250 Books Read in 2010!

Last day of 2010 so here is my list of books I read this year.  This includes books I listened to on audio (78 of them). 
That was a lot of reading!  My goal for 2011 is starting out at 150 books with 50 of them on audio.  I'm secretly hoping I'll hit 250 again or at least 200 but I'm being realistic and starting out with something I know I can do.

Books I've Read in 2010
1. The Ten Virgins, Woman at the Well & God Bless Your Way by Emily Freeman
2. Missionary Miracles by Chris Stewart
3. Return From Tomorrow by George Ritchie
4. *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
5. Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
6. *Shadow of the Hegemon by Orson Scott Card
7. I Hate It When Exercise Is The Answer by Emily Watts
8. *The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
9. Hidden Empire by Orson Scott Card
10. *Contentment by Maria Covey Cole
11. How to Be Totally Miserable by John Bytheway
12. *Dead Wrong by Clair Poulson
13. *The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
14. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
15. Over the Moon by Diane Daniels
16. The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
17. *Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
18. A Murder, A Mystery and a Marriage by Mark Twain
19. Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz
20. *In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Laura Schlessinger
21. Project: Organization by Marie Ricks
22. *The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
23. *The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
24. Spritually Centered Motherhood by Sherrie Johnson
25. *Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
26. Believe in What You're Doing by Hilary Weeks
27. *Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes
28. *Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
29. The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
30. *The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
31. A House With Wings by Sherrie Johnson
32. *Penny From Heaven by Jennifer Holm
33. What the Scriptures Teach Us About Raising A Child by S. Michael Wilcox
34. *The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
35. *Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card
36. Greenwitch by Susan Cooper
37. *The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith
38. *The Grey King by Susan Cooper
39. A Journey of the Imagination: The Art of James Christensen by Renwick St. James
40. Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
41. *Airman by Eoin Colfer
42. A Christ Centered Easter by Janet Hale
43. Lady Susan by Jane Austen
44. Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
45. *Gregor The Overlander by Suzanne Collins
46. *Silver On The Tree by Susan Cooper
47. My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite
48. *The Light Princess by George MacDonald
49. Bright Blue Miracle by Becca Wilhite
50. *Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
51. A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
52. *Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
53. * Heart of a Healthy Marriage and a Happy Family by Wally Goddard
54. * Fairest by Gail Carson Levine 55. Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
56. Firegirl by Tony Abbott
57. 65 Signs of the Times Leading Up to the Second Coming by David J. Ridges
58. The Icing on the Cake by Elodia Strain
59. * Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
60. Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain
61. *The Minister's Daughter by Julie Hearn
62. The End of the Beginning by Avi
63. *Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
64. The Promise of Enough by Emily Freeman
65. *The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
66. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
67. *Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
68. Spare Change by Mace Aubrey
69. A Old-Fashioned Romance by Marcia Lynn McClure
70. *Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins
71. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
72. *Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins
73. *Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
74. *Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
75. Artemis Fowl Files by Eoin Colfer
76. Odds Are, You're Going to Be Exalted by Alonzo Gaskill
77. *Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
78 *Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
79. Shackles of Honor by Marcia Lynn McClure
80. The Ball's in Her Court by Heather Justesen
81. *River Secrets by Shannon Hale
82. Deep Blue Eyes: And Other Lies by Janette Rallison
83. The Remarkable Soul of a Woman by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
84. *Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
85. Forest Born by Shannon Hale
86. No Flying in the House by Betty Brock
87. The Heavenly Surrender by Marcia Lynn McClure
88. The Rogue Knight by Marcia Lynn McClure
89. The Highwayman of Tanglewood by Marcia Lynn McClure
90. Desert Fire by Marcia Lynn McClure
91. 25 Mistakes LDS Parents Make by Randal A. Wright
92. Kissing Cousins by Marcia Lynn McClure
93. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
94. The Prairie Prince by Marcia Lynn McClure
95. Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure
96. Mom's Club Diaries by Allyson Braithwaite Condie
97. A Crimson Frost by Marcia Lynn McClure
98. Saphyre Snow by Marcia Lynn McClure
99. Weathered Too Young by Marcia Lynn McClure
100. Whispered Kiss by Marcia
101. Sudden Storms by Marcia Lynn McClure
102. The Touch of Sage by Marcia Lynn McClure
103. Born for Thorton's Sake by Marcia Lynn McClure
104. Divine Deception by Marcia Lynn McClure
105. Daydreams by Marcia Lynn McClure
106. Love Me by Marcia Lynn McClure
107. *Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson
108. Time of Aspen Falls by Marcia Lynn McClure
109. The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure
110. *The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
111. The Fragrance of Her Name by Marcia Lynn McClure
112. The Prometheus Project: Trapped by Douglas E. Richards
113. *Fire by Kristin Cashore
114. Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
115. To Echo the Past by Marcia Lynn McClure
116. Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
117. The Light of the Lover's Moon by Marcia Lynn McClure
118. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
119. The General's Ambition by Marcia Lynn McClure
120. Indebted Deliverance by Marcia Lynn McClure
121. The Unobtainable One by Marcia Lynn McClure
