Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 24, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

We are still having cold weather - using up a lot of our firewood. :-) I had a couple of days traveling to hearings and fortunately the office was reasonably quite otherwise.  [I do have a new group of books but no picture yet. Hopefully I take one this Saturday to add next week.]

Thankfully I recovered from my weekend energy loss. Getting my appetite back now too so this is good.

More details of reaction at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 January 17 Pick. There was only 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 was one title blocked but (finally) it was won.
LindaK gets Sheer Dynamite

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 17 Pick:
Rita gets the Mary Higgins Clark Pair after a long block!

MaryP 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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

These are some of the mores I plan on this year!!
(My extra favorites astericked!)

Original Image found at BABYCCINO KIDS

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
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:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

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.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
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.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*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---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 618+ 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
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

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---(All gone)

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: Cloaked in Danger by Jeannie Ruesch

Very delightful! Warm, likeable characters, murder, danger and sweet romance make this a lovely Regency reading experience.
Cloaked in Danger
by Jeannie Ruesch

• File Size: 534 KB
• Print Length: 280 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (January 27, 2014)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00F93X7ZI

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
4.5 of 5.0.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 27, 2014
Aria Whitney has little in common with the delicate ladies of London society. Her famous father made his fortune hunting archaeological treasures, and her rustic upbringing has left her ill prepared for a life of parties and frippery. But when Gideon Whitney goes missing in Egypt, Aria must embrace the unknown. Armed with only the short list of highborn men who'd backed her father's venture, she poses as a woman looking for a husband. She doesn't intend to find one.

Adam Willoughby, Earl of Merewood, finds London's strangest new debutante fascinating, but when he catches her investigating his family's secrets, he threatens to ruin her reputation. He doesn't intend to enjoy it so much.

When their lustful indiscretion is discovered, Adam finds that he regrets nothing. But now, as Aria's father's enemy draws near, Adam must convince his betrothed that she can trust him with her own secrets...before it's too late.

Review:
Aria is a strong independent young woman who would rather be traveling with her archeologist father than pretending to enjoy the ton balls. The last trip her father, Gideon, made he refused to allow her to accompany him and made her stay in London with her new, pregnant step-mother. After a successful discovery, Gideon’s team was attacked, he went missing and his partner returned to London gravely injured. Aria is attending balls with the pretense of finding a husband as she tries to investigate the investors on his list who might know something about the last attack.

Adam Willoughby discovers Aria in his future brother-in-law's bedroom where she doesn’t belong. Adam has already had to rescue his sister from a disastrous marriage and scandal. He will do whatever it takes to protect her from further hurt, even if it means protecting her from her new fiancé. Adam decides to follow Aria until he can figure out why she seems to be investigating his family.

Aria and Adam dance around each other and their secrets. They finally share their secrets and Adam insists on helping her in her search asking her to be patient which is truly difficult for her. It isn’t long before their association creates complications in the form of a forced engagement. Adam discovers he is pleased with the idea but Aria is still resistant.

Meanwhile, a proper family friend and local merchant presses his suit on Aria even though she has expressed her disinterest in marriage, particularly to him. When Aria disappears her stepmother claims it is just her usual running off. But Adam suspects there is more involved. Either that or he has been fooled into falling for a woman who doesn’t really exist.

Aria and Adam are very warm, likeable characters, even though they both have their share of bullheadedness and there was a point where I rolled my eyes at Aria’s headlong foolishness. The mystery is wrapped in danger and intrigue and the details are well crafted. I was a little confused why law authorities were never brought in even when they went to rescue Aria. Even with these few questionable issues I really enjoyed the story.

The romance is sweet and sensual. The reading moved along at a good pace and I enjoyed some interesting phrasing like the samples shared below.  This has a good combination of regency elements - settings, characters and story with danger. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good historical romance

[Editing note: there are a couple of minor errors but two glaring errors in reversed names which I hope are corrected for the released version.]

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

Aria goes to check on her father’s injured business partner:

   She didn’t need light to know what she’d find, and she steeled her shaky limbs against the visage that lived in her mind like a violent crime witnessed and never forgotten. Location 507.

Aria’s thoughts about Adam:

...He was a good man. He cared.
   About her. His family. He was gentlemanly toward everyone, in fact. That, in her mind, was a finer quality than his title and yet, by nature of this world, those attributes paled in comparison to the value of being an earl.
   She far preferred the attributes that made him a man. Location 1833.

