Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 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 Friends!! Is everyone enjoying Summer (or winter)? It continues to rain alot here and that makes it muggy with the heat.

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the  international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the July 5 Pick. There was 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). There were four titles blocked by multiple picks again this week. One title was won through a block that has been continuing for several weeks.

Carol L gets Lady in Red (Another time persistence paid off since this had been blocked for a few weeks.)

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

Brooke gets Deadly Advice

Llehn 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. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This looks like a nice way to stay cool in the summer sun!

Image found at Stager to Go.

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


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! (as of 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 528 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

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 and ARC Giveaway: Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel) by Rochelle Alers

This is a solid romance story in small town setting.

Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)

by Rochelle Alers

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Forever (May 28, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1455501395
• ISBN-13: 978-1455501397

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2013

Home is where the heart is.

Architect Morgan Dane has always lived according to a plan, crossing off her achievements one by one. But when she's offered her dream job-the restoration of historic Angels Landing Plantation on beautiful Cavanaugh Island-Morgan's life takes an unexpected turn.

Carpenter Nathaniel Shaw once took a big chance on commitment-and lost. Needing the healing comforts of home, he returns to Haven Creek to join the family business. Nothing in the small town has changed-except for Morgan Dane. The wallflower he knew in high school has grown into a beautiful woman . . . and stirs feelings Nate isn't sure he's ready for.

Together Nate and Morgan find a happiness neither could have predicted. But when secrets from the past come to light, their budding relationship is threatened. Will they play it safe, or risk their hearts to build a life together?

Review:
Morgan turned into a beautiful woman after suffering as a gangly child and teen. In college and while studying abroad she suffered betrayal in her relationships. She returned to Haven Creek where she has worked to build her reputation as an architect and interior designer. Now she has her mind set on furthering her career by succeeding with the project to restore Angel’s Landing to its pre Civil War glory. She has put personal relationships on a back burner and besides... she has declared she would never marry a man from Haven Creek.

Nate moved away from Haven Creek when he was 15 after his mother died and his father quickly married her best friend and nurse. Nate lived with a beloved Aunt in California where he worked his way to success as a contractor before the real estate market died. Not only did Nate distrust his stepmother but he had an unsuccessful marriage to a high-profile and unfaithful model. Now, more than 15 years later, he has returned home to help his ailing father manage his local carpentry business and help to manage his 22 year old step brother who was heading for trouble.

Morgan had a crush on Nate as a young girl but he was older than she was and then he left town. She still finds him attractive but she is focused on engaging his carpentry skills for her project... not engaging his personal attentions. Nate had no intentions of ever marrying again but he wouldn’t mind some personal time with Morgan.

They begin to develop a friendship that leads to a working agreement and then more. The attraction between them is strong but they keep giving each other mixed messages about what their goals are when it comes to a personal relationship and future involvement.

I enjoyed the easy flow of this story and the strong characters. Morgan has to overcome her insecurities and be flexible to make room in her live for marriage and family as well as a career. Nate is really quite the gentleman and he just has to overcome his bad experience in order to see that he could love Morgan. It is a fun read to see if and when the two will admit their feelings before they lose the opportunity to have a future together.

This is all romance conflict with some sultry passion. It is a good choice especially for readers who like an easy, small town style, second time around, romance story.

I received this ARC from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form. 

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

* This contest is open to those with US address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 19, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 20, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Maelstrom:Destroyermen, Book 3 by Taylor Anderson

This is the third installment in this fascinating adventure series.
Maelstrom: Destroyermen, Book 3
     by Taylor Anderson
    Narrated by William Dufris

    UNABRIDGED
          Series: Destroyermen, Book 3
    LENGTH      17 hrs and 45 mins
    RELEASE DATE      03-25-09
    PUBLISHER      Tantor Audio
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, along with the men and women of the U.S.S. Walker, are once again at war. Having sided with the peaceful Lemurians against the savage, reptilian Grik, they now find themselves scrambling to prepare for the attack that is sure to come, searching for resources to support their forces - even as they look for allies to join their struggle.
Meanwhile, the Japanese juggernaut Amagi, also trapped in this strange world, is under Grik control---with her fanatical commander approaching madness. And soon they will have amassed a force that no amount of firepower and technology will be able to stop.As the raging conflict approaches, Reddy, his crew, his allies, and his loved ones face annihilation. But if there is one thing they have learned about their new world, it is that hope - and help - may be just over the horizon.
©2008 Taylor Anderson; (P)2009 Tantor

Review:
Don’t let the slow start in this episode dissuade you - it just builds a basis for getting to know the characters and made me feel like part of the crew!

