Book Review with Giveaway Question: The Sheriff's Surrender (Ladies' Shooting Club) by Susan Page Davis

This is a delightfully fun, easy, inspirational read that gives a good picture of life in the old west.

The Sheriff's Surrender (Ladies' Shooting Club)
by Susan Page Davis

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: Barbour Publishing
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 1602605629
Series: Ladies Shooting Club
(Still available for $1.65!)

Genre: Historical, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards, but she wants Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When the sheriff of Fergus, Idaho, is murdered and Ethan is named his replacement, Gert decides she has to do whatever she can to help him protect the citizenry. So she starts the Ladies Shooting Club. But when of their numbers is murdered, these ladies are called on for more than target shooting and praying. Can Gert and the ladies of Fergus find the murderer before he strikes again?

Review:
Gert came to the small community of Fergus, Idaho eight years ago to help her older brother, Hiram, and his wife with a new baby. Unfortunately when she arrived she found Hiram secluded in grief over their deaths. She continues to take care of the reclusive Hiram helping him in his gun smithing business by shooting the weapons he repairs. Over the years she has become one of the best shots in town. Gert doesn’t dress fancy or wear her hair pretty... she is just steady, reliable, capable Gert who has a sweet spot for Hiram’s best friend, Ethan.

Ethan is a local bachelor committed to the hard work of building his own ranch. When the old time sheriff is found dead one morning the town council recruits Ethan as temporary sheriff. Although Ethan is reluctant, he steps up to the duty. As he and Hiram investigate the crime scene evidence reveals the death was murder, not an accident. When a second victim is killed the town really starts to worry.

Libby, the widowed storekeeper who is also Gert’s good friend, asks Gert to teach her how to shoot. Soon many of the ladies in town, wives and daughters, and even saloon girls, join the practice sessions. They even allow an old, poor, dirty and smelly recluse, Milzie, to join them.

The group declares themselves the Ladies Shooting Club and start by reaching out to help each other. Then they offer to help the Sheriff with street patrols. One brassy lady, a saloon (brothel?) owner, becomes a deputy. As Ethan works along with Hiram and Gert to solve the mystery of the murders he begins to see Gert in a new light as friendship grows to affection.

Gert represents a good deal of pioneer spirit and a bit of the stirring for women’s rights! She also represents a heart of a servant who helps others with joy and no judgment. She seeks to share her love of faith because she cares about everyone in her community, no matter their station or profession. There is a sense of humbleness provided by Gert and Ethan and a sweet sense of allowing God to work things out in His time, including their courtship.

There is a story of revenge but there are also so many good real life features presented in this sweet story. There are issues of bigotry and pride, in small and big ways. The story shows the tendency to live our lives in insular fashion and not realize the desperate needs of some of those very near until some trigger brings the community together to provide more care for one another.

The writing is clear and this is a quick easy read. There is humor and warm fuzzies that overshadow the evil. I found it delightful and recommend it to those who enjoy fun, inspirational historical reading.

This was our Jan- Feb Ladies Book Club read. The group has not yet met to discuss this book as we postponed February’s meeting, however, several ladies told me that they felt this was such a real portrayal of western life. They were very enthusiastic so I ordered the second book in the series and we will be discussing both books in our meeting in March.

GIVEAWAY QUESTION: I will be offering both books for GIVEAWAY and here is a question for those who will be interested: Would you prefer the books be offered separately for giveaway or as a set of two to one winner? Let me know by your comments and I will decide how to list the giveaways. Thanks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 16, 2014

It was great to get to church today for a communion service to remember the sacrifice and redeeming power of Jesus. Pastor gave a short sermon located in the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32.) The focus though was on the eldest son who was bitter and angry about the party the father put on for the returned son. The problem was with the eldest son's attitude. The question our Pastor asked is: "Are you a hireling or an heir?" How do you see yourself?

As elder son he received a larger portion of inheritance, two thirds to one third for the younger son. But the elder son was resenting that he had stayed and worked hard at home and no fatted calf was ever killed for him. Was he working to please God, his heavenly Father or was he working for earthly reward? The father had to remind the eldest: "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." v31.

