Audible Book Review: Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3 by Kevin Hearne

This is another fun offering in this fantasy, action series.
Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3
by Kevin Hearne
Narrated by Luke Daniels
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
Release Date: 07-05-11
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully - he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant.

Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plane of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.
Listen to Iron Druid Chronicles

©2011 Kevin Hearne (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
This is another fun adventure with the Iron Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan. He gained a reputation from the prior installments when he killed the celtic god, Aenghus Óg. Now he has people, especially his friend, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson, wanting him to help take on the Norse god of thunder, Thor. Atticus may not like Thor but he has no inclination to take on this battle. Besides he has another quest to complete first. He accepted help from a friend in his last battle to protect the witches and he promised to procure a special apple of immortality. Atticus sneaks into the magical land of Asgaard and manages to steal the apple after killing a few legendary guardians in the process. Although he tries to blame the theft on Bacchus he ends up with enemies on his track.

Atticus prepares to leave his beloved Tempe and move to a new place.  Morrigan (goddess of death with whom he has a pact) and Jesus meet with Atticus to warn him that chasing down Thor will have unwanted consequences In spite of the warningsAtticus reluctantly agrees to help Leif in his fight. Leif brings along the leader of the local werewolf pack and three other unusual warriors. They prepare by bonding together with each warrior shareing his experience with the brutal, ruthless behavior of Thor who killed their friends or family.

The small band enlist, through a bit of Atticus trickery, the help of an army of frost giants and set out to face the Valkyries, Thor and his hordes. An epic battle of super-hero proportions ensues.

I really enjoy this series. Atticus is a two thousand year old druid who is full of wisdom and trickery, but also kindness. I like his unique friends, including his lovely apprentice, Granuaile, and his faithful wolfhound, Oberon. The plots include some real to life situations but also some almost outrageous characters and encounters. The adventure and action keep it faced paced and fun. I recommend stating at the beginning and enjoying them in sequence.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels does a great job narrating this series. He adds to the characters and the excitement. This is a fun series to listen to.

I had this audiobook in my Audible library.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 10, 2014

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

I hope everyone stayed warm this very cold week! I had a sporadic work week with several doctor appointments to interrupt the work days.

MUGA test said my heart was good so I start chemo next Thursday. :-\  I am praying for no sickness.

[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 January 3 Pick. There was one Automatic win again 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 two titles blocked.
scottsgal gets the Diana Palmer pair.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 3 Pick:
Anita gets Another View

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

This was a week of Cooooold weather.

Good time to do what this image says!

Image found at Mercer County Library. 

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 611+ 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: Let Me Get This Off My Chest: A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares by Margaret Lesh

This is a very informative memoir that handles a difficult subject with sincerity, humor and hope!

Let Me Get This Off My Chest:
A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares
by Margaret Lesh

• File Size: 454 KB
• Print Length: 203 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615812511
• Publisher: StoryRhyme.com Publishing; 1 edition (January 3, 2014)
• ASIN: B00DQSVL4W

 Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Tamoxifen hot flashes, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast cancer etiquette, Frankenboobs, bras with special attachments—Margaret Lesh shares all in her funny, heartfelt collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons from the perspective of a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’ll tell you when it’s okay to play the cancer card, what you should take to the hospital, and gives suggestions on how to cope in those dark moments of the soul. With practical tips sprinkled throughout, LET ME GET THIS OFF MY CHEST explores how breast cancer changed her outlook on life, offering honest insights, humor, and sensitivity as she looks for the silver lining in a not-so-great situation.

Whether you are a woman diagnosed with breast cancer or whether you know someone with breast cancer, this book was written for you.

Review:
Ms. Lesh takes a sensitive subject and shares from her personal experience with sincerity and lots of humor. I appreciated her attitude which seeks the “silver linings” while dealing with the stark realities of diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Ms. Lesh was only 34 in 1999, with a two year old son, when she felt a lump and they discovered cancer. She had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. Because the cancer was stage 1A, chemotherapy was not recommended at that time. After the radiation treatments she was prescribed medication for five years and celebrated when she could throw those bottles away. Although many years passed successfully, Ms. Lesh was one of the unfortunates who had a recurrence after 11 years so her story continues with more aggressive treatment. The second time around she had to make more difficult decisions and treatment that included chemotherapy so she shares those experiences as well.

This book has wonderfully upbeat quotes at each chapter which I find encouraging.  There are many good resources shared and specific tips that I have already used and know I will be referring to as my own treatment proceeds. The chapters are short and focus on specific events, decisions or treatments so it is easy to look up certain sections to refer back to. Cancer, like most diseases, impacts upon close family and friends as well as the individual. There are chapters in the book that give insight to friends and family on the fears and emotions that are being experienced and shared.