Two American destroyer ships, the USS Walker and Mahan, and a Japanese battle cruiser, the Amagi, were caught up in a storm and found themselves in an alternate version of the South Seas. Here the Americans have met a peaceful population of creatures resembling a mix of Lemure and a cat, called Lemurians and sometimes referred to as “Cats.”

For many years the Lemurians lived peaceably in the trees or large Tree ships. Now they are being pursued by a terrible race, the lizard-like Grik. The Grik do not just kill their enemies; they consume them. The Japanese warship Amagi and its power crazed commander having allied with the Grik to seek destruction against the Americans and the Lemurians.

The first half of this book fills in the backgrounds of the characters and events to bring a new reader up to date. There is a lot of behind the scenes details, building characters, setting the locations, revealing society positioning and strategy for the upcoming battles. Though it’s not exciting, still I found it very interesting. I liked even the geographical descriptions as a comparison between the alternate world and the world that the Americans came from. This story also introduces a few new characters, including some pre-American Revolution British officers who choose to remain outside of the alliance.

I had already like Captain Matthew Reddy and many of the crew members from the prior books. By the time the battle begins in the second half of this book I felt like I knew the American crew personally. When this book jumps into the battle action there is excitement, fear, horror, loss and sorrow. A couple times I actually found myself holding my hands over my face as I dealt with the emotions during the battle.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a grand job of narrating that captures the nuances of the characters– good guys and bad guys– and the excitement of the battle. I get wrapped into the narration which to me signifies both a good story and a delivery that keeps the reader focused on the characters and action with no negative distractions from the reading.

I will be listening to Book 4 soon!  I recommend this series to those who enjoy adventure with alternate world, alternate species and some heavy battle action.

This is from my own Audible library.

Mailbox Monday July 8, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Tasha @ Book Obsessed.
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 received some review author titles, picked up titles from NetGalley, and received some free audio titles and author titles free at Amazon. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two ebook titles from an author.
(I was sent these in June but just downloaded them for the July schedule.)

Click: An Online Love Story
by Lisa Becker

AND

    Double Click 
by Lisa Becker

I picked up there titles from NetGalley:

The Companions, The Sundering, Book I
by R. A. Salvatore

The Godborn, The Sundering, Book II
by Paul S. Kemp

Windshift
by Joyce Faulkner

Won

I've haven't been entering any contests that I recall. :-)

Purchased

None

Free

From Authors:

Rock Point (Sharpe & Donovan)
by Carla Neggers

The Candidate
by Josie Brown

Audios:
I received a free audiobook from Downpour

 

The Good Earth 
by Pearl S. Buck







I downloaded this past week's free pair from SYNC YA July 4 – July 10, 2013:

Carter Finally Gets It

by Brent Crawford,
read by Nick Podehl (Brilliance Audio)

and

She Stoops to Conquer

by Oliver Goldsmith,

read by a Full Cast (L.A. Theatre Works)

I didn't have time to download any free Kindle Titles this week; 
linked through Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle Review.

It's Monday What are You Reading? July 8, 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.

This was another slowish reading week as I only finished two books although I am well into the next three.  I posted four reviews, two with Giveaways. I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.


Well - the week got away from me. I visited for Saturday Snapshot but didn't get any other visiting in.
I still hope to do more.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? July 1, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday July 1, 2013.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Paper Roses, by Amanda Cabot, Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 4.25.  Ends July 12

• Book Review: The Bane by Keary Taylor, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 5, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/11.

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Woman He Loved Before, by Dorothy Koomson, Mystery, Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/19.

• Saturday Snapshot July 6, 2013 P-Pop BD
  

• Book Review: Take Me Back: A Give and Take Novella by Kelli Maine, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #107 Comment Giveaway 7/6/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/12.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 7, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Maelstrom: Destroyermen, Book 3
     by Taylor Anderson
    Narrated by William Dufris
       I really enjoy listening to this series.
I'll post a review this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description

2. Print

Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)
by Rochelle Alers
This is a pleasant romance.
I will post a review with copy giveaway this week.
Click on title for full Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Still working on details for two more titles for print release and two we are completing formats on for ebook release.

Currently reading:

1. Audible

The 5th Wave
    by Rick Yancey
    Narrated by Brandon Espinoza, Phoebe Stro
I started this while waiting 
for my next review audio.
It has an interesting apocalyptic premise.
Publisher's Summary
The Passage meets Ender's Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the first wave, only darkness remains. After the second, only the lucky escape. And after the third, only the unlucky survive. After the fourth wave, only one rule applies: Trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the fifth wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.

Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother - or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.
©2013 Rick Yancey (P)2013 Penguin Audio.

2. eBook/Kindle

Silent Warrior
by Lindsey Piper
This is charged with action and passion.
I am about midway so I expect to finish and post a review this week.
Click on title for full Book Description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Quest for the Scorpion's Jewel
Amarias Adventures: Book 1 by Amy Green
This looked like fun and I am enjoying the adventure.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2011
The "Amarias Adventures™" begin when 15-year-old Jesse befriends a band of young warriors and risks his life to find a cure for the poisoned Parvel. Though Jesse has a crippled leg, he is asked to join the remaining warriors—part of an elite fighting force known as the Youth Guard—on their mission for the king. Facing danger at every turn, Jesse, Rae and Silas journey over treacherous mountains and across a scorching desert. To make matters worse, an unknown enemy seeks to end their quest before it has even begun. Where is Parvel’s God when they need Him most? And with so little information to guide them, how will they ever complete their mission and find the Scorpion’s Jewel? Will they even escape with their lives?

For more action-packed adventure, look for Book 2 in the "Amarias Adventures™: Escape from Riddler’s Pass."

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 several print books carrying over from June to July and new ones added. The new additions push the total beyond what I wanted so we'll see how things go week to week.

July Scheduled:

7/15 Book Blast Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel
7/19 Review Blood and Bone for Book Blast
7/22 Book Blast The Hero’s Lot by Patrick W. Carr
7/26 Review The Hero’s Lot for Book Blast

Sourcebooks
    (none scheduled unless I pick up at NetGalley)
Hachette - Forever
    Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Molly Cannon
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby
    Flirting with Texas by Katie Lane
    Guilty as Sin by Jami Alden
    Revenge by Debra Webb

NetGalley:
     Quest for the Scorpion's Jewel by Amy Green (reading)
     West Palm 1 by Joss Cordero

AudioBook Jukebox
     Awaiting receipt of some newly requested titles.

Author Books received at March EPICon
     Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

Author Review titles:
     Click: An Online Love Story by Lisa Becker 
     Double Click by Lisa Becker

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 7, 2013

I didn’t have my tablet at church this morning but I still took written notes. Yet my thoughts took a tangent from the Sunday school teaching and Sermon.

Throughout both lessons and during worship I was reminded that I am a creation and a child through no power or doing of my own. I am nothing; I do not exist except by God’s powerful might: His hand and breath - the Father’s gift of creation. I do not think and reason but by His gifts to me. I may have applied myself in study but he gave me the ability.

I am a sinner. My human nature does things wrong and fails to do things that I should. I do not have hope for forgiveness without Jesus’ death on the cross which provided the blood sacrifice to cover my sin. I could never be good enough to earn my way into the presence of a Holy God. But God, with grace and mercy, provided the way for me to receive righteousness and inherit through Him.

I do not have hope to live a life of any worth or value without allowing the Spirit to work through me: to work through words, hands, finances and any other means available. I am compelled by an inner stirring to pass on and share of all the blessings I have been given. I was created for a purpose - to worship and serve my Creator. What other purpose would there be but selfish gain, then meaningless death?

I was searching for a song we sang in worship this morning but I couldn’t remember the name.
Instead the Spirit led me to this video which suits my spirit perfectly today!
Your Grace Still Amazes Me!


x

A Verse for Today:
John 6:63 NIV  (you may want to read on through verse 69.)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

My words today may be a repeat from some earlier Sunday. I would apologize but I realize I would not be sorry for this. I cannot help that this is a recurring theme in my heart and spirit. Sometimes it bubbles out. I pray that God enfuses others, as He graciously does me, with the joy of His Creation, the assurance of His salvation and the peace of His Spirit.

Winners of Midsummers' Eve Hop, The Magic of I Do and One Day In Apple Grove

Congratulations to Winners!

Giveaways Ended June 30, 2013

MBS - Spontaneous Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

Winner:  Entry #177 Amanda K. D.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ARC Giveaway: The Magic of I Do by Tammy Falkner

Winner: Mippy

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

Giveaway Ended July 5, 2013

ARC Giveaway: One Day in Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand, 

Winner: Bookishqueen








Amanda has been emailed and replied.
Mippy and Bookishqueen please fill in the (NEW) Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the book mailed and or notify the publisher of your win.  Please reply within 72 hours!   

Thank you to all who entered!

Sharing Beyond Books #107 Comment Giveaway July 6, 2013

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

This has been a very rainy week; hot and muggy.  Ah well - good for working in AC or reading!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

We have a pretty brave group as at least half do read out of comfort zone, another handful will try occasionally and only about four don't venture too far outside their favorite genres. It's nice that Mary P lets her daughter encourage her outside of her comfort zone.
 
I was surprised that almost half of us do not have a favorite pillow. Guess we are either adamant or ambivalent about it. :-) However, if we do have our own - we don't want to swap, even with hubby. Right, Sarah?

