Book Review: The Heir by Lynne Stringer

This is an engaging YA, Sci fi.

The Heir
by Lynne Stringer

• File Size: 494 KB
• Print Length: 242 pages
• Publisher: Wombat Books (June 1, 2013)
• ASIN: B00BS1O2RW

Genre: YA, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. School is only made tolerable by the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father’s multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who supports Sarah. But she can’t shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn’t know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes?

Review:
Sarah is in her senior year of high school fantasizing about Dan, the boy she worships from afar. But he hangs with Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. Jillian is obsessed with all things space related, She continually tries to interest Sarah in her star gazing, including dragging her to the latest in alien movies. Sarah loves colors and painting and those give her pleasure as she muddles through her daily school life and tries to avoid one of the rich, privileged boys who continues to harass her.

Sarah lives with her distracted father who is a computer programmer. Her father and his best friend are on the verge of financial disaster as they argue over selling a new program they have developed.

Sarah gets the opportunity to go to an art exhibit with Dan. When they return home life changes completely for Sarah. She turns to Dan and his family for comfort and help. Suddenly danger arises and the next thing she knows she is put into a spaceship to be delivered to her ‘true home’, Verindon. Along the way she learns a  few of the rules regarding the nature of the two societies on her planet, her position and the duties of the guards who have protected her and are bringing her home.

The first half of the book is focused on Sarah’s teenage angst in school and at home. This sort of YA focus isn’t my cup of tea but I found the characters interesting enough as I waited to discover where the sci fi elements fit in. Finally the book becomes suspenseful with action and the challenges of social and political issues that Sarah must face on a world that is a surprise to her. Assassination attempts are immediate and characters are set up for the reader to wonder - are they alley or enemy?  I really liked the conflicts that exist in the different emotional and social rules of Verindon. This sets up the issues of intrigue that must continue in the next books. I recommend this to readers who like YA, scifi and series.

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

Audible Book Review: Yesterday's Gone:Season 1- Episode 1 by Sean Platt and David Wright

This is interesting but do note the warning especially regarding language.
FREE Yesterday's Gone: Season 1 - Episode 1
Written by: Sean Platt, David Wright
Narrated by: Ray Chase, R. C. Bray, Brian Holsopple, Chris Patton, Maxwell Glick, Tamara Marston

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
Series: Yesterday's Gone, Book 1
Original Audiobook
Release Date:04-15-14
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Horror
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Start the First Season of the Groundbreaking Post-Apocalyptic Serial! Yesterday's Gone: Season One: Episode 1.
WARNING: This is a post-apocalyptic horror audiobook where bad people do evil things, and as such, this series features disturbing scenes and foul language. While it is all within the context of the story, some listeners may find this content offensive.
Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
On October 15 at 2:15 a.m. Earth vanished. A scattered few woke alone in a world with no rules, other than survival at any cost.
A journalist wanders the wretched reality of an empty New York, searching for his wife and son. A serial killer must hunt in a land where prey is now an endangered species. A mother shields her young daughter from danger through every terror-filled breath.
A bullied teen is thrilled to find the world gone missing, until the knock on his door. A fugitive survives a fiery plane crash. Will he be redeemed, or return to the killing he's best at? An eight-year-old boy sets out on a journey to find his missing family, only to find something that will change him forever. These survivors aren't truly alone...
Someone or something is watching them. And waiting...
Strangers unite. Sides are chosen. Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
©2011 Sean Platt, David Wright (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
I failed to heed the warning and the language is explicitly rough making this less pleasant for me than it might have been otherwise.

The story follows six or so characters who wake up to discover their family, friends, neighbors and strangers in the surrounding areas gone. There are no traces and no explanations. The chapters bounce between the characters which makes it a little hard to follow. There is a journalist in the city who seeks his wife and son; an awkward teenager at home is sort of glad to be alone; a young boy follows rainbows looking for his parents; and a sociopath is glad when he finds other survivors to kill. There is also a mother trying to protect her daughter and a fugitive who views his plane crash as a means to a second chance.

There is something strange about the cats and dogs that have survived and most of the survivors sense they are not alone. This episode ends with a horrific discovery but it does not reveal the cause of the disappearances.

