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Friday, December 27, 2013

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 27, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
{NOTE: Most books are out in the mail and GCs will be gifted Friday or Saturday.}
NOTE TWO: Per my note last week, and as a holiday special: Any winner from December 6 - 27 can choose a book (even for International) or GC (even for US). 

I hope everyone had a good Christmas or holiday. I discovered that I did have a gift for everyone at our family celebration and did my last minute stocking shopping on Tuesday. :-) 
We had a wonderful Christmas day with kids and grandkids here and through Skype! >

NOW IT IS TIME TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY, 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


{They moved my oncologist appointment to today. No final decision yet but it is likely I will have four chemo treatments starting early in January. Two more testings through January 7 before we can begin.}

[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 December 20 Pick. There were 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 three titles blocked and again one was won.

CONGRATULATIONS
[I picked an extra winner again for Holiday gifting. :-)]
to Random.org picked Winners from December 20 Pick:
June M gets Hannah Howell Pair (after several weeks blocked)
Bookishqueen gets a GC
Llehn 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. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

"New eyes each year
Find old books here,
And new books, too,
Old eyes renew..."
Philip Larkin
Image found at email.about.com


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013
PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children

Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility

Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense

SINGLES:

Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke


New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

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

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 607+ 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 $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)

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley

This is a true delight that could become a family Christmas treasure!
Carving Angels
by Diane Stringam Tolley
  • Hardcover: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (September 8, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1599559447
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599559445
Genre: Inspirational Fiction, Children's Story, Christmas
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Papa Adam, the North Pole's oldest elf and Santa's former chief carver, has given up. Blind, frail, and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die. But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Together they prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone, especially yourself. With the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.


This is a delightful Christmas story to read!
Review:
Papa Adams, also known as “Grandpa” to five year old Amy, feels like he is of no use and has no reason left to be alive. He was called the best toy wood carver in Santa’s workshop. Slowly he lost his sight and for ten years he has had nothing to look forward to except the same routine of the day: to eat, hear the work bells whistle and count the hours until sleep time.

One day Amy comes to visit with a small piece of wood. She reminds him that the elves think he is the best carver and her papa says Grandpa doesn’t need his eyes as he can feel the shape in the wood. At first Grandpa says that he cannot carve the piece, but Amy insists that she has seen the figure waiting to come out of the wood.

Grandpa discovers that in fact he can still carve with his skilled hands and with Amy helping by bringing pieces of wood for him to work on. Realizing that Amy has a natural ability to visualize the wood shapes, Grandpa begins to teach her to carve very carefully. They secretly begin making wooden toys.

Grandpa hears noise outside and Amy explains that the elves are having trouble with Santa’s old sleigh as pieces keep falling off. It has become so bad that the normal team of reindeer won’t drive it and there is concern building for Santa’s safety. Grandpa and Amy start a secret project to help solve the problem of the worn out sleigh. Can they finish their project on time and will it be accepted?

This story is an absolute delight to read. I loved the childlike faith and wonder that fills the pages. Amy is able to help her Grandpa realize that age, whether young or old, and other handicaps do not have to be a barrier to being useful. When a person keeps a proper attitude and allows God to use the talents He has provided then God will guide to fulfill the purposes we are given. It was lovely to read of Christian faith and value lessons woven into a very sweet Christmas story.

The story is heartwarming and the reading flows easily. The author's website is titled "The Storyteller" and that is very apt. This would be fine for middle graders to read themselves or it is perfect to read with children...of all ages! I highly recommend this book for one’s own enjoyment or as a special gift to another who might enjoy the wisdom and encouraging message provided.

I received this as a win late 2012 and am glad to have the chance to share it.
I enjoyed this so much I am offering two copies for giveaway - one print for US or an eBook for International. I am keeping my personally autographed copy to share with friends and family. :-)
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a copy - Print for US or Kindle or Nook version for International.

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE - Print to U.S. address; Kindle or Nook to International.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 3, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 3, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas to All!

Wishing everyone Peace, Joy and Wonder!









Luke 2:10-14 (NIV)
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”




Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Christmas Eve 2013

Happy Christmas Eve!!


Hope Was Born This Night

Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis

This is a fun package of holiday romance.
Christmas in Lucky Harbor: 
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis

  • Series: Lucky Harbor (Book 9)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 800 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Omnibus ed edition (September 24, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 1455547530
  • ISBN-13: 978-1455547531
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...

The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.

Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

Under the Mistletoe
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.


Simply Irresistible (Previously reviewed at this link.)

The Sweetest Thing
Review:
4.25
Tara has returned to Lucky Harbor to help her sisters and to ‘find herself’ after divorcing Logan, her famous, dashing, race car driver husband. Tara tends to be the controlling, sophisticated and intense sister. She has determined that she needs to take control of her life after a rocky entrance into adulthood and then a high profile marriage where she gave all of herself until she got tired of being alone.

Her rocky teenage summer was spent in Lucky Harbor in a first romance with Ford, who went off to become a world traveling boat racer. Tara was surprised to discover that Ford had returned home and now is owner of the local bar in town. There is history between them that makes them hesitate to get together but the sexual pull still sizzles. Tara doesn’t want a hot re-run of her 17th summer and she isn’t quite ready to think that Ford could commit to something long term.

Logan comes to town to try to win back the love he lost and that gets Ford thinking he doesn’t want to lose Tara now that he has a second chance. As always in the small town of Lucky Harbor the busybodies stick their noses in. The social media buzzes with sneak images of encounters and a poll for which man will win her heart.

The story is fun and steamy. I really liked the warmth between Tara and Ford and Mia entering their lives adds extra complications. The sisters and their beaus add additional interest too. Ms. Shalvis does a nice job of providing characters a reader can root for as they push and pull their way to a happy ending.

Kissing Santa Claus
Review:
4.0
This is a quick novella that brings a happy ending for Logan. It is just short and sassy and a quick, fun read.  Logan had a quick affair with Sandy after Tara chose Ford. Then Logan left town. Now he is returning six months later and Sandy isn't sure she wants to welcome him so easily even if her body responds differently than her head.

I’m not sure how I would have felt about it if I hadn’t gotten to know Logan in The Sweetest Thing. The characters are not deeply developed but there is enough there, with enough story to make it a satisfying nugget.

Under the Mistletoe
Review:
4.25
The reader meets Mia in The Sweetest Thing too. There she was a 17 year old who became infatuated with the local, all around errand boy, Carlos, a good looking young man with attitude. But Carlos stayed home in Lucky Harbor while Mia took off for the adventures of college. Now it is four years later and Mia is hoping her college boyfriend, Nick, will join her at Christmas in Lucky Harbor and meet her family and friends.

Nick grew up in foster homes and learned not to get attached or allow others to get too close. He has  enjoyed his dating time with Mia but hasn’t really even acknowledged them being together as ‘a relationship.’ He hesitates when she invites him home and she determines that he isn’t ready so she leaves without him.

When he shows up in Lucky Harbor he has to face Mia’s family and old boyfriend too. Will Nick be able to get Mia to move past the hurt he caused and allow them a second chance?

This is another quick short story with two sweet characters. I like the personality that Ms. Shalvis gives to Nick as it is a good and realistic blend of lone wolf confidence and vulnerability. This one doesn’t have quite as much heat as the other books which is okay with me.

As a package of two full novels and two shorts this is a great deal. It offers fun reading for those who enjoy contemporary, sassy to sizzling, happy ending romance.

I received this book from Hachette/Grand Central for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my review Copy.

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 3, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 3, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

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