Mailbox Monday April 15, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For APRIL: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mari at MariReads!
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I only picked up two titles this past week plus one win!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Two Review Titles from NetGalley

An eNovella from an author I like:

Ten Reasons to Stay
Sabrina Jeffries

and

I read the Smitten Anthology in early 2012

and decided to enjoy re-visiting the town

for some light romance.

Secretly Smitten
Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, & Denise Hunter

Won

None this week.

Purchased

None this week.
I have two Audible picks this week. I have one picked but have to choose a second.

Free

I downloaded a couple of books from Free Partay and downloaded a only a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 15, 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 haven't felt totally well this week - fighting either the pollen or eye strain from a new contact lense. Hopefully this coming week will be better. But the reading/listening has gone fine. :-) 
I finished three books and am nearly done a fourth with two more started. I posted three reviews, one with ARC Giveaway.  There were also one Sourcebook specials announcement.  Plus I posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I was glad to visit several Monday posts early in the week and Saturday Snapshot posts at the end of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? April 8, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday April 8, 2013.
  

• #Audio #Review of Civil War (Marvel) by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven; Comic Action; my rating 4.25.
  

• Book Review: Hammer of Angels, A Novel of Shadowstorm by G.T. Almasi; Action, Alternative History; my rating 4.25.
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Jake (Wyoming Sky Novel) by R.C. Ryan; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 4/19.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 12, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/11/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (4/13/13) My DH's Garden
  

• Special Spring Offers from Sourcebooks.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #95 Comment Giveaway 4/13/13. Ends 4/19/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 14, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audio

That Night on Thistle Lane
by Carla Negger
An easy read although 
not what I expected.

I'll post a review this week. 
Reviewing for AudioGo 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Swift River Valley
Click on title for full book description.

2. eBook/Kindle

An Angel by Her Side
by Ruth Reid
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Reviewing for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel
Click on title for full book description.

3. Print

Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers
by Margaret Daley
This is a strong romantic suspense I enjoyed.
Reading and reviewing as part of 
Pump Up Your Book Tour.  Review to post on 4/16.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2013 | Series: Men of the Texas Rangers (Book 3)
Click on title for full book description.

Line Edits/Releases:

We released several print titles the past several weeks:
Finding Eden by Pembroke Sinclair
Mew by Barbara Miller
and 
Sweethearts in Bloom Anthology

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP3

Hunter: A Thriller 
by Robert Bidinotto
I'm a couple hours into this intense thriller.
Reviewing for Robert Bidinotto through Audiobook Jukebox.

Publisher's Summary
A Wall Street Journal Top 10 national best seller
Number one Kindle best seller in "Mysteries & Thrillers"
Who is hunter?
Who is Prey?
Who will survive?

Award-winning true-crime author Robert Bidinotto makes his stunning fiction debut with a best-selling thriller that has earned more than 200 "5-star" rave reviews from readers.

Two people, passionately in love.
But each hides a deadly secret.
He is a crusading vigilante, on a violent quest for justice.
She is tracking this unknown assassin, sworn to stop him.
Neither realizes the truth about the other.
And neither knows that a terrifying predator is hunting them both....

From its first moments, Hunter takes you on a nonstop thrill ride: from the top floor of the CIA, to the marbled corridors of Capitol Hill...from the posh hotels of downtown Washington, to the city's mean, violent streets. It introduces a colorful new hero for our time - and a dazzling heroine every bit his equal.

A spy mystery...a crime thriller...a passionate romance: Hunter is a genre-bending novel unlike any you've read. Deviously plotted, filled with vivid characters, and propelled at a breakneck pace, it's a tale as memorable for its provocative ideas as for a rousing climax that has readers cheering.

If you enjoy the thrillers of Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor, and Vince Flynn, you'll love Hunter.

