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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Kindle for Web is Here! Well, Sort of...


They pre-announced it once before, then quickly retracted all but the help files. This time, it appears that Kindle for Web is here to stay. Right now, the app is in beta phase and only available on selected book pages. So far, I haven't found any of them, so I invite you to add a comment if you run into one, so we can all give this a try.  In the meantime, though, you can try it on the product page reached by clicking on the picture or link above. If you just want to see what is included, I've copied in the main features, below. One of the cooler things you'll be able to do is share a book sample via email ... also, potentially one of the more annoying, I suspect, for recipients.

Update: I was looking in the wrong place for the Read First Chapter Free button - it is located on the paper book product page and looks like it takes the place of the old "Look Inside" feature. Check out the product page for Easily Amused, by Karen McQuestion (an indie author turned bestseller), and you'll find the button below the usual buy choices, along the right hand side of the screen. I predict that nearly every author will start embedding these on their web pages ... because it is just so easy to do and it lets them give a sample of their books to any reader that passes buy, with no coding effort on their part. Of course, their book does have to be available as a Kindle edition ... which is a win for Amazon and a win for readers of ebooks.

Read and share book samples

  • Read a book sample from Amazon.com without leaving your browser. No download or installation required.
  • Share book samples with your friends via email or social networks.
  • Embed a book sample in your personal blog or website and earn referral fees on sales.
  • For a list of frequently asked questions and other information, please visit our help page.

Get started

  • Simply click the "Read first chapter FREE" button on selected Amazon book overview pages and a new browser window will open containing the book sample.
  • To buy the full Kindle edition of the book from the sample screen, click the "Get Kindle Edition" button. You may then choose to download the book to your Kindle or other Kindle reading application.

Share a book sample

  • Book samples can be made visible on any website that supports embedded content. If you can add script tags to your site or blog, you can post a sample.
  • First, click the "Embed" button, visible on the right side of the screen when viewing any book sample. You will then see the code to embed. Click on "Customize" if you would like to change the width and height of the window or add your associate tag.
  • After making any customization changes, simply copy the embed code and paste it into the source code of your website or blog.
  • You may also share book samples via email, Facebook, or Twitter by clicking the "Share" button on the right side of the sample screen.

Free Book (EPUB) - First Things First

First Things First ($9.17 Kindle), by Brenda Warner, is free in the Sony bookstore.

Book Description
Kurt Warner is the two-time NFL MVP–winning quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. Brenda Warner is an ex-Marine turned stay-at-home mom who collects coats for low-income kids and rocks babies to sleep at a hospital for chronically-ill infants. Together they’re the parents of seven, going into their 12th year of marriage, and founders of a foundation that helps disadvantaged children and families. Their formula for success? They put First Things First—family, faith, and giving to others—it’s their family motto, and it drives everything they do. First Things First is an honest, insightful, and entertaining look at life inside the Warner household. Kurt and Brenda speak candidly about their marriage, the values they are working to instill in their kids, things they’ve done right, mistakes they’ve made, the importance of giving back, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Includes a 16-page full-color photo insert.

Click HERE to get the free book.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Free Book (EPUB) - The 7th Victim

The 7th Victim ($7.19 Kindle), by Alan Jacobson, is free at Kobo today, for those in the US and Canada (and possibly others).

Book Description
The Dead Eyes Killer lurks in the backyard of the famed FBI Profiling Unit. His brutal murders confound the local task force, despite the gifted profiling skills of Special Agent Karen Vail. But along with Vail's insight and expertise comes considerable personal and professional baggage. On leave pending a review of her assault on her abusive ex-husband, Vail must battle forces determined to bring her down, as she fights to find Dead Eyes before he murders more young women. But the seventh victim is the key to all that stirs this killer...the key that will unlock secrets perhaps too painful for Vail to bear. These are secrets that threaten to destroy her, secrets that will bring down her storied career. For Karen Vail, the truth rests at the heart of a lie. And uncovering it could get her killed... With material meticulously researched during seven years of study with the Bureau's vaunted profiling unit, Alan Jacobson brings refreshing realism and unprecedented accuracy to his pages. The 7th Victim is a page-turner as only Alan Jacobson can write, with a stunning twist of an ending that will satisfy even the most discerning thriller reader.

Click HERE for the free book. As always with Kobo, be sure to sign in and click on Add to Library is you want access to it later on, after the price goes back up.

Update: HERE's the link to get it free from Barnes and Noble.

Complete Hitchhiker's Guide Series $10 or less

You can now pre-order The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, which contains all five books in the series for $9.99.

Book Description
At last in paperback in one complete volume, here are the five classic novels from Douglas Adams’s beloved Hitchiker series.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised Guide. Together they stick out their thumbs to the stars and begin a wild journey through time and space.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Facing annihilation at the hands of warmongers is a curious time to crave tea. It could only happen to the cosmically displaced Arthur Dent and his comrades as they hurtle across the galaxy in a desperate search for a place to eat.

Life, the Universe and Everything
The unhappy inhabitants of planet Krikkit are sick of looking at the night sky– so they plan to destroy it. The universe, that is. Now only five individuals can avert Armageddon: mild-mannered Arthur Dent and his stalwart crew.

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
Back on Earth, Arthur Dent is ready to believe that the past eight years were all just a figment of his stressed-out imagination. But a gift-wrapped fishbowl with a cryptic inscription conspires to thrust him back to reality. So to speak.

Mostly Harmless
Just when Arthur Dent makes the terrible mistake of starting to enjoy life, all hell breaks loose. Can he save the Earth from total obliteration? Can he save the Guide from a hostile alien takeover? Can he save his daughter from herself?



You can also pre-order this one from B&N, HERE. However, the very best price is at Fictionwise (but only for a short time): they have this book listed at $20.00 or $17.00 with their club discount and there is a 50% off coupon, F50B2Z7290, from this past weekend that is still working. Best of all, it isn't a pre-order there and I now have it downloaded -- their version, at least, also has a bonus short story before the last title, Young Zaphod Plays It Safe, which I expect will be present in the version sold at both of the other stores, as well.

Bargain Book Roundup, Part I

I'm starting off today's Bargain Roundup with several books by Robyn Carr, whose Sheltering Hearts is still free, starting with Forbidden Falls ($2.84), the eighth in the Virgin River series.

Book Description
Virgin River is abuzz with the news that a stranger bought the town's abandoned church on eBay. The buyer, a young widowed reverend, is a little like the building itself: in need of some loving care.

Noah Kincaid arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and revitalize his new purchase, but he's going to need some help. An ad in the local paper brings an improbable candidate his way.


If you want to start the series at the beginning, be sure to pick up the Virgin River Omnibus ($9.99), which contains the first four books in the series: Virgin River ($5.04), Shelter Mountain ($5.76), Whispering Rock ($5.04) and A Virgin River Christmas ($5.69).

Book Description
The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years--and there's always room for more-

A recently widowed nurse thinks she's made a mistake coming to Virgin River--until an abandoned baby and former marine make her feel right at home. A marine who has seen his share of pain helps a woman in need, and discovers emotions he has never allowed himself to feel. A cop longs to settle down with the woman of his dreams--but must free her from a painful past first. And a woman tracks down the soldier who once saved her husband's life-and finds an emotionally wounded man who needs her help to open his heart.

Experience all the emotion, joy and romance as the residents and visitors of the small town of Virgin River find healing and love amongst the rugged beauty of the California mountains.


The rest of the series is just above the $5 bargain price cutoff: Second Chance Pass ($5.76), Temptation Ridge ($5.59), Paradise Valley ($5.04), Angel's Peak ($5.76) and Moonlight Road ($5.76).

The Wedding Party ($4.32) is a stand-alone novel

Book Description
Charlene Dugan started her day as usual--single. Then, all in the space of a few hours:

-- Her daughter announced she doesn't want to "end up like her"

-- Her absentminded mother got lost in a parking lot

-- Her ex-husband accused her of being afraid of commitment

Now her decision to utter those three little words--let's get married--has everyone around her in a tailspin. The maid of honor is in a tempest over a man fifteen years her junior. Her daughter, the official bridesmaid, has decided to reinvent herself. The groom is spending all of his free time with the wedding consultant. And her ex-husband, a man who still drives her crazy, is making some pretty convincing arguments for a second chance.

The wedding party is out of control, they're calling for rain and the bride has cold feet. This isn't exactly what Charlene had in mind.


Blue Skies ($4.68) is the final novel by Robyn Carr in today's list.

