Book Review: Dear Heart: The Courting Letters by Judith Pinkerton Josephson

This is a charming dual romance.
Dear Heart: The Courting Letters
by Judith Pinkerton Josephson (Author), Kirsten Josephson (Illustrator)

File Size: 24426 KB
Print Length: 258 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0996719962
Publisher: eFrog Press (October 20, 2016)
ASIN: B01M0FYT3O
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In 2010 teacher Lisa Anderson has almost given up on love after a failed, longtime relationship and Internet dating disasters. In a cluttered attic, she discovers an antique writing box labeled “Courting Letters.” Untying the beribboned packets inside, she finds tattered envelopes, their contents penned more than a century before. As Lisa begins to read, she learns that in 1907 in Ipswich, England, the authors, Gertie and Fred, meet. Just as their friendship deepens into something more, Fred and his family emigrate to America in search of a better life. Hopes for the budding relationship fade. Long months pass. Then a letter from Fred to Gertie arrives. The two begin a dance of written words, but the romance is fraught with obstacles, not the least of which is the Atlantic Ocean. Separation and distance also conspire against Lisa when her intriguing new beau must return to his native Spain. Dear Heart: The Courting Letters weaves a tapestry from two intersecting love stories. Will the threads hold or pull apart?

Review:
Lisa Anderson is a school teacher in her mid-thirties. She has mostly moved on from a longtime relationship that ended with her beau saying something like ‘I’m not interested anymore’. Lisa’s mother has recently died so Lisa is cleaning out her mother’s house to prepare it for sale. Lisa finds an antique writing box in the attic that is full of “courting letters”. Lisa doesn’t recognize the names of the writers but she soon becomes enchanted with their courtship through letters.

Gertie and Fred met in England near the turn of the century. Fred moved to Chicago to help find work for his younger brothers and himself. He was sad to leave Gertie behind but he had a duty to take care of his family. Still, he had never met anyone like Gertie and he couldn’t help but write to her, sharing his sentimental musings keeping her advised of his activities.

Gertie was a young woman of 35 who spent her years helping in the family business. After her father died, Gertie helped her frail mother take care of their home as a boarding house. Gertie had thought a relationship was developing with Fred but then he announced he was moving to America. Gertie is ensnared with Fred’s sensitive prose and sharing through his letters. She has boarders who show interest in her but she still has dreams of Fred. Gertie must decide if she should accept an offer of marriage rather than continue to wait for Fred who has never spoken for her hand.

Unexpectedly Lisa meets a good-looking man and they discover common interests and mutual attraction. Things are developing nicely until he stops coming by and calling. He doesn’t answer her calls either. Lisa tries to overcome her new disappointment. Meanwhile, Lisa is sure there aren’t gentle, poetic men like Fred anymore and she wonders who this couple were and what happened to them.

This is a sample photo from the 

collection of Francis Frith at francisfrith.com.

The letter courtship is charming and the story shares wonderful word images of the times and places. There are lovely illustrations along with postcards and photography of the settings shared which add to the interest. This is not an action story but it has a gentle, quaint charm in the presentation through the letters. I enjoyed Lisa’s struggles and triumph in romance too. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet, gentle romance.

I received this title through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 30, 2017

Happy Friday!
I've had a good week although it seems I finished some things I hadn't planned rather than some I did plan.
Still no shopping yet... someday... maybe.

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 June 23 Pick. There were two 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 was one title blocked.
AUTO: CarolNW gets Anna's Book
and Rubynreba gets One Dark Night

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 23 Pick:
NATALIJA gets a GC.
BN100 gets Keepers

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

Happy Fourth of July to those of us who will be celebrating next week!
Image found at Just Book Reading.

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
PAIRS [or Singles] – Since I have four sets of pairs I will work this by first two pairs that go the others go as singles OR you may choose a title as a single and if won that pair falls into single.
Joan Johnston: The Loner and the Cowboy
Nora Roberts: Sea Swept (some spine creases) and Genuine Lies
Kat Martin: Midnight Sun and Perfect Sin
Linda Howard (aka Krista Janssen): Cry No More and Indigo Fire (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Garden of Scandal by Jennifer Blake
A Rogue’s Heart by Debra Lee Brown
The Night Remembers by Kathleen Eagle (spine wear)
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
Hurricane by Karen Harper
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
Sail by James Patterson
Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley


New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Identity: Unknown by Suzanne Brockmann
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
Anna’s Book by Barbara Vine (Audio Cassette)
Passions Treasure by Betina Krahn
My Reckless Surrender by Anna Campbell
Led Astray By A Rake by Sara Bennett
Deep Freeze by Lisa Jackson
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Valley of Bones by Eric Wilson
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn (Hardcover)
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)


New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas:
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

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

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
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)
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
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)

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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,076+ 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!

