It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 4, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I managed okay for my Tea last Monday. I'm feeling better but still have a little sinus headache. 

I had another good reading week, finishing five books.  I posted 16+ posts which is more than I like... but with lots of giveaways and January reading list I guess it's okay. I posted four reviews, three with giveaways. There were also four other Giveaways! I posted Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did good visiting this Saturday but not before then while sleeping off the cold.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? January 28, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 1/28/13.

• BookBlast with Giveaway Link - $50.00 GC: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/15/13.

• MBS January Flash Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ended 1/31/13.

• Book Review: Immortal Cravings by Kendra Leigh Castle; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeannette Murray; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Ends 2/8/13.

• Giveaway Immortal Cravings. Two Print copies to US Only. Ends 2/15/13.

• MBS Printed Books Giveaway Hop. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/71/13.

• MBS 2013 Reading List.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 2, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/8/13.
  

• Book Review and Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks; Inspirational, Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. Print copy to US/Canada Only. Ends 2/15/13.

• Saturday Snapshot (2/2/13) Dec Volcanoes on Hawaii.
  

• Kindle Fire & Amazon GC Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/28/13.

• Audio Book Review: The Lost Flower Children by Janet Taylor Lisle; Middle Reader; my rating 4.5.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #85 Comment Giveaway 2/2/13. Ends 2/8/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 3, 2013.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Immortal Craving 
by Kendra Leigh Castle 
Good Paranormal Romance with action. 
Review and Giveaway linked above. 

2. eBook/Kindle
 

An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection 
by Beth Wiseman (Author), Amy Clipston (Author), Kelly Long (Author)  
Lovely stories. 
I will post a Review with giveaway from Thomas Nelson this week.

3. Audible

A Perfect Blood (Hallows #10)
by Kim Harrison
I really enjoy this series.
I'll post a short review later in the week.
From my own TBR.

New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison returns to the Hollows with the electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed Pale Demon!

Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and the FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.

She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
This is LOTS of fun to read.
I'll post a Review this week.

5. eBook/Kindle

Jack Templar Monster Hunter:
The Templar Chronicles: Book One

by Jeff Gunhus

Another fun read - good for middle graders.
I will be posting a review
with Bookblast tour Giveaway on 2/4/13.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have two children's titles that I expect to upload this week.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 

A New Birth of Freedom The Translator
by Robert G. Pielke
This is such a different tale.
I will be posting my review and feature on February 6.
Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.

2. Audio
 

Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
    UNABRIDGED
    by Kim Harrison
    Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
        Series: The Hollows, Book 11
I was glad to get this for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox!
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.

Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.

Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.

Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.

3. eBook/Kindle

Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
I am looking forward to reading
these two mysteries (2. and 3.)
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 5, 2011
"Helen Smith is a master story-teller." Socrates Book Reviews
When twenty-six-year-old Emily Castles helps out at a local stage school in London, she's soon mixed up in murder. She teams up with eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel to solve the case.
Showstoppers is a fast-paced 75-page novella. Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new author in this entertaining British mystery series.
"Suspensefully created and plotted." Vine Reviewer

4. eBook/Kindle

Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)
by Helen Smith
BookBlast 2/6 and Review 2/9.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2011
"Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious." Socrates' Book Reviews
Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this popular new British mystery series.
Emily has been invited to a party in the big house at the end of her street in London. How could she know, as she left her house that evening, that she was making an appointment with death?
Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author in this entertaining 70-page novella.
"Fast-paced and unusual, I highly recommend this one." Eva's Sanctuary
"It grips you from the very beginning." Books Bistro

5. eBook/Kindle
 

Pandora's Temple
by Jon Land
I expect to start this before next week 
Reviewing for Partner in Crime Book Tour 2/12.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 20, 2012
What if Pandora’s Box were real? Blaine McCracken finds himself facing this very question—and the greatest threat to mankind—in his long-awaited return to the page

Rogue special-operations agent McCracken has never been shy about answering the call, and this time it comes in the aftermath of a deepwater oil rig disaster that claims the life of a onetime member of his commando unit. The remnants of the rig and its missing crew lead him to the inescapable conclusion that one of the most mysterious and deadly forces in the universe is to blame: dark matter, both a limitless source of potential energy and an unimaginably destructive weapon.

