Book Review and Print Giveaway: Angel Christmas by Patricia Rice, Mary Balogh & 3 more

I enjoyed all five of these charming Christmas novellas featuring angelic intervention.

Angel Christmas
by Patricia Rice, Mary Balogh & 3 more

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Topaz (November 1, 1995)
• ISBN-10: 0451406281
• ISBN-13: 978-0451406286

Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Angels

My Rating: overall 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher: Topaz (November 1, 1995)
In the true spirit of the season, these five Christmas romances--heartwarming, humorous and deeply romantic--all result from intervention on high and evoke the true meaning of the holiday season. Authors include Mary Balogh, Marilyn Campbell, Carole Nelson Douglas, Emma Merritt, and Patricia Rice.

Review:
The stories in this anthology are from 1995. I found every one of full of delightful charm and warmth perfect for the holiday season. They each read quickly so that I could read one at a sitting and come back later for the next one. I have tried to give a quick few comments, descriptive words and rating for each.

CATCH A FALLING ANGEL by Carole Nelson Douglas
To prove he's bad enough for hell, a devilish rogue becomes a rock star out to ruin an innocent young girl--unless he gets foiled by some Yuletide magic.
     I wasn’t sure about this time traveling rogue/bad boy protagonist but his heart was captured  - first by a glimpse and then by the innocense and love of a young girl. Fortunately it changed his behavior and saved them both. Very sweet. Rating 4.25

BRUSH OF ANGEL WINGS by Emma Merritt
A little girl prays to her special angel for a daddy, and a Texas Ranger returns to his hometown for the holidays in hopes of rekindling the passion he once shared with her mother--his first love.
     Texas Ranger, Vincent had been high school sweethearts with Hannah but they were too young and he wasn’t ready for commitment. Ten years ago he left her behind and she married his cousin, James. Six years ago James was killed in a motorcycle accident for which Vincent holds himself responsible. Nine year old Allie has asked the family Christmas angel for a new daddy and Vince has returned with the goal of setting up as a rancher. Vince has to persevere to win back the trust of the woman he loves. I found the story heartwarming. Rating 4.0.

THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELINA by Marilyn Campbell
It takes a little angel mischief to unite a handsome young major and a fiery widow by Christmas.
     This story finds busy mom, Angelina, trying to resist the overtures of single, town mayor, Sean O’Grady. Sean’s Irish Grandfather is determined to get Sean a ‘sweet colleen’ before life passes by. Sean lost his college fiancé to an accident and has protected his heart ever since but there is something that draws him to petite, feisty Angelina. Neither suspect the pushing and interference by a determined angel. This is cute and enjoyable. 4.25.

TIN ANGEL by Patricia Rice
A goodhearted, though skeptical, hero learns the joy of Christmas when he falls in love with an angel sent to make him believe in miracles.
     This story was my favorite! Jeffrey, a Viscount, is frustrated by Parliament and the inability to pass laws that would help commoners. He leaves London in a cynical state to sulk, with all his bent up anger, at his country estate. He has no desire to celebrate Christmas but the servants have begun setting up the tree complete with tin ornaments. One of the those tin ornaments is an angel that begins to talk to him and tries to get him to improve his attitude. Jeffrey slowly develops a warm friendship with the spirit of his accident prone angel, ‘Mary’.  She brings out Jeffrey's warmer side as she encourages him to help bring a special Christmas to the Vicar’s very ill daughter. This is humorous, very charming and delightful! Rating 4.5.

GUARDED BY ANGELS by Mary Balogh
When a mysterious old lady and her young grandson offer their cottage to an estranged couple who got lost during a blizzard, it's a gift that will last a lifetime.
     June and Elliot married right after he returned from Waterloo. He had been troubled by his war experiences and didn’t know how to handle an innocent young girl but frightened her instead. Now five years later their guardian angels bring the estranged husband and wife to reconciliation by stranding them in a cottage with a freak blizzard. Lovely. Rating 4.25.

I pulled this from my Christmas TBR box to read and share.

I was tempted to hang on to this as part of my Mary Balogh and/or Patricia Rice collections. My desire to share the pleasure exceeded my desire to horde. :-)
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used print copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

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  comment on the review 

OR tell me about another book by any of these authors that you enjoyed.

