Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 25, 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 Friends!!  Another week gone in October - whew! Glad I was overly busy at work as my assistant was sick these two days.

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the October 18 Pick. There were two Automatic wins this week (but several at 3 so might win next 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 blocked titles this week!
Rita gets Fullfillment
bn100 gets the Susan Spenser Paul Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 18 Pick:

Crystal gets Trouble Becomes Her (through a block)

Anita gets Dance With Me

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. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Since next Friday will be past Halloween I decided to use this image this week. :-)

Image found at paperblog.

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Pairs:
Susan Spencer Paul
     Beguiled and The Bride's Portion
Singles:
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Portrait of Dreams by Victoria Malvey
No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Wet & Wild by Sandra Hill
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Something Extra by Janet Dailey
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Dead Silence by Brenda Novak
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by Sharyn McCrumb

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler

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

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
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:
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 
Pairs
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!
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland

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) 
*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

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---(All gone)

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


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! (as of 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 580+ books (I forgot to update this number for a month) 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 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
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

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---(All gone)

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Bargained for Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure

This is a delightfully sweet romance novella that was a treat to read.

Bargained-For Bride
by Marcia Lynn McClure

Amazon * Distractions Ink

• File Size: 1025 KB
• Print Length: 127 pages
• Publisher: Distractions Ink; 1st edition (September 24, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00FEZRGN0

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Excerpt:
“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.

Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.

Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.

Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part.

Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did.

Review:
Jilly is a young lady of 18 or so who has allowed herself to be charmed by the best looking man in town, Jack. Jack already has a reputation for playing loose with the hearts of the young ladies, but Jilly just doesn’t want to believe it.  Jilly lives with her aging grandparents, who have raised her carefully and are determined to find a way to protect her, even when they pass on.

One afternoon Boone Ramsey approaches Jilly’s grandfather seeking her hand. Boone is a loner who managed to make a success of his family ranch outside of town even after his parents died when he was just barely a teen. Boone has a reputation for being the one to call on for help and rescue. He always comes to the aid of his neighbors and helps out in dangerous situations.

Jilly is upset that her grandfather would promise her hand to Boone when he knows she has her mind set on Jack. Secretly she thinks Boone is really the handsomest man about the area but why would he want her? And if she did accept him would she have to worry as he goes about helpeing and saving everyone else?

Boone has never forgotten the special Christmas gift that Jilly gave him after the death of his parents. He has a tender spot for her and believes that something special can grow between them. Now he just has to convince her to accept what he has to offer out of true affection and not to spite Jack or her grandparents.

I really enjoyed the tender give and take of this old fashioned couple. Boone is a lovely character and willing to help Jilly grow beyond her immature feelings and anger. The writing is interesting as it has a very country aspect, almost hickish. It is suitable for the historical characters that are being portrayed, especially the sheltered, naive Jilly. There is a foundation of good quality in both Jilly and Boone.  I really liked how Ms. McClure displayed how Jilly learned from the strong, quite faith of her grandmother and the loving, tender joy of the relationship between her grandparents. There was a paragraph at the end that was so wonderful I came home and shared it with my own DH.

This is a quick, easy read and a very enjoyable sweet romance. Ms. McClure added some 'snippits' as an afterword that explained the inspiration for the story and some word history that I enjoyed too. This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be glad to read more. If you have not yet tried Ms. McClure's books I recommend this as a fine quick read to try out.

I received this title for an honest review as part of BookBlast Tour. Don't miss the other giveaway opportunity at the BookBlast post.

Tour Schedule

A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)
Amazon * Distractions Ink

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”

Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/12/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audible Book Review: The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson

This short mystery dramatization packs an active dilemma of time paradox to the extreme!
The Chronology Protection Case
by Paul Levinson


LENGTH    38 mins
RELEASE DATE    01-01-05
PUBLISHER    Listen & Live Audio
Genre: Mystery, Dramatization
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The radio play of "The Chronology Protection Case" was adapted by Mark Shanahan with Paul Levinson, based on the novelette by Paul Levinson which first appeared in the pages of Analog magazine in September 1995. The script of the radio adaptation was nominated for a prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award as "Best Play of 2003" by the Mystery Writers of America.