Joining forces again with his trusty sidekick Johnny Wareagle, McCracken races to stop two deadly enemies who want the dark matter at all costs. A powerful energy magnate and the leader of a Japanese doomsday cult both seek the ultimate prize for their own nefarious reasons, and McCracken and Wareagle’s mission to defeat them takes the duo on a nonstop journey across the world and thousands of years into the past where the truth lies in the ancient Pandora’s Temple, built to safeguard the world’s most powerful weapon.

McCracken’s only hope to save the world is to find the mythical temple. Along the way, he and Wareagle find themselves up against Mexican drug gangs, killer robots, an army of professional assassins, and a legendary sea monster. The hero of nine previous bestselling thrillers, McCracken is used to the odds being stacked against him, but this time the stakes have never been higher.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Jon Land including rare images from the author’s personal collection.

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.]  I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: I'm working on two formats and conversions this week.

Again I am starting the month with 17 titles + TBRs and expecting additional audios.
I have to learn to resist!

Two Reviews to post from January:
     An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection
     The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti

FEBRUARY Scheduled: 
2/1 Printed Books Giveaway Hop 
2/4 Review: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus (Bookblast Tour) 
2/6 Review: A New Birth of Freedom The Translator by Robert G. Pielke (Tribute Tour) 
2/6 BookBlast: Showstoppers and Threes Sisters by Helen Smith 
2/9 Review: Showstoppers (Emily Castles Mysteries) and Three Sisters (Emily Castles Mysteries)  by Helen Smith (Bookblast Tour)
2/12 Review + a Giveaway:  Pandora's Temple by Jon Land (PIC - Partners in Crime Tour) 
2/14 Review + Scavenger Hunt: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter
2/17 Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop 
2/16 Review: Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen (Bewitching Blog Tour) 
2/20 Review:  Into the Dark by Stacy Green (PIC Tour)  

Unscheduled   

Sourcebooks
      X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts
      Wait Until Dark by M.L. Buchman
      Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes  

Random House
      A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara  

Thomas Nelson (to post with Giveaway)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley

NetGalley
     Fix-It and Forget-It Holiday Appetizers, Finger Foods, and Beverages by Phyllis Pellman Good
     The Midwife’s Revolt  by Jodi Daynard

Audios: (more to come) 
Ever After (Hallows #11) by Kim Harrison through Audiobook Jukebox  

From TBR Collection - TBD 
Won Book - TBD 
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: Fatal February (Mary Magruder Katz) by Barbara Levenson

Ladies Book Club (For March 2 or 9)
   White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 3, 2013

Our Pastor is out of town at the death of his earthly father. A sad time of loss but a joyous time as we know he is in Heaven with his beloved Savior and Lord.

Our Associate Pastor did a nice sermon today entitled The Fear of the Lord. He noted that most often we, as children of the New Testament Grace think of "fear" in terms of awe and reverence. However, we should recognize terror too. Hell is fearful and therefore judgment is fearful. Our God has that power. Throughout the Bible He shows us that our fear should lead us to obey and follow Him. Our fear should change us and change our decisions so that we do the right things.

Pastor D gave the example set out in Exodus 9 verses 18-22. Moses was warning Pharaoh and his court of the seventh plague of hailstones. There were those in the court who, having seen the prior plagues, believed and sent to have their servants and flocks protected from the storm. Others, like Pharaoh, hardened their hearts. Those who will not hear and do not follow are ultimately given over to a depraved mind and hardened heart.

There are blessings for those who fear God. In Exodus chapter 1 verse 15, the king ordered the midwives to kill the male Hebrew babies. But the midwives feared God and would not kill the babies and God blessed them. Verses 17-21.

Pastor D noted that our priorities say a lot about our attitude towards God. He even noted that God is like the "Alpha dog" of the wolf pack to whom the other dogs submit. 

I don't often think in terms of obeying in fear but obeying through love. Yet, as a child fears the parent who has to discipline out of love, there is some of that respectful fear too.  I do recognize God as Creator, destroyer, Judge and executioner. I am in awe and I respond.

Lord let me be in AWE of you and worship at the knowledge of your Majesty.

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 9:10-12 (NIV)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

My prayer today - Lord help me bring, and keep, every area of my life under Your direction.

Updated "Love" Titles for Future Giveaways

PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY POST!

2/18/17 Updated Picture Christmas and "Love" books.