122. A Better Reason to Fall in Love by Marcia Lynn McClure
123. Sweet Cherry Ray by Marcia Lynn McClure
124. Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure
125. Kiss in the Dark by Marcia Lynn McClure
126. The Tide of Mermaid Tears by Marcia Lynn McClure
127. *The Maze Runner by James Dashner
128. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
129. Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
130. *Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card
131. Hannah's Heart by Marnie L. Pehrson
132. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
133. Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George
134. Oregon Flame by Sherry Ann Miller
135. His Holiday Heart by Jillian Hart
136. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
137. *Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull
138. My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
139. *11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
140. A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist
141. *The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
142. *Out of the Dust by Karen Heese
143. Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey
144. *Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
145. The Prometheus Project: Captured by Douglas E. Richards
146. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
147. The Boy Who Could Fly by James Norcliffe
148. Rebound by Heather Justesen
149. City of Angels by Sheralyn Pratt
150. 13 to Life by Shannon Delany
151. *Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull
152. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
153. The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure
154. *Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
155. Sudden Storms by Marcia Lynn McClure
156. Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
157. Beastly by Alex Flinn
158. The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw
159. Being Sixteen by Allyson Condie
160. My Journey to Spiritual Restoration by Gurmay Darlington
161. The Old Testament
162. Out of the Transylvania Night by Aura Imbarus
163. *Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull
164. Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes
165. *The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
166. Allon by Shawn Lamb
167. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
168. Welcome to Stalk Lake City by Sheralyn Pratt
169. Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Stolarz
170. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
171. The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford
172. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
173. The Mark by Marily Bunderson
174. Don't Know Where, Don't Know When by Annette Laing
175. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
176. Hurricane Mia by Donna Marie Seim
177. Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale
178. E.S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense by Arnold Rudnick
179. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
180. *Keys To The Demon Prison by Brandon Mull
181. The Aristobrats by Jennifer Solow
182. *Arthur and the Minimoys by Luc Besson
183. Preach My Gospel
184. The Windswept Flame by Marcia Lynn McClure
185. Stoneheart by Charlie Fletcher
186. Constant Christianity by Jenny Sidri
187. Pegasus by Robin McKinley
188. Pirate Treasure by Benjamin Flinders
189. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
190. *Arthur and the Forbidden City by Luc Besson
191. Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson
192. *I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
193. *Fallen by Lauren Kate
194. Escape From Rwanda by John Yves Bizimana
195. *Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
196 *Tiger, Tiger by Lynne Reid Banks
197. Downriver by Will Hobbs
198. *Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
199. *Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
200. Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
201. The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan
202. *Devil Amongst the Lawyers by Sharyn McCrumb
203. Restored Hope by Brenda Youngerman
204. He Blew Her a Kiss by Angie Pechak Printup
205. *The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer
206. The Lost City of Atlantis by Benjamin Flinders
207. *The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
208. Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry
209. *Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
210. *Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
211. True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw
212. The Fairy Folk and She by Mary-Anne Grosse Ivie
213. *The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
214. Snow Rising by Matt Baldwin
215. *The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
216. I Asked Her Out by Jarett Waite
217. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
218. *The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
219. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
220. *Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
221. The Adventures of Annie Marmalade by Julian Vaughan Hampton
222. My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison
223. Lizzie's Blue Ridge Memories by Virginia Farmer
224. Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin
225. Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
226. *The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
227. Tiny Angel by Nancy Lepri
228. A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman
229. Slayed by Amanda Marrone
230. *Prologue: The Brothers by Chris Stewart
231. Christmas with the Prophets by Laura Willies
232. *Recovering Charles by Jason Wright
233. Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
234. I Am Santa by Kristy Haile
235. Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang
236. *Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate by KSR Kingworth
237. The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover
238. *Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
239. Matched by Ally Condie
240 *The Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright
241. The Truth by Barbara Becker Holstein
242. Secrets by Barbara Becker Holstein
243. First Christmas by Sean Noonan
244. The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward
245. The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts
246. Take a Walk with Me by Marcia Lynn McClure
247. My Gift to You by Lori Nawyn
248. Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins
249. Athena the Brain by Joan Holub
250. Persephone the Phony by Joan Holub
* = Audio Books (78)

Book Review: Persephone the Phony (Goddess Girls #2) by Joan Holub

AS PERSEPHONE'S MOTHER ENCOURAGES HER to do, she often "goes along to get along" instead of doing what she really wants. But when she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually listens to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that the other goddess girls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special -- and so comfortable -- can he really be all that bad? Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddess girls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

I enjoyed this second book in the Goddess Girls series as much as I did the first one.  In this book, Persephone the Phony, Persephone learns a great lesson in standing for and being herself.  When she meets bad boy Hades she learns to trust her instincts about him instead of listening to the gossip of other Goddesses.

Another light, fun read that is a great way to introduce young readers to mythology.  Perfect book for girls ages 8+.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Athena the Brain (Goddess Girls #1) by Joan Holub

ATHENA HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOVE AVERAGE. She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact. When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history -- Medusa!Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

I'm a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series.  My children have all listened to the series multiple times but the reading level is beyond their read alone abilities.  The Goddess Girls series puts a new spin on Greek mythology aimed at a lower reading level than the Percy Jackson series.  This new series by Joan Holub is perfect for girls ages 8-10 and even held the interest of this pushing 40 year old mother as well.

The first book Athena the Brain was a really quick read taking me less than an hour to get through.  Athena receives word that she is the daughter of Zeus and heads to Mount Olympus Academy to attend school.  She meets new friends: Artemis, Pandora, Aphrodite and well as a host of other mythical Gods, Goddess and creatures.  A fun, light read aimed at pre-tween girls.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Picture Book Review: One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado

A delightful way to show little ones how their hands are a blessing from God that they can use to do help others. Written in rhyming text and illustrated with the charming art of Gaby Hansen, this simple message of God-s blessing of hands not only entertains . . . as it teaches what wonderful things our hands can do from scratching, latching, and petting a pup to washing dishes with mommy and putting toys in a box . . . but it also conveys the important message: We can use God-s gift of hands to show our love for Him by helping others. The book ends tenderly with a prayer of thanks to God for hands and asks Him to use them again: One hand, two hands, Five fingers, ten. God, thanks, for my hands. Please, use them again.

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado is about all the wonderful things our hands can do.  With cute illustrations and rhyming text this is a great read aloud book for small children ages 2+.  From making messes to helping others, digging in the dirt to petting a puppy our hands can do many things.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Won in a giveaway

Nearly New Books For You 12/31 to 1/11

I love to receive free books in the mail.

Unlike most avid readers I don't have a huge personal library.

I believe books should be read and then shared instead of sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

This unique belief could mean free books for you.

Each week or so I will be hosting a Nearly New Books For You Giveaway. At least 3 books will be offered each week. The winner of the giveaway will get to choose which book they want. All books are in excellent condition.

This week I'm offering:


Wolf Pie by Brenda Seabrooke


Gimmie A Call by Sarah Mlynowski (ARC so the cover is different)


Tick Tock by James Patterson (New ARC but the corner of the binding was damaged in shipping - still readable)

Giveaway is open only to those over the age of 13 with a US mailing address. Must be a blog follower to enter. Giveaway closes 1/11/11. Winner will be chosen from all eligible entries by the Random Number Generator. To enter you must fill out the Form.

This week's extra entries:
+1 Follow on Twitter
+1 Be or Become my friend on Goodreads

This giveaway is now closed.

Giveaway Winners: Nearly New Books For You

Congratulations to the Winners of my

Nearly New Books for You 12/17 Giveaway

The winners were selected using Random.org



Joy Adams - We'll Meet Again
Helen Keeler - Lincoln Lawyer
Brooke Anne - GW Frog
Deepali - Annie Marmalade

Winners have been notified and will receive their book from me.  Thanks to all who entered.

Guest Post at The World of Book Reviews and Giveaway: Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney

Babs from The World of Book Reviews did an interview with me which was posted today.

As part of the interview I'm giving away an unread ARC of Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney on her site. (Fill out the form on Bab's site to enter)
Be sure to stop by Bab's site starting tomorrow. There will be 9 blogs each hosting a giveaway as part of her New Year's Smash Giveaway Hop.

Audiobook Giveaway: Fed Up! by Rick Perry

Now, do not misunderstand me, America is great.

