There were chickens all around the Maui airport!
These were the towel animals the nice room steward left for us.
Elephant
Rabbit
Frog
Mouse with the frog. :-)
Turtle
Hanging Monkey!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Saturday Snapshot (Feb 16, 2013) Few More Pics from Hawaii Cruise
Here are a few more more pictures from our Hawaiian cruise/visit.
To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.
Audio Book Review: Ever After, The Hollows, Book 11 by Rachel Morgan
This latest Rachel Morgan story is absolutely engaging and full of action and intensity.
Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
UNABRIDGED
by Kim Harrison
Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
Series: The Hollows, Book 11
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.
Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.
Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.
Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.
Review:
Rachel is accused by the demons of tearing the ley lines and causing the leakage and shrinkage of the Ever After where the demons live. Rachel has been framed by Ku’Sox, an extremely nasty and powerful demon. The other demons know that Ku’Sox is lying but they all fear him. Ku’Sox claims that he will deliver a cure to the demons through human babies he has been stealing although he really wants to destroy Rachel and the Ever After. Rachel is sentenced to die in four days if she can not fix the lines.
Ku’Sox needs Trent, the Elven business magnate, to help with the chemical research on the babies. Ku’Sox steals Rachel’s Goddaughter -- Trent’s daughter-- Lucy. This puts more pressure on Rachel and Trent to either yield to Ku’Sox or find a way to defeat him.
Rachel begins to fix the lines with the help of her young gargoyle, Biz, and Trent, but Ku’Sox shows up and snatches them away. Rachel has to find a set of paired rings to keep her tethered as she tries to fix the lines. It turns out the pair she can get have a terrible history as slave rings that were once used by the Elves to keep the demons as slaves before the Elf-Demon War. The only way that Ku’Sox is going to be defeated is if Rachel can convince the Elves and demons to work together and if she can trust them not to betray her.
I loved the intensity, in fear and sorrow, of this story. Ms. Harrison’s imagination is wonderfully creative as she develops these plots and interweaves the many species! I liked the increased exposure in this episode to Newt, the ‘crazy’ female demon. This story introduces Biz’ father and a group of flying gargoyles, who are touting Biz as the ‘World Breaker’ and Rachel as his ‘Sword.’ The relationship between Trent and Rachel takes one passionate step forward but two practical steps back leaving the reader to wonder about their future. There are many older characters who are mentioned which helps to fill out some of the backstory. I enjoyed these bits of memory lane, but I did feel there were several unnecessary repetitions summarizing the current problems that Rachel was facing. The action wrapped me to a point where I didn’t want to put the book (or MP3 player) away.
If you are already a Hollows fan I think you will want to grab this latest book. If you haven’t read the series yet, I encourage you to start at the beginning and enjoy getting caught up.
Audio Notes: Once again Marguerite Gavin does a great job with the different voices and the emotional inflections. The accents range from Pixie high (Jenks) to base low (the gargoyles), New York to British. It surprises me how seamlessly Ms. Gavin makes the shifts from one voice to another. I get caught up and love listening.
Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11
UNABRIDGED
by Kim Harrison
Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
Series: The Hollows, Book 11
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 18 hours and 36 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Blackstone Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: January 22, 2013
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.
Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.
Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.
Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.
Review:
Rachel is accused by the demons of tearing the ley lines and causing the leakage and shrinkage of the Ever After where the demons live. Rachel has been framed by Ku’Sox, an extremely nasty and powerful demon. The other demons know that Ku’Sox is lying but they all fear him. Ku’Sox claims that he will deliver a cure to the demons through human babies he has been stealing although he really wants to destroy Rachel and the Ever After. Rachel is sentenced to die in four days if she can not fix the lines.
Ku’Sox needs Trent, the Elven business magnate, to help with the chemical research on the babies. Ku’Sox steals Rachel’s Goddaughter -- Trent’s daughter-- Lucy. This puts more pressure on Rachel and Trent to either yield to Ku’Sox or find a way to defeat him.
