Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 27, 2014

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

Ha - Good New - Bad News. Good News: I had a new set of books to post which is good because of all the winners today. :-) Bad News: I could not get the computer at home to read the SD card. I will have to try at work on Friday.
Happy (official) Summer everyone!

[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 June 20 Pick. WOW, there were FIVE Automatic wins this week. Looks like everyone is on the same schedule.  (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 no titles blocked.
Carol M. gets Mesmerized
Anita gets Strong Arms of the Law
Rita gets Spring Fancy
Sue gets Penhallow
and 
Alyn gets Son of the Sword

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 20 Pick:
bn100 gets The Elizabeth Lowell Pair

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.}

Is everyone ready to make a summer splash with reading?  I am!

Image found at Alliance Public Library.

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014
Pic is up - list to be input later

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad
Son of the Sword by J. Ardian Lee
Spring Fancy by LaVyrle Spenser
Tangled Lives by Margot Dalton
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
Underfoot by Leanne Banks


New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

PAIRS:
Catherine Palmer: Prairie Rose and A Whisper of Danger
Stephanie Laurens: A Lady of His Own (spine creases) and Impetuous Innocent
SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
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:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

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

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

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
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---(All gone)

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 679+ 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)

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)

Audio Book Review: Greenwillow by B.J. Chute

This is a beautifully written, charming story. I have to agree with the comment: "Everyone needs to visit Greenwillow..."

Audio Book: Greenwillow
by B.J. Chute
Narrator: Ann M. Richardson
Audio Book Length: 6 hrs 44 mins
# of Audio CD's: 6
Audio CD ISBN: 978-1-927817-34-6
Genre: Classic Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

"Everyone needs to visit Greenwillow and meet its wonderful inhabitants - from the two reverends with their 'two ways of walking before the Lord' to the irrepressible Micah who braves the devil."
A lyrical and timeless fable of the small country village Greenwlllow and its unforgettable inhabitants, and the poignant romance between young Gideon Briggs, who lives in the shadow of a family curse and is determined never to marry, and Dorrie, the orphan girl he loves. Perhaps B.J. Chute's best-known novel, a critic described Greenwillow as "a deeply moving, gently humorous and serenely wise story of young love and self-discovery." Greenwillow was brought to the Broadway stage in 1960, starring Anthony Perkins, with book by Lesser Samuels and Frank Loesser, and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
A bit of trivia. Anthony Perkins was simultaneously filming Alfred Hitchcock's classic shocker Psycho while rehearsing Greenwillow. Over the years, Perkins, in interviews, always said that his stand-in was used in the filming of the infamous shower scene, because he was rehearsing a Broadway show. Greenwillow was that show.

Review:
The village of Greenwillow is a sweet, pastoral place where everyone knows each other. The villagers have forgotten the name of the river that flows by, so they call it The Meander. The sweet, steepled church houses the lean, stern Reverend Lapp who lives in the village with his equally stern and snobby mother. It is a bit of a surprise when another preacher, the robust, cheerful Reverend Birdsong, appears to share the pulpit. Now the two men of God have to cope with each other, Lapp preaching against hell and demons, and Birdsong soothing and comforting the flock with a gentler message.

Out beyond the fork of the river a small cabin contains the household of Amos Briggs. Amos himself is a wandering man who was gone when his first wife died giving birth to his eldest son, Gideon. Amos has visited his second wife, Martha, often enough to leave five more children in her care, along with Granmma Briggs who is not afraid to voice her opinion on things in the house and village.

Gideon has grown strong and responsible, taking care of the farm and heading the house in the absence of his father. All his life Gideon has been led to expect to receive the cursed wandering call that falls on all the first born Brigg’s sons. Gideon is diligently preparing everything to be in good shape to turn over to his half brother, Micah.

