It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 18, 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 had another strange business week. I started with no appointments and ended up covering court hearings every day. 

I completed reading four books and posted five reviews. There was one post with two giveaways and a Giveaway Hop. I also posted the usual Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I didn't get to last week. Aargh.
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? February 11, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday February 11, 2013.

• A BookTrib Valentine - Giveaway of Much Ado About Loving
  

• Book Review and Two Giveaways: Pandora's Temple by Jon Land; Thriller; my rating 4.25. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/21/13 and 2/28/13.

• Book Review: The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam by Juliet Rosetti; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Scavenger Hunt Stop and Book Review: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brustetter; Amish Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 15, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/21/13.
  

• Audible Book Review: Ever After (Hallows 11) by Kim Harrison; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Saturday Snapshot (2/16/13) More Pics from Hawaii Cruise.
  

• Book Review: Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen; Science Fiction; my rating 5.0.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #86 Comment Giveaway 2/16/13. Ends 2/22/13.

• Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop - February 17th to 24th. Ends 2/22/13.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 17, 2013.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

Goodbye to Yesterday
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
This was a nice serial read.
Review linked above.

2. eBook/Kindle

Jabin and the Space Pirates
by Bev Allen
This was a surprisingly remarkable story.
Review is linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle

Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series)
by Margaret Brownley
This is a good western, inspirational historical.
Review to post this week
with giveaway from Thomson Nelson.

4. eBook/Kindle
 

A Most Scandalous Proposal 
by Ashlyn Macnamara
I started this and zipped right through it - really enjoyable.
I will post the review later this week. Read for Random House Digital.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
In Ashlyn Macnamara’s stunning romance debut—perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries—two childhood friends in Regency England discover love with the most unlikely of partners: each other.
“A tale of high-stakes scandal and heartfelt passion . . . a most delicious treat!”—New York Times bestselling author Tessa Dare
After watching her beloved sister, Sophia, pine over the ton’s golden boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly named Earl of Clivesden . . . the man of Sophia’s dreams.
Since resigning his cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has his sights set on Julia, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover that more than friendship is driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when Julia refuses him, and her father announces her betrothal, Benedict fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.
Includes a preview of Ashlyn Macnamara’s next novel, A Most Devilish Rogue.

Line Edits/Releases:
We are completing the last details for release of two more good books!

Currently reading:

1. Print

Wait Until Dark
by M.L. Buchman
I love this series and look forward to reading this.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Wallace is a threat on all fronts. Their passion is explosive, but their conflicts are insurmountable. When duty calls them to a mission no one else could survive, they'll fly into the night together—ready or not.

2. ebook/Kindle
 

Into the Dark
by Stacy Green
I will be starting this tonight;
to post 2/20 for Partners in Crime Tour review.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 27, 2012
Suspense Romance
A two-hundred-mile labyrinth of dark storm drains serves as refuge for the delusional stalker who will go to any lengths to possess fragile, emotionally isolated Emilie Davis. To survive, Emilie will have to confront the secrets of her past she has kept locked away from everyone, including herself.
Emilie is a master escape artist—she’s fled a manipulative mother and a controlling ex-husband. But it’s impossible to evade a stalker who uses a bank robbery as a ruse to kidnap her. He’s still out there, hiding in the Las Vegas tunnels and dodging police. Emilie’s life careens out of control as her assailant continues his pursuit. She has nowhere to turn but to Nathan Madigan, the hostage negotiator who worked the robbery.
Nathan is haunted by his failure to protect a loved one fourteen years ago and has dedicated his life to saving others. Determined to catch the lunatic hunting Emilie, he finds himself losing his professional detachment. He fears history is about to repeat itself if he cannot protect Emilie from the Taker’s obsession.
The police close in on the Taker’s identity as Nathan and Emilie grow closer to each other and to resolving the misery of their own pasts. At the height of The Taker’s madness, his attempt to replace someone he’s lost will either kill them all or set them free.