* This contest is open to U.S. address Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 11, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 11, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet: Charley Davidson, Book 4, by Darynda Jones

This is a fun addition to this entertaining series.
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet: Charley Davidson, Book 4
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King

    LENGTH    9 hrs and 28 mins
    RELEASE DATE    10-30-12
    PUBLISHER    Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The fourth in this fun and sexy New York Times best-selling paranormal series.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
©2012 Darynda Jones (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley, the grim reaper and ghost confidant, has been hiding (or according to her, recuperating) in her home for the past two months after she was used as bait and severely injured. Her physical body has healed but her mind and psyche are still struggling to get over a) being arrested by her father and b) being set up as bait by her romantic interest, Reyes, so he could lure out his monstrous step-father to prove Reyes wasn’t guilty of his murder. Needless to say Charley is still furious with the two most important men in her life besides being a bit scared to venture out.

Charley’s office manager/assistant, Cookie, who lives across the hall, has decided to take control of Charley’s TV infomercial product buying binge. This is necessary since the credit cards are maxed and it is hard to find Charley behind the boxes. It is time that Charley get a new assignment.

Fortunately, Harper appears seeking to hire Charley to uncover the stalker who has been harassing her for years and making death threats. Harper’s family, especially her step-mother, has ignored her situation claiming that she is just seeking attention. But Charley takes her seriously and jumps right into the investigation.

Her efforts bring Charley to uncover a group of local bank robbers as well as bringing her into contact with Reyes. Reyes tries to get Charley to ‘lay low’ as the demons are still out to get him and to get to Charley through him. The demons are targeting those with powers to see auras as they can identify Charley.

Charley isn’t about to sit home now that she has a case to solve. As usual she charges into danger.

I enjoyed the investigation into Harper’s harassment and death threats and the extra twist in the case. I also liked the contact with prior characters, the crazy Rocket and the biker gang. The typical snarkiness of Charley abounds. There is some actual sexual encounter but not so focused on the sexual as one of the prior stories. This is another fun installment with a good solid plot and fun interaction among the characters.

Audio Note: Once again Lorelei King does an excellent job of portraying Charley and her cohorts. Ms. King is able to infuse the voices with the appropriate emotions adding to the charm and draw of the story.

I picked this up from my own Audible Library.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 3, 2014

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

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). 

Thank you to everyone for warm wishes for holiday, health and New Year. I hope everyone had a safe New Years. We had a quiet evening together and actually watched the ball drop before we headed to bed. Of course it was only 11pm our time but we were okay with that. :-)



{I have a MUGA test today as they have to make sure the heart is good before we can begin Chemo.}

[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 27 Pick. There were no Automatic wins again this week - funny how they bunch up to the same 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 final Holiday gifting. :-)]
to Random.org picked Winners from December 27 Pick:
Carol M gets Princess Charming

Di gets The Fall (through a block)
Miki 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.}

Image found at WPMU Dev's Blog. 

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 609+ 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)

Book Review: The Double Life of Incorporate Things (Magic Most Foul) by Leanna Renee Hieber

This is an intriguing supernatural battle against evil forces.
The Double Life of Incorporate Things (Magic Most Foul)
by Leanna Renee Hieber

• File Size: 941 KB
• Print Length: 252 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1494324555
• Publisher: Deus Ex Victoriana (November 27, 2013)
• ASIN: B00H1J7506

Genre: YA, Paranormal (gaslamp fantasy)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 27, 2013
"Just when we think our nightmares are over, the Society has invented a new horror. Around every corner a shadow, behind every whisper a demon. If we don't end what the devils began, we will die haunted..."

The finale in the acclaimed Magic Most Foul trilogy: The trauma and the terror of the Master's Society has only escalated for the dashing Lord Denbury and brave, feisty Miss Natalie Stewart, and a new terror has been unleashed in Manhattan. Together with their stalwart friends and unlikely heroes, they take the fight directly to the Denbury estate, where new evils have awakened. But are they prepared for all the sacrifices that shall be asked of them? With their very lives and the sanctity of their mortal souls at stake, Natalie and Jonathon are past the point of no return...