But we are fed up with being over-taxed and over-regulated. We are tired of being told how much salt to put on our food, what kind of cars we can drive, what kinds of guns we can own, what kind of prayers we are allowed to say and where we can say them, what we are allowed to do to elect political candidates, what kind of energy we can use, what doctor we can see. What kind of nation are we becoming? I fear it's the very kind the Colonists fought against.
But perhaps most of all, we are fed up because deep down we know how great America has always been, how many great things the people do in spite of their government, and how great the nation can be in the future if government will just get out of the way.
Our fight is clear. We must step up and retake the reins of our government from a Washington establishment that has abused our trust. We must empower states to fight for our beliefs, elect only leaders who are on our team, set out to remind our fellow Americans why liberty is guaranteed in the Constitution, and take concrete steps to take back our country. The American people have never sat idle when liberty's trumpet sounds the call to battle-and today that battle is for the soul of America.


Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of Fed Up! by Rick Perry to giveaway.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/23/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

Book Blogger Hop & Follow Plus Weekly Update AND 2011 Blogging Goals

What are your new years book blogging resolutions?
1. Read at least 150 books with 50 of those being audio books.  So far in 2010 I've read 249 books with 78 of those being audiobooks. (I may get one more finished by tomorrow, if not it will count towards my 2011 goal). I'm really hoping to hit at least 200 in 2011 but I'm starting out low and will adjust my goal upwards if I can.
2. Continue to contact authors and set up book giveaways and interviews.  Host at least 4 new giveaways each week.
3. Redesign my blog.
4. Make Best I've Read 2011 even better than Best I've Read 2010.
5. Get through my pile of books to be reviewed or get them into the hands of other reviewers.

While you are here take a minute to enter my current giveaways:

BEST I'VE READ - Too many giveaways to list.  See links on top right side of Blog for all the giveaways that are still open including the grand prize giveaways! ends at Midnight TONIGHT 12/31

6 Month Blogoversary Giveaway - $20 to Amazon, B&N or Book Depository ends 1/4

The Truth ends 1/5

Secrets ends 1/5

Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle ends 1/6

Lastingness ends 1/10

The Ancillary's Mark ends 1/12

Audiobook: Rescue ends 1/13

Salvaged ends 1/16

Command Influence ends 1/16 NEW THIS WEEK

The Wolves of Andover ends 1/17 NEW THIS WEEK

Cross Fire ends 1/18 NEW THIS WEEK

Peace and Plenty ends 1/19 NEW THIS WEEK

Hell's Corner ends 1/20 NEW THIS WEEK

An Object of Beauty ends 1/21 NEW THIS WEEK

Hollywood Hills ends 1/22 NEW THIS WEEK

Nearly New Books for You Giveaways: New giveaway will be up Friday afternoon.

Visit my Got Great Giveaways Linky to enter dozens of book giveaways. If you have a giveaway on your site that isn't listed please add it to the linky. Book related giveaways only please!

New Reviews:
The Snow Globe, Take a Walk with Me, My Gift to You, Winning Mr. Wrong.
Coming Soon:

New Year's Reading Resolutions January 3rd to 9th Hosted by Reading Angel, Pure Imagination & Candance's Book Blog.


January 14th - 17th
Sign Ups are now open for the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop


February 8th - 13th
Sign up to show your followers some love - Follower Love Giveaway Hop.


February 14th - 16th Hosted by Once Upon a Twilight & Good Choice Reading


March 14th - 17th
Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop - Sign Ups are Open


If you are still here remember, I always follow back so if you are a new follower be sure to leave me a comment on this post with a link to your site so I can stop by your blog and follow you.

Hope you are having a fabulous Friday!

Audiobook Giveaway: Hollywood Hills by Joseph Wambaugh

The legendary Hollywood Hills are home to wealth, fame, and power--passing through the neighborhood, it's hard not to get a little greedy.

LAPD veteran "Hollywood Nate" Weiss could take or leave the opulence, but he wouldn't say no to onscreen fame. He may get his shot when he catches the appreciative eye of B-list director Rudy Ressler, and his troublemaking fiancée, Leona Brueger, the older-but-still-foxy widow of a processed-meat tycoon. Nate tries to elude her crafty seductions, but consents to keep an eye on their estate in the Hollywood Hills while they're away.

Also minding the mansion is Raleigh Dibble, a hapless ex-con trying to put the past behind him. Raleigh is all too happy to be set up for the job--as butler-cum-watchdog--by Nigel Wickland, Leona's impeccably dressed art dealer. What Raleigh doesn't realize is that under the natty clothes and posh accent, Nigel has a nefarious plan: two paintings hanging on the mansion's walls will guarantee them more money than they've ever seen.