3. Audio

Love in a Garden: What Happens After Happily Ever After
by Mia Jasper (Author, Narrator)
[Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]
This looked like an interesting, quick listen.
Reviewing for Ann Tucker 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Most romance stories usually end when the couple says "I do". What really happens after happily ever after?
    Can love survive real life year after year?
    What happens when budgets, job responsibilities, and habits take center stage?
    Can love survive the misunderstandings and stress of real life?
This feel-good story will restore your faith in "Happily Ever After". If you believe that love really can conquer all - even real life - then Love in a Garden: What Happens After Happily Ever After is for you!
This is a quick story you can listen to at lunchtime.

4. Print

Lady Eve's Indiscretion
by Grace Burrowes
This is the next print to read for Sourcebooks.
Book Description
Release date: February 5, 2013
"Burrowes delivers red-hot chemistry with a masterful mix of playfulness and sensuality."—Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Lady Eve's Got The Perfect Plan
Pretty, petite Evie Windham has been more indiscreet than her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Moreland, suspect. Fearing that a wedding night would reveal her past, she's running out of excuses to dodge adoring swains. Lucas Denning, the newly titled Marquis of Deene, has reason of his own for avoiding marriage. So Evie and Deene strike a deal, each agreeing to be the other's decoy. At this rate, matrimony could be avoided indefinitely...until the two are caught in a steamy kiss that no one was supposed to see.

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 finishing two formats and working on more conversions this week.

I am started the month with 17 titles + TBRs. Now six are read and reviewed; two more read to be reviewed and four more expected to go up this week. One or two may carry over due to the short month. Still haven't figured out a "won" book to squeeze in. 

FEBRUARY Scheduled: 

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 - done

Thomas Nelson - done

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) 
Added Love in a Garden and expecting more next week.

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  9)
   White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 17, 2013

This is posting pretty late today as we had a family outing after church and then came home to nap!
We had a lovely communion service this morning. It is humbling to me in my sin and assuring.to me in my salvation through the blood of Christ.

Our Pastor is still away sorting situations for his mother. Our assistant Pastor gave a nice sermon this morning entitled "The Harvest of the Giver." God's own nature is giving and we are directed not only to tithe (10% to our local church family) but also encouraged to give offerings to help others. Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 that 'those who who sow sparingly will reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully." God honors the cheerful and generous giver by supplying more to so more may be given. This is distinguishable from a 'prosperity gospel' as we should not be seeking possessions but seeking blessings that can be shared through us to others.  We can be generous with our attitudes and words as well as with our physical resources.

I viewed several songs and found this one that I like

even though the captions are foreign language.
The message is perfect and it is fun!

A Verse for Today:
Malachi 3:10  (NIV)
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.


I pray: Lord, all I have is yours. Use me and the resources you have blessed me with to help others and bless them in your name.

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop - February 17th to 24th

February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop is sponsored by
Read for Your Future & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Open February 17th to 24th

My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner.  So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.

There will be two winners total; winners will get book choice(s) with value up to $15.00 at The Book Depository or Amazon.

The book(s) can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $15.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on February 24. Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Share some RAK yourself and Hop along for more:

Sharing Beyond Book #87 February 16, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.
Did everyone have a LOVELY Valentine's week? Mine was busy but good. Had my step mom stop in for a visit on Wednesday which was really nice.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us do read reviews but are only influenced sometimes by the detailed comments like when they contain "a deal breaker" as Jane worded it. Several of you noted that negative reviews help you hone in on the true content of the book and others noted that you might read the sample before you purchase. That is a good idea.

Well, 17 to 7 do NOT take flu shots. Linda K is allergic but some of you at high risk and past history of pneumonia do get the shots. We take a varied mix of cold remedies from homeopathic items, teas, and chicken soup to over the counter meds. And of course the age old cure of bed rest and fluids. Interestingly enough our local doctor did tell me to get more chicken soup into my DH to help rebuild his energy which was depleted by dehydration.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #86 comments is: #1 Birgit.  Birgit will get a GC to add to previous saved GC for a choice from The Book Depository when ready. Please let me know your choice if ready by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #87 Questions

Q1. Abby asks: If you were a film director, which book/series do you think should be made into a movie(s)??

