Book Review and Giveaway: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

This story is a fun, entertaining romance.

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition
ISBN-10: 1455522368
ISBN-13: 978-1455522361
Genre: Holiday Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .

With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

Review:
Cassie is a strong-minded, stubborn business woman. She handles the bookkeeping for her family’s construction business although she would be happier working on site or in design. She parted with her last real boyfriend 18 months before and has gotten into the habit of hiring escorts for events, like her company Christmas party. Usually the escorts are younger, good looking college types who are willing to let her be in charge. But the man who shows up for this event is mature, exudes confidence and has no plans to let Cassie control the evening.

James is immediately stricken by the sassy lady in the slinky red dress and sexy stilettos. He is also impressed by her knowledge and hutzpa.  It isn’t his fault that she jumps to the wrong conclusion thinking he is her paid escort for the night.

These two hit it off companionably and chemically.  James planned on explaining who he is before he tries to get her into his bed but those plans were waylaid by Cassie drinking a few too many glasses of champagne. When she wakes up in bed with her hunky date she decides to wake him with a surprise.  Things heat up between them while James tries to figure out how to tell her the truth and keep her by his side for more time together.

Cassie’s four brothers met James and liked him even though there was some protective posturing. But no one knew who he was until too late. When their father makes an insulting offer to buy out James’ business, both James and Cassie feel betrayed.  It looks like it will be a lonely Christmas for them unless they can get past their anger and a few more misunderstandings.

This story opens with and maintains a sense of feisty fun. Cassie and James are strong characters who both want the upper hand. Their interaction sizzles but it takes some effort to decide to trust and reveal their feelings. Cassie’s brothers are good characters too and there is a nice side romance involving one of them. The writing flows for easy, fast reading. I recommend this to those who enjoy a fun, sexy romance.

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

Cassie’s assistant points out her control issues:

“So stop hiring them and tr to find a nice guy to date. Or do you just like the control so much that you’re addicted?”... “That’s it, isn’t it? You can’t control your dad or your four brothers, but you can control some young sap for money.” Location 146.

James thinks he can control matters:

...He wanted to take as much time as possible, wanted to control every second of the kiss.
  It worked for all of a second.
  The second right before his lips touched hers. Once they did, he was lost.
  James no longer thought. He just felt.  Location 615

Received for an honest Review from Forever div of Hachette.

This is set in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the review Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 28, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 29, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Colony by Scott Reeves

I enjoyed this futuristic story.
Colony
by Scott Reeves
Narrated by Martin Scott 

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 4 hours and 12 minutes
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Scott Reeves
• Audible.com Release Date: September 28, 2012
• ASIN: B009KFM356

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the 13th century, Earth is dangerously overcrowded. To reduce the population, people are chosen by lottery and shipped off to the stars to colonize other solar systems. Shiploads of colonists are dropped off on unexplored worlds and left to their own devices.

Jorge Leever and Meesha Androva are the only survivors of one such failed attempt to colonize a distant planet. For 20 years, they've been alone, unable to communicate with Earth. Now, another cargo ship arrives and discharges a new group of would-be colonists.

Jorge and Meesha intend to guide the development of the new colony, since they've accumulated 20 years' worth of knowledge about the planet.

Bannock, a brutal, criminal slumlord back on Earth, has other plans. He intends to reestablish his crime syndicate on this fledgling colony world and eventually return to Earth as a conqueror. But Jorge and Meesha stand in his way.

Review:
Jorge and Meesha have lived on ‘New Earth’ for 20 years since their group of colonists arrived from earth. The colony survived some dangers, set up camps and housing and began a new community. Tragically all the other colonists were killed. Each year Jorge and Meesha have traveled to a certain plain in hopes there will be another ship of colonists from earth.

This is the year a ship arrives. Although Jorge and Meesha are thrilled to have other people the group includes some brutal criminals. The leader of the criminals, Bannock, plans to take over the colony and spread his control to other planets as well as returning to Earth.  Bannock brought along a female, Aria, who has special talents he intends to use.

Aria and a handful of others make friends with Jorge and Meesha. They want to help but they need to protect each other and their secrets too. Jorge and Meesha know that Bannock needs them because they know the dangers that exist on the planet and obviously know how to survive.  On the other hand, they pose a danger to Bannock’s control.

