Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 17, 2014

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

I've had to scramble a bit this week due to one assistant being out to prepare for her daughter's wedding and my daughter/assistant being sick. I am looking forward to the weekend and celebrating Easter. I hope everyone has a good weekend and Happy Easter


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 April 11 Pick. There were  two Automatic wins again this week - both for paired sets :-).  (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 two titles blocked.
CORRECTED an error as Becky won a different title which resulted in Auto win for Carol L. Rita gets the Debbie Macomber pair
Booklady gets the Virginia Henley pair
Carol L gets Lakeside Cottage

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 11 Pick:
Becky gets The Horeseman's Secret

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

Happy Easter and Wishes for a basket full of books!

Image found at The Book Cellar.

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour 
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 (All gone)

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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 (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

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---(All gone)

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
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

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
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 651+ 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 

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---(All gone)
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

Pick #8
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)

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop 4/17 through 4/24

WELCOME TO THE
4th Annual Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop
April 17th to 24th

This hop is hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Read Now Sleep Later

The hop runs from Thursday, April 17th through Thursday, April 24th.

My MBS Giveaway is open for EVERYONE and There will be two winners: 
Each Winner gets a Book choice Value up to $10.00 Value towards books at The Book Depository or Gift Card/PayPal credit of the winner's choice.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choices, if applicable, to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $20.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on April 25.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL HOPPY EASTER HOPPING!

Book Review and Giveaway: Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance) by Jessica Lemmon

This is sweetly charming even with its consistent, building sensuality.

Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance)

by Jessica Lemmon

• File Size: 438 KB
• Print Length: 305 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455573787
• Publisher: Forever (October 1, 2013)
• ASIN: B00AG0VMYM

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publication Date: October 1, 2013
ONCE BURNED
Sadie Howard never dates a guy more than once-but Fate has other plans for her when it comes to Aiden Downey, the one that got away. Aiden loved her, left her, and broke her heart. Yet suddenly she's bumping into him at every turn, driven to distraction by his wicked grin and rock-hard body. Now she can't resist finishing what they started-as long as she doesn't let herself fall in love . . .

TWICE AS TEMPTING
Aiden Downey threw away the best thing he ever had when he let Sadie go, and now he's determined to win back the woman he's always wanted. Sadie agrees to let him into her life-and her bed-as long as there are no strings attached. But Aiden's not about to make the same mistake again. Can he convince her to take a second chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love?

Review:
Aiden’s mother was suffering from cancer so he didn’t want to tell her about his failed marriage. He was hurt when his wife had an affair with his best friend and business partner. The business failed too and Aiden was really struggling when his mother decided against chemo treatments and in favor of moving to another state for alternative treatments. Aiden had recently met Sadie and was enchanted with her as they shared time and grew closer over several weeks. But he chose to tell Sadie that their new romance was over when he left to help his mother.

Sadie was planning the marriage of her dreams when she was jilted by her fiancé, Trey. Not only did Trey leave her but he married her younger sister who was light and carefree rather than intense and focused like Sadie. Sadie developed a rule of one date only after losing Trey. Then she met Aiden and let her shields drop. She was excited about the chemistry she had with Aiden and the gentle intimacy they had even without sex. Then he ended their blooming relationship leaving her more heartbroken and angry.

A year later Aiden and Sadie are pushed together at his brother’s wedding to her best friend. Then Sadie discovers that Aiden is the new manager of Axle’s local motorcycle shop, an account she has been pursuing for three years. Sadie gets the account which puts her working closely with Aiden who hopes to buy the chain of shops when Axle retires.

Aiden regrets giving up Sadie and would love to get her back in his arms and life. But Sadie remembers the hurt and wants to protect herself even though the chemistry still runs hot between them. Can Aiden gain his dreams of buying the motorcycle shops and also find a way to gain Sadie’s forgiveness, trust and a commitment beyond the short term?

The attraction between Aiden and Sadie begins quickly and builds through the story. Both characters have flaws and insecurities that are realistic. Sadie is particularly annoying with her wanting to protect herself from any pain when life and love just don't work that way.

I was cautious selecting this title to review as I wasn't sure how sexy it would be and I generally prefer contemporary reads with suspense or mystery plots rather than just romance. This story is definitely all romance and the conflict exists around Aiden's desire for a second chance and Sadie's reluctance to take a risk. This read quickly and the sex is sweet though sensually detailed, but not gritty graphic.  I recommend this to readers who enjoy pure romance and especially like second chance stories.

I received this title from Hachette, through NetGalley, for an honest review.

Hachette/Grand Central Station has allowed me to offer one PRINT Copy for Giveaway.

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 comment on the review, OR

visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 25, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 25, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains by Kyle Pratt

This is a strong 'survivor' story with an engaging protagonist and solid storyline.

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-04-13
Publisher: Camden Cascade Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel. Through Many Fires is Kyle Pratt's third novel.
©2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt (P)2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt

Review:
Caden Westmore has a fast paced, politically savvy career path planned out in Washington, DC, along with the high profile, intense, newscaster fiancé, Becky, to make the future even brighter. Then a nuclear bomb hits the Capitol killing most of the top government officials, including Caden’s boss. Caden was lucky to be on the outskirts of the effected area so he is able to head south toward Atlanta to get to Becky.

Caden runs into a road block which delays his journey. He is watching Becky presenting the news when the telecast suddenly goes to static as another bomb hits Atlanta. Caden is stunned and finds himself traveling with a military convoy that is setting up a camp in north Georgia. Along the road Caden rescues an infant who he names Adam. When they are threatened by thieves at the camp, they are saved by Maria, a determined young woman who has lost her family.

Caden has military training and agrees to take a position in security with the Washington State Governor who is the remaining presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This helps Caden, with Maria and Adam tagging along, get back to his own family who have a small farm in Washington.

Caden discovers himself pulled into service in the National Guards where he faces difficult decisions for safety and survival. Ultimately he has to decide if he will protect the Constitution and American freedom against the orders of the new, successor president who declares marshal law, cancels future elections and makes a surprising and perhaps treacherous deal for aid.

The writing is solid with good action, some surprising twists and strong character development, particularly for Caden. The events are presented from Caden's view with insight to his thoughts and reactions. I was really pulled into Caden’s life and dilemmas. The story moved very quickly and as I became aware that the end was nearing I was saddened as I wanted more. It appears there will be more to the series and I will be watching for the next book.

Audio Notes: Initially I thought the narrating was a little flat. However, I soon was pulled into the story and enjoyed the subtle quirks that Kevin Pierce manages to convey. I can recommend this as a good read and good listening experience.

I received this title from Audible for review through Audiobook Jukebox.

Mailbox Monday April 14, 2014

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't receive any review titles this week although I am expecting a couple.
I purchased two audible titles with my March credits. 
I have also listed a 2012 free title that I have downloaded to read.
(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

None this week

Won

None.

Purchased

While I'm waiting to receive some audio review titles I selected these two Audios for my March Audible credits:

Judgment in Death: In Death, Book 11
J. D. Robb 
12 hrs and 21 mins

I want to continue this great series.

Monster Hunter Vendetta

Larry Correia
20 hrs and 46 mins

I enjoyed the first book in this series
and wanted the fun and action again.

I thought I had purchased a boxed bundle on Kindle for $.99 but I didn't find it in my list.

 Free

I downloaded one of my free picks from 2012 (TBR) to read as I may want to pick up the sequel for audio review.


Carrots: A Shelby Nichols Adventure
by Colleen Helme

Purchased:	August 14, 2012
Price:	$0.00

Plus I downloaded another 60 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.