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Friday, March 27, 2015

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 27, 2015

Happy Friday. I hope everyone has had a nice week. We are enjoying RV vacationing in Orlando with our kids and grandkids. DH and I have stayed in the RV while the younger crowd chase around the Disney Parks.

TO ENTER:
US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)


CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late 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 without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the March 20 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were no titles blocked.
Sue F gets S is for Silence
Anita gets The Undertaker's Widow

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 20 Pick:
(two lucky first week picks)
rubynreba gets Death at Play
Natasha gets Ain't Myth Behaving

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 wanted an image for RV and books this week.
I don't usually feature actual books but since most of us are familiar with
*** for Dummies books this doesn't seem like a real promo. :-)
Image found at Google Images from Amazon.

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)
PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014



PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 790+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

MBS 2015 Audiobook Challenge -- Update #1

MBS 2015 AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE
First Update Giveaway hosted by Jennifer @ The Book Nympho

My Goal (to beat 63 listens in 2014): Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

I need a little more than 5 a month to make 64 this year. 15 of 64 = 23.4%. I'm just barely on track so I guess I better pep it up the listening!

JANUARY
  1. Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
  2. Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.
  3. Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0. 
  4. AudioBook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal; Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  5. Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  6. Audio Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25. 
  7. FEBRUARY
  8. Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
  9. Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  10. AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  11. Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy MartinezFantasy; my rating 3.75. 
  12. Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  13. Audible Book Review: Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  14. MARCH
  15. Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.
  16. Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  17. Quitter by Jon Acuff - Review to be posted 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Book Review and Giveaway: Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5 by J. D. Robb

This is a quick novella that shows true Eve Dallas intensity.
Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5
by J. D. Robb

  • Publisher: Berkley (2006)
  • ASIN: B000J1BO82
Genre: Futuristic, Crime Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: August 29, 2006
Publisher's Summary
In early spring of 2059, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called off planet to face a grueling ordeal - giving a seminar at the largest police conference of the year, to be held in a swanky resort. A resort which just happens to be owned by her husband, Roarke, of course.
Even though Eve can't quite see it that way, it's supposed to be at least partly a vacation. But work intrudes in the form of a bloody homicide, and Eve is off and running. The case is complicated by Eve's personal history with the victim - and by the killer's history with Roarke. As danger closes in and the body count rises, Eve must find a way to stop the cycle of violence and revenge, and shove the past back where it belongs.


Review:
I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that each book in this series brings its own complete mystery event as well as the growing relationships among the characters.
Roarke has accompanied Eve, and many of her NY team, to one of his off planet resorts for a police conference. It’s a toss up which Eve likes least: space travel or leading a seminar. Roarke is hoping they can enjoy some of the luxuries of the resort as a bit of a vacation after her seminar.

Eve’s strong personality–sometimes popular, sometimes no–is shadowed by the attendance of a legendary 50 year icon in the police world, retired Commander Douglas Skinner. Even Peabody is awestruck. Eve is summoned by Skinner only to learn that he is a chauvinist and has it in for Roarke. He thinks he can bribe her to assist in taking Roarke down. As if! When Eve moves to step away she is blocked by one of Skinner’s security guards.

Next thing you now, fortunately– or not– for Eve, the guard shows up dead with Roarke as a prime suspect. At least the murder takes Eve’s attention away from her other issues, even though she is not in jurisdiction and has to share command with local authority. Peabody, Feeney and Dr. Mira get to assist in helping to profile and track the killer.

Once again there is wonderful interaction in the team, including Roarke. The mystery is well thought out even, or especially, for a quick novella. The action is fast paced and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

Reading this alone would give the reader a good sense of the formula of this engaging series. However, I do recommend reading the books in order to get the full character development and interaction. Now I am ready for the next one on audio!

I checked the list and this came before the next one I was preparing to listen to on audio. It just so happens this was in my TBR box. :-)

ONE PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY
Since it is small I am including US and Canada.