©2011 Robert Bidinotto (P)2012 Robert Bidinotto

2. eBook/Kindle

The Sword in the Stars (Book1)
in The Dark Sea Annals Series 
by Wayne Thomas Batson
I am 80% through this remarkably
entertaining epic.
I received this from NetGalley;
Book Description
Publication Date: August 9, 2010 | Series: The Dark Sea Annals

Centuries have passed since the Silence, and the few remaining faithful cling to the ancient prophecies of the First One.  They wait for the Caller and watch the skies for the Sword in the Stars, even as the world they've always  known unravels around  them.

 Murderous Gorracks have secretly penetrated the kingdom's borders. Their attacks grow more brazen...more horrific, threatening to touch off a war on a scale  that hasn't been seen in seven ages.

   In  the capital city of Anglinore, noble King Aravel ponders  the advice of  this twin brother Morlan:  declare all out war on the Gorrack nation.  While Anglinore's High Shepherd, the wise Sebastian Grenlaff urges caution and listens to troubling voices on the wind.

   Queen Mariel, due to deliver a child any day, suspects the unthinkable about her husband's brother Morlan.  She sets off alone to Morlan's castle in Dunharrow, hoping against hope that she can keep old wounds from erupting in war.

    Alastair Coldharrow,  tortured by an addiction to the outlawed Witchdrale and haunted by a violent past, wagers his life on the hope that the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come.  When at  last, the Sword appears in the Stars, Alastair begins a fruitless search for the Halfainin that leaves him disillusioned, broken, and lost.  Used to caring only for himself, Alastair will enter a maelstrom of conflict as loyalties are tested, dark schemes are hatched, and  the many realms of Myriad brace  themselves for war.

   Will Alastair realize what he has before its too late...for everyone?

3. Print and Kindle

Rest in Peace
by Frances Divine
This is our Ladies' Book Club read and we decided to meet this Saturday.
I have extra copies for Giveaway.
Product Description
In Cedar Chapel, Where Victoria Storm runs a senior boardinghouse, things are quiet. That is, until she enters the local pet store and finds Clyde Foster, the owner, dead, and his parrot, Watzit, frantically screeching. What clues will this bird reveal regarding a murder most foul? Unable to resist a mystery, Victoria, her fiance' Benjamin, and her senior cohorts begin their own investigation, landing them headfirst in a dangerous adventure. When their friend, Miss Aggie disappears, leaving a blood-stained trail, no one seems safe. Will Victoria live long enough to unravel the clues and tie the knot?

4. Print

The Forever Knight
by John Marco
I have started this interesting fantasy.
This is part of TLC book tour;
my review will post on 4/22.
Book Description
Release date: April 2, 2013 | Series: Books of the Bronze Knight
Lukien is the Bronze Knight, beloved by his kingdom and renowned in battle throughout his world. After betraying his king and losing his beloved, he wishes only for death, but rather than die, Lukien is given a chance for redemption: to be the protector of the Inhumans—those fragile mortals who live deep in the desert, far from the prying eyes of their world. These remarkable individuals have been granted magical powers in exchange for the hardships and handicaps life has handed them. And Lukien, now immortal himself, must be their champion. But how can one man, even an immortal warrior, protect hundreds from a world of potential enemies?

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: Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still doing more Smashword conversions in between print formatting.

I have read six books for April and will have to post more than three reviews this week to get caught up on reviews. I started with 13 + two TBR to read and post for April.

April Scheduled:
4/16 Review: Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley (PUYB)
4/20 Review & Giveaway: Rest in Peace (Ladies' Book Club)
4/22 Review: The Forever Knight by John Marco (TLC)
4/24 Showers of Books Giveaway Hop 

Sourcebooks
For May 3: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Hachette
Cowboy Take Me Away by Jane Graves

Audios:
For Audiobook Jukebox
    Hunter: A Thriller - Robert Bidinotto

NetGalley:
     The Sword in the Stars (Book1) in The Dark Sea Annals Series by Wayne Thomas Batson
     The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices) by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 14, 2013

My mind is whirling with things I want to share... signs of the times that we are discussing in Sunday School. This afternoon time is short and we are having sporadic internet due to rain storms.