Updated 2-22-14.
THESE ARE BOOKS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AND LINKED FOR GIVEAWAYS  including Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaways.   ALL Comments are greatly appreciated and feel free to comment here that you like the choices (I hope you like) but there will not be a drawing from these comments. :-)

These are mostly titles with "love" in them and a few left with "heart", "cupid" or "Valentine."  I will link this to the applicable Giveaways so you will know when you can pick from these books. 

1. Cupid the Amorous Arrow by J. M. Jeffries
2. Come Home To Love (Harlequin Signature Select) by Joan Hohl - SBB Dec 2014
3. Hearts of Gold Anthology with Kay Hooper and others (this is a 1994 book; the top of spine is ragged and the pages are yellowed by age.)
4. Another Time, Another Love (Romance Ser.) by Anne Beaumont
5. The Lost Valentine by James Michael Pratt -- SBB March 2015
6. Valentine Babies Anthology  Gone I think
7. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon - March SBB 2014
8. Can't Stop Loving You by Janelle Taylor - SBB Dec 2014
9. To Love a Scoundrel by Kristina Cook - SBB Dec 2014
10. Love and the Single Heiress by Jacquie D'Alessandro -SBB
11. For the Love of Zach by Cheryl Wolverton SBB Feb 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #85 Comment Giveaway February 2, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB and Welcome to 2013!
Hi! I am so glad to be feeling better. I hope everyone is staying healthy!:-)
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Well, five brave souls do have tattoos: Brooke has 7 and Jolene has 4, nrlymrtl and her man have ring tattoos (sweet), Tore has Pegasus on her back and Linda K has permanent eyebrows. Two others are interested in getting tattoos but the majority of us said "no."

Many of us do like book scavenger hunts particularly if they are smaller and not too difficult to find. We agree that time is an issue of concern. A couple of us do not enjoy them..

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #84 comments is: #14 Di. There are still 4 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Di please choose a book (or GC if international) from the fifteen Love Books List for Giveaway, the new Christmas Giveaway Book list, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM. [I am uploading a new set of Valentine titles shortly! :-)]

WEEK #85 Questions

Q1. Lissette asks: What's the craziest thing you have ever done just to get a book you really want??

A:  It wasn't too crazy but in November 2008 I carried a picture of AJAX from Red Fire by Deirdre Knight around on our Spain Cruise. I took pictures to submit for a contest and won $25.00 GC and a copy of the book.

Ajax in front of the model of the Rotterdam.

Q2. My Question this week: Do you like snow??

A: I do like snow - for short visits. I am glad I don't live where is snows though.  And I wouldn't want my books to get in the snow. :-)

Image found at burninlab deviantart

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! I STILL HAVE A GROUP OF QUESTIONS AVAILABLE BUT THEY ARE FROM ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE SO SOME OF YOU MAY WANT TO ADD A QUESTION OR TWO! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1. Lissette asks: What's the craziest thing you have ever done just to get a book you really want??

2. My non Book Question this week: Do you like snow??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (new list of fifteen) or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three 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 by Friday,  February 8, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winner of Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winner of

Giveaway: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love US - Print Only;

Shannon B

Shannon Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and send your address so I can notify the Publisher. Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways. 

Audio Book Review: The Lost Flower Children by Janet Taylor Lisle

This is a short, sweet story dealing with loss.
The Lost Flower Children
by Janet Taylor Lisle (Author),
Caitlin Davies (Narrator)

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 2 hours and 23 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: AudioGO
• Audible.com Release Date: November 1, 2012

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Reader
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Motherless Olivia and Nellie go to live with their elderly Great-Aunt Minty, who knows little about children, but a lot about her overgrown garden. Then one day, Olivia finds an old teacup in a flowerbed--and, later, an old story about eight children transformed into flowers. Only the person who finds their teacups can bring them back. Now the two sisters know what they must do.

Review:
Nine year old Olivia and five year old Nellie are struggling with the death of their mother.  Olivia feels lonely and misses her while Nellie creates a set of strange rules to cope with her loss. When their father has to find a new job, they are sent to live with their elderly Great-Aunt Minty. Aunt Minty lives in a cottage with a lovely but overgrown garden. Aunt Minty must learn volatile Nellie’s rules if she wants to avoid rants and tantrums.