(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  (a) comment on the review, OR
(b) tell me a favorite character in the series and why
OR
(c) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to US/CANADA only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) March 31, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 31, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker

This ended up being a crazy fun listen!
Legendarium
Written by: Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
Narrated by: Robert Rossmann

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-20-14
Publisher: Kevin G. Summers
Genre: Humor, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
In every generatioen, certain writers are chosen to be protectors of The Legendarium, a metaphysical library that exists at the nexus of the multiverse. Inside this library are doorways that lead to every world ever created in literature. There are forces of evil constantly at work to destroy the library and send the world back into an age of darkness. Now, in a time of growing illiteracy, two heroes are chosen to defend The Legendarium. Bombo Dawson, newly published author and the hero of Michael Bunker's novella Hugh Howey Must Die!, and Alistair Foley, aspiring author and Bombo's harshest critic, become unlikely partners in a mission to protect The Legendarium. Their adventures will take them across the worlds of literature, but will hostile enemies learn to work together before the accumulated knowledge of all of humanity is lost forever?
©2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers (P)2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers


Review:
When I started this I was a bit startled by the opening strangeness with post-zombie-apocalypse comments. Bombo Dawson is a heavy set, doughnut loving author who has released his first novel to reasonably good reviews. Unfortunately the book received a one star, scathing review from Alistair Foley, a professor and maybe aspiring author. These two odd characters are chosen as ‘heroes’ to protect the secret Legendarium where all books are protected as any work may have influenced someone along the way. Though hostile toward one another, Bombo and Alistair have to work through their animosity if they want to save the multiverse of publishing works that have impacted people and thereby history throughout time. If they don’t work together then the world they have known will never exist.

Once you get beyond the strange beginning the irony and timeliness of the story became very amusing. I enjoyed the forays into several classic stories like Through the Looking Glass and Moby Dick and a few others that I was not familiar with. There are snide comments about current electronic publishing and classics that might never have been published in today’s industry.

This turned out to be a fun listen, especially while attending an EPIC (electronic publishing industry coalition) conference. Anyone who loves literature and has interest in the reviewing world should enjoy the irony.

Audio Notes: Robert Rossmann does a really good job of adding to the fun of this story. He gives good portrayals for the unlikely heroes and for author legends like Tolstoy, Hemingway, Twain and more. The narration enhanced the story for me.

This was a free audible I downloaded in Dec 2014. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Double Dare, plus L on Alphabet Soup.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 23, 2015

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 had a busy time last week catching up briefly in the office before heading off for spring vacation with our kids. Now we are in Orlando planning to enjoy some true R&R and time with the kids - when they aren't off in the Disney Parks. :-)

I did get to post three reviews last week and I also posted the usual memes.

I visited some blog friends early this week but then was precluded by my rushed schedule from more visits.  Maybe? I will do better this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
Finished Reading:
1. Print



Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5
by J. D. Robb
I enjoyed this quick novella story. 
Review to post this week.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


Monday's Lie
by James Mason
This read very quickly and I really liked it.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.




3. eBook/Kindle


Echoes (A Harp Security Novel)
Laura K. Curtis
I nearly forgot I had set this for review on 3/21. 
This is a very good romantic suspense and I will look to read more in the series.
The review is linked above.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Who is she?
A single photo of herself as an infant on a beach, taken before the date on her birth certificate, throws everything Calliope Pearson knows about herself into question. Hoping to find answers, she takes advantage of her job as a travel writer to make a reservation at the Caribbean island resort in the picture.
Resort security chief Mac Brody distrusts Callie on sight. After all, she looks exactly like his deceitful missing wife, Nikki, who owns half the resort. But when Nikki’s found dead, Mac's facing murder charges, and he’s sure that Callie must hold the key to proving his innocence.
The deeper Callie and Mac dive into the mystery of her past, the more bodies surface. And they’ll have to learn to trust each other, or become victims of a dark danger neither could've imagined….
Praise for TWISTED:
“Sexy small town suspense, with finely drawn characters that will tug at your heart and keep you up at night turning pages.”—Bestselling Author Dee Davis
Laura K. Curtis has always done everything backwards. As a child, she was extremely serious, so now that she’s chronologically an adult, she feels perfectly justified in acting the fool. She started teaching at age fifteen, then decided to go back to school herself at thirty. And she wrote her first book in first grade. It was released in (notebook) paperback to rave reviews and she's been trying to achieve the same level of acclaim ever since. She lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and a pack of wild Irish Terriers, which has taught her how easily love can coexist with the desire to kill.




Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP4


Quitter
by Jon Acuff
I have just started this title which my son recommended to me and I picked up as a free read over a year ago.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


Scandalously Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
I picked this up last minute for blog tour for Forever Romance.
Review to post on March 31.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only thing they are encouraged to pursue is an eligible bachelor. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
SCANDALOUSLY YOURS
The eldest of the three Sloane sisters, Olivia is unafraid to question the boundaries of Society-even if it does frequently land her in trouble. Disdaining the glittery world of balls and courtship, Olivia prefers to spend her time writing fiery political essays under a pseudonym for London's leading newspaper. But when her columns attract the attention of the oh-so-proper Earl of Wrexham, Olivia suddenly finds herself dancing on the razor's edge of scandal. With the help of her sisters, she tries to stay one step ahead of trouble . . .
However, after a series of madcap misadventures, Wrexham, a former military hero who is fighting for social reform in Parliament, discovers Olivia's secret. To her surprise, he proposes a temporary alliance to help win passage of his bill. Passion flares between them, but when a political enemy kidnaps the earl's young son, they must make some dangerous decisions . . . and trust that love will conquer all.



3. eBook/Kindle


by Kim Amos
This cover pulled me in.
I picked this up also for blog tour for Forever Romance.
Review to post 4/2.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
TROUBLE IN HIGH HEELS . . . 
If pride goes before a fall, Willa Masterson's trip back to White Pine, Minnesota, should be one heck of a tumble The girl who left her hometown-and her first love, Burk Olmstead-in the rearview twelve years ago was spoiled and headstrong. But the woman who returns is determined to rebuild: first her family house; then her relationships with everyone in town . . . starting with a certain tall, dark, and sexy contractor.>
MEETS HER MATCH
Burk has no reason to believe Willa has changed, and every reason to discourage her from converting the Masterson house into a B&B. He has plans of his own for that house, and they certainly don't include a no-vacancy sign. But Burk didn't count on how distracting Willa's bright green eyes or her all-too-familiar touch would feel-or how impossible she will be to resist . . .



I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

March Schedule:
March (dateTBD but looks like pushed off until April) - Ladies Book Club Book: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
3/31 Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.


I did post three reviews last week so I have three reviews pending for this week. :-)
I am continuing to read the waiting NetGalley titles in between blog tours.


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 two new ebooks from Hachette/Forever for review.
I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
 Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up two last minute blog tours for Forever Romance: (through NetGalley)

A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel)
by Kim Amos
(See more info in Current reading above)

Scandalously Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
(See more info in Current reading above)


I also accepted one Author invite title from NetGalley for review:

The Shadow Cartel
The Dominic Grey Series
by Layton Green
Crime Thriller -"Lying in wait is an enemy known only as the General: a criminal mastermind whose uncanny ability to avoid detection while cowing even the most ruthless of rival cartels has made him a legend."