Everyone's dreams are just within reach--the only problem is, this is Hollywood. A circle of teenage burglars that the media has dubbed The Bling Ring has taken to pillaging the homes of Hollywood celebutants like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, and when a pair of drug-addled young copycats stumbles upon Nigel's heist, that's just the beginning of the disaster to come. Soon Hollywood Nate, surfer cops Flotsam and Jetsam, and the rest of the team at Hollywood Station have a deadly situation on their hands.
Hollywood Hills is a raucous and dangerous roller coaster ride that showcases Joseph Wambaugh in vintage form.

About the Author:
Joseph Wambaugh, a former LAPD detective sergeant, is the bestselling author of 19 prior works of fiction and nonfiction, including The Choirboys and The Onion Field. In 2004, he was named Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. He lives in southern California.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of Hollywood Hills by Joseph Wambaugh to giveaway.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/21/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

Blog Tour: Book Giveaway - Command Influence by Robert Shaines

Inteview with Robert Shaines Author of Command Influence:

Why did you decide to write your book?
I was a 23‐year‐old Air Force Judge Advocate officer and was one of the defense counsel for Lt. George C. Schreiber, who was accused of premeditated murder in the court martial. The story of this injustice has haunted my thoughts all of my adult life, and I finally found the time and the ability to vindicate my own conscience in writing the book. I came to understand how George Schreiber and myself were a couple of dedicated but naive and trusting young Air Force officers, whose lives and characters became permanently shaped by the events in those years.

What types of readers will be interested in your book?
Anyone interested in justice, and military justice and history of the Korean War and an understanding of how political events can affect the lives of those in the military.

What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category
My book is differentiated from others involving history of the Korean War and the politics of injustice in the military by the exercise of command influence leading to the conviction of an accused because I was personally present and participated in the events set forth in my book.

Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
I have not published any other books, but I do plan to publish more and am presently working on a book, a work of fiction, based upon my experiences working for the Defense Nuclear Agency in the former Soviet Union from 1992 to 1996. I would anticipate that book being out sometime in late 2011.

George C. Schreiber was a twenty-five year old second lieutenant in charge of an Air Police guard unit in Pusan, Korea. A year earlier, in 1951, he had innocently been teaching fifth and sixth grade children in Brookfield, Illinois. A year later, he was convicted by a general court-martial of premeditated murder. The unconscionable injustice made no sense to twenty-three year old Air Force lawyer Robert A. Shaines and Schreiber’s story has haunted his thoughts ever since. Command Influence chronicles Shaines’ first hand observation of the dramatic events leading up to the trial of Schreiber and two of his contemporaries and shows how he, Schreiber and others became pawns in a power game among ambitious and vindictive men eager only to please those who could advance their military careers. This series of events would ultimately involve the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Governor of Illinois, the President and the Supreme Court of the United States and bring about a change in the law which would reach the highest levels of government. A fascinating tale of military and legal history, Command Influence is also a captivatingly personal vindication of the conscience of the author, who comes to understand that he and Schreiber were a couple of dedicated, but naive and trusting young fellow officers whose lives and characters became permanently shaped by these events. Both were victims in their own ways.

Book Giveaway:
1 copy of Command Influence by Robert Shaines
Open to those with a US mailing address:
Last day to enter is 1/16/11.
To Enter please fill out this form:

Got Great Giveaway 12/30

Got Great Giveaways is a weekly feature hosted here on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

I love book giveaways. They often have low entries which means I actually win them. I'm always on the lookout for book giveaways and have become frustrated by not having one place to find them all. So I started hosting my own Book Giveaway Linky.




Do you have a book giveaway on your blog or website? Scroll down and add it to the linky list.

Have you found a great book giveaway you want to share? Please add it.

Stop by each week and link up book related giveaways.

Many of the book giveaways listed on last week's Got Great Giveaways Post are still open.

To help bloggers easily find giveaways they are interested in please include as much info as possible:
Genre or Category, Title, Author, website, ending date, etc.

Please link directly to the giveaway.

BOOK & BOOK RELATED GIVEAWAYS ONLY - others will be deleted.

Bookmark this site and stop back by in a couple days for more giveaways because new giveaways get added all week long!

Don't forget to enter all my great giveaways here on this site. Giveaways are listed on the right sidebar ----->

The next Got Great Giveaways Linky will be posted on Thursday 1/6. If you have a giveaway you want me to add to next week's linky just FILL OUT THIS FORM, or you can stop back next week to add it.

