A Group of February Winners

These are winners for February Giveaways. I don't know what I was thinking to have some ending on my "out-of-it sick weekend." Ah well - I have winners picked now. :-)

Giveaway Ended February 14, 2014

Giveaway: In One Year and Out the Other Collection
US Only; WINNER: SHELLEY (Calicolady60)

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

Giveaways Ended February 28, 2014

Giveaway: Beyond the Shadow of Canderlay Manor by Dee Julian
eBook; Worldwide; WINNER: BN100

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


Giveaway: Sleeping Dogs: A Novel by Tony Vanderwarker
Print; US Only;  WINNER: Vicki (bison61)

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

Giveaway: The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston; eBook; Worldwide; WINNERS: ebook: MARY P; 
    Signed covers to: Danielle, Vicki and bn100

ALL WINNERS - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 7, 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 forgot the picture for another set of books this week so that will (hopefully) be for next weekend. BUT LOOK BELOW THIS WEEK'S IMAGE FOR A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!

It was another long weekend but I am getting my energy and cheer back today. Now if this cold weather would just STOP already. I saw a cute Church sign posted on FB: "Whoever is Praying for Snow - Please Stop!"  Thank goodness we don't have snow here but I'm still cold.  I'm sure some of you have it much worse though so I will focus on being thankful! :-)


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 March 1 Pick. There were two Automatic wins 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 was one title blocked still with multiple picks but it was won this week!
Linda K gets Guarded Secrets
scottsgal gets A Writer's Dream and A Cowboy's Heart

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 1 Pick:
Natasha gets the Deborah Cooke Pair after four weeks of blocks

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, 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.}

I almost missed this e-book week.

To celebrate here is a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for Friday Pick followers! 

As a special this week one commenter will win an e-book of their choice.

Just state with your usual Friday Pick choice what ebook you would like if you win!

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Perfection in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
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 gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone

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:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf (won 1/10 by rubynreba)

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

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---(All gone)

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

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 634+ 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

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 Giveaway: R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals) by Megan Mulry

This is a sassy, nicely written British style romance. 

R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
by Megan Mulry

• Series: Unruly Royals
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (February 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270031

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, British
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Being royal isn't all it's cracked up to be...
Abigail Heyworth, youngest daughter of the 18th Duke of Northrop, is not your typical British royal—she'll take a recycling drive over a charity ball any day. She can't stand hats and heels. Abby's not getting much sympathy, of course, because everyone thinks the life of royalty is so charmed.

But to Abigail, keeping up appearances is unbearable, while running away doesn't seem to work either. Just when she feels like she's getting whiplash from swinging between flat-out rebellion to miserable capitulation, Abigail meets an all-American self-made millionaire who challenges her on every level.

It may turn out that what Abigail is searching for kind of resembles the American Dream...

Review:
Abigail is a mid-twenties modern day daughter of a Duke and considered British Royalty. She hasn’t flaunted her wealth at all but in fact has been a rebel to her family life-style, enjoying a long term relationship with her beloved friend, Tully. The two of them set off on good deed adventures, living with tribes and communes along the way. Even Abby’s own family members are not sure if their relationship was real or one of rebellion to spite her cold and proper mother.

Now Abby and Tully have parted ways and Abby decides it is time for her to find a meaningful purpose - job or career - for her life. As she contemplates that dilemma, and the fears it brings, she also realizes that for the first time she is attracted to a man. Not just any man, but a super powerful American fashion business entrepreneur who is surrounded by high fashion and powerful and poised women.

Eliot and Abigail have developed an easy going friendship over the past many months since they met. Eliot adores and is intrigued by Abigail=s natural enthusiasm for life. He convinces her to give them a chance and they have a wonderful visit with his parents in Idaho. They finally get together but when Abby thinks it is a quick fling, Eliot goes overboard and professes the level of his interest scaring her away.