Won
None
Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 49 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sharing Beyond Books #195 Comment Giveaway March 22, 2015 (for March 21)

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

I had a very busy three and one-half days at work to get ready for this week of spring break. We have taken the motor coach to Orlando to spend the week with our kids and grandkids. They will be visiting several days at Disney parks while we enjoy quite at the campground.  AND BTW-- HAPPY SPRING officially although it feels like we slid right past spring and into summer weather.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Sarah noted: "I don't remember what it's like to have a manageable TBR pile." I think that most of us have that same situation and therefore we have no need to panic at the thought of running out of books. However, most of us keep a set of 3-6 books as the 'next' to read.
~~~~

The Winner from SBB #194 comments is: #1 Mystica (odd 1 and 11 have been repeated winning numbers over the past several months) who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #195 (One Question.)

Q1. Rubynreba asks: What is the best** movie you have ever seen?? **Note please distinguish this from your fav movie which is a question for another day.
A: It is difficult to pick a "best" movie. Once again we have to determine if best means best production, best story or some other value. I think I will pick two: The Shawshank Redemption for its story and its beautiful execution and The Matrix for its story and innovative effects.  
The Shawshank Redemption
Image found at IMDb

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Rubynreba asks: What is the best** movie you have ever seen?? **Note please distinguish this from your fav movie which is a question for another day.
SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I still have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 March 28, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 22, 2015

Our Wednesday night women’s study has been doing a study by Beth Moore called Children of the Day, 1& 2 Thessalonians. I was enjoying the study about Paul’s dedicated efforts to preach the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. Even though he had been hindered by men and Satan, (Thessalonians 2: 14-16 and 18), suffered greatly for his efforts (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he pressed on with every opportunity and did find times when he could proclaim and teach “with openness and unhindered” (Acts 28:30-31).

Paul and his friends exhorted the Thessalonians to proceed with the work of faith, labor of love and endurance of hope. 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Even when Paul had not yet met the people he cared for them and shared the love of Christ. This same message should speak to us today and encourage us to stand together, be bold, walk a steady course and speak out the message of the gospel of Christ.

(I am behind in the study now having missed several weeks due to travel and preparation. I may ask to watch the videos when I return and I will have to discipline myself to complete the study.)

I found this song that fits perfectly with this message since we are children of the day 
and we are the light of the world!
We Are by Kari Jobe

A Verse for Today:
1Thessalonians 5:5 (NIV)
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

Prayer: I thank you Lord for providing in depth study of your word by other devoted Christians. Help me to take in the teaching and use it to spread the word of your glory and redemption. Help me to be a child of the light and of the day, sharing Your love in a darkened world.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Notice: Delay for Sharing Beyond Books

There will be a delay in posting SBB this week. We are set up in our camp site for this week but having some electric breaker issues. We took a family vacation (to Orlando, Disney World) with all the kids to join us soon! I will post this as soon as I can.

Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis

This is a very good romantic suspense with the emphasis on action and suspense.
Laura K. Curtis

  • File Size: 1075 KB
  • Print Length: 282 pages
  • Publisher: InterMix (March 17, 2015)
  • Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
  • ASIN: B00NGZOH6O
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Who is she?
A single photo of herself as an infant on a beach, taken before the date on her birth certificate, throws everything Calliope Pearson knows about herself into question. Hoping to find answers, she takes advantage of her job as a travel writer to make a reservation at the Caribbean island resort in the picture.
Resort security chief Mac Brody distrusts Callie on sight. After all, she looks exactly like his deceitful missing wife, Nikki, who owns half the resort. But when Nikki’s found dead, Mac's facing murder charges, and he’s sure that Callie must hold the key to proving his innocence.
The deeper Callie and Mac dive into the mystery of her past, the more bodies surface. And they’ll have to learn to trust each other, or become victims of a dark danger neither could've imagined….
Praise for TWISTED:
“Sexy small town suspense, with finely drawn characters that will tug at your heart and keep you up at night turning pages.”—Bestselling Author Dee Davis