Book Description
Nikki Burgess has survived a terrible marriage and an even worse divorce. And she's just about given up hope of ever finding love and happiness. But when her ex-husband suddenly dies, she gets custody of her kids again and a chance to start over and do it right.

Dixie McPherson, on the other hand, has had way too much love. She has eleven tennis bracelets, dozens of trinkets, piles of sexy lingerie and a tarnished reputation when all she ever wanted was true love, a partner and a family.

Carlisle Bartlett is loyal, generous, kindhearted and the funniest guy slinging drinks in the back of an airplane. But he has an ugly little secret. The only kind of love he's used to comes with bruises.

They are three people who could seriously use a break. A fresh start. A shot at success and a chance to shine. Maybe a little romance--the kind that sticks. And some adventure wouldn't hurt. So when they're presented with the challenge of joining a team starting a new airline in Las Vegas, they don't hesitate. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, these three friends are going in search of their own blue skies.


That Holiday Feeling ($3.46) is a collection of short stories/novellas by Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber and Sherryl Woods

Book Description
Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber

In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says "I do."

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods

Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will...if Savannah Holiday's aunt Mae has anything to do with it.

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr

When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town's Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it's his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues and tails wagging!


Next up are several books from Debbie Macomber, starting with several Christmas/Winter themed selections, the first of which is the novella collection Home for the Holidays ($1.24)

Book Description
The Forgetful Bride

Caitlin Marshall's trying to go home to Minnesota, but at the last minute she gives her airline ticket to a stranded soldier. So Cait spends Christmas with Joe Rockwell, who was a childhood friend--and is still a terrible tease, claiming that Cait's his wife. Oh, sure, they were "married" in a pretend ceremony when she was eight, but now Joe wants to make their "marriage" real!

When Christmas Comes

Emily Springer trades her Leavenworth, Washington, home for Charles Brewster's Boston condo. Then Emily's friend Faith comes to visit her in Washington--and instead finds Charles, a complete stranger and a curmudgeon, to boot. His brother, Ray, meanwhile, shows up at Charles's place, only to discover Emily living there. But through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, among the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge....


Where Angels Go ($1.24), is the last in the Angels Everywhere series.

Book Description
Christmas is a time for angels Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are back! These three irresistible angels love their assignments on earth. They especially love helping people who send prayer requests to Heaven (even though the Archangel Gabriel, their boss, knows they're going to break his rules)!

This Christmas, Mercy is assigned to bring peace of mind to an elderly man... who discovers an unexpected answer to his prayers.

Goodness is sent to oversee the love life of a young woman afraid to risk commitment for a second time.

And Shirley has the task of granting a little boy's fondest Christmas wish.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy go wherever they're needed. These three charming angels often find themselves in trouble, but somehow things always work out for the best especially at Christmas.


The Perfect Christmas ($2.53), by Debbie Macomber

Book Description
What would make your Christmas perfect? For Cassie Beaumont, it's meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far, nothing's worked. Not blind dates, not the Internet and certainly not leaving love to chance.

What's left? A professional matchmaker. He's Simon Dodson, and he's very choosy about the clients he takes on. Cassie finds Simon a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, and she's astonished when he accepts her as a client.

Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her three tasks to complete before she meets him. Three tasks that are all about Christmas: being a charity bell ringer, dressing up as Santa's elf at a children's party and preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (whom she happens to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all and she's finally ready to meet her match. But just like the perfect Christmas gift, he turns out to be a wonderful surprise!


On A Snowy Night ($3.81), contains two stand-alone novels.

Book Description
THE CHRISTMAS BASKET

More than ten years ago, high-school sweethearts Noelle McDowell and Thomas Sutton planned to elope--but then he jilted her. This Christmas, Noelle is home to celebrate the holidays, and she and Thom discover they are still in love. Now only the decades-old rivalry between their mothers stands in the way of a second chance together.

THE SNOW BRIDE

It-s a month before Christmas and Jenna Campbell is flying to Alaska to marry a man she met on the Internet--until her seatmate takes it upon himself to change her plans. Which is how Jenna ends up stranded in tiny Snowbound, Alaska, alone with Reid Jamison (plus a bunch of eccentric old men and a few grizzly bears). And then there-s a blizzard.... Maybe she-ll be a Christmas bride after all!


Angels at Christmas ($4.29), is an omnibus in the Angels Everywhere series, containing Those Christmas Angels and Where Angels Go.

Book Description
Every Christmas, three lovable angels visit Earth. Once a year, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are allowed to intervene (or, more accurately, interfere!) in human affairs. Despite their frequent misadventures and the chaos they often cause, things always seem to turn out right....

This Christmas, join Those Christmas Angels as they respond to Anne Fletcher's prayer request. She wants her son, Roy, to meet a special woman--and the angels contrive to throw Julie Wilcott in his path (literally!).

Watch as the heaven-sent messengers reunite a divorced couple, bring peace of mind to an elderly man and grant a little boy's fondest wish. Because there's always joy Where Angels Go.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy offer you laughter and Christmas cheer in these two heartwarming stories!


A Gift To Last ($4.58)

Book Description
The best gifts are the ones that don-t come wrapped! Gifts of home, of family and friends, of love...

Can This Be Christmas?

On December 24, a crowded train is taking holiday travelers home for Christmas. But because of a snowstorm, this group of strangers ends up spending Christmas Eve together, stranded in a small New Hampshire station. Despite the cold and discomfort, they create an impromptu celebration that reminds them all what Christmas really means.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy

Greg Bennett hates Christmas. Divorced, virtually friendless and about to lose his business, he has no time for what he considers sentimental nonsense. It takes three wacky angels to show him the truth. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy shall follow him...until he learns what Christmas is all about!


Leaving the holidays behind, there are still plenty of Debbie Macomber titles on the bargain list currently. Starting off the omnibus volumes is the Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series ($15.69), which contains the first six novels of her Cedar Cove series in one collection, for one low price! Bundle includes 16 Lighthouse Road, 204 Rosewood Lane, 311 Pelican Court, 44 Cranberry Point, 50 Harbor Street, and 6 Rainier Drive.

Complete the series by picking up Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, Volume 2 ($9.99), which contains books 7-10: 74 Seaside Avenue, 8 Sandpiper Way, 92 Pacific Boulevard and 1022 Evergreen Place.

Book Description
Debbie Macomber's bestselling and beloved Cedar Cove series continues with these four novels! Reconnect with your favorite characters and meet some new friends from this tight-knit community where love and friendship are just around the corner....

Wyoming Brides ($2.81), contains both books in the Wyoming series, at less than the price of just The Wyoming Kid ($3.60).

Book Description
Denim and Diamonds
Rancher Chase Brown has always loved Letty Ellison, but nine years ago she left their small Wyoming town, searching for a different kind of life. Now she's come home to Red Springs with her dreams in tatters--and a five-year-old child in tow. She's ready to trade the false glitter of Hollywood for the true happiness of being a rancher's wife. Chase's wife. But is it too late?

The Wyoming Kid
Rancher Lonny Ellison is an ex-rodeo cowboy who's used to the adulation of women. But that's something he doesn't get from Joy Fuller. In fact, they argue constantly. His sister, Letty, says it's because he's interested in Joy...and Lonny figures she's right. Can he convince Joy that marriage to the Wyoming Kid will be as exciting as an eight-second bull ride and as sweet as the cookies she likes to bake?


The Manning Sisters ($4.33) contains both books in the The Manning Sisters series (Cowboy's Lady & Sheriff Takes a Wife).

Book Description
When Taylor Manning accepts a teaching job in Cougar Point, Montana, she discovers that life there is very different from life in Seattle. So are the men! She soon notices a handsome, opinionated, stubborn rancher named Russ Palmer, and he notices her. In fact, they more than notice each other... After only a few months, Taylor's certain of one thing. Despite their conflicting backgrounds, she'd love to be The Cowboy's Lady.

The first day Christy Manning visits her sister, Taylor, she meets Sheriff Cody Franklin. To Christy's shock--and Cody's--they're immediately attracted to each other. Intensely attracted. There's a problem, though. Christy's engaged to someone else, someone back in Seattle. So what's the solution? See what happens when The Sheriff Takes a Wife...


The Manning Brides ($5.47), contains the first two books in the Manning Sisters series (Marriage Of Inconvenience & Stand-In Wife) and should be read before the next series, below.

Book Description
Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have always been friends and nothing but friends. However, that changes when she asks him to father the child she so desperately wants. Rich agrees if she'll marry him. Because he thinks their Marriage of Inconvenience could become a real marriage instead.

