Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014

Pastor’s sermon today covered two Bible passages. First is Psalm 42:1 that says: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (NIV) If you enjoy hunting and had all the latest gear would you go to downtown Atlanta to hunt for deer? Of course not. You go to a habitat where the deer can be found. Do we create a habitat for God? When we pursue Him, we need to be in a mind set to seek His will.

That leads to the second passage: Ephesians 3:20-21: “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)

The conditional portion of Verse 20 is that He will do more than we imagine, ‘according to His power...’ Commentator Matthew Henry says, “There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more."

It is our own expectations that can limit our God. The more we expect the more we can receive.
Pastor encouraged us to seek with eager anticipation and expand our expectations in three areas.
1. Expect more when preparing for church. What were you coming and expecting to receive when you were driving to church? Pray expecting a breakthrough. Think outside the box. Pray for the unsaved to find salvation, for sick to find healing...and more like the courage to share your testimony..
2. What is your expectation for your personal life? Allow God to work through you for His purposes. Allow Him to use you even in what might normally be unexpected circumstances.
3. What is your expectation of grace? Don’t stop praying for salvation of loved ones, and needs of others, personally known and unknown to you.

Listen to the wonderful blend of voices in "Now To Him" performed by Acappella. 

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen my desire to create a habitat for you. Then I pray that you will give me more boldness to expect more -- according to Your will and power.

Sharing Beyond Books #146 Comment Giveaway April 12, 2014

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

Many of us had a hard time to think of a 'weird' place that we visited although there were many unusual places mentioned. The two weirdest I thought that were mentioned were the Winchester Mystery house in San Jose mentioned by Booklady and the huge human nose at a science fair mentioned by Nikki.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #145 comments is: #7 scottsgal 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 #146 (One Question.)

Q1. Becky asks: Do you make a picture in your mind while reading??

A:  I wish I could say I see the stories I read and listen to, but I don't. I feel like I have limited mental imagery talent. I don't know if it is related to my generally poor eyesight (legally blind without correction). I usually only get blurry images of a story. Rarely do I get a clear picture except when it is something I might relate to like an orange glowing sunset or pink sunrise over water.

Image found at FStoppers.

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. Becky asks: Do you make a picture in your mind while reading??

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 April 19, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Storm Surge: Destroyermen, Book 8 by Taylor Anderson

This is a continuation of this wonderful alternate world series.
Storm Surge: Destroyermen, Book 8


Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins
Series: Destroyermen, Book 8
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:07-02-13
Publisher: Tantor Audio

Genre: Alternate Universe, Action, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the Pacific, as USS Walker is repaired and updated after a previous battle and Reddy is healing from his wounds, planning begins for a bold raid on the very heart of the Grik Empire.
But time is running out for the Alliance army in India, and the Allied forces in the west must gather in an unprecedented land, air, and sea campaign to destroy the mighty Grik battle fleet and break through to their relief. All other plans go on hold when the attempt proves more difficult - and more heartbreakingly costly - than anyone imagined.
Meanwhile, the struggle continues on other fronts near and far: in the jungles of Borno in distant Southern Africa and in the Americas, where the allies are finally learning the terrible truth about the twisted Dominion.
The Alliance is on the offensive everywhere, but their enemies have a few surprises, including new weaponry and new tactics...and a stunning geographic advantage that Reddy never suspected. Until now.
©2013 Taylor Anderson (P)2013 Tantor.

Review:
Two WWII American destroyermen are transferred to an alternate world where they discover new species. They form an Alliance with the Lemurians, a cat-monkey like race, against the the fierce Grik, a lizard like species who eat their enemies.

In this eighth installment there are numerous battles going on at many locations. General Alden is still pinned down and waiting for relief in Indiaa. Japanese General Niwa has shared tactical strategy with Grik Hige Halik and they are making progress in their battles. But the madman Japanese Commander, Kurokawa, using the Griks as tools, isn’t seeking to help the Grik in their fights. Instead he hopes to lure the American and Alliance into battle at Maa-ni-la where he plans to annihilate them with the new ships.

