Book Review: Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

This is an easy reading, engaging, cozy mystery.

Convict Dad 

by P. Ryan Hembree

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Heart Ally Books (February 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985374055
• ISBN-13: 978-0985374051

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
As a child Fae was sent to live with her Aunt when her father was convicted of murdering two teenage girls. Fae’s father always claimed that he had been framed. His wife and daughter believed him but the stigma of conviction still shadowed their lives, especially Fae’s as even her cousins taunted her.

Fifteen years later Fae has returned upon the death of her mother to close up her childhood ‘home.’ As she works on the property she discovers that there are friends in town who have supported her mother throughout the years of trauma. Fae is called to visit a patient in a nursing home who confesses that Fae’s father is in fact innocent as she witnessed the murders and the burying of the bodies. But the true killer is a prominent member of the town so Fae has to proceed cautiously.

Fae’s Mother and father found a strong faith with the help of a local pastor and his wife. Pastor Morrow and Trina invite Fae to dinner where she meets their older son, Cliff, who is home for a rare visit.  Fae tells the family about the confession and the true murderer. Cliff, a State Trooper, is able to call in the FBI to dig up the bodies.  Now the hunt is on for evidence to tie the crime to the true murderer.

The murderer realizes that some investigation is going on and sets about, through threats and bribery, to try to keep the interest down or drive it away. Also, he knows he has to get his drunken sluggard of a brother out of town before he says something incriminating.

The author uses a series of children’s books as a tool that kept Fae and her parents connected which I thought was quite clever. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery of the plot as well as the gentle romance between Fae and Cliff. I also appreciated the quiet, determined strength Ms. Hembree portrays through the faith of the characters. There is a message of forgiveness that is nicely shared too.

The writing is light and easy. Although the story started just a little slowly it only took a couple of chapters to pull me in. Then it read very smoothly and quickly. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean language, cozy mystery, sweet romance and evidence of faith in a story.

I received this at EPICon 2013 from the publisher for and honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print 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 September 30, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 1, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday 9/23/13

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 September, 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 two audio books for review, purchased one Audible and picked up a few free ebooks. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two Audio books from Audiobook Jukebox for review:

Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2
    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2

and


 

The Chronology Protection Case

 (Dramatized)
    by Paul Levinson
    Narrated by Mark Shanahan, Full Cast

Won

NONE

Purchased

I had a $5.00 credit with my Audible Subscription so I purchased this Daily Deal special for $2.95. Surprisingly most of the Daily Deal specials are already in my library. :-) This suspense thriller has good ratings.

Suspect

• UNABRIDGED
• by Robert Crais
• Narrated by MacLeod Andrews

Free

I also downloaded a handful or two of free Kindle Titles linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? September 23, 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 bumpy week with my flu/cold this week. But reading was still very good.  I finished six books and posted only three reviews so I'll be posting more this week (I hope).  I posted two features, one with Giveaway.
I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I did a little visiting early in the week but will need to catch up again.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts plus win post:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? September 16, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 9/16/13. 

• BookBlast Feature and Giveaway: Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology

• Book Review: Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology, Dystopia; my rating 4.25.

• Blog Tour Spotlight: The Funny Adventures of Little Nani by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 20, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/19.

• Audio Book Review: Monster Hunter Incorporated by Larry Correia, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.75. 

• Saturday Snapshot September 21, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Nassau.

• Book Review: Color Me Bad, a Novella, by Sharon Sala, Contemporary Women's Fiction; my rating 4.0. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #118 Comment Giveaway 9/21/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/27.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 22, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible

Second Grave on the Left: Charley Davidson, 
Book 2
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 2
I enjoyed this second book and will get more in the series soon. :-)
Click on Title for full Book Description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology 
Katie French (Author), S.K. Falls (Author), Zoe Cannon (Author), A.G. Henley (Author), Kate Avery Ellison (Author), Megan Thomason (Author)
Spotlight, Giveaway and Review linked above.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

3. Print

Sisterhood 
by Deleyna Marr
I enjoyed this paranormal and suspense book received at EPICon 2013 in March. I will post a review and giveaway late this week.
Click on Title for full Book Description.