Olivia takes advantage of the situation by reading from the large library of books she finds in the house. Among the books she finds a story about lost children who disappeared during a tea party in the garden. The story says that some evil garden sprites put a curse on the children turning them into flowers. They missed the youngest child who had slipped into the house so they made her mute so she couldn’t tell what she had seen. The curse could only be broken when all of the teacups and teapot were found and reassembled.

Having found one tea cup the girls set out to dig through the garden. Aunt Minty thinks it is harmless and they are all a bit surprised as they begin to find one cup after another as they clean out weeds and clean up the garden. The relationship between the girls and Aunt Minty grows gently. The ending brings surprises, changes and leaves a little mystery.  I think middle readers would enjoy this bit of sweet fancy and its gentle message.

Audio Notes: Caitlin Davies does a beautiful job of keeping the tone light and mysterious. She captures the protectiveness of Olivia, the whiny pitch of Nellie and the gentle soothings of Aunt Minty. Well done!

I received this for review from AudioGO through AudioBook Jukebox.

Kindle Fire & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!!

3 Prizes - 3 Winners

7" Kindle Fire HD + $50 Amazon Gift Card ($250 value)

$50 Amazon Gift Card

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Last day to enter - 2/28/13

Giveaway Sponsored by these Book Blogs

1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
2. Isis Rushdan
3. Living, Learning, Loving Life
4. Reading Renee
5. Always YA at Heart
6. Kelly's Lucky You
7. Girls With Books
8. Miss Remmers' Reviews
9. Step Into Fiction
10. Jessabella Reads
11. Doorkeeper
12. Mother Daughter & Son Books Reviews
13. Wholly Books
14. Kaisy Daisy's Corner
15. Suspense Author Kim Cresswell
16. Joyous Reads
17. Bookitty Blog
18. Splash of Our Worlds
19. Books 4 Tomorrow
20. Fae Books
21. Good Choice Reading
22. Books R Us
23. Fantasy Book Addicts
24. Publishing the Paranormal
25. Frankie Blooding's Bookshelf
26. Under A Gray Sky
27. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
28. Bookhounds
29. Vamp and Stuff
30. Oh, The Books You'll Read!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Prize will be delivered in the form of the winners choice of either an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday Snapshot (February 2, 2012) Volcanoes in Hawaii

This continues the tour on our third cruise day as we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on The Big Island of Hawaii. We did several stops on the Crater Rim Drive. I ended up choosing 10 photos so I will split them into two weeks.

Kīlauea caldera in the distance - note the pathway mid picture.

Zoomed in you can see the people (near top of the picture) who are walking across 
the Kilauea Iki trail to the crater rim!

Then we got to walk through a Lava Tube
which was really fun!

My feet got a little wet in the tunnel. :-)

This is part of the path through the tropical rain forest returning from the tunnel.
I loved walking through this and took many shots of the wild undergrowth!

To be continued next week with pictures of the actual volcanoes. 

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Book Review and Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks

This is a delightful, heart-warming read.

Journey to Forgiveness
by Laurean Brooks

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: White Rose Publishing (January 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601543654
• ISBN-13: 978-1601543653

Genre: Inspirational Historical
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 9, 2009
When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits and Jenny takes the train north to find work. Electricity has yet to reach rural Chicory Valley. But, not only is the young woman introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but also encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap.

Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm. She immediately labels him a thief. And after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds. Why did Austin pull money from the mission strong box and stuff a sizable roll into his pocket? Wasn't this just the proof Jenny needed? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart race at every encounter with the notorious Austin?

Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust was blatantly missing. Can Jenny muster enough courage to ask Austin the tough questions that will ultimately make or break their relationship? Can she forgive her father's brutality? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in "Journey To Forgiveness."

Review:
Jenny’s abusive father left home taking along her teenage brother. She, her mom and younger siblings have struggled to keep the primative Tennessee farm going to support the needs of the family. When a crop failure puts them behind Jenny travels to Chicago to live with her Aunt and earn money to send home. At a train station along the way to the city she meets a debonair, handsome man who she thinks is stealing her vanity case! The man introduces himself as Austin Grant and teases her, making her angrier.

Jenny runs into Austin in Chicago and is astounded he isn’t in jail. When he shows up in church seeking funds for an alleged rebuilding project, everyone, including her Aunt, believes he is a good guy.  She is convinced she will find evidence that proves he is a con artist.

