Saturday Snapshot (April 20, 2013) Magical Birthday Photos

A couple of weeks ago my daughter had a magic party to celebrate two April BDs:
Our grandson is 9 years old and our granddaughter turns a big, precocious 2!  I loved the balloon creatures that the magician made so I was trying to get them in the pictures.

This is the my daughter and the birthday girl with a pink poodle.

This was a shot from across the room.

 This is the middle child posing for me with her red dog.
A gorgeous girl whose BD is in December. 
I do fear she will have those middle child issues.

 

Here is the BD boy and girl with their cakes:
Rabbit in a hat and giant cupcake!
These cakes were made by their paternal grandmothe who makes wonderful cakes.

 

Here are some more balloon creations:

Flower, swan and frog.

I really wanted a flower but gave my  turn to one of the kids for a second creation.

The magician did a great show 

and in the background (across the room) DH and I watched Beauty and the Beast. :-)

[This is really fuzzy because I took it from the corner of  picture to leave out the sweet girl in front.]

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 April 19, 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!! This Friday snuck up on me again. (I realized as I was leaving the office I forgot to take the new picture of books. **I'll post it on Saturday in case anyone wants to wait until then to make their pick. ** --Now posted.) GUESS WHAT! I have given away at least 500 books (not including GCs since starting this Giveaway three + years ago! I'm glad these books are finding homes with eager readers!
NOTE FOR THOSE WAITING FOR BOOKS -- We got behind a week or two and need to catch up on mailing books and a few GC for the past three weeks. Books are ready to be mailed tomorrow and I will make sure I follow-up on any GCs by Saturday - I don't show any on the Winner Form but I believe I may have one that was emailed that I have to look up. Thanks for your patience folks.


[***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 April 12 Pick. Yay! Four 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). Two titles were blocked. 
Congratulations:
rubynreba gets Marry Me Maddie
Anita gets Always a Lady
Becky gets Bride of Shadow Canyon
and
Carol M gets Talking God

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 12 Pick:
I guess it's fair with four auto book wins that the two random picks are GCs. :-)

Booklady gets a GC

Nikki gets a GC

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.

Is anyone participating in World Book Night? FAQ Here.

Unfortunately I didn't sign up.

Image found at Armacost Library

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear)
A Murderous Yarn by Monic Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


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:
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

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:
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:

Timeline by Michael Crichton

Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
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
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!

Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland

*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham

* 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

Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer



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)


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)

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


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 500 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)


Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester


List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

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)

Audiobook #Review: That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers

This is a nice romance but, for me, not romantic suspense.
That Night on Thistle Lane
by Carla Neggers

Product Information

• Author: Carla Neggers  
• Reader: Susan Boyce  
• Running Time: 9hrs 48min  
• Publisher: AudioGO Ltd  
• Number of CDs: 8 File 
• Quality: MP3 (128 kbps)  
• Release Date: 1/29/13  
• D/L ISBN: 9781609989941 
• CD ISBN: 9781620647103

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Swift River Valley
New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers returns with the second book in the Swift River Valley series, That Night on Thistle Lane, following Secrets of the Lost Summer.

More than just make-believe

Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful...until she discovers the hidden room.

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown--perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something.

When Noah and Phoebe meet again in Knights Bridge, at first neither recognizes the other. And neither one is sure they can trust the magic of the night they shared--until an unexpected threat prompts them to unmask their truest selves.

After all, it takes more than just the right costume to live out your personal fairy tale. It takes heart...and the courage to be more than you ever dreamed.

Review:
Phoebe O’Dunn was abandoned by her college sweetheart so she decided to shelter her heart. She grew comfortable with her single life-style and became a major support for her family and friends. She has recently discovered a hidden room in the library at Knights Bridge. She discovers some beautiful old movie dress replicas which she offers to allow her friends use for a gala masquerade ball. She decides to go at the last minute too as an Elizabethan princess. At the ball she is swept off her feet by a swashbuckling pirate and they share a dream dance until it is interrupted by Noah spotting a man he thinks is following him.

Noah Kendrick is a wealthy business mogul from California. He is wary of women who chase after him for his money or notoriety. He agrees to attend a masquerade ball with his business partner who is engaged to marry the love of his life, Olivia, who lives in Knights Bridge. At the ball he meets a beautiful, intriguing princess but doesn’t get her name.