As Bannock threatens lives, Aria makes a connection that may be the only hope for the colony to survive as a healthy, good society instead of a evil, criminal syndicate. Aria ultimately takes a risk for the sake of all.

The battle between good and evil is nothing new but this story is a good adventure with interesting elements. I liked Jorge, Meesha and Aria’s brave characters. The writing was not stunning but it is comfortable story telling and I enjoyed the creative aspects of the alien land and dangerous creatures. The action kept me wrapped in the story waiting to discover what happened next.

Audio Notes: The narration was done well, blending the characters and pacing to keep the forward motion of the story. The story is short and easy to listen to. I would be glad to read more by Mr. Reeves and listen to other readings by Mr. Scott.

I received this title from the author through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Book Review and PDF Giveaway Link: Christmas Magic Anthology

This is another lovely, sweet and quick reading Christmas Anthology.

Christmas Magic

by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Terri Rochenski, Lindsay McFerrin

• File Size: 390 KB
• Print Length: 163 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1481191519
• Publisher: Still Moments Publishing (December 2, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Holiday Romance Anthology
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2012

Wishes Come True by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Will mixing one lonely baker and the town’s prodigal son with spices and laughter make a tasty recipe for love?

Harbor Homecoming by Lindsay McFerrin

Can a gigantic dog named Bear be a matchmaker?

If it’s Christmas in romantic Bar Harbor, Maine, the answer is yes!

Beginning of Forever by Terri Rochenski

A new face in town forces Lillian Davis to choose between living in her past and what is blossoming in her heart.

Review:
I enjoyed all three of these different stories. They are quick, nicely written, sweet romances. This is a nice way to discover new authors and I would be interested to read more from all three of these.

The first title, Wishes Come True, has a light, humorous bend to it.
Tora has operated her family-owned bakery, Sugar ‘n Spice, in the small town of Dorado, Texas for ten years. The small business was started by her grandmother and passed down through her mother. Through the years they have provided lots of sweets and charity support for the community. But Tora has never been away from home, not even for college experience.  Just as she has decided she is ready to sell the business and seek adventure in a big city, the winter wind blows a sweet little girl and her handsome, widowed father, Ryan, into her shop. Ryan initiates a plan to derail the sale of the shop and show Tora she can find a better adventure close to home.

I loved these characters and the sweet, light story.  It was fun how even some of Ms. Carroll-Bradd’s descriptive feelings fit with the baking theme like this phrase: “Her insides felt as quivery as the middle of a jelly doughnut.” (Location 109.)  Individual Rating 4.5.
Author Link

*********
A big, lovable dog is the added star character, and inspiration, of the second story, Harbor Homecoming. Cat McHugh owns an antique and Celtic specialty shop in Bal Harbor, Maine. She is excited at the possibility of purchasing a home that has come up for estate sale. It is near her downtown shop and although small and older, has a nice fireplace and lots of potential.  When she goes to view the home she discovers the backyard is ruled by a giant malamute named Bear.

Liam, a renowned modern artist, has come into town to handle the estate he was surprised to inherit from a great aunt he never knew. He is set on handling matters with the care and concern he thinks his aunt would want. That includes finding an appropriate, caring home for her dog. When he meets Cat while she is looking over the yard he is intrigued. Maybe his plans to evaluate and liquidate Great Aunt Sarah’s estate will take a different direction and longer than he first expected.

This is another lovely pair of characters - bright and independent. The dog is an armful of warm welcome and a sweet addition to the easy going, direct story. I liked the Irish influences too (holiday tradition included in the story) and would like to see if Ms. McFerrin explores these themes in longer stories. Individual Rating: 4.5.

*********
The third sweet romance, Beginning Forever, is set in Newburyport in 1955-1962. It is told in first person by Lillian who is called to the hospital when her husband and ‘forever’ love, Ronnie, is injured in a car crash. He reminds her with his dying breath that T.W. made a promise but Lillian doesn’t understand. She struggles with her grief and sorrow and only manages to move forward for the sake of their infant son and with the help of her good friend, Marion.

Seven years later finds Lillian still in a cocoon of grief, mostly just going through the motions of living. Marion introduces Lillian to her new neighbor, Wayne, and interest finally sparks but along with it come feelings of guilt. Can Lillian move beyond her past and will Texas Wayne be able to make her see that she is more than a burden to him?