Jenny gets a good job as a secretary where she has to cope with her very particular and strict boss who is dictating a history of Chicago. Meanwhile Jenny has to fend off interest from the spoiled, rich young man who lives next door to her Aunt. During a vacation time she agrees to join a mission trip with others from the church arranged by Austin to help storm victims.

Austin is attracted to Jenny and does everything he can to charm her. Every time they are together she seems to overreact, be offended or is angry with him. He suspects she was hurt by someone in her past and he wants to find the truth to help her heal. Slowly Jenny falls for Austin’s charm and humor but she isn’t sure she can trust him. She saw him pocket some money from the mission strong box and she can’t understand why such a good man is a thief.

Austin is a lovable, charming character and Jenny is a sweet, impulsive young woman who jumps to conclusions. Their chemistry is warm and the misunderstandings humorous. In addition to enjoying the antics I loved the depth of history that is easily shared by Ms. Brooks through the comparison’s of country and city living and through the memories shared by the historian or others. I also loved the inspirational wisdom that permeates the story as part of the lives of the characters.  Jenny’s situation with her father provides the perfect situation to share a strong message how holding bitterness and being unforgiving hurts the one refusing to forgive more than it hurts the one who offended. I loved the story, the humor and the faith based plot. This is a delightful read and I look forward to reading more stories by Ms. Brooks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An example of Jenny’s prayer:

Lord, once again I have blundered with my mouth. I have read the third chapter of James many times–those scriptures about controlling the tongue. It will take a miracle to tame mine. Please send one soon. Page 52.

Austin wants to protect Jenny but recognizes that isn’t his place:

It was out of his league. Only God had that power. Only He held the remedy. Austin would put it into the Almighty’s capable hands. Trust Him with it. Page 148.

I pulled this from my Won TBR.

Set in Chicago, IL for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge?

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR PERSONALLY AUTHORIZED COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 16, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Winners of MBS January 2013 Flash Giveaway

I was very close in my estimate of entries for my first 2013 FLASH GIVEAWAY!
Thanks again to followers.
44 people entered.  23 prefer the 5 winners @ $5.00; 12 would choose two winners @ $12.50 and 9 would like to see one winner for $25.00.

Here are the Winners:   FIRST FIVE GET $5.00 GC + Calendar and Bookmark

1.#29 Lauren M  Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
2. #39 Linda T  Small Calendar and Alaska bookmark
3. #20 Rita W  Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
4. #38 Natasha  Wall Calendar and Alaska bookmark
5. #2 Paranormal Rom Susp Rev Small Calendar and Hawaii bookmark
6. #7 Alice  Wall Calendar and Seattle bookmark
7. #41 Pam K Small Calendar and Hawaii bookmark
8. #21 Koll Small Calendar and Seattle bookmark

 Bookmarks from several trips!   ALASKA CRUISE

SEATTLE VISIT

HAWAII VISIT

ALL WINNERS Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the GC (let me know if you want Amazon or PayPal) and I will mail out the calendars and bookmarks. FEEL FREE TO SPECIFY A CALENDAR (wall size; all small are the same) BOOKMARK within the group you chose and I will try to get you the one you pick.
Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways..
WATCH FOR MORE FLASH GIVEAWAYS (in between the giveaway hops) WITH SOME LITTLE GIFTS PICKED UP WHILE TRAVELING. :-)

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 1, 2013

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

Happy Friday! Hi everyone. It's hard to believe one month is gone already! Whew. I am feeling better having gotten past the worst of the cold. I hope everyone else is staying healthy and warm.

Thank you to all who entered the January 25 Pick. This is another week with no automatic winners :-( (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were FIVE titles blocked this week, with one won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 25 Pick:

Mona wins the Luanne Rice Pair.

June M wins The Beverly Barton Pair (- through weeks of 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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

So - Do you plan to read or watch the SuperBowl?
Image found at Huntley Library.

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Beverly Barton:
    Downright Dangerous and What She Doesn't Know
Heather Graham Pozzessere
    Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening

Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Flashpoint by Linda Barnes
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Lady Beware by Fayrene Preston
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Pairs:
Fern Michaels
    Payback and Full Me Once
Luanne Rice
    Silver Bells (spine wear) and True Blue
Janet Evanovich
    Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Singles:
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*Mrs Mallory and the Silent Killer by Hazel Holt


New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

PAIRS:
Dick Francis:
     10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
     Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


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
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes
*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international.

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts
Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

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
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

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
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

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 in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

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 470 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 and $6.00 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
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)