I found some of the characters interesting and their stories were engaging with a sense of fear and some of horror. This might be well suited to those who like horror mystery and don’t mind horrendous foul language. I don't think I'll be pulling up other episodes right away.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration from all of the readers. I really didn’t focus on the narrators so it seemed natural and unobtrusive to the story. This is a story I would like better in audio mode than reading.

I downloaded this as a free Audible library.

Audible Book Review: Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson

This series offers engaging action in a fun listen.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Written by: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-27-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spans the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In 2122 a lost colony expedition contacts Earth, surprising our government. Colonization is against Galactic Law, and Legion Varus is dispatched to the system to handle the situation. Earth gave them sealed orders, but Earth is 35 lightyears away. The Legion commanders have a secret plan of their own. And then there's James McGill, who was never too good at listening to authority in the first place....
In Dust World, book two of the Undying Mercenaries Series, McGill is promoted to Specialist and sent to a frontier planet outside the Empire. Earth's status within the Empire will never be the same.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
James McGill and the Legion Varus troops are back in action again. Their mission is to seek out a lost earth colony. Many are concerned that they will find primitives but McGill is concerned with what will be done with the colonists. After all, the Galactic law doesn’t permit colonization and his superiors may think they can just hide the whole event.

Before they locate the colony their ship is attacked by a new alien species, dubbed the “squids”. The troops have to make an emergency evacuation to a dust world or a water world. Since the hostile aliens may be on the water world, they head for the other planet. The troops end up separating into groups on the surface of Dust World. While McGill’s superiors debated their landing location all the best spots were taken and they got a valley crevice by default.

They find strange plants and critters on the planet as they do reconnaissance for food and supplies. Then McGill makes human contact! Although the colonists dress as primitives they have weapons that are advanced nano technology. McGill's first attempt at diplomacy ends in his death but he swears he will return. They are shocked when McGill makes good on his threat after being ‘regrown’ by the replication machine.

It looks like Varus troops are going to have to battle the local colonists until another huge ship lands and giant hunters start seeking ‘prey’. Apparently the Squids capture humans for breeding or mutation into slaves. A temporary truce is reached so the troops and the colonists can fight the common foe. But what will happen once the Squids are defeated and the alien ship is captured? And what will happen when the Galactic enforcers arrive and find an Earth colony?

McGill continues, with his brash arrogance, to woe his favorite ladies, even adding a colonist to his conquests. He also continues to anger many of his team and superiors with his refusal to abide by the rules. McGill's tendency to go outside the box and follow his own, sometimes unorthodox, methods gets him into trouble but also provides solutions to problems.

Several of the characters, including McGill at times, are annoying and most of his superiors tend to be callous. McGill really has a caring heart for others even though some don’t recognize it. The story and action are very entertaining and I liked how the political issues were worked out with the Galactic enforcers. I recommend this to action fans and I am definitely looking forward to listening to the next book, Tech World.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job narrating this series. He manages to give distinct accents to the characters. He also conveys the action with good pacing and energy. I have enjoyed both book 1 and 2 on audio and will listen to the next on audio too.

I selected this from my Audible library.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 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 enjoyed the second week of December. We are still keeping things easy going and not stressed even as we enjoy some holiday events. We will be trying to pull all work together so we can close the office for almost two weeks.

Reading was good although I didn't read as much as I thought I had. I finished three books and posted five reviews, two with giveaways. I also posted all the usual memes. 

I did get to visit a good group of sites again early and mid week. I really like seeing what others are reading too.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 8, 2014.

• Book Review: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah; Inspirational, Spiritual; my rating 5.0.

• COYER Winter 2014-2015 Challenge.

• Book Review: We Are The Destroyers (We Are***Are We Book 1)by D. K. Lindler; Sci Fi; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Seducing the Ruthless Rogue (The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2) by Tammy Jo Burns; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Tour Giveaway GCs; ends 12/21/14.

• Audio Book Review: Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List by Chip Huddleston; Humor; my rating 4.5.

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

• Book Review and Giveaway: Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor #JesusDailyBook; Christian, Spiritual; my rating 4.5. Tour Giveaway book + Tshirt, US Only; ends 12/20/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #181 Comment Giveaway 12/13/14. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/20/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 14, 2014.
  

