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Sunday, July 24, 2016

Sunday Post July 24, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 25, 2016

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.
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 continue to work on getting caught up in the law office and also got some time for publishing tasks.
I had the house cleaned this week and Hubby is on the track to come home on Wednesday which will be a happy thing. We plan to put a pillow on his chest so the dogs can't scratch him. I have no doubt they will be all over him and he can't even pick up their 12 pound bundles. He is limited to 5 pounds and will have a long time recovering and minimizing strain on his wired sternum.

My reading was steady. I finished four books, three ebooks and one audio. I am glad I got four reviews up, with a guest post and my usual memes.
I got to visit a little early in the week then crashed several nights later in the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: A Better World by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2
Written by: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase
I really enjoyed this fast paced space military story.
This is from my Audible TBR Library.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (iRead Book Tours)


Regina Shen: Endurance
by Lance Erlick
I liked this volume of this engaging YA, female society dystopian series.
I received this through iReads Book Tours.

Review and Author Guest are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG)


The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery
by Marty Wingate
This cozy mystery was an easy, good read.
Received through NetGalley; I will post review before the release date 8/2.
Click on book title for full description.



4. eBook/Kindle (TBR)


Quiet As They Come (Free Story for Kindle)
Chau, Angie
This was a free Kindle story on my TBR shelf from 2010 - I believe it is only one of the collection.
It is a remarkably engaging and quick read.
Quiet As They Come is a beautiful and at times brutal portrait of a people caught between two cultures. Set in San Francisco from the 1980s to the present day, this debut collection explores the lives of several families of Vietnamese immigrants as they struggle to adjust to life in their new country, often haunted by the memories and customs of their old lives in Vietnam. While some are able to survive and assimilate, others are crushed by the promise of the "American Dream." No matter their fate, you will never be able to forget the people you meet in this remarkable collection.



Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


This Present Darkness
Written by: Frank Peretti
Narrated by: Jack Sondericker
I am still excited about this chilling read which I originally read in the 1980s. I am half way.

Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (Author)


Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 4)
by Barbara Venkataraman
I am enjoying this engaging story in this lawyer mystery series!
I received this from the author for an honest review.
Finally, life is good for reluctant family law attorney, Jamie Quinn--her father may get his visa soon, her boyfriend is the bomb, and her law practice is growing like crazy--but when she agrees to take on a high-profile divorce case, everything falls apart. What looked like an opportunity to work with her friend Grace and make some serious bucks has turned into a deadly game, one that could destroy their friendship and tear their town apart. Why couldn't Jamie just leave well enough alone?



3. eBook/Kindle (NG)


Inquisitor
by Mitchell Hogan
I have had this from NetGalley since early in the year.
I am looking forward to reading it.
This is a genre I really like.


From the Aurealis Award-winning author of A Crucible of Souls.
Inquisitor Angel Xia, former mercenary turned detective, is used to being the hunter. But on another routine murder investigation the bodies begin to pile up, and Angel finds herself a target of sinister powers determined to conceal the truth.
The hunter has just become the hunted.
Betrayed by those she trusted most, and barely escaping assassination attempts, Angel receives a cryptic message from child begging for her help. Framed for horrific crimes, the only chance to clear her name is inextricably linked to a little girl - but the enemy is on her heels.
Running for her life, Angel races to forgotten places at the edges of known space that hold the darkest secrets of humanity…and the greatest threat to its future.
And all will be determined by what she chooses to do next. That is…if she can stay alive.



4. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written by: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
I have pulled this from my Audible TBR shelf.
Publisher's Summary
On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood.
Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.
The lieutenant's name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he'd been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit. Telling an unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.
©2010 Laura Hillenbrand; 2010 Random House Audio



July 3, 2016 - I was caught up through June 30th but now have to catch up to date in July with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews this past week but I finished four so I still have eight total pending. I am planning on four this week for upcoming release dates.  I still have to work on getting caught up.

I've reduced my author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates queue to three books so I might start accepting new ones for the end of the year.
My NetGalley shelves are down to three when I finish the one I plan to read this week.
I'm sort of hoping to set aside September for TBR books only so I am trying to resist new arcs/author requests and NetGalley.


I have two new release that will go up at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.


Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I had an empty mailbox this week although I have a few requests pending.
I didn't purchase any kindle titles since I picked up more than enough free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE

Won
NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 57! free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 24, 2016

We had a good Sunday School this morning finishing up in Romans, Chapter 16. Our SS teacher noted that there are many ‘workers’/servants/supporters, men and women, mentioned by name as those who helped Paul in his ministry. The point is made that not everyone is chosen to be an outspoken evangelist but we each can find a way to be a support resource.

We shared communion, focusing on accepting the healing powers of the sacraments; the healing power in the blood Jesus shed for us. We honored a staff member who has been with the church almost 30 years. We also honored a young girl who was ‘crowned’ and rewarded with decorations for her dedicated learning, memorization and completion of projects in the Mpact Star program.  I found this particularly moving as we have watched this young lady grow over the past ten years that we have been at the church.

Pastor’s sermon was centered on Hebrews 4:1-13, ultimately seeking the ‘rest’ promised by God. As long as we are still in this world, we must remain diligent to pursue obedience.
We can be disobedient if we:
  • Hold on to worldly friends, leaving open a door for the work of the devil.
  •  Hold on to unforgiveness, which will hurt us more than the person we refuse to forgive.
  •  Hold on to pet sins thinking there will be no consequence. All of our behaviors, including those ‘little’ sins are an example to our children as well as to others around us.
  •  Talk against others, including authority. We are told to pray for leaders, not criticize them. We are to lead a wrongdoer gently to restoration, not speak badly about them. Our mouths can bring unrest and destruction if we do not curb the negative comments.

Pastor admonished us that we in the church body can be the ‘next generation’ supporting our new Pastor if we are obedient in our behaviors. It is our choice to be obedient or not. V11.

Once again I had a specific song in mind but I could not find it. 
Instead I was led to this song: I Come Running.
Verses for Today:
Hebrews 4:1-2, 11
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
v11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

I must pray each morning to follow Romans 16:19 “be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” I must also pray for the Holy Spirit to give me strength and courage to be obedient to God’s word and Will so that, someday, I may enter the rest He has promised.I know it is a matter of faith, but faith shows in obedience.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Sharing Beyond Books #262 Comment Giveaway July 23, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Most of us acknowledged that we didn't make 'life plans' but we are happy, and several of us are thankful, for how life turned out. I loved the Douglas Adams quote that Natalija shared: "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #261 comments is:#13 Elizabeth who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #262
(One Question.)
bn100 asks: If you don't like a book cover, would you still look buy or read the book??
I think my primary decision is the description (and sometimes the author) so, yes, I will sometimes read a book even if I don't like the cover. That said, engaging covers do get my attention more than boring ones.
Don't judge a book by its cover. You never know what the inside looks like until you open it up. It might be the one that changes everything about the way you feel.
Image Found at Board of Wisdom.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share:
bn100 asks: If you don't like a book cover, would you still look buy or read the book??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 through Saturday July 30, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Audible Book Review: Enforcing Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 6 by A. American

I started this sixth book in the series and although calmer than prior books, I found it hard to put down.
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
Series: Survivalist, Book 6
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-19-16
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Morgan has managed to get through a lot. Having made it back to his family and dealt with the issues of unscrupulous neighbors, he then had to deal with the presence of the federal government and their nefarious activities. But with the help of his close-knit group he prevailed. Life is settling into a familiar routine. And with the help of the US Army, they are starting to rebuild their community. But just when Morgan thinks things are assuming some kind of normal, another surprise lands in his lap. He's made sheriff.
Harkening back to a time when law enforcement was a local face in the community, Morgan is forced to step up and be that face, much to his chagrin. With the help of Thad, Danny, and the rest of the crew, he accepts the challenge and tries to make a positive impact. But he's in for yet another surprise. New foes will arise, and old ones will return to conspire to destroy his efforts.
Morgan's group will suffer loss, injury, and constant assault. His new position has made him a target as well as those he loves. The peace and tranquility that the group has fought so hard for will continue to elude them. The fight, as Morgan soon learns, is just beginning.
©2015 A. American (P)2016 Podium Publishing


Review:
Morgan is now sheriff of his community and the local town. He isn’t thrilled but agreed to accept the responsibilities with several of his friends as deputies. His own community is experiencing a time of rebuilding and peace but that doesn’t last. There are many who are hungry and unrest is spreading especially as bullies try to take from others by force. These are local problems, but not the worst Morgan has to deal with. Stragglers with children who are coughing badly pass outside the neighborhood gates. Some of the community children do not realize there may be danger playing with these sickly waifs.

Morgan’s friends learn that the corrupt federal DHS forces never made it to the army base where they were being sent. Instead they escaped and are building forces with plans to eliminate Morgan, Sarge and the rest of the ‘resisters’. A stranger wander in and, although it is not clear if he can be trusted, he slowly becomes part of the group.

Fortunately, Sarge and Morgan have friends in high places. They are able to get the supplies for a field hospital flown in as well as getting some heavy power equipment that will be useful as the skirmishes with the DHS scoundrels intensify.

I was glad to be back with the familiar characters and I was pulled right into the story. The author addresses issues relating to the society reorganization as well as dangers of disease and lawlessness. This episode moves forward with daily concerns and not all the action is in fighting… there is enough of that too to keep things interesting. There are moments of humor and almost happiness as the community and nearby town look to reestablish a firm footing.  But Morgan becomes more of a target especially for the oncoming threat of a major attack by the DHS forces.

There was a bit more male crudeness and some rather brutal torture in this book. There was also some repetition but it didn't have a noticeable impact on my enjoyment. I found this engaging and I look forward to more action in this series.

Audio Notes: Duke Fontaine has certainly become the voice of these characters for me. His clear narration enhances the engagement in the stories and makes this a fast listen.

My prior reviews in the series:
Book 1, Going Home
Book 2, Surviving Home
Book 3, Escaping Home
Book 4, Forsaking Home
Book 5, Resurrecting Home

This was a 2016 selection for my own Audible library.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 22, 2016

Happy Friday!
Hubby continues to get better and will be released to home next week. :-) We are hunting down PT services either for home care or outpatient. 
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer (or for a few, winter) time.
(I just have not had time to get a picture of the latest book group, nor pull books from the last several weeks. I hope to get this done this weekend and have my clerk prepare for mailing early next week.)


TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK
US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)


CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the July 15 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: none

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 15 Pick:
RUVYNREBA gets the Joan Johnston pair
Marjorie gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This looks fun but I would probably like audio while riding! 
Image found at RealSimple

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016
(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
Sandra Brown: Above and Beyond and Honor Bound (my copy is 1986 edition with a different cover
Joan Johnston: Faron & Garth: The Cowboy and the Princess / The Wrangler and the Rich Girl and Sweetwater Seduction
SINGLES:
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews (new- hardcover)
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
*Witch’s Hammer by Caroline Farr (a 1967 yellowed pages - different cover)
*Mistress of Mount Fair by Jane Gordon
Once an Angel by Tammy Hilz
Bound By Temptation by Lavinia Kent
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
On Fire by Carla Neggers (1999 version with different cover)
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
*She Came Back by Patricia Wentworth (1981 yellowed pages)
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016
PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016


SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone


New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)


The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 978+ 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. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

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 $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

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!

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