Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour January 30 - February 8

I finished Midnight Reckoning and am engaged by Firelight - good books! Visit here next Wednesday 2/1 for reviews, Q&A and chance to win both books!

Here is the full tour list:
          Blog URL                        Posting Date    
My Book Addiction and More    1/30/2011 with Q&A
http://www.lovetoreadforfun.com    1/30/2011
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com    1/30/2011
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/    1/30/2011
http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com    1/30/2011
http://www.thebookgirl.net    1/30/2011
http://www.justanothernewblog.com    1/30/2011
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com    1/31/2011 with Q&A
rexrobotreviews.com    1/31/2011
www.boekiesbookreviews.com    1/31/2011
http://krazybooklady.blogspot.com    1/31/2011
http://gimmethescoopreviews.blogspot.com/    1/31/2011
http://www.seducedbyabook.com/    2/1/2011 with Q&A
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/    2/1/2011 with Q&A
http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com    2/2/2011
http://bookofsecretsblog.com    2/2/2011
http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com/    2/2/2011
http://dreyslibrary.com    2/2/2011
Novelreaction.com    2/2/2011
http://romancingrakes.blogspot.com    2/4/2011
http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/    2/5/2011
http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com    2/5/2011
hangingwithbells.com    2/6/2011
www.sosaloha.blogspot.com    2/6/2011
http://www.book-obsessed.com    2/6/2011
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/    2/7/2011
http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com    2/7/2011
http://kimberlysbookshelf.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011
www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com    2/8/2011
mothergamerwriter.com    2/8/2011
www.marygramlich.blogspot.com    2/8/2011 with Q&A
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com    2/8/2011
http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011
http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/    2/8/2011
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/    2/8/2011

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 27, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

Whew! I have had such a week. I looked up tonight and WOW - it was Thursday already!
Thank you to all who entered January 20 Pick.  There were FOUR Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
Way to Go!!
Carol M asked for Blackwater Sound for 4 weeks with no blocks.
mamabunny13 asked for The Marshall Takes a Bride for 4 weeks with no blocks.
lag123 asked for After Dark for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Lieder asked for The Shattered Rose for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 20 Pick:

Jane chose Swear by the Moon

Birgit 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 or sexy +plus - I am still low on just sweet. 

It feels like time is flying.
Maybe a book clock would help!
Found at The Bookshelf

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Thinner by Stephen King

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown  

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart 

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)

The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver

Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery

The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell

Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook

Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I  posted 24 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (Nov 2011)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 303 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17

Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Demon Does it Better by Linda Wisdom

This is fast paced and great fun!

A Demon Does it Better

by Linda Wisdom

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402236727
• ISBN-13: 978-1402236723

      Genre: Paranormal Romance
      My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
 

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
A MADHOUSE IS NO PLACE FOR A CURIOUS WITCH...
After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked his happening. Patients are disappearing, and Lil wants to know why.
AND DOUBLY DANGEROUS FOR A DEMON...
Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all-a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What's behind the gorgeous chameleon demon's late-night escapades?
Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other-and creating a whole new kind of magic.

Review:
Lili is a lively witch Doctor - as in healer.  She has returned to the San Francisco hospital where she worked years before to try to find out why one of her good friends disappeared. Lili is to work closely with the insane patients in the Asylum. The hospital is designed for supernatural beings and the upper floors are well maintained and bright under the command of a dragon of a nurse - literally - she’s a tough dragon shifter. Unfortunately the wizard doctor in charge of the mental Asylum has left that area like a dungeon. 

Jared is one of the patients kept in the dark. He is a demon who once massacred a pack of vampires, getting him banned from his own clan as too dangerous.  The guard trolls love to rough him up. Lili wants to help all of the patients but especially Jared. There is torture going on and a locked lab that Lili must investigate.

Jared is a shadow demon and uses the shadows to sneak out and visit Lili.  She knows it is unprofessional to date a patient but Lili can’t help but be drawn to Jared. When he visits her he is clean, kind, charming, funny and darkly sexy. And he is astounded that she treats him as 'human.'

These are two really warm and likeable characters.  There’s also a snarky side kick cat, Cleo, and lots of other supernatural beings. There is mystery, tension and courting leading up to a sweet but sexy romance which comes along at an appropriate distance in the book blending into the action of the story.  The writing flow is easy and makes a good package with the fast action, humor and warm romance. I have wanted to read the Hexed series by this author but haven’t had the chance yet. I am so glad I read this and now I want to read her books even more.

Here is an example of the snarky humor:
When staying out of the way of her cat’s claws, Lili says:  “...been there, done that, treated the scratches.”

This book is set in San Francisco, CA  for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author and ARC challenge lists.


TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there.  This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 4. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow

I highly recommend this book!

Deeper Water (Tides of Truth Series, Book 1)

by Robert Whitlow

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595541322
• ISBN-13: 978-1595541321

 Genre:  Christian Fiction
My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2008

The Tides of Truth novels follow one lawyer's passionate pursuit of truth in matters of life and the law.

In the murky waters of Savannah's shoreline, a young law student is under fire as she tries her first case at a prominent and established law firm. A complex mix of betrayal and deception quickly weaves its way through the case and her life, as she uncovers dark and confusing secrets about the man she's defending--and the senior partners of the firm.