Reddy and his Allies have been busy building new planes and new ships. Although a few troops are sent on individual missions the majority of the forces are being readied to face Kurolawa and the Grik.

Imperial Commodore Jenks is planning the battles in the East against the Holy Dominion threat. Silva and others are trekking through jungles seeking other species of Grik that may be friendly like Laurence. There are a few new groups that are discovered and agree to get involved including some Jaguar warriors, another species of superlizards being led by an American and unexplained spies. There is also a new group that is making attempts to align with Kurokawa and the Grik.

This series is full of action and good character development. I enjoy the battle strategies and scenes as well as the personal interaction.

Audio Notes: I love listening to this series. Dufris' narration has character distinction and scene excitement. It is effective to help me get wrapped up in and lost in the story.

I am really enjoying the continuing adventures in this series. This book was from my own Audible library.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 11, 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 is doing well. I'm enjoying our weather as it warms a bit although we have had a bit of the April Showers!


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 April 4 Pick. There were  two Automatic win 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, one with with multiple picks, which was won.
Di gets the Diamonds of Wellbourne
CarolNW gets Cold Hit Tapes

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 4 Pick:
Jess1 gets The Heart of Darkness Anthology (won through the block)

mariska 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.}

Don't you wish it would rain books?! :-)

Image found at Church Librarians Network.

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 (All gone)

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 647+ 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 

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---(All gone)
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)

Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers) by Mary Burton

This is a solidly entertaining romantic suspense.

You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers)
by Mary Burton

• File Size: 1179 KB
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420125079
• Publisher: Zebra Books (March 25, 2014)
• Genre: Romantic Suspense
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 25, 2014
He Will Never Forget
The broken body hanging from a tree in Texas Hill Country. . .the frozen figure huddled in a meat locker. . .only at second glance does the truth become apparent. What seems like suicide is far more sinister, and the terror is only beginning...
Never Forgive
One devastating moment changed Greer Templeton's life and ended two others. Now, with a body found on her property and Texas Ranger Tec Bragg on her doorstep, Greer's nightmare has returned. With each new victim, her link to Tec's case grows, and soon it will be too late to run.
And Never Let Them Live. . .
Greer hoped the past was behind her, but an obsessed killer has never forgotten the bond that unites them. One by one, he will track down his victims, finish what was started--and make Greer's dying wish come true. . .

Review:
Greer was only fifteen when an accident, while she was driving, resulted in the death of her brother and his girlfriend. The incident left her miserable with guilt and estranged from her mother who couldn’t forgive her. A failed suicide attempt placed Greer, then known as Elizabeth, in a rehabilitation facility for rich families who wanted to keep their problem children secret.

When Greer left Shady Grove her Aunt took her in and put her to work in her vineyard. Steady work and focus helped Greer move forward even though her pain and guilt has never really gone away. Now twelve years later she has started to step back into the world and she has agreed to host an event to raise funds for the local crisis center.

A few days before the party the police discover a man who has been hung on the edge of Greer’s property. Police call in Texas Ranger Tec Bragg who quickly picks up on clues that show this was murder, not suicide. There is a photo tacked nearby of the man when he was much younger with a haunted girl. Bragg is able to track down the dead man’s brother and learns that the picture was taken at Shady Grove twelve years earlier and the girl is Elizabeth, now Greer.

Bragg meets Greer because she has just agreed to hire Bragg’s shell shocked, sullen nephew, Mitch. Greer is also a suspect in the murder. Then a woman is found dead in a freezer. Greer hears about the death on the radio and goes to Bragg to explain that she thinks the woman was also a patient at Shady Grove twelve years before.

One by one the members of the Shady Grove pod are dying by unusual circumstances that tie to their youthful suicide attempts. Greer won’t give out the names of the others because they all promised silence. The home administrator also clings to a commitment to privacy so Bragg’s efforts to locate the other members, whether victims or killer, are hindered. Bragg has already developed an attraction to Greer and his concern for her safety is escalating. Can he uncover the identity of the killer before he strikes out at Greer?

