Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Friday, September 19, 2014

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 19, 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 evening seems more relaxed for me. Work has been good although I have tons to do tomorrow and probably on Saturday too. I am looking forward to FALL and a bit cooler weather. How about you?

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

Thank you to all who entered the September 12 Pick. There was one automatic win again this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were no titles blocked.
Rita gets the Sandra Brown Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 12 Pick:
Carol NW gets The Short Forever Cassettes

Elizabeth 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.}

I hope you start fall off with a good book!

Image found at Redheaded Bookworm

Help Redheaded Bookworm celebrate her big 30 Birthday

and check out her book cakes and the Prizes she has helping her celebrate!

New Book Group #51! September 12, 2014
(No picture yet but here is the list)
PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
Anne Stuart, Hidden Honor and The Devil’s Waltz
SINGLES:

Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley

The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker

Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition

Taylor's Temptation by Suzanne Brockmann

A Painted House A Novel by John Grisham

Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt

Viking Heat by Sandra Hill

Darkness, Take My Hand (Kenzie and Gennaro Book 2) by Dennis Lehane

Missing Susan by Sharyn Mccrumb

Pandora's Clock by John J. Nance - AUDIO CASSETTES

A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

~~The Short Forever (Stone Barrington Novels Book 8) by Stuart Woods - AUDIO CASSETTES~~

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
William J. Coughlin: The Court and The Judgment
~~Phyllis J. Whitney: The Ebony Swan and Woman Without a Past~~
SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
So Hard to Forget by Evelyn Crowe
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
~~Whirlwind Affair by Jacquie D'Allessandro~~
Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
~~Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione~~
ChiefTain by Nan Ryan
~~A Place Called Home by Lori Wick~~
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

PAIRS:
~~Sandra Brown: The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising~~
~~Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary~~
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
~~Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton~~
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
~~Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells~~
~~Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs~~
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
~~Running Blind by Lee Child~~

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
~~Karen Haper: Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run~~
~~Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death~~
SINGLES:
~~After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes~~
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
~~Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green~~
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
~~The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd~~
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
~~Penhollow by Georgette Heyer~~
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
~~Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy~~

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

SINGLES:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
~~Contract Dad by Helen Shelton~~
~~Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright~~

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
~~Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham~~
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
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
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---(All gone)

3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
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 706+ 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

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---(All gone)

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
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)

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Book Review: Neverhome by Laird Hunt

This is a beautifully written, haunting novel.
Neverhome
by Laird Hunt

File Size: 836 KB
Print Length: 257 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0316370134
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (September 9, 2014)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
ASIN: B00HQ2N0D4

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

She calls herself Ash, but that's not her real name. She is a farmer's faithful wife, but she has left her husband to don the uniform of a Union soldier in the Civil War. NEVERHOME tells the harrowing story of Ash Thompson during the battle for the South. Through bloodshed and hysteria and heartbreak, she becomes a hero, a folk legend, a madwoman and a traitor to the American cause. Laird Hunt's dazzling new novel throws a light on the adventurous women who chose to fight instead of stay behind. It is also a mystery story: why did Ash leave and her husband stay? Why can she not return? What will she have to go through to make it back home? In gorgeous prose, Hunt's rebellious young heroine fights her way through history, and back home to her husband, and finally into our hearts.

Review:
Ash is strong and Bartholomew is not. So Ash leaves the farm behind in Indiana to become a Union soldier. Ash joins other travelers along the roads until they reach a recruiting center and join a regiment. The new recruits receive some training during which it is discovered that Ash is quite a sharpshooter. What isn’t discovered until over a year or more of gruesome battles is that Ash is a woman.

During one march through a small town Ash scrambles up a tree to give ‘his’ jacket to a young woman whose top was torn by a tree branch. Thus Ash earns the name, and a song ballad, of “Gallant Ash”. Ash has other moments of remarkable bravery that save others and secure the nickname. But there are also complaints to the Colonel that Ash has stolen food. She denies this and accepts that the Colonel will not advance her in rank but, of course, Ash doesn’t want any extra attention.

Ash pushes through many dreadful battles but is finally injured. She awakens on the field to find herself pinned under a tree. There is a wounded, old soldier nearby who responds to her calls, helping her until she crawls out. The remnants of her unit have already gone and she sets off to find them. She trudges on with the deep wound in her side, facing moments of delirium.

Eventually Ash stumbles to a war hospital but realizes that her secrets will be exposed if she stays in line. She follows a nurse home where she is nursed back to health and becomes a woman again. But Ash is betrayed and finds herself dragged off to an insane asylum. They laugh at her tales of the war and treat her cruelly like all the inmates.

Ash finally escapes and travels a round about way home. When she comes back to her town she learns that her childhood nemesis has taken over the farm, bullying Bartholomew. She returns to her war persona to deal with the vermin at her home.

I found the story itself remarkable but even more wonderful was the writing. The prose drew me into the time and setting. War is an ugly thing yet the writing delivered the images in an eerily frank but almost gentle tone. There is violence, confusion, love, betrayal, delusion and a bit of mystery. The story was not quite what I expected – it was much more.

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

A sense of the bleak reality of the war:

Death was the underclothing we all wore. Location 394.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Mailbox Monday September 15, 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.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't receive any review books this past week and only purchased two Kindle books while downloading many free kindle titles.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE.

Won

NONE.

Purchased

I purchased two $.99 books at Amazon Kindle:

From the Indie Side
Michael Bunker, Peter Cawdron, Kate Danley, Anne Frasier, Sara Foster, Jason Gurley, Mel Hearse, Kev Heritage, Hugh Howey, Ernie Lindsey, Susan May, Brian Spangler, David Gatewood

The Wizard of Time Trilogy

by G.L. Breedon

Free

I downloaded another 49 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 15, 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.

I sign at the busy weeks that tire me out by the time I get home.
I enjoyed my reading, finishing three books and posting three reviews.
I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I only visited a couple of blogs early in the week. I seemed to crash most evenings this past week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 8, 2014.

Mailbox Monday September 8, 2014.

Book Review: The Traitor by Grace Burrowes; Historic Romance, Regency; my rating 4.25.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 12, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/18/14.

Book Review: Winter's Passage by Julia Kagawa; Fantasy; my rating 4.0.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1) by Kate Dacus; Christian Romance my rating 4.0. Open US. Ends 9/20/14.

Sharing Beyond Books #168 Comment Giveaway 9/13/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 9/20/14.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 14, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Neverhome
by Laird Hunt
I loved the prose in this remarkable story.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3

Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3
Written by: Ann Charles
Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer
Strange and fun,
in spite of a few problems.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Night Visitor
by Dianne Emley
Good suspense with a twist.
I'll post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.

Currently reading:

1. Audiobook/MP3

Title: The End is Nigh: Apocalypse Triptych
Author: John Joseph Adams, Hugh Howey
Narrator: Mur Lafferty, Rajan Khanna, Kate Baker,
Lex Wilson, RalphWalters, Jack Kincaid,
Norm Sherman, James Keller, Anaea Lay
I am enjoying this collection of different scenarios.
Publisher: Broad Reach Publishing
THE APOCALYPSE TRIPTYCH is a series of three anthologies of apocalyptic fiction. THE END IS NIGH focuses on life before the apocalypse. THE END IS NOW turns its attention to life during the apocalypse. And THE END HAS COME focuses on life after the apocalypse.

2. eBook/Kindle

Shades of Moonlight
by Karen L. McKee
I have started this paranormal and I'm interested to see where it goes.
I received this as part of StoryBundle a couple months ago.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 5, 2010
When Kalla Jervis, folklorist, arrives in Burma as part of a team of archeologists researching the end of an ancient civilization she expects problems translating the ancient Burmese language. Then she meets her translator, tall, dark and dangerous Simon Renault, a man who both infuriates and attracts her. When dark dreams haunt Kalla’s nights, they hint at a terrible secret that entwines the fates of Kalla and Simon and all of Burma.