This Week's Got Great Giveaways:

Audiobook Giveaway: An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin:
Lacey Yeager is young, captivating, and ambitious enough to take the NYC art world by storm. Groomed at Sotheby's and hungry to keep climbing the social and career ladders put before her, Lacey charms men and women, old and young, rich and even richer with her magnetic charisma and liveliness. Her ascension to the highest tiers of the city parallel the soaring heights--and, at times, the dark lows--of the art world and the country from the late 1990s through today.


About the Author:
Steve Martin is a legendary writer, actor, and performer. His film credits include Father of the Bride, Parenthood, The Spanish Prisoner, and Bringing Down the House, as well as Roxanne, L.A. Story, and Bowfinger, for which he also wrote the screenplays. He's won Emmys for his television writing and two Grammys for comedy albums. In addition to a play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, he has written a bestselling collection of comic pieces, Pure Drivel, and a bestselling novella, Shopgirl, which was made into a movie.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin to giveaway.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/21/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

The Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

March 17th to 20th

Hosted by Books Complete Me 

& I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

What is a giveaway hop?

Simple - Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.

For followers this means lots of chances to win free books.

For blogs hosting a giveaway it means lots of new visitors and followers.

It's a win-win!

The Lucky Leprechaun Hop is scheduled from 12:01 AM March 17th until 11:59 PM March 20th.

Each participating blog will host their own giveaway. There is no requirement on the minimum or maximum value of your giveaway. It's up to you to decide. You can give away books, swags, amazon gift cards, or anything else you can think of that has to do with books. Your giveaway can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

All participating blogs will be linked up through a Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway linky. You will be given the linky code to add to your blog so that readers can jump from one giveaway to the next.

Please keep the process to enter your giveaway as simple as possible.

Please no long lists of dozens of different things followers can do to gain extra entries.

Please help spread the word. The more blogs participating the better! It will mean more visitors and new followers for your blog.

Giveaways can be US, US & Canada or International.

Please create your giveaway post before the giveaway starts and then set it to be posted at 12:01 AM EST on March 17th.

More details will be emailed to participants as we get closer to the giveaway.

Questions can be emailed to: toobusyreading at gmail dot com.

The last day to sign up is March 13th.

You may choose which image to use on your blog post:

Image #1

Image#2

Image #3

To Sign Up Please Fill Out the Form. We will add your site to the linky.



The linky list is NOT closed. Just fill out the form and we will add your information to the linky.

Book Review: Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

Whoever said the quest for love wasn't comical never met Charlene Randall. Charley is looking for a man who wants to start a family, a man who will take her to the temple. Problem is, she has never dated a man for longer than three months. When she reads an internet article called "Ten Ways to Win Your Man," she decides to try it on her new coworker, Maxwell Harrington. Max was her crush in high school, but the superstar sports anchorman doesn't even remember her. Enter ladies' man Damien Giovianni, Charley's handsome neighbor, who agrees to help her win Max over. What follows is a hilarious tale of mishaps and misunderstandings where Charley learns that what she really needs may be right in front of her.

This was such a fun book!  It kept me smiling and laughing throughout.  For the first time in quite a while I stayed up late reading a book I didn't want to put down.  Yes it was quite predictable.  Just reading the title you know Charley's trying to win the wrong man through the help of the ridiculous Internet article.  And yes the "right man" is so amazingly perfect he couldn't exist in real life, let alone live next door.  But that's what makes this such a fun book.  I kept thinking the article should have been called How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

This is an LDS fiction book but it was not preachy at all.  The only thing LDS about it was that Charley wanted to marry someone in the temple who shared her beliefs.  Obviously that desire plays into her choice and view of the men she has the chance to date and the outcome of the book.  If you like cute, clean, fun romance stories this book is for you.

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Giveaway Winners: Get Energy

Congratulations to the Winner of my

Get Energy Book Giveaway

The winners were selected using Random.org


Tiffany P.
Susan M.
Kathy P.

Winners have been notified and will receive their book from the puplisher.  Thanks to all who entered.

Audiobook Giveaway: Hell's Corner by David Baldacci

Oliver Stone and the Camel Club return in #1 bestselling author David Baldacci's most stunning adventure yet.

An attack on the heart of power . . .
In sight of the White House . . .
At a place known as . . .

HELL'S CORNER
John Carr, aka Oliver Stone-once the most skilled assassin his country ever had-stands in Lafayette Park in front of the White House, perhaps for the last time. The president has personally requested that Stone serve his country again on a high-risk, covert mission. Though he's fought for decades to leave his past career behind, Stone has no choice but to say yes.