Rachel begins to fix the lines with the help of her young gargoyle, Biz, and Trent, but Ku’Sox shows up and snatches them away. Rachel has to find a set of paired rings to keep her tethered as she tries to fix the lines. It turns out the pair she can get have a terrible history as slave rings that were once used by the Elves to keep the demons as slaves before the Elf-Demon War. The only way that Ku’Sox is going to be defeated is if Rachel can convince the Elves and demons to work together and if she can trust them not to betray her.
I loved the intensity, in fear and sorrow, of this story. Ms. Harrison’s imagination is wonderfully creative as she develops these plots and interweaves the many species! I liked the increased exposure in this episode to Newt, the ‘crazy’ female demon. This story introduces Biz’ father and a group of flying gargoyles, who are touting Biz as the ‘World Breaker’ and Rachel as his ‘Sword.’ The relationship between Trent and Rachel takes one passionate step forward but two practical steps back leaving the reader to wonder about their future. There are many older characters who are mentioned which helps to fill out some of the backstory. I enjoyed these bits of memory lane, but I did feel there were several unnecessary repetitions summarizing the current problems that Rachel was facing. The action wrapped me to a point where I didn’t want to put the book (or MP3 player) away.
If you are already a Hollows fan I think you will want to grab this latest book. If you haven’t read the series yet, I encourage you to start at the beginning and enjoy getting caught up.
I was glad to get this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox!
Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 15, 2013
[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome! Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
Happy Friday and Hi! Did everyone have a lovely Valentine week? My week went from no appointments to covering hearings every day in other towns. I enjoy the drive time as I get to listen to books but it has cut into other plans. *Sigh* Always mixed blessings. :-)
Check out the the New Book Group #36 below!
[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]
Thank you to all who entered the February 8 Pick. Woo Hoo! Four automatic winners this week! (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were four titles blocked this week.
Carol M chose Mrs. Mallory and Silent Killer
Louisa chose The Captain's Woman
bn100 chose Lady Beware
and
Emily chose Mistress (Audio Cassettes)
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.
New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013
Pairs:
Laurell K. Hamilton
Cravings (actually an Anthology) and A Kiss of Shadows
Tara Taylor Quinn
Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Deadline by Fern Michaels
Timeline by Michael Crichton
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
Echoes by Maeve Binchy (worn spine)
One Dead Under the Cukoo's Nest by Lori Avocato
The Thunder Keeper by Margaret Coel
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Pairs
Beverly Barton:
Downright Dangerous and What She Doesn't Know
Heather Graham Pozzessere
Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Flashpoint by Linda Barnes
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Lady Beware by Fayrene Preston
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly ??? checking postage
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Pairs:
Fern Michaels
Payback and Full Me Once
Luanne Rice
Silver Bells (spine wear) and True Blue
Janet Evanovich
Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Singles:
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*Mrs Mallory and the Silent Killer by Hazel Holt
New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
PAIRS:
Dick Francis:
10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international)
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner (slight spine creasing)
New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell
New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes
*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown
New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force
New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)
Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts
Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton
New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)
New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)
New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
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---(All gone)
New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels)
by Carol O'Connell
May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck
by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes
3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors
- audio tapes
*Note of Peril
(black strip on cover)
2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).
I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:
If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.
I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)
I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 477 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 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)
Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....
Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!
Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!
1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)
12/3/10 Book Set: #16
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! ---(All gone)
Pearl Beyond Price
by Claire Delacroix
Group #12---(All gone)
Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain
List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Pick #2---(All gone)
Pick #3---(All gone)
Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
Pick #6---(All gone)
Pick #7
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
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes
Pick #10---(All Gone)
Happy Friday and Hi! Did everyone have a lovely Valentine week? My week went from no appointments to covering hearings every day in other towns. I enjoy the drive time as I get to listen to books but it has cut into other plans. *Sigh* Always mixed blessings. :-)
Check out the the New Book Group #36 below!