A year later Abby is busy getting her new foundation properly established as it funds grants for worthy women’s interests. Her loving older brothers and brash sister-in-laws are worried about her especially when an engagement announcement for Eliot appears in the post. Even her stiff mother has softened finding a new love that has changed her perspective on love and motherhood. Can Abby face her fears and reach Eliot before it is too late to acknowledge their love?
I have to admit that I was turned off by the very beginning of the book. I don’t mean to be prissy or prejudiced but I don’t approve of lesbian life styles and I choose not to read about them. This is not a book about that but the beginning starts off with a lead that made it harder for me to warm to Abigail. I was also negative about the fact that she was leading a pretty purposeful life when there was much she could have been doing.

On the other hand, I liked Eliot a lot as a strong, warm, confident male character with grace and charm. I truly enjoyed the style of writing which has a very nice, real flow and a warm strength of description. There is some “British brashness” which is perfectly fitting for the characters. The supporting family members add their own spark, sass and charm to the story. The sex scenes get a bit steamy but are manageable.

Ultimately I enjoyed the love story as it ran through difficulties and then a second chance. The addition of the fiancé added some needed conflict that enriched the story. I had not read any part of the series so this works fine as a stand alone. Read past the opening passages and you will find a rather fun, charming romance.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used ARC 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

 visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 14, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 14, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change by John Hagee

This tells of 'signs in the heavens' that will occur in 2014 and 2015! Are these "end time" warnings?
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by John Hagee
Narrated by Dean Gallagher

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-06-13
Publisher: Oasis Audio

Genre: Christianity, Spirituality

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary.
Over the last 500 years, blood-red moons have fallen on the first day of Passover three separate times. These occurrences were connected to some of the most significant days in Jewish history: 1492 (the final year of the Spanish Inquisition when Jews were expelled from Spain), 1948 (statehood for Israel and the War of Independence) and 1967 (the Six-Day War). Every heavenly body is controlled by the unseen hand of God, which signals coming events to humanity. There are no solar or lunar accidents.
The next series of four blood moons occurs at Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015. In this riveting book, Hagee explores what these blood moons mean and why Christians must understand these signs and what they bode both for Israel and the world. Joel 2 and Acts 2 both state: "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness [eclipse] and the moon into blood [eclipse] before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes."
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2013 Worthy Publishing (P)2013 Oasis Audio

Review:
John Hagee is a well known Christian author who has studied and written quite a bit on Biblical prophesy. He founded a national organization called Christians United for Israel which is to bring Christians and Jews together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherly love, emphasizing our common interests that outweigh any differences. Although this book is designed to discuss the importance of four blood moons, or total lunar eclipses, coming in 2014 and 2015, Hagee builds first a Biblical basis for acknowledging ‘signs in the heavens’ and why it is important for Christians to support the nation of Israel. The book is laid out in the form of an outline that is easy to follow.

Hagee was encouraged by a Pastor with strong Jewish scholarship to study the sun, moon and stars as a source of prophetic revelation. He began to study the importance of blood moons as referenced in the Bible and as they relate to ‘signs in the heavens’ and the Jewish nation.

Hagee discusses Biblical events shown by signs in the heaven, including the Star in the East and God’s ability to control time by stopping the Sun (Joshua 10:1-13). In discussing the importance of blood moons, Hagee explains that it is important to understand the Jewish calendar and the Jewish Feasts. These are events that are rarely studied by everyday Christians so it is wonderful to have this resource to bring a better understanding to lay people like myself. Hagee also covers chapters on The Spine of Prophecy and Concerning the Rapture in a direct, outlined manner that is easy to absorb.

Hagee reviews the last three series of four blood moons, called a Tetrad, and the important events that happened to Israel in those years: 1493-94, 1949-50, 1967-68. Each series had a solar eclipse that occurred within the span and had significant events relating to Jewish Festival days. Hagee does not try to predict precisely what will happen during this coming Tetrad, although he notes its connection to the Feast of Trumpets. He makes an excellent point for being aware and being prepared for something extremely important. This is full of excellent supporting references which I enjoyed following.

