Monday, September 9, 2013

September 2013 Kindle Fire Giveaway

Kindle Fire HD 7″ Giveaway

(or GC choice for international winner* see more information below)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7″.

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Authors & Bloggers

Giveaway Details

1 (one) winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire.

Sponsor a future Kindle Fire Giveaway. Details can be found here.
Giveaway Ends 9/30/13.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Mailbox Monday September 9, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
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.
For SEPTEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Yolanda of Notorious Spinks Talks Books.
[Starting next month, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

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

I received one book for review from NetGalley; one book win and several purchased and free.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one book from Sourcebooks through NetGalley for review:

Color Me Bad

by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall

Won

I won this print book at The Book Club Network, Inc. at the end of July.

The Letters
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Thank you TBCN and Ms. Fisher.

Purchased

I purchased this ebook because it sounds really good. I will be participating in a BookBlast Giveaway to promote it in a week.

Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology

I used one of my August Audible Subscription credits

(I still have another one to select before the 19th):

Firestorm: Destroyermen, Book 6

UNABRIDGED
by Taylor Anderson
Narrated by William Dufris
Series: Destroyermen, Book 6

Free

Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island

UNABRIDGED
by Anthony E. Zuiker
Narrated by Gildart Jackson
Series: Whodunnit?, Book 2

I also downloaded a couple of free Kindle Titles this week
linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading September 9, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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

I had a busy week having to catch up from my week off. Reading was good but a little slow. I only finished two books and I did get three reviews posted, one with ARC Giveaway.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I had very little visiting last week. *Sigh*. I'll have to try harder this 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? September 2, 2013.

Mailbox Monday 9/2/13.

Audio Book Review: Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel by K.A. Bedford, Time Travel, Action, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Ruthless: Faces of Evil, Book 6 by Debra Webb, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Open US and Canada; Ends 9/13.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 6, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/11.

Saturday Snapshot September 7, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Freeport.

Book Review: The Godborn, The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

Sharing Beyond Books #116 Comment Giveaway 9/7/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/12.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 8, 2013.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/MP3

Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe
by David Nail Wilson
Narrated by Gigi Shane
Quite fascinating - dark fairytale. I'll post a review this week. Reviewing for the Author through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Scattered Petals (Texas Dreams Book #2): A Novel

by Amanda Cabot

My Ladies Book Club enjoyed this.
I'll post a review and giveaway later this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on print and Smashword releases this week.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: The Once and Future Now by Jim Gilbert
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Pages: 316

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Monster Hunter International
UNABRIDGED
by Larry Correia
Narrated by Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 1
I am enjoying this fun, action-packed story from my own Audible library.
I am about 2/3rds and will finish this week, then post a review.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Double Click
by Lisa Becker
I am 2/3rds in this sequel.
I will post a review for the author.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

3. Print

Convict Dad
by P. Ryan Hembree
I just started this and I like the easy style.
I received this at EPICon 2013 from the publisher for review.
Book Description:
As a child, Fae Kardell stands helpless while police handcuff her father and drag him away to a police car. A jury later convicts him of murdering two young girls. Fae knows he's innocent. From behind prison walls, Royce Kardell finds a way to cope with his incarceration and maintain an active role in his family. Fifteen years later when Fae returns to her hometown to close the family home after her mother's death, she hears a deathbed confession which proves her father's innocence. As the real killer lurks nearby, details of the girls' deaths surface, but is it enough to justify her dad's release from prison? If she pushes for a new trial and she succeeds, her father could be freed-or-if she fails, he could get the death penalty.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: Still working. Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still working on new print formatting this week.

I forgot to include my September calendar last week. It is fairly open and flexible - YAY!

I did pretty good in August with only one print book and author book carried over into September.

September Scheduled (so far)
9/9/13 September Kindle Fire Giveaway
9/13-18 Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology Book Blast Giveaway Hop
9/17/13 The Funny Adventures of Little Nani by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa; Pump Up Your Book Tour

Sourcebooks
Color Me Bad: A Novella by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall (via NetGalley)
My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster (ARC) (Late September)

Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox
   I will be making new selections.

