Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 24, 2012

I am grateful I have peace and trust the ultimate Healer as we have been watching our Dad day by day in ICU. He is getting stronger and although still disoriented, he seems less agitated. We have had a nice family visit with the four of us (two brothers and my sister and me), our stepmom and some of the grandchildren.

I have chosen a video on healing but I cannot get any YouTube to play right now.

Healing Is In Your Hands by Christy Nockels

Songwriters: Daniel Carson, Christy L Nockels, Nathaniel E Nockels, Matthew James Redman, Christopher D Tomlin

No mountain, no valley, no gain or loss we know
could keep us from Your love
No sickness, no secret, no chain is strong enough
to keep us from Your love
to keep us from Your love

How high, how wide
No matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong,
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

Our present, our future, our past is in Your hands
We're covered by Your blood
We're covered by Your blood

How high, How wide
no matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

In all things, we know that.
We are more than conquerors.
You keep us by your love.
You keep us by your love.

Verses for Today

Psalms 103:1-4 NKJV

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Thank you Lord for peace in all circumstances. I pray for healing and peace too for my Dad and peace for all my family members.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Winner of Claimed by Caridad Pineiro

CONGRATULATIONS

to WINNER

Giveaway Ended June 22

The Claimed

SandyJune please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I'll send out the audiobook. Please reply within 72 hours!
Thank you to all who entered.

Sharing Beyond Books #54 Giveaway Comment June 23, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!
I'm still in South Florida but we were pleased that they had Dad sitting up in ICU for the first time in 10 days.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

More fun questions! I welcome William as a new commenter - maybe we can get some male perspective. :-) We all remembered our first user names. William's was work related but I have to admit I love Abby's first user name -Abyssinian, because she loves cats.

Okay - so most of you DO NOT fall asleep while reading - 9 compared to 7 of us who do. At least two others, Linda and Margaret, join me in waking up and grabbing a book. :-) No one else acknowledged that they wake up in the middle of the night and grab a book. Guess I am the odd ball out on that one.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #53 comments is: #9 Jane There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Jane please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, OR pick from the ARC/Review box (New Updated list at the Giveaway Hop) and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #54 Questions

Q1. Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??

A: Well- Never ever is a long time! I don't choose to read much erotica but every once in a while I read one by an author I know online or one I might win. So that is not "never ever". I pretty much do not read menage or GLBT as those are not my thing. Most other genres I will read even if some are only occasional.

Image found at Imbecile Entertainment

Q2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

A: I carry my laptop wherever I go as I use it at work, home and travel. I do have a tablet that I am just growing accustomed to. I do not yet have a smartphone.

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 will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far. Either way - it works for me. :-) The question list is being replenished! Thanks for sending in questions!

Your turn to share:

1. Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??

2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 9 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower;
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three 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 by Friday, June 29, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Whispers II: the Books by Terry Rich Hartley

This is a surprisingly full story in a small package.

Whispers II: The Books

by Terry Rich Hartley

Read By: Nick Landrum
CD Price: $2.99 | Download $1.99
ISBN: 9781611140880
Product Code: MWA0201112D1
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (February 12, 2012)

Available also at: Amazon Kindle
Listening time: approximately 1 hour 10 min.
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Novella
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Description:

Three bodies in a submerged SUV, a yuppie’s suicide, and a pawnbroker’s heart attack seem as unrelated as apples and rocks until unemployed crime reporter Moe Bybee stumbles into a connection. Two books, separated by miles, provide links to what could be the biggest story of Moe’s life, but they also lead him to encounter a cold-blooded bounty hunter with mob connections and dark powers. Ultimately—and unhappily—mild-mannered Moe stands as the only shield between the hunter and his prey, Glenna Whitcome and her Down’s syndrome child, Newt. –Sequel to Terry Rich Hartley’s Whisper.

Review:

This short audio packs a good chilling punch. I was immediately pulled into the story and waiting to find out the connections. It quickly became clear that a certain book was cursed, bringing death to those who opened it and perhaps even to those who only handled it. Then the nature of the book and the history are revealed as Moe, a round bellied, rather unattractive and unemployed reporter begins to chase down the story. Moe discovers a connection to a second book, the mob and a murderous bounty hunter. Moe has a chance to become a hero and redeem his writing career. But will he survive the experience?

The story is crisp and the mystery, humor and suspense is really well done. The narration is excellent. I really liked the fast paced story and the inflection for the characters fit precisely. I would definitely look for more books authored by Terry Rich Hartley and books narrated by Nick Landrum.

If you want a quick chilling suspense listen I recommend you pick this up.

I appreciate receiving this MP3 Download for review from Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

This story is set in Ennis, Montana for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC, New Authors and Audio Challenge lists.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2012

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

I think this is still open so I am still asking for your vote on my Audio love post at Audiobook Community. Here is the link if you get a chance and would be so kind :-):
Thanks Faith Hope Cherrytea for telling me the link was general.
Here is the specific link: (Scroll down below mid page)
http://www.facebook.com/audiobookcommunity?v=app_308816365872891&app_data=entry_id%3D6058046

Thanks for BD wishes for our son and for prayers and caring form my Dad. Dad has been in ICU since Saturday night. Some visits he is alert but others he is disoriented. He is not happy about being in the hospital and stuck in the bed. All we can do is encourage him to get rest and get stronger. I extended my stay in South Florida through this weekend then I will return home. Continued prayers are appreciated.
I think I'll be adding a new group of books in the next week or two.

Thank you to all who entered June 15 Pick. There were FOUR Automatic winners!! :-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
There were four blocked picks but one was won through Random.org

Tore chose Midnight Hour
mamabunny13 chose Forever Victoria
Margaret chose Shades of Grey Audio book - which is actually Shades of Grace
and

Maria chose Cross Country.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from June 15 Pick:

marybelle gets a GC
and welcome to a new entrant who won first time out:

Laceyblossom chose Tender Triumph

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 and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

I hope you are catching the reading wave!
Image found at White Center Blog

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Game Over by Fern Michaels

~~Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock~~

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)

In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott

Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin

~~Cross Country by James Patterson~~

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

~~Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon~~

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

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

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

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

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

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

~~Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught~~

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.

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

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

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone)

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

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 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

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 373 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

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

Pick #4