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The Winner from SBB #106 comments is: #22 Jolene 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 (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #107 Questions

Since we (most of us anyway) are in summer vacation season...
Q1. Elizabeth asks: Do you have favorite books to read on vacation??

A: I can't think that I have any favorite books for vacation. I just take the next ones ready to read! However, with my Kindle and MP3 so handy for travel I am less likely to take along a print book.  

Image found at One.Ro.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you take vacations on spur of the moment or planned months ahead??

A: I guess we do both. The trip to Hawaii had to been planned months in advance. But we seem to do more spur of the moment trips -- especially when DH finds a good deal on a cruise.  We have been talking about taking the motor coach for a couple of weeks but we are DH is still working on getting it in mechanical shape again. We will be doing a test run soon for our grandson's division ball games. :-)

Image found at Mexico Vacation Rental.

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. Elizabeth asks: Do you have favorite books to read on vacation??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you take vacations on spur of the moment or planned months ahead??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the Newly June 2012 Updated ARC/Review List.

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, July 12, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review: Take Me Back: A Give & Take Novella by Kelli Maine

This is a bit of a ghost story with steamy romance.

Take Me Back: A Give & Take Novella
by Kelli Maine

• File Size: 290 KB
• Print Length: 97 pages
• Publisher: Forever Yours (June 4, 2013)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00CH3DBZY

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
In the bestselling tradition of Sylvia Day and E. L. James...

DESIRE THAT CAN'T BE DENIED
Rachael DeSalvo is haunted by the past. She's come home to her beloved Turtle Tear Island, where she looks forward to happy days and bliss-filled nights in the arms of Merrick Rocha. But when she finds a trunk full of old photo albums and handwritten notes, Rachael soon realizes that the island has not given up all its secrets . . .

For long before Rachael and Merrick made Turtle Tear Resort their home, this historic island was a haven for sensual, forbidden affairs. As Rachael and Merrick work to restore the grand hotel to its former glory, they will be caught in the perfect maelstrom of conflict and desire.

"I love the banter between Rachael and Merrick throughout the book..... some steamy scenes that will not leave you disappointed." --The Indie Bookshelf

Review:
I decided to try this novella to see if I might like the series. This story, taking place in the development time of a new relationship between Rachael and Merrick, has an almost gothic setting and feel – probably because of the ghost.

Merrick is apparently a bit older and a suave, experienced business man. He had interviewed Rachael to be project manager for the resort that he is renewing at Turtle Tear Island and the Weston Plantation. Rachael declined the job as it would take her away from her mother but Merrick returned and basically kidnapped her. All that was part of book 1, Taken, but the history was filled in enough in this novella to get the feel for the excitement, yet fragility, of their relationship.

Rachael has become obsessed with a ghost, Ingrid, a woman who lived in the time of the Civil War. Supposedly the ghost had made her wishes known – she wants to be returned from the plantation home to the Turtle Tear property.  She continues to pour over letters and belongings in old trunks to try to find how to bring the ghost back from one property to the other. Merrick is frustrated with her distraction which is pulling her focus away from the 50th year wedding anniversary celebrations that she is supposed to be handling.

Rachael and Merrick have a very intense sexual chemistry but they are still feeling their way to complete trust and commitment in their relationship. Now Merrick feels ignored and betrayed but Rachael also feels betrayed by his withdrawal and refusal to see how important the ghost issue is to her heart. Will this disagreement break the fragile trust they have built?

The story is written in first person which was a bit awkward reading. There is a big focus on the passionate relationship and I would classify this as borderline erotica which  I did not realize when I selected the title. The ghost story was interesting and was a good background for presenting the couple’s relationship problems. They were both stubborn-headed.

The novella is an entertaining, engaging and quick read. Although well written,this was a bit too edgy and therefore not my style. However, others you enjoy a sexy romantic intensity might like to try this series.

I picked this title up from NetGalley.

Saturday Snapshot July 6, 2013 - P-Pop BD

We've had a lot of rain and I've been trying to catch some interesting pics. But today I am sharing a special celebration this week.
My DH, (P-Pop) was born on the 4th of July! He is a REAL Fire Cracker. He says he is only 39 and he doesn't celebrate birthdays anymore. We don't do much for July 4th anymore either.
So we just had a BD breakfast with Heather and the Grandkids.  They brought two cakes:

A chocolate burger. 
[P-Pop's 'best girl' (the middle grandchild not me!!) loves chocolate.]

And of course Happy Birthday P-Pop!
A yellow cake because that's what P-Pop likes.

P-pop blew out the candle first.
Okay - it was way easier to find and use one candle than the real number!

Then the kids helped!

I hope everyone stayed dried and had a lovely week!
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.

A big Thank You to Alyce at Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility. 

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 being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. 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.