Karen L. McKee once again delivers a rich story that evokes the mysteries of an exotic culture. Shades of Moonlight is a fantastic paranormal romance that wraps together past, present and future in one of the most mysterious of Asian cultures. Readers will love the fast-paced story of unforgettable characters caught in the strangeness of a world few westerners have visited.

3. eBook/Kindle

Global Predator
by Jack Maclean
I will start this one next.
I received from NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 19, 2014
High above the mountains of the North West Frontier, a Global Predator circles waiting to unleash its Hellfire missiles. The trail of Osama Bin Laden’s deputy, the elusive Egyptian terror master, Ayman al-Zawahiri has gone cold until a chance recording identified by a translator at the National Security Agency offers new clues. A special intelligence team assembles and plots to catch at him at a meeting with other high ranking al Qaeda leaders. In Pakistan’s beautiful Swat Valley, the local Taliban have been stepping up their attacks on anyone educating girls. English aid worker Sally is taken hostage while visiting one of her schools. When Wilkins, escaping his reckless trading mistakes at his London bank, is forced to rescue her, he finds himself trapped in a world of blind fear and terror. Only one person can now make sense of what is happening and stop a massacre of innocent schoolgirls.

I remain one day ahead on my daily Bible reading. My morning reading starts my day off right! I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for two educational, non-fiction ebook releases. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward and I still hope to read at least one of my own TBRs this month. I am staying up to date on completing reviews the week after they have been read.

September Scheduled -
---Nothing new yet.

NetGalley - To be read in August thru September:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Global Predator by Jack Maclean (to read this week)
The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate

Authors:
From Story Bundle - I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these. There are Cyperpunk and Dark Fantasy Bundles available now that look interesting.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee (reading)

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
The End is Nigh: The Apocalypse Triptych by John Joseph Adams, Hugh Howey (listening)
The Red Shoelace Killer by Susan Sundwall

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - Winter's Passage - Done

Sunday's Words of Encouragement September 14, 2014

I will call Pastor’s Sermon today: “Living With a View to Eternity.” (As part of choir we sometimes come in a few moments into the Sermon so I might miss the real title if he gives one.)

Pastor noted that what we focus on is what we become or what is important to us. Are you focused on earning money for material things? Are you focused on retirement, laying back to relax? Are you focused inwardly or outwardly? Are you focused on things of this world or on eternity? We need to learn to count things of this world as loss and things of eternity as gain. Philippians 3:7-11. Though we are living on earth, our true home is heaven. We need to press on for the promised prize. V12-14. V15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.

I looked for a song about pressing on.
I was surprised to find this song which was written by Bob Dylan in 1980.

Verses for Today:

Philippians 3:7-11(NIV)
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Lord, I thank you and praise you. I pray for help to stay focused on eternity and help to press on to the gift of salvation that Christ has secured for me.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Sharing Beyond Books #168 Comment Giveaway September 13, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Why do these weeks just fly by?

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Hmmm- nine people couldn't remember the first book they DNF. Six did remember some book even if not always the first and one, scottsgal, remembered the nature of the book (long romance) if not the name. miki doesn't think she has left any unfinished.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #167 comments is: #4 Nikki 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 #168 (One Question.)

Q1. rubynreba asks: How much time do you spend on your computer or mobile device each day??

A: When I have court in the morning the work time on computer is at least six hours a day. It is more if I am not in court. Evening computer time is usually another four hours. So I figure my daily computer time is 10 to 12 hours.

Here is a good idea. I will set aside $2.00 per computer hour for savings.
Then I can give part of that to missions and part to pay for computer time on vacations!
Image found at Gamelot.

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. rubynreba asks: How much time do you spend on your computer or mobile device each day??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 September 20, 2014 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1) by Kaye Dacus

A nice, second chance, Christian story.

Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1)

by Kaye Dacus

Series: The Matchmakers (Book 1)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1602609891

Genre: Christian Romance

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 18, 2010

Every grandmother wants to see her grandchildren happy, especially when it comes to their love lives. Join five active senior ladies—and one gentleman—who take a great interest in the lives and loves of their single grandchildren and become The Matchmakers. Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson become the first focus of meddling grandmothers when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. Will Zarah be able to forgive the man who years ago chose a military career over her—especially when she learns he is investigating the historic preservation agency for which she works?

Review:
Zarah Mitchell is a young woman with confidence issues. All her young years she was criticized by her father, the General. The same man idolized her older sister and later focused on his new family, but he never had time or approval for Zarah. As a senior, Zarah dated a young soldier behind her father’s back. When he disappeared from her life she went off to college heartbroken and men-shy.

Fourteen years later Zarah is still cautious of men. She is highly respected by her boss and peers at her work with the historical preservation agency. She is also a successful leader, and willing servant, in her church singles’ group. Things are secure, if in a rut, until her teen love, Bobby, sudden moves to town to work at the Nashville office of Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit.

Bobby is glad to see Zarah again but sad to see that she seems to be taken advantage of by those around her. Bobby doesn’t understand how he lost Zarah fourteen years ago. He begins to wonder if they might have a second chance. But first he has to deal with the fact that his new assignment involves investigating the agency where Zarah works. Then he will have to convince Zarah to open up to him and take a chance on live beyond her routines.

There are some wonderful messages of forgiveness and second chances. The story also shows the need for balancing servanthood instead of being a doormat. Ms. Dacus edges in the issue of self confidence but I felt she missed a bit of a chance to emphasize that our true worth should be found in being creations and children of a mighty, heavenly God rather than in trying to please an earthly father.

There are parts of the story that seemed no more than filler, mundane actions. But most of the story is enjoyable and engaging. This is the second book we have read by this author and we liked the first one too. The writing in this story has an easy flow and makes for a quick, light read.

This was Ladies' Book Club reading for August and we all enjoyed the easy read.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read 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

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) September 20, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after September 20, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Book Review: Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

This was a quick read and a good bridge to the next book.
Winter's Passage
by Julie Kagawa

File Size: 648 KB
Print Length: 60 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 1, 2010)
ASIN: B003N2QUZG

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 20, 2010
Julie Kagawa's bestselling series The Iron Fey captivated the imagination—and hearts—of readers of all ages with its mix of magic, fantasy and romance. Enjoy this special bridge novella, which takes place between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter.

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl…until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron Fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck—Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon—who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter—a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat….

Review:
Meghan Chase learned in The Iron King that she is a faery princess, daughter of King Oberon of the Summer Court. Meghan was living in the human world and didn’t know that her best friend, Robin, was really Puck, servant of her father. Puck was injured while helping Meghan and Prince Ash rescue Meghan’s brother from The Iron King.

Meghan made a deal with Prince Ash to gain his help. Meghan and Ash have become close friends, young lovers almost, even though Ash is an enemy being a Prince of the Winter Court. Now Meghan is fulfilling her part of the bargain by allowing Ash to take her to Queen Mab in the Winter Court. As they travel they realize that there is some danger chasing them.

Ash tries to protect Meghan, but perhaps Meghan can protect him. When they arrive at the Winter Court, Meghan will have to face Queen Mab and Ash cannot promise to help her.

It had been quite sometime since I listened to The Iron King. I appreciated the recap and the action in this novella. It has a magical feel and wonderful descriptions. It is a good reminder of the events of book one and a nice transition to book two in the series. The danger is just beginning but I’ll have to read the Iron Daughter to learn what happens next.

I choose this book from my Kindle Library because it has "Winter" in the title, the word being chosen as a result of a recent giveaway.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 12, 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 has been a long week. I've been up early four out of five days to travel to court. I'm starting to plan for vacation! There is a new box of books listed - I'll take a picture on Saturday.