I selected and received this from the publisher for review through NetGalley.

Audible Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This is a beautifully written and poignant story of brave teenagers falling in love.

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Narrated by Kate Rudd

    LENGTH    7 hrs and 14 mins
    RELEASE DATE    01-10-12
    PUBLISHER    Brilliance Audio
Genre: Young Adult
4.75 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
©2012 John Green (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Hazel is a sixteen year old teen who would love nothing more than to be a “normal” teen. Instead she has lived with cancer for several years and has to have a portable oxygen tank to help support her weak lungs. She resents her condition, resents the goodwill of her parents who watch over her so carefully and resents the youth support group. The support group is their for encouragement but also brings the stark reality of their illness and mortality to the participants.

One of her group friends is Isaac whose cancer will soon cause him to loose his eye sight. He brings a friend to group one day, a hot looking guy named Augustus. Augustus, a confident teen a few years older has lost a lower limb but has been clear of cancer for a few years. He is immediately smitten by Hazel and young love blooms. They share a love of reading and exchange books.

The book that is Hazel’s favorite was about a young girl who had an illness and lived with her intrepid mother. They are helped by the mother’s boyfriend who Hazel isn’t sure is for real or a con. But the book just ends abruptly... presumably when the girl dies. Hazel is obsessed with learning what happened to the mother and boyfriend. The author has never written anything else and now lives a reclusive life in Netherlands. Augustus reads the book and manages to make contact with the author. Then Augustus uses his wish to arrange a trip to take Hazel to Amsterdam to meet the author and try to get answers to her questions. The trip is an adventure and discovery. But there is heartache in store.

This started slowly for me but it soon became engrossing. The writing is incredibly impressive, thought provoking, touching and poignant. The plot deals with cancer which touched home a bit. But it made me see illness issues in a different perspective - both from the viewpoint of the youth and the difficult position of the parent caregivers. It also reminded me of the brilliance of life. This is a YA romance but readable and meaningful for any age.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd does an excellent job conveying the illness, rebellion, confusion, hopes and angst of teenage Hazel Grace. She handled the other characters perfectly well too, complete with accents. The narration brought the characters to life and made the story a bit easier smoother.

I picked this from my Audible Library.

Mailbox Monday 1/20/14

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.

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

I received another audio from Audiobook Jukebox and I had an ebook I forgot to list two weeks ago, plus one print received for tour in February and two prints from Sourcebooks.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Reviews

Audiobook Jukebox pick:

Title: Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1
Author: Shelly Thacker
Narrator: Julia Motyka
Publisher: Summit Avenue Books

ebook for January Tour Review

Warrior's Moon
by Jaclyn Hawke
Reviewing on Bookblast Tour 1/28.
Click on book title for full description.

Print Book for February Blogtour:

 New Frontier

by Jeremy Lee

Reviewing for Blog Tour in February. 

Click on book title for full description.

Print books from Sourcebooks:
 They both looked like fun reads.
For February -

R is for Rebel – Megan Mulry 

Abigail Heyworth is a rebel heiress, embarrassing her tabloid-shy royal family every chance she gets. Inexplicably drawn to the sophisticated American, Eliot Cranbrook, Abigail finds solace in their differences: he's a self-made businessman; she's a royal hippy. Despite all, they share many passions. But what Eliot can’t understand is why Abigail rejects so much tradition, elegance and history. Finally seeing her life through his eyes, Abigail invites Eliot for a family weekend, only to have all hell break loose.

For March -

Desperately Seeking Suzanna – Elizabeth Michels

Cinderella meets I Love Lucy in this charming Regency romance

Lord Steelings, is a charming rake and the life of every party. He always has a joke to tell and a smile on his face, all masking a dark secret. If London society knew of his mentally ill mother hidden away in the country, he wouldn’t be welcome at a single ton event. Sue Greene has never been noticed. The older sister of an exotic beauty, she’s spent her life being pushed to the side. When she has the chance to attend a masquerade ball, she seizes the opportunity. If she had only known donning a mask would change her life…

Won

None this week.

Purchased

Purchased some titles for Ladies Book Club. I will link them later.