4. eBook/Kindle

Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel)
by Jill Shalvis
Tour Giveaway Link 9/23/13 through 10/4/13; 
Review to post 9/26/13.
I enjoyed this romance which read quickly.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
"Count on Jill Shalvis for a witty, steamy, unputdownable love story." -- Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author of Harvest Moon
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . .
No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

5. Audible

Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island
    by Anthony E. Zuiker
    Narrated by Gildart Jackson
    Series: Whodunnit?, Book 2
This was a fun, fast listen. I'll post a review soon.
Publisher's Summary
Ten excited co-workers arrive at the beautiful Avondale Resort on a remote island in the middle of the Caribbean, having been told that they are being rewarded for their hard work and productivity. But their relaxing tropical getaway soon turns into a murderous nightmare.

After an extravagant first night dinner, the guests retire to their lavish suites only to be awakened by an ear-splitting bang. They rush to the smoking parlor to find Jordan, the company’s intern, dead - a massive hole in his chest. Giles, the consummate English butler who seems to be in charge, announces that they must solve the crime or be the next victim.

The killer, who has booby-trapped the island and cut off phone and Internet connections, is hiding among them. Is it the HR representative with a penchant for Bloody Marys, the twenty-two-year-old claims processor with the purity ring, or perhaps the head chef of the company cafeteria? The killer plays with their minds, inviting them to explore the beautiful resort, from the infinity pool with the high dive to the white sand beach complete with jet skis and snorkel gear.

Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator and executive producer of the CSI franchise, which includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY. His mystery reality show, Whodunnit?, is his first foray into unscripted television. He lives in Los Angeles with his three children and his wife, Michelle.

Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island is performed by the show's host/butler, accomplished narrator Gildart Jackson.
©2013 Anthony E. Zuiker (P)2013 Audible Inc.

6. Audio/MP3

Once
By Morris Gleitzman
Read by Morris Gleitzman
Published by Bolinda Audio
This was surprising.
I'll post a review later in the week.
I received this from SYNC YA.
Description:
Felix lives in a convent orphanage in Poland. He is convinced his parents are still alive and that they will one day come back to get him. When Nazi soldiers come to the orphanage Felix decides to escape and make his way home.The journey to find his parents is a long and difficult one, as Poland is occupied by the Nazis and a dangerous place for a Jewish boy. Felix manages to live and look after himself and another orphan, Zelda, with the help of a kind dentist, Barney, who is hiding and looking after a number of Jewish children. When the Nazis discover them, Barney makes the ultimate sacrifice for the children – electing to go with them on the train to the death camps, rather than taking the option of freedom offered by a Nazi soldier, one of his grateful patients.

Line Edits/Releases:
New Release:

Valstain, The Pelaguis Game, Book 1 
by R. J. JeromeYou fool. Armageddon is weeks away, right under the Church’s nose, and the Order that is appointed to watch and protect the world doesn't even realize it.
Through The Pelagius Game series, R.J. Jerome introduces the reader to Valstain, the magical realm between Heaven and Earth.
Valstain follows the life of Timothy Anderson as he reveals his haunted past to Father Michael Olshefski, the new headmaster of The Pelagius Order. The Order’s seminary is the training ground of a secret religious society whose job is to find and prepare gifted warriors to fight evil.
But someone on the inside has a different idea. ...
Valstain is a must read for anyone interested in fantasy adventures with plenty of sword fights, vibrant characters, and intricate plot twists.
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Paranormal, Occult
Pages: 425, Novel

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: TB Posted Wednesday.

Currently reading:
1. Audio

Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2
    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2
I am enjoying Book two of this dystopian adventure.
Reviewing for AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Wren’s world has changed. The thing that she fought for - escaping the dome - has come to fruition, but it’s not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill, and Harry, along with Pace’s mother survive the explosions?

Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offer help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she’s back inside will she be able to escape again?
©2013 Kassy Tayler (P)2013 AudioGO

2. Print

My Lady Quicksilver
by Bev McMaster
 This addition to the series has good conflict
and is reading more quickly than I expected.
Reviewing for Sourcebooks.
I will post review with ARC Giveaway
the first week of October.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel
In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fueled London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the streets, and war is brewing...
I Will Come For You...
He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he's indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?

It's his duty to turn her in—she's a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can't forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch...