My extrapolated thoughts: The son is an heir but doesn't recognize the blessings of his position. He doesn't recognize that he should share in the joy of celebrating his brother's return as what the father gives his brother does not diminish his own position in any way. True love seeks to share in the joy and salvation of others, not resent it.

One of the songs we sang this morning is an old gospel that says:
If you stay standing still, He'll show up on time. The battle is not yours, God says "It's mine."
It resonated with me today but I could not find a youtube version.
I found this instead and it is awesome too!

Verses for Today:
John 10:11-13 NIV (Jesus speaking to the Pharisees)
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Thank you Lord for restoring my strength this week. Help me to keep my focus on You and looking for ways to serve and please You.

Sharing Beyond Books #138 Comment Giveaway, February 15, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented two weeks ago. Sorry I missed last week.

Few people have a "hidden spot" although Ricki goes dog sitting at her parents so she has quiet, Marjorie gets to use a spare bedroom turned den and Fredamans uses her home office. As to favorite places the bed edged out the comfy couches by 8 to 6 but many agreed they liked to have a nice blanket with them. I was surprised that a good handful of folks like to read outdoors in good weather. And several agreed with me that they read whenever or wherever.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #137 comments is: #18 Texas Book Lover 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 #138 (One Question.)

Q1. Margaret asks: How many e readers do you own??

A: I think the true count for me is one. As a true e reader - I have only my Kindle. I can read Nook on Samsung or ASUS tablets but I rarely do and I never read on my new smartphone - too small.  

I wonder how many types of e readers exist?

Image found at Watertown Library.

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. Margaret asks: 1. How many e readers do you own??

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 February 22, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

A New Group of Christmas Titles for Choices by SBB Winners

2/18/17
New Christmas and Love books for SBB.

2/15/14
I finally am getting around to posting a new box of Christmas Books for winner picks from the Sharing Beyond Book Comment Giveaways.
{This is not a giveaway post but these books are for winners to pick from.}

For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone
The Fifth Day of Christmas by Betty Neels
A Highland Christmas (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries 16) by M.C. Beaton SBB July 2014
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas -- SBB May 2014
Nascar Holiday 3 Anthology by Liz Allison & Wendy Etherington, Brenda Jackson, Marisa Carroll and Jean Brashear I think this is gone.. will double ck on 11/23
A South Texas Christmas by Stella Bagwell
Christmas Spirits by Lynn Kurland and others -- SBB in September
Harlequin Historical Christmas Stories 1991
A Christmas Bride/ Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh -- SBB March 2014 Comment win
Snowy Night with a Stranger by Jane Feather and others
A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels and others -- SBB April 2014
Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Jack Canfield and others
Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury Jack Canfield and others

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 14, 2014

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

Lost the four days (Thursday, Sat-Mon) to the treatment *sigh* so I am still playing catch-up. Planning on a very quiet Valentine's Day - how 'bout everyone else?



More details 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 February 7 Pick. There were THREE 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 with multiple picks and one blocked but won.
Becky gets Lady Ice
bn100 gets The Nightingale's Song
Carol NW gets Found Money

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 7 Pick:
Sue gets Rachel Lee Pair (A Conrad County Homecoming+)

(through a block)

Mariska 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.}

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Especially to all of us who LOVE BOOKS!

Image found at Wisdom Roots.

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Perfection in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
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 gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone

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:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf (won 1/10 by rubynreba)

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

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---(All gone)

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

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 628+ 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

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 and Tour Giveaway: New Frontier by Jeremy Lee

This is an engaging sci fi view of future humanity with a flash back technique that I really enjoyed.

