Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 14, 2015

Happy Friday - 
I have still had this cough hanging on. Saw the Doctor Tuesday and I go back next week.
At least I feel mostly better but still keeping DH (and me) awake when I cough at night. 
I hope everyone is staying cool during these hot days!

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

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.

Thank you to all who entered the August 7 Pick. There was one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week, but it was won.
AUTO: Linda K gets Trouble Becomes Her

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 7 Pick:
Holdenj gets Murder on the Atlantic

Mariska gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Relax and enjoy reading!

Image found at News.ULC.edu.

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


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

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


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
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
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)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
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
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.


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
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 851+ 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!

Delay in Friday Book Pick Post

Hi all and Happy Friday.
We decided to make a last minute RV trip to visit our son and family. Yesterday (Thursday) morning as I was preparing for work my Dear Hubby said "By the way, I'd like to leave when you get home from work tonight." I had to rush to clear my work desk and had no time to get Friday Post ready.
I hope to get it up late on Friday or early Saturday. Have to work on it in between visits with the family. :-)
Enjoy your Friday everyone!

Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron

This is a fun, cozy mystery, with Cajun eats and Southern charm. 

Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery)

by Ellen Byron

• File Size: 766 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 11, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 11, 2015
• ASIN: B011IZPRR6

Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Check in for some Southern hospitality in Plantation Shudders, the Cajun Country series debut from Ellen Byron.
It's the end of the summer and Prodigal Daughter Maggie Crozat has returned home to her family's plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast in Louisiana. The Crozats have an inn full of guests for the local food festival—elderly honeymooners, the Cajun Cuties, a mysterious stranger from Texas, a couple of hipster lovebirds, and a trio of Georgia frat boys. But when the elderly couple keels over dead within minutes of each other - one from very unnatural causes - Maggie and her family suddenly become suspects in a murder.
With the help of Bo Durand, the town's handsome new detective, Maggie must investigate to clear her name while holding the family business together at the same time. And the deeper she digs, the more she wonders: are all of the guests really there for a vacation or do they have ulterior motives? Decades-old secrets and stunning revelations abound in Ellen Byron’s charming cozy debut, Plantation Shudders.

Review:
Maggie Crozat has returned home to help her family run their Louisiana Plantation now turned Bed and Breakfast. She spent a few years in the big city trying to make it on her own until she realized that she didn’t like the feeling of being alone and her family could use her help.

Maggie is with the family to welcome a full inn of guests for the end of summer fete. The guests include a couple of young lovebirds, a family with two young teens, three college boys, a mysterious, handsome, but sad man, and four “Cajun Cuties” who visit plantations to share with their organization. Then the surprisingly elderly, honeymoon latecomers show up. He is a grouch while she is consistently smiley.

Things go astray when the lights flash out. When the fuse is fixed everyone is shocked to find the elderly man dead. Maggie grabs the pills for the Mrs. only to have her collapse dead too. Having dead guests is trouble of its own but it's double trouble that the local Police Chief, Rufus Durand, is a sworn enemy of the family. He is apt to gloat about a murder at Crozat rather than try to solve it.

Maggie is dreading the investigation until she meets the new detective who is handsome and appears competent and thorough. That is good until she learns that he is Bo Durand, cousin to Rufus. Now she figures she will have to uncover the true murderer herself even if it means taking on cleaning duty to sneak into their rooms. Determining the murderer becomes more crucial as the week goes on and another guest is found dead.

The setting is beautiful, complete with bayou, Cajun food and good luck charms. The characters are quirky, with hidden motives. Maggie is a strong, likable heroine and Bo is a great hero with a special son, whose situation is handled nicely. The writing flows well and makes an easy, quick read. The story is told with gracious Southern charm and I enjoyed the mystery and the sweet, slow romance. The recipes shared at the end are a bonus. (I found it amusing that I didn’t get the title, “shudders” until I started reading the book.) I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, cozy mystery.