How deep will the conspiracy run? Will she have to abandon her true self to fulfill a higher calling? And how far will she have to go to discover the truth behind a tragic cold case?

Review:
My notes on completing this book: Wow! Slow start but picks up; easy reading, awesome and unique plotline; engaging warmth and deep faith.

The book opens upon the scene of an elderly black man poling his aluminum johnboat in the deep marshy waters of a Savannah river. Moses is fishing in the dark of night and he is distressed by the faces he sees in the water that apparently bring old memories he would rather hide from.  The reader won’t know for a bit how Moses ties in to the story of the main protagonist, a young law student, but all will become clear soon enough.

Tammy Lynn is a second year law student who is able to secure a summer internship with a prestigious law firm in Savannah. This is a wonderful but scary opportunity. Tammy Lynn  has been raised in a close knit, deeply religious and conservative family. She has been home schooled and her first real experiences outside of her small home community have been as a student at the University of Georgia.  She has not made lots of friends at school because she is rather clearly different:  she never wears pants, she doesn’t date, drink or party. 

Tammy Lynn secretly sent her resumes out under the name of “Tami”. Although she doesn’t
mean any disrespect to her parents it appears to be a step into another phase of life. She will not be going to Savannah without the approval of her parents and without a clear answer from God to their, and her own, prayers.  That is how the family operates in life. God is their guide in all decisions and they do not rush, but wait until they have an answer.

There is so much that goes on in this story as Tami is challenged at work and in social and personal situations. She meets many people who are clearly different from her upbringing.  Her convictions are constantly bombarded.  The other female intern is Jewish and although not orthodox, she has cousins who are.  Julie challenges Tami’s boundaries but she also respects her convictions.

The third intern is a young man, Vince, from Yale.  He is serious, brilliant and a Christian, albeit a more mainstream Christian.  Then there is the law associate who is to mentor her, Zach. She discovers that he was raised in a Christian communal group in California.

Both Zach and Vince show interest in Tami so in addition to being given new challenges at work she also faces the new situation of ‘dating’ or for her it is more like old fashioned ‘stepping out’ to get to know each other better. But first she must seek her parent’s approval.

Meanwhile, one of her work assignments is developing into a mystery that may involve senior members of her own firm. Who can she trust to help her? Is she willing to risk her future career chances if she stands firm to protect a client against what she views as a conflict with the firm?

Of course I like that this book and series are about a law student and include scenes in law firms and court - I felt pretty much at home.  I liked the easy writing style and the plot flow that makes it clear there can be other stories with these characters. I particularly like that this story is steeped in faith.  It is not religious dressing or preachy but it is full of relational depth where Tami and her family rely upon God for direction in all things. This story concludes the criminal mystery but the relational issues are open to move on to the next story!

Our ladies book group all loved this book and one friend had already started the second in the series before we met. There is a study guide at the back to help deepen group discussions.

This book is set in Georgia  for my Where Are You Reading challenge; it will also go on my New Author challenge list.

I have two new books from our group reading - a couple of us end up reading on Kindle or Nook.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the print book - Two Winners:

1. Visit the author site and tell me something of interest you found there.  This is required for entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 4. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Hounded:The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne

This is a fun and engaging listen.
Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

UNABRIDGED

by Kevin Hearne

Narrated by Luke Daniels

 Genre: Fantasy
 My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0


 

Publisher's Summary

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review:  This is fast paced with good action.
Atticus tells the tale explaining his history and introducing some friends and enemies.  His friends include his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, with whom he speaks telepathically.  The dog is a fun character and his voice and narrow minded focus reminded me of the dog in the movie UP.  Atticus’ friends also include his lawyers (I know that’s surprising but he is a good client), who consist of a werewolf pack and a vampire who is available at night. Then there is Morrigan, the Chooser of the Slain, who shows up as a large crow.  It’s not quite clear if she is friend or foe although she has promised not to come for Atticus as long as he keeps annoying his long time enemy Aenghus Og, a petty and power hungry Celtic god.

Many centuries ago Atticus’ left a battle with a magical sword and Aenghus wants the power the sword would give him. Morrigan, and others, begin to visit to warn Atticus that, after all these years, Aenghus has located him and is determined to get the sword. The attacks start with Atticus battling a few faeries who have been sent to assassinate him. Then he and Oberon get threatened by a park ranger and police while hunting with the Huntress goddess.  With each fight we learn more of Atticus’ defenses and secrets.

A local witch coven joins the melee and again it isn’t clear if they are friend or foe. When Oberon and one of the wolfpack lawyers are kidnapped Atticus’ recruits backup from some other strange friends, including a powerful witch trapped in the body of a friendly barmaid. Although friends are there to help in the rescue, this time Atticus must face Aenghus one on one and death's messenger is standing by waiting for one of them.

I like Atticus as a character. Even though he is a powerful druid who has lived for thousands of years he is not obnoxiously arrogant like some of the ‘god’ characters. I enjoyed the fast paced action, the variety of characters and the mixed relationships. The narrator did a great job with the different voices, some humor and lots of tension.  I look forward to listening to more books in this series.

I picked this up at Audible based on high ratings and positive reviews.
I'll be linking this to Arizona for my Where are you Reading map and it will be added to my Audio, New Author and Just for Fun Challenges.