New Frontier
by Jeremy Lee

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Neverland Publishing Company LLC (November 12, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-0988829053

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
As a new era dawns for humanity, finally breaking the bonds that left us tied to the Solar System, this giant leap is to be marred by greed and erupting violence. The new frontier, ripe for colonization and opportunity, is filled with the honest and ruthless alike.
Two rival corporations have all but supplanted nation-states, keeping governments around only as a necessary fiction to pacify populations, as the realm of business now reaches into politics, military, religion, and all other aspects of human life. The frontier regions of space, barely able to keep from slipping into total anarchy, are filled with new homesteaders, miners, merchants, bandits, and scientific minds. When one company gains the edge and is the first to crack an engine to bring the Alcubierre formula into reality, and thus travel faster than the speed of light, the rivalry between the two multi-national conglomerates is taken to a dangerous new and martial level. The battle for profits in the market place is now being waged by armies and fleets in space.
The Argos, adrift and crippled far from home, is the only hope for its remaining crew. These survivors of a mysterious attack struggle to hold their ship together and come to the rescue of homesteaders and compatriots relying on them.
Contrasting with the dubious motivations of those in power, the crew of the Argos are people who crave adventure and are above the miasma of greed that sends them their orders. As the great battle breaks out at the moment that should have been humanity's greatest triumph, the gallant and the selfish alike are forced to face the best and worst of human civilization far from home and decide what they truly believe in.

Review:
The future world has been overtaken by corporate control even though some national leadership still exists as figureheads.  The Alliance had stepped in as a corporate presence trying to bring regrowth, construction, jobs and bright life to new areas. During this time they increased in power and economic prosperity.

A rival corporation, Independent Trading Company (ITC), is headed by four power-hungry and egotistical leaders: a political man, a military assassin, a charismatic, religious leader and a female headlining journalist. These four will use whatever tricks and thievery they can to overcome the Alliance who they proclaim is destroying the freedom of the people.

The Alliance has a scientist who has discovered an engine that will allow man to travel faster than the speed of light. This opens up the solar system as a ‘new frontier’ to be discovered and developed by humanity.  The Alliance builds a new ship, The Argos, to test the engine. It would make sense that the top captain, scientists and engineers in their fields would man the ship. Instead, an aging wealthy playboy, Davi, buys himself the captaincy making quick enemies of many, including the ship commander, experienced Shannon Drake. Davi insists on recruiting a wizard of an mechanical tech, Wangari, who can fix anything. Also, since no pilots have been trained on the equipment they pull in the shy, nerdy, reluctant computer engineer, Ahmad,  to become their new pilot. There are also a few other select characters who play an important role in the events that unfold.

The story is written in an unusual technique of parsing out details present and past. The opening chapter presents a decimated Argos that is drifting in far  space after a brutal attack has shattered her and sent a good portion of people and resources floating in space and one man, Hector de Anza trying to hang on and get to safety. Chapter two steps back three years to introduce the Alliance and the developments that have led it to the point of solar travel as well as introducing one of it’s pivotal enemies, the military assassin, Grover. Chapter three goes back fifteen years to introduce a twelve year old Hector de Anza who is now the Chief of the Boat on the Argos. And so it goes with different chapters flashing to the “Now” of the beleaguered ship or its conspiring enemies and others bouncing to the past to introduce the various characters who team together on the Argos. I liked the flow of learning of the characters' pasts and watching how they changed through the turmoil and challenges they faced together.

The story shares the struggles of individuals of all different levels of character and opportunity. Some are evil, some are lazy and spoiled and others are exceptionally set on duty. Many will rise to better themselves. A remarkable part of the story deals with the discovery of a alien species on a violet-red planet with similar conditions to earth. It is a chance to bring new friendships and vast discoveries except for the fact that coming on the heals of the excited Argos exploratory expedition is a military force of the ITC whose goal is to wipe out and conquer not only their enemy but the unknown inhabitants of the new world. How sad to think that the evil battles of humanity are introduced to a new world.

I recommend this to more than just good science fiction enthusiasts but also to those who like interesting character development. I enjoyed all of the excitement, the new world building and especially the growth of the characters as they faced the challenges in their New Frontier.

I received this book to review as part of Novel Publicity Book Tour.

Get New Frontier through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author - Prizes!!!

About the author: Born in Odessa, Texas Jeremy grew up mostly in southern New Mexico. Strongly

influenced by his grandmother’s adoration of history, and his mother’s love of reading, both of which he adopted early in life. Inheriting a work ethic from his father which served him well in the manic world of theater, Jeremy Lee started out writing for the stage, first in Denver and then in small New York venues while attending the New York School for Film and Television.
With 2011's Where I'm Bound I Can't Tell he began working in novels with a deeply personal look at growing up without growing old, which simultaneously expanded into a worldwide adventure through the 20th century.
Kings of New York began a long and rewarding relationship with Neverland Publishing, which continues even today. This gangster tale played in the wonderland of 20's New York, and painted a picture of cons just trying to survive and make a dishonest living the ruthless world they inhabit.
With New Frontier his career took an abrupt turn, looking not into the past but into the possibilities of the future. Exploring themes of strife, political corruption, greed, adventure, and religion, the book touched off a storm from reviewers.
Jeremy Lee currently lives in Denver with his family, writing ferociously when he can't find and excuse to be in the middle of nowhere fishing, getting blissfully lost in a museum, or occasionally just watching old Bogart movies and eating pizza on the couch.

Connect with Jeremy on his website, Facebook,or GoodReads..

About the prizes: Who doesn't love prizes? You could win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards or an autographed copy of New Frontier! Here's what you need to do...

1. Enter the Rafflecopter contest
2. Leave a comment on my blog

That's it! One random commenter during this tour will win the first gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers {AND AN EXCERPT!}can be found HERE. The other two prizes will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official New Frontier tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Delays in Postings

Hi blog friends. I'm just hopping on quickly to say all posts are currently delayed until committed Tour Review on Thursday.
I had a really rough weekend that kept me home on Monday too. No computer at all Saturday or Sunday and on Monday only half an hour checking work emails.

I am doing better tonight but heading to bed early as I have early court hearing tomorrow.
Thanks for patience and continued prayer and well wishes support.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 7, 2014

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

(Thanks for being patient - got busy at work today and didn't get to this until end of work day.) We thought it was warming up but got another couple of cold days this week. Lost yesterday to 2nd chemo treatment day but all in all a good week.



More details 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 31 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.
Faith Hope & CherryTea gets A Lady of Consequence
and
Anita gets Star Light, Star Bright

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 31 Pick:
LindaK gets All I Ever Wanted

ElizabethL 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.}

This is a lovely thought for the month of love. :-)

Image found at Simple Reminders by Richard Bach.

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Perfection in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
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 gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone

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:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf

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

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---(All gone)


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

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 623+ 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

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)

Delay in Posting Friday Pick February 7, 2014

I had round two of Chemo treatment today (Thursday) and slept most of the afternoon. It is 8:30pm now and I am going back to bed.  I can't do Random.org until after 10pm so I plan to make the selections and upload the post early Friday morning. :-) Thanks for understanding.

Audio Book Review: Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1 by Shelly Thacker

This is an intensely romantic time travel, medieval tale.

Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1
by Shelly Thacker
 Narrated by Julia Motyka

 Length: 15 hrs and 5 mins
    Series: Stolen Brides, Book 1
Format: Unabridged
 Release Date:09-26-13
Publisher: Summit Avenue Books
Genre: Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
On New Year's Eve, she tumbles 700 years back in time - and into the bed of a darkly handsome knight.

Sir Gaston de Varennes wanted a docile bride who would fit into his plans for vengeance and justice, but a trick of time finds him married to a thoroughly modern American lady who turns his castle, his life, and his heart upside down. Will her desperate secret tear them apart after only a few bittersweet weeks of stolen passion - or will they conquer mistrust, treachery, and time itself to discover a love that spans the centuries?