Our Pastor shared a message this morning: The Lord Hears...
Do not believe the lies that you are not important to God. Doubts are lies from the devil.
Psalm 147:9 says: He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
Ravens are garbage pickers, ugly birds. Yet God cares for them when they cry out. How much more will He care for his children when they call to Him?

So for today I am led to share in praise:

All of Creation

A Verse for Today
Luke 12:24 NIV
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Lord, this week I pray that you help me to prepare words to share that will show your light and the urgency of time. Thank you, Sovereign Father, for your daily mercies and inexplicable blessings.

Sharing Beyond Books #95 Comment Giveaway April 13, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.

Happy Saturday night! It has finally warmed up here which is good but the mosquitoes are AWFUL. We had birthday cake for our grandson's 9th BD tonight. (Now I really need to exercise.)

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us do not exercise -- except for our brains as Nikki noted. The big problem is motivation as Sarah said. I wish I could get my DH to walk with me as we both need it. It sounds like Ricki has a great program - I never heard of Zumba until a year or so ago when our new daughter-in-law was so active before getting pregnant.

The number of those who look at, and a few who post, cover reveals are greater in number than the 7 of us who do not look at them. It sounds like several of you do post them and many like to look at them. I do agree with CarolNW and nrlymrtl that sometimes those posts comparing the US to UK covers are interesting.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #94 comments is: #16 bn100 who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #95 Questions

Q1. This questions sort of fits to follow last week.
        MaryP asks: Can you swim??

A: We had a pool on our farm and I learned to swim at an early age. We moved to Florida when I was about 12. I swam competitively in high school with my events being backstroke, relays and distance freestyle. I love stretching out on the backstroke take off and I did manage back flip turns. I still enjoy alternating strokes when I swim.

Image found at Fine Art America.

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you avoid or like reading LONG books??

A: (I thought this might have been asked but I checked my spreadsheet which covers from week #3 and it is not there so it's a fair question.)

 I am guilty of not reading too many books over 400 pages. However - If I really want to read a long book - like the Harry Potter series - I will listen to it in Audio format. (I still have the first 5 Potter books on cassette.) Even then I am reluctant to pick up something like The Pillars of the Earth which is 40 hours on Audible. Books that I have on my shelf that I probably won't read but might listen to include: The Passage (36 hours), The Fallen 1 and Storm Glass.

Image found at Melville House.

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:

Q1. MaryP asks: Can you swim??

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you avoid or like reading LONG books??

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, April 19, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Special Spring Offers from Sourcebooks

These special announcements are shared from Beth at Sourcebooks and I'll post a special Springtime romantic Giveaway offer courtesy Sourcebooks on Monday so please check back. :-)

 

Attention Susanna Kearsley Fans!

The Shadowy Horses will be a Kindle Daily Deal TOMORROW (4/13)! It will be $1.99! I wanted to give you a heads up but please don’t post about it until tomorrow. This is great timing because The Shadowy Horses features the character Robbie as a little boy but in Susanna’s upcoming new release, The Firebird, Robbie is all grown up!  

The last installment of the Sinners on Tour series will be here in no time! To celebrate, we are offering another preorder offer!  

The countdown to Wicked Beat by Olivia Cunning! Preorder Offer!

If you pre-order Wicked Beat, we will send you an exclusive Sinners logo tattoo and one sexy Sinners hot pink guitar pick! But you have to hurry because we only have 500 of them available! You have until August 5^th or until quantities run out! Here is what you do:

1.         Pre-order the book (print or eBook) through any retailer (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Indiebound, BAM, etc.)

2.         Email your proof of purchase (receipt or picture of the receipt) to wickedbeat@sourcebooks.com. Don’t forget to include your home address (US & Canada only please) so we can send you the tattoo and guitar pick! Yes, if you’ve already pre-ordered it months ago, that counts, you just have to show your receipt.