Noah and Phoebe then meet at Olivia’s home but don’t immediately recognize each other. Noah decides to remain in the Knights Bridge to try to uncover ‘his princess.’ Soon he recognizes Phoebe by her movements and the lines of her face and hips. Phoebe heard a stranger talking mysteriously about Noah. Eventually when they acknowledge each other Noah discovers that his secret follower may have a connection to Phoebe’s hidden library room.

An early note I made about this story is that it has elements I find consistent in Ms. Neggers’ works: well developed characters, rich descriptions and unique, natural influences.  The hero and heroine share loneliness, independence and pain.  Ms. Neggers uses natural hobbies, goat soaps and essential oils being developed by the Knights Bridge ladies, to add warmth.  There are wonderful, rich descriptions showing pluses but differences between the small, close community of Knights Bridge and the big atmosphere of San Diego.

The story has a slow, relaxed feeling as the background it set before the romance blossoms. I have enjoyed several of Carla Neggers' novels and I was expecting this to be a romantic suspense so I was disappointed when I kept waiting for the suspense. Although there is a small mystery with the hidden room and who created the dresses, there really is minimal suspense. But if you are looking for a relaxing and rich contemporary romance this one works as a nice read.

Audio Notes: Susan Boyce does a nice job reading this story. She manages to maintain the pace even with a slowly developed story. It seemed that sometimes she nails the Boston accent but not always. The smooth narration added to the story for my listening pleasure.

I received this audio for review from AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox.

This is set in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Winner of A Shot of Sultry

 Congratulations to Winner:

Giveaway Ended April 12, 2013

ARC Giveaway: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett. 

Winner: Texas Book Lover

Texas Book Lover please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the book mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!  


NOTE BELOW REPEAT WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS -- LAST CALL:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended April 5, 2013

ARC Giveaway: Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay



Winner: Angela
Unclaimed





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

Giveaway Ended March 26, 2013.

ARC Giveaway: Lady Eve's Indiscretion Open US & Canada.

Winner: Cassandra
Unclaimed

Book #Review and #Giveaway: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

This is a delightful, sweet story where two souls learn to trust God's plans with the tangible help of an angel.

An Angel by Her Side
by Ruth Reid

• File Size: 540 KB
• Print Length: 366 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GVYY8Y

Genre: Amish Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2013 |
Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

A Heaven on Earth Novel, #3

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Review:
Katie Bender has accepted that she would never be a wife and mother. She has found contentment working as the teacher (teetshah) at the one room Amish school in her community. The school is located next to the property of Amos Mast who has left the Amish community in anger and grief after the death of his wife. Amos blames Katie for creating discordance in his family over the learning difficulties of one of his young sons.

Seth Stutzman arrives at the community to help his brother-in-law, Amos, and gets caught in a tornado. He seeks shelter in the school cellar where the children and teacher have taken refuge. The storm destroys the school and many homes in the community.

The leaders meet to set priorities and begin to pool their resources to rebuild. While hoping the school will be rebuilt Katie helps take care of the children, first a little girl whose father is missing, and then Amos’ teenaged daughter who has run away because she feels banned from home.

Seth has talents as a builder but will not use them due to a prior accident he believes was caused by his difficulties reading and identifying numbers. Still, he is drawn to help with other tasks at the work sites. Several times he finds himself being assisted by an elderly man, Elias, who is always cheerful and encouraging.

When Amos suffers an injury, Seth convinces Katie to come to the house to take care of the toddler daughter and help with meals and chores.  Katie struggles to pray blessings on Amos while his anger continues to spew bitterness towards her.  Seth struggles with his feelings of not being good enough and being afraid to reveal his secrets even as he grows closer to Katie every day.

Ms. Reid has created beautiful, warm characters and developed a plot that shows growth through seeking God’s wisdom, offering grace and accepting forgiveness. The story has strength in the faith shared, gentleness in the love and protection offered and joy in the miracles guided by Elias.

I loved how Ms. Reid portrays the angel and demon as real and impacting the lives and decisions of those who will listen to their whispers, whether good or bad. (This reminded me of Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness where I first read this concept.)

This worked well as a standalone although it is apparently the third book in a series. I would like to read the other books too. This is an easy, uplifting and delightful read that I recommend to those who like sweet romance in an Amish setting.

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

An example of Elias' ‘touch’:

Elias approached Katie. “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of  sound mind.” Elias hoped his words resonated with his charge. “Be prepared to give account for the hope that is within you. You will be used to encourage the weak.”  Location 464.

I received this to review for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PRINT COPY FROM PUBLISHER - US ONLY.

USE 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 Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 27, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.