It's Monday What are You Reading? May 6, 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 enjoyed all of my reading this week so I have several 4.5 reviews I'll be posting. :-) I finished five books. I posted four reviews, one with ARC Giveaway.  I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I visited a handful of Monday posts early in the week and today and I visited 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 29, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday April 29, 2013.

• Book Review: The Wolf of Tebron by C.S. Lakin, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review: Frost Burned, Mercy Thompson Book 7 by Patricia Briggs, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries, Historical Romance Novella; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 3, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 5/9.
  

• Guest Post by C.C. Humphreys - Creating a Story From a Piece of History.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys, Historical Fiction; my rating 4.5. Ends 5/17.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (5/4/13) Wild Creatures
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #98 Comment Giveaway 5/4/13. Ends 5/10.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 5, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina
This series is wonderful.
Click on title for full Book Description.

2. Print

Jack Absolute
by C.C. Humphreys
I really enjoyed this.
An author Guest Post, Review and 
ARC Giveaway are linked above.
Click on title for full Book Description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Her Own Devices: A steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
Shelley Adina
I am so glad I won books 1-3.
I couldn't wait to read more and have purchased the fourth one to read this week!
Book Description
Publication Date: December 22, 2011
Book 2 of the Magnificent Devices series!

Escaped lunatics, lost children, vengeful lords, and love. Really, the situation is becoming quite impossible.

Seventeen-year-old Lady Claire Trevelyan, left alone after the Arabian Bubble financial disaster claims home and family, now leads the cleverest gang in the London underworld. Between outwitting a rival gang, inventing a device that will net her and her scientist employer worldwide fame, and keeping her mother from marrying her off, she can almost forget that a powerful lord wants to get closer ... and if he succeeds, can destroy it all with a single word ...

4. Print

Cowboy Take Me Away
by Jane Graves
This is a warm romance.
I will post review with ARC Giveaway.
Click on title for full Book Description

5. Audible

Loyalty in Death: In Death, Book 9
UNABRIDGED
    By J. D. Robb
    Narrated By Susan Ericksen
        Series: In Death, Book 9
I like the Eve Dallas series.
Had some issues with this one.
I'll post a review this week.
Click on title for full Book Description

Line Edits/Releases:

Last week we released a Children's - Middle Grade, Fantasy:

Seven Shades of Luminosity by Beth BowlandWhen 13-year-old Ralph and his two friends enter a magical world called Norwaeja, they find themselves on an unexpected quest for seven keys, each of which leads them closer to a dark and dangerous kingdom.

Ralph thought he was an ordinary kid, just trying to become the junior fencing champion in his state. Shortly after being chased into Norwaeja he learns of the prophecy declaring him the warrior that will lead the Great Army into battle against Apep, the evil one.

Epic battles against Trolls, dangerous treks through kingdoms, and one pesky, egotistical meerkat will pit friend against friend while Ralph discovers just who he really is and what he is capable of achieving in a world that he is not a part of. Or is he?

Currently reading:
1. Print

Undone (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphrey 
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to this installment
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 | Series: The Amoveo Legend
The Amoveo are shapeshifting animal clans who live secretly among humans and must find their pre-destined soul mates while avoiding the enemy that seeks to destroy them all.
Party girl Marianna Coltari is an unmated pureblood Amoveo who wants nothing to do with the ongoing war that took her father's life and continues to consume her brother Dante's. But when she is targeted by one of the clans, she has little choice but to run and hide in a cabin with Pete Castro, a retired cop from her brother's security firm. There, Pete and Marianna explore an intensifying attraction between them until danger is at the door and there's no escape.

eBook/Kindle

Brilliant Devices: A steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
Shelley Adina
I am excited to read the last book in the series.
When I post the reviews I will post a Giveaway for a set of the books.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 25, 2013
Book 4 of the Magnificent Devices series!
A lady of resources has the power to change the world—if she can stay alive long enough to do it.
Lady Claire Trevelyan had been looking forward to glittering balls, congenial society, and relief from pursuit during her stay with Lord and Lady Dunsmuir in the Canadas. Well, perhaps not entirely. Being pursued by a handsome airship captain is rather diverting, especially when it appears her erstwhile employer, Andrew Malvern, is becoming much too distracted by a certain blond mechanic.