A: Oh - there are several I would like! My first choice I think would be J.D. Rob In Death series with Eve Dallas and Roarke. Second choice would be the Hollows series by Kim Harrison and third would be Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

Q2. My Question this week: Do you sing in the shower or any where else??

A: I do sing in church choir -- well -- I make a joyful noise! I don't sing in the shower too often and I definitely don't do karaoke!

Image found at healthxboom

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1.Abby asks: If you were a film director, which book/series do you think should be made into a movie(s)??

2. My Question this week: Do you sing in the shower or any where else?? 

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books  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 22, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winners of Journey to Forgiveness and An Amish Kitchen

CONGRATULATIONS 

TO WINNERS

Giveaways Ended February 15, 2013.

Giveaway: Journey to Forgiveness Print, Personally Autographed copy.

Winner: Sarah P.

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

Giveaway: An Amish Kitchen Anthology Print Only US.

Winner: Mandy B

Sarah and Mandy 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 mailing, and advise the publisher.  Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered these giveaways. 

Book Review: Jabin & the Space Pirates by Bev Allen

This is a surprising story that is thoroughly engaging and rich in character.

Jabin and the Space Pirates
by Bev Allen

• File Size: 508 KB
• Print Length: 295 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477578919
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Taylor Street Publishing (May 31, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0087UYNI0

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 31, 2012
In the space colony of New Wales, the pirate attacks are both relentless and merciless.

Having lost both his parents, Jabin has been adopted by his austere and spiteful uncle and aunt who live in the space colony of New Wales which is riven with religious and political rivalry, and prey to the vicious maraudings of pirates whose cruelty and greed are beyond all imagination.

When Jabin volunteers to surrender himself to a pirate raiding party to save a friend, he does so believing that nothing can be worse than his current suffering.

However, he is soon to discover that things can always get worse when the stakes are high, the rewards are vast and slave labour is there for the taking.

When the King of New Wales is assassinated, the colony threatens to collapse into total anarchy, leaving the pirates free reign to mutilate, kill and profit as they will, but the forces of law and order sent out from Earth are getting ready to fight back, and Jabin could have a vital part to play in the ensuing war if he can only stay alive.

Review:
I was drawn to read this book although I can’t say why. I like sci fi and space opera but the cover made me a little uncertain what to suspect. I got much more than I would have guessed!

The story follows the life struggles of young Jabin, an orphaned boy who feels rejected by everyone. He lives with a stingy, excessively pious Aunt who barely allows him one small meal a day. He can only hope to be sheltered and not go hungry but otherwise he accepts the drudgery of life.

When raiding space pirates come to his village, Jabin volunteers to take the place of a younger boy.  Jabin feels he doesn’t belong anywhere so one place won’t be much different than another. He becomes the personal server for the leader of the pirates and gets to eat leftovers on the days he pleases his master. He becomes friends with the man’s mistress, Antonia, who was sold into slavery by her first love and is also trapped with no hope of escape.

One day a chance for escape does come and Jabin gets Antonia to sneak away while the pirates pack to flee before the Earth forces attack. When Antonia is shot Jabin slips back to his duties in despair. But Jabin sees enemies meeting with the pirate and he has an important role to play in protecting other endangered children.

While following Jabin's struggles on one line, another line of the story follows the political upheaval of the space colony. The country is torn between factions of traditional Church and Chapel believers.  There is much unrest and it isn’t clear which is the greater danger: the pirate raiders or civil war. 

Earth forces are brought in to handle the space pirates. Colonel Mike Eveson is a wise, tough commander, who has learned when and how to discipline. Eveson is close friends with one of the Royal Princes, General Gethin.  The king has been assassinated and there are rivals who pose a danger to the new child King. Eveson and Gethin are called in and have to determine who can be trusted in the royal household. Ultimately Eveson and Jabin’s paths meet and a fragile relationship develops.