Dorrie, a young orphan girl, lives in the village taking care of two elderly spinsters. She is known for her sweet, kind spirit as well as her delicious baking. Dorrie has a fondness for Gideon but he refuses to encourage her affections as he knows he will be leaving in the next year when his call comes. Gideon has vowed to never marry so that he won’t leave a woman behind to birth his children alone.

Micah is a bold, outspoken and brave child. Since Reverend Lapp preaches that Gideon will be called off by the devil if he doesn’t resist, Micah decides to face the devil himself to try to make him leave Gideon alone so he will stay in the village with his family.

This story is absolutely delightful with its stage-full of unique and precocious characters, from the youngest child, Jabez, to old Granmma. There is a wonderful contrast between the two preachers, both offering different strengths and carrying different weaknesses. The lovely prose and mystical story made me think of the ethereal Brigadoon. I had never heard of this story but I am so glad I was offered the chance to listen and review it. I highly recommend this gem to those who are ready for a lyrical tale to take them away from the stress of the world for an idyllic, gentle adventure.

Audio Notes: I think it would be difficult to find a more perfect reading than this one by Ann M. Richardson. Her soft lyrical narration, and the portrayal of the different characters, made Greenwillow come alive in my mind. I am sure the written text is lovely but the audio is a true delight.

I received this download from Post Hypnotic Press Books for an honest review.

Please follow this link to enjoy an audio sample.
(Also available at Audible.)

Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlister

This is a fun historical romp!
The Trouble With Harry
by Katie MacAlister

• 
  
• File Size: 968 KB
• Print Length: 323 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0843951443
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 1, 2014)
• ASIN: B00J8QDJHI

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Enjoy unforgettable characters and irreverent laughs in the Regency series that launched the career of New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister
You think you've got troubles?
As a spy for the Crown, Lord Harry Rosse faced clever and dangerous adversaries-but it's his five offspring who seem likely to send him to Bedlam. At his wits' end, he's advertised for a wife and found one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on certain points...
Wait till you meet Harry and Plum...
Frederica Pelham, affectionately known as Plum, spent years avoiding the scandals of her past, and is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. And while all kinds of secrets are catching up with them, Plum knows the real trouble with Harry... is that he's stolen her heart.

Review:
As a young woman just entering society Frederica Pelham, "Plum", met Charles who charmed her. Plum eloped with him and they were soon enjoying connubial bliss. Six months later a dismayed Plum learned that Charles already had a wife and the marriage was a fraud.  Shunned by family and society Plum is forced to live in the country in seclusion except for the company of her rather tomboyish niece, “Thom”, short for Thomasine.  Plum wrote and published a notorious book to raise money for support. It would be another terrible scandal if anyone learns that she was the author of the shocking book.

Harry is a widowed, retired government spy with five ‘rambunctious’ children. He decides to advertise for a wife and deems himself lucky to discover Plum. They marry a few days later, both hoping their secrets will be accepted easier after the fact.

Plum and Harry are looking forward to consummating their marriage but they are interrupted by first one child, then another...then a third. So Harry’s secret is disclosed pretty quickly and Plum has to decide if she is willing to become an instant mother to five hellions. Since one of Plum’s dreams is to have children she decides that she will be the best mother she can be.

Harry lost his first wife while giving birth. He doesn’t plan on losing Plum who is not only a lovely companion but she is an eager bed-mate and she is coping with the children. Plum believes Harry won’t give her a child because he doesn’t think she is a good enough mother to his active children who keep having dangerous accidents.

Thom runs into a young man she thinks is burglarizing a house during an evening dance. Nick helps protect the children from a runaway carriage but realizes it was a deliberate attack. Now Harry finally accepts that someone is trying to harm his children and his new wife. Meanwhile, Plum’s ‘ex’ fake husband comes back into the picture threatening her with blackmail.

The relationship between Plum and Harry is pure fun. I enjoyed that they are mature characters in their 40s. Plum’s indomitable spirit wins over the children and Harry’s support intimidates snooty society ladies who would question Plum’s background. Harry and Plum work a bit at odds but eventually get all secrets behind them and find a way to escape the dangers. There is some raciness with Plum’s connubial calisthenics, the topic of her book. Thom and the children add to the confusion and excitement as well and there is Harry's amorous butler, Juan, who is enamored of Plum. This is a good romp to enjoy when you want a light historical.

I received this title from Sourcebooks through NetGalley for an honest review. 

Giveaway:

I was glad to select this title as I had the 2004 print book in my TBR box. :-)
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my older Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S PAGE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 2, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 2, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Giveaway June 2014

AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY June 2014

June is Audiobook Month! I have been meaning to set up a giveaway and the month almost slipped by.

TWO WINNERS:

FIRST PRIZE: Winner's choice of Audio Book value up to $30.00.
Pick book from Audible, Post Hypnotic Press, Christian Books, DownPour, Tantor Audio or other vendor where I can purchase/gift a download book for the winner.

SECOND PRIZE: Winner's choice of any of the audio books in these two boxes:

CDs:                                                                                Cassette Tapes
Black Hills by Dan Simmons                                      Kisscut by Karen Slaughter
Absolute Power by David Baldacci                            Hometown Legend by Jerry B. Jenkins
True Blue by David Baldacci                        The Cabinet of Curiosities by Preston & Childs
Hell's Corner by David Baldacci                                1st to Die by James Patterson
What a Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell                      Best Kept Secret by Sandra Brown
The Island by Erin Hilderbrand
The Age of the Unthinkable by Joshua Cooper Ramo

CDs unless noted as MP3
The Taste of Innocence by Stephanie Laurens               Night Rounds by Helene Tursten
The Juror by George Dawes Green                               The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick
The Innocent Man by John Grisham                      The Postcard Killers by James Patterson
Secular Sabotage by Bill Donohue                            Step on a Crack by James Patterson
Marriage and other Acts of Charity by Kate Braestrup  The Lincoln Lawyer by M Connelly
Right on the Money by Pat Robertson                           No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose
No Rest for the Dead - multitude of authors                  Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck
The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck                              Karma's Law by Kristi Lamb (MP3 Disc)
Bones are Forever by Kathy Reichs



**********************
To enter this giveaway leave a comment identifying a favorite audiobook that you have listened to OR an audiobook you would like to buy (or win).



Open Worldwide.
Ends July 5, 2014 at 5pm CST.

Mailbox Monday June 22, 2014

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I selected four NetGalley books; selected two Audibles; purchased three Kindle titles; downloaded two free audios from SYNC, and many free ebooks.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up these titles at NetGalley:




The Night Visitor
by Dianne Emley
In bestselling author Dianne Emley’s chilling new paranormal thriller, a beautiful woman’s romantic past comes back to haunt her in the form of an otherworldly visitor seeking justice.

Sky Zone: A Novel (The Crittendon Files)

by Crreston Mapes
A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions. 

Neverhome
by Laird Hunt
She is a farmer's faithful wife,
but she has left her husband
 to don the uniform of a 
Union soldier in the Civil War. 

Oliver and the Seawigs
by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
A lively step up from early chapter books, this seafaring romp is packed with hilarious art, lovable misfits, meddlesome monkeys, and tons of kid appeal. 

Won

None

Purchased

I selected two titles with my Audible credits from May:

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
I'm looking forward to another fun story in this series. 

Steel World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1

Written by: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett
What can I say? 
I am still on Sci Fi kick and this looked good with good ratings.

I also purchased these $.99 cent Kindle titles that caught my eye!


Unbreakable Bonds (An Angela Panther Novel Book 2)

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

• Ain't No Angel (Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 2)
  Peggy L Henderson
  
  
  
  
• Guidebook to Murder (A Tourist Trap Mystery)
  Lynn Cahoon
  
  

Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA for "We Stare Challenges Down":


I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter


Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Plus I downloaded another 62 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.