Audible Book Review: The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale

This is surprisingly engaging and thought provoking.

The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Written by: Eric Kahn Gale

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:03-03-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Middle Grade

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Marlin is not slow or mute; he is a stutterer, and that makes it impossible for him to convince people otherwise. He is also a Rackham: the youngest son of the world-famous explorer Roland Rackham, who is the owner and proprietor of the Zoo at the Edge of the World, a resort where the well to do from all over the world can come to experience the last bit of the wild left in the world at the end of the nineteenth century.
In order to impress a powerful duke who comes to visit the zoo, Marlin's father ventures into the jungle and brings back a mysterious black jaguar, now the only one in captivity. Everyone is terrified of the jaguar, including Marlin - until one night when the jaguar confers upon him a powerful gift. Soon Marlin finds himself with a difficult choice to make and, finally, something to say. If only he can figure out how to say it.
©2014 Eric Kahn Gale (P)2015 Recorded Books

Review:
Marlin is a bright 11-12 year-old boy but people don’t realize it because he is an extreme stutterer. He can talk to animals when no human is around, but it is painful for him to try to speak to humans. At least his father accepts his difficulty, unlike his older brother, Tim, who taunts him and does everything to bully him.

The two boys are sons of Roland Rackham, a famous explorer who has established the Zoo at the Edge of the World resort. The zoo contains many dangerous jungle species behind cages made to keep the animals in but allow the wealthy guests to see them mostly in their habitat. Rackham struggles to keep the resort afloat financially although he won’t let anyone else know of his financial troubles. He has been trying to buy more land on the edge of British Guiana forest rather than allow sugar planters to take over and destroy the wild. One of his competitors for land is an old English ‘friend’, a wealthy duke, who is visiting the resort with his family. The duke’s real goal is to find a way to discredit Rackham and his business.

Rackham captures a black Jaguar and sets him in a cage to be a special exhibit. Everyone is afraid of the ‘man-eater’ cat. Marlin discovers the mysterious Jaguar is wise and magical. Jaguar bestows a special power on Marlin. The gift alone would change Marlin’s life but it also creates a special bond with the Jaguar. Rackham decides to create a one of a kind spectacle by pitting the cat against some other jungle creatures. Marlin can’t allow the confrontation to occur but his solution results in other troubles.

As the week of events progresses Marlin discovers secrets he wishes he didn’t know. Ultimately, he must make a choice to stand up and try to speak out. But will it be too late?

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this but I was quickly drawn into the story. I liked Marlin’s character and the friends he’s made and new friends made during the week. Marlin is kind to the animals even when not all of them are kind to him. He doesn’t set out to cause trouble but it dominoes. Each action tumbles forcing him to make hard decisions. The genre says 5-7 year old but apparently it is supposed to be 5th to 7th grade which is much more fitting. There are moral lessons to be pondered and that would make for great family discussion.

The story is well written with enjoyable descriptions. This was a surprisingly engaging and intriguing story. I note that the kindle and print versions have charming illustrations.

Audio Notes: Julian Elfer does a beautiful job of narrating. His accent works perfectly for Marlin, the edge of the world and the world of animals that comes alive. I totally enjoyed the audio although I imagine the illustrated version would be lovely too.

This is from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "Z" in Alphabet Soup.

Sunday Post June 25, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 26, 2017.

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 had another busy week of catch up at the office. Fortunately I didn't have a repeat of the stomach bug. It's hard to think this is the last week of June!

I enjoyed my reading again this week. I finished two ebooks and one audio book. I posted four reviews, one with giveaway, along with all of my usual memes.

I visited about 27 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Read With Katie who gets new books that are almost always new to me.:-)
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 18, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 19, 2017.

• eNGTour- Book Review and Giveaway: Infinity (Horizon) by Tabitha Lord; Space Opera, Genetic Engineering; my rating 4.5. U.S. Only Ending 7/22/2017

• eNG- Book Review: The Sleepwalker: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian ; Mystery; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 23, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/29/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi ; Epic Fantasy; my rating 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris; Memoir; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #308 Comment Giveaway June 24, 2017. Open Worldwide, Ending 7/1/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 25, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (eNG)

Dear Heart: The Courting Letters
by Judith Pinkerton Josephson (Author), Kirsten Josephson (Illustrator)
This is an easy, sweet read;
received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/mp3 (Author tour)

The Zoo at the Edge of the World
Written by: Eric Kahn Gale
Narrated by: Julian Elfer
Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
This is engaging with a different ending. This is from my TBR shelf for "Z".
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

When the English Fall
by David Williams
I really liked this fast paced read;
wish there was more.
Received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ABJ)

Mission Impawsible: Paws & Claws Mystery Series, Book 4
Written by: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault
Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
I am enjoying this light/cozy mystery.
I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Elusive Miss Ellison
by Carolyn Miller
I started this and was immediately
caught up by the characters.
I'm happily reading now (25%).
This is from my NetGalley shelf.
Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.
That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.
These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
I am working on my TBR and Alphabet Challenge now with Audibles.
This is a series I like and "A" title.
Publisher's Summary
In Enforcing Home, Morgan and his group suffered some loss. They discovered their old foes weren't gone, as they'd thought. Not only were they not gone, but they were also stronger than before. Morgan would have to deal with this threat while at the same time trying to restore some sort of quality of life to his community.
But this wasn't going to be easy. With the bombing at the market and the wounding of his daughter, Taylor, it became all too clear to Morgan that he was once again in a fight for the lives of those who mattered most to him. Taylor was injured and would need care for some time. It wouldn't be easy. Added to that was the realization that he would have to deal with second-guessing himself. Was it his fault that she was now hurt?
In Avenging Home, we see how this long-running battle between Morgan's people and their number one nemesis plays out. While Morgan thinks this is the biggest threat they face, there are things on the horizon he cannot yet see that are going to dwarf these problems.
Morgan has lived in a vacuum. He's had little information about the outside world. While he's used radios to listen to what he can, there's been precious little real information. But now he's found what he believes to be a reliable source and knows when and where to listen. But is it valid? Or is it simply propaganda? News and information can be powerful tools, but they must always be taken in context to make an educated decision. And the challenge is that there's only one source. When you have to make decisions that mean the difference between life and death, the process becomes even more critical.
So we'll follow Morgan and his tightly knit group as they are once again in the fight. Will they finally defeat the federal thugs in their backyard? And, more importantly, what will be the cost?
©2016 A. American (P)2016 Podium Publishing

4. eBook/Kindle (NG-Tour)

Serenity Harbor: A Heartwarming Small Town Romance
(Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
I like this author and am
looking forward to reading this.
I received this through NetGalley for review on July 6
as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour.

In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish—and one magical kiss—away…
Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he's arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there's more to sexy, wary Bo than she'd ever realized.
Bo never imagined he'd be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn't know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he's ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there's room in it for him, too…

June 25, 2017 - I am up to date in the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

Some of my reading time is going to a Wednesday night study we are doing called Freedom Course.

I completed three books and posted four reviews; this means I have four reviews current and one for later release. I still need to add the children's books at Goodreads and I've been working on getting the reviews linked.
I am down to 9 NetGalley Titles and still 10 author titles in my queue.

This week we uploaded Parrots of the Caribbean children's story at eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 (yours truly).  
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up one title at NetGalley and received one print book for tour review.
I bought one Audible Daily Deal and picked up one $.99 Kindle titles.
I also picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up one ebook from the publisher through NetGalley.

Resurrection America
by Jeff Gunhus
This is touted as a fast-paced post apocalyptic story.


I received one print book for tour review July 20, 2017 with Poetic Book Tours:

Poetry and Ponderings
by Diamante Lavendar
"In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault."

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased one Audible Daily Deal:
Ubik
By: Philip K. Dick
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Duration: 7 hrs and 56 mins
I didn't resist this classic sci fi for $2.95.

And I purchased one Kindle title for $.99:
A Place to Call Home: Contemporary Christian Romance
(Front Porch Promises Book 1)
Merrillee Whren

Free

I picked up Week Eight SYNC Audio titles:
THE WITCH'S VACUUM CLEANER AND OTHER STORIES by Terry Pratchett, Narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt (HarperAudio)
THE WITCHES: SALEM, 1692 by Stacy Schiff, Narrated by Eliza Foss (Hachette Audio)

Here are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (Three of these may still be free)


From Jennifer Ashley, With Love: 
Three Paranormal Romances from Bestselling Series
Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James

The Variant Saga: A Dystopian Sci-fi Epic 
by JN Chaney

 
Montana Brides Boxed Set: Books 1-3
Leeanna Morgan

 
Future City Blues: a tech noir collection
Simon Kewin, Milo James Fowler, Neil Vogler

The Girl and the Clockwork Cat 
(Clockwork Enterprises Book 1)
Nikki McCormack



I added only 42 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 June 25, 2017

We enjoyed a good Sunday School with a ‘reminder’ lesson on the good things that come from adversity, most specifically trusting in God. Sometimes when things are too good we become complacent. Then God may allow adversity to get us moving; to show our victorious life to others. We were reminded that we have no testimony if we have no test. We are called “God’s Children.” Like a mother bird, sometimes, God has to push us out of the nest (comfort zone) so we can learn to fly… always with His guiding hand.

The SS message fit with the Sermon message concluding the series of being Dependent. Today’s sermon scripture was James 5: 7-20.

When pastor was newly out of college he had an older Honda that was beginning to need many repairs. They decided to sell that car and buy a brand-new car that would be reliable. Sadly, they bought a new Plymouth Neon that turned out to be a lemon requiring repairs every month and replacement of the whole engine. His ‘man-made’ plan did not work out.

This is an example of what happens too often to man-made plans. Some people just keep going hoping things will get better. Some people play ostrich and ignore the problem. Some try to fix it themselves and some bring in someone with experience to help. Others become destructive.
What should happen is we should turn to God and pray.

Prayer should be first, not last. But we make excuses about prayer often accepting lies fed by Satan, who wants to keep us away from God. Maybe Satan whispers: “God doesn’t care about your little problem.” Or: “Remember the last time you prayed and nothing really happened did it?”

But when we agree together in prayer, things do happen. Prayer draws us to God, then He responds.
There are lies Satan wants us to believe when we pray:
1. God doesn't hear.
2. God doesn't care.
3. God isn't there.

But God wants us to understand that He is always present with us; just sometimes waiting for us to call on Him. God is the shepherd who will go look for one lost lamb. Isaiah 53:6 says that we have strayed away like sheep.

Whether He's carrying the lost lamb or the sins of the world on the cross, God does hear, He does care and He is always there. What does prayer show? It shows we are trusting in Him. It shows His power. Prayer brings redemption, healing, direction. Prayer brings ministry between people. Prayer brings powerful results. Not power from us, but from God.

I came across this video song that fits today: You Were There.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

[There is another video that fits but I won’t include it here due to bad language. But if any of you like rap and don’t mind some language you might check: Phora -God's plan (Lyrics)]

Lord, I pray that I don’t become complacent but that I remember to give You praise each day and pray for guidance each day. Help me keep moving to show others Your Glory.

Sharing Beyond Books #308 Comment Giveaway June 24, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Well our commenters are not ones to read horror - 11 of us do not read horror. 5 of don't read erotica, plus another who doesn't read porn. 3 don't read sci fi-- that surprised me since I have come to love sci fi. At least two don't read vampires and shape shifting. Natalija doesn't like to suspend belief so no paranormals or urban fantasy as well as no sci fi.

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The Winner from SBB #307 comments is: #16 Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #308

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Are you the adventurous type when it comes to outdoor activities??

I think I was adventurous when I was younger. I parachuted once, road in a hot air balloon two times, flew in a glider once, and I used to snorkel and scuba dive. I had the chance to para-sail one time and I wish I had. My daughter did a bungee swing - ugh! And of course back in the day I did some mountain hikes -- Appalachian/Blue Ridge (NC), Diamond Head (HI) and Marin County (CA). I was never good at skiing and not so good even at bicycling (just ask my family). These days I do calmer things like tour caverns; fun but not so adventurous.

This happens to me on a bike, especially going down hill or around curves.
Image found at Bicycle Driving.

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.
COMMENT WINNER for June 2017: Comments submitted by Ada, bn100, Fredamans and Nikki. Random.org choose #1 so Ada gets a GC.

Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Are you the adventurous type when it comes to outdoor activities??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 1, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris

This is very well written and narrated, and poignant in it's message.
You Will Not Have My Hate
Written by: Antoine Leiris
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-25-16
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Personal Memoirs
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Number one international best seller
"On Friday night you stole the life of an exceptional person, the love of my life, the mother of my son, but you will not have my hate."
On November 13, 2015, Antoine Leiris' wife, Hélène Muyal-Leiris, was killed by terrorists while attending a rock concert at the Bataclan Theater in Paris, in the deadliest attack on France since World War II. Three days later Leiris wrote an open letter addressed directly to his wife's killers, which he posted on Facebook. He refused to be cowed or to let his 17-month-old son's life be defined by Hélène's murder. He refused to let the killers have their way: "For as long as he lives, this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom." Instantly that short Facebook post caught fire and was reported on by newspapers and television stations all over the world. In his determination to honor the memory of his wife, he became an international hero to everyone searching desperately for a way to deal with the horror of the Paris attacks and the grim shadow cast today by the threat of terrorism.
Now Leiris tells the full story of his grief and struggle. You Will Not Have My Hate is a remarkable, heartbreaking, and indeed beautiful memoir of how he and his baby son, Melvil, endured in the days and weeks after Hélène's murder. With absolute emotional courage and openness, he somehow finds a way to answer that impossible question: How can I go on? He visits Hélène's body at the morgue, has to tell Melvil that Mommy will not be coming home, and buries the woman he had planned to spend the rest of his life with.
Leiris' grief is terrible, but his love for his family is indomitable. This is the rare and unforgettable testimony of a survivor and a universal message of hope and resilience. Leiris confronts an incomprehensible pain with a humbling generosity and grandeur of spirit. He is a guiding star for us all in these perilous times. His message - hate will be vanquished by love - is eternal.
©2016 Antoine Leiris (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Review:
As the blurb states; “Antoine Leiris' wife, Hélène Muyal-Leiris, was killed by terrorists while attending a rock concert at the Bataclan Theater in Paris” on November 13, 2015. Three days after the event Leiris posted a post to refute the damage of the terrorists by declaring they would not have his hate and would not steal the joy of life from his 17 month old son, Melvil.

This story travels through the immediate reactions of Antoine when he hears of the attack at an event that his wife was attending. He is unable to make contact with his wife and slowly comes to the acknowledgement that she is missing … or worse… killed in the attack. Leiris has to become mother as well as father to their son. He shares the raw emotions of grief and the difficulties dealing with well-meaning sympathies.

I totally appreciated the open sharing and especially the strength exhibited in the sharing. I consider this more a sharing than a story. Although Leiris hoped to write a story for Melvil one day, this debut writing is beautiful, poignant and powerful. It reveals grief, love and the strength and determination to go forward in life. I recommend this to anyone who has suffered a tragedy or wants to understand a life affirming response that can result when faced with such a loss.

Audio Notes: Gildart Jackson does an excellent job narrating this memoir. His soft voice and fitting accent make this a gripping audio experience.

This is from my Audible TBR shelf for "Y" in Alphabet Challenge. This also qualifies for Audiobook and Mount TBR challenges.

Audible Book Review: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi

I enjoyed the plot and the narration on this sci fi.

The Ghost Brigades
Written by: John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
Series: Old Man's War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-08
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The Ghost Brigades are the Special Forces of the Colonial Defense Forces, elite troops created from the DNA of the dead and turned into the perfect soldiers for the CDF's toughest operations. They're young, they're fast and strong, and they're totally without normal human qualms.
For the universe is a dangerous place for humanity - and it's about to become far more dangerous. Three races that humans have clashed with before have allied to halt our expansion into space. Their linchpin: the turncoat military scientist Charles Boutin, who knows the CDF's biggest military secrets. To prevail, the CDF most find out why Boutin did what he did.
Jared Dirac is the only human who can provide answers - a superhuman hybrid, created from Boutin's DNA, whose brain is uniquely able to access Boutin's electronic memories. But when the memory transplant appears to fail, Jared is given over to the Ghost Brigades.
Jared begins as one of these perfect soldiers, but as memories begin to surface, he begins to intuit the reason's for Boutin's betrayal.
As Jared desperately hunts for his "father", he must also come to grips with his own choices. Time is running out: the alliance is preparing its offensive, and some of them plan worse things than humanity's mere military defeat.
©2006 John Scalzi; (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Jared Dirac is like all Colonial Defense Forces (CDF) soldiers – created for the sole purpose of protecting humans. The CDF are advanced special forces created using the DNA of dead humans. They are trained to do the most dangerous missions. Their humanoid bodies are enhanced with special computerized and integrated brain pals that help them process faster and connect each member of the team to the others.

But Jared has something special – he has the cloned brain of Charles Boutin. Boutin was the military scientific genius who perfected the genetic engineering for the integrated brain pal system. He is believed to be dead until Lt. Jane Sagan of the Ghost Brigades discovers that he faked his death and is working with two alien worlds to begin a war against the CDF with plans that would wipe out the human race.

Jared was created using the rogue scientist’s cloned brain in hopes that he could lead the CDF to the traitor, or at least reveal the motive or intentions of Boutin. Jared does not exhibit any knowledge of Boutin when he first awakens. Still Sagan doesn’t trust him and doesn’t want him on her elite team. But a former enemy, now turned friend (sort of) reminds her that sometimes it is best to keep your enemies close.

Jared successfully works with the team for months through several dangerous missions until a trigger sends his mind into a flash back of his daughter. What? His daughter? He never had a daughter. Slowly Jared begins to recall some memories of Boutin. The strongest of those memories include the love for his young daughter and the hate for his commanding officer. Jared needs to determine where the hate comes from and where that anger has led Boutin.

Jared finally comes face to face with Boutin who plans to use Jared as part of his revenge. Some consider the CDF soldiers to be slaves to their creators. They have few opportunities to make real choices. Now Jared is torn between two mind streams – the protective directive of his programming as Jared Darek and the vengeful goals of his DNA based brain. Will he have a choice when matters come to a head?

Initially I was disappointed that this second book did not include John Perry, the protagonist of the first book, Old Man’s War (OMW). I was glad to find Jane Sagan as a returning character. She and the Ghost Brigades connected to the two stories. I came to really like Jared and the author manages to give him strong emotions that are not common to all CDF soldiers. I was rooting for him to realize his uniqueness rather than get swallowed by Boutin’s personality. I enjoyed the twist at the resolution of the threat and look forward to more adventures in the world of OMW. I recommend this series to those who like human characters in their sci fi action stories. Although this could be read as a standalone I liked knowing the background from the OMW.

Audio Notes: William Dufris is a wonderful narrator. He makes the characters come alive, each with their own voice and personality. I really enjoy this series on audio and plan to listen to more.

This title is from my TBR shelf. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Book Challenge, Mount TBR and "G" on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 23, 2017

Happy Friday!
We were happy to have heather back in office. It was another busy week but the closings went well and I got some work done too.
Still no hair cut yet and no new camera. I am just not much of a shopper... except for books!

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 June 16 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.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 16 Pick:
MARYP gets a GC.
RITAW gets Led Astray by a Rake

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.}

Wouldn't this be a good day
Image found at Mind Body Green.

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
PAIRS [or Singles] – Since I have four sets of pairs I will work this by first two pairs that go the others go as singles OR you may choose a title as a single and if won that pair falls into single.
Joan Johnston: The Loner and the Cowboy
Nora Roberts: Sea Swept (some spine creases) and Genuine Lies
Kat Martin: Midnight Sun and Perfect Sin
Linda Howard (aka Krista Janssen): Cry No More and Indigo Fire (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Garden of Scandal by Jennifer Blake
A Rogue’s Heart by Debra Lee Brown
The Night Remembers by Kathleen Eagle (spine wear)
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
Hurricane by Karen Harper
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
Sail by James Patterson
Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley


New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Identity: Unknown by Suzanne Brockmann
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
Anna’s Book by Barbara Vine (Audio Cassette)
Passions Treasure by Betina Krahn
My Reckless Surrender by Anna Campbell
Led Astray By A Rake by Sara Bennett
Deep Freeze by Lisa Jackson
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Valley of Bones by Eric Wilson
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn (Hardcover)
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)


New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
PAIR:
Matthew Reilly: Temple and Area 7
SINGLES:
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George
‘E’ is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
Lullaby and Goodnight by Wendy Corsi Staub
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lillian Jackson Braun
The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina
The Silenced by Heather Graham
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes (Audio Cassettes)


New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas:
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

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

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
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)
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
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)

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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,073+ 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!