It may be the sorrow and grief of this story made it less enjoyable for me. Certainly loss is never as light as a new love story.   I liked the portrayal of Wayne from Ronnie’s war memories and in his friendly reactions to Lillian and her son, Steven.  I would have liked his character to have been a little more developed. Although I was not as fully charmed by this story, I particularly liked the wonderful, descriptive imagery by Ms. Rochenski.  Individual Rating 4.25.

My flower beds lay buried. The absence of sound weighed like an omen, quickening my breath. My clothing rustled, mingling with the crunch of my footsteps to drown the silence. Location 1030.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

This eBook was provided for an honest review through Author Blog Tour.

These titles are set in Texas, Maine and Massachusetts for My Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenges.

Thank you to Terri Rochenski who is giving away a PDF copy to celebrate the release.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? December 17, 2012

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 finished four books and was pleased to get six reviews posted!   I also posted two giveaway Hops, an author Guest post and two additional giveaways or links. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I didn't get to visit last week due to limited internet time on the ship. I hope to get around to visiting on Monday!
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me, especially when I don't get to visit back.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 10, 2012.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Old Man & The Monkey by George Polley; Inspirational Romance; my rating 5.0. Ends 12/24.

• Gift Card Giveaway Hop. Ends 12/17.
  

• Book Review: First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White; Time Travel; my rating 4.75.

• Book Review and eBook Giveaway: In Bed with the Opposition by Stephanie Draven; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 12/21

• Audio Book Review: Karma's Law by Kristi Lamb; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• End of the World Giveaway Hop. Ends 12/21.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 14, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/20.

• Book Review: All I Want -- Three Stories. Three Couples. One Holiday.  Contemporary, Holiday Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Author Guest Post by Kaylee Baldwin author of Six Days of Christmas in All I Want Anthology.

• Audio-Theater Book Review: The Man Who Murdered His Mother-In-Lawby Jeffrey Hatcher; Audio Theater; my rating 5.0.

• Saturday Snapshot 12/15/12 - Baby Victoria

• Sharing Beyond Books #78 Comment Giveaway 12/15/12. Ends 12/21.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 16, 2012.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

In Bed With the Opposition
by Stephanie Draven
Review and Giveaway linked above.

2. eBook/Kindle

ALL I WANT Anthology
THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.
by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin and Rachael Anderson
Review and Author Guest Post linked above.

3. Audio MP3
 

Colony
by Scott Reeves 
Narrated by Martin Scott
I enjoyed this futuristic story.
I will post a review this week.
Reviewing for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

4. Print (read on Kindle)

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane
This is a quick, fun read!
Reviewing for Forever div of Hachette.
I'll post the review and giveaway this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .

With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

Line Edits: I am still working on formats.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle
 

Christmas Magic
by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Terri Rochenski, Lindsay McFerrin
I am on the third story and really enjoying this which is set for review on December 18. Reading for Author Blog Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2012
Wishes Come True by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Will mixing one lonely baker and the town’s prodigal son with spices and laughter make a tasty recipe for love?

Harbor Homecoming by Lindsay McFerrin
Can a gigantic dog named Bear be a matchmaker? If it’s Christmas in romantic Bar Harbor, Maine, the answer is yes!

Beginning of Forever by Terri Rochenski
A new face in town forces Lillian Davis to choose between living in her past and what is blossoming in her heart.

2. Audio CD
 

Agenda 21 
by Glenn Beck (Author), 
January LaVoy (Reader)
I have just started this.
Reviewing for Simon and Schuster
 through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Release Date: November 20, 2012
“I was just a baby when we were relocated and I don’t remember much. Everybody has that black hole at the beginning of their life. That time you can’t remember. Your first step. Your first taste of table food. My real memories begin in our assigned living area in Compound 14.”

Just a generation ago this place was called America. Now, after the worldwide implementation of UN-lead program called Agenda 21, it’s simply known as the “Republic.” There is no president. No congress. No Supreme Court. No freedom.

There are only the Authorities.

Citizens have two primary goals in the new Republic: to create clean energy and to create new human life.

Those who cannot do either are of no use to society.

This bleak and barren existence is all that eighteen-year-old Emmeline has ever known. She dutifully walks her energy board daily and accepts all male pairings assigned to her by the Authorities. Like most citizens, she keeps her head down and her eyes closed.