The radio play was initially performed live before a studio audience at the Museum of TV & Radio in September of 2002. It was subsequently recorded at CDM Studios in New York City in 2003, featuring a cast of nine actors, with an original sound design and score. The CDM recording was produced by Charles de Montebello and Mark Shanahan.

"The Chronology Protection Case" radio play, a science fiction murder mystery, features Shanahan in the role of Dr. Phil D'Amato, the forensic detective who appears in Levinson's acclaimed novels, The Silk Code, The Consciousness Plague, and The Pixel Eye. When D'Amato is approached by the distraught wife of a missing scientist whose work is embroiled in secrecy, he is plunged into an adventure with a terrifying and powerful force of nature at the heart of a series of mysterious deaths.
©1995 Paul Levinson; (P)2005 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
This is a dramatized story featuring forensic Detective, Dr. Phil D’Amato. Phil is called by Dr. Lauren Goldring, a physicist married to another physicist, Ian Goldring, who specializes in quantum physics. Ian was working on a device to send signals that would travel faster than light particles. But Ian has disappeared. As Phil begins searching for Dr. Goldring he discovers Ian with three gun shot wounds. Then Lauren turns up dead from an allergic reaction to sedative that Phil requested.

Phil works with Detective Lieutenant Jannie to pursue the case and he calls a Science and Research Journalist friend, Jack who dies next day. There were six people working on the special project and now four are already dead. The two survivors are not talking and all evidence of discussions and correspondence, even emails have been erased.

Now there is only one. Phil meets with Dr. Julie Fenwick, the only remaining survivor from the research project. Their discussion is remarkably intense as they try to figure out how to avoid becoming the next to die as time... or something or someone... protects itself.

There was no in depth character development but the plot line carried the story. Although the science of quantum physics would be difficult for most of us non-scientific types to follow, the impact of the time paradox was still understandable and created the basis of a unique mystery.

Audio Notes: This is a great audio dramatization that reminded me of radio dramas from the years before television – although the quality is much better. If you enjoy listening to fun stories, this is a quick mystery with an ironically twisted plot.

I received this download for review from the Author through AudioBook Jukebox.

Five Winners! Convict Dad, Sisterhood, My Lady Quicksilver and These Boots...

I apologize that I haven't kept up with picking and announcing winners these past two months. It seems like it has been easier for me to find a time when I can pick several at a time instead of once each weekend. Either I have to get back on track each weekend or announce that I will be announcing winners at four week intervals.
Also, I have been behind in delivering wins and my assistant has a box of books to mail out.
Anyone waiting to receive a giftcard/paypal those will all be up-to-date tomorrow.
Anyone waiting to get a book - they should be mailed out by the end of this week. 
Thank you all for being patient!

Giveaway Ended September 30, 2013

Giveaway Review Copy:

Convict Dad 

 by P. Ryan Hempree

Winner: bn100

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

Giveaway Ended October 11, 2013

Giveaway: Sisterhood 

by Deleyna Marr

Winner: Meghan

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

Giveaways Ended October 18, 2013

Giveaway: My Lady Quicksilver 

by Bec McMaster 

Winner: Jess1

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

Giveaway: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking 

by Melody Carlton

Winners: Vicki (email: irb...)

and rubynreba

bn100, Meghan, Jess1, Vicki and Rubynreba Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing, as I have all of these books available.  Please reply within 72 hours!

Mailbox Monday October 21, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gina @ Book Dragon’s Lair.
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received three review titles: two ebook and one audio.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Title

I received two eBooks from Hachette for review:

Accidentally In Love With...A God? (Accidentally Yours)
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Review and Blitz to post on October 31

and

Accidentally Married to...A Vampire?

(Accidentally Yours)
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Review and Blitz to post

 on November 20

This Audio received through AudioBook Jukebox.

Battle for LA
Author: CJ Henderson, Mark Sparacio
Narrator: Full Cast
Publisher: AudioComics

Won

NONE

Purchased

Once again I made a $.99 purchase while downloading some free Kindle reads.

A Time Travel Fantasy Bundle: 

Footsteps in Time/Prince of Time (The After Cilmeri Series Books One and Two)

by Sarah Woodbury

Free

I also downloaded another 15 or so free Kindle Titles linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.