Paul Manning, a grieving widower with three small children, turns to Leah Baker for help and comfort. When that comfort begins to grow into something else, Paul discovers that he wants more than a Stand-In Wife.


The Manning Grooms ($4.96), completes the Manning Sisters series, containing Bride on the Loose & Same Time, Next Year.

Book Description
Jason Manning is content with his life as a bachelor, a slob and a sports fan. Then a precocious girl named Carrie Weston decides to play matchmaker, introducing him to her mother, Charlotte. To his relief, Charlotte is as averse to marriage as he is. But Jason's feelings start to change once he gets to know his Bride on the Loose.

James Wilkens was almost a Manning groom--because he almost married one of the Manning sisters. With that broken engagement behind him, he spends New Year's Eve in Las Vegas...where he meets Summer Lawton. She's just suffered a painful betrayal, and James promises her that in a year, she'll be over it. To prove his point, he makes a date to meet her in Vegas Same Time, Next Year. Except it turns out to be more than a date--it's a wedding!


Orchard Valley Grooms ($5.76) contains the first two in the Orchard Valley series, Valerie & Stephanie.

Book Description
Valerie rushes home to Orchard Valley, Oregon, when her father, David, suffers a heart attack. She and her two younger sisters, Stephanie and Norah, are gathering at his side, praying he'll live, fearing he'll die....

At a time like this, falling in love is the last thing on Valerie's mind. And with Dr. Colby Winston, of all people! He's David's heart surgeon, a renowned specialist who enjoys small-town living, while Valerie is a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. They're complete opposites in every way. Yet David keeps insisting she and Colby are a perfect couple.

Meanwhile Stephanie has other worries besides her father's health. She'd fled Orchard Valley three years earlier after her humiliating rejection by local journalist Charles Tomaselli. Now she's home, and it's not long before they begin reliving past battles--and renewing old feelings. He was the reason she left. This time, will he give her a reason to stay? David seems to think so....


Summer on Blossom Street ($3.06) is the sixth in the Blossom Street series.

Book Description
They're both about beginnings--and endings. That's why Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn on Seattle's Blossom Street, offers a class called Knit to Quit. It's for people who want to quit something--or someone!--and start a new phase of their lives.

First to join is Phoebe Rylander, who's trying to get over a man. Alix Turner and her husband want a baby, so she has to quit smoking. And Bryan Hutchinson needs a way to deal with the stress of running his family's business.

Then there's Lydia's friend Anne Marie Roche. She and her adopted daughter, Ellen, have finally settled into a secure and happy routine--when a stranger appears asking questions.

Meanwhile, Lydia and her husband, Brad, have their hands full with the angry, defiant twelve-year-old who unexpectedly becomes their foster child....

But when your life--and your stitches--get snarled, your friends can always help!


Navy Husband is the sixth (and final) volume in the Navy series.

Book Description
I, Shana Berrie, am my sister's official navy "parenting plan." That means I'm in charge of adorable Jazmine until my sis returns. But-surprise!-nine-year-olds have lots of opinions, including ones on my love life (or lack thereof). Now she's trying to set me up with our family friend, Adam Kennedy. Excuse me-Lieutenant Commander Adam Kennedy. So he's great looking and very helpful (if dictatorial), but I am not in the market for a navy husband.

This Matter Of Marriage ($3.60)

Book Description
The alarm on Hallie's biological clock is buzzing. She's hitting the big three-O and there's no prospect of marriage, no man in sight. Hallie, an organized, goal-setting kind of person, gives herself a year to meet Mr. Knight...In Shining Armor. But all her dates are disasters. (There's the cheapskate and the sex fiend and...well, never mind.)

Too bad she can't just fall for her good-looking neighbor Steve Marris--who's definitely not her type. Anyway, Steve's busy trying to win back his ex-wife, Mary Lynn, who's busy getting married--but not to Steve. Life would be so much simpler if he could fall for someone else. Like...Hallie. They're friends, though--and sometimes friends become lovers. Sometimes friends become more.


Between Friends ($3.60)

Book Description
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship--and tells it in a remarkable way. Between Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself...and her best friend.

The friendship between Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950s. As they grow up, their circumstances, their choices--and their mistakes--take them in virtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young, living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money, an unfaithful husband. Jillian lives those years on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City.

Over the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jillian and Lesley remain close, sharing every grief and every joy. There are no secrets between friends....