It's Monday What are You Reading? March 17, 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 good week reading and stayed up with reviews.  I posted four reviews, one with multiple giveaways. Posted the usual memes. :-)

I did get to do some visiting even it it was late in the week. :-)
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 10, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday March 10, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: The Tempest by William Shakespeare; Classic, Dramatization; my rating 4.0.

• Audio Book Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks; fantasy; my rating 4.75.
  

• Audio Book Review: Silver City Massacre by Charles G. West; Western; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 14, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 3/20/14.

• Book Review and Giveaways (three total): The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2 by Susan Page Davis; Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 4.25. Ends 3/26/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #142 Comment Giveaway 3/15/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 3/22/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 16, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Long Road: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)
by G. Michael Hopf
I enjoyed this second book and will post review for book 1 and 2 this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Desperately Seeking Suzanna
by Elizabeth Michels
This is a fun historical romance.
I'll post review with ARC giveaway later this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP4

A Blind Goddess
Author: James R. Benn
Narrator: Peter Berkrot
This is very, very interesting. I'lll post the review this week. Selected through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on several releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  Annie's Special Day by Clara Bowman-Jahn.
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Heart of a Hero
by Marie Higgins
I am 70% into this and it is a fun read.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
There's a new hero in town... When Summer Bennett returns to Richfield after a five-year stint at her aunt's finishing school, she discovers a lot has changed. Her father has suffered a crippling injury, and Summer is desperate to get the money to pay for surgery that could allow him to walk again.

She hears of a reward offered for the capture of a cunning gang of bank robbers, and her years of etiquette training fall by the dusty roadside.

What Summer doesn't count on in her quest to capture the bandits is the competition from her family's longtime friend, Jesse Slade. Now a deputy marshal and local hero, Jesse keeps thwarting Summer's plans, just like he did when she wore pigtails. She would like nothing more than to use Jesse's head for a slingshot target, but soon Summer finds her aim shifting from his head to his heart. Problem is, Jesse is engaged to her sister Violet.

2. Audible/MP4

Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
I really like this series so I purchased this with my February Audible credit! I will start listening tonight.
Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series has been hailed as “one of the best” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews). Now Mercy must deal with an unwanted guest—one that brings a threat unlike anything she’s ever known.
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from a stalker. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.
Soon her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the furthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get him, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.
Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s stalker is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.
©2014 Hurog, Inc. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

3. Print

Tall, Dark & Fangsome (Immortality Bites)
by Michelle Rowen
I know this is the last in a series but it sounds like fun
so I picked this from my "won" books. We'll see how I like it as I get into it.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 11, 2009
Sarah Dearly's vampire life is not all B-positive cocktails. A curse made her a nightwalker, the most vicious vamp there is; the charm she wears to curb her deadly tendencies is losing its juice; and a hunter from hell is turning up the heat. Gideon Chase will kill the ones she loves most if she doesn't obey his orders. That includes breaking up with master vampire Thierry and turning Gideon into an immortal vamp so he can escape a doom of eternal hellfire.

Making things worse are Sarah's growing feelings for Gideon, a bad boy who keeps showing a vulnerable side . . . but is it for real? Will Sarah's dark side take over? Or can she cure herself of the nightwalker curse in time to stop Gideon and finally live happily ever after with Thierry . . . forever?

4. eBook/Kindle

Jaspar's War
by Cym Lowell
I was pleased to see this new release by Cym.
I am anxious to read and review it for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 5, 2014
Greenwich, Connecticut socialite Jaspar Moran has it all—a magnificent estate, two beautiful children and a loving husband, Trevor, serving as the Secretary of the Treasury. Protected, admired and living in the lap of luxury, Jaspar is reeling from the news that his government jet has crashed just as her children vanish without a trace.
An ominous message warns her to keep silent about her husband’s role in the President’s economic plan. Or else.
Determined to save her children, she’ll go to hell and back, form alliances with assassins, traitors and Mafioso, and commit unspeakable acts—if that’s what it takes. With alarms sounding around the world, hunted from all sides, and unsure of who to trust, she finds herself depending on a mysterious figure without an identity.
Jaspar journeys from the Australian outback to the palazzos of Rome, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and to the magnificence of the Vatican, in her quest. Can she rescue her children before the plot to crash the global economy is unleashed?

I am up to date 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 continuing to enjoy reading books from my own TBR. :-) I did get four reviews completed this week so 5-4 =1 +3 new = 4. That pretty much gets me up to date. 

March Scheduled - nothing dated but I still plan to look for some book hops.

Sourcebooks: read/to be reviewed

NetGalley: I might look this week for some more titles. 
Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles by Maggie Gallagher

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox read/to be reviewed

From TBR Collection - Heart of a Hero.
Won Book - Tall Dark and Fangsome.
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 16, 2014

We had another lovely service this morning. Pastor's sermon started while the choir was changing from our robes so I missed the beginning. The gist of the message is that we can not really live a Christian life, or succeed in God's Will on our own efforts. But God is ready to help us in all things. We can defeat temptation and walk uprightly only when we allow the Spirit to direct us. We cannot do it on our own. We must surrender and turn our issues over to God. When I am in Christ I am strong. I am victorious because I allow Christ to work through me.  1 John 4:17 (ASV) Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, even so are we in this world.

This is a worship song we sang new this morning

that fits the message - Victor's Crown.

A Verse for Today
John 16:33  (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I am weak in my own will. I must remember each morning to seek God's Will first and allow Him to work through me each day. I give you praise, Lord, for being there to help me in all things.