There is mystery and suspense that carries this story forward at a good pace. There are a couple of twists to the killer that I didn't catch onto until later in the book. The romance element is nicely developed with two interesting characters. Although Greer has an injured soul she is now a determined young business owner. Bragg had a rough childhood family situation and has always held himself apart. Having a nephew to care for has turned his thoughts to family and his growing feelings for Greer have intensified those thoughts.

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense. It is a solidly entertaining read and I recommend this book and others by Mary Burton to those who like good romantic suspense.

I received this title for review and feature.

ABOUT MARY BURTON 
            New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton has been intrigued by investigative work and the people who do it since Virginia, her home state, was stung by a string of serial killings that spanned more than twenty years.  Not surprisingly, many of her suspense novels are fueled by the acts of multiple killers and the people who pursue them, as is YOU’RE NOT SAFE, which completes the trio of stories set in and around Austin she began with The Seventh Victim and continued with No Escape.
            The author of twenty-one novels and three novellas, her earlier work includes I'm Watching You, Dead Ringer and Dying Scream, set in her home town of Richmond, and Senseless, Merciless and Before She Dies, set in Alexandria.
            Mary’s intensive research has led to meetings with key members of law enforcement, to seminars and classes, and to the firing range.  She is a graduate of the Henrico County Citizens Police Academy and the Richmond FBI Citizen's Academy, and has attended Sisters in Crime's Forensic University program and the Writers Police Academy in Jamestown, North Carolina.
            A Richmond native whose family roots run as deep as the nation's, Mary has lived there for most of her life.  She graduated from Virginia's Hollins University and had a career in marketing before deciding to write full time. Her first manuscript, a historical romance, was published in 2000.
            She is a member of Thriller Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She travels often for signings, speaking engagements and other appearances.  She is a frequent speaker regarding writing and genre fiction, and continues to present her "Unraveling Romantic Suspense" workshop and her day-long program "Writing Your Book...The First Step."
            Mary is currently finishing work on her new suspense novel, Cover Your Eyes.  The first of three thrillers set in Nashville, it is being published in November. In October her novella, A Ranger for Christmas, will be featured in the holiday anthology, Our First Christmas, along with works by Lisa Jackson, Mary Carter and Cathy Lamb. 
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used Print Copy from the publicist.

www.maryburton.com    http://www.facebook.com/maryburtonfanpage    www.kensingtonbooks.com

YOU’RE NOT SAFE

Mary Burton

Zebra Books/Mass Market Original/Fiction

April 2014/On Sale 3-25-14/$7.99 ($8.99 Canada)

978-1-4201-2507-8

EXCERPTED FROM MARY BURTON’S YOU’RE NOT SAFE

    As he approached the building, a woman pushed through the glass doors of the main entrance.  She wasn’t tall, barely standing over five feet, but she held her shoulders back and her clear green eyes cut.  Not more than thirty, she had gently tanned smooth skin that accentuated a high slash of cheekbones.  She wore her light brown hair in a braid that brushed slender shoulders, a white Bonneville Vineyards T-shirt billowing over full breasts and tucked into faded work jeans hugging gently rounded hips. Her boots were dusty, well-worn.  “Can I help you?”
     Her voice had a rusty, whiskey quality giving this wholesome farm girl a seductiveness enjoyed by older more sophisticated women.
     Elizabeth Templeton.
     She was a far cry from the girl in the old image or the pictures Rory had taken.  The last dozen years had leaned out her frame and face adding maturity and an appealing naturalness. But Rory’s picture images had gotten her all wrong.  What he’d taken for as anger and bitterness in the photos, in person, appeared to be a fascinating intensity.  He suspected this woman did no job halfway.
     “I’m with the Texas Rangers.”
     Elizabeth cocked her head, studying him close, as if sensing this place wasn’t his kind of place.  However, even as her gaze catalogued his large frame and the scar on his face she showed no fear.  “How can I help you?”
     He managed a smile.  “You Elizabeth Templeton?”
     Mention of her name triggered waves of tension that straightened her spine and narrowed her eyes.  Hesitation flickered as if she seemed to toy with a lie.  “That’s right.  But I go by my middle name now.  Greer.”
     Elizabeth Greer Templeton.  Greer.  The woman who’d offered his boy a job.  “Sergeant Tec Bragg.”