I was really surprised by the depth of thought provoking themes shared by Ms. Allen in this remarkable story. The plight of Jabin is touching as you ache for him as a lost child.  There are engaging political and ecumenical intrigues. There are interesting comments on many topics such as soldiers and parenting, abandoned children, officers who gain their position through prestige and have to learn and earn respect, self-worth and much more.

The characters have wonderful depth that drew me into their emotions. Eveson is a wonderful character with great relationships with his men and a beautiful protective attitude toward the brutalized Jabin. He recognizes the bravery in young Jabin who chooses to do the right things even through his fears.

I highly recommend this story for the wealth of character and life-lessons that are woven into engaging entertainment.

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

Eveson explains to a young officer that if the army took control of the government it would lead to military dictatorship.

“If you want to rule civilians, resign and become a politician. If you want to defend them, stay a soldier.”  Location 1905.

Jabin hated the heavy ID tag in his ear but when it is removed he feels a loss:

...but it marked him for what he was, what he had become. Without it he was nothing, no-one’s slave, no-one’s child, and he had no place in anyone’s life. Location 4307.

I received this for review as part of Bewitching Blog Tour.

For author interviews and guest posts, visit the hosts found at

Tour Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen

Saturday Snapshot (Feb 16, 2013) Few More Pics from Hawaii Cruise

Here are a few more more pictures from our Hawaiian cruise/visit.

There were chickens all around the Maui airport!

 These were the towel animals the nice room steward left for us.

Elephant

Rabbit

Frog

  

Mouse with the frog. :-)

Turtle

Hanging Monkey!

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.

Audio Book Review: Ever After, The Hollows, Book 11 by Rachel Morgan

This latest Rachel Morgan story is absolutely engaging and full of action and intensity.
Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
    UNABRIDGED
    by Kim Harrison
    Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
        Series: The Hollows, Book 11

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 18 hours and 36 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio
• Audible.com Release Date: January 22, 2013

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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.

Review:
Rachel is accused by the demons of tearing the ley lines and causing the leakage and shrinkage of the Ever After where the demons live. Rachel has been framed by Ku’Sox, an extremely nasty and powerful demon.  The other demons know that Ku’Sox is lying but they all fear him. Ku’Sox claims that he will deliver a cure to the demons through human babies he has been stealing although he really wants to destroy Rachel and the Ever After.  Rachel is sentenced to die in four days if she can not fix the lines. 

Ku’Sox needs Trent, the Elven business magnate, to help with the chemical research on the babies.  Ku’Sox steals Rachel’s Goddaughter -- Trent’s daughter-- Lucy. This puts more pressure on Rachel and Trent to either yield to Ku’Sox or find a way to defeat him.

Rachel begins to fix the lines with the help of her young gargoyle, Biz, and Trent, but Ku’Sox shows up and snatches them away. Rachel has to find a set of paired rings to keep her tethered as she tries to fix the lines. It turns out the pair she can get have a terrible history as slave rings that were once used by the Elves to keep the demons as slaves before the Elf-Demon War. The only way that Ku’Sox is going to be defeated is if Rachel can convince the Elves and demons to work together and if she can trust them not to betray her.

I loved the intensity, in fear and sorrow, of this story. Ms. Harrison’s imagination is wonderfully creative as she develops these plots and interweaves the many species! I liked the increased exposure in this episode to Newt, the ‘crazy’ female demon. This story introduces Biz’ father and a group of flying gargoyles, who are touting Biz as the ‘World Breaker’ and Rachel as his ‘Sword.’ The relationship between Trent and Rachel takes one passionate step forward but two practical steps back leaving the reader to wonder about their future. There are many older characters who are mentioned which helps to fill out some of the backstory. I enjoyed these bits of memory lane, but I did feel there were several unnecessary repetitions summarizing the current problems that Rachel was facing. The action wrapped me to a point where I didn’t want to put the book (or MP3 player) away.