3.         You will get an email back confirming when the items have been sent out.  If you were not one of the first 500 people, you will also be alerted.

4.         Enjoy Wicked Beat when you receive it in August!

Sourcebooks Editors Hit Pinterest!

Sourcebooks has started Pinterest boards that are curated by some of our editors! They will be showcasing the things they love! First to kick it off is Leah Hultenschmidt, our romance/YA Managing Editor! Check out her board here to see what she is loving at the moment!

http://pinterest.com/sourcebooks/editors-picks-leah-ya-and-romance/

Have a great weekend!

Thanks!

Beth

Saturday Snapshot (April 13, 2013) My DH's Garden

I have a little more of photo zooming work in these photos. These are taken from the end of our pool deck looking to the south.

This is the farm patch that my DH cultivates.
This is why friends sometimes call him "Farmer Bob."

Tomatoes to the row with the stump, peppers straight ahead and potatoes to the right.
Note at the far end of the garden the black piece of equipment.

 This is the right side with garlic along the edge 

and peanuts (not growing) in the row before the potatoes.

Here to the left is the last row of corn and the banana trees on the outside.

And remember the black equipment in the distance?

This is our log splitter zoomed in.

Here is the log pile that DH has been chopping from a tree he cut down a week or so ago.
DH stays very busy!

Thanks again to all the nice people who have commented on my Saturday pictures.
I did get to visit back Friday night.

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.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 12, 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!! It's Friday again already?? How did that happen?
I hope to add a new group of titles next week. :-)

[***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 April 5 Pick. Still no automatic wins this week but there hopefully will be some next week. especially with four blocked titles from 10 picks. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Three titles were blocked. 

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 5 Pick:

Carol L gets Silk and Steel

Ingeborg gets Twice Upon a Time

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.

I thought this was worth announcing. :-)

Image found at Book Buzz (Sumter Schools)

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Linda Howard:
     While Lies and A Game of Chance
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Silk and Steel by Theresa Michaels
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



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 
*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--- (All gone)

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

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 (postage too much - replaced with GC)
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)

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 496 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  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

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)

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel) by R.C. Ryan

This romance, with mystery and family issues, is solid entertainment.

Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel)
by R.C. Ryan

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Forever (February 26, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455502448
• ISBN-13: 978-1455502448

Genre: Western, Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: February 26, 2013 | Series: A Wyoming Sky Novel

Wild at Heart . . .
Jake Conway is good with his hands. A veterinarian known for his gentle touch, he's also the most eligible bachelor in Wyoming. But like any wild animal, Jake longs to roam free . . . until a sultry redhead with a smile from here to heaven turns up in town.
When her estranged father dies, Meg Stanford inherits his rustic ranch-and all the painful memories that come with it. She's determined to settle the estate and face down the ghosts of her past. But a series of midnight break-ins have Meg running from the ranch-and into the arms of the sexy cowboy next door. As their passion grows hotter, the attacks grow bolder. Can Jake keep her safe, or will he lose the only woman he's ever loved?

Review:
Meg is a top notch, career-minded attorney from Washington, D.C.. She comes to her childhood home in Paintbrush, Wyoming for the burial of her estranged father and to handle his affairs. In addition to the rustic ranch that she loved as a child she finds a seven year old half brother, Cory. Cory lost his young mother and now he has lost his older, but devoted father. He is reluctant to get close to this strange woman who doesn’t even have proper ranch clothes.

Jake, a gorgeous, veterinarian cowboy, is the remaining bachelor of the three Conway sons who live at the ranch next to Meg’s.  He responds to a phone message to check on Cory’s beloved horse who has an unexplained injury.  Jake is able to soothe Cory along with the horse.