Then Stone's mission changes drastically before it even begins. It's the night of a state dinner honoring the British prime minister. As he watches the prime minister's motorcade leave the White House that evening, a bomb is detonated in Lafayette Park, an apparent terrorist attack against both leaders. It's in the chaotic aftermath that Stone takes on a new, more urgent assignment: find those responsible for the bombing.

British MI-6 agent Mary Chapman becomes Stone's partner in the search for the unknown attackers. But their opponents are elusive, capable, and increasingly lethal; worst of all, it seems that the park bombing may just have been the opening salvo in their plan. With nowhere else to turn, Stone enlists the help of the only people he knows he can trust: the Camel Club. Yet that may be a big mistake.

In the shadowy worlds of politics and intelligence, there is no one you can really trust. Nothing is really what it seems to be. And Hell's Corner truly lives up to its name. This may be Oliver Stone's and the Camel Club's last stand.

About the Author:
David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at http://www.david-baldacci.com/ and his foundation at http://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/, and to look into its program to spread books across America at http://www.feedingbodyandmind.com/.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of Hell's Corner by David Baldacci to giveaway.


Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/20/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

Audiobook Giveaway: Peace and Plenty by Sarah Ban Breathnach

"When money is plentiful, this is a man's world. When money is scarce, it is a woman's world." Unearthed in a 1932 Ladies Home Journal, this quote is the call to arms that begins PEACE AND PLENTY, Sarah Ban Breathnach's answer to the world's-- and her own personal-- financial crisis. As only Ban Breathnach can, she culls together this compendium of advice, deeply personal anecdotes, and excerpts from magazines, books, and newspapers-- particularly those of the Great Depression-- to inspire readers who are mired in today's financial difficulties.

Focusing on her own personal path, Sarah Ban Breathnach will relate never-before revealed details about how she fell from the financial top to the bottom. Readers will immediately see how deeply she understands the plight of those trying to maintain a happy and comfortable home, while at the same time not even knowing if they will be able to make the mortgage to keep that home.

Sarah has proved to be the voice of comfort for years to women who are spiritually bankrupt, and now she will reach to those who are financially strapped, showing them how to pull themselves out of their psychic and fiscal crises while providing deep comfort and reassurance throughout.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Books for allowing me to host this giveaway.

In addition to SIMPLE ABUNDANCE, Sarah Ban Breathnach is the author of THE SIMPLE ABUNDANCE JOURNAL OF GRATITUDE, SOMETHING MORE, and MRS. SHARP'S TRADITIONS. She currently resides in California. Please visit her website at http://www.simpleabundance.com/

2 Followers of this blog will receive an audiobook copy of the book Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Giveaway ends 1/19/11.

To enter please fill out this form:

Book Review: My Gift to You by Lori Nawyn

Trish Ingram works hard to maintain the perfect suburban household- or, at least, the appearance of one. By managing her outer world with lavish attention and rigid control, she's able to ignore and conceal the darkness of her inner world, which is plagued by traumatic childhood memories of loss. Her terminally ill sister-in-law, Jamie, sees through the facade and reaches out in love to Trish, inspiring her to seek a more meaningful life and a more authentic self. But the childhood scars run deep, and despite Trish's best efforts, she's unable to be the wife and mother her family needs. Devastated by the departure of her husband and daughter, Trish faces the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime. She desires to move forward in faith, but this desire alone cannot mend her family's shattered trust. The hollow realm of denial and fear has been her safe haven. To confront pain and transcend the shadows of her past will require a level of courage she's not sure she possesses. This gripping and hopeful story of familial love and conflict tenderly reminds us that forgiveness-of self and others-is both a difficult choice and a precious gift.



This book has a powerful message of the importance of unconditionally loving others and ourselves.  Trish appears to have the perfect life but appearances can be deceiving.  This book slowly revealed secrets of Trish's past that she had kept hidden from everyone including her husband and daughter.  As Trish faces her past she learns that some secrets had even been kept from her.  Coming to understand herself and her past helps Trish to find the peace and happiness she was longing for.

My Gift to You is author Lori Nawyn's first novel. This book was billed as a Christmas book but I think it could easily be read year round. It was much more of a family drama set in the month of December than a Christmas story.
Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Audiobook Giveaway: Cross Fire by James Patterson

Detective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.'s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and a scheming lobbyist. Next, the elusive marksman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

The case explodes and FBI agent Max Siegel battles Alex for jurisdiction. As Alex struggles with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross--and his family--for good. With a supercharged blend of suspense, action, and deception, CROSS FIRE is James Patterson's most exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

About the author:
The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 205 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Times bestselling novels, and holds the New York Times record for most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author (59 total), which is also a Guinness World Record.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of Cross Fire by James Patterson to giveaway.
 