Sharing Beyond Books #142 Comment Giveaway March 15, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Most of us do not go to theatre productions that often. However six people do enjoy productions and try to go often OR they go because family members are involved, like scottsgal's sister and niece in acting or Sarah's nephew in band productions. Ricki must be very busy running a community youth theatre that puts on 12 programs a year!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #141 comments is: #15 ElizabethL 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.

WEEK #142 (One Question.)

Q1. Nikki asks: I've always been interested in names. And with all the great new names created these days, just wondering, for those who already have kids, did you name your kids after book/movie characters, or countries, or singers? For those who have yet to have kids, would you consider naming your kids after book/movie characters??

A: Our daughter was named after a flower with middle name Raye as a mix of her grandfather's name, Ray, and a favorite aunt of mine, Rae. But our son does have a character name as his middle name. The choice was between "Patton" which was actually a family surname, or "Shane" from the 1953 movie which is one of my husband's favorites. :-)

Image found at IMBd.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Nikki asks: I've always been interested in names. And with all the great new names created these days, just wondering, for those who already have kids, did you name your kids after book/movie characters, or countries, or singers? For those who have yet to have kids, would you consider naming your kids after book/movie characters??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 March 22, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaways (three total): The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2 by Susan Page Davis

This is another fun, easy read in the Ladies Shooting Club Series.

The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2

by Susan Page Davis

Number of Pages: 320

Vendor: Barbour Publishing

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN-13: 9781602607958

$1.99 (CBD Price)

Genre: Historical Romance, Western

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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?

Review:
Hiram Dooley has been reclusive for several years since the death of his wife in childbirth. He is pleased his sister, Trudy, has found a beau in his best friend, town sheriff, Ethan (The Sheriff's Surrender - Book 1). Although he is beginning to wonder when Ethan is going to get the gumption to make Trudy his bride. Hiram is also beginning to wonder if he might be able to find love again as he becomes more interested in the town shopkeeper, widow Libby Adams.  First though Hiram has to deal with the complication of his first wife’s prissy sister-in-law who has moved in with the idea that Hiram should marry her!

Libby hasn't been looking for another husband but she keeps noticing the steady strength, honesty and goodness of her best friend’s brother, Hiram. If they are both ready to move away from their morning pasts, perhaps her future could hold more than just a widow’s life running the town mercantile.

Although this book presents itself as Libby and Hiram’s story, their relationship is really quietly building in the background while the action revolves around Isabel and her father, Cyrus. Cyrus is the biggest land owner in town and wealthiest man as he runs the stage and bed & breakfast among other interests. One night a strange, rather unkempt man shows up at their house and he is introduced to Isabel as her Uncle. This is news to Isabel who never heard her mother talk about a brother. Isabel doesn't hear the man leave but a bit later discovers her father secretly burying something behind the barn. Isabel seeks comfort and help from Libby as she is frightened especially as her father becomes more and more uncommunicative. Then he starts trying to sell land around town to raise money but Isabel doesn't know why.

A new group of rough cowboys show up in town causing some ruckus for the sheriff and raising concerns from other townsfolk. It seems that the family trouble between Cyrus and Isabel is related to the rough man who has set up ranching on one of Cyrus’ properties.

Before Ethan, Trudy, Libby and Hiram can help Isabel to figure out what is going on with Cyrus she is kidnapped. It is heartwarming when the whole town steps forward to help Cyrus rescue one of their own.

There is gentle humor and western action to keep this story interesting. It moves at a good pace especially since we know the town characters from the first book. I really enjoy how the author brings in Christian messages of love, forgiveness and trust by making them part of the characters' lives in sharing rather than a preaching situation.

This is the second book in the series. Although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend reading the books in order to get a better grasp on the manner town characters. One of our book club members thought we were reading book 3 instead of 2. She said that book 3 is a fun read too.

I picked up book 1 and 2 in this series at very good prices for Ladies Book Club.

I have decided to giveaway print books 1 and 2 separately but in this one entry - so TWO WINNERS get one print book each. Please note that The Sheriff's Surrender is still available for $1.65 at CBD and The Gunsmith's Gallantry is $1.99. All three books in the series are available in ebook format from CBD for the very reasonable price of $6.05 with no postage costs! SO - I am adding a THIRD WINNER for the ebook of all three stories!
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used Print Copies.

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 first review, second review OR

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

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print but worldwide for the ebook!
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 26, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 26, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 14, 2014

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

Aargh! I never got to the office last weekend as I spent the day with book club and facial and grandkids. :-) So I completely forgot the picture for another set of books this week. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pickings are getting slim so if you want to wait until Saturday 3/15 I'll add a new list then! New Pic and list now added!

I've had a good week - busy but not overly stressful. Our weather warmed up until another shot of cold today but there are many signs of spring - hyacinth, daffodils and wild African violets blooming!


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 7 Pick. LOTS - FIVE! - of 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 was one title blocked but it was won.
bn100 gets Something Extra
rubynreba gets Fern Michaels' Pair
Carol NW gets The Reckoning
Rita gets White Heather
and
Sue gets Swimming Without a Net

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 7 Pick:
Alyn gets Provocative in Pearls (through the block)

Janhvi gets a GC

SPECIAL ebook GIVEAWAY: Only five people entered for the eBook Giveaway.

WINNER:  Jess1 gets The Iron Duke (Riveted Novel)

 (which looks like a book I would like!)

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 image is in recognition of St. Patrick's Day! Happy Green!

Image found at EnergyAce.

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


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
Provocative 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: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

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 (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
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
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 639+ 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
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)