blurb/summary/premise/plot which was mentioned in 12 comments. Author was mentioned by 9; Price was mentioned by 5 and Series was mentioned by 4. Other factors considered include: cover catches attention; review comment, genre and even size of print. Cindi and Mary ask whether it is a book they will read over and over while Ricki keeps her Q simple: "Do I want it?"

There are a variety of juices we like but the most favorite is orange with 9 mentions. Some of you drink fairly unique flavors like Linda's guava and Carol NW's healthy aloe vera! And while I was noted the choices I had to go get myself some juice! Grape 'cause we didn't have apple.:-)
~~~~
The Winner from SBB #92 comments is: #11 Jolene, who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #93 Questions

Q1. Emily asks: What book/series influenced you the most as a child??
A: We have previously answered our favorite childhood book but this Q is different. The Bible would be my first answer. The Encyclopedia my second - yes I really spent a year or so reading through it! But for fiction I would choose the Nancy Drew Mystery series -- they were fun to read and they gave a positive image/model for a young girl to follow.
Image found at Wikipedia.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Did you buy anything special this week? For Easter or other celebration or spring break??
A: I didn't buy anything for me but I bought an Easter coloring book for my granddaughters and I helped my daughter buy a few items for their Easter baskets. This has been our Spring Break week so the family has been away enjoying the beach. 
I wish I had seen these adorable DIY gifts sooner!
I could have added it to some small items for my Secret Sister. 
Image found at Trendsetter.

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:

Q1. Emily asks: What book/series influenced you the most as a child??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Did you buy anything special this week? For Easter or other celebration or spring break??

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, April 5, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC #Giveaway: Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay

This is another warm romance with saucy, Southern charm.
Last Chance Book Club
by Hope Ramsay
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (March 26, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1455522295
  • ISBN-13: 978-1455522293
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


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.


Review:
Savannah inherited a run down movie theater in downtown Last Chance. She leaves behind her ex-husband and controlling, society conscious ex-mother-in-law, and returns, with her 12 year old son, Todd, to restore the theater.  Savannah spent her summers growing up in the small town and thinks to find a new chance there. She is surprised to find her girlhood nemesis, Dash, is living with her Aunt. Dash was another family ‘orphan’ vying for time with the grandparents and Aunt and Uncle, and she remembers him as the bully who put snakes in her bed.

Savannah has been belittled and challenged by her mother and mother-in-law and now she is determined to make it on her own.  The ladies' book club, which is also a knitting center and general support group, welcome Savannah with enthusiasm. The ladies think the theater renovation is a great project to encourage downtown redevelopment. They can get the funds for the renovation but they have to find a creative way to present it to Savannah who is reluctant to accept help.

Dash was a reckless youth and had a promising start and rising career in baseball. Unfortunately a wild evening ended his career and reputation. He returned to Last Chance to seek a quieter life where he could concentrate on his own recovery and help out his Aunt and Uncle. He remembers Savannah as a selfish ‘princess’ and a brat even if she has grown into a desirable woman.

Dash can relate to Todd and the young boy’s desire for a father who doesn’t care about him. Dash slowly begins to help Todd see his worth but to help Savannah he knows he has to turn her feelings around. Matters become more complicated as the theater restoration is sabotaged and threats of improper behavior are brought against Dash.

Savannah and Dash repel each other like magnets turned the wrong way until they are flipped and realize they can’t resist the draw. The romance is saucy, sizzling and warm. I was captivated by the conflict and tension between these characters and kept reading to see how it resolved.

I enjoy the warmth of the supportive people in Last Chance and enjoy the visits with characters from prior books. This is a sweet town with loyal friends and hot-blooded romances. This is a fun series and this is one more captivating installment.

I received this book from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.
Set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.


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 April 5, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 6, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Saturday Snapshot (March 30, 2013) March Flowers

Here are some images from our March blooming yard.

Azaleas and what I think is White Fringetree


Our single tulip.


My Valentine Amaryllis


Wild violets on 3/29.


One of our fairly sparse Dogwoods

Thanks again to all the nice people who have commented on my Saturday pictures. I did get to visit some of the other Saturday Snapshot sharings!

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 29, 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 all. It's been a strange week but I think it was productive. :-) And what is with the cold whether again? I thought spring had settled in.

[***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 22 Pick. With all the wins last week and the blocked titles there are no automatic wins 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 this week, but they had six picks. One title was won through the block.


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

Elizabeth gets a GC
Natasha gets The Laurel Hamilton Pair

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Thank you to A Mile a Minute for today's lovely spring book image!

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Linda Howard:
     While Lies and A Game of Chance
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Silk and Steel by Theresa Michaels
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



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--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

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)

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 492 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)

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