Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Blog Tour Feature and Giveaway: The Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella


Tour Dates: October 14 - October 24, 2014
Blog Tour with Giveaway
I have not quite finished reading the book as I prepare this post but I do hope to post my review later today 10/23 - internet willing!

touraoutthebooka

THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE by Linda Covella
Children's, Young Adult - Sci Fi / Fantasy

12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.

While Pepper’s communication with Chrissie dwindles, her friendship with Corey grows. She tells Corey about her passion for writing songs, and throughout the story, she composes a song about Corey. Corey teaches Pepper to play the harmonica. Soon, she’s torn between finding Boppie and knowing when she does, Corey will certainly go back on the road with his traveling-musician grandfather.

Other characters help her on her quest: new classmate Ally Cressman, who dresses in an odd-ball, non-mall style; Sawtooth Sam, the mysterious saw-playing street musician; and Madame Mchumba, who performs her psychic readings at the Boardwalk amusement park.

Earthquakes, haunted house rides, poltergeists, and crystal ball readings propel Pepper toward the shocking conclusion of her search.

You can buy THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE at:

Amazon


tourabouttheauthora
Linda Covella’s varied job experience and education (associate degrees in art, business and mechanical drafting & design, a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing.
A writer for over 30 years, her first official publication was a restaurant review column in a local newspaper, and as a freelance writer, she continued to publish numerous articles in a variety of publications. But when she published articles for children’s magazines (“Games and Toys in Ancient Rome” and “Traveling the Tokaido in 17th Century Japan,” in Learning Through History magazine, and “Barry’s Very Grown Up Day” in Zootles magazine), she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She wants to share with kids and teens her love of books:  the worlds they open, the things they teach, the feelings they express.
Yakimali’s Gift, a historical novel for young adults published by Astraea Press, and middle grade paranormal The Castle Blues Quake published by Beau Coup Publishing are her first novels.
No matter what new paths she may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.
You can find Linda at these links:

Linda’s Website     |     Facebook     |     Twitter

Goodreads     |     Pinterest

Excerpt

As I started to close the door, I looked down and gagged. On the doorstep lay a stiff dead rat, so big I pictured it running around the house slamming doors with its pointy nose or long tail. Its tiny black eyes stared at nothing, and its legs, stretched straight out, ended in open claws as if it had fought whoever or whatever had taken its life. The insides of my stomach were about to erupt when Dad looked over my shoulder and made me jump.

“Someone has a sick sense of humor,” he said. “The police are on their way. Now please, let’s go tell your mother and Sage everything’s okay.” He headed out of the kitchen.

Before shutting the door, I peered into the back yard. The fog had thinned a little. I could just make out the thick trunk of the tree and the swing hanging next to it. Then I froze. A face. A white face with black holes for eyes. Staring at me from behind the tree. I tried to call Dad, but my mouth and throat were dry. My voice wouldn’t work. I gripped the doorknob. Don’t run, I told myself. Don’t be afraid. Afraid, bade, fade...fade, fade, please go away whoever you are. Whatever you are. It hadn’t budged an inch. Maybe I was seeing things. Maybe it wasn’t a face. I squinted then blinked. And it was gone. Just the fog and the tree and the swing.

Then the hairs on the back of my neck prickled when I noticed the ropes and the seat swaying as if from a breeze.

The only thing was, the air was as still as could be. There was no breeze.
This tour is brought to you by


Giveaway:
This Giveaway is open Internationally. You must be 13+ to enter.

2 Winners - $5 Amazon Gift Card
1 Winner - $10 Amazon Gift Card

Rafflecopter link just in case:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3c79ce949/ 

Please check out the other hosts on the tour for chances to enter the Giveaway!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Audio Book Review: Jennings Books: According to Jennings (1954) by Anthony Buckeridge

This is a very enjoyable, old-fashioned, easy listening, story break.
Author:  Anthony Buckeridge
Narrator:  Simon Vance
Audio Book Length:  4 Hrs 29 Min
# of Audio CD's:  4
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Download ISBN:  978-1-926910-41-3
Genre: Middle Grade, Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


In this audiobook - the space-craze sweeps through Linbury Court School and the corridors reverberate with 'voom-voom' noises as rockets, piloted by "Butch Breakaway" Jennings and his "bald-headed scientist," Darbishire, take off for the moon. As Mr. Carter prophesies, the craze wears off, but not before Jennings has stuck his head into trouble; nor before he and Darbishire have helped General Merridew, that peppery but most distinguished of Old Boys, to recapture some of the wilder moments of his lost boyhood.