I selected this through NetGalley. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Review: Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson

This was great listening entertainment!
Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1
Written by: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
Series: Reckoners, Book 1
Release Date:09-24-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi Fantasy, Action
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the number-one New York Times best-selling author of the Mistborn Trilogy, Brandon Sanderson, comes the first book in a new, action-packed thrill ride of a series - Steelheart. Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.
But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills.
Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.
And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He's seen Steelheart bleed.
And he wants revenge.
©2013 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Review:
Ten years ago “The Calamity” struck earth in the form of a flash in the sky which left certain men and women with superhuman powers. Normal people hope that these superhumans, called Epics, will help the world. Unfortunately the super power gifts that make them strong also corrupt them by increasing their drive to rule over others, usually in tyranny and terror.

David was only eight when he saw his first two Epics. He witnessed his own father, as well as everyone else in the bank, ruthlessly struck down by Steelheart. But David saw something that no one else saw – he saw Steelheart bleed. David became the sole survivor and he lived planning his revenge. David spent the next ten years studying the strengths and weaknesses of every Epic. He also studied the skills of the Reckoners, the underground rebel group - the only ones- who dare to challenge the Epics.

David manages to get into a rebellion skirmish so he can join the Reckoners. The rebellion team isn’t looking for new recruits who just pop up. Initially they don’t know if they can trust David but slowly he convinces them that he has a wealth of knowledge, particularly knowing the vulnerabilities of the Epics, that will help the Reckoners in their battles.

Each of the Reckoners has a particular battle skill. Slowly they share their skills with David as he shares his knowledge with them. They hide in unfinished tunnels below Newcago (what is left of Chicago) as they pull together a plan to call out Steelheart. They have to get him face to face to test the several theories they have as to his vulnerability.

There is plenty of action in this story which is very reminiscent of a comic book with the good guys battling the evil super villains. The leader of the Reckoners, "Prof", is an older fellow with mysterious wisdom and inventions. There is a minor romantic element as David crushes on one of his teammates even though she tends to scorn his youthful geekiness. I enjoyed the characters, the fast-paced action and the clever plot twists. I found the total package very entertaining and will want to read more by this author. (I have the Mistborn trilogy and just have to decide if I will read those next or get more in the Reckoner series.) I recommend this to young, and older, adult readers who enjoy comic book style action and twists.

Audio Notes: This was an excellent listen. MacLeod Andrews does a super job capturing the different personalities both human and Epic. His narration made the story come alive for me and I could almost picture it as a comic book action strip. If you are a sci fi action reader who enjoys audio I highly recommend this in audio for strong entertainment.

This was from 2013 in my Audible library. This qualifies for my Audiobook challenge as well as being part of my TBR reading.

Sunday Post August 9, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 10, 2015

Sunday Post - It's Monday! is still not up and linking while Sheila finds her way after her family tragedy.
Kathryn at Date Book suggested linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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 still have an ugly cough but I am getting more sleep - thank goodness. Work is steady. 
I am enjoying my reading. I only finished two books, one ebook and one audio, although I am pretty far along on two more books. I posted four reviews and posted the usual memes.

I do have my new computer set up so this week has been quicker online - yay!
I got to visit blog friends early last week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 2, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 3, 2015.

• Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris; Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review: Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 2 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.0.

• Friday Pick Giveaway August 7, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/13/2015.

• Audible Book Review: Double Strike: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #214 Comment Giveaway for August 8, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/15/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 9, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery)
by Ellen Byron
This was an enjoyable cozy.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

14
Written by: Peter Clines
Narrated by: Ray Porter
This had some surprising twists!
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Dark Horse
by Michelle Diener
I really like the characters and this story.
74% complete.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1)
by Susan Sleeman
I am enjoying this romantic suspense. I won this in 2012 so it is from my TBR shelf. 60% complete.
Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

3. Audible

Petticoat Detective

Written by: Margaret Brownley

Narrated by: Jaimee Draper

I wanted a lighter listen after 14 so I selected this one from my Audible library.
I just started this.
Publisher's Summary

Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is no stranger to undercover work. But posing as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Boots is a first for her. She’s finally landed a high-profile case and is on the trail of the notorious Gunnysack Bandit, when one of Miss Lillian’s girls essential to her investigation meets an untimely demise. Only a handful of people are in the house at the time of her death, including handsome Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger determined to clear his brother’s name. Amy has many reasons to suspect Tom of murder - and one very personal reason to hope that she’s wrong about him.