But a shot fired in the night puts an end to such diversions, and instead plunges her and her orphaned band of children into a fight for their very survival. Between secret conversations at the highest levels of society and skullduggery in the diamond mines, Claire must discover who is behind a series of alarming attempts on her friends’ lives—before her mother is compelled to make funeral arrangements yet again.
“Great fun, extremely feel-good reads that make you share all of the protagonists’ journeys and victories … an excellent steampunk series.” —Fangs for the Fantasy: The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective.

3. eBook/Kindle

Secretly Smitten Anthology
Colleen Coble (Author, Contributor), Kristin Billerbeck (Contributor), Denise Hunter (Contributor), Diann Hunt (Contributor)
I have enjoyed these authors in a previous anthology.
Reviewing for Thomas Nelson.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

I am sure I will start an Audio - I just haven't decided what yet.

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 fewer books lined up for May, so I can pick some more that I want. Eight Nine of these are print which means two print books a week that may be harder... I will probably get one or two of them on Kindle for quicker reading (listening). The print books are looming but I'm digging in.

May Scheduled:
May 7: Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
Early May: Kindle Fire Giveaway

May 22:  Review + Giveaway: New Wings by Donna Stanley (Glass Road PR)
Other Giveaway Hop to be added

Sourcebooks: (Both release 5/7)
     Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster
     Undone (The Amoveo Legend) by Sara Humphrey

Hachette - Forever
     Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire (April 30)
     The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson (May 14)
(All 5/28)
     Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel) by Rochelle Alers
     The Sweet Spot (Sweet on a Cowboy) by Laura Drake
     It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis 

NetGalley
     Secretly Smitten Anthology (Thomas Nelson; with print Giveaway)

Harlequin
     Better Than Chocolate (Life in Icicle Falls) by Sheila Roberts
 
Audios
     To be Selected
Author Titles
     TBD 

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices.
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 5, 2013

Our Pastor’s Sermon this morning caught attention: Leaving the Zombie Zone!
Zombies are known as the reanimated dead. They have no soul; they have no walk--only a shuffle; they have no life, no interest other than seeking the next bite (i.e. earthly pleasure). See the comparison with people? And even with Christian pew sitters? (See the verses for today below.) We do nothing but shuffle through life, seeking earthly pleasures, if we are not obedient to God’s call and living abundantly through His gifts. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves other than to accept the Gift of Grace that was freely given through Christ’s sacrifice. Ephesians 2:5.  The fullness of our lives in Christ propels us to share the Gospel of Grace through loving others.

Today was Missions Sunday and Pastor noted that Jesus himself directed man with what we call The Great Commission. Mark 16:15. “Go” – take action, don’t just sit in your seat. “[Y]e” that means “you”, each of us. “...[I]nto ALL the world...” - start in you backyard but reach out to the ends of the earth.  If you cannot go yourself, then share support to send others to share the Gospel of Grace across the world.
***As a note to this – we continue to study End Times in our Sunday School and our teacher mentioned that around the world today persecution brings death to one Christian every 3 and a half minutes!***

This seemed like an appropriate song:
The Mission

Verses for Today
Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

I give thanks again, Lord, for your grace and your blessings. I pray that you give strength and protection to your missionaries and servants as they take your word to the ends of the earth.

Winners: Shower of Books Hop and Rest In Peace

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS:
Shower of Books Hop and Rest In Peace

Giveaways Ending May 3, 2013



Giveaway: Rest in Peace by Frances Devine

US - 2 titles to BOOKLADY

I realized I had another copy so I picked THREE winners
US or Canada - 2 winners
Three Winners:
Joana
Rita and
Lacey

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Giveaway Ending April 30, 2013

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop

Winners:

Entry #250  Kiki W. - emailed

Entry #394  Leanne G. - emailed

Booklady, Joana, Rita and Lacey please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the books mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Sharing Beyond Books #98 Comment Giveaway May 4, 2013

Hello; Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

Hi Friends. Happy Saturday night again! Yes it is Spring but a wet week for many. And Snow in the midwest! Yikes!
This was another strange work week with staff shortage. Aargh!
Thank you to all who shared last week.