This is a quick, informative and easy read. It is comforting even though there is anxiety and sadness shared. I think a big part of cancer treatment focuses on faith and hope which Ms. Lesh conveys throughout, even through the stumbles of fear and depression that are natural. The book confirms something I have quickly learned through friends and on-line cancer boards. The diagnosis and treatment are unique for each individual, but we all share a common bond and can be helpful and supportive to others as well as accepting help and support graciously for ourselves.  I  recommend this book to any woman facing their own cancer journey and to those who wish to be supportive and understand more clearly what the patient is going through.

I give a big THANK YOU to Ms. Lesh for responding to my daughter’s frightened messages on Facebook and being so warm and gracious to gift this book to me!

Audible Book Review: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

A delightful, warm historical romance with a wonderful narrator.
Ten Things I Love About You
    by Julia Quinn
    Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

    LENGTH    9 hrs and 46 mins
    RELEASE DATE    05-25-10
    PUBLISHER    HarperAudio
Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Ten things you should know about this book....
1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
Number 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to:
10. Happily. Ever. After.
©2010 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Country raised Annabelle is the eldest of many children who needs to make an advantageous marriage to help secure the future happiness of her siblings. Annabelle’s rather outrageous grandmother is pleased that it appears they have snagged wealthy Lord Newbury as a match. He is elderly and desperately needs an heir, especially since he doesn’t want his nephew, Sebastian, to inherit. Annabelle isn’t thrilled with the idea of marrying the rotund man who is as old as her grandparents. But she is mostly reconciled to doing her duty, until she accidentally meets a charming rogue on a dark field.

Sebastian is certainly a rogue but he is really warm and likeable. He doesn’t believe in love and has been in no big hurry to settle down. The ton members think he is a poor relative waiting to inherit from his uncle, Lord Newbury, but Sebastian has actually provided funds for himself through a rather surprising, if secretive, means.

Sebastian is drawn to the witty, outspoken, and lovely young woman he meets out in the field at a party. He realizes she is trying to dodge someone as they stumble into a bantering discussion without proper introductions. He is pleased to see her again and begins to pursue her until he discovers that she is intended to be his uncle’s young bride (and brood mare)!

Annabelle finds herself in a society fix caught in an ugly family rival between uncle and nephew. If they both abandon her she will be shamed and no one will be interested in her. Sebastian’s good friend convinces him to step up and at least pretend to court Annabelle in order to save her reputation. This gives them the chance to spend time together and grow fond of each other even as it places them in more awkward difficulties that have to be unraveled. Plus Lord Newbury isn’t about to let this situation pass gracefully.

I have always enjoyed the historical romances of Julia Quinn and was reminded why when I listened to this fun audiobook. There is always warmth in Ms. Quinn’s characters with enjoyable verbal interplay. Even what might not be an altogether original plot becomes fun as the reader follows the heroine’s struggles to avoid an unwanted, arranged marriage and societal obstacles as she and an unsuspecting stranger discover they just might be falling in love. I highly recommend this book and this author to readers who enjoy witty historical romance, especially those that like their romances sensual without crossing over into steamy.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor offers a delightful audio performance of this book. The voices fit the characters and the subtle energies and humor are properly conveyed throughout the audio. The narration enhanced the book enjoyment for me.

This was a download from my own Audible library.

Attention Shana Galen Fans! A Pre-Order Gift Offer and A Giveaway from SOURCEBOOKS!

I am pleased to share this Pre-Order offer from our friends at Sourcebooks and after reading this wonderful, delicious sounding offer check below for a Book Giveaway opportunity too!

Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend Pre-Order Gift!

Send proof of your pre-order of Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend by Shana Galen (PUBLICATION DATE: March 4, 2014) and we’ll send you a Jewels of the Ton-themed package of tea and candy!

[HURRY BEFORE SUPPLIES RUN OUT!]  We’ll send this special tea to anyone who shows us their pre-order receipt until February 28, or supplies run out. Just email your receipt to casablanca@sourcebooks.com.

Additionally, everyone who sends us their proof of pre-order will receive an exclusive SECRET epilogue NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK! Once Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend hits stores on March 4, Shana Galen will send out an epilogue to the fans that pre-ordered the book.

That’s not all: everyone who sends us their proof of pre-order will also be entered in a random drawing for a Jewels of the Ton themed spa gift basket!

Be sure to follow Shana Galen on Facebook, Twitter, and her Website for more details leading up to the release of Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend, including more giveaways, more exclusives, and MUCH MORE of her fabulous regency romances!

The winner of the Jewels of the Ton themed gift basket will be announced on Shana Galen’s Facebook page on Monday, March 24, 2013.

Sourcebooks has generously allowed me to offer one winner a copy of the first book in the Jewels of the tons series:   When You Give a Duke a Diamond.
1 copy from the Publisher, US and Canada only.

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Feel free to share a 'thank you' comment to Sourcebooks but 
Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries tell me if you have read another book by this author that you enjoyed or why you would like to read one this book?

* This contest is open to U.S. or Canada address Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 18, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED in MONDAY WHAT ARE YOU READING POST January 20, 2014.
Winner will have 72 hours to respond by the winners form linked in the announcement.