[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]
Thank you to all who entered the February 8 Pick. Woo Hoo! Four automatic winners this week! (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were four titles blocked this week.
Carol M chose Mrs. Mallory and Silent Killer
Louisa chose The Captain's Woman
bn100 chose Lady Beware
and
Emily chose Mistress (Audio Cassettes)
CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 8 Pick:
to Random.org picked Winners from February 8 Pick:
Rubynreba wins Calculated Revenge.
veRONIca - I'll check mail cost on Married to His Business but it may be 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 and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.
New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013
Laurell K. Hamilton
Cravings (actually an Anthology) and A Kiss of Shadows
Tara Taylor Quinn
Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Deadline by Fern Michaels
Timeline by Michael Crichton
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
Echoes by Maeve Binchy (worn spine)
One Dead Under the Cukoo's Nest by Lori Avocato
The Thunder Keeper by Margaret Coel
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Pairs
Heather Graham Pozzessere
Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly ??? checking postage
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Pairs:
Janet Evanovich
Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Singles:
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Dick Francis:
10 LB Penalty and Risk
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international)
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner (slight spine creasing)
New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell
New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force
New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)
New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)
New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)
New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels)
by Carol O'Connell May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck
by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors
- audio tapes*Note of Peril
(black strip on cover)2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).
I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:
If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.
I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)
I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 477 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:
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....
Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!
Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!
1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)
12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
by Dan BrownList #15---(All gone)
List #14---(All gone)
Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)
by Claire DelacroixGroup #12---(All gone)
Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain
List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Pick #2---(All gone)
Pick #3---(All gone)
Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
Pick #6---(All gone)
Pick #7
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
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes
Pick #10---(All Gone)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Scavenger Hunt Stop and Book Review: Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brustetter
This is the beginning of a serial novel so it is not the complete story.
Review:
Luke Stoltzfus is struggling with having lost his craftsman's job and being unable to find a new job in his community. He is sensitive and moody and his young wife, Meredith, is frustrated as they are not communicating well. Meredith worries as she thinks she may be pregnant but she doesn’t want to stress Luke more.
Then Luke’s uncle invites him to come to Indiana to learn the trade of engraving headstones. Luke will have to invest a good portion of their dwindling savings to buy the equipment but it would give him a skill and a career to secure their future. Although everyone else in the family is excited and supportive of the opportunity, Meredith has reservations. She particularly isn’t comfortable with Luke having to travel to Indiana during bad snow storms.
The day arrives and Luke heads out on the bus to Philadelphia where he will switch buses. Unfortunately the storm is moving in from the west and Luke may be heading straight into it. Before he can face that danger, a rather naive Luke has a very bad encounter with a drug addict. What SEEMED like a God given opportunity to improve his life turns out to be a horrific experience. Meanwhile Merrie is feeling lonely at home waiting for a call to reassure her that Luke has arrived safely.
I enjoyed the characters, the lovely descriptions and Luke's pet dog. The financial struggles and resulting friction between the newlyweds are circumstances that many can relate to and I found it interesting in the Amish setting. I was rather surprised by the stubbornness, pride and worry of the couple as these attitudes don't fit my expectations of the Amish. It is also interesting how Ms. Brunstetter presents the background and mind set of the drug addict.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is sweet and dear but a very light level read. At times I felt it was written for younger readers, still it was enjoyable. I would be interested to try a full novel by Ms. Brunstetter to see if the writing is the same style.
I didn’t particularly mind the cliffhanger ending but I am not sure I am in favor of spreading a book of this nature over six short novellas, especially considering the price to get the full set. If you like Amish stories with real life issues you might want to try this sweet read.
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.
All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Make a visit to Ms. Brunstetter's website and you just might hear something surprising!
It's my turn and honor to share in the fun of the Discovery Saga online scavenger hunt! For full details on the hunt and how you can participate (and possibly win an amazon Kindle) please go to Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt. Remember that the clues can be found in the ten blog reviews by finding the word that is in all capital letters.