3. eBook/Kindle

Hallowed Eve
by Suza Kates
I am reading this for review for the author during blog tour of her new release.
This review will post October 3, 2013.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 18, 2010
Something terrible happened in Pine Creek.

Eve Taylor must return home for her grandmother’s funeral but has every intention of making it a short visit. Too many memories live in the small town where she grew up, memories of a Halloween best forgotten.

Trey Rainwater has been waiting for Eve. He knows she’ll be staying for longer than she’d planned and has every intention of making sure she does. He has a promise to keep.

Eve and Trey find themselves thrown into a deadly combination of riddles, murder, and a love that won’t be denied. As the moon hovers in the October sky and Halloween grows closer, Eve must fight her own personal demons while learning to trust the man who protects her.

The past has come back to life, and a killer is stalking the small town of Pine Creek. He’s waiting for his Hallowed Eve.

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've enjoyed adding books as I go this month and I have read everything on my list! :-)

September Scheduled
9/26/13 Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel) by Jill Shalvis Review and Tour Giveaway Link

Sourcebooks
  My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster (reading)

Hachette - Forever
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby- This book is about family 'drama' and not for me. I do not like one of the primary characters and am not interested enough to wade through the mean, selfish attitudes.

NetGalley:
   I may browse for new choices.

AudioBook Jukebox
     Shadow of Glass by Kassy Tayler (listening)
     The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 22, 2013

Today I wanted to share about an artist that our Sunday School mentioned earlier in the year. There are several interviews and videos regarding Akiane who began painting at age 4 when she had visions from God. She also writes poetry to go with her art and she composes music on piano. She is awesomely talented and blessed.
The video I have set below are images of Akiane's art set to the song "What if God Is One of Us."
I hope you enjoy the wonderful images as well as the song.

A Verse for Today
Joel 2:28 (NIV)
“And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions..."

I give thanks that God shares the beauty of His world through the talents of simple people, even children.

Sharing Beyond Books #118 Comment Giveaway 9/21/13

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

Now we are truly into fall and I am enjoying watching leaves drift down.  Of course I'm not the one who has to clean up the yard!
I had a long week fighting the flu and cold. I am feeling better but still not 100% yet.

Our group of commenters are pretty evenly split with 10 who take advantage of libraries and 11 who do not. Several don't use the libraries as they are not in English or have a very limited selection. Others have plenty of books already. :-)

Only five of 22 have visited modern jails for projects or tours. Three others have visited historical jails, including Alcatraz - which is pretty awesome. And Scottsgal likes the show Lock Up. :-)

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #117 comments is: #2 Sarah M 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 #118

Q1. Margaret asks: Which is better dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate??

A: I love milk chocolate and white chocolate but I am not a big fan of dark chocolate -- too bitter.

Image found at eofdreams.

Q2. My bookish Question: I know we have had a couple of questions about series but I think this one is a little different. When you read a series do you like to read them right in a row (one after another) or do you prefer reading them with a month or two, or more, between??

A: It varies for me as I have several series that I am okay with picking up a book every few months (or longer), including, but not limited to: Eve Dallas, the Woman's Murder Club, Mercy Thompson, Destroyermen and several more.  This question came to mind as I just started a new series, Charley Davidson, and I liked the first book so much I picked up the second right away. Now I am trying to decide if I should use my current two Audible credits for two more Charley Davidson or wait. Right now I am leaning toward waiting... just in case something else catches my attention before the middle of October.:-)

Image found at Quirk Books.

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. Margaret asks: Which is better dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate??

Q2.My bookish Question: I know we have had a couple of questions about series but I think this one is a little different. When you read a series do you like to read them right in a row or do you prefer reading them with a month or two, or more, between??

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 27, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winners: Guilty as Sin, Ruthless and Scattered Petals

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS!
(So Sorry - I have been failing to post winners weekly.)

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

Giveaway Ended September 6, 2013

ARC Giveaway: Guilty as Sin

Winner: bn100





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

Giveaway Ended September 13, 2013



ARC Giveaway: Ruthless: Faces of Evil, Book 6

Winner: Linda K


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


Giveaway Ended September 20, 2013

ARC Giveaway: Scattered Petals 

Winner: Natasha

bn100, Linda K and Natasha 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.  Please reply within 72 hours.

Book Review: Color Me Bad, a Novella, by Sharon Sala

This quick, fun novella sets the stage for sassy, feminine mischief in a small town setting.
Color Me Bad: A Novella
by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall

• File Size: 226 KB
• Print Length: 59 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 3, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00DDWIT14

Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
An original short story by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala links to her full-length contemporary women's fiction novel, The Curl Up and Dye.
The novella centers around the four women who run the Curl Up and Dye hair salon and their relationships with the quirky customers of small-town Blessings, Georgia. Their meddlesome efforts at match-making run awry, but there's always another makeover just around the corner.

Review:
Ruby Dye moved to small-town Blessings, Georgia after the trauma of a divorce. She needed to use her hair stylist skills to support herself and was pleased to discover that the town welcomed the opening of her shop, the Curl Up and Dye hair salon. She works with feisty twin sisters, Vesta and Vera, and manicurist Mabel Jean. As style shops sometimes are, the little shop has become the gossip center of the town. Not only does all the news end up passing along through the shop but one particular day it becomes the scene of quite a spectacle.

Patty June Clymer, a local preacher’s wife, has reached the end of her rope with her cheating husband. When his ‘girlfriend’ comes into the shop for nail repair Patty June attacks her with stylist sheers! The news quickly spreads through town as Patty June goes home and tosses her husband’s belongings on their lawn as she ousts him from her life. Patty June takes a stand against unfaithful men even as the townspeople initially ostracize her for being too pushy, independent and a feminist. Patty June holds her ground, changes her hair color and style with the help of Ruby, and plans a lengthy travel exploration of Italy. 

Soon other women, particularly travel agent, Willa Dean, begin to question the relationships with their spouses. Realizing that many women are not being treated as they should be, Willa gathers  the town women and springs a surprise for Patty June.

The novella introduces the perky, primary characters and some good quirky secondary characters too. Many of the women are wary of men, for good reasons. But it is clear that there is room, and desire, for finding the elusive, faithful and dedicated mate. The writing is straight forward and full of sass as one might expect from a Southern woman.

I have read and enjoyed many Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall romantic suspense novels. She has a strong, easy writing flow that moves well with good combination of action, tension and romance. I was curious to see how this contemporary fiction series would go. Although I probably will steer toward the suspense novels, this series should appeal to many readers who like strong female characters and a well developed writing style that is easy and fun reading.

A statement regarding the strength of Southern women:

Southern women had been feminists a long time before that tag had become a buzzword. They’d hidden the iron in their backbones with a smile and a “bless your heart,” and not a man was the wiser. Location 514.

I received this title from Sourcebooks through NetGalley.

Saturday Snapshot September 21, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Nassau

Our Cruise stop on Day 4 was at Nassau. We have been there many times and love to go in town. We visit the rum cake shop to sample the cakes and sometimes buy some special Bahamian Rum.  Then we take a bus to the old part of the harbor where we visit a small restaurant and have yummy conch fritters with the locals. :-)

The day we stopped it was raining and we decided to just sit it out. I know it sounds like we missed all the stops but we really enjoyed a leisurely time on the ship!

This is the view as we came into the Nassau Port.

I liked how these images came out a little eerie looking with the rain clouds. :-)

I was pleased to visit and see other Saturday sharings last week.
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.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia

This is a really fun listen -- action packed adventure, danger and a little romance too!

Monster Hunter International

UNABRIDGED

by Larry Correia

Narrated by Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter, Book 1

    LENGTH    23 hrs and 34 mins
    RELEASE DATE    03-15-11
    PUBLISHER    Audible Frontiers

