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Saturday, August 3, 2013

Audible Book Review: The Overton Window by Glenn Beck

I found this to be a great, thrilling listen.
The Overton Window
    by Glenn Beck
    Narrated by James Daniels
LENGTH    8 hrs and 43 mins
RELEASE DATE    06-15-10
PUBLISHER    Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating:4.75 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
A plan to destroy America, a hundred years in the making, is about to be unleashed...can it be stopped?

There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country.

For Noah Gardner, a 20-something public relations executive, it's safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world's problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country.

But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future - but Noah, convinced they're just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn't interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause.

And then the world changes.

An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don't know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact - or, more important, which side to fight for.

But for Noah, the choice is clear: Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.

After five back-to-back number-one New York Times best sellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain - with twists and revelations no one will see coming.


Review:
Noah Gardner is a lackluster son of a highly powerful, political puppet master, Arthur Gardner. Noah doesn’t invest emotionally in any of the ambitious projects or politics of his daily work at the prestigious public relations firm, Doyle and Merchant. He does enjoy the playboy lifestyle afforded by his father’s position and money. One afternoon his attention is captured by an alluring young woman in the office even though she rebuffs him with disinterest.

Noah pursues her by following her to a rally supporting the American Constitution. Molly Ross continues to intrigue him with her disdain as well as her passion for the cause of American freedom. She is part of a group, similar to a Tea Party, known as the Founder’s Keepers, who profess to seek peaceable change. When the rally turns violent many of the attendees are taken to jail. Noah insists that there was a plant who instigated the violence and when that truth appears to be close to being revealed to the public most of the rally attendees are released with a little help from Noah’s father and attorney.

Noah is further embroiled in Molly’s schemes to gain access and information from his father’s computers. They learn that Arthur Gardner and his firm are part of a group of elite power brokers who are seeking to bring about a one world government. They will use money, power, manipulation, bribery, coercion, and whatever other means necessary to achieve their goal. Molly (and the reader) learn of a tool known as “the Overton Window” which measures public opinion. This tool allows the monied powers to manipulate public opinion by setting up events that slowly push the boundaries of public acceptance closer and closer to the desired controls sought by the puppet masters.

Noah is kidnapped and it becomes clear that Molly used him from the outset. Yet he thinks there was more between them than the obvious lies. Noah again seeks to help Molly as a nefarious terrorist plot slowly unfolds. A horrible act of violence that is being arranged by the puppet masters but will be blamed on Molly’s group.

The beginning was a bit slow as I wondered at the detailed descriptions of Noah’s obsessive interest in Molly. However that is understandable as the plot progresses. After an hour or two in I was glued to listening to this story until it finished. I was impressed with the writing skills as well as the characterization and plot. All of the elements reveal the extreme intelligence of the author – regardless of what one might think of his political and religious views. Does it contain a message on politics and religion? Yes - clearly on politics and subtly on religion. Is it a good thriller? Absolutely.

Beck starts the book with a preface that declares the work to be in the nature of “faction” – a fictional story woven around facts. The story presents a present day situation that should open eyes and make each of us look at the circumstances around us to see if we can really discern truth from intentionally manipulated PR. I loved the story and am anxious to begin the next book, The Eye of Molech, which I am reviewing for Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Notes: This story was good on its own but the narration enhanced my enjoyment and made it move much more quickly than if I had read a print or ebook version. James Daniels does a really good job keying into the character personalities. I will look for other works narrated by Mr. Daniels.

Mr. Beck quotes several treatices on freedom and government in the story. One that I think is particularly appropriate is:
The most basic question is not what is best, but who shall decide what is best.
Thomas Sowell
This audio was from my Audible library.

Saturday Snapshot August 3, 2013 - A Strutting Heron

One early evening a month ago I was driving into our community and was startle to see this feathered beauty outside my window. I learned something new when I researched to make sure if this was an egret or a white heron. Apparently they are two names for the same bird.

These pictures were taken from my car window.
I hurriedly pulled a bit to the side and stopped to grab my camera.
Here is the heron across the other side of the road.
Too bad it looks further away then it was.


After looking at me for a moment or two it started to strut away.


I had to hurry to get in one more shot.



Once again the week slipped away from me with no visiting.
This Saturday morning I am determined to get around to see what's up with other blog friends.
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.


A big Thank You to Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility.

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 being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. 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.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Audio Book Review: Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande by Michael Coorlim

This is another quick, easy listen with a brutal mystery to be solved.

by Michael Coorlim
Narrated by Wayne Farrell
    LENGTH    55 mins
    RELEASE DATE    05-15-13
    PUBLISHER    Michael Coorlim

Genre: Steampunk Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
The Bartleby and James Adventures steampunk mystery series follows the cases of consulting detectives Anton Bartleby and James Wainwright through an alternate Victorian history. Their latest adventure takes them high above the greatest city in the world.

Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner, Alton Bartleby, can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.

Who are Bartleby and James?
Alton Bartleby is a social savant, the scion of a once pround and noble bloodline, working to restore his family's name. James Wainwright is a brilliant engineer and inventor. Together they take on the cases that Scottland Yard cannot or will not handle.


Review:
Inventor and engineer James Wainwright is accused of murder when he stumbles on a dead body on the maiden voyage of the new American airship, the Rio Grande. He is facing an antagonistic interrogation when his sophisticated and detailed oriented partner, Alton Bartleby, steps in to rescue him. They convince the Captain that James is innocent and they offer to locate the real killer.

They have to determine cause of death, opportunity and motive. James and Bartleby set off by examining the corpse and the scene of the crime. They proceed with interviewing passengers and crew. They determine that the brutal murder involved a theft. The ship is using a new propulsion system which is touted as the latest and greatest but apparently the crucial mechanism that keeps the large ship balanced has been removed!

The deceased was a well liked crewmember with no obvious enemies, however the airship owner’s biggest competitor is on board and would love the chance to “sink” the ship. The suspects also include an estranged son and bitter wife. The biggest problem is that unless James can jerry-rig a fix the ship will roll and explode causing damage to the vessel and the city below. James and Bartleby race against time to solve the murder mystery and fix the ship before they all go down in flames.

I really enjoyed the step by step investigation as described by James. This is an inexpensive purchase for an hour of fun listening!

Audio Notes: As with the first book, Wayne Farrell presents the story with perfect British hauteur and aplomb. He handles the American accents well too. I hope there will be more brisk adventures written by Mr. Coorlim and read by Mr. Farrell.

I received this Audible download to provide an honest review for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes eReaders and More Giveaways in August!

I'm sharing this news in from Sourcebooks:
 
All month long, Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes are going a little crazy with giveaways in honor of her latest Scottish Victorian Romance: ONCE UPON A TARTAN. It officially hits stores next Tuesday, but we’re getting things started August 1, which will start a full month of all things tartan and chances to win some great prizes.

Additionally—this week, The Bridegroom Wore Plaid is FREE in the iBookstore, as Apple’s Book of the Week. This price is also being matched at other online retailers (this is for the eBook only), and will only last until August 5. The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012 in the romance category, and is the first book in Grace’s MacGregor Series.
 
THE ONCE UPON A TARTAN eREADER EXTRAVAGANZA!
For the first two weeks of August, Grace Burrowes is giving away one brand new eReader per day! That’s 10 eReaders, 10 Blogs, a different giveaway each day during the work week, August 5-9 and 12-16! Grace is giving away:
·         Four Kindle Paperwhite 3Gs
·         Four Nook HDs
·         One Nook Color
·         One iPad

Check the full schedule below to find out where you can enter to win your very own eReader (Open to US and Canada only)!

THE MACGREGOR SERIES PRINT BOOK GIVEAWAYS
Digital Reading not your thing? For the entire MONTH of August, each day (during the work week) a different blog will host a giveaway of print copies of The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan! This is a great opportunity for a chance to start the series from the beginning, and win two books (open to US and Canada only). The full schedule is below!

We are so looking forward to celebrating the release of this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author’s new book—we hope to see you along the way!

The Once Upon a Tartan eReader Extravaganza Schedule
8/5 RTBookReviews.com: Kindle Paperwhite
8/6 All About Romance: Nook HD
8/7 Delighted Reader: Kindle Paperwhite
8/8 Night Owl Reviews: Nook HD
8/9 Book Lovers Inc.: Kindle Paperwhite
Weekend
8/12 Discover a New Love: Nook Color
8/13 Book Savvy Babe: Nook HD
8/14 Jaunty Quills: Kindle Paperwhite
8/15 Fresh Fiction: Nook HD
8/16 Her Grace Notes: iPad

The MacGregor Series Print Book Giveaway Schedule
8/2 RomFan Reviews     
weekend                             
weekend                             
weekend                             
weekend                             

ONCE UPON A TARTAN BY GRACE BURROWES – IN STORES AUGUST 2013
Honor or happiness—he can’t have both.

Tiberius Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways--no matter how handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.

Tiberius's haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester's fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.

Praise for Once Upon a Tartan:
“Burrowes creates a powerful story replete with heartfelt emotion and rich characterization... An instant keeper.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars, Top Pick of the Month
“Expert prose, likeable characters, realistic relationships, and believable complications create a pleasant and satisfying keeper.” —Publishers Weekly
“Warmth, sensuality, and humor infuse Burrowes’ writing, and fans of Suzanne Enoch and Sarah MacLean should enjoy this series.” —Booklist
“Grace Burrowes weaves her magic with words... a memorable love story—excellent and exquisite.” — A Long and Short Reviews Best Book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is the author of the acclaimed Windham Family Series, The MacGregor Trilogy and The Lonely Lords Series. Her debut novel, The Heir (2010), as well as The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012) were both included as Publishers Weekly Best Books of their respective years, in the romance category. A practicing attorney specializing in family law, Grace lives in rural Maryland, where she is working on the final book in the Windham series, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait (October 2013) and third MacGregor story, The MacGregor’s Lady (February 2014), and many more books. Visit her website at www.graceburrowes.com for more information about all of her books, exclusive extras and her lively blog.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 2, 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 Friends!! And Happy August! I hope you are getting in some nice summer time before having to head back to school! Take a look at the new group of books today.

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the July 26 Pick. There were no Automatic wins this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Once again there were three blocked titles - one selected by several people.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 26 Pick:

Carol L gets While Passion Sleeps 
Victoria gets Caitlin's Guardian Angel

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. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Ahhh--- relaxing with a book --- so fine
Image found at The Star/Entertainment.

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013
Pairs:
Jude Deveraux
    Return to Summerhouse and Twin of Fire
Mariah Stewart
    Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Singles:
The Shadowed Heart by Nina Beaumont
Hannah by Lori Copeland
My Lady Midnight by Laurie Grant
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
The Door to December by Dean Koontz
Heart of the Storm by Lindsay McKenna
Crucfixtion River by Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013
Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.


Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
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.

To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013
Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe



New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 
Pairs
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!

*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland



New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

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


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)


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 (postage too much - replaced with GC)

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)

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 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! (as of 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 530 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

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--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

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)

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