Laura K. Curtis has always done everything backwards. As a child, she was extremely serious, so now that she’s chronologically an adult, she feels perfectly justified in acting the fool. She started teaching at age fifteen, then decided to go back to school herself at thirty. And she wrote her first book in first grade. It was released in (notebook) paperback to rave reviews and she's been trying to achieve the same level of acclaim ever since. She lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and a pack of wild Irish Terriers, which has taught her how easily love can coexist with the desire to kill.


Review:
Callie is a bright, secure professional young woman. She was raised by her father who was part journalist and part diplomat. He taught her many skills to help keep her safe during their many travels. Callie is now a freelance journalist who often reviews resorts for travel magazines. This provides the perfect cover when she travels to a lush, private resort on St. Martin. She found an old picture of her mother and herself as an infant on the island that has raised her strong curiosity. As soon as she arrives at the resort she gets strange looks and a strong reaction.

Mac is infuriated when he first sees Callie. He thinks his soon to be ex-wife, who has been missing for over a week, is playing some manipulative game. Callie could be Nikki's twin although they have different body types and different attitudes. Nikki is a model thin, spoiled party-girl while Callie is more natural and, as he soon learns, very capable of living a normal life.
“Normal” at least until it becomes clear that someone is rifling her belongings and even trying to kidnap her. Mac is very impressed at how well Callie handles herself when they start racing from the police and finding themselves hiding from authorities and dodging bullets from goons.

This is a very good romantic suspense with the emphasis on action and suspense. There is good sexual tension between Callie and Mac and a few steamy encounters, but most of the story is tied up in two intersecting plot lines. A twisted serial killer has been killing young women and others who seem to have a connection to the father of the resort owner, and a connection to Callie. There also are leads to am arms dealer that has old army buddies of Mac flying to the rescue and commandeering the search for answers. The secondary security characters have interesting background, skills and resources - and will be good material in other stories I’m sure..

I really enjoyed the fast paced action and danger even if some might consider the plot a stretch on reality. But it could happen. I would have liked a little more wrap up on details acknowledging that Mac was no longer a suspect on the run from authorities. Since one major villain is still on the loose, I hope for more adventure with these characters. I would definitely read more from this author and recommend this book to readers who enjoy action-packed romantic suspense.

I received this book through Rock Star PR for an honest review. This will qualify for new author.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 20, 2015

Happy Friday. I hope everyone had a lucky St. Patrick's Day. I have been super busy at work since we got home on Tuesday. It has been very rushed. 
I did get the new list up and mostly linked but I am ready to crash now. And I realize I am behind in updating the giveaway links but I think that will have to wait as I am too tired to do more right now.  

TO ENTER:
US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)


CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late 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 without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the March 13 Pick. There were three automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There was one title blocked.
LindaK gets Daisy's Back in Town
Karina gets The Da Vinci Code
Booklady gets Touched by Fire

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 13 Pick:
Di gets Angel's Peak
Dr. Wright gets Stuart Woods Pair

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.}

Green books work fine for me. :-)
Image found at St Patrick's Day 2015

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)
PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014



PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 786+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis

This is a lovely romance set in interesting but difficult circumstances of the Civil War.
The Last Heiress
by Mary Ellis

  • File Size: 951 KB
  • Print Length: 354 pages
  • Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00RYB9NHY
  • Genre: Historical Romance
  • My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: February 1, 2015
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.

Amanda Dunn set sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, hoping to somehow restore shipments of cotton for her family’s textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. But when she meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes.

Amanda’s family across the sea deems the hardworking merchant unsuitable for the lovey and accomplished heiress. And when Nate himself begins to draw away, Amanda has her own battle for a happy future on her hands.

As the War Between the States heats up, Nate’s brother, a Confederate officer, comes for a visit. Nate begins to think about joining up—not in support of slavery but to watch his brother’s back. Yet will this potentially life-changing decision put the union between him and Amanda she so wishes for in jeopardy?