Free

I downloaded 88 Kindle titles this week. In addition to those from the links that follow I was searching for a title I had started to read on my Tablet. It was something about dragons. When I searched dragons I found a lot of free books through that search. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

BookBlast Feature and Giveaway: Warrior's Moon by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Warrior's Moon

Medieval Historical Romance by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden. And they loved each other desperately.

But is their love strong enough to withstand all their dark age holds—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression?

Yes, they truly loved each other desperately.

They loved their kingdom more.

Amazon * Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Praise for Warrior's Moon

"This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!" ~Laura (Goodreads)

"I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!" ~ KMon (Amazon)

Tour Schedule

Author Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Jaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/10/14

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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Monday What are You Reading? January 20, 2014.

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.

Last week the work was quiet and interrupted with medical treatment. I still have a few travel hearings coming up but not as many for the next month and beyond. 

I finished four books, posted four reviews, two with giveaways and a Giveaway Hop. 
Plus I posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot). 

I did some visiting mid and end week which I enjoyed but have more to do.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? January 13, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday 1/13/14.

• Audible Review Print Giveaway: The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future by Jonathan Cahn; Christian Fiction; my rating 5.0. US Only; Ends 1/24.

• White Rogue Author Feature and Character Interview.

• Book Review and Giveaway: White Rogue by David R. Fett M.D., Stephen Langford & Connie Malcolm; Spy Thriller; my rating 4.0. Open US; Ends 1/24.

• Book Review: The Wanderer by Cheryl Mahoney; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 17, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/23/14.

• Spontaneous Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/24/14.

• Audible Book Review: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson; Contemporary, Fiction; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #135 Comment Giveaway 1/18/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 1/25/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 19, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Narrated by Kate Rudd
Heartbreaking; good listen.
I hope to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Cloaked in Danger
by Jeannie Ruesch
This pulled me in and I enjoyed it.
Reviewing for the publisher through NetGalley.
Hope to post review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Flight of the Bowyer
Author: Kenneth R. Lewis
Narrator: Alex Hyde-White
Publisher/Date: AudioGO, 11/01/13
This futuristic political thriller started slowly but became gripping.
I will post a review soon for the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Summary
After six long years of political genocide carried out against the American people by the administration of President Benjamin Franklin Luder, the nation is stunned when Luder announces that he is issuing an executive order to suspend the next presidential election for “the good of the country,” giving him an unprecedented, and unconstitutional, third term as president. Luder has slowly and systematically robbed the citizens of various liberties and freedoms through similar acts, and in the process he has nearly destroyed the once-greatest country on earth. However, his environmental policy of “green communism” has done the most damage of all, resulting in a nationwide energy slowdown which has crippled every level of industry. It now costs the average American eleven dollars for every gallon of gasoline they put in their tanks, and in winter the elderly freeze like cordwood in their unheated homes because they cannot afford heating oil. (For full description link on title.)

Like any clever Svengali, Luder does not suffer from a lack of visionary delusions. Idaho’s unspoiled Sawtooth Mountain Range is rich in thorium, a much safer and cleaner alternative to the uranium currently used in the few nuclear power plants in the country that still exist. It is said that one thorium mine, located near the small mining town of Ransom, Idaho, contains enough energy to power every city in the United States for the next five hundred years. However, the mine is on private property and surrounded by federal lands.
Click on title to continue summary.

4. Print

In One Year and Out the Other
Cara Lockwood (Author), Pamela Redmond Satran (Author), Beth Kendrick (Author), Megan McAndrew (Author), Tracy McArdle (Author), Kathleen O'Reilly (Author), Eileen Rendahl (Author), Diane Stingley (Author), Libby Street (Author), Christina Delia(Author)
This is cute.
I'll do a brief review and giveaway later this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Should get another print release out this week. 

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  New giveaway to be linked this week.

Currently reading:

1. ebook/Kindle

Warrior's Moon

by Jaclyn Hawke
Reviewing on Bookblast Tour 1/28.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print
 
New Frontier
by Jeremy Lee
Reviewing for Blog Tour in February. 
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1
by Shelly Thacker
Reviewing for the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

I am a one day ahead with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are finalizing several formats for two new eBooks.

I am still enjoying reading books from my own TBR. :-) I did however update my list to include the two tour review titles I have this month, the three NetGalley's I picked up and two of the Audios I requested. So that is seven or so committed and open for the rest.
My backlog for review is still at four so that will cover this coming week.

January Scheduled-
I have several unscheduled Giveaways to get posted this month/week.
1/28 Warrior's Moon - Tour Review. 

NetGalley:
  Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles) by Cindy Spenser Pape
  The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

Authors
I have numerous requests to respond to.

AudioBook Jukebox 
 Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1 by Shelly Thacker  (listening)
Awaiting receipt of others requested.

From TBR Collection -In One Year...
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragment January 19, 2013

I did not make it to church today.  I haven't had the strength to pull out a saved message.
I did not expect to have my energy zapped so early in treatment. I have not felt nauseous but have been sick- only once a day. But I have very little energy or appetite. Please pray for me to get more strength.

I chose this simple praise song today: Heal Me Oh Lord

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

I trust God to see me through this treatment.

Sharing Beyond Books #135 Comment Giveaway, January 18, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Almost everyone agreed that they would stop buying or reading an author that lashed out unreasonably and without explanation or apology. Several said they stay away from that sort of thing anyway. Several respond differently depending on the behavior of the author and what triggered the controversy.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #134 comments is: #7 MaryP 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 #135 (One Question.)

Q1. Becky asks: Whats your favorite zoo animal??

A: It is hard to pick one - I do love the majestic cats. But I have always had a soft spot for monkeys and especially the chimpanzee.  

Image found at free wallpaper.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks: Whats your favorite zoo animal??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books (to be updated soon), 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 through Saturday January 25, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel By Helen Simonson

This starts as a bit of drama but becomes a surprising charmer.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel
By Helen Simonson
Narrated By Peter Altschuler

    LENGTH    13 hrs and 8 mins
    RELEASE DATE    03-02-10
    PUBLISHER    Random House Audio
Genre: Drama, Fiction, Contemporary
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a small village in the English countryside filled with rolling hills, thatched cottages, and a cast of characters both hilariously original and as familiar as the members of your own family. Among them is Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson's wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, Major Pettigrew is one of the most indelible characters in contemporary fiction, and from the very first page of this remarkable novel he will steal your heart.

The Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?
©2010 Helen Simonson (P)2010 Random House

Review:
Major Pettigrew is a retired English officer, living a quiet life as a widower in a small English village. He has settled into his routines, including maintaining some distance from the local women who would fuss over a well settled widower. Pettigrew is all that one thinks of in a proper, honorable, wry English gentleman. Life is pretty humdrum with the town struggling to remain cheerful and friendly as they cope with economic downturns and racial tensions.

Major Pettigrew gets a call that his younger brother has died unexpectedly and he finds himself in shock. He is upset when his ambitious son, Roger, claims he has an appointment but will try to make it to the funeral. Pettigrew is disturbed when Roger arrives late with a seemingly forward, young American woman.

Another serious issue strikes Pettigrew as he prepares to face his sister-in-law and her daughter at the funeral. When their father was dying he presented the boys with his treasured Churchill rifles. One was given to each with the verbal understanding that if anything happened to either brother the pair would be reunited and be held for the next generation. Pettigrew has always cherished the guns and tried to purchase the second gun from his brother a few times but was always refused. Although he is distressed at the loss of his brother he is anticipating reuniting the pair of guns until his son and his niece make it clear they want the pair sold for the highest price as quickly as possible.

While coping with the fog of grief Pettigrew finds a growing, gentle friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the widowed Pakistani shopkeeper. Mrs. Ali was actually born in England and has never been to Pakistan but she is clearly treated as a foreigner. Pettigrew begins to see that Mrs. Ali struggles with the restrictive expectations of her Pakistan in-laws as well as the prejudices that keep her set apart in the village. Pettigrew resents this on her behalf and begins to champion her situation.

When I started listening to this I wasn’t sure it was a book for me since I am not a big fan of family drama. However I am quite glad I pushed along because there is an irrepressible charm that infuses the Major and has the reader pulling for him and Jasmina to make things work out. The author manages to handle with dignity issues of family jealousies, and prejudice of race and age. She presents a charming story of older people falling in love and overcoming objections of family and outsiders.

There is warmth in description, a good flow and humor to the story. All little side currents are tied up nicely in the end. The story might not be for all readers but for those who enjoy a warm drama with life issues and humor, it should be a charming, enjoyable read or listen.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the primary British accent that perfectly suited the story. Peter Altschuler did a good job of presenting the various accents of the characters, not only nationalities (British, Pakistani and American) but conveying consequence and position too. I delighted in his ability to insert snorts and chuckles as fitted in the story.