Until the day they came for her mother.

“You save what you think you’re going to lose.”

Woken up to the harsh reality of her life and her family’s future inside the Republic, Emmeline begins to search for the truth. Why are all citizens confined to ubiquitous concrete living spaces? Why are Compounds guarded by Gatekeepers who track all movements? Why are food, water and energy rationed so strictly? And, most important, why are babies taken from their mothers at birth?

As Emmeline begins to understand the true objectives of Agenda 21 she realizes that she is up against far more than she ever thought. With the Authorities closing in, and nowhere to run, Emmeline embarks on an audacious plan to save her family and expose the Republic—but is she already too late?

3. eBook/Kindle

Godspeed: a love story
Dan Chabot
Finally - I really will start this by the end of the week.
Reading for the Author to post in December.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2012
How far will a man go to atone for guilt?
When Derry and Amedee meet during her first day on the job at the Milwaukee Ledger, it is a collision of destinies. Their love affair is so intense and perfect and pure that they are certain it will be eternal. But when it ends in heartbreak, compounded by the ignominy of a disastrously mismanaged funeral service, Derry descends into an abyss of devastation and remorse and despair.

In his overpowering grief this tormented newspaperman embarks on an obsessive crusade for redemption, an astonishing twist that will leave readers tearful yet smiling in sympathetic admiration. His improbable, tender quest eventually will lead him to peace of mind, and to someone who will help him build a new life from the ashes of the past.

"Godspeed" is a bittersweet story of laughter and tears, irrepressible humor, reckless devotion, the value of true friendship, and unimaginable longing for the "forever" that can no longer be. And as the story and its astonishing twists unfold, a poignant question lingers: How can a lie be wrong if it makes so many people feel so good?

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on my new MP3.]
Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. The reading this week is 2 John.

Line Edits: I have three books that I am completing formats on this week.

I started with 15 books set for December and have completed seven. I hope to read some extra Christmas titles too.

Scheduled for December
12/18 Review: Christmas Magic by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Lindsay McFarrin, Terri Rochenski
12/27 BookBlast: Dead Running
12/29 Blitz and Review: Perfection Unleashed (Bewitching Blog Tours)

Sourcebooks:

Hachette
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel) by Dee Davis
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

Audiobook Jukebox

(expecting two more soon)

NetGalley
Uninvited by Heather Graham - I started it but need to try again.
Christmas Promises Anthology

Authors
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace

I'd like to read at least one "Won"/TBR book and one free Kindle book.:-)
Older Won Book:  TBD
Kindle Read - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 16, 2012

The Third Week of Advent symbolizes JOY!
I know this is a time of sorrow for the traumatic events of this past week. At all times I am grateful that I know God is in control, that children are special to Him and that He is always with us to see us through the worst troubles.

Image from Creative Communications

Advent - Third Week:
Preparing our Hearts and asking for Grace
We prepare this week by feeling the joy.  We move through this week feeling a part of the waiting world that rejoices because our longing has prepared us to believe the reign of God is close at hand. And so we consciously ask:

Prepare our hearts
and remove the sadness
that hinders us from feeling
the joy and hope
which his presence
will bestow.

(from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/thirdweek.html)

This is a different version of Joy to the World
with some interesting images!

Verses for Today:
Luke 2:8-12
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christa the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

I pray for the pain and comfort of those who lost loved ones this past week, particularly through the tragedy in Connecticut. I pray that they may find peace through God's comforting gifts. 

Sharing Beyond Books #78 Comment Giveaway 12/15/12

Hello and Welcome to another SBB!

Thanks for understanding why I didn't post last week. I hadn't had a chance to get the post ready ahead and the cruise internet is slow and costs per minute. I basically have to prepare the posts off line and then load up to save time.
Is everyone getting ready for the holidays by now?
Thank you to all who shared two weeks ago.

Surprisingly the larger group of commenters DOES re-read, some regularly and some only sometimes or just a special book or two. Others might re-read if they didn't have such big TBRs.

Also surprising to me - Many of you still send Christmas cards. Nine send out cards and several of us send e-cards and/or family cards. When are kids were young we did the family letter routine but we haven't for years now although that is a great way to keep others advised of changes, births and jobs, etc.. I think I would love to read one of nrlymrtl's letters with the farm antics!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #77 comments is: #1 Mystica There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Mystica please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining five Love Books List for Giveaway, the new Christmas Giveaway Book list, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #78 Questions

Q1. Winnie asks a book question: I know a lot of us stay up late at nights to read books, but I'm interested to know if there is anyone who would wake up early to sneak some reading time in before the day begins??