Review:
This visit to Jennings and his class mates shares more fun with “silly little boys” trouble (as Mr. Wilken’s would say). The boys are in a space craft minded phase with chases between sets of boys. They manage to ‘capture’ a visiting dignitary, General Merridew, by locking him in the library instead of another team of boys who were thought to be there. Mr. Carter and Mr. Wilkens are appalled espcially when the key has disappeared with Darbishire. They make a plan to go through a window. Meanwhile Jennings and Darby return and release the General who begins to remember his own days of play and shows them a trick that catches Wilkens ringing the bell.

The boys run into more trouble trying to make sure their team is ready for the upcoming swim meet. Sneaking into the closed pool area ends up leading to more trouble and ultimately a punishment that will keep them back at school when their mates head out to an anticipated soccor match with a big celebrity. Jennings and Darby finish their assignments and decide they must get to the game as they were instructed to deliver the assignments to Wilkens “as soon as” they were done. They manage to get a lift from the famous player and then stumble upon a bugalar in the locker room. During the following confusion and hunt Mr. Wilkens is detained as the thief due to miscommunication.

This is the second audio-book I have enjoyed in this series. This is a delightful tale of school boy pranks and missions gone wrong with unintended trouble that all turns out well. Thank goodness. Although this is not exciting reading it provides a pleasureable break and a look at older, gentler times with childhood fun.

Audio Notes: Once again the narration is perfectly fitting for the characters and subject. Gotta love listening to Simon Vance. :-) It is spot on and makes it smooth, easy entertainment.

Also see review for: Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge

I received this audio from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review..

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Mailbox Monday October 20, 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 received one review title for a Book Tour this week.
I only purchased five $.99 Kindle books this week and I picked up many free kindle titles. :-)

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title from a publicist for blog tour
date October 23, 2014.

The Castle Blues Quake (The Ghost Whisperer Book 1)
by Linda Covella

12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.




Won
None

Purchased
I purchase five titles for $.99 each, three of which are multi-title boxed sets.


Romance Super Bundle II: Second Chances
Dale Mayer, Donna Marie Rogers, Stacey Joy Netzel, Amy Gamet, Edie Ramer, Lois Winston, Pamela Fryer, Georgina Lee, Kate Kelly, Wendy Ely, Lyndi Lamont

Highland Shifters: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set
Michelle Fox, Red Phoenix, Tabitha Conall, Liliana Rhodes, Adriana Hunter, Sarah Makela, Arial Burnz, Lisa Carlisle, Victoria Danann, Ripley Sage, Selena Kitt, Skye Eagleday, Linda Barlow


Mission to Murder (A Tourist Trap Mystery Book 2)
Lynn Cahoon


Maid to Match
Deeanne Gist


WhiteSpace: Season One (Episodes 1-6 of the sci-fi horror serial)
Sean Platt, David Wright, Jason Whited



Free

I downloaded another 50 free Kindle titles this week. 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? October 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.

We have been in four states in two days although we didn't stop in Tennessee. I've taken some pictures which I hope to get posted although the internet connection may not be strong enough. We did not notice too much in fall leave colors until we hit Kentucky. Still, it is not a lot yet.
I enjoyed my reading last week and what I have started for this week. I finished three books and posted three reviews. I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I only got to visit a few blogs early in the week as the first two nights were hindered by internet interruptions. I won't have strong internet this week as we travel so I'll see I can manage.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
    Finished Reading:
    1. Audible/MP3


    10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club
    Written by: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
    Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick
    I really enjoyed stepping back into this series which I have always enjoyed. I wasn't disappointed. 
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    2. eBook/Kindle


    Pumpkins in Paradise 
    (Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries Book 1)
    by Kathi Daley
    This is a nice small town, cozy mystery with just a hint of romance.
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    3. eBook/Kindle



    The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story)
    by Matthew Iden

    This is oh so interesting with a twist at the end!
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    eTreasures Publishing:
    Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.


    Currently reading:
    1. Audio/MP3


    Unwritten: A Novel
    Charles Martin (Author)
    Kevin Stillwell (Narrator)
    I am well-engaged and wondering where this will go.
    I received this audiobook as a free download.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: May 7, 2013
    An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.
    When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

    Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

    He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.



    2. eBook/Kindle


    The Castle Blues Quake
    by Linda Covella
    I will start this Monday morning for tour blitz this week.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: July 20, 2014
    12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.

    While Pepper’s communication with Chrissie dwindles, her friendship with Corey grows. She tells Corey about her passion for writing songs, and throughout the story, she composes a song about Corey. Corey teaches Pepper to play the harmonica. Soon, she’s torn between finding Boppie and knowing when she does, Corey will certainly go back on the road with his traveling-musician grandfather.

    Other characters help her on her quest: new classmate Ally Cressman, who dresses in an odd-ball, non-mall style; Sawtooth Sam, the mysterious saw-playing street musician; and Madame Mchumba, who performs her psychic readings at the Boardwalk amusement park. Earthquakes, haunted house rides, poltergeists, and crystal ball readings propel Pepper toward the end of her search as she learns about the give and take, the heartache and joy, of true friendship.



    3. eBook/Kindle


    What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
    by Grace Burrowes
    I started this and love the characters already.
    I received this from Sourcebooks through NetGalley.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: October 7, 2014
    The Best Gifts are the Unexpected Ones...
    To escape a scandal, Lady Joan Flynn flees her family's estate in the Scottish Highlands. She needs a husband by Christmas, or the holidays will ring in nothing but ruin.
    Practical, ambitious mill owner Dante Hartwell offers to marry Joan, because a wellborn wife is his best chance of gaining access to aristocratic investors.
    As Christmas—and trouble—draw nearer, Dante and Joan's marriage of convenience blossoms into unexpected intimacy, for true love often hides beneath the most unassuming holiday wrapping...



    I am caught up on my daily Bible reading.
    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 which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several additional novels in print -- also polishing.

    I keep plugging away at the books carried forward and the added NetGalley titles as well as the publicist/Author requests. 
    I am one behind on posting reviews but it is written and I just have to be able to get online to post the reviews this week.  

    October Scheduled -
    Mid Oct: 
    10/23 The Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella Blog Blitz

    NetGalley - To be read in October/November:
    Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
    The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate  (for Nov)
    What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series) by Grace Burrowes (Reading)

    Authors:
    Nov 7: Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand
    Nov. 12: Peace & Goodwill a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4) by Lee Strauss
    A Touch of Nerves by Dennis Hampton
    The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria
    We Are the Destroyers by D.K. Lindler

    From Story Bundle - I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these. There are Cyperpunk, Supernatural and Mystery Bundles available now - soooo tempting!
    Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
    Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
    The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

    Still many more requests to consider and reply to.

    AudioBook Jukebox
    I'll be looking for new titles to request this week.

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

    From TBR Collection - 10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club (reading)
    Won Book - TBD
    Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD for October

    Sunday Words of Encouragement October 19, 2014

    We didn't get to church this morning but we both read our Bible readings. Ever church we past I was mindful of and said prayers for our church family at home. We don't have internet while driving and spotty internet at the RV campgrounds.  I didn't have internet until later today and then we were caring for the dogs and eating dinner.  I felt the need to post a Sunday post before I worked on my Monday Reading post.

    Here is a song I set up a long time ago (as I have several in my draft files).
    Every day I am thankful that: Your Grace Still Amazes Me!
    Verses for today:
    (These are verses from today's daily readings in the NLT One Year Bible. How nicely they fit together!)
    Jeremiah 33:11
    ...the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, 'Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven's Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!' For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the LORD.
    1 Timothy 4:8-10
    8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
    Psalm 89:1-2
    1I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever!
    Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
    2Your unfailing love will last forever.

    Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

    We are thankful for safe travel and nice weather on our trip so far. We are winding down and relaxing which is good. :-)

    Saturday, October 18, 2014

    Sharing Beyond Books #173 Comment Giveaway October 18, 2014

    Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
    We are on the road! Had a good travel today and are in a nice campground at Arley, AL. The weather is lovely but not too much tree color yet. The internet went off once already so I'm not positive this will get posted but I will try.

    Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
    At least two commenters do not celebrate Halloween in their country/area. I loved the idea of Fredaman's custome fav which is totally new idea to me: a lamp with a lampshade on her head! Rubynreba's custome memory was sweet too as she remembers the time she wore a mask and her husband's clothes and surprised her dad

    ~~~~

    The Winner from SBB #172 comments is: #11 Di 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 #173 (One Question.)

    Q1. This week Miki asks: 1. Did you ever visited a place/ city because it was where the story took place in a book you read??
    A: I was glad when I visited London that I knew of Hyde Park and other areas but we didn't visit there because of a book. On the other hand, this trip we had planned to visit 
    Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania which is the setting of the movie Groundhog Day and home of Punxsutawney Phil. Unfortunately my DH said today we may reroute as that is almost a 100 miles distance out or our way. That is not such a big deal but the mountains or hills may make a difference with the motor coach driving so we are still thinking about it. :-)

    Image found out Wikipedia.

    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. Miki asks: 1. Did you ever visited a place/ city because it was where the story took place in a book you read??

    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 October 25, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

    Book Review: It Happened at Christmas by Debbie Mason

    This is a lovely small town romance with delightful characters.
    It Happened at Christmas
    by Debbie Mason

    • File Size: 1177 KB
    • Print Length: 400 pages
    • Publisher: Forever (September 30, 2014)
    • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
    • ASIN: B00HQ2N246
    Genre: Contemporary
    My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


    Love is the best Christmas gift of all.
    Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis is out of money and out of options. After using up her trust fund trying to save the world, she hides out in Christmas, hoping the kindness of friends will help her forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor.
    Ethan O'Connor likes his life drama-free and predictable now that he's about to make the move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate. Then Skye blows back into town, as impulsive and passionate as he remembers. If word ever got out about their night together-the night he's never been able to forget-the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart.


    Review:
    Skylar Davis is an activist with a trust fund that has allowed her to travel extensively and support her liberal views with action, not just words. She has been chained to a few trees trying to save the rain forest and spent a few nights in jail for harassing fur-clad stars. She is a vegan and doesn’t agree with policies of most of the cattle, dairy and poultry industries. She knows that she is an embarrassment to her Republican politician father. She believes her dad was responsible for running her free-spirited mother away when she was just a child.

    Skylar has lost her trust fund, not by her own actions but by failing to watch over the account manager. She refuses to tell her father or seek his help so she seeks refuge with her best friend Maggie, who lives in Christmas, Colorado. She has accepted the help of friends and is working to get back on her feet. Then she spots Ethan O’Connor in town.

    Ethan is a successful Assistant State’s Attorney, and a staunch Republican who is making a bid for State Senate. This was his father’s dream and a death bed promise. His high society mother and Sklyar’s childhood society nemesis, who is Ethan’s campaign manager, are his biggest supporters. They are horrified to learn that Ethan can’t take his eyes off of the flighty Skylar. Even Ethan knows that a loose cannon like Skylar would not be helpful to his campaign efforts.

    Skylar and Ethan met a few months earlier and had a rousing night together. She would be more than glad to stay out of Ethan’s way especially when she discovers she is pregnant. But ‘bad’ news travels fast and when one of Skylar’s friends finds out she slips and reveals the secret in front of her friends, Ethan and his family. There is no way Ethan will step away from her now but can he keep her contained until he is elected? Skylar tries to present herself as the proper, quiet socialite, Kendal (her real name). But there is no way to keep her past and her activist activities a secret for long.

    These are two adorable characters - well she is adorable and he is hunky, confident and yet so snuggable. There was much miscommunication that made for lots of conflict. I enjoyed the light-hearted style and easy flow of the writing. Although there was sizzle between the characters the sex was mostly kept in the bedroom or at least without detailed description.

    The small town setting creates a warm atmosphere. The strong primary and secondary characters add plenty of energy and created interest in me for the prior stories and the stories to come. This story follows the drama of Skylar and Ethan’s romance from summer through Christmas to a very happy result. This is the first time I have read Ms. Mason’s work but I look forward to more warm entertainment from her.

    I received this title from Hachette, Forever Romance, through NetGalley.

    Friday, October 17, 2014

    Audible Book Review: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

    The overall society issues and concepts are utterly thought provoking in this classic.
    Brave New World
    Written by: Aldous Huxley
    Narrated by: Michael York
    • Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins 
    • Unabridged Audiobook

    • Release Date:01-16-08
    • Publisher: AudioGO
    Genre: Dystopian Classic
    My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


    Publisher's Summary
    When Lenina and Bernard visit a savage reservation, we experience how Utopia can destroy humanity.
    On the 75th anniversary of its publication, this outstanding work of literature is more crucial and relevant today than ever before. Cloning, feel-good drugs, anti-aging programs, and total social control through politics, programming, and media: has Aldous Huxley accurately predicted our future? With a storyteller's genius, he weaves these ethical controversies in a compelling narrative that dawns in the year 632 A.F. (After Ford, the deity). When Lenina and Bernard visit a savage reservation, we experience how Utopia can destroy humanity.
    ©1932 Aldous Huxley; ©1998 BBC Audiobooks America; (P)2003 BBC Audiobooks America