Review:
Amanda is the remaining daughter of her wealthy mill owning father. Her brother was killed in an accident and her twin sister has been gone several years after running off to marry her sweetheart, an American son of a Wilmington supplier. Amanda convinces her father that she can learn the mill business and be his emissary to negotiate new contracts in America. Reluctantly he agrees and sends her on her way with only a maid.

Amanda is thrilled to reunite with her sister Amelia. She is dismayed to discover that Amelia and her husband are slave owners when they gift a young black slave to serve Amelia. Even Amanda’s maid is in an awkward social position because she is not a slave nor a noble.

Amanda’s initial attempts to broker a contract for cotton are met with disdain by Amelia’s husband and his father. They do not wish to deal with a woman and Amelia’s husband doesn’t appreciate Amanda’s independent nature.

Nate is a young man from the Smoky Mountains who found his way to Wilmington to find work and build a dream. He has worked hard as a grocer saving money to buy land and a home someday. Nate is smitten when he sees Amanda. She is charmed by his natural, open friendliness. Over the many months that Amanda is in Wilmington, their friendship grows in spite of differences in their social status and the objections and obstacles presented by Amelia’s husband.

As the Union Army moves closer to invading Wilmington, the personal dynamics change. Nate begins to feel he must finally join the Confederate Army after discovering his younger brother is alive and in danger as a young officer. Nate tries to send Amanda back to England without realizing the extent of her stubbornness. Meanwhile Amanda’s brother-in-law discovers he has placed his family business at risk to the dangers of war. He also must face a new circumstance as many of his servants run off. There is an ironic twist that results from the dangers that adds to the plot.

I really enjoyed the characters of Amanda and Nate and their gentle verbal sparring. It was interesting to see that they each felt out of place in their society roles and expectations. I also liked the wonderful history and the excellent portrayal of the race, class and social difficulties in the English and young American situations. There are interesting discussions regarding the slave and social issues and comparing the differences in the two countries.

Amanda has a nice faith conviction and there is a nice input of faith from a secondary character that fit with the circumstances and gave strength to Nate as the story progressed. The writing flowed nicely with the rich story and descriptions. There is also a nice set of Discussion Questions at the conclusion.

I would definitely like to read more by this author. I recommend this to those who enjoy historical romance and Civil War settings (like I do).

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson

This is an engaging time travel/YA romance.
The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1
Written by: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: James Simenc
Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel, YA Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.
©2012 Walnut Springs Press (P)2014 Kelly Nelson


Review:
Chase Harper is in his senior year trying to figure out how best to prepare for college. He is on a camping adventure with family when he discovers a box containing an old, odd item that resembles a pocket watch. He touches the dials and a soft light glows. He stumbles and awakens in a landscape that is strange although similar. He tries to find his way back to the campsite but nothing is quite right. Then he sees two Mexican cowboys riding off with a woman. He follows and rescues Ellie in 1863.

Ellie is charmed by the young man who rescues her but she is more concerned with finding her grandfather and his secret treasure. She is distressed to discover that Chase has the time tracker but she explains that it is his now since it responded to him. She chooses to travel with him to 2011 so she can explain more of what is happening.

A strong attraction develops between Chase and Ellie although they try to pretend they are just friends to ward off any difficulties with Chase’s family. Chase has to learn the use and meaning of the gadget and decide if he wants to accept the responsibilities of using it. He and Ellie will face danger as they try to find a way to protect each other.

I felt the story started a bit slowly but after a short while I was pulled in by the mystery, travel and suspense. I enjoyed the main characters and really liked the gentle, sweet level of the teenage romance. There are some underlying faith comments that also warmed my heart. The travel plot has interesting twists that build background for the series and make this more than a YA romance. I recommend this as an entertaining listen for those who enjoy YA romance and time travel adventure.

Audio Notes: James Simenc does a fine job with the narration. His voice suits Chase as the primary character and he does a good job with distinguishable voices for the female characters as well as other male voices. I enjoyed this as an audio listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge

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