If you are already a Hollows fan I think you will want to grab this latest book. If you haven’t read the series yet, I encourage you to start at the beginning and enjoy getting caught up.

Audio Notes: Once again Marguerite Gavin does a great job with the different voices and the emotional inflections. The accents range from Pixie high (Jenks) to base low (the gargoyles), New York to British. It surprises me how seamlessly Ms. Gavin makes the shifts from one voice to another. I get caught up and love listening.

I was glad to get this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox!

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 15, 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 and Hi! Did everyone have a lovely Valentine week? My week went from no appointments to covering hearings every day in other towns. I enjoy the drive time as I get to listen to books but it has cut into other plans. *Sigh* Always mixed blessings. :-)
Check out the the New Book Group #36 below!

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the February 8 Pick. Woo Hoo! Four automatic winners this week! (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were four titles blocked this week.
Carol M chose Mrs. Mallory and Silent Killer
Louisa chose The Captain's Woman
bn100 chose Lady Beware
and
Emily chose Mistress (Audio Cassettes)

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 8 Pick:

Rubynreba wins Calculated Revenge.

veRONIca - I'll check mail cost on Married to His Business but it may be 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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Hope you all had a Happy Valentines!
Image found at Gear Diary.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Laurell K. Hamilton
     Cravings (actually an Anthology) and A Kiss of Shadows
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Deadline by Fern Michaels
Timeline by Michael Crichton
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
Echoes by Maeve Binchy (worn spine)
One Dead Under the Cukoo's Nest by Lori Avocato
The Thunder Keeper by Margaret Coel
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


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  ??? checking postage
*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 (All gone)
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 477 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)

Scavenger Hunt Stop and Book Review: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brustetter

This is the beginning of a serial novel so it is not the complete story.

It's my turn and honor to share in the fun of  the Discovery Saga online scavenger hunt! For full details on the hunt and how you can participate (and possibly win an amazon Kindle) please go to Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt. Remember that the clues can be found in the ten blog reviews by finding the word that is in all capital letters.

Goodbye to Yesterday: Part 1 (The Discovery - A Lancaster County Saga)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616260858
• ISBN-13: 978-1616260859

Genre: Amish Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Release date: February 5, 2013 | Series: The Discovery - A Lancaster County Saga (Book 1)

Join Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. Financial struggles. Arguments. A suspected pregnancy. A last-minute trip to South Bend, Indiana. A drug addict on the run. A deadly encounter at a Philadelphia bus station. Will their love and faith be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?

Review:
Luke Stoltzfus is struggling with having lost his craftsman's job and being unable to find a new job in his community. He is sensitive and moody and his young wife, Meredith, is frustrated as they are not communicating well. Meredith worries as she thinks she may be pregnant but she doesn’t want to stress Luke more.

Then Luke’s uncle invites him to come to Indiana to learn the trade of engraving headstones. Luke will have to invest a good portion of their dwindling savings to buy the equipment but it would give him a skill and a career to secure their future. Although everyone else in the family is excited and supportive of the opportunity, Meredith has reservations. She particularly isn’t comfortable with Luke having to travel to Indiana during bad snow storms.

The day arrives and Luke heads out on the bus to Philadelphia where he will switch buses. Unfortunately the storm is moving in from the west and Luke may be heading straight into it. Before he can face that danger, a rather naive Luke has a very bad encounter with a drug addict. What SEEMED like a God given opportunity to improve his life turns out to be a horrific experience. Meanwhile Merrie is feeling lonely at home waiting for a call to reassure her that Luke has arrived safely.

I enjoyed the characters, the lovely descriptions and Luke's pet dog. The financial struggles and resulting friction between the newlyweds are circumstances that many can relate to and I found it interesting in the Amish setting. I was rather surprised by the stubbornness, pride and worry of the couple as these attitudes don't fit my expectations of the Amish. It is also interesting how Ms. Brunstetter presents the background and mind set of the drug addict.

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is sweet and dear but a very light level read. At times I felt it was written for younger readers, still it was enjoyable. I would be interested to try a full novel by Ms. Brunstetter to see if the writing is the same style.

I didn’t particularly mind the cliffhanger ending but I am not sure I am in favor of spreading a book of this nature over six short novellas, especially considering the price to get the full set. If you like Amish stories with real life issues you might want to try this sweet read.

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

A passage I particularly like:

    Meredith smiled and felt herself relax. God’s Word always had a way of speaking to her just when she needed it most. Page 103.

I hope everyone has been having a great time following the clues. 
Okay, Discovery Saga scavenger hunters—the FINAL clue will be posted tomorrow at:  Http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com
GOOD LUCK!
Let your friends know about the hunt and invite them to join us while there is still time.

I received this book from the author through Handlebar Publishing for an honest review.

About the Author..

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Make a visit to Ms. Brunstetter's website and you just might hear something surprising!

Book Review: The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on The Lam by Juliet Rosetti

Outrageous escapades make this story a delightful reading escape!
The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti

• File Size: 2019 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Publisher: Loveswept (December 10, 2012)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008ENAWJ4

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.

Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.

Review:
Mazie Maguire was a high school  music teacher when she was swept off her feet by a gorgeous, wealthy, socialite, Kip Vonnerjohn. Overwhelmed by the life of the rich and famous and blinded by immature hero worship of the suave man, nine years her senior, Mazie agreed to marry the charmer before she realized his proclivities toward idleness and women. She also hadn’t met his social queen of a mother who hates everything 'low life' about Mazie and will later send her poison cookies in prison! Vengeful Vanessa cut off the purse strings as soon as Kip married Mazie and things headed into trouble from there.

Mazie is accused of killing her philandering husband who was serving divorce papers. Although Mazie slept through the event, supposedly she was caught doing the crime by a nanny camera. The trial was pretty swift and Mazie ended up with a life sentence in Taycheedah prison.

A freak tornado hits while Mazie is in the garden and she leaps at the unexpected chance to escape. Mazie goes through some horrendous, but funny, scenarios as she stumbles one step ahead of the dogs and the Federal Marshall.  Just as they catch up to her she jumps into a manure pile to slip away again.  Mazie hides in a journalist’s van until the big tough driver coaxes her out and forces her into a bathtub. Mazie soon finds herself telling her tale to Labeck who believes that she was framed.

They break into her mother-in-law’s home to get the video tape that convicted her. Too bad Vanessa had laid a trap and Mazie barely escapes electrocution.  Mazie runs again taking Muffin, one of Vanessa’s pampered and ill tempered shih tzu-bichon frise pets, with her.

Mazie doesn’t know who to trust but thinks she has one person she can count one. As Mazie is running from the Feds, her crazed mother-in-law and a relentless killer, she discovers that she has become a super-star escapee in the eyes of the public. It will take several more near death experiences before Mazie gets some help from two enamored teen boys and learns who her real friends are.

This story is laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are brash and zany. There is a totally sassy and irreverent tone to the writing that is different but fun. The escapades that Mazie goes through are almost beyond belief but clearly Ms. Rosetti has a wickedly wild imagination. My final note on this book is: “hilarious!” If you’re ready for a mystery with a whole lot of laughter treat yourself to this fun escape.

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

Mazie and Labeck have trust issues:

“Move a single eyeball toward that knife block,” he growled, “and I tie you to that chair.” Location 1261.

A description of Vanessa’s little dogs:

...suddenly a tide of snarling fur balls engulfed us, growling, snapping and clearly stating in dog language: We’re going to tear you to kibble and gnaw your ears like they’re dried apricots. These were the fiends from hell. Location 1578.

I received this eBook from Random House Digital, through NetGalley, for an honest review.

This story is set in Wisconsin for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Pandora's Temple by Jon Land with TWO Giveaways

This is a wild ride in search of dark trouble.