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Five days after Owen Zastava Pitt pushed his insufferable boss out of a 14th story window, he woke up in the hospital with a scarred face, an unbelievable memory, and a job offer.
It turns out that monsters are real. All the things from myth, legend, and B-movies are out there, waiting in the shadows. Officially secret, some of them are evil, and some are just hungry. On the other side are the people who kill monsters for a living. Monster Hunter International is the premier eradication company in the business. And now Owen is their newest recruit.
It's actually a pretty sweet gig, except for one little problem. An ancient entity known as the Cursed One has returned to settle a centuries-old vendetta. Should the Cursed One succeed, it means the end of the world, and MHI is the only thing standing in his way.
With the clock ticking towards Armageddon, Owen finds himself trapped between legions of undead minions, belligerent federal agents, a cryptic ghost who has taken up residence inside his head, and the cursed family of the woman he loves. Business is good.... Welcome to Monster Hunter International.
©2009 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Owen Zastava Pitt is a big young man with a fascination with guns. His father was a military hero who pushed him hard. Owen worked as a bouncer to help put himself through college. When his temper got him into trouble Owen decided to find the most unexciting career he could so he became a boring accountant. One night he discovered that his boss was not only insufferably mean but a monster - literally! Somehow, with the help of his brawn, smarts and hidden gun, Owen was able to survive a vicious attack by pushing his boss, now werewolf, out of the 14th story window.

Thus Owen learned there were monsters in the world and he caught the attention of a special division of the FBI and Monster Hunters International. Both organizations were impressed with his natural abilities and they offered him a job. Not wanting to work with the government, Owen accepts the job at Monster Hunters International. In truth, he is more drawn to that job because one of the recruiters is a young woman, Julie, with whom he is immediately smitten.  She is beautiful and the granddaughter of the CEO of the business.  Owen knows, with his scarred face and bulky physique, he doesn’t stand a chance with her. Besides, she has a rich, handsome, arrogant, hunter boyfriend, who immediately becomes Owen’s rival.

Owen goes through training making friends of other recruits and some of the teachers. Many will fail the training process but when they are done there is a hard core group of “newbies” ready to face the hidden monsters in the world. A major threat arises and the newbie team is brought along with the experienced crew to face the threat.

As though it’s not bad enough facing the monsters in battle,  Owen is dreaming about them and getting dream visits from an old man who tells Owen he has to prepare to face the Cursed One who seeks to control time and open the portals of evil. Owen even gets to see past memories of the Cursed One in all their evil goriness. The team races to locate and stop a band of master vampires and the strongest of monsters.

There are many strange hunter alliances, strong action, a little romance and plenty of snarkiness that makes this great fun. The author builds a good rapport with the characters so that I really liked the various team members. There were a few twists and moments when I laughed and others when I gasped.

Audio Notes: The narrator does a great job projecting the personalities of the characters, both good and evil. The reading definitely enhanced the fun of the book for me.

I had this one on my MP3 from my Audible Library. It is my Just For Fun reading for September.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 20, 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!! This has been a bit of a rough week. I stayed home Monday and slogged through the next couple of days with the flu/cold bug. I'm finally starting to feel a little better today. I also had a week with no assistant for two days so that kept me busy.  (I didn't get a picture of the books so it will have to go up next week.)

[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 September 13 Pick. There were no Automatic wins 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 three blocked titles with one won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 13 Pick:

miki gets a GC

Emily gets The Admiral's Bride

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.}

Celebrate Banned Books Week!

Image found at Cycling Grandma.

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 556+ 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)

Blog Tour Spotlight: The Funny Adventures of Little Nani by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa

THE FUNNY ADVENTURES OF LITTLE NANI

Little Nani is a little girl who likes helping people. However, when she helps people the results can be a bit unexpected. Why is that? Little Nani is a witch! Or at least she wants to be a witch. With her magic wand, she will try to cast different spells to help her friends, but she won’t be successful all the time. Follow Little Nani in her funny adventures and meet her extraordinary friends. Funny ostriches, horses that love reading, super-fast turtles, grumpy zombies… Little Nani has lots of friends! You can also draw your own characters! Little Nani is willing to become a good witch. Will she manage to do it? Who knows? Read the stories and discover what happens next!

Buy Link

Add to Goodreads 

ABOUT CINTA GARCIA DE LA ROSA

Cinta Garcia de la Rosa is a Spanish writer who has loved the written word since she discovered she was able to read books at age 5. Since then, she has become a bookworm and reads around 100 books every year. She also writes, every day, compulsively, even in the middle of the night. You cannot control when inspiration hits you, can you? She writes in English because she is convinced that in a previous life she was British, so writing in English feels more natural to her than writing in her native language. Yes, she is crazy like that. Cinta Garcia is the author of “The Funny Adventures of Little Nani”, a collection of short stories for children, and “A Foreigner in London”, a short story published on Smashwords.