Winner of the National Readers Choice Award: Best Historical Romance of the Year

The Stolen Brides Series: One falls through time and finds herself married to a dark stranger...one may never reach her royal wedding if she can't resist her rugged protector...one is abducted by a mysterious swordsman and swept away to a secret island paradise. Three regal brides are about to discover that falling in love with a warrior is the most dangerous adventure of all.
©1993 Shelly Thacker Meinhardt (P)2013 Shelly Thacker Meinhardt

Review:
Celine Fontaine is a twenty-three year old woman of wealth and sophistication. She had been engaged to a charismatic man until some hoodlums tried to steal his car and she suffered a bullet wound in the back. Her ambitious family doesn’t understand her panic attacks nor do they know that she must soon go through another operation to remove a fragment of the bullet that could otherwise end her life. She is struggling with her fears as she stares at the moon through the window of the family ancestral chateau in France. Suddenly she is struck by the light of a lunar eclipse. When she stumbles from the flash of light she finds herself in an oddly familiar room that looks totally different. She is dismayed when she learns that she has been whisked 700 years to the past.

Everyone thinks Celine is Lady Christiane Fontaine, the convent raised cousin of Sir Gaston’s vicious enemy, Duc Alain de la Tourelle. Gaston is convinced that Tourelle murdered his father and elder brother. The battle between Gaston and Tourelle has angered the King to the point that he ordered Gaston to marry Lady Christiane. Gaston could not refuse to marry as ordered but he could refuse to consummate the marriage. He is sure it is just a matter of time to uncover proof of Tourelle’s treacherous lies to reveal to the King so he can seek an annulment.

Gaston is a fierce, handsome warrior who earned the title of the Black Knight. Gaston tries to humiliate Lady Chrisitane by treating her no better than a house servant. But she soon makes friends in the household as she treats everyone with kindness and makes changes around the fortress to help make things easier and improve conditions.

Gaston doesn’t believe Celine’s claims to be from a future time even if there are oddities. And he is adamant that their union will not be consummated no matter how fierce their attraction. He can’t decide if he should keep her close so he knows what threat she poses or stay away from the overpowering temptation. Meanwhile Celine desperately tries to find a way to return to her time for the surgery she needs to save her life.

This story has wonderful chemical attraction and frustrating tension. The medieval settings are believable and beautiful. The time travel dilemma is also believable and well done. There were a few too many vivid sexual encounters for my tastes but they were nicely handled and could be skimmed over without losing the intimacy and emotional depths growing between the pair. If you like medieval and/or time travel romance and strong minded characters who struggle against the pull of true love this is a story you should check out.

Audio Notes: Initially I struggled with the rather breathy narration. Julia Motyka does a good job with the French and accents but has to work to portray the deep, manly voice of the warrior knight. Still, this is a story that I think was easier for me to listen to than if I had picked it to read in print.

I received this audible download to review for the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Note: the Kindle version appears to be free at the time of this posting.

Another Month of Winners- December Through January!

I apologize to all these winners - I have been late in picking the winners again. I have listed some on the sidebar during the week but this is the first they have been listed in a Winner Announcement.
So here are the Winners to bring us up-to-date.
{Note- Friday Pick and Sharing Beyond Books Winners are announced each week and listed in the sidebar too so they are not included in winner link listing - you can check those winners by clicking on Friday Pick link or Sharing Beyond Books link found on the right sidebar.}


Giveaways Ended January 24, 2014:

Spontaneous Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. WINNERS: Entry #161 Kathie S. and Entry #17 Kamla L.

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Print Giveaway: The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future by Jonathan Cahn; Winner: NATASHA

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Print Giveaway: White Rogue by David R. Fett M.D., Stephen Langford & Connie Malcolm; Spy Thriller; 
Winner: BETH C (rubynreba)

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Giveaway Ended January 18, 2014

Attention Shana Galen Fans! A Pre-Order Gift Offer and A Giveaway from SOURCEBOOKS. Winner: SANDY X

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Giveaway Ended January 11, 2013


Giveaway: Angel Christmas by Patricia Rice, Mary Balogh & 3 more; Anthology, Christmas, Angels. Winner: CASSIE


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Giveaway Ended January 6, 2013

Book Blitz Feature - Double Life of Incorporate Things
GIVEAWAY $50.00 GC
Winner: Check Rafflecopter or Author website

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Giveaways Ended January 3, 2014

Giveaway: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis
US Print. WINNER: BONNIE H.