©2014 Margaret Brownley (P)2014 Barbour Publishing, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime)
by Rebecca Raisin
I am looking forward to this book that looks like light romance adventure. 
I selected this at NetGalley.
Maple sugar kisses
Lucy would do anything for her mom…but she never expected to end up promising to leave her. After her mom got sick, Lucy dropped everything to take care of her, working all hours in a greasy diner just to make ends meet and spending every spare moments she had by her mom’s hospital bedside.

Now, Lucy is faced with a whole year of living by her own rules, starting by taking the first bus out of town to anywhere...

Except she didn’t expect to find her next big adventure just around the corner! Especially when on her first day in town she bumps into grumpy, but oh-so-delicious Clay amidst the maple trees. Surrounded by the magic of Ashford, Lucy has the chance to change her life forever and finally discover a life she wants to live!

Fall in love with Ashford, Connecticut in this dazzling and beautiful romance from bestselling author Rebecca Raisin.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. 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.

I posted four reviews last week which left three plus two new for this week. So I still need to work hard on reviews.
I finished one and am reading two NetGalley. I added one new book so that my shelf has six NetGalley titles.
I have pulled in some TBRs which makes me glad. 

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 added just one NetGalley title this past week. I am still trying to decide on my two Audible choices - which I will have to select this week.
I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC and I added 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 selected one title at NetGalley this week.

Children of the Comet 
by Donald Moffitt

In the far future, on top of a gigantic tree rooted in the ice ball of a comet, a young man’s journey leads to unexpected encounters.

This sounded interesting from a well respected sci fi author.

Won

None.

Purchased

None.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Fourteen.
More good titles conclude this summer's pairings of free audiobooks



Under a War-Torn Sky
by L.M. Elliott
Read by Elizabeth Wiley

The Old Brown Suitcase
by Lillian Boraks-Nemetz
Read by Sofia Bunting Newman

Over the past week I again added 44 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 9, 2015

We attended an early service with our daughter, son-in-law and the grandkids. The pastor shared a good message praising and acknowledging the need for all gifts within the body of believers: preaching, music, teaching, missions and prayer warriors. The Spirit gives us discernment to become a Gospel team. 1 Corinthians 12. We are called to relationship - with God through Christ and with other Christians. We are called to acceptance - to welcome each others strengths without a power struggle. We are called to unity - to be cordial, congenial, cooperative and compromise when appropriate; always working together as a team to give God the glory We are called to action - we are each to impact our surroundings. God called and equipped us to do His work. God gives us the work and, while we rely on His guidance, He tells us “do it yourself”. We are to share the Hope we learn in His word. What are we waiting for?

I went to my song list and saw this song that I thought would fit so well with this message.

Do Something!

Verses for Today:
Romans 12:4-8 NIV
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Lord please guide me to use whatever gifts and whatever blessings You have given me to share Your hope with others.

Sharing Beyond Books #214 Comment Giveaway for August 8, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I still have an irritated throat but I am feeling much better. I get to sleep five to six hours now before waking up to a cough.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I was utterly impressed with the choices of authors we would like to speak with! There were authors of classics: Dickens, Fitzgerald, Mitchell and Austen, with Mitchell and Austen being the only ones named twice.  Then there were numerous modern authors covering genres from paranormal, romance, highlanders, Scottish paranormal, sci fi classic, suspense and Christian fiction. Wonderful choices!

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #213 comments is: #12 Carol L 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 #214 (One Question - two parts.)

Poetryinleaves asks: Q1 What book do you love so much that you want to live in the story? And is there any specific character from that story that you want to be??

A: I think my answer would change from time to time. There were a few as a child - mostly horse stories. :-) Then the romance years and now the sci fi genre books. I guess... to pick one book now: I would pick the In Death series and of course the character would be Eve Dallas. Although as I think on this I'm not sure if I would really want to be a homicide detective and I wouldn't want Eve's childhood. Maybe I should rethink this choice.

New choice: Alexia Tarabotti of The Parasol Protectorate Series.

Image found at Uphill Writing.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Poetryinleaves asks: Q1 What book do you love so much that you want to live in the story? And is there any specific character from that story that you want to be??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 August 15, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Audible Review: Double Strike by Gretchen Archer

This is my favorite story so far in the fun, exciting investigations of Davis Way.