We have a wide variety of favorite reading genres among us although the strongest groups mentioned were fantasy and romances. I am glad Holly explained that Shoujo is "a type of manga or graphic novel aimed at young women." I would have had to look that one up. There were several authors mentioned I don't know and soon I am going to do a giveaway post for you guys to pick a new author for me to read the next month. :-)

Good for the majority of you who have your email in boxes under control. Lacey may have a smaller number but even that is out of control when you aren't used to it. I wish my was even "tidal" as nrlymrtl said but I can imagine the 14K with mariska cause that is where mine is too! :-( [Oh - and thank you to several of you for your encouragement on my blog-- so sweet for you to say so.]

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #97 comments is: #5 Holly who can make a GC choice if international or 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 #98 Questions

Q1. Gwen asks:  What is your favorite genre of music??

A: I thought this might have been asked but it is not in my spreadsheet so it's fair game. I rarely listen to music since I almost always have a book going (print, Kindle reading outloud or MP3 Audiobook). If I were to put on music or sing to myself it would be praise and worship. If others are playing music I prefer 'easy listening' - maybe cause its my generation? 

Image found at Music Genre.

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Can you think of a "Famous" or well known Author you have never read??

A: There are many for me but two jump to mind. Stephanie Meyer since I have not read the Twilight books and really don't plan to.  And although I started one book by the very prolific author, Danielle Steel, I never finished and have not read any other of her novels

Image found at PolariMagazine.

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. I do have a group of questions from the same submitters so if you have a question don't be afraid to ask!

Your turn to share:

Q1. Gwen asks: What is your favorite genre of music??

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Can you think of a "Famous" or well known Author you have never read??

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, May 10, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot (May 4, 2013) Wild Creatures

These are two wild creatures that I have stumbled upon.

This rattler was stretched across our driveway one morning when I went to my car.

I called my DH so he could take care of it. I guess I could have run it over but - ugh!

The rifle lets you see the length, It was over five feet long.

Here are his rattles.

Last fall I had a surprise one morning when I went to work.
Note that little black spot on the wall behind my office door.

Here are some zoomed in shots.

Little bat hanging up side down on the wall!

And in had a friend or mate in the brick near the door.

I was excited and they were sort of cute but creepy too.

I didn't want to get too close and disturb them. 

They were only around two days before finding a better home somewhere else.

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

#Book #Review and ARC Giveaway: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

This is a swashbuckling, spy ‘theatrical performance.’

Jack Absolute
by C.C. Humphreys

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140228070X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402280702

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Release date: May 7, 2013

Introducing the unforgettable...Jack Absolute.

The year is 1777. As the war for American independence rages across the sea, London is swept off its feet by Jack Absolute, the dashing rogue in Richard Sheridan's comedy The Rivals. That is, until the real Jack Absolute, former captain of the 16th Light Dragoons, returns after years abroad to discover this slander of his reputation.

Before he can even protest, he is embroiled in a duel over an alluring actress of questionable repute, and his only escape is the one he most dreads: to be pressed again into the King's service—this time, as a spy for the British in the Revolutionary War.

From the streets of London to the bloody battlefields of Saratoga, from the forest fights to the Hudson to the seedy corners of wintry Philadelphia, Jack Absolute marks the exhilarating beginning of an epic historical series and a character you won't soon forget.

"The finest series of historical novels since Patrick O'Brian."—Good Book Guide UK

"An absolute delight! Swashbuckling adventure, eighteenth-century wit, hugely entertaining plots, and one of the most appealing military gentleman every to wear a sword."—Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander and the Lord John Grey series.

"If you like the American Revolution seen from a completely unexpected point of view, plus romance laced with violence and imminent death, this is your kind of book."—Thomas Fleming, author of Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge.

Review:
Jack has returned to England to discover that his past exploits–on the field of battle, as a duelist and as a notorious lover–have been set to theatrical stage. Jack has other plans and doesn’t want to take up his commission again even at the request of his previous commanding officer, General Burgoyne. But circumstances embroil Jack in a duel and force him to take flight with the General. The General wants Jack to rally Native support and spy for the British. They head to Canada to fight the American Rebels in New York.

During the ship voyage Jack becomes friends with a beautiful, spirited young woman, Louisa. Although she is an American, her family are British supporters. Jack hopes to deepen their relationship but they must part ways when the ship docks.

Jack and the General suspect a German Officer, Count von Schlaben, to be a spy promoting take over in the Americas by an organization known as the Illuminati.  It was the Count who encouraged the duel that threatened Jack’s life in London and that is not the last time the Count will try to kill him. The General doesn’t want to kill Von Schlaben until they learn who his connections are as it becomes clear there is a second traitor in their midst.

Jack and Ate, his Iroquois ‘brother’, follow the General’s orders to go inland to gather Indian forces and report to Colonel St. Leger. The plan anticipates a quick battle defeating the Rebels at Fort Stanwix after which they will push east to bring support to General Burgoyne’s forces. Unfortunately the siege on the Fort becomes a debacle under a drunken commander who ignores Jack’s advise and instead takes the twisted advise of Von Schlaben that causes an uprising among the Natives.

Repeatedly Jack faces dangers in battle as well as private attacks, including a rattle snake delivered by Von Schlaben.  Jack is saved from death several times and finally meets up with the General where he runs into Louisa again. The fighting is fierce and Jack is sent as a messenger to seek news of reinforcements. Louisa insists on going to the city and they grow closer as they travel together through the forests. They become separated by Rebel troops and Jack is imprisoned as a spy. He manages a creative escape and returns to the General for more battles and injuries. When the British troops are forced to a conditional retreat Jack is directed to report the situation to General Howe in Philadelphia and to find and eliminate the traitor. 

Jack is surprised but delighted to discover Louisa in town but she is cool towards him and busy with friends, including General Howe’s engaging intelligence officer. Jack believes he has discovered the spy and his suspicions are reinforced when Von Schlaben appears again bringing another attempt on his life. At the last minute there is another treacherous twist of events placing Jack in a precarious position.

Mr. Humphreys' writing is richly descriptive and the story is presented with a wonderfully theatrical flare. The action and intrigue are enhanced by the backdrop of historical detail. Although my sentiments are with the American Rebels, I was completely wrapped up in Jack’s dilemma and trials. If you like swashbuckling action or The Last of the Mohicans I think you would enjoy this book.

Examples of the rich descriptions:

A partial description of the General:

Though his hair was as white as the snow on the ground outside, it was a drift not a scattering. Black sideburns emerged from its banks like curled highlights for the strong, straight jaw; while equally dark, full eyebrows sheltered and set off the deep-set, gray eyes.  Page 7.

A description of the setting and tension:

Beneath the canopy of leaf, the air was thick with insects and the promise of rain. Heads throbbed from the pressure, the yearning for relief. ... Jack felt it like a bearskin robe pressing down, him a fever victim, too weak to throw it aside. ...Above, the clouds loured, so low they seemed tethered to the crowns of beech and elm by strings of smoke.  Page 89.

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
For 2 Extra bonus entries comment on the Author Guest Post. (See previous post)
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 17, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on May 18, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Guest Post: C.C. Humphreys, Author of Jack Absolute

CREATING A STORY FROM A PIECE OF HISTORY

This is a most interesting topic for me – because this ‘piece’ comes with two distinct types of ‘history': - the Period and the Personal.

    The latter first: The idea of writing ‘Jack Absolute’ came because I’d played the role of Jack Absolute in Sheridan’s 18th Century comedy, ‘The Rivals’ in 1987. Toured Britain with it for six months and ‘absolutely’ (sorry, that comes up a lot!) relished the part. Mourned him when the gig was over. But that was long before I became a novelist. 17 years later, I thought of being him again – by writing a novel based on him.
    Yet what could he do? In the play he’s a roguish army officer, a bit of a scoundrel and a passionate lover – and I wanted to keep all that made him such fun to perform. But I also wanted to cater to many of my other passions (my writing tip: write what you totally love!). Such as, in no particular order: swordplay; theatre; beautiful women; beer; battles; spycraft. So then I looked into the history of what was going on at the time of the play’s first production -1775 – et voila! The American Revolutionary Wars. And once the principal conceit was established –that Sheridan stole the name and story of my hero, the real Jack Absolute – my course was set.
    The piece of history I then set his story against is, of course, so exciting. The closet historian I am relishes the research, reading a ton and, as importantly, going to the places. I’d narrowed down the novel’s scope to the Saratoga campaign – plenty of drama in those six months to fill five books let alone one. So I was able to visit both the battlefield itself and a re-enactment of the fight, where I met and talked with experts in uniforms blue and red – and in wolfskins, because one of my main characters was Jack’s blood brother Ate, a Mohawk. (Native history, another passion!)
    After that, it was back to my desk, to select from all that research, to narrow down both action and detail.
I love history - but I write novels; it’s the characters’ journeys that count most. Yes, a reader need to know some of the history to understand their choices from the macro of grand strategy to the micro of small sword play. But I try only to reveal facts through a character’s need to know it. Make it vital to them - and so us. No info dumps!
    One of my favourite writing words is ‘oscillation’. I oscillate between the drive of the plot, the necessities of period detail and, especially, the wishes of my characters, set against both. It is challenging, unnerving and, often, sheer bloody fun! Especially in this case, when I got to both live my Jack again, and watch him grow in all sorts of new directions.
My wife says he is my fantasy alter ego. Maybe. He’s certainly a fun guy to spend time with – even when he cocks up big time. Perhaps especially then!

 C.C. Humphreys is a novelist, fight choreographer, and actor who played Jack Absolute in The Rivals for a six-month run in London in the mid-1980s. When he became a full-time writer a decade ago, he decided to transform his leading man into a title character. Humphreys has written seven historical fiction novels including The French Executioner, which was runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers 2002. The Jack Absolute series will feature three books: Jack Absolute, The Blooding of Jack Absolute, and Absolute Honour.  

Author Website
Author Blog
AMAZON LINK
BARNES AND NOBLE LINK

Please check out my review with ARC Giveaway to be posted midday on May 3.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 3, 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!! This was another fast week...they all fly by anymore. I hope everyone is well.

[***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 26 Pick. There is one Automatic win 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). FOUR titles were blocked. 
Congratulations:
bn100 gets the Mary Baxter pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 26 Pick:
More GCs this week!

Meghan gets The Millionaire's Daughter

Mary P gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

It's May already!

Image found at May Day Books

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


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:
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
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:
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:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
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
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!
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
* 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
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer


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)


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)

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


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 505 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)

Group #12---(All gone)

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

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

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: Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

This is satisfying for a quick, sensual romance. 
Ten Reasons to Stay
by Sabrina Jeffries

• File Size: 559 KB
• Publisher: Pocket Star (May 6, 2013)
• Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009UVL9L4

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 6, 2013
A delightful eNovella from New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries about a young woman who learns that you can’t learn about love from a textbook.
In “Ten Reasons to Stay,” previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses, lessons go far beyond etiquette and needlepoint. Eliza Crenshawe’s lesson is to look before she leaps. But when she discovers that her new guardian plans to marry her off without so much as a Season, she forgets all that. She flees—on a horse she unwittingly steals (oops!)—from Colin Hunt, a newly minted earl who wants nothing more than for her to go home…or stay forever.

Review:
I have enjoyed many novels by Ms. Jeffries and this one joins the group. It manages a full romance, albeit almost love at first sight, in a short novella.

Eliza has finished most of her lessons at The School for Heiresses. The school didn’t teach lessons on love and she never mastered how to look before leaping. Her father has died and her drunken uncle has become her guardian. Uncle Silas claims that her father left only debts and there is no inheritance. He has whisked Eliza away from town and announced that he has arranged for her to be married immediately.

Eliza dresses like a lad and sneaks off to a neighboring estate to “borrow” a horse. She gets caught by the new lord who has recently returned from India. Colin isn’t very trusting of women since many shun his mixed, Indian and English, blood and his first wife was flighty and untrustworthy.  He doesn’t believe this thieving young imposter even when he finally drags from her a Gothic tale of threatened marriage and missing inheritance. She continues to refuse to tell him her name or let him take her to the magistrate.  Colin locks her in his bedroom while he tries to discover her identity and the truth of her circumstances. Eliza discovers an interesting collection of erotic art while rummaging in his boxes and a provocative bargaining begins.

I appreciated the dialogue between these two cautious individuals. Eliza seeks a life of passion and doesn’t want to be trapped in a loveless marriage. She is afraid that Colin will return her home to that fate. Colin thinks he just wants peace and not a lively, inquisitive woman. The  romance was a bit bold for my tastes but the story was more than just an excuse for virgin introduction into sexual exploration. (I'm curious to pull my copy of the anthology to see if there was any change since the earlier publication.)  I enjoyed the characters and the plot worked well. Ms. Jeffries succeeded in creating a satisfying, entertaining read in a shorter story.

I received this title for an honest review through NetGalley.

Audible Book #Review: Frost Burned: Mercy Thompson Book 7 by Patricia Briggs

This is a series I really enjoy listening too.

Frost Burned: Mercy Thompson Book 7

• UNABRIDGED
• by Patricia Briggs
• Narrated by Lorelei King 
• Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 7

    LENGTH: 10 hrs and 1 min
    RELEASE DATE: 03-05-13
    Program Type: Audiobook
    PUBLISHER: Penguin Audio
Amazon Link
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson returns in the seventh novel in the number-one New York Times best-selling series.
Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter, Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, what passes for a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more....
After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted.
Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.
©2013 Patricia Briggs (P)2013 Penguin Audiobooks

Review:
Mercy Thompson is a rare creature, a Coyote Walker. She is the wife of Adam, the Alpha leader of the local werewolf pack. The entire pack has gone missing while Mercy and her step daughter, Jesse, are out shopping. An injured Ben, a British werewolf with attitude, finds Mercy at her garage and she learns that he is the only one who escaped when supposed government authorities rounded up the pack and subdued them with silver tranquilizers.

Mercy is able to use their mate bond to contact Adam mentally and determine that the pack is alive but weak from silver poisoning. Mercy must keep Jesse save from the kidnappers who would use her as additional blackmail to coerce Adam to do their bidding. She must also keep herself safe and find a way to rescue the pack before Adam has to make a devastating sacrifice.

There are political implications that require careful handling. Mercy calls for help from her fae friends, Zeek and his grandson Tad, to guard Jesse, Gabriel, Mercy’s college-age employee, and Gabriel’s family.  Then Mercy calls upon her vampire friend, Stephan, to help rescue Kyle, a prominent attorney who is the lover of one of the kidnapped wolves.

Mercy risks her own well being by ‘changing the rules’ to help Adam and then she faces an ambush attack. Even when the pack is free, Mercy is not out of danger. She is summoned to a special meeting with the Queen Vampire. At first she fears it may be over the Mercedes she borrowed which has suffered from a bleeding werewolf, battle dents and a (supposedly) dead body in the trunk. Soon Mercy learns that the car is a trifling matter compared to the political Vampire war she is pulled into.

I love the strength in Mercy and in her bond with Adam. Coyotes are not as strong as werewolves and not all of the pack accept Mercy. But her position as Alpha mate and her bond with Adam allows her to bring along an Alpha attitude in her own presence.  I like the strong pack atmosphere of ‘family’ that is exhibited in these stories. I also like that Mercy has friends among the other paranormal communities.  This particular story has some brutal killing but also Mercy’s own special touch of faith and forgiving grace. Ms. Briggs brings a unique and new tale of danger and action to each of the books in this series. They never fail to entertain me.

Audio Notes: I greatly enjoy the narrations of this series by Lorelei King. She distinguishes the voices so you can almost see the different creature personalities– the werewolves, the fae and the vampires. There is an even flow to the reading that keeps it moving well at rare moments of calm as well as the usual emotional times of danger and action.

I highly recommend this series for the warm relationships presented in action packed and entertaining plots. Preferably read the books in order for the full impact of the character involvements and nuances.

I read this from my own Audible library.

This is set in Tri-Cities, Washington for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book #Review: The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin

This is  wonderful fairy-tale fantasy and allegory with redemption message.
The Wolf of Tebron
by C. S. Lakin

• ISBN-13: 9780899578880
• ISBN: 0899578888
• Pub. Date: Aug 9, 2010
• Publisher: AMG Publishers
• Imprint: Living Ink Books

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 9, 2010 | Series: The Gates of Heaven Series (Book 1)

In classic fairy tale style, we embark on an enchanted journey with a young blacksmith—Joran—whose only desire is to live a peaceful, uncomplicated life in his forest village, a desire shattered by the sudden and bizarre disappearance of his wife, Charris. Later, Joran is plagued by nightmares of an unimaginable sea, where Charris remains trapped in a sand castle at the whim of the Moon. The goose woman insists he will find no rest from his nightmares until he solves the riddle of three keys. She tells him to travel the treacherous journey to the house of the Moon to find the answers he seeks.

Unable to ignore the urgings of his nightmares, Joran sets out north seeking the Moon. Leaving a town and family where he never felt truly at home, Joran’s journey becomes more than just a search for his wife. His path also leads inward, for he must face emotions that have tormented him his entire life—feelings of alienation and anger, of despair and hurt. Along the way he rescues a wolf—a huge, imposing creature that becomes a companion, and eventually a trusted friend.

Joran has the uncanny ability to speak with animals, and learns from the wolf, Ruyah, that he can manipulate his dreams to affect the real world. With Ruyah’s humor and guidance, Joran finds the courage and fortitude to press on, despite setbacks and disappointments. With the wolf by his side he endures the darkness at the end of the world and the ravings of the lunatic Moon, who sends him off—more confused than before—to the Palace of the Sun with a seemingly useless gift.

After trekking through a vast, unmerciful desert, Joran arrives at the Palace of the Sun, where he meets the Sun’s mother, Sola. She helps Joran understand part of his riddle and then sends him, with the gift of a sunstone, to the cave of the South Wind, whom, she says, will finally reveal the truth to him about his wife—if he dares hear it. He and Ruyah travel south through jungle, and finally arrive at the cave. There Joran is swept along a vision where he sees his past, and in horror, learns truths that send him into deep despair. The South Wind dismisses him with one last gift—but like the other two gifts, he has no idea what they are for or how they will help him rescue his wife. She tells him to find the sea of his dreams—far west, beyond his imagining.

Review:
The story starts with a Wizard battling evil to try to protect his wife and infant son. He loses his wife and  sends his son away with a huge bear to take him to a village to be safe.

The story then shifts and we meet Joran who is a young man training as a blacksmith in a small village on the edge of Tibron forest. He has always had an affinity for animals and is able to mind talk with them. He is content living a simple life with his beautiful young wife, Charris. One day he sees a woman kissing a neighbor farmer. She is wrapped in Charris’ shawl and Joran accuses her of infidelity. He sends her away without giving her a chance to speak. Nightmares plague Joran as he sees Charris trapped in a castle set on the edge of the sea. In the dreams Joran tries to save her but falls to the sand and wind hazards as the fortress collapses into the water.

When Joran learns that Charris never made it to her parent’s home he is filled with guilt and decides he must seek to save her.  As he travels through the woods he comes upon a wolf caught in a trap. Joran helps the wolf, Ruyah, who becomes his devoted, wise counselor on the journey.

Joran is sent to puzzle out a riddle as he must lose three keys before he can find and free Charris. He goes first to the Moon and receives a special gift. Then he travels to the Sun for the next clue and another gift. From there he is sent to the Wind and finally to the Sea. He faces danger but also he must cope with his own anger, fear and despair. He must be willing to learn the truth of secrets, learn to control his own actions and believe that forgiveness is possible.

I enjoyed the atmosphere of mystery and fairy-tale magic from beginning to end.   I was a bit frustrated as Joran’s despair seemed to go on and on. I wanted to push him along to learn the life issues he faced but I appreciated the positive messages conveyed in such a unique allegory of God’s sacrifice and love for mankind. There is wisdom shared and quotes from Emily Dickinson that I liked. The writing is smooth and made for easy, quick reading. I recommend this as an entertaining story with an uplifting message.

I liked the messages that “home” is a heart location:

He was finally beginning to see that home was a state of mind and not a location. Location 3025.

He had surely taken the long way ‘round to find his way home. Location 3573.

I received this from AMG Publishers for review through NetGalley.

Mailbox Monday April 29, 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 one title this past week.
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

REVIEW

Just one review book received this week. 

BookBlast Tour Review for July

(From NetGalley)

The Hero's Lot 

by Patrick Carr 

Still Lots of requests I need to reply to soon.

Won

None this week.

Purchased

None this week.

Free

Limited time - I downloaded only a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.