Pandora's Temple

by Jon Land

• File Size: 841 KB
• Print Length: 412 pages
• Publisher: Open Road E-riginal (November 20, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00961J7Z8

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
Blaine McCracken was believed by some to be dead. Others believed the man, nearing 60, was too old for active service. Neither belief is true as McCraken is still the man to manage the “impossible” and a government bureaucrat has called him in to head a dangerous retrieval of student hostages from one of the biggest drug lords in Mexico. The drug lord, surrounded by his army of soldiers, laughs at McCraken’s demand to release the American hostages. He stops laughing when his compound is bombarded and McCraken, with his faithful team, small but tough Sal Belamo, and imposing seven foot, Johnny Wareagle, open fire.

McCraken is then asked to investigate an event in the Gulf that involved the explosion of a deepwater oil rig that one of his war bodies had been working on.  The event was rated as a “Level Six” event with “Level Five” being a nuclear attack. The three man team are joined by Captain Seven, their weapons and tech specialist buddy who some might mistake for a left-over 70's, dope smoking, hippy. Captain Seven determines that the event is actually the result of a “dark matter” attack. With legend of power dating back to a Greecian myth, it appears that there are two dangerous men out to obtain control of the source.

One man is a power hungry energy business magnate who wants to control the substance and wipe out all other power resources. He is convinced he can do this even though his team of scientists warn of the destruction that even small experiments have revealed.  The other man is the leader of a radical terrorist group seeking world destruction.

McCraken finds himself trying to protect a witness who was on the ocean rig and has already been attacked. He is sure she know more than she is telling. The team take her to a government building that is protected by giant drones and security consisting of SWORDS, or Special Weapons Observation Remote reconnaissance Direct action System robots. At least they thought they were secure until someone else gets control. McCraken and Wareagle have to battle their way out of that fiasco so they can track down the terrorists.

This story reminded me of adventures by Clive Cussler--full of action and suspense but with an extra dose of humor. The tale is chock full of tense moments of danger, volatile excitement, wry humor and fast paced action. I liked the diversity of the “good guys” team with their ‘mature’, eccentric quirks. The book is well written and the action scenes are well done and believable. I loved how the Greek myth was woven behind the action with some surprising touches. I would like to read more of this author and these characters. If you like fast-paced thrillers loaded with action and danger, and capped with humor, you are bound to enjoy the explosive nature of this story!

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

McCraken has to wonder if he can still accomplish the impossible: 

In that moment the last two years vanished behind the haze of battle McCraken knew so well. Age lost all meaning, time measured in the breaths and moments between explosions, gunshots and screams. Do I still have it? Location 375.

McCraken and Wareagle ponder the Pandora jar:

“Could be the jar was capable of taking care of itself just fine.”
“Maybe the jar found us, Blainey.” Location 5210.

I received this title for an honest review through Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours .

Author Bio: Jon Land is the critically acclaimed author of 32 books, including the bestselling series featuring Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong that includes STRONG ENOUGH TO DIE, STRONG JUSTICE, STRONG AT THE BREAK, STRONG VENGEANCE (July 2012) and STRONG RAIN FALLING (August 2013). He has more recently brought his long-time series hero Blaine McCracken back to the page in PANDORA’S TEMPLE (November 2012). He lives in Providence, Rhode Island. Websites & Links: www.jonlandbooks.com

Giveaways:
Both giveaways are International. 

There are TWO giveaways! First, the Author is doing something special. He is giving away 1 e-book set of all of his McCracken Titles. 

• The Omega Command
• The Alpha Deception
• The Gamma Option
• The Omicron Legion
• The Vengeance of the Tau

ENDS 2/28.

That's a giveaway I wish I could enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SECOND GIVEAWAY

Giveaway of ebook copy of The Omega Command

Mr. Land has generously offered to give those reviewers/bloggers that are posting a review, the opportunity to host a giveaway of his previous novel The Omega Command.
Enter this Rafflecopter Giveaway for an e-book copy of The Omega Command. 

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