Double Strike
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Amber Benson

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
Series: Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way knows three things: Cooking isn’t a prerequisite for a happy marriage, don’t trust men who look like David Hasselhoff, and money doesn’t grow on Christmas trees. None of which help when a storm hits the Gulf a week before the most anticipated event in Bellissimo history: the Strike It Rich Sweepstakes. Securing the guests, staff, and property might take a stray bullet. Or two. Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way has three problems: She’s desperate to change her marital status, she has a new boss who speaks in hashtags, and Bianca Sanders has confiscated her clothes. All of which bring on a headache hot enough to spark a fire. Solving her problems means stealing a car. From a dingbat lawyer. Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way has three goals: Keep the Sanders family out of prison, regain her footing in her relationship, and find the genius who wrote the software for future gaming. One of which, the manhunt one, is iffy. Because when Alabama hides someone, they hide them good. Double Strike. A VIP invitation to an extraordinary high-stakes gaming event, as thieves, feds, dance instructors, shady bankers, kidnappers, and gold waiters go all in.
©2014 Gretchen Archer (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Davis Way has survived her job for close to three years as a (mostly) undercover security officer for the posh Belissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi but things are looking dicey. Davis is anxious to marry her sweetheart, handsome lawyer, Bradley Cole, and take a four day vacation. Unfortunately she runs into a few obstacles, including a lightning strike at the hotel. Her boss's son, Thomas Sanders, shows up unexpectedly from boarding school. Davis is the lucky one who has to try to keep the high school senior from getting into more trouble.

Bradley gets to break the bad news that the marriage license has been denied due to complications from, of course, her rat ex-ex-husband. Her efforts to sort that problem result in her stealing her annoying lawyer’s car which creates other difficulties.

Meanwhile Davis is told she can’t take days off because she has to help out with a high stakes slot gaming event. The whole event has been brought in from a Vegas crew so neither the staff nor the players have been properly vetted by “No Hair” and the local security team. Davis gets fired her first day as an event waitress and a new security man, Baylor, has to take her place. Fantasy and Baylor get to be painted gold and prance around in bikinis while Davis changes her undercover persona to a social media member under a bouncy ‘hashtag’ queen.

The high tech slot games include specially designed chairs and games that are intuitive to the players. The first players have to buy a seat and then earn points to remain in the game as the nights progress. A certain woman and her husband keep cashing in large checks at the same teller window. That behavior throws up red flags and the suspicion heats up when that woman keeps earning high points in the game. Now Davis is off following the money trail which leads to something hidden in Alabama.

This is book three of this fun series. Davis has grown on me as a character and I enjoy the fact that I am familiar with some of the locations mentioned in the stories - some real towns and others like the quirky towns described by Ms. Archer.  Each story has a unique, casino related crime event which is embellished by the undercover high jinks of the security crew and the personal troubles that Davis has to overcome. The storylines are creative in fun ways and I recommend this series to readers who like cozy mysteries and are looking for a lighter, fun read. Now I have to decide if I can wait for Book 4, Double Mint, to go to Audible or if I should go ahead and get the Kindle version.

Audio Notes: Amber Benson again does a good job with the voices and the story. The story is enhanced by the easy narration.

I received this from Claire McKinneyPR for an honest review. This adds to my Audiobook Challenge.

My Review links for Books 1 and 2:
Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper
Double Dip:A Davis Way Crime Caper

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gretchen Archer is the USA TODAY-bestselling author of Double Whammy, Double Dip, and Double Strike, the first three novels in the Davis Way Crime Caper series from mystery publisher Henery Press. Double Whammy was a finalist for the 2014 Daphne du Mauier Awards.

 

A Tennessee housewife who began writing when her daughters (seeking higher educations) left her, Archer lives on Lookout Mountain with her husband, son, and a Yorkie named Bently. Double Mint is her newest book.

 

Her Twitter is @Gretchen_Archer.

 

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 7, 2015

Happy Friday - 
I am finally feeling almost normal. Still getting to bed early but now I get to sleep through most of the night.
I remembered today (Thursday) to add the new group book titles.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

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.