    Review:
    Lenina and Bernard are friends in a society that is totally controlled by conditioning from birth to adulthood. There are no “children” but rather units are grown in the cloning factory, assigned a life role and then molded with inoculations dream manipulation and brain training or conditioning to fit thier station in the happy, united society. Independence and free thinking, even reading, are prohibited and punished. Early sexual play is encouraged as it is part of conditioning to not feel the need for singular love because one can have multiple partners and sexual fulfillment is enhanced by drugged sensory sessions. Anyone who feels at all unhappy or unsettled is encouraged to take soma, the ubiquitous “happy” drug, which is also the reward for a good day’s labor.

    Bernard is on the edge of this controlled world. Others consider him to be a bit “off” and blame it on an accident of alcohol in one of his childhood batches. He wonders what it would be like to feel passion and to know freedom. Yet he is too conditioned and too cowardly to take any bold step out of line. He has one good friend who is also on the fringes but more in an artistic sense than in a rebellious sense.

    Bernard convinces the outgoing Lenina to take a trip with him to a savage reservation. They are a alarmed by the primitive life-style and even more shocked to discover a mother and her natural, now grown, son (“gasp”). Then Bernard realizes that the woman, Linda, came from his world and was accidentally lost and left behind twenty plus years before. Her son, John, is eager to learn of the world his mother told him so much about. John has grown up with Indians and taught himself to read from the works of Shakespeare. Exploring a modern society of controlled members seems like the chance to explore “a brave new world”.

    Bernard get permission to bring Linda and John back to the city where they will view John’s reactions as an experiment. What John discovers may not be to his liking although Bernard is thrilled with the fame he gets as the sponsor of this strange savage being. John is fascinated by Lenina but his moral background is offended by her loose ways.

    There is a great deal of weird strangeness in this book and some of the scenes were silly and annoying. However the overall society issues and concepts are utterly thought provoking. I was intrigued when the government leader explained the process of creating a society of ‘sameness’ to John. I have a feeling this was quite bold in its day (1932) and the sexual freedoms no doubt contributed to its being on the “banned books” list. Although this is not an exciting or action packed dystopian, it is certainly a must read classic in that genre.

    Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Michael York. This might not be a favorite book but the audio rendition made it easier to 'read' than if I had to read from print/eBook.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    An excerpt:
    Bernard: “I want to look at the sea in peace...
    It makes me feel as though...as though I was more of me, if you know what I mean. More of my own, not so completely a part of something else. Not just a cell in the social body....”
    Lenina: “...after all, everyone works for everyone else. We can’t do without anyone, even Epsilons.”
    Bernard: “What would it be like if I could? If I was free, not enslaved by my conditioning?”

    I selected this from my own Audible Library for Banned Books Week.

    Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 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 has been another busy week with late nights at the office as I try to clear my desk for vacation. I only have about three more files to work on tomorrow before I go and then I will take two or three items with me that I can prepare and send out in email. We'll have to take a picture of my clean desk - it is soooo rare!

    [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 October 10 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week which actually should have been awarded last 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.
    I think I missed these last week as I was working with the winners file at work rather than the one at home and it was missing a week. To make up for the missed entry the next book Linda K and Sue F list will count as Week 2 for them.
    Linda K gets Let Darkness Come
    and
    Sue F gets Missing Susan
    CONGRATULATIONS
    to Random.org picked Winners from October 10 Pick:
    rubynreba gets the Mary Higgins Clark Pair
    Linda 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 don't plan on leaving any books behind when I travel. How about you? :-)
    Image found at The Guardian.com
    New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
    (Links to be added.)