Entry rules:

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/18/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

Audiobook Giveaway: The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin's household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, The Wolves of Andover confirms Kathleen Kent's ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history.

My second novel, The Wolves of Andover, is a story close to my heart. Like my first book, The Heretic's Daughter, it is based in part on Carrier family legends passed down through 10 generations. In this narrative I've chosen to explore the life of Thomas Carrier, husband to Martha Carrier, who was hanged as a witch in 1692, and how these two remarkable people met and fell in love. According to family lore, Thomas lived to the age of 109, stood seven feet tall, and was one of the executioners of King Charles I of England. I am honored to bring you another chapter of the Carrier family history.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 2 audio copies of The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent to giveaway.
 
Entry rules:

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Last day to enter is 1/17/11.

To Enter Please Fill Out This Form:

Holiday Book Review: Take A Walk With Me by Marcia Lynn McClure

“Grandma?” Cozy called as she closed the front door behind her. She inhaled a deep breath—bathing in the warm, inviting scent of banana nut bread baking in the oven. “Grandma? Are you in here?”

“Cozy!” her grandma called in a loud whisper. “I’m in the kitchen. Hurry!”
Cozy frowned—her heart leapt as worry consumed her for a moment. Yet, as she hurried to the kitchen to find her grandma kneeling at the window that faced the new neighbors yard, and peering out with a pair of binoculars, she exhaled a sigh of relief.
“Grandma! You’re still spying on him?” she giggled.
“Get down! They’ll see us! Get down!” Dottie ordered in a whisper, waving one hand in a gesture that Cozy should duck.
Giggling with amusement at her grandma’s latest antics, Cozy dropped to her hands and knees and crawled toward the window.
“Who’ll see us?” she asked.
“Here,” Dottie whispered, pausing only long enough to reach for a second set of binoculars sitting on the nearby counter. “These are for you.” She smiled at Cozy—winked as a grin of mischief spread over her face. “And now…may I present the entertainment for this evening…Mr. Buckly hunk of burning love Bryant…and company."
 
This was the perfect book to read on Christmas afternoon.  I started it 3 weeks ago when it was released but have had no time to read since then.  Finishing Take A Walk With Me was first on my list of things to do this afternoon.   
 
I loved this book just as I've loved everything Marcia Lynn McClure has written.  A wonderful holiday romance. Can't wait until this gets turned into a full length book.  Such fun characters in this sweet romance. 
 
I think I need to find recipes for raspberry almonds, mulled cider and orange almond punch!
 
Content: a couple mild swear words
 
Rating: 5 Stars
 
Source: From author for review

Holiday Book Review: The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

Discover an unforgettable holiday treasure in Sheila Roberts’ heartwarming tale of love and laughter, magic and miracles, friendship and coming home…


On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.


Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don’t believe it. But they’re about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

I loved the idea of this book and really liked the beginning of the story. Kylie buying the snow globe and hearing the story behind how the magic began was a great tale. I was really enjoying Kylie's story of finding Craig and his toy shop through the globe. A little over 1/2 of the way through the book Kylie passes the snow globe on to one of her friend Suzanne and Kylie's story abruptly ends. We then have her friend's story which I didn't enjoy as much. The last 30 pages the snow globe gets passed to a 3rd friend, Allison, and we have a rushed story about her.

I wish this whole book had been expanded and just been about Kylie. Either that or the book should have been much longer to fully develop the stories of her friends.

Even though this book left me wanting more it was still an enjoyable holiday read.

Content: Some language and profanity scattered throughout.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Received a copy for review

In My Mailbox, Mailbox Monday

From Author For Review:

Take a Walk With Me by Marcia Lynn McClure

For Review & Blog Tour:

Island Sting by Bonnie J Doerr

Audio Download:

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

For Review:

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

From Publisher For Review:

Peace and Plenty by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Gift:

Wild Prairies Roses by Lena Nelson Dooley

For Blog Tour & Giveaway:

How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

For Blog Tour & Review:

Lost on Spirit River by Tommy Batchelor

Bought:

Crash Course in Family History by Paul Larsen

Gift:

Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz

For Blog Tour & Review:


The Goddess Girls Books 1-4 by Joan Holub

Won in a Giveaway on Dan's Journal

Tick Tock by James Patterson

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at the Printed Page. December's hops will be hosted by Let Them Read Books.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.