Thank you to all who entered the July 31 Pick. There was one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week.
AUTO: Becky gets Marriage by the Book

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 31 Pick:
Janhvi gets a GC

Rita gets Dear John

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.}

Summer's last Hurrah!

Image found at Meaghan Walsh Gerard

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


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

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


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
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
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)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
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
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.


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
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 849+ 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!

Audible Book Review: Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper by Gretchen Archer

This is another entertaining installment of Davis Way mystery fun.
Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Amber Benson

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-13-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
“A smart, snappy writer who hits your funny bone!” (Janet Evanovich).
It’s Davis Way’s first slot-tournament season. And it may be her last. Things are dicey at work. A personal assistant goes missing, a little old lady goes on a suspicious winning streak, and a Bellissimo executive goes gaga for Davis. She follows a disappearing slot-tournament player trail to the So Help Me God Pentecostal Church in Beehive, Alabama, then jumps headlong into a high stakes holy scandal. She’s on a losing streak at home, too. Her days, nights, and dinners run together, as Davis juggles a revolving door of uninvited guests, namely her rotten ex-ex-husband, Eddie Crawford. And Bradley Cole thinks three’s a crowd. The worst? Davis doesn’t feel so hot. Maybe it’s the banana pudding, or maybe it’s a little bundle of something else. Double Dip. A reckless ride in the fast lane, and Davis Way can’t find the brakes.
©2013 Gretchen Archer (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Davis succeeded in her first major security assignment at Bellisimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi. Now she faces another major event: the frenzied slot-tournament where a little old lady is on a winning streak. The few leads seem connected with a Pentecostal Church in Beehive, Alabama.

Bianca’s personal assistant has gone missing which puts Davis repeatedly at the beck and call of the hoity wife of the Casino boss. If that isn’t enough trouble, Davis has to juggle visitors and troubles at home. Davis decides to use her ex-mother-in-law to test a theory that the elderly are tied to the Church and fixed wins. This ends up allowing her ex-ex, Eddie, to show up unexpectedly and uninvited. Bradley doesn’t like the picture and declares an ultimatum. Meanwhile there are upset tummies - some caused by a food item that leads to death. Fortunately, or not, that isn’t Davis’ trouble and she can’t figure out how to tell Bradley there are more concerns than just her ex-ex..

There is more fun in this installment of Davis’ hijinks. She has a new co-worker, Fantasy, a woman who was Davis’ corrections officer during her incarceration in book one. Fantasy is a good ‘Mutt’ (tall, skinny and black) to set off Davis’ ‘Jeff ‘(short, curvy and redheadish).

There is plenty of emotional trouble for Davis as well as mystery to solve. The action and wit keep the reader/listener well entertained. Once again I was very pleased to have the third book ready when this one finished.

Audio Notes: The narrator changed between book one and two. Sometimes that is a major problem but it wasn’t terrible this time. Amber Benson does a good job with the voices and the story. I didn’t find her “asides” quite as effective as the first narration but everything else was just fine. I still enjoy this in audiobook format which makes for fun, quick entertainment.

I received this from Claire McKinneyPR for an honest review. This adds to my Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Review: Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1 by Gretchen Archer

This is a fun, entertaining romp and good audio listen.

Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Dina Pearlman

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
Series: Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1
Release Date:05-14-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Davis Way thinks she's hit the jackpot when she lands a job as the fifth wheel on an elite security team at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. But once there, she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged slot machine, her evil twin, and a trail of dead bodies.
Davis learns the truth, and it does not set her free - in fact, it lands her in the pokey. Buried under a mistaken identity, unable to seek help from her family, her hot streak runs cold until her landlord, Bradley Cole, steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. With his help, Davis must win this high-stakes game before her luck runs out.
This book is part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! Double Whammy is the first book in the Davis Way humorous mystery series.
©2012 Gretchen Archer (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Davis Way ('it's a name, not a place') is a young thirtys, diminutive (under 5'3") ex-small-town cop from Pine Apple, Alabama. Davis worked under the police chief, her beloved father, until a huge, ugly divorce blow-up, including gun shots, resulted in her being fired. It happened the dust up was her second divorce from her now ex-ex husband, the snake, Eddie. After a year of unemployment Davis finally lands a job as elite security in the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. They plan to use her unique abilities which include being a double for the boss’ high maintenance, nasty-tempered wife, Bianca. Since she is able to work well with disguises, Davis’ employment is kept low-key and she is assigned to various tasks to spy on other workers and guests and casino players.