When Meg has to cope with night time break ins and vandalism Jake is soon stopping by to offer protection and support. Meg struggles with why someone would threaten her even as she slowly remembers why she loved the ranch and the father whom she thought abandoned her. Although they know their life-styles are different, concerns and passion draw Meg and Jake together.

The writing is very smooth and cozy.  I was quickly engaged by the likeable characters and the storyline. I was eager to know what was going on and even more eager for Jake to convince Meg that she should stay in Wyoming.  The romance moves along at a nice pace and is heated without getting overly graphic.

There is the fine threat of danger with the mystery that there is more to the background than anyone knows.  I did feel that some of the protective expertise expected of Meg’s professional team was lacking but it played into the story.

There is conflict and warmth provided by Meg’s young, impressionable brother. Then there is the added charm of  Jake’s lively household which consists of his granddad, dad, a housekeeper and a cook who have been with the family a long time, and two brothers with their new brides.

I liked how Ms. Ryan addressed the impact of loss on the characters: by marital separation for Meg, death for Cory and unexplained mystery for the Conway family. There are lessons of forgiveness and moving on to live one’s life fully that include a secondary, sweet romance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a rich, warm romance that has a solid plot with life issues and a little bit of mystery packaged in good strong writing.

I received this book from Grand Central Publishing, Hachette, Forever division.

The story is set in Wyoming for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

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Book Review: Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi

This story is high octane action and impressive sci-fi alternate history.
Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm
by G. T. Almasi

• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (November 25, 2014)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009JU6UQU

Genre: Action, Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
In G. T. Almasi’s thrilling alternate reality, the United States, the USSR, and the Republic of China share a fragile balance of power with Greater Germany, which emerged from World War II in control of Europe and half of the Middle East. To avoid nuclear Armageddon, the four superpowers pursue their ambitions with elite spies known as Levels, who are modified with mechanical and chemical enhancements.

Nineteen-year-old Alix Nico, code-named Scarlet, is a kick-ass superheroine with killer Mods and an attitude to match. She’s considered one of America’s top Levels, even though her last mission nearly precipitated World War III. So now Scarlet and her new partner, Darwin, have been sent to Greater Germany to help sow the seeds of anarchy and prevent Germany’s defection to Russia and China.

But where Scarlet goes, chaos follows—and when her mission takes an unexpected turn, she and Darwin must go ever deeper into enemy territory. As Scarlet grapples with a troubling attraction to her new partner, explosive information comes to light about the German cloning program and one of its prisoners—a legendary American Level who just happens to be Scarlet’s father.

“First-rate . . . a hell-bent-for-leather mash-up of spy novel and SF.”—Eric Van Lustbader, on Blades of Winter.

Review:
Alix aka Scarlet is a nineteen year old, bionic, medically-enhanced, kick-butt spy-agent. She has recovered from her last assignment (Blades of Winter) where she lost her partner and lover, Trick.  Now a new partner arrives shocking her until she learns he is Trick's 'brother', one of a triplet of clones. Brando, aka Darwin, has been programmed with most of Trick’s memories so that he can help Scarlet on their new assignment.

Scarlet wants to hunt down a man she believes is a traitor. But Fredericks is high up in the program and the government doesn’t want him disturbed. The assignment she and Darwin are given is to incite a slave revolt by the Jewish slave community in Greater Germany.  Although there is a fine line for US involvement, this action is designed to help keep Germany from seeking alliances with Russia and China.

Stirring up trouble comes rather easily to Scarlet. Several other agents, including Raj from the first book and Grey, a new “invisible” agent, come along to help keep Scarlet safe from the government and Purity League forces. There are new friends too, including a resistance leader, underground collaborators and a surprise sniper, Falcon, who could be Scarlet’s father when he was young! This gets Scarlet and her team side tracked on a renewed hunt for her father, code name Big Bertha, who has apparently been captured and used in a major German cloning program. Scarlet races at full steam but she stumbles as her upgrades and med doses begin to impact her system.

