Audible Book Review: The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

This is an interesting classic (the inspiration for Frozen) although I did not find it gripping. 

The Snow Queen
Written by: Hans Christian Andersen
Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-12-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fairy Tale Classic
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Audible's 2014 Narrator of the Year Julia Whelan performs one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairy tales, The Snow Queen. This classic tale is a fantastical fable of two dear friends - one of whom goes astray and is literally lost to the north woods, while the other undertakes an epic journey to rescue him. This charming, strange, and wonderful story is a timeless allegory about growing up and the challenges of staying true to one's self, and it served as the wintry inspiration for the blockbuster hit Frozen.
Public Domain (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
This tale is told in seven short stories, or chapters. It begins with two lovely young friends, Gerda and Kai, enjoying roses and snowflakes at the feet of sweet grandmother. A wicked gremlin takes an evil mirror that shatters into a million tiny pieces. Anyone who looks through this mirror sees good as ugly and ugly as good. A tiny piece, no bigger than sand, falls into the eye of Kai and a piece settles into his heart, changing him. He runs off and becomes enthralled and ensnared by the Snow Queen. Gerda sets off to find her friend and faces magical creatures, dangers and adventure along the way.

This story is a classic fairy tale with dark overtones and good winning over evil in the end. I don’t really recall this one from my childhood. It is a sweet story with some dangers posed - one child falls to the dangers while the other struggles through to ultimately rescue her friend.

Having watched Frozen, I can see the basis that led to that tale. The original story has a stronger religious message than the modern take-off, but this production left me with no real excitement. Although I enjoyed this, oddly it didn’t stick with me. I actually had to go back to listen to the last chapter in order to recall the details.
.
I recommend it because it is an easy way to read (listen to) a classic and it is timely to anyone who might watch Frozen with their children/grandchildren.

Audio Notes: Julia Whelan did a good job with the narrating and voices. I think she captured both the sweetness and the dark elements. Unfortunately there was nothing really enthusiastic or gripping in the tale or reading. I don’t know if reading this would have been more enjoyable - I might have had the same reaction. I liked that it is a quick listen of a classic.

This was a free Christmas gift to Audible subscribers in 2014. It adds to my Audio challenge. 

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 8, 2015

Happy Friday!
Time is moving so quickly toward mid-year already! As I see news of the tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and other states, and hear of storms elsewhere, I hope everyone is staying safe. 

TO ENTER:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the May 1 Pick. There were THREE automatic wins this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked, but it was won.
holdenj gets The Parent Trap Anthology
Rubynreba gets the Mariah Stewart Pair
Rita gets the Mary Higgins Clark Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 1 Pick:
Llehn gets a GC

LindaK gets Dead Even (through a block)

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 love sharing books with friends?

Image found at ProjectLearn.

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Dragon and the Jewel and Tempted
Jude Deveraux: The Invitation and Remembrance
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
World's Greatest Dad by Marie Ferrarella
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Special Agent
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Dean in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever
Jack with a Twist by Brenda Janowitz

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

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



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 814+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Audible Book Review: StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1 by Mike Lee

This is a wonderfully engaging scifi with great strategy in military and legal elements.
StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1
Written by: Mike Lee
Narrated by: Jason Brenizer

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Series: Vince Lombard, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-13-14
Publisher: Michael L. Trimble
Genre: Sci-Fi Contemporary
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Captain Vince Lombard, G-Marine company commander, is tasked with tracking down a stray ship. The Alliance Military Ship StarFire has gone silent, and previous attempts to locate her have resulted in the loss of more ships. After two previous wars with xenospecies humanity bumped into while expanding into space, no one knows what might be the cause of StarFire's missing in action status. And internal politics between Fleet command and the Galactic Marine Corps might mean that, unless something is done, humanity may get the news it's at war with yet another new race about the time they show up to attack one of the human systems in the sector.
A prequel to the book Fey, this story is a novelization of the story Vince related to Blondie in the previous book, which many readers requested. I'm happy to accommodate my readers by providing this novel-length version of that story.
©2012 Mike Lee (P)2014 Mike Lee

Review:
Captain Vince Lombard is a highly successful GI Marine commander who respects his men and demands respect. He carefully thinks ahead, and, when need be, thinks outside of the box. That may include bending, if not breaking, a few regulations when the situation demands it - as in saving his men. Vince accepts responsibility for his decisions, sharing the praise with his team but claiming the guilt for himself.

Vince is directed by his superior to locate a missing Naval asset, the Alliance Military Ship StarFire. The StarFire is the biggest ship ever built, with the ability to hold at least a thousand of the best trained Naval troops. The StarFire headed out into space but unexpectedly went silent. Two Naval sloops sent to investigate have gone silent too.