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

Author Review titles:
Double Click by Lisa Becker (reading)

From TBR Collection - Monster Hunter, Incorporated (listening)
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 8, 2013

Pastor’s message this morning was titled: “The Promises of God.” He asked us to estimate how many promises are given in the Bible, then noted that a certain theologist, Dr. Drummond, says there are about Thirty Thousand promises contained in the Bible. We are exhorted to be partners with Christ by claiming the promises available to us!

Pastor stated that there are four categories or classes of promises:
     (1) Those relating to the Messiah - many of which were fulfilled by his birth and death.
     (2) Those relating to the church - such as ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it’ Matthew 16:18.
     (3) Those relating to the Gentiles. Who are the gentiles? All of us who are not the Jewish people. (Psalm 117:1, Isaiah 60:3, and Ephesians 3:6.)
     (4) Those relating to Israel as a nation. Many of these were delayed until the nation was reformed and are still on hold until the Jewish people recognize the Messiah.

Whichever category a promise falls into, it does not mean anything or has no power personally unless we accept and believe it! Do we recognize the miracles and touches of God in our daily walk? Sometimes there is lack of understanding or acceptance of past actions that revealed God’s hand in our lives. Even the disciples failed at times to recognize the power of God when they were astonished that Jesus walked to their boat across the water shortly after seeing him feed thousands with only a few fish and loaves.

We need to learn to ‘ruminate’ on the messages that we receive and promises that are ours instead of being satisfied with drive-through Christianity. Faith looks to the strength of God, not to man. Focus on positives not negatives and be strong by believing in His promises. Remember that all things are possible through God. Matthew 19:26.

I found this beautiful video with many promises!

Verse for Today

Matthew 19:26 (NASB)
26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I praise God and give thanks for all of the promises that I can claim!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Sharing Beyond Books #116 Comment Giveaway 9/7/13

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

Oh - crazy week trying to get caught up again! Then today I lost half the day on phone with webtech setting up a new computer.

Six of you are like me not re-reading many books. Others named some really good classics like Pride and Prejudice, or children's books (Emily mentioned The Giving Tree) and some named books I have never heard of so I might check them. :-)

Nine of us have attended rodeos although many attended a long time ago. Thirteen of you have never attended a rodeo.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #115 comments is: #7 Rita 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 #116

Q1. Birgit asks: How long do you keep on reading a book before you decide that it's too boring/awful/etc. and put it away, filing it under DNF??

A: I rarely give up on a book. Even if it is boring I usually push through. But if the foul language or the sex is too much for my comfort I will stop within 50 pages or so.

Image found at Here There Be Books.

Q2. My non-bookish Question: Have you ever participated in a Rally or demonstration??

A: I did attend a peace rally 'back in the day' when I was in college (1970s.) I also participated in a couple of pro-life rallies when I was younger.

Image found at University of Florida Communigator.

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 are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Birgit asks: How long do you keep on reading a book before you decide that it's too boring/awful/etc. and put it away, filing it under DNF??

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Have you ever attended a Rally or demonstration??

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

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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, September 13, 2013 at 10 PM central.

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

This is an engaging fantasy where a sliver of hope struggles for good to overcome the forces of dark and shadow.
The Godborn, The Sundering, Book II
by Paul S. Kemp

Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (October 1, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00C8RZHLU

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
In the 2nd book of the multi-author Sundering series launched by New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore, the shadow legacy of Erevis Cale lives on even as his old foe Mephistopheles seeks to stamp it out at any cost. Cale’s son Vasen—unmoored in time by the god Mask—has thus far been shielded from the archdevil’s dark schemes, alone among the servants of the Lord of Light who have raised him since birth

Living in a remote abbey nestled among the Thunder Peaks of Sembia, Vasen is haunted by dreams of his father, trapped in the frozen hell of Cania. He knows the day will come when he must assume his role in the divine drama unfolding across Faerûn. But Vasen knows not what that role should be . . . or whether he is ready to take it on. He only knows what his father tells him in dreams—that he must not fail.