I do, I do! LOL. I will sneak in reading whenever I can even if it means waking up early. I don't necessarily 'get up' but I have the kindle or mp3 next to me so I can listen or sometimes I will go to the restroom and bring my book back for a half hour reading before I get up!  :-)

Copyright by Dormia Mattress 

Image found at The Book Garden (Thanks Birgit!)

Q2. Abby asks a holiday related question this week: Do you feel more obliged/in the mood of giving during the festive seasons? Or more so in times of serious crises ie. Sandy Relief??

A: I tend to give various times of the year and for special crises. I have certain charities that I like to make sure I give donations to and often that occurs early in a year.

Image found at Constantine Alexander's Blog

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 can always use fresh questions.


Your turn to share:

1. Winnie asks: I know a lot of us stay up late at nights to read books, but I'm interested to know if there is anyone who would wake up early to sneak some reading time in before the day begins??

2.  Abby asks: Do you feel more obliged/in the mood of giving during the festive seasons? Or more so in times of serious crises ie. Sandy Relief??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (5 left) or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, December 21, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot 12/15/12 - Baby Victoria

All my posting may seem off time as I am on Hawaii time (four hours behind Central) for the next two weeks. It is 4pm here but this will appear to post at 8pm central.
We are back from the cruise and I will put together some photos for next week.

But this is the STAR of my Saturday Snapshot this week:

Our new granddaughter, VICTORIA JOY!

Brand new!

Baby treasure was born Tuesday 12/11 at 11:33 am after a full day of labor.

7 lbs 3.4 oz, 20" long

To add to the blessing during labor our son caught this image 

of a rainbow outside the window of Tripler Hospital.

 Two days old, ready to go home!

The happy new family.

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.

Winners of Giveaways Ended 12/7 and 12/14/12

CONGRATULATIONS
TO WINNERS OF

Giveaways 
Ended December 7, 2012 and December 15, 2012

Ended 12/7: 

Giveaway ARC Copy Where Angels Rest.

Kirsten W

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

Giveaway Review Copy of Five Days of Fear.

Linda K

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

Ended 12/14:

Giveaway Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

C.E. Hart

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

ARC Giveaway Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilare

Latanya



Kirsten, LindaK, C.E. and Latanya please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the books mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Audio-Theatre: The Man Who Murdered His Mother-In-Law

This is a real quickie listen of a fun, ironic story!
The Man Who Murdered His Mother-in-Law
by Jeffrey Hatcher

Narrator: Steve Hendrickson
Publisher/Date: Audio-Visceral, 2012
Formats Available: MP3 Download
Listening time: 35 minutes
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

With Bollinger tastes on a Blatz budget, Gerald & Laura despair over their down-at-heel life until Laura's mother suggests an bizarre and unnerving solution.

Review:
Gerald and Laura have been together for many years. They have a comfortable, if not lavish, life-style living off Laura’s wealthy mother. When ‘mom’ is diagnosed with kidney failure it’s time to make up a new Will. Consulting with the lawyers shows that much of the estate may be eaten up by inheritance taxes unless a creative solution is found. Mom suggests a solution and the ironic twists begin!

Mom and Gerald marry and take off for a retirement community in Florida. At first Gerald and Laura miss each other but soon Laura is busy with house renovations, anticipating the inheritance. Gerald begins to feel affection for Mom, even through the elderly routines.  But unexpected details are revealed and Gerald gets caught in an ironic twist.
This is well worth the listening fun and a bargain on sale at $.99!

Audio Notes: This is a full production performance and very entertaining! It could be called audio drama or Audio Theater. I felt like I was listening to a play or old time radio drama. Steve Hendrickson does a great job with different and appropriate voices and you can easily visualize the expressions of the characters. The background music and sounds are just perfect.

I received this for review from Audio-Visceral Productions through Audiobook Jukebox.

Author Guest Post: Kaylee Baldwin Author of All I Want

 Before I Was A Writer

by Kaylee Baldwin

Long before I was a writer, I was a reader.