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
- Paperback: 128 pages
- Publisher: Barbour Books (February 5, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1616260858
- ISBN-13: 978-1616260859
Genre: Amish Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Release date: February 5, 2013 | Series: The Discovery - A Lancaster County Saga (Book 1)
Join Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. Financial struggles. Arguments. A suspected pregnancy. A last-minute trip to South Bend, Indiana. A drug addict on the run. A deadly encounter at a Philadelphia bus station. Will their love and faith be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?
Review:
Luke Stoltzfus is struggling with having lost his craftsman's job and being unable to find a new job in his community. He is sensitive and moody and his young wife, Meredith, is frustrated as they are not communicating well. Meredith worries as she thinks she may be pregnant but she doesn’t want to stress Luke more.
Then Luke’s uncle invites him to come to Indiana to learn the trade of engraving headstones. Luke will have to invest a good portion of their dwindling savings to buy the equipment but it would give him a skill and a career to secure their future. Although everyone else in the family is excited and supportive of the opportunity, Meredith has reservations. She particularly isn’t comfortable with Luke having to travel to Indiana during bad snow storms.
The day arrives and Luke heads out on the bus to Philadelphia where he will switch buses. Unfortunately the storm is moving in from the west and Luke may be heading straight into it. Before he can face that danger, a rather naive Luke has a very bad encounter with a drug addict. What SEEMED like a God given opportunity to improve his life turns out to be a horrific experience. Meanwhile Merrie is feeling lonely at home waiting for a call to reassure her that Luke has arrived safely.
I enjoyed the characters, the lovely descriptions and Luke's pet dog. The financial struggles and resulting friction between the newlyweds are circumstances that many can relate to and I found it interesting in the Amish setting. I was rather surprised by the stubbornness, pride and worry of the couple as these attitudes don't fit my expectations of the Amish. It is also interesting how Ms. Brunstetter presents the background and mind set of the drug addict.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is sweet and dear but a very light level read. At times I felt it was written for younger readers, still it was enjoyable. I would be interested to try a full novel by Ms. Brunstetter to see if the writing is the same style.
I didn’t particularly mind the cliffhanger ending but I am not sure I am in favor of spreading a book of this nature over six short novellas, especially considering the price to get the full set. If you like Amish stories with real life issues you might want to try this sweet read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A passage I particularly like:Meredith smiled and felt herself relax. God’s Word always had a way of speaking to her just when she needed it most. Page 103.
I hope everyone has been having a great time following the clues.
Okay, Discovery Saga scavenger hunters—the FINAL clue will be posted tomorrow at: Http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com
GOOD LUCK!
Let your friends know about the hunt and invite them to join us while there is still time.
I received this book from the author through Handlebar Publishing for an honest review.
About the Author..
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.
All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Make a visit to Ms. Brunstetter's website and you just might hear something surprising!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Book Review: The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on The Lam by Juliet Rosetti
Outrageous escapades make this story a delightful reading escape!
The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.
Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.
Review:
Mazie Maguire was a high school music teacher when she was swept off her feet by a gorgeous, wealthy, socialite, Kip Vonnerjohn. Overwhelmed by the life of the rich and famous and blinded by immature hero worship of the suave man, nine years her senior, Mazie agreed to marry the charmer before she realized his proclivities toward idleness and women. She also hadn’t met his social queen of a mother who hates everything 'low life' about Mazie and will later send her poison cookies in prison! Vengeful Vanessa cut off the purse strings as soon as Kip married Mazie and things headed into trouble from there.
Mazie is accused of killing her philandering husband who was serving divorce papers. Although Mazie slept through the event, supposedly she was caught doing the crime by a nanny camera. The trial was pretty swift and Mazie ended up with a life sentence in Taycheedah prison.