Review:
Natalie is a strong minded, independent young woman of 18. It is clear from the beginning of this story that she has special skills that have helped her fight demons and save the young man that she fell in love with, Jonathan, Lord Denbury. Jonathan’s soul had been imprisoned in a painting and his body possessed by a demon summoned by the Master’s Society. The first book covers how Natalie discovered Jonathan’s prison and helped to free him.

Natalie is aided by her father’s friend, a widow, Evelyn Northe, who Natalie views as a step mother. Natalie’s own mother died in a carriage accident but pushed Natalie to safety. Her mother now is present for her in times of great need as a guardian angel. Evelyn is a clairvoyant so she can accept Natalie’s and Jonathan’s skills and help them in the fight against the Master’s Society. Especially since the local law enforcement of 1880 don’t believe the supernatural, spiritual warfare goings on and resent having women poking into their investigation.

The evil Master’s Society is conducting terrible experiments to trap souls, reanimate bodies and using a powder to infect normal citizens with madness and violence. One group that has suffered from an unwitting attack during a party is a group of artistic types who have gathered together to support each other. Their charismatic leader is Nathaniel Veil who is famous for his shows on Gothic themes, including exploration of the paranormal. Ms. Lavinia Kent was the hostess of the party and she seeks help from Evelyn.

The story is set in Manhattan but takes the battle across the sea to Jonathan’s home outside of London, England. The four young people prepare to face several of the leader’s of the Master’s Society, including the mad, power hungry man who imprisoned Jonathan. Although they think they have a good plan, they do not fully realize the extent of danger they face.

There is good emotion and action in this story. The plot moves forward well while the young romance and other relationships are woven in as important elements. I enjoyed the spiritual foundation that supported the battle against the evil society and liked that it was a needed factor to fight the demons.

There was one minor point of view jump but most readers would probably not notice that technical error which caused an awkward sentence but didn’t disrupt the storyline. Other than that minor item I enjoyed the clean descriptions and fast paced movement of the book.

I had not read the prior books but there was enough background given to make this book understandable although I wished I had read the stories in proper sequence. This story has a proper ending although it  appeared to me that there might be a lead in to another story.Although designated a YA read, and containing some YA angst, this is interesting for more 'mature' readers too who enjoy paranormal battles.

I received the eBook for an honest review and participation in a book Blitz tour. Check the feature and Giveaway post linked HERE.

Sharing Beyond Books #132 Comment Giveaway, January 1, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night the first day of 2014 and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented on the last SBB post in 2013 and shared books you are looking forward to reading! Thanks also for your patience on the delay of this post. I have decided to just do one question for this post and I may do that in the future too.

Now.. on to SBB time.
Many commenters named Green Tea as their favorite. Three commenters do not drink herbal and/or hot tea. There were other interesting flavors but the most interesting one to me is "Red Rose Vanilla Biscotti Black Tea K-Cups for my Keurig," mentioned by Brooke. That is one I think I will try.

Fifteen of us shared the titles we are looking forward to reading. One book was named three times -  The King by J.R. Ward; and one  was mentioned twice: First Love by James Patterson.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #131 comments is: #15 CAROL L who can make a GC choice if international or 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 (new) WINNER FORM.

WINNER OF THE SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for book that you are looking forward to reading is:
#1 JESS1 who wants to read Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (Bk 2 Kate Daniels series).
Jess - please fill in the Winner Form with your address for print book or if you already have this book then let me know if you want GC or PayPal for its value.

WEEK #132

Q1. bn100 asks: Is there anything specific you look for in reviews??

A: Good question. I look for details on action and comments on style of writing. I also note if there are comments on the extent of sexual content - sweet, steamy, hot or erotic.

Image - Review Icon found at hackcod.com.

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 are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Thank you for Questions used in December which were submitted by: Winnie, Marjorie, Margaret and ElizabethL. Random.org choice is #4 so ElizabethL gets to pick a book or GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. bn100 asks: Is there anything specific you look for in reviews??


SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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 through Saturday January 4, 2014 at 5 PM  central.