Enter Drasek Riven, a former compatriot of Erevis Cale, now near divine and haunted by dreams of his own—he too knows the time to act is near. Shar, the great goddess of darkness, looks to cast her shadow on the world forever. Riven has glimpsed the cycle of night she hopes to complete, and he knows she must be stopped.

At the crossroads of divine intrigue and mortal destiny, unlikely heroes unite to thwart the powers of shadow and hell, and the sundering of worlds is set on its course.

Review:
This is another extremely engaging epic fantasy but does not pick up the characters and story from Book 1. The story may deal with the same world and time but on a completely different level. This story focuses on the battles of archdevils and minor gods. There is a battle between the Dawnlord, followers of light and goodness, and the Shadovar, those bringing destruction and darkness.

Several mortals received small parts of the powers of the godling, Mask, when he was defeated by the archdevil, Mephistopheles. Rivalen has been entranced by Shar, a goddess of darkness who destroys worlds. Rivalen has come to believe that immortality is meaningless and he plots to use the god powers he received to help Shar complete her mission.

Drasek Riven also received god powers but he finds great loneliness and boredom with his immortality. He stills steps into influence human affairs - looking like a dark, shadowy pirate. Erevis Cale also received a small sliver of power but he has been imprisoned in ice. His wife and unborn son, Vasen, were whisked forward in time to protect them from the enemy. When Vasen was born, Riven made sure he found safety to be raised in a the Dawnlord Abbey and to have his father’s dark blade held ready for him to use when he became a man. It seems Vasen is the key to find Erevis and bring the forces together to defeat Shar and save the world.

The story proceeds with a certain dark twistedness, but always there is a slim light of hope for a brighter future. I really liked Vasen’s character and the blend of inherited darkness and trained faith in light and hope. Vasen always shied from his dark side and disciplined himself to follow the light paths. I appreciated how the author shows his ultimate understanding that his being consists of both elements and he can use both to accomplish what he wants. Vasen makes a friend before his adventure away from his Abbey home begins and Orsin is a wonderful character too. He is a man with his life written all over his body although he holds his secrets tightly.

There are many additional characters, good and horribly evil. I enjoyed the diverse characters like the obsessed and bitter Brennus with his pet homunculi. I was repulsed by the gruesome, evil, soul eating Zeeahd. There are several lines of action moving the characters along to the ending and it took some attention to track the rather convoluted interactions. But I was compelled to keep moving with the good action, hoping that the “light” would triumph over the seemingly overwhelming forces of dark.

I found the story gripping in its own right even if I never quite made the connection between book 1 and book 2. Since I had never read either (any) of the authors in this Sunderling series, it appears that I do not know some of the background that does tie the books together. However, from reading these two it seems that they are bound by the time of struggle from Spellplague to a new world with less and changed magic forces. Even without knowing the history and characters I can recommend these first two stories as gripping entertainment to those who enjoy fantasy adventure.

I received this through NetGalley for an honest review.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Saturday Snapshot September 7, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Freeport

I missed Saturday Snapshot last week for a very good reason. We were off on a quick cruise to the Bahamas! We left Monday midday from Port Canaveral and had three stops. I will post a few pictures from each day for the next several Saturdays. :-)

The first stop on Day2 was Freeport.

It was before breakfast as my DH

watched us dock from our stateroom window.

This was the view from the window:

My DH was fascinated by the loading of the tankers.

He thought the little forklift trucks looked like busy ants.
This is bigger than it looks.
Each of the boxes is actually a trailer box like you might see on a train!

We did walk out and do a little shopping. It was a little cloudy which was fine as it wasn't too hot. I took some photos with my phone but have to ask my daughter to show me how to get them now. :-)

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. Hopefully I will get to visit back this week!

A big Thank You to 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.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 6, 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!! Whoa! I am back to work and the week has zipped by! I hope everyone is well and not feeling too rushed.

[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 August 30 Pick. There was one Automatic win again 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 only three blocked titles with one won.
rubynreba gets the Mariah Stewart Pair!

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 30 Pick:

Bookishqueen gets Hannah (blocked for several weeks)

Spav 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.}

Well - summer is winding down now but I liked this night time image sharing reading!

Image found at Dispatch.com.

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Pairs:
Jude Deveraux
Return to Summerhouse and Twin of Fire
~~Mariah Stewart~~
~~Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl~~
Singles:
The Shadowed Heart by Nina Beaumont
~~Hannah by Lori Copeland~~
My Lady Midnight by Laurie Grant
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
The Door to December by Dean Koontz
~~Heart of the Storm by Lindsay McKenna~~
~~Crucfixtion River by Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini~~
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

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 Sea 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:
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.
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
~~While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee~~
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

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

*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland

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

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 554+ books (I forgot to update this number for a month) 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)

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Ruthless: Faces of Evil Book 6 by Debra Webb

Another great installment in this romantic suspense series!

Ruthless
by Debra Webb
The Faces of Evil Series: Book 6

Series: Faces of Evil
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 27, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1455527602
ISBN-13: 978-1455527601

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
"Gritty, edge-of-your-seat, white-knuckle thriller . . . Move over Jack Reacher-Jess Harris is comin' to town."
He has a ruthless past . . .
Three photos of three unknown women. Sent to Deputy Chief Jess Harris by the Player, one of the world's most sadistic killers. The Player is taunting her, and Jess is more than ready to take on his challenge. Only one thing could distract her from the Player's deadly game: the appearance of a clue to long-unsolved cases. For years Birmingham's children were vanishing-one per year, always on a full moon-until the disappearances stopped and the Man in the Moon case went cold. No leads on the children were ever found-until now.
Jess has no choice but to pursue the case. Someone is reaching out to her, sending her mementos of the missing children, and the citizens of Birmingham deserve justice. But after years of silence, has the Man in the Moon really resurfaced? Or is he just another pawn in the Player's game?

Review:
Tough Chief Deputy, Jess Harris, is still being taunted by her old nemesis, the serial killer Spears. Now he has sent her pictures of three women challenging her to find and save them. Although the case is being handled by the FBI and Chief Black in her office, it still causes concern to Jess and her boss and lover, Captain Dan Burnett.

Matters are more complicated when another killer from the past begins to send packages to Jess. This killer was known as the Man in the Moon who had spent many years snatching and killing one young child each harvest moon. He had stopped ten or so years before but now he is sending the packages of the children to Jess. She realizes that something has triggered the killer and she is determined to solve the mystery before it becomes more than unearthing prior victims.

As if work problems were not enough of a challenge, Jess has the stress of wondering if she might be pregnant. Although she is still fiercely independent, she is beginning to appreciate Dan’s concern for her well being and his need to try to protect her from two maniacal killers as well as the possible threat from another cop who is still missing.

I really enjoyed the plot and intensity of this story and I appreciate that there is no offensive language. There is a bit of conflict and romance for Jess’s coworkers, Harper and Lori, that adds extra elements. There are a few romantic scenes for Jess and Dan but primarily this book focuses on the murder and suspense elements which kept me turning pages to discover the secrets!

This is Book 6 of the series which I started at Book 3. It could be read as a stand alone but I recommend getting the earlier books so you can enjoy the character interactions better. I will be anxious to keep reading this excellent romantic suspense series.

I received this ARC for review for Forever/Hachette.

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 or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 13, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 14, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Audio Book Review: Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel, by K.A. Bedford

Jump on this book for a mad time trip!
Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel
Author: K.A. Bedford

Narrator: Cameron McDonald
Audio Book Length: 9 Hrs 55 Min

Genre: Time Travel, Action, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Audio Book Description:
Aloysius “Spider” Webb fixes time machines for a living. He hates his job; he hates his life, and hates time travel even more. He simply wants to get on with his life. He’s a hard working -Australian bloke — a good man in a bad -situation who is willing to do almost anything to regain his self-respect and the affection of his nearly -ex-wife, Molly; a mad sculptress on her way to international fame and fortune.

Spider’s life and his world are changing. -After quitting the Western Australian Police Service, Spider studied to become a time -machine repair -mechanic, eking out a sparse -living fixing broken down machines. But the -repair business isn’t what it used to be. Once, time machines were as big as cars; but now they’re smaller and compact, portable, and cost too much to get fixed so it’s easier for people to simply buy a new one. Times are tough and there is no end in sight.

Meanwhile, Spider’s new boss at the Time -Machines Repaired While-U-Wait franchise needs help: his -secretly built, totally -illegal, -radically overclocked, hotrod time -machine has been stolen, and Spider is the right man to get it back before it falls into the wrong hands, or worse inadvertently destroys the entire universe.

Spider’s journey begins with a simple favor to help his almost ex-wife, Molly, and moves to the icy wastes of the far, far future.

Surprise and shock are the only -constants in -Spider’s life; why should this job be any -different?

Review:
Spider, a sharp Australian, is a former police-officer who was pushed out of his job after blowing the whistle on a corrupt department. Now he earns a living fixing time machines, which he hates, while he tries to regain a more respectable life and his soon to be ex-wife, Molly. Spider is really a nice guy who believes in doing the right thing–even though that has gotten him into his current dilemma.

Spider thinks maybe he can win back his wife’s affections if he continues to help her as an available handyman. Spider is alarmed that Molly is going out of town but he won’t refuse when she asks him to house-sit her sick gold fish. The next morning he is startled to find a dead head– ah, make that a dead talking head!– in his refrigerator at work. Then his boss calls him in to seek his help in finding his young son who has disappeared with a illegal, totally souped-up, hotrod time machine. All of a sudden Spider is caught up in a time travel mystery that could lead to end time destruction.

Spider hates time travel and the reason becomes understandable as time travel experiences seem to bring on nothing but trouble and perhaps even the downfall of civilization. First the trips made by his boss and then Spider’s own trips show a certain circular, inescapable, inevitability. Is it possible for him to save Molly from becoming an alien monster? And what trouble is he bringing on his cop-friend, Iris, who insists on jumping on board the time machine heading to a far distant future? Can they make changes to save earth before the aliens devour what is left?

This was a mad trip of twisted, future power-mongers and danger wrapped with irony and humor. This moves along at a good pace and kept me engaged. I really enjoyed trying to figure out where it was going and what would happen next even as Spider himself ponders his mundane life and the turns that it takes with the different time jumps.

This is apparently a sequel novel although it worked fine as a stand alone. This makes me curious to go back and read the first book.

Audio Notes: Cameron McDonald does a grand job with the Australian accents, slang and irrepressible spirit. The narration made this a completely enjoyable reading/listening experience.

I received this download to provide an honest review for Post Hypnotic Press through Audiobook Jukebox.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Mailbox Monday September 2, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
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.
For SEPTEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Yolanda of Notorious Spinks Talks Books. [Starting next month, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

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

This post covers August 19 - 24 as I didn't get a chance to link up last Monday.
I received one audio book for review and two Audible books from my subscription.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one audio book through Audiobook Jukebox for review:

Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss, & Edgar Allan Poe

UNABRIDGED
by David Niall Wilson
Narrated by Gigi Shane

Won

None.

Purchased

My Audible Subscription did an automatic purchase from My Next Listen list of choices:

The Emerald Atlas: Books of Beginning

UNABRIDGED
by John Stephens
Narrated by Jim Dale
- Series: Books of Beginning, Book 1
- Series: The Books of Beginning, Book 1

and

Off Armageddon Reef: Safehold Series,

Book 1

UNABRIDGED
by David Weber
Narrated by Oliver Wyman
- Series: Safehold, Book 1

Free

I downloaded a couple of free Kindle Titles this week
linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle Review.