**********

     He studied her expression closely.  “I investigated a murder bordering your land yesterday.”     A hint of remorse darkened her gaze.  “I heard about that.  Some fellow hanged himself.” And then as if to head off his next question, “A cruiser came by yesterday and spoke to my farm manager while I was in town.  I’m supposed to call him back but haven’t gotten to it."
     “You hear anything else?”
     “No.  I don’t have time for gossip and news.  So if you’re here to ask me about the dead person I’m afraid I can’t do much for you.  I spend most of my days here working.  I don’t venture out much.”
     And yet you’d made your way into town yesterday to talk to my boy.  “I think you might know the victim.”
     “Could be, but I only know a handful of people in the area.”
     He studied her face closely.  “The victim’s name was Rory Edwards.”
     Irritation gave way to surprise.  Pursing her lips she drew in a deep breath, letting it out so slowly he barely saw her move.  “Is this some kind of trick?  Are you trying to prod information out of me because I hired your nephew?”
     “No trick.  The medical examiner confirmed the identity of the body yesterday.”
     She folded her arms over her chest.  “I’ve not seen Rory in a long time.  At least twelve years.”
     “You’ve had no contact with him in this time?”
     Her lips pursed.  “I had a message on my voice mail a week ago.  The caller said he was coming to see me.  He was an old friend.  I did not return the call.”
“Why not?”
Green eyes clouded before sharpening.  “Some matters are better left in the past.”
“I get the impression he still cared about you after all this time.”
She shook her head.  “I have no idea.”
“I searched his room last night.  He had a box full of recent pictures of you.”
Her face paled.  “I don’t know about that.”
“Can I ask how you two met?”
The grip on her biceps tightened.  “I get the sense you already know.”
Apprehension rolled off her and all but slammed into Bragg.  Rory Edwards and her past were sore subjects.  “Answer the question.”
She glanced around as if making sure no one was around.  “We met when we were teenagers.  We were both in a clinic for troubled teens.”
“You both tried to kill yourself.”
The lines in her forehead deepened.  “I’m not proud of that time, but what does it have to do with Rory’s death?  Like I said, I haven’t seen him in a dozen years.”
Bragg unclipped his phone and scrolled to the picture he’d taken of the photo found at the crime scene.  He held out the phone, coaxing her closer toward him.  “You remember this picture?”
She didn’t approach right away but then moved closer.  The soft scent of soap rose up around her.  No flowery perfumes or exotic scents but simply clean soap.  His body tightened, unmindful of logic or reason.
For a long moment she didn’t say a word and then she cleared her voice.  “It was taken the last night we were both at the camp.  Rory left the next morning.”
“How’d he end up with the picture if he left?”
“I sent him a copy from camp.  I didn’t want him to forget me.”
“His brother said you wrote to him several times a week but Rory’s father threw out the letters.”
Her jaw tensed, and he suspected an old wound opened.  “I guess one letter made it through.”
“Rory never forgot you.”
She stepped back.  “I wish he had.”
“Why’s that?”
“Really, do you have to ask?  It was a painful time, and I’ve done my best over the last twelve years to forget about it.”
He locked his phone and tucked it back in its cradle.  “Were you really able to forget?”
She cleared her throat.  “Rory’s family did us a favor by keeping us apart.  But the rest?   No, I have not forgotten that I wrecked a car and killed my brother and his girlfriend.  I ruined so many lives.  I carry that with me every day.”
“That why you tried to kill yourself?”
© 2013 Mary Burton YOU’RE NOT SAFE

Enter this Giveaway for a Print Copy from the Publicist.

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 April 18, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 18, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.