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
(The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2)
by Tammy Jo Burns
A historical romance with good suspense.
The review with tour giveaway is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

FREE Yesterday's Gone: Season 1 - Episode 1
Written by: Sean Platt, David Wright
Narrated by: Ray Chase, R. C. Bray, Brian Holsopple, Chris Patton, Maxwell Glick, Tamara Marston
I failed to heed the warning and the language is explicitly rough. I found some of the characters interesting and there is at least one very evil survivor. The source of disappearance is not explained in this Episode. 
I don't think I'll be pulling up other episodes right away.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Heir
by Lynne Stringer
I liked this engaging YA/Sci fi. It starts out heavy in the YA zone but got more interesting with sci fi as it went on. I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
I have started this and like Evelyn so far.
I received this from Forever, through NetGalley,
for review to post on 12/18.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE
In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.

Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.

2. Audio

Seventh Grave and No Body
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
While waiting for some other audiobooks I picked this from a my Audible library. It is a series I have been enjoying.
Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

3. eBook/Kindle

A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
This is a novella from the Love and War series 
(above Hope Rising).
I really like the cover and wanted to read this too.
Received from Forever through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns to the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for a heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas season.
TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.
Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
I received this through NetGalley and had intended to get to it in November but then I accepted several tour books that bumped this back.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
A science fiction thriller by the author of Night Watch, the hit novel that inspired two major motion pictures
Five months after the horrific accident that left him near death and worried that he’d never fly again, master-pilot Alex Romanov lands a new job: captaining the sleek passenger vessel Mirror. Alex is a spesh—a human who has been genetically modified to perform particular tasks. As a captain and pilot, Alex has a genetic imperative to care for passengers and crew—no matter what the cost.
His first mission aboard Mirror is to ferry two representatives of the alien race Zzygou on a tour of human worlds. His task will not be an easy one, for aboard the craft are several speshes who have reason to hate the Others. Dark pasts, deadly secrets, and a stolen gel-crystal worth more than Alex’s entire ship combine to challenge him at every turn. And as the tension escalates, it becomes apparent that greater forces are at work to bring the captain’s world crashing down.

I am up to date 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.

I still have Sci Fi  and Christmas titles that may run into January at the rate I am reading. :-) 
I have three reviews to complete, one more for tour this week and probably another so this will be another week of five reviews.

Decenber Scheduled:
Completed.

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 have no true "review" books this week although I listed my Ladies' Book Club book as "review".
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles again this week.
I also added more free kindle titles to my library.

(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 purchased this title on Kindle for myself after I passed out print copies to our Ladies' Book Club. This is our read for January 10.

Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
"Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance."

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased four kindle titles for $.99 each.

The Disease

George Hamilton, Olivia Wood
A Medical Thriller with 5 star ratings.

Out on a Limb: A Smoky Mountain Mystery: 
A Scientific Cozy (Nurse Phoebe Book 1)
Carolyn Jourdan
Good ratings and the reviews pulled me in on this one.

Special Agent Francesca (Undercover FBI Book 1)
Mimi Barbour
Romantic Suspense with good ratings -caught my eye.

Texas Rose (Too Hard To Handle, Book 2)

Patricia Rice
I have collected print copies from this author as I like her "Magic" series.
I have book one in my Kindle library and the print book (Paper Rose).

Free

Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") another 57 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 14, 2014

This morning we lit the third candle of advent, which is the candle for Praise. The people have been given Hope and a message of Joy. How else should they respond but with Praise and Worship!

We presented our Choral Christmas program today. There were six songs from Hallelujah! Light Has Come, A Christmas Choral Collection plus another five from a prior year's book, Gloria. We have a choir of about 17 people, four bass, three tenor, five altos and five sopranos, plus three more for the Christmas special when our Pastor sings special and our pianist and organist join in. We have some fantastic voices with seven different people singing solos and duets! Then we have those of us who love to 'make a joyful noise' to one degree or another.

The songs this year have been beautiful, though some were challenging with the echos. Our music director added some narration that enhanced the program.

I chose this song to share today. It is truly beautiful plus it leads to praise.

Hallelujah, Light Has Come

A Verse for Today:
Luke 2:20
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, I thank you and praise you for sending your only son to find us in our sin and deliver us through His own sacrifice. Please help me to focus on hope, joy, praise and love this Christmas season.

Sharing Beyond Books #181 Comment Giveaway 12/13/2014

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

This was another nice week of consistent work but no great stress. We are still trying to get things ready so we can have the a handful of days off around Christmas. I'm not ready - the cards have not been sent, the tree is only half trimmed and I haven't finished all my shopping. Still - I am not stressing over these things but focusing on the true meaning of the season instead. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I am rather surprised that so few of us are audio book listeners. Only three out of eighteen listen to audiobooks regularly. A few others listen rarely but the majority do not listen. You can get a small MP3/4 player for under $50.00 if you ever want to start listening. I'll try to do another giveaway with a player in 2015.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #180 comments is: #6 Marjorie 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 #181 (One Question.)

Q1. Nikki asks:  Do you regift presents? Or do you prefer to exchange a terrible gift for something else you prefer??

A: Honestly, I do occasionally regift some gifts - things like house decorations I won't use. I gather that it is becoming more acceptable. I also exchange some gifts and will usual tell the gifter if I did that and if the opportunity to say so nicely comes up. I never re-gift hand made or personally selected items. Those have special meaning due to the thought from the giver.

Image found at Money Management.

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. Nikki asks: Do you regift presents? Or do you prefer to exchange a terrible gift for something else you prefer??

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 December 20, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor #JesusDailyBook

This is a wonderful devotional that includes the opportunity to connect and share with others. 
Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions
by Aaron Tabor

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (October 7, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1455577231

Genre: Christian, Spiritual
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Based on the major themes found on the most active Facebook page in history,
JESUS DAILY is a 365-day interactive devotional that goes beyond even the fan page to create a deeper experience and cultural movement that celebrates your redemption in Christ. JESUS DAILY presents a devotional thought but also challenges you to respond to each daily reflection using a variety of social media tools.

Review/Highlight:

I have not read the entire book yet so this review is my observations thus far. This beautiful devotional is set out so that each month has a distinct high-quality picture and scripture to focus each month. December features a nativity silhouette and the scripture: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. Luke 2:14.” (See the image to the right.)

Each day has three sections: a scripture; a few short paragraphs of clear devotional thought; and a “Connect” activity. The “connect” feature is a unique element of the Devotional. Readers are encouraged (and sometimes challenged) to take action that applies to daily living and to share with other Christians at the Facebook page.

The book is palm-sized so could be carried easily or kept in a small space beside your favorite reading spot. The book pages are glossy and provide a feel-good texture to touch along with the feel good text to our hearts. The scripture for December 12 happens to be the one in the image I posted in the upper left of my blog this past week: Isaiah 9:6. The devotional discusses the names for God as well as his triune nature. The title and focus summary is: “God Is Mighty.”

This devotional book would make a wonderful gift to help oneself or loved ones to start their day with a focus on truths from God’s word. Then it goes a step further with the connection to like-minded Christians. I look forward to savoring for the next year.

I received this from FaithWords (Hachette) for an honest review as part of tour highlighting.

Retailers include Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, and Walmart.

GIVEAWAY

Faith Words is sponsoring a giveaway of the JESUS DAILY DEVOTIONAL plus a T-Shirt!

One Winner, US Only.

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 FACEBOOK page and tell me something you like/learned there.

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

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 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.]

I had a fairly quiet week. Several appointments with time in between to work on files. I have been steady with reviews all week. Our weather is cold again.  I am not ready for Christmas but I am not stressing either.

For the next four weeks I will be giving at least 4 wins each Friday - whether auto or random.
(New List is now up but still needs picture - opps the picture is on my other computer so I will add it later.)

[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 December 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 was one title blocked but it was won. 
Rubynreba gets The Reckoning

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 5 Pick:
Becky gets the Elizabeth Lowell pair

Di gets Scandalous Virtue
Faith Hope CherryTea 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.}

Books make me Merry!

Image found at Wicked Writing Skills.

New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014
(Picture to be posted soon)
PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Sandra Brown: A Whole New Light and Fanta C
Elizabeth Lowell: Autumn Lover (only Book 5) and Winter Fire (Only Book 6)
Joan Johnston: I Promise and Sisters Found
Katherine Stone: Rainbows and Pearl Moon
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
To Catch a Flame by Kimberly Cates
Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Never Say Never by Joan Hohl
Poe's Tales of Mystery and Terror (1967 Collection) by Edgar Allan Poe (Magnum Easy Eye Edition)


New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
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
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
Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Miracle by Deborah Smith
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)
SINGLES:
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Once Upon a Honeymoon 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---(All gone)

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 five years I have posted 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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 741+ 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 ---(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)

Audio Book Review: Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List by Chip Huddleston

This is a delightfully fun listen with a bit of hope for naughty 'children' at Christmas time.

Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List
by Chip Huddleston

From the Album Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List

August 1, 2014 | Format: MP3

Genre: Humor
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A funny, whimsical story for older children and adults, it is about Santa's younger brother who runs away to Florida and becomes a pirate.

Review:
This is just a light delight! As soon as it started I was reminded of The Night Before Christmas.  Of course Snowbeard the Pirate isn’t quite a nice as Santa and in fact he has been on the bottom of the naughty list. He has banned the most polite words - what I taught my children as the “magic words” - from his ship’s crew.

Then, one ‘eve of THE eve’ Santa arrives to embrace his brother, Kasper Kringle. Santa enlists his brother’s help to deliver stale fruitcake and a token gift to the all the ‘naughties’ on Santa’s list.

Snowbeard’s sleigh is Dreadnaught’s jolly boat pulled by eight sharks and “at the head for their beacon, they placed with great care, an angel fish nicked named “the Dentist’s nightmare”. And as he delivers the gifts he raids the icebox with a shout, not a “Ho, Ho’Ho” but “Yo, Ho, Ho...and a bottle of Yum”.

The story gives hope to even naughty children and acknowledges that sometimes we need to look at the circumstances and make an effort to help the "naughties" find where they can "fit in" and maybe stop their rebellious, naughty behavior. Along with the total humor, there is a little bit of scatological humor that is likely to get a few giggles from kids (and guys). I look forward to sharing this with my grandchildren, but as noted on the cover, it is a tale for "Pirates Ages 1-92".

Audio Notes: The author narrates this short work with a wonderful deep voice that fits the tale with swashbuckling glee. The only difficulty was that I had to turn the sound volume on full to hear properly (instead of my usual setting of 25). It is a wonderful listen though.

This audiobook was provided by the author for an honest review.

Book Review and Giveaway: Seducing the Ruthless Rogue (The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2) by Tammy Jo Burns

I enjoyed the strong characters and action in this warm historical romance.
Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
(The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2)
by Tammy Jo Burns

• File Size: 4564 KB
• Print Length: 370 pages
• Publisher: Tammy Jo Burns (October 19, 2014)
• Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1tDErpv
• ASIN: B00OOIRSI6

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
As Director of The War Office, Stuart McKenzie, has proven himself capable of making difficult decisions in times of crisis and keeping government secrets safe. When he walks in on someone ransacking his study he quickly moves to apprehend them, only to be tossed on his back as the burglar escapes into the night.
Cassie’s father has become a pawn in the fight against Napoleon. When the enemy kidnaps him, she will do anything it takes to get him back – including stealing government secrets from Stuart McKenzie, the Director of the War Office.
When Cassie is caught, she reluctantly agrees to Mack’s assistance as there is something far more sinister going on. As Mack embarks on his mission, he will find that enemies are often closer than one would think and that sometimes your ally will come in the least likely form. When passion erupts between Mack and Cassie, they find their lives forever altered. But just as they believe their lives to be free of danger, a new threat is lurking about, promising to rip their happiness away from them. Will they be able to trust each other enough to defeat this new threat, or will they be torn apart for all eternity?

Review:
Cassie is the daughter of two scientifc parents. Her mother died when Cassie was young leaving her in the care of her inventor father and their Chinese houseman, Chang. Cassie has grown up prepared to speak her mind and defend herself with Chinese fighting skills. She has been supporting the household for the past year or more by selling articles and editorials to the local paper under an assumed name.

Cassie visits the Director of The War Office every Monday with the pretext to speak with Director Stuart McKenzie. It is a dance they play because as long as he refuses to speak with her she knows that he still has her father in protective custody where he designs gadgets for the war efforts.

One afternoon Cassie is assulted on the streets and told that her father has been kidnapped and if she wants to see him safely returned she must obtain current war maps to trade for her father. She sneaks into the Director’s office and then into his home to try to locate the maps.

Director Stuart McKenzie, Mack, is accustomed to assassination attempts but when he tackles a thief in his study, he is surprised to find it is Ms. Graham - Cassie. She explains that she has been told that her father has been threatened. The next morning Mack takes her to the safe house only to discover that her father is missing and the government agent has been killed. Mack is able to unconver the identity of the traitor by following notes and clues that are left with Cassie.