The layout in the first book continues in this one with informative journal entry sections interspersed with the action.  I love all of the intense battle action with unique ammo for different purposes and enemies.  This book tends to have carnage scenes that are a bit more graphic than the first book.  There is mystery and the tension of betrayal with the continued suspicion of a mole in the agency. There is a light tease of new romance and humor that includes a prayer with a touch of irreverence. I really enjoy the alternative history, with ‘Floating Railroads’ and circumstances that mirror images of real life.

Unfortunately I was distracted during the story by the liberal, unnecessary, use of the “f” word.  (A search shows the word 32 times so that would be about every tenth page in 336 pages.) I think this is an early ARC version of the title and maybe it will be toned down before release in November 2014. As much as I enjoy Scarlet and this wonderful sci-fi world of action I am truly conflicted as to whether I would read the next in the series. However, if you love high action sci-fi, I do recommend picking up the first book and, if you can read past and around the unpleasant word, put this highly entertaining sequel on pre-order or your wish list for when it releases.

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

Brando/Darwin explains part of their orders to Scarlet:

“You shall create a chaotic and confused situation wherever possible.”
Story of my life.             Location 1123.

I received this title from Del Rey/Random House Digital through NetGalley.

#Audio #Review of Civil War (Marvel) by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Great audio performance makes this comic book story entertaining even for those of us who don't read comics!

CIVIL WAR (MARVEL)

Author: Mark Millar, Steve McNiven

Approximate Run Time: 6 hours
Release Date: March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-59950-952-5

Genre: Comic book Action
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The epic story that blows the Marvel Universe apart!

Iron Man and Captain America: two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest super hero team.

After a tragic battle in Stamford Connecticut, the U.S. government demands that all super heroes unmask and register their powers.

To Tony Stark—Iron Man—it's a regrettable but necessary step.

To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.

So begins the Civil War.

© Marvel

Review:
This is set at a time when there are numerous super heroes and wanna be super heroes raging through America. A young team of hotshots are doing a type of super hero reality show. Their antics go wrong and a terrible tragedy occurs. Government sources, already wary of villainous super beings, demand registration and disclosure of all super heroes and their powers. Tony Stark as Iron Man decides that it would be best for the super hero community to be visible and open. He supports the legislation for registration and helps set up the outer space detention center to hold villains and non-compliant super heroes.

Tony brings Peter Parker, Spiderman, along side to mentor him and use his special skills. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, is also wrapped up in the arrangements for the registration process and, as he struggles with all of the mathematical and mechanical equations, he loses touch with his own wife, Sue Storm, Invisible Woman.

Not all the super heroes agree with registration and Captain America becomes the leader of a resistance movement. Tony pulls them into a trap and in the ensuing battle one of the great super heroes, a friend of both sides, is killed by a character whom everyone believes to be another great super hero but turns out to be a clone. Sue leaves Reed to side with the resistance and, after learning more horrible truths, Peter changes sides too.

Tony and the government Shield office have programs to spy out the “caped” heroes and even more invasions of privacy. Tony thinks he’s right to support this but Captain America feels that the new law violates his freedoms. Super heroes who were once friends and allies line up to battle it out. Can the heroes come to terms or, in an effort to “be right”, will they destroy the community they are trying to protect?

This story presents a dilemma of balancing public protection and the civil liberties of individuals. There are personal issues and betrayals that add to the intrigue. I found it interesting to have these real life problems framed in a comic book story, but that doesn’t make them any less potent... maybe more so.

Audio Notes: I do LOVE GraphicAudio! The performance wraps around you, just as it claims: “a movie in your mind!” You hear the crash, clang and flare of the battles; the radio transmitted messages; and the whispered cries and sobs of loss. I might not pick up the comic book but this full performance audio makes for great entertainment. The individual narrators do a really good job of portraying the voices and the unique characters.

I received this Audio from GraphicAudio through Audiobook Jukebox.