Even as a child I read anything I could get my hands on, including: the free encyclopedia (A) that a door-to-door salesman gave my family to entice us to buy the series, my mom’s Reader’s Digest magazine (cover to cover every month), and some totally not age-appropriate books I sneaked out of my parents room.

I’ve always loved writing as well, but it wasn’t until about six years ago that I really started to wonder if I could write a book. My husband had just taken a new job and we had to move away from our family and friends. I only had one child and wasn’t working at the time, so while he napped, I wrote.

It was a lot of fun writing that first book. I was really lonely, and my characters really came alive for me. I could make them do whatever I wanted. If I was in the mood to read a certain type of scene, I would just write it. I have strong doubts that the first book I ever wrote (a young adult contemporary, btw) will ever see the light of day, but I learned so much from it.

It was eye opening to me to go from being a reader to a writer. I’d never thought about how much work went into word choice, making sure the story had good pacing, making sure it flowed, answering all the plot questions, giving the plot enough conflict without overloading my characters, and coming up with a satisfying conclusion.

Being a writer has changed me. Everywhere I look, I see story ideas. I make sure I have a notebook or pieces of paper that I can scratch my ideas down on at any given moment so that I won’t forget them. I also find myself reading other books with a more analytical mind. I ask myself questions like: What elements in this story are making me like it so much? Why does the pacing feel fast/slow and what could the author do to change it? I find myself editing the books like I would for a critique partner because I’ve trained my mind to think that way.

When I write, I create. When I read, I escape. I think that all good authors have to be readers as well. We have to make time for other people’s words as well as our own. And although I love writing, and it fills up a part of me that nothing else could, my first love will always be reading.



Author Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University
with a degree in English literature.

I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.

Author Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

ALL I WANT

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas

by Kaylee Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson

When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

Purchase All I Want

Kindle Ebook * Paperback

Tour Schedule

See GIVEAWAY information at Book Blast Giveaway

Book Review: All I Want -- Three Stories. Three Couples. One Holiday

This is a perfect book for quick, sweet, warm holiday reading!

ALL I WANT

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

• File Size: 745 KB
• Print Length: 279 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1480115231
• Publisher: HEA Publishing (October 14, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas
by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

Review:
All three of these stories are delightful and fit lovely together.  In each one the guy is pursing the girl who isn’t completely available when the story starts. Each girl discovers by Christmas what - or who - they really want. All three contain warm characters, cute plots and very real, natural dialogue.


*********
In Pretty Near Perfect Norah visits her deceased fiance’s family at Christmas time. The year before she and Jacob had announced their engagement, but a few months later he was killed in a sports accident. Norah loved his family too and hopes to bring some closure to thier loss by the holiday visit. She just doesn’t expect to run smack dab into a new fellow who is visiting with Jacob’s brother. Both Norah and Collin are startled by their immediate attraction.  As the family celebrates the holiday and remembers the past, Norah and Collin struggle not to respond to each other... but love has a magical way of its own.

The writing on this flows really well and I especially liked the characters of Norah and Collin. My only disappointment was that I wanted the story to continue when it ended. Guess I’ll have to find some other stories by Ms. Perry to read.  (Separate rating 4.25)


*********
Ms. Baldwin builds a delightful family celebration in Six Days of Christmas. Natalie has a ‘successful’ life planned out with her equally career-driven boyfriend Grant. He is pursuing a promotion in the legal department as she works on a project to launch her intern position into full time in the marketing department. Natalie is accustomed to order and control and is a bit dismayed that the project she has to work on over the holidays is a children’s toy, magnetic blocks.

Natalie agrees to travel to the home of her best friend for Christmas where she is faced with  teasing from her best friend’s younger brother, Jimmy, who has now grown up into a handsome man with a degree in architecture. Natalie’s work is interrupted as she becomes caught up in the family’s celebrations of six different country traditions leading up to Christmas.

Jimmy manages to spur Natalie to enjoy the fun and as the week passes she begins to wonder if strict order is all it’s cracked up to be or if maybe some spontaneity, as provided by Jimmy and his family, is a better goal.