Cassie and Mack rub each other the wrong way. She is stubbornly independent and he demands control, trying to dictate to Cassie. But beyond that power struggle, there is a distinct attraction that they both try to ignore until they are caught in a compromising situation. Cassie would refuse to marry but her father insists and her new friend (Mack’s sister-in-law) guilts her into going through with it. There is tension in their new relationship but they find they are compatible in bed.

Mack tries to insist that Cassie stop writing but she refuses to obey. Meanwhile they are both concerned when Cassie is shot and she is getting letters threatening to rip apart everything she loves. Mack and Cassie begin to trust each other but they are both reluctant to admit that they might fall in love.

I enjoyed the characters, the danger and the suspense in the story. The conflicted romance is supported nicely by a good action plot. For the most part the writing flowed well but there were several areas of repetition that could have been edited better. I have to be honest to say that my rating was down a little bit due to the editing issues. Still, I enjoyed this and recommend it to those who enjoy suspense with their historical romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be interested in trying another title from Ms. Burns.

I received this ebook for tour review from IndieSage PR.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tqUSkJ

B&N: http://bit.ly/1CtHkOT

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1FHd6pV

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/1y9g99f

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1zG6hR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From a young age I could always be found carrying around books to read while watching my grandmother's soap operas with her. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on and even made up skits and stories for my friends and me to act out. Once I outgrew the children's and YA books, my mom introduced me to an entirely new world - contemporary romance. Upon discovering I had a love for history I began devouring historical romances. One day, sitting in a college British History class, something the professor said made me think, I wonder. I quickly called mom (also a writer) and ran the idea by her. After being told, "Of course you can do it, you're my daughter," the rest, as they say, is history. I currently share my love of reading with the next generation as a high school librarian, and share my personal life with my demanding dog trapped in a cat's body, Ajax.

Follow Tammy Jo Burns.

Website: http://www.tammyjoburns.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammyjoburnsfanpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tammyjoburns

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7304813.Tammy_Jo_Burns

EXCERPT:
     “Do you feel what you do to me?” he whispered. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Mack pulled back and saw that her eyes were tightly closed, and her lips were pursed shut. He dropped gentle kisses over each of her eyes, then her cheeks, and finally the upturned tip of her nose. His lips caressed hers, lightly, teasingly, but she remained the same, trying to block out what he did to her. Mack let the tip of his tongue glide against the seam of her lips and though her eyes flew open, her delectable mouth remained tightly shut against his invasion. She left him no choice. “Forgive me, darlin’,” he said before crushing his lips roughly against hers.

***

     “Ow!” Cassie managed to get out before she found Mack exploring the recesses of her mouth. Her lips throbbed where he had ground them against her teeth, but somehow he seemed to soothe even that small injury. She felt her heart beating heavily in her chest. Cassie would be lying if she said she was not the least excited about what her husband was doing to her. Husband, she thought. She had never thought she would find herself married. The boys in the village had always thought her much too strange and learned for them. Then when their little family had moved to London after her mother’s death, she had not gone about looking for a husband or friends.
     “Where are you?” he asked, resting his forehead against hers.
     Cassie found herself staring into a pair of smokey silver eyes, rimmed with dark lashes. Dark brows formed a ‘V’ from the way he scrutinized her. Cassie flexed her hands that were still pinned above her head because her fingers ached to rake through his short, dark hair. She wanted to test the texture. Was it silky or coarse? “Do you know you have flecks of silver in your hair?” she asked curiously.
     “I would say half of them have been caused by you.”
     “Me? We haven’t even known each other that long. How dare you accuse me…”
     “Did you know your eyes flash when you’re angry? They look like they are lit from within.”
     “Let go of me.”
     “Not on your life,” he said.
     Cassie didn’t fight him as he plundered her mouth like a marauding pirate. This time there was no way her mind drifted. The things he was doing to her were making her insides melt. She began to respond, and she heard a deep groan.
     “That’s it,” he said before returning to her mouth once more. This time he nibbled at her lips as if they were a fine delicacy. “You look so bloody beautiful,” he whispered as he moved to nibble on her right earlobe.
     “No, I don’t,” she replied breathily. “I’m just plain.”
     “Whoever told you that was a liar.” Mack bent down and lifted her up in his arms.
     “What are you doing?”
     “Taking you to bed.”

Giveaway:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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