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

Thank you to all who entered the September 5 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were two titles blocked and one was won.
Sue F gets Running Blind

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 5 Pick:
Linda gets a GC

Di gets Whirlwind Affair (through a block)

Books are knowledge - Yes!

Image found at Zastavki.com

Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley

The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker

Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition

Taylor's Temptation by Suzanne Brockmann

A Painted House A Novel by John Grisham

Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt

Viking Heat by Sandra Hill

Darkness, Take My Hand (Kenzie and Gennaro Book 2) by Dennis Lehane

Missing Susan by Sharyn Mccrumb

Pandora's Clock by John J. Nance - AUDIO CASSETTES

A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

The Short Forever (Stone Barrington Novels Book 8) by Stuart Woods - AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown: The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
~~Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary~~
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
~~Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton~~
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
~~Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells~~
~~Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs~~
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
~~Running Blind by Lee Child~~

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Note rules here regarding international entries.

TO ENTER:

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Book Review: The Traitor (Captive Hearts) by Grace Burrowes

This Regency romance raises questions of betrayal when loyalties become blurred and difficult during war.

The Traitor (Captive Hearts)

by Grace Burrowes

File Size: 1310 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 5, 2014)
ASIN: B00HUTVG70

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

My Rating: 4.25

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2014

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes delivers a passionate, danger-filled Regency romance...

The past will overtake him...

Abandoned in France since boyhood, despite being heir to an English barony, Sebastian St. Clair makes impossible choices to survive a tour of duty in the French Army. He returns to England hoping for the peaceful life of a country gentleman, though old enemies insist on challenging him on the field of honor, one after another.

But this time, he will not fight alone...

Millicent Danforth desperately needs her position as companion to the Traitor Baron's aunt, but grieves to learn that Sebastian must continually fight a war long over. As Sebastian and Milly explore their growing passion, they uncover a plot that will cost Sebastian his life and his honor, unless he does battle once more-this time in the name of love.

Review:
Millie has become a companion to Lady Frederica in order to get away from her own cousins who would use her as a servant or marry her off to a man she doesn’t enjoy. Lady Frederica is a fierce, eccentric and determined woman who loves her nephew, the ‘Traitor’ Baron, Sebastian St. Clair.

Sebastian has had a difficult life. As a young English lad he was taken by his parents to visit France and remained there with his mother when the truce ended. He was abandoned to be raised by his French grandparents when his mother died. During the war he found himself in the position of an inquisitor, interrogating captive British officers. Rather than have the officers killed at the torturous hands of his superior, Sebastian found painfully creative methods of obtaining secrets and managed to arrange for their ransom to freedom.

Now that Sebastian has returned to the company of his aunt and his lands in England, he finds he has no peace and his life is in danger. He is continually challenged by British officers who scorn him as the “Traitor” Baron.

As a man who tends to view the world in terms of military strategy, Sebastian finds Millie to be a breath of fresh air. He recognizes that she too has had a lonely childhood and a difficult secret. He patiently helps her face her problem but he dare not pursue a relationship with her considering the guilt and dangers from his past.

Millie is willing to help Sebastian face his own dark nightmares but she believes she is unworthy to be his Baroness, even if he was willing to consider a relationship. After all, what nobleman would want an uneducated woman as a wife?

I loved the flawed and vulnerable characters of Millie and Sebastian and I loved how they helped each other find their own strengths. Their conflicts, the military allegories, and the underlying danger, make for a finely choreographed dance to romance.

Beyond the romance there is the puzzle of the threats to Sebastian’s life creates an interesting mystery. The story has a good hook and although the early pacing was on the slow side it seemed fitting for the difficult time of putting war behind and starting a new life. The word I noted for the atmosphere is “mellow”.

I am sorry I missed the first book in this series which I will have to get. I really appreciate the fine characters and engaging plots that Ms. Burrows continues to share with her readers. There is always a rich background of history underlying weave of mystery and well defined characters that are packaged into a reliably engaging romance.

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The sort of ironic nuance I really enjoyed: