Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Book Review: The Genome: A Novel by Sergei Lukyanenko

This is a very engaging read combining Sci Fi and Mystery genres.
The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
  • File Size: 719 KB
  • Print Length: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy (December 2, 2014)
  • ASIN: B00NX8U3J4
Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
A science fiction thriller by the author of Night Watch, the hit novel that inspired two major motion pictures
Five months after the horrific accident that left him near death and worried that he’d never fly again, master-pilot Alex Romanov lands a new job: captaining the sleek passenger vessel Mirror. Alex is a spesh—a human who has been genetically modified to perform particular tasks. As a captain and pilot, Alex has a genetic imperative to care for passengers and crew—no matter what the cost.
His first mission aboard Mirror is to ferry two representatives of the alien race Zzygou on a tour of human worlds. His task will not be an easy one, for aboard the craft are several speshes who have reason to hate the Others. Dark pasts, deadly secrets, and a stolen gel-crystal worth more than Alex’s entire ship combine to challenge him at every turn. And as the tension escalates, it becomes apparent that greater forces are at work to bring the captain’s world crashing down.


Review:
Master-Pilot Alex finds himself recuperating on an industrial planet station. As a pilot-spesh it is in his nature to lead and help others which causes him to take a young teen girl under his wing. He can tell from her looks and behavior that Kim is about to go through the metamorphosis that will change her into whatever specialty was coded in her genes before birth. He cannot allow her to do this alone on the streets as he is concerned that she will die.

Alex is fortunate to land a great job that allows him to pick his own six member team: two pilots, a navigator, an engineer, a doctor and a fighter. He pulls together an interesting crew, including Kim as the fighter-spesh. Only one of the six is a natural human who was not designed and trained with a particular specialty. There is a little animosity and tension as the crew comes together. The tensions intensify when they learn the first mission is to transport three passengers, two Zzygous and their clone escort. These aliens are considered ‘Others’ and uneasy enemies to humans, including the doctor-spesh, Janet, who is trying hard to control her tendencies to hate and destroy that alien race. The navigator, the natural human in the crew, is vocal regarding his bigotry against clones.

No sooner does the flight begin when there is a near collision that appears to be an attempt to kill the ship, crew or the passengers. Alex manages to settle everyone and the trip proceeds comfortably until a savage murder occurs that could trigger intergalactic war. Alex, as Captain of the ship, feels responsible for everyone aboard. He pieces together the clues to find the murderer at the same time as a famous detective interviews each of the suspects.

I found the first half of the book to be an amazing sci fi world with unique characters. Kim has secrets that add to the engaging story. It is quickly clear that the practice of creating speshes has its benefits and difficulties. Mid-way the murder occurs and the story jumps into a takeoff of famous detectives. This provided entertaining humor intertwined with philosophical questions regarding the benefits and stability of chosen speshes versus freedom to choose one’s own destiny and freedom to experience all emotions.

The leap from sci fi to mystery was a bizarre twist. I was engrossed in the sci fi elements and felt jolted when the focus clearly shifted. However, I then enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes' methodology of disclosing details to uncover the murderer. The mystery was satisfactorily wrapped up but there were a few loose ends in the future of the characters. There is a free attitude towards sexual partners that I didn’t care for but it fits the character personalities.

This book kept me up late wanting to know where the story would go! It is well written and read very quickly for a longer book. I highly recommend this to sci fi lovers and to mystery lovers too.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

Christmas Sharing Little Drummer Boy

As I was looking at Christmas videos I came upon this.
Isn't it wonderful?
Not only is it beautifully done but the song reminds us that we He is pleased when we bring 
the smallest, simplest gifts offered with a humble heart.
Little Drummer Boy 
by Pentatonix 

Friday, December 26, 2014

Book Review: A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War) by Stacy Henrie

This is a charming historical romance novella.
  • File Size: 331 KB
  • Print Length: 133 pages
  • Publisher: Forever Yours (December 2, 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • ASIN: B00M7D0E2M
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns to the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for a heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas season.
TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.
Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.


Review:
Maria left home heartbroken over an unrequited love. She was looking for a new start and was fortunate to get a position as a bank clerk in Sioux City working under a kind manager. She has worked hard and earned the respect of the people and her work peers. She is intent on not giving her heart again until she is certain her feelings are returned.

Dale Emerson trained as a surgeon and went off to France to help at the war hospitals. He was glad to do his work helping others until bomb schrapnel took out one eye. He is frustrated when he returns home to Sioux City to take over the bank management from his sick Uncle. Dale doesn’t think he has much to offer now that he can no longer serve in the prestigious position of a surgeon.

These two meet at the bank with a misunderstanding to set things on a wrong foot. Slowly a friendship grows but both are tentative. Further misunderstandings and delay in speaking cause conflict that threatens their relationship. Can they reach beyond their past dissapointments, hurts and fears to find a new start together?

This is a sweet, warm story with two very likable and vulnerable characters. The relationship grows naturally, with misunderstandings, fits and starts. I enjoyed the WWI social and war history that the author portrays as the setting to the romance. I also liked the gentle reminders of faith and forgiving one's own mistakes.  This is a quick, easy read and I do recommend this author for lovely, clean, historical romance.

I received this from Forever through NetGalley for an honest review.

Christmas Sharing Day After Christmas

Day After Christmas
by Matthew West

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 26, 2014

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

We had a lovely Christmas Eve joining friends for church service and Christmas morning with our daughter, son-in-law and three grandkids. The rest of the day we relaxed and made calls to other family members. I hope everyone else has had a grand week.

Through the end of the year I will be continue to give at least 4 wins each Friday - whether auto or random.
(Another New List is up but now I need two pictures.)


[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 December 19 Pick. There were three 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 To Catch a Flame
Rita gets Here on Earth
Carol NW gets The Jury tapes

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 19 Pick:
Janhvi gets a GC
Elizabeth T 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.}

Here is a good idea for re-purposing books. :-)
Image found at Walking With Feathers.

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014
(Picture to be posted soon)
PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014
(Picture to be posted soon)
PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Sandra Brown: A Whole New Light and Fanta C
Elizabeth Lowell: Autumn Lover (only Book 5) and Winter Fire (Only Book 6)
Joan Johnston: I Promise and Sisters Found
Katherine Stone: Rainbows and Pearl Moon
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
To Catch a Flame by Kimberly Cates
Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Never Say Never by Joan Hohl
Poe's Tales of Mystery and Terror (1967 Collection) by Edgar Allan Poe (Magnum Easy Eye Edition)


New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Behind a Mask by May Alcott
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker
Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition
Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Miracle by Deborah Smith
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)
SINGLES:
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Once Upon a Honeymoon by Julie Kistler
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014---(All gone)

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:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

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
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)
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 Group #19---(All gone)
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 five years I have posted 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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 748+ 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)
List #13 ---(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

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails