Book Review, Song Inspiration and Giveaway Link: Shrouded by Frances Pauli

This is a marvelous Sci Fi romance full of action and intrigue!
Shrouded
by Frances Pauli

• File Size: 710 KB
• Print Length: 203 pages
• Publisher: Zharmae; First Edition edition (November 20, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00GTB3IO4

Genre: Sci Fi Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

Review:
Vashia is the daughter of a powerful, uncaring planetary Governor. She has learned that he has agreed to ‘give’ her to his evil, ambitious henchman, Jarn. Vashia runs, rather than submit, fleeing into unsavory parts of the city to dodge Jarn and his brutes. Her accounts are frozen and her options reduced to only one supposed friend. Her friend steers her to become a bride candidate on another planet for an alien race known as the Shrouded.

Vashia makes friends with other bride candidates on the trip to Shroud. One tells the legend that the princes of Shroud choose their new king by a bride ceremony where the heart stone of the culture selects the “kingmaker.” Supposedly the pair are bonded in true love by the stone. Although some of the girls believe the story, Vashia doesn’t. She just hopes that her life on Shroud will be better than marriage to the evil Jarn.

Dolfan is one of the seven princes and he is more interested in getting a love bond through the heart than getting to be king. He is shocked to feel an electrical attraction to Vashia who seems to respond to him too. He is sure that she is intended for him until one of the other princes shows competing interest.

As soon as Vashia is exposed to the first two of the princes she feels an unmistakable buzz. Then the heart binds her... but not to the man she first was attracted to but to a stranger. The heart is never wrong and no one has ever challenged its choice but things are not right. Dolfan and unexpected allies sense that the match is wrong and they must find a way to correct the situation.

Several men have plotted through betrayal and lies to allow one particular prince to gain the throne. One seeks to escape with wealth, another seeks power and a third secretly plots to take over the planet and its special and protected markets. Now the fractured leadership council faces a nefarious attack by none other than Vashia's father and her enemy, Jarn. Someone within has betrayed the people by allowing evil forces to get past the defenses and threaten to ruin life as it has been known on Shroud.

Vashia first escapes one unwanted match only to end in another wrong match. The characters are extremely likeable... or not when it comes to the evil ones. The emotions range from fear, pain, betrayal and horror to joy. The worlds created are imaginative and intriguing and there is a surprising twist to the heart bond. I loved the action and danger which kept the story moving with a fast pace so that I read this in one 24 hour period!

I received this title from Coffee and Character for Blog tour review and feature.

GoodReads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18569448-shrouded

Author Bio:

Frances Pauli writes speculative fiction, usually with touches of humor or romance, which means, of course, that she has trouble choosing sides.
She's always been a fan of things outside the box, odd, weird or unusual, and that trend follows through her books, which feature aliens, fairies, and even, on occasion, an assortment of humans.

                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ms. Pauli shared some music that helped inspire her as she worked on Shrouded:
"I believe at the time I was listening to a lot of Sirius radio New Age channel.
I was mad for, Some Men, by Darkel and I still think of it in relation
to Shrouded. If I had to pick one song, that would be it. There's a
great version here:

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLRZE6ngRzI}

I know I listened to a lot of Classical too. Berlioz, Symphony
Fantasitque for certain, and I probably brought out the Carmina Burana
for the invasion scene.  It's always good for the charge to battle."

More information on Ms. Pauli's work and upcoming releases can be found on her

website: www.francespauli.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancesPauliAuthor

twitter: https://twitter.com/MothinDarkness

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3426477.Frances_Pauli

Buy Links:

Direct: http://stores.modularmarket.com/zharmae/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Zharmae&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AZharmae

BN:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Zharmae?store=allproducts&keyword=Zharmae

 

GIVEAWAY: eBook Copy
Ends: December 10, 2013

Rafflecoptor Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

	Shrouded Tour	Type
11/20/2013	No Bent Spines	playlist
11/21/2013	Bookstore Bookblogger Connection	interview
11/22/2013	Monlatable Book Reviews	spotlight
11/23/2013	Just One More Book Review	review
11/24/2013	Howling Books and Design	Spotlight
11/25/2013	alwaysjoart	playlist
11/26/2013
11/27/2013	Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog	spotlight
11/28/2013	Reviews and Interviews	Interview
11/29/2013	The Ferryman's Wife/ Basically Books	Spotlight
11/30/2013	Paradiseofpages	excerpt
12/1/2013	Shelf Full of Books	review
12/2/2013
12/3/2013	Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf	Review-Soundtrack
12/4/2013	Fabulous and Fun	review
12/5/2013	Clever Girls Read	review
12/6/2013	Paulette's Papers	spotlight

Mailbox Monday December 2, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader

[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received one ebook for review. 
I also purchased two Audible titles with my book credits and several Kindle books, mostly 99cent titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from Author for review:

The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus 
by Scott Roloff

This sounded interesting and perfect for December.

Won

None this week.

Purchased

I purchased these two titles with my Audible Credits. (UhOh - sale time at Audible...must resist looking!)

 
Steelheart

• UNABRIDGED
• by Brandon Sanderson
• Narrated by Macleod Andrews
• • Series: Reckoners, Book 1

Sci Fi, Fantasy

and

Tricked: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4

• UNABRIDGED
• by Kevin Hearne
• Narrated by Luke Daniels 
• Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4

Sci Fi, Fantasy

I also purchased several Kindle titles:
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change [Kindle Edition]
Hagee John (Author) -- for my own edification

Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1) [Kindle Edition]
Shawn Underhill (Author) -- For Book Review

A couple Sci Fi titles on sale for $.99 linked through http://www.genreunderground.com/readinthedark/

Free

I actually downloaded most of these on two days and missed the other days.
I downloaded about 40 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? December 2, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a lovely Thanksgiving with our daughter's family and my sister and brother-in-law joining us.
The oncologist visit Friday puts me in a waiting stage as some additional testing is done. 

I had a good reading week and really enjoyed the three books I finished.  I posted four reviews, one with Publisher GC Giveaway, and one ARC giveaway. 
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway,  Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I got minimal visiting done which frustrates me. 
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? November 25, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 11/25/13.

• Book Review, Publisher Feature and Giveaway: Christmas Past by Susanna Fraser, Time Travel, Historical Romance; my rating 4.25   Entangled Ever After line - $50.00 Gift Card Giveaway.   Ends 12/30.

• Book Review: Realm Walker by Kathleen Collins, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.5. 

• Audio Book Review: The Last Battle by Stephen Harding, Nonfiction (WWII); my rating 4.25.

• Happy Thanksgiving!

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 29, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/5/13.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell, Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.5. US address; Ends 12/6.

• Sharing Beyond Books #128 Comment Giveaway 11/30/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/6.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Print

Don't Want to Miss a Thing
by Jill Mansell
This was delightful and the ARC Giveaway is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle
 

Shrouded
by Frances Pauli
I loved this great Sci Fi Romance!
My review and playlist inspiration will post 12/3.
Book Description:
Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

3. eBook/Kindle

Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson
I enjoyed this sweet story of redemption and forgiveness.
We will discuss this at Ladies' Book Club
December 7th and then I will post the review with giveaway.

Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have several print files to upload as soon as I get cover flats and final proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: To be linked.

Currently reading:

1. Audio/MP3

Title: The New Space Opera 2
Editor: Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Stahan
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
I have enjoyed the first three stories so far!
This is 23 hours so may take two weeks.
I received this for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser
This is an engaging story.
I received this from the author for review.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print

Christmas in Lucky Harbor: 
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
I'm looking forward to reading these as Shalvis is generally fun reading.
Received and reviewing for Hachette. 
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...

The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.

Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

Under the Mistletoe
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: I will still be finalizing print releases this week.

I want to keep enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-) I actually have only a handful of  review titles lined up for December although I am awaiting a couple.
I have six books waiting for review but since current reading/listening may take the week I'll have time this week to get up to date.

December Scheduled
12/3 Shrouded Review and Song Inspiration
12/7 Review and Giveaway Christmas at Harringtons
12/9 $100 Book Blast Silver-White by Shawn Underhill


Hachette
CHRISTMAS IN LUCKY HARBOR by Jill Shalvis (reading)

NetGalley:
  couple requests pending

Authors
   Traitor’s Knife by E. Kaiser - author request - current read
   The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author
   Christmas on Main Street Anthology  - picked up at Kindle
   The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff  - auhor request

AudioBook Jukebox 
    The New Space Opera 2 (listening now)
    more to come

From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2013

Happy December!
Welcome to a very special season. I plan to share a bit of the advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.

ADVENT WEEK ONE is a time of Waiting... a time to observe as we wait for God to touch our lives.

I was looking for Advent images and came across a wonderful program: 

The four weeks of program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Interestingly this week's message fits my current health situation to a "T" as I await additional tests to discern the proper treatment with the help of God's wisdom and peace.

Week One :: Darkness
Incarnation occurs all the time, even in our decisions. We are in a whirl of confusion and feel like we’re in darkness. Advent is a time of sitting with those raw feelings and emotions because discernment begins with observation

This song was a solo from our Christmas program.

I had never heard it before but boy did it bring tears to my eyes. 

A Verse for Today:
Luke 1:17  (NIV)
17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”


Thank you, my Lord, for leading me to words of wisdom. Help me spend time quietly preparing and listening more for your direction and Words of wisdom in my life.

Sharing Beyond Books #128 Comment Giveaway 11/30/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

Arrgh - I forgot to link the SBB again last week. A special thanks to you folks who AGAIN sought out the post to comment during the week. :-)

Many of us would write an honest review even for books we do not like but most of us agreed we would be specific why we didn't like them. A few commenters said they would not write a negative review; not all of us are reviewers anyway; and a couple said they might not write a review but would let the author know if they liked or if not, why.

All of us have much to be thankful for - mostly family, health and friends! I was pleased to see several cancer survivors mentioned as doing well and in remission. Please keep miki and her mom in prayer and in your thoughts.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #127 comments is: #8 Elizabeth L who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #128

Q1. Birgit asks: Do you ever buy used books or do you prefer spanky new ones??

A: It is rare for me to buy a new book unless it is for a gift. I am more apt to buy a used book if it is a savings over a new book.  I am always looking for bargain prices for my book club purchases so I often get those books for under $5.00 each.   

Image found at 
she is too fond of books

Choices - Choices!!            

Image found at
 Little Indiana

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: Are you good at remembering birthdays and anniversaries or do they slip your mind??

A: I am terrible about remembering dates. If it is not on a calendar that pops up to remind me -- and even then-- I am apt to think of it a week before and then forget it again. Fortunately my DH and I are similar in this and neither get upset. This happened today - our 28th anniversary! My DH and I laughed a week ago about all the many times we have both forgotten and sometimes were reminded by our kids or a card from a friend. I happened to mention an item I wanted but said I would put it on my Christmas list. We tend to buy each other items all year long when we see something so it is not important that it be the day of a birthday or anniversary. I woke up this morning with the thought to wish him Happy Anniversary but then I fell back asleep. He went to bed about an hour ago but right before he delivered my gift and I was so chagrined! Of course he will lord this one over me. :-)

I can't say it was the first time though!

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

This is the end of November and the comments this month were submitted by: Nikki (Abby), MaryP, Brooke, Emily and Birgit.  Random.org pick is: EMILY who gets a book choice or GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Birgit asks: Do you ever buy used books or do you prefer spanky new ones??

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: Are you good at remembering birthdays and anniversaries or do they slip your mind??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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, December 6, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell

You don't want to miss this delightful read!

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

by Jill Mansell

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (November 5, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1402283938
• ISBN-13: 978-1402283932

Genre: Romantic Comedy
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 5, 2013

He knows all about women, or so he thought...

Dexter Yates leads a charmed existence in London, with money, looks, and girlfriends galore. Life's fantastic until Dex's sister dies and his world changes overnight. Astonishing everyone, including himself, Dex leaves the city behind, takes charge of his eight-month-old niece Delphi, moves to a beautiful Cotswolds village, and sets about working on his parenting skills. His neighbors, including cartoonist Molly Hayes, seem friendly enough—but Dex can't shake the notion that he's missing something important.

Review:
Dexter is a charmer who has done well in work and financial investments and has great success with the ladies. His is close with his sister, Laura, and is thrilled when she has a darling little girl, Delphi. But eight months later Laura dies unexpectedly having named Dex to be guardian of the infant girl. Dex may know girls but not infants and he is thrown for a loop.

In shock Dex leaves London and runs to a village where he had looked to purchase a vacation house. Dex recalls that even though many of the town folk were not so warm to an obvious outsider, the next-door neighbor, Molly, was really friendly. Molly is a cartoon artist who worked hard to get a strip that is syndicated and helps her make a living along with money she earns by teaching art classes. She is clearly warm, considerate and an encourager. She listens to Dex’s heartache and his reasons why he can’t raise his niece. She acknowledges those reasons but challenges him pointing out that if he loves Delphi he could be responsible for the child and manage to take care of her.

Dex’s life-style hasn’t exactly set him up to be recommended as a parent choice but he is determined to convince the social workers he can and will change. He decides to move to the village where he is sure he will find help in the better environment for raising a child. When he returns Molly instantly falls in love...with Delphi. But she has to resist falling for Dex too.

Molly apparently is the first woman to reject Dex’s advances but she feels she must out of self-preservation. That doesn’t make it easier to watch him start dating an attractive, outgoing pediatrician, especially since the match seems to please the locals.

As Dex struggles with parenting and Molly tries to protect her heart, there are other family dramas and relationships breaking down and being renewed in the village. Dex and Molly are the primary characters but the secondary characters also enrich the village life and the story.

I found the book delightful, easy to read and hard to put down. Dex may not be the most likeable character as a footloose, easy going playboy but he does have charm and he does mature. Molly is a dear from the get go and you can feel her conflicted passions. Ms. Mansell imbues the characters with natural emotions of doubt, insecurity, reluctance to be rejected, and desire to be loved and find the right person to love. I could feel the angst of the characters and that kept me pulled into the story wanting good things to happen in the end. Which it does and it is a wonderful journey getting there so you don’t miss the important things!

I received this ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 6, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 6, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 29, 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!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got to share with some family members. My sister and brother-in-law were visiting and our daughter, s-i-l and the three grandkids were here too  so we had six adults, two children and one toddler. That was a nice gathering and we visited on Skype with our son and d-i-l and our almost one year old granddaughter out in Hawaii. 
Now I guess it is time to start getting ready for Christmas.

[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 November 22 Pick. There were No Automatic wins this week  after the wins last 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 was only one blocked title this week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 22 Pick:
I picked four winners to celebrate the  anniversary month for Friday Picks! :-)

Annie gets Touched by Fire

Liss gets a GC
Jossy gets Remember Me
Miki 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 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.}

Image found at Wired.com. 

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Pairs:
Susan Spencer Paul
     Beguiled and The Bride's Portion
Singles:
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Portrait of Dreams by Victoria Malvey
No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Wet & Wild by Sandra Hill
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Something Extra by Janet Dailey
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Dead Silence by Brenda Novak
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by Sharyn McCrumb

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
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:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

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.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
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.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

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

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*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---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 592+ 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
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

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---(All gone)

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone Thanksgiving Blessings!

Enjoy your day!

I am looking forward to a lovely day with family here and through skype visiting. :-)

Audio Book Review: The Last Battle by Stephen Harding

This is an interesting and worthwhile presentation of a special historic event.
The Last Battle:
When US and German Soldiers Joined Forces in the Waning Hours of World War II in Europe
by Stephen Harding
Narrated by Joe Barrett
    Unabridged
    LENGTH    7 hrs and 16 mins
    RELEASE DATE    09-03-13
    PUBLISHER    Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

May 1945. Hitler is dead, and the Third Reich is little more than smoking rubble. No GI wants to be the last man killed in action against the Nazis. But for cigar-chewing, rough-talking, hard-drinking, hard-charging Captain Jack Lee and his men, there is one more mission: rescue 14 prominent French prisoners held in an SS-guarded castle high in the Austrian Alps. It's a dangerous mission, but Lee has help from a decorated German Wehrmacht officer and his men, who voluntarily join the fight.

Based on personal memoirs, author interviews, and official American, German, and French histories, The Last Battle is the nearly unbelievable story of the most improbable battle of World War II - a tale of unlikely allies, bravery, cowardice, and desperate combat between implacable enemies.

Review:
World War II is almost over in early summer of 1945. The American soldiers want to finish up and get home. None of them want to be the last man killed by the Nazis. There are 14 prominent French officials who are being held as special, political prisoners in a famous, but declining, castle in the Austrian Alps. The prisoners have always been treated fairly well but they are at risk of being killed before the war ceases.

One of the prisoners has been exercising and making unsuccessful escapes during which he learns the surrounding forest paths. A couple of them have become friends with the staff who are secretly working with the resistance. Even some of the German officers have turned to help the resistance forces. One of the staff manages to get out to meet up with the American forces where he has to convince rough Captain Jack Lee that the Americans must take on the mission to rescue the French prisoners.

The book sets out the history of the castle and the prisoners. It then follows the efforts to reach help and the obstacles and mishaps that occur as Jack Lee and only a small group of men make it through to the castle. Some of the troops are diverted and much of the heavier equipment has to be left behind as it would not fit over the narrow, weak bridges. There is tension as the battle begins with the small group of Americans facing the determined German troops surrounding the castle. Some of the German soldiers are no more than boys and have little training or heart for the fight. On the other hand there are the determined, well-trained SS soldiers engaging in what they may realize will be the last battle of the war.

When I saw this title offered for review I thought it would be worthwhile to listen to a real-life battle. This is different than fiction as it is like a documentary in the way it is told. The characters are identified with background and personality traits and the author even follows up to tell what happens to each after the war. The real difficulties of communication, transport and territorial lines of the troops are all part of the remarkable event. It was interesting to hear how the prisoners, who had their own animosities, pulled together during the battle only to separate again as soon as the danger was passed. Although this didn’t have the flair of a novel, anyone who is interested in real-life war history would find this a good listen.

Audio Notes: Joe Barrett manages to keep the documentary approach moving so that it doesn’t fall into ‘too dry’ mode. He provides nuances to convey the challenges, chagrin and frustrations that are faced during the rescue mission.

I received this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Book Review: Realm Walker by Kathleen Collins

This is fast paced and full of wonderfully engaging action and strong characters.

Realm Walker
by Kathleen Collins

• File Size: 381 KB
• Print Length: 189 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (October 28, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00E1V5S3S

Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2013
An estranged mate, a mangled body and a powerful demon who calls her by name…

As a Realm Walker for the Agency, Juliana Norris tracks deadly paranormal quarry using her unique ability to see magical signatures. She excels at her job, but her friends worry about her mysterious habit of dying in the line of duty without staying dead. That's only the first of her secrets.

Most people don't know Juliana became the mate of master vampire Thomas Kendrick before he abandoned her seven years ago. Most people don't know the horrors she endured at the hands of the vampire he left in command. Most people don't know her true parentage, or why a demon on a world-threatening rampage has taken a personal interest in her…

Even as Juliana pursues the demon, it goes after all she holds dear—including Thomas, who is back to claim her for his own. But if she can't reconcile her past and learn to trust herself again, she will lose him forever.

Review:
Juliana is a Realm Walker with special abilities that help her hunt, trap and, if need be, kill paranormal entities who refuse to abide by the rules that separate the magical world from the normal, human world. She is half-mage and half dark fae who works side by side with werewolves, mages and others of paranormal ilk. Juliana has been successful in her post and is often sought to lead the teams because of her abilities to see auras, distinguish creatures by scent and speak most known and even forgotten languages. Few know Juliana’s history and even she doesn’t remember all details of her difficult, orphaned childhood.

One person who thinks he knows her pretty well is master vampire, Thomas Kincade. He took Juliana into his household when she was just a street urchin and was befriended by his sister. Thomas helped train Juliana and watched over her as she matured. When she became nineteen he overwhelmed her by saying that she was to be his mate and declaring how powerful they would be together. This frightened Juliana who thought she needed some time to adjust. Thinking he would give her time to live a little life as her own person Thomas left the next morning with instructions for his coven to watch over her.

Now, seven years later, Thomas has returned to discover that Juliana is bitter about his abrupt departure. Bit by bit he learns more secrets, including that she has suffered and nearly died on several occasions. Somehow he has to convince her he left with good intentions and that he wants her for reasons beyond the power she can bring to their union.

First Thomas has to get close to Juliana while she is busy battling a demon who is able to jump from host to host. If that isn’t bad enough, the snarky demon has apparently been summoned to kill Juliana herself. Although Juliana has returned from several death experiences she is not immortal. It will take all her skill and help from some special sources when the demon possesses Thomas as the tool to hunt her down.

This story jumps into battle action right from the opening and never slows down. I really enjoyed the fast pace, full action as well as the conflicted emotions. Both leading characters are really strong personalities and there is great tension between them as they struggle to find a place of trust and sharing of their strengths. There are unexpected and powerful connections revealed that add to the intrigue and intensity of Juliana’s situation. I highly recommend this very engaging story and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Collins.

It's hard always being strong:

There were times like this when she was so utterly tired of being strong, of pretending that she could handle the world on her own that she became tempted to let him rescue her. Hew was the only one that ever cared enough to take care of her. That’s why it broke her heart when he left. Location 1860.

I'm glad I picked this for review from Netgalley.