This book was from my Audible Library. I had purchased it because of the charming cover and because I had read several positive reviews on other blogs.

Spontaneous 4th Annual Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop January 18th to 24th

WELCOME TO THE
4th Annual Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
January 18th to 24th

This hop is a Spontaneous Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and I am pleased to co-host again this year!

The hop runs from Friday, January 18th through Thursday, January 24th.

If you have not hopped with I Am A Reader Not A Writer recently be sure you have reviewed all the hop rules here:  http://www.iamareader.com/p/giveaway-hop-rules.html
The sign up post and linky will go live on Friday morning.  Anytime on Friday, Saturday or Sunday you can put up a Dreaming of Books hop post and then link up.

Again - My MBS Giveaway is open for EVERYONE. 
There will be two winners: 
2 Winners get a Book or two from their own "DREAM LIST" Up to $20.00 Value towards books at The Book Depository or Gift Card/PayPal credit of the winner's choice.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choices, if applicable, to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $20.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on January 25.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A DREAMY TIME HOPPING!

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 17, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

This was a strange weather week - one day warmed up then got cold again. Work week has been steady and a little quiet with more doctor appointments to interrupt.

Rather than note details here I have decided to put my progress notes on a separate page - My Cancer Journey. I will list note when there is an updated event added. Thank you everyone for your continued good wishes and prayers. They are appreciated and great encouragement. I am doing well today!

[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 January 10 Pick. There were two 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 was one title blocked.
bn100 gets Honor Among Thieves
and
CarolNW gets The Coffin Dancer.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 10 Pick:
Rubynreba gets That Summer

Becky gets Legendary Warrior

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

 We had one day that warmed up but then cold again.

Image found at Clker.com

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
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:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

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.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
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.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*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---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 615+ 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
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

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---(All gone)

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney

This is a delightfully creative and fun read!

The Wanderers
by Cheryl Mahoney

• File Size: 2023 KB
• Print Length: 341 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615912680
• Publisher: Lucky Cat Press; 1 edition (November 13, 2013)
• ASIN: B00GI9A48K

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Any wandering adventurer hoping to survive needs rules—and Jasper has many. There’s Rule #2: Never make plans; Rule #20: Never make a Good Fairy angry; and the surprisingly challenging Rule #18: Always travel alone.

The talking cat breaks Rule #18 badly enough. The witch’s daughter, desperate to escape her horrible mother, is even worse. Between them, they up-end Jasper’s previously simple life (when all he had to worry about was an occasional giant or dragon), and prove that sometimes, rules are no help at all.

You might recognize the countryside and you may think you know what to expect. But whether it’s a refined ogre, a youngest son in need of lots of questing help or a very dangerous Good Fairy, things here rarely go quite as the Brothers Grimm would tell it.

You’ve strayed beyond the tales…

Review:
Jasper is a young man who has spent his adult years as a wandering adventurer. He sees it as his job to rescue girls from... well lots of dilemmas and monsters. There are evil wizards, dangerous witches, a lonely and angry sea queen with a sea serpent monster for a pet and more. The trick for Jasper is to arrange for a cash reward and avoid having to marry the girls, many of whom are beautiful but not always kind or intelligent. Jasper has developed rules for success. Rule #18 is to “Always travel alone.”

During the first adventure in the story Jasper is successful in defeating a wizard who has enslaved a talking cat. No, it’s not a human under a spell, it is a cat who fell under a spell that allows him to talk. Tom, the cat, follows Jasper and since it isn’t exactly breaking rule #18, Jasper allows it.

They head off to rescue a girl from a witch. The rescue seems rather easy and, as usual, Jasper has to refuse to marry the girl. This should be okay since the mother, who is a nasty piece of work, is looking for a prince not an adventurer to marry her daughter to. Jasper and Tom make their escape but the girl, Gwendolyn, escapes to follow them. She claims her mother treats her as a slave and her interfering fairy godmother is no help. To escape the godmother Gwendolyn, renamed Julie by Jasper, claims that she is on a quest, the only thing that can keep the godmother from zapping her back home. Jasper doesn’t want a companion but he agrees to take her along to the next town rather than abandon her in the woods.