A freak tornado hits while Mazie is in the garden and she leaps at the unexpected chance to escape. Mazie goes through some horrendous, but funny, scenarios as she stumbles one step ahead of the dogs and the Federal Marshall. Just as they catch up to her she jumps into a manure pile to slip away again. Mazie hides in a journalist’s van until the big tough driver coaxes her out and forces her into a bathtub. Mazie soon finds herself telling her tale to Labeck who believes that she was framed.
They break into her mother-in-law’s home to get the video tape that convicted her. Too bad Vanessa had laid a trap and Mazie barely escapes electrocution. Mazie runs again taking Muffin, one of Vanessa’s pampered and ill tempered shih tzu-bichon frise pets, with her.
Mazie doesn’t know who to trust but thinks she has one person she can count one. As Mazie is running from the Feds, her crazed mother-in-law and a relentless killer, she discovers that she has become a super-star escapee in the eyes of the public. It will take several more near death experiences before Mazie gets some help from two enamored teen boys and learns who her real friends are.
This story is laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are brash and zany. There is a totally sassy and irreverent tone to the writing that is different but fun. The escapades that Mazie goes through are almost beyond belief but clearly Ms. Rosetti has a wickedly wild imagination. My final note on this book is: “hilarious!” If you’re ready for a mystery with a whole lot of laughter treat yourself to this fun escape.
The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti
- File Size: 2019 KB
- Print Length: 316 pages
- Publisher: Loveswept (December 10, 2012)
- Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B008ENAWJ4
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.
Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.
Review:
Mazie Maguire was a high school music teacher when she was swept off her feet by a gorgeous, wealthy, socialite, Kip Vonnerjohn. Overwhelmed by the life of the rich and famous and blinded by immature hero worship of the suave man, nine years her senior, Mazie agreed to marry the charmer before she realized his proclivities toward idleness and women. She also hadn’t met his social queen of a mother who hates everything 'low life' about Mazie and will later send her poison cookies in prison! Vengeful Vanessa cut off the purse strings as soon as Kip married Mazie and things headed into trouble from there.
Mazie is accused of killing her philandering husband who was serving divorce papers. Although Mazie slept through the event, supposedly she was caught doing the crime by a nanny camera. The trial was pretty swift and Mazie ended up with a life sentence in Taycheedah prison.
A freak tornado hits while Mazie is in the garden and she leaps at the unexpected chance to escape. Mazie goes through some horrendous, but funny, scenarios as she stumbles one step ahead of the dogs and the Federal Marshall. Just as they catch up to her she jumps into a manure pile to slip away again. Mazie hides in a journalist’s van until the big tough driver coaxes her out and forces her into a bathtub. Mazie soon finds herself telling her tale to Labeck who believes that she was framed.
They break into her mother-in-law’s home to get the video tape that convicted her. Too bad Vanessa had laid a trap and Mazie barely escapes electrocution. Mazie runs again taking Muffin, one of Vanessa’s pampered and ill tempered shih tzu-bichon frise pets, with her.
Mazie doesn’t know who to trust but thinks she has one person she can count one. As Mazie is running from the Feds, her crazed mother-in-law and a relentless killer, she discovers that she has become a super-star escapee in the eyes of the public. It will take several more near death experiences before Mazie gets some help from two enamored teen boys and learns who her real friends are.
This story is laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are brash and zany. There is a totally sassy and irreverent tone to the writing that is different but fun. The escapades that Mazie goes through are almost beyond belief but clearly Ms. Rosetti has a wickedly wild imagination. My final note on this book is: “hilarious!” If you’re ready for a mystery with a whole lot of laughter treat yourself to this fun escape.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mazie and Labeck have trust issues:“Move a single eyeball toward that knife block,” he growled, “and I tie you to that chair.” Location 1261.A description of Vanessa’s little dogs:
...suddenly a tide of snarling fur balls engulfed us, growling, snapping and clearly stating in dog language: We’re going to tear you to kibble and gnaw your ears like they’re dried apricots. These were the fiends from hell. Location 1578.
I received this eBook from Random House Digital, through NetGalley, for an honest review.
This story is set in Wisconsin for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.
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