    PAIRS:
    Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
    Mary Higgins Clark, A Cry In the Night and You Belong to Me
    SINGLES
    Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
    Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
    Destiny's Daughter by Rebecca Brandewyne
    At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
    She's Got the Look by Leslie Kelly
    Reliquary by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
    Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
    Behind a Mask by May Alcott
    Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

    New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
    10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

    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
    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

    SINGLES:
    Dangerous by Debra Dier
    First to Fight Anthology

    New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

    SINGLES:
    Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
    Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
    The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

    New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
    SINGLES:
    Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
    The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

    New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014
    SINGLES:
    Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson

    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
    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)
    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)
    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 720+ 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)
    List #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

    Pick #9
    On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

    Pick #10---(All Gone)

    Wednesday, October 15, 2014

    Book Review: Ruptured: The Cantati Chronicles by Maggie Mae Gallagher

    There is great action in this prequel that fills in background on Alana and her threatened world.
    Ruptured: The Cantati Chronicles
    by Maggie Mae Gallagher


    • File Size: 3467 KB
    • Print Length: 90 pages
    • Publisher: Maggie Mae Gallagher; 1st edition (September 16, 2014)
    • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
    • Language: English
    • ASIN: B00NN5ZOU0
    Genre: Urban Fantasy
    My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


    Book Description
    Publication Date: September 16, 2014
    A Cantati Chronicles Prequel Novella

    It has been eighty-three years since the walls between Earth and Infernus fell, and now our world stands upon the razor’s edge of extinction. Demon platoons are marching upon us. My home, one of humanity’s last bastions of existence, is under siege.

    My name is Alana Devereaux. I am the resident demon detector of Cantati Forces and Platoon Commander. My job is to hunt down the vermin unleashed upon my world, and I love it. I live for the day I can kick every last demon’s ass out of this world. Except as enemy forces reign down terror upon us, the Densare Council sentences me to a fate worse than death


    Review:
    Alana is one of few females left in the Cantati forces. Her father is the Commander of the forces and she has become a fierce warrior, a Platoon leader. Unfortunately she still can’t seem to win his love or approval. Now the council has issued a decree that Alana is to leave the forces and become a breeder. They have even assigned her mate, Cade, a hulking brute whom she knows can be cruel. Alana is dismayed that she no longer controls her own destiny.

    Alana’s first attempt to escape fails and she is confined to her rooms under the guard of one of her own team members, Quinten. He volunteers to intervene as a prior mate selection. Together they break the rules again by sneaking out to help in an unexpected demon attack. Alana returns to her father to face a furious council. They would sentence her but it has become apparent that her skills are needed to face the enemy that is threatening the compound.

    This is a good prequel that fills in the background for Alana’s circumstances before the Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles, the first full book in the series. The author uses the mating issues to present some serious eye-candy descriptions. I enjoyed the action and getting to know and understand a little more of Alana’s personality and the world she comes from. I do recommend reading this prequel to start the series.

    I recieved this ebook from the author for an honest review.

    Sunday, October 12, 2014

    Mailbox Monday October 13, 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 received one review title to read for November.
    I only purchased seven $.99 Kindle books this week and I picked up even fewer, but still many, free kindle titles. :-)

    (Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

    Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

    Review Titles

    I received this title from a publicist for blog tour
    date November 12, 2014.

    Peace & Goodwill: a contemporary romance, a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4)
    by Lee Strauss
    Publication Date: November 17, 2014
    **Peace & Goodwill is set in The Minstrel Series world, but can be read alone.






    Won
    None

    Purchased
    I made up this week buying 7 titles for $.99 each after only purchasing one last week. But then again, six of these are box sets so I really got 33 books for less than $7.00. :-)


    Enchanted by an Emerald: A Jewel Box Anthology
    Catherine Kean, Caro Carson, T. Elliott Brown, Wynter Daniels, Nancy Robards Thompson, Mimi Wells, Katherine Garbera


    (Triple Treat Romances Book 4)
    By: Rachel Branton, Christine Kersey, Jordan McCollum



    Finally You: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set 
    (Triple Treat Romances Book 3)
    By: Rachael Anderson, Heather Tullis, Julie Wright


    By: Barbara Silkstone, Sibel Hodge, Helen Smith, Dani Amore,
    Zane Sachs, Anne R. Allen


    Love the One You're With: Sex, Love & Stiletto Series (Sex, Love, and Stiletto)
    By: Lauren Layne


    Ten Shades of Inspirational Romance
    By: Christy Barritt, Lynnette Bonner, Hallee Bridgeman, Cynthia Hickey,
    Kimberly Rae Jordan, Tamara Leigh, Lesley Ann McDaniel,
    Amanda Tru, MaryLu Tyndall, Susette Williams



    Small Towns, Fairy Tales, And Nora Roberts Land: Dare Valley Boxed Set 1-3
    By: Ava Miles



    Free

    I downloaded only 44 free Kindle titles this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

    LinkWithin

    Related Posts with Thumbnails