Vince’s commanding officer has one chance to get information on the situation before Naval forces arrive to take control. He trusts Vince to handle the mission: locate the StarFire, determine its status and get a report back. Did the StarFire and the sloops hit an area where communication is blocked or has something worse occurred? Has the ship been overtaken by alien forces who might use the huge weapon against mankind?

Vince knows he won’t have a chance fighting the StarFire so he prepares for the next best thing - speed to run if necessary. He chooses one transport/lander that will carry his well seasoned Master Sergeant, Alvin, with a platoon of 50 men. His commander insists he take at least three ships so he adds two long range fighters, known for distance and speed, with volunteer pilots rumored to be the sharpest. He adds one tech geek, Duggard, hoping the creative computer guy can help disguise the common communication system if needed.

What Vince’s crew find is a puzzle and a situation that they are lucky to survive with minimal, though painful, losses. In spite of a mostly successful mission, Vince now has to undergo a Fleet inquiry to determine if he will face a court-martial.

The writing is sharp and well paced with good story telling and showing. I enjoyed the author’s creative use of fluctuating time settings: Prior to Action; After Action, Action, Inquiry and After Inquiry. Exciting action unfolds as Vince remembers and gives his verbal statement to an investigative officer in preparation of the formal hearing. I loved all aspects of the story. The primary characters are well developed and likable. Vince’s revelations put me right there in the action from tactical strategizing to battle execution with the difficulties related to outer space. I also enjoyed the legal process and Vince’s skillful and psychological handling of the investigator, ‘prosecuting’ attorney and panel.

This was a great story and I highly recommend it to those who love action plus battle strategy in a combat setting and in a court setting! Readers with military and/or legal background or interest should enjoy this. Another big plus is that the book is clear of foul language - Thank you, Mr. Lee! I am very anxious to get book 2, Fey, which was actually written first. I will have to get it on Kindle as it, unfortunately, isn’t available at Audible.

Audio Notes: Jason Brenizer does a good job with narration although, while listening I thought the narration was little dry and there could have been a bit more excitement. However, after re-listening to parts as I prepared this review, I have decided that the narration fit perfectly with Vince’s (mostly) calm and level demeanor. This is a story I could imagine myself listening to again which is rare for me! I recommend the audio as a totally engaging listen.

This title was from my own Audible library; selected 8/30/14. This qualifies for 2015 Audio Challenge and TBR list.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ride: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Puca Mates Short Book One) by A.C. James

This is an engaging beginning to what promises to be an interesting, albeit steamy, romance.

Ride: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Puca Mates Short Book One)

by A.C. James

• File Size: 1203 KB
• Print Length: 56 pages
• Publisher: Wandering Impulse Press (April 29, 2015)
• ASIN: B00WC20C02
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
PUCA MATES SHORT #1
*** This a not a full-length book. This novella is part one of a serial romance.***
Felicity Forrest has the perfect job as an investigative blogger for Everyday Supernatural. This curvy girl gets sent to the Aran Islands to find out whether a púca shape shifter is responsible for the strange accidents haunting a construction site.
Niall O’Leary is tall, broody, and totally alpha. His mission is to discover why the veil between the human world and the Realm has lifted. And as the Chieftain’s son he must find a mate or his twin will be promised to a stallion he despises. He has a duty to his family, his clan, and a need for offspring. Otherwise the púca could become nothing more than folklore.
Passion and frustration ignite when a curvy human female tempts his inner stallion like no other. There’s only one problem... She just got out of a relationship that left her broken hearted. Is she ready for a second chance at love?
Reader Note: This book is for those who are 18+. It contains explicit language, sexual situations, and one helluva cliffhanger. However, if you like curvy shifter romance, a stallion who can’t resist his curvy woman, and a dash of humor, then this is the story for you. Please read these installments in order. Enjoy!

Puca Mates Series/Serial Reading Order:
Ride: Awakening – Episode One
Ride: The Bet – Episode Two
Ride: Out Cold – Episode Three
Ride: The Veil – Episode Four

Categories: BBW Short Stories, Two-Hour Romance Short Reads

Review:
Felicity is a young woman who was hurt by a boyfriend who belittled her curvy proportions. She has avoided men for the past six months while she tries to get over the ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile she has focused on her interesting job as an investigative blogger for a site that explores and reports on the claims and mysteries of supernatural events.

Felicity is planning to spend a night celebrating a birthday with her good friend, Cyn (think ‘Sin’). Instead, Felicity is sent on assignment to the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, where she is to investigate a claimed sighting of a puca shape shifter. Felicity invites Cyn to join her for some fun away from home.

Niall is a tall, strong and gorgeous. His father has given him an ultimatum to choose a mate as they must continue their species. Niall isn’t interested in settling down but he knows he will comply eventually because of special circumstances in his family. His priority right now though is to find out why the veil hiding his world has lifted several months before the usual time of the Samhain (October).

The girls visit a local pub and are soon joined by two handsome locals, Niall and his friend, Tomas. Tomas walks Cyn home and Niall takes Felicity for a walk and talk. Although Niall may be resistant to finding a mate, his inner stallion has other feelings. The puca spirit immediately wants to claim Felicity as his own. Although Felicity is shocked to be invited for a surprising ride on a beautiful horse, that doesn’t mean she is going to give in so easily to a rather arrogant man, no matter how sexy he is.

Ms. James does a good job developing the characters and setting up an interesting story. I enjoyed the presentation through alternating point of views of Felicity and Naill.  I admit I was a little leery of this after agreeing to read and review it as I thought it might be too bold for my tastes. I was pleasantly surprised that this first installment begins a good story and has limited sexual exposure. Yes, there is some innuendo, a few stark words and a few ‘stark’ sights.

 I am not sure if I will continue with the series due to the warnings of explicit language and sexual situations. On the other hand - I am intrigued by the storyline and would like to know the mystery tied to the Pucas and what trouble is being stirred up by whom. I recommend this for readers who enjoy sexy, steamy, shape shifter stories.

I received this first installment for Blog Tour and an honest review.

Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WC20C02
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WC20C02
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00WC20C02
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00WC20C02

Author Bio: A.C. James

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal romance and erotica, including Eternal Ever After which was featured in the bestselling Spice Box anthology. She pounds out sexy scenes at her keyboard where romance is laced with horror in hot stories of vampires and bad boy werewolves. Her stories feature strong heroines and alpha heroes, with plenty of action, twists, and turns that will keep you turning pages.

A.C. resides in northeast Pennsylvania where she entertains her husband with her imaginative yarns and quirky sense of humor. She spends her time drinking large vats of coffee while taming two toddlers by day and writing by night. Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew-up going to cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.

Some Random Facts About A.C. James (in case you were wondering or if you’re just really, really bored)
Favorite Fictional Characters: Buffy & Damon Salvatore
Eric Northman or Bill Compton? Eric Northman every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Favorite Films: The Princess Bride, Idiocracy, & anything with Paul Rudd or Seth Rogan. She also displays a weakness for musicals.
Television: The Walking Dead, True Blood, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, & Big Bang Theory
Astrological Sign: Taurus
Addictions: Coffee, Wine, & Sushi… Oh, and sometimes Tuaca or Sake. Hula hooping and singing to 80s songs in her minivan while no one is looking.
Memberships: The Pocono-Lehigh Romance Writers (Romance Writers of America Chapter 174)
What she likes to read? She grew up reading the Choose Your Own Adventure series before graduating to L.J. Smith’s paranormal romance books long before television made the Vampire Diaries popular. Loves reading erotic romance, bdsm romance, and erotica. She’s a huge Tiffany Reisz fan girl. But who doesn’t love hot Catholic priests that are into BDSM?

Social Media Links
Website: http://www.acjames.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-James/129228540578101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACJamesauthor
Pinterest :https://www.pinterest.com/authoracjames/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ACJames/posts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0shR7xrlQuD4tfx3D8sXQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7126571.A_C_James
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/A.C.-James/e/B00D9DT7Y0/

A.C. James’s Ride: Episode One – Awakening

Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card
$20 Amazon Gift Card
Paperback Books: Leopold's Wicked Embrace by Kym Grosso & Within The Shadows by Julieanne Lynch

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RAFFLECOPTER LINK:
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3707964e8/

Get Kids Reading! Check Out Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge!

Popular children’s authors are coming together to create 12 original short stories exclusively for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge – a free, online program to help kids stay reading during the summer vacation months in order to avoid the learning loses called the “summer slide.”
This is a perfect fit for those trying to find FREE and fun ways to keep kids reading this summer.

Authors include:
· R.L. Stine

· Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pierce (co-authored)

· Gordon Korman

· Michael Northtrop

· Varian Johnson

· Jude Watson

· Blue Balliet

· Patrik Henry Bass

· Roland Smith

· Tui T. Sutherland

· Lauren Tarshis

· Wendy Wan-Long Shang

For more information: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/SummerReadingChallenge