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Giveaway: Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
WINNERS: US (Print) VICTORIA; International (eBook) ERIN F

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Giveaway Ended December 18, 2013


Giveaway: Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson
Winner: MEGHAN S
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ALL WINNERS - if you have not already done so - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

Book Review and Giveaway: In One Year and Out the Other Collection

This is a fun anthology to kick off a new year!
In One Year and Out the Other
Cara Lockwood, Pamela Redmond Satran, Beth Kendrick, Megan McAndrew, Tracy McArdle, Kathleen O'Reilly, Eileen Rendahl, Diane Stingley, Libby Street, Christina Delia

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416530932
• ISBN-13: 978-1416530930

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Short Story Anthology, Chick-lit
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 28, 2006
Out with the old, in with the new, and on with the party!
Maybe it's just another midnight...or maybe there really is magic in the air when December 31st becomes January 1st, and confetti kisses and champagne toasts kick off a new year, a new romance, a new look, a new attitude.

Celebrate the start of something new with In One Year and Out the Other...a sparkling collection of all new stories by today's rising fiction stars:

Cara Lockwood puts self-improvement to the test with 528 resolutions -- not least of which is "Do not sleep with married men" -- in "Resolved: A New Year's Resolution List"...Pamela Redmond Satran instructs a single mom in the fine art of partying like the boys (have lots of sex, don't worry that you're too fat) in "How to Start the New Year Like a Guy"...Diane Stingley shows a twentysomething why there's more to life than waiting by the phone for a New Year's date in "Expecting a Call"...Megan McAndrew seizes the day -- or just a very special one-night stand -- for a single food stylist hungering for more in "The Future of Sex"...and more great tales from Kathleen O'Reilly, Beth Kendrick, Eileen Rendahl, Tracy McArdle and Libby Street.

Review:
This is a fun collection of short stories perfect to greet a new year or to provide quick, break-size reading chuckles. There are ten stories running between 30 to 60 pages each. I wasn’t crazy about all of them but many were fun and introduced me to new-to-me authors.

Resolved: A New Year’s Resolution List by Cara Lockwood kicks off the set with a ridiculous 500+ long list. Clearly the character has issues to work through!

Expecting a Call by Diane Stingley is a fun New Year’s eve twist on a Christmas Carol.

Halo, Goodbye by Kathleen O’Reilly is a sweet view from a young woman who died New Year’s eve and has to find a way to let go and move on.

The characters were a bit desperate or shallow in one or two of the stories, like The Future of Sex and The Luckiest People. But all in all I enjoyed the quick reads and the theme being new year, resolutions and new beginnings. 

I pulled this from my TBR to read for the new year.

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 

tell me about another book by any of the authors that you enjoyed.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 14, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after February 14, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday February 3, 2014

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 had one book from an author for review and three books I picked up at NetGalley; plus two ebooks I purchased. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Reviews

Sleeping Dogs: A Novel 
by Tony Vanderwarker
A thriller written with guidance from John Grisham -
Sounds interesting!

NetGalley Picks:

Two Dystopia/Futuristic Survival Stories
and a Sci Fi/fantasy.

  The End: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)

by G. Michael Hopf
I have eyed this series for a while now.

Surviving Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series) 
by A. American
This is another Survival series I want to try.
I think I will get the first book with an Audible credit.

  The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy by Robert Reed
This sci fi/fantasy caught my eye. 

Won

None this week.

Purchased

Two Kindle purchases:

The Bigtime Series (Bigtime superhero series, e-bundle) [Kindle Edition]
Jennifer Estep (Author)

This looked like a good set for 99 cents

Truly Madly Deeply, 

A Carly Phillips Collection

(Love Unexpected Series) [Kindle Edition]
Carly Phillips (Author)

This is another set for 99 cents that looked like fum.

Free

Plus I downloaded 40 free Kindle titles this week.  Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.