One day moves to another and towns are passed as too small or too close. Other adventures are selected and surprisingly, even with limited skills, Julie is able to help Jasper. Each chapter has a new adventure with magical beings and places. The challenges take a combination of battle skills and creative trickiness. Along the way Jasper meets other champions who are seeking to rescue the beautiful girls. Some get in the way and some are in for a surprise.

I found this story wonderfully imaginative and very fun. Each story presents a different riddle with a little poking fun at traditional fairy tale scenarios! Along the way it is clear that Jasper and Julie are becoming attached although Tom sees that they may need a little help to realize and acknowledge their feelings. This is suitable for young adults but good for adults who enjoy fairy tale stories filled with adventure, magic, charm and a little gentle romance. I look forward to enjoying more adventures!

I picked this title to read because it was written by a blog friend author.  I'm glad I picked it up and happy to recommend it!

Book Review and Giveaway: White Rogue by David R. Fett M.D., Stephen Langford & Connie Malcolm

This is a fast reading biochemical thriller.
White Rogue
by David R. Fett M.D., Stephen Langford & Connie Malcolm

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 28, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1481995510
• ISBN-13: 978-1481995511

Genre: Spy Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 8, 2013
After Boston experiences a seemingly inexplicable bio-terrorist attack, the Center for Disease Control's Dr. Dave Richards and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Paula Mushari once again join forces to uncover who is behind it. An obscure reference to a Dresden project found amid crash site evidence marks them both for execution. Paula and Dave are forced to leave Boston in the middle of the night and head to Washington, D.C., where they soon find that anyone they contact also becomes a target of assassins. When the daughter of the CDC's director is taken hostage, Dave and Paula come face to face with an evil that forces them to question the very nature of duty and service to country. With the help of one man, they learn the true meaning of dark operatives as they desperately try to determine the where and when for the next strike against the United States.

Review:
Dr. Dave Richards, an investigator for the Center for Disease Control (CDC), gained a reputation when his efforts helped take down a terrorist group in the White Sleeper case. During that case he met FBI Special Agent Paula Mushari and their friendship has grown even though they are based in different cities.

Dave is called to a community on the Jersey Shore when a man is diagnosed with illness related to the biochemical MRSA virus. Dave is able to track the source of contact but not how it came to be there which leaves him unsettled. His next assignment sends him to the jungle of Columbia where a remote community is suffering from unexplained stomach cancers. Dave and other doctors sweat in the heat and frustration until he solves the source of that contamination too.

Dave and Paula have planned a romantic getaway to Costa Rico but before he can fly out he gets a call from Paula to fly to Boston instead. There has been another serious MRSA breakout that appears to have been a deliberate act of sabotage. The bad, icy roads give them a break in the case when the man who delivered the virus crashes. They are able to find evidence in his car, including a cell phone with a text that mentions a ‘Dresden Project’.

The tank that carried the virus is sent with Hazmet suited troopers to be delivered to MIT for further handling and testing. It never arrives and the troopers are found shot dead in the police car. Apparently someone is trying to cover their tracks and will take out anyone with knowledge they deem risky. Dave and Paula become targets and are only spared assassination by the intervention of an old friend, CIA operative Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith suspects that the Dresden Project is being implemented by a rogue group of contacts attached to government agencies. Since he is too close to the situation to step in himself he directs Dave and Paula to chase down witnesses. The two keep arriving to find dead bodies until finally clues lead them to a suspected biochemical attack on a Muslim community. It becomes a race against time to stop the attack and uncover the perpetrators.

I liked the idea of a CDC character which I think provides good opportunities for stories as shown by the diversity in the plot events. I enjoyed how the authors wove the personal lives of the characters into the story as the intrigues developed and escalated. There are several secondary and peripheral characters who add interest, like Mr. Smith and a contract agent, Geneva Scott. (Check out the character interview post.) The story is fast paced and interest is maintained by alternating chapters between the main characters and secondary people and events that are being manipulated or impacted.

Although Dave and Paula are introduced in a first book, this reads fine as a stand alone. I found the writing a little simplistic and there were some events that had a pretty thin tie to the main intrigue.  Also it seemed unlikely that the rogue group would fail to pursue Dave and Paula after the first missed attempt. Still, this was a satisfactory read and should be a good fit for those who want an easily read thriller.

I received this book for review as part of Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used 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 comment on the review 

OR on the Character Interview.

* This contest is open to U.S. address Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 24, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 24, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.