Ms. Baldwin creates wonderful characters in this story, including not just Natalie and Jimmy but Jimmy’s whole family. The idea of different cultural celebrations each day is great fun. The story is warm and delightful and comes to good closing.  (Separate rating 4.5)


*********

Twist of Fate is fun from the get go with the characters sharing names in opposite order (Mackenzie Tyler and Tyler McKenzie). This leads to mail mix ups that allow Kenzie to read Ty’s letters from his mother and results in Ty getting the “Dear John” postcard meant for Kenzie. Kenzie is expecting her fiancé to return from Madagascar shortly after Christmas in time to prepare for their late January wedding. 

Tyler has been interested in Kenzie for the year they have lived in the same apartment complex. Can he somehow spend time with her over the weeks leading up to Christmas and get her to fall for him before she suffers the heartbreak of her broken wedding plans? 

Tyler has been refusing to read or respond to letters from his controlling mother. He has also been a bit of ‘grinch’ about Christmas. Kenzie thinks she is doing a good deed when she invites his mother to visit before the holidays. Although Tyler is appalled, suddenly he discovers that having his mother there is allowing him opportunities to spend time with Kenzie. But how will Kenzie feel when she discovers he hid the postcard from her?

I really enjoyed how Ms. Anderson created the contrasting characters - Kenzie’s bright, happy personality and Ty’s rather geeky, dark personality that seeks her brightness and color. I also enjoyed the strong warmth of the story and the fun comparisons to the Grinch, computer programs and happy Christmases. This story also comes to a warm, happy ending.  (Separate rating 4.5)

I received this eBook from the Authors for an honest review; part of BookBlast tour.

Purchase All I Want

Kindle Ebook * Paperback

Please visit the guest post from Kaylee Baldwin.

Tour Schedule

See more information and Giveaway at
Book Blast Giveaway

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 14, 2012

[** 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! Counting Down! - 10 days to Christmas! This Friday we are visiting Kauai, Hawaii. We have been enjoying the cruise with tours one day and light shopping the next. It has been a very nice week. We have a new granddaughter! Victoria was born on Tuesday 12/11 - we are anxious to get back to meet her. 

Thank you to all who entered the December 7 Pick. There were two automatic winners this week (the first and last comments (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Once again, three titles were blocked picks this week; one was won!

Miki chose The Mistletoe Wager (which was actually won in November but never crossed off the list. Since I think it was mailed out last week to international address I will make another arrangement for Miki)
Carol M chose Shattered

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 7 Pick:

Spav gets a GC

and
Natasha won (through the block) All I Ever Wanted

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.

Image found at Good Books for Young Souls.
I love this sentiment!

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
Linda Howard:
    Duncan's Bride and Again Forever
Singles:
Dark Desires After Dark by Kresley Cole       
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
Savage Thunder by Johanna Lindsey (Cover is loose)
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*From Doon With Death: The First Inspector Wexford Novel by Ruth Rendell
*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:
Gena Showalter:
     The Darkest Kiss and the Darkest Night
Mary Balogh:
     Simply Perfect and A Summer to Remember
Tami Hoag:
     Ashes to Ashes and A Thin Dark Line (Both have spine creasing)
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) 
*A Gift of Murder by M.D. Lake  (slight spine creasing)
*The Mistletoe Wager by Christine Merrill
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)
*A Family for Christmas by Kate Welsh  (slight spine creasing)
*A Regency Christmas Anthology - Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly and Gail Rainstorm


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

 Demon's Fire by Emma Holly
- 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
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
Tangled by Mary Balogh
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Angel of Midnight  by JoAnn Power
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
[One for the Money by Janet Evanovich]
Touchstone by Linda Hilton
Restless Hearts by Marta Perry
Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
A Delecate Deception by Jenna Jones


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

In the Presence of Enemies by William J. Coughlin
Shattered by Dick Francis
Shadow Fires by Dean Koontz
Hard News by Jeffrey Deavers
Palindrome by Stuart Woods (spine creases)
Afterimage by Jay Brandon
Tall, Dark and Cajun by Sandra Hill
Hot Streak by Susan Johnson
When Lightning Strikes Twice by Barbara Boswell
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Thunder Creek by Jill Gregory
His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
The Body They May Kill by Audrey Stallsmith
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell
Summer Light by Luanne Rice

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)

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

An Independent Woman by Candace Camp

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

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

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

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

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

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

These are Paired sets - two per author.

Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.

Winners get both books if you pick these.

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

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

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011

I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -

Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

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

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Primary Colors - audio tapes

*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

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

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 have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 445 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17--- (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!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

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

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

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)