Davis is happy to have a job even if she is nervous about her new co-workers. She has a hard time remembering names so she tends to give everyone nicknames. The two bulky brusers she works with become “Big Teeth” and “No Hair”.

Davis’ initial assignment is to determine who is cashing in on the Double Whammy jackpot machines and how they are doing it. She is dismayed when her research reveals that the most recent winner was her ex-ex and somehow he was connected with Bianca. Now she has to figure out how to disclose the details while trying to keep her distance from Eddie.

While pulling together clues Davis discovers a taciturn cab driver, George, whom she coerces to assist her. He gives her a few warnings which Davis just brushes aside. Davis finds herself a condo to rent so she will have someplace not under the surveillance ears and eyes of her employers. She begins to fall for her handsome landlord, Bradley Cole, even before she meets him. She falls head over heals when he shows up in person to rescue her from a jail mix-up when no one will identify her true name.

Gretchen Archer does a great job of creating quirky and fun characters. The southern setting provides extra material for humor. The story moves at a good pace providing a nice mix of action, personal interest and humor. I was glad to have the next two stories to listen to when this one finished. I recommend this to readers who enjoy humor with the mystery and a female PI.

Audio Notes: Dina Pearlman does a good job with the narration. She manages to capture the southern, small town character of Davis as well as the other male and female characters. I do think this would be a fun read but I recommend the audio as a fun listen to those who enjoy audiobooks.

eBook Available at Amazon.

I received this audiobook, together with the next two, from Claire McKinneyPR, for an honest review. This adds to my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris

This is a lovely, imaginative and creative spin on the Cinderella story.
A Curse of Ash and Iron
by Christine Norris

• File Size: 1438 KB
• Print Length: 300 pages
• Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press (May 20, 2015)
• Publication Date: May 20, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00Y13JU4Y

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
She asks for his help, and he can't refuse. Even if he doesn't believe in 'real' magic, he can't abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother's death under the watchful and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year's Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.

Review:
Ellie and Benjamin were best friends as children of 10, even though she was the daughter of a known and respectable Philadelphia family and he was only the son of their wonderful cook. The pair were abruptly torn apart when Ellie’s new step-mother, Olivia, her former governess, fired Ben’s mother. That was another step of the terrible sorrows that began with the accidental death of Ellie’s mother. Now Ellie has spent the last seven years as a servant in her own home. She cannot escape because she must remain to take care of her father whose illness of the past year has gotten worse.

Rebecca, Ellie’s step-sister, is fascinated by clockworks. But she is trapped by her mother’s ambitious machinations as Olivia seeks a rich husband for Rebecca. Olivia has her eye on a certain sophisticated young man of the ton, Hamilton Scott. Hamilton is bored by the match-making mother and the witless young girls being pushed at him, but finds himself oddly attracted to Rebecca’s mysterious companion.

Ellie knows from what she has observed that she and her father are under a spell and curse caused by her step-mother. She doesn’t fully understand it but she senses an urgency to reverse the spell and escape before it is too late. Ellie is delighted to see Ben after seven years apart but she must act with stealth to meet him. She must dare to share her secrets in the hope that he will believe and help her.

Ben is fascinated by magic but knows that it is based on the arts of science and illusion. He finds it hard to believe in curses and spells until strange experiences and revelations begin to make that possibility more real. He and Ellie always promised to be there for each other and he doesn’t want to let this lovely young woman down. He will do everything he can to help her.

This is a lovely, imaginative and creative spin on the Cinderella story. There is a wicked step-mother, a kind, but equally trapped step-sister and a behind the scenes angel or fairy godmother. However the story is more intricate with a curse as a good twist and a love triangle adding conflict and interest. I loved the steampunk and clockwork elements to the story too. The writing has a very nice lyrical bent, with wonderful descriptions. I recommend this to readers who enjoy creative storytelling with good writing, and also to those who enjoy fairy tales with a twist. And of course those who like steampunk and clockwork will like that aspect too.

I received this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.