As Hagee notes near his conclusion: a series of four blood moons, a Tetrad, is rare; a Tetrad with a solar eclipse within its series is very rare; a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse that is significant to Israel’s history and the Jewish Feasts is very, very rare; “a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse historically significant to Israel and Jewish Feasts that includes a Shemittah year within its series is very, very, very rare”; “but a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse, historically significant to Israel and falling on the Jewish Feasts with a Shemittah year that corresponds with the Feast of Trumpets (the Jewish New Year) within its series is astronomically rare!” [Emphasis supplied.]  Hagee has concluded that history is about to change forever, that "God is sending us messages but the question is: are we listening?"

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the audio version and it was an easy, quick listen. There is a summary pdf Guide for the history of the last sets of Tetrads that was provided with the audio book that is helpful. However, I am inclined to think this is a book better read in print so that the reader can go back to references more easily. Still if you find this topic of interest, I highly recommend that you listen or read in print!

I selected this from Audible for my own library although I also purchased the Kindle version. 

It's Monday What are You Reading? March 3, 2014.

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a fairly good week even though I only finished two books; one I am reading is really long. I did post four reviews, three with giveaways! Got most of the usual memes. :-)

Sadly, as I worked through my week trying to keep up and prepare for another lost weekend I did not get to do any visiting. :-(
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? February 24, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday February 24, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Conspiracy in Death, Book 8 by J.D. Robb; Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.75.

• Audible Book Review: Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle, Paranormal Romance; my rating 3.75. 

• Audible Book Review: Going Home, Survivalist Series Book 1 by A. American; End of The World, Sci Fi, my rating 4.5. 

• Book Review: Surviving Home, Survivalist Series Book 2 by A. American, End of the World, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 28, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/6/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #140 Comment Giveaway 3/1/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 3/8/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 2, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Of Poseidon
by Anna Banks
Published by AudioGO
I received this and The Tempest from SYNC YA May 30 – June 5, 2013.
So far I am enjoying this audio a little more than The Tempest. :-)
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
by Megan Mulry
I am mid-way on this. Still mixed feelings. :-)
Reading for Sourcebooks.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on several releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  The Way She Makes Me Feel by Pembroke Sinclair.
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy
by Robert Reed
This is a fascinating, imaginative tale! 624 pages makes it a longer read but I was hooked quickly. Reading through Net Galley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

Silver City Massacre
by Charles G. West
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
This reminds of the old time western movies my DH likes to watch. :-)
I picked this up at Audiobook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
A treacherous journey…
Joel McAllister is a lieutenant in the Confederate Army – or at least he was, until Lee surrendered. Now he's determined to get as far away from war as possible, somewhere beyond North and South…and maybe somewhere with some gold: Idaho Territory.
Accompanied by his steadfast sergeant, Riley, the two former soldiers travel westward from Texas. But the trail to Silver City is littered with peril - including a band of notoriously merciless Comanche warriors.
When his traveling party expands to include two women survivors of a Comanche raid and a Bannock Indian, Joel will need to rely on what soldier's instinct he has left in him to deliver everyone to Silver City alive - and keep them alive once they're there.
©2014 Charles G. West (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3. Print

The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2
By: Susan Page Davis
More in Ladies Shooting Club Series
I'm enjoying this second book which I am reading for Ladies Book Club.
Product Description
Widowed gunsmith Hiram Dooley is in a fix. His widowed sister-in-law believes Hiram's duty is to marry her, and shopkeeper Libby Adams has no idea that he loves her. When the schoolteacher's uncle is murdered, Libby and Hiram team up to solve the crime. Will Hiram be able to tell Libby his true feelings?

I am a day and a half ahead with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

I am still enjoying reading books from my own TBR. :-) My reading/listening is going along well but I have fallen behind in reviews due to being out of commission for several days. 
My backlog for review is now five so I hope to do a couple doubles this week then I'll be caught up next week.

March Schedule - to be posted later.

Sourcebooks:

NetGalley:
  The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy by Robert Reed (reading)

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox 
   A Blind Goddess by James R. Benn

From TBR Collection - 
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: