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Sunday, October 29, 2017

Sunday Post October 29, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 30, 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.

This was another busy week, including preparing for a large closing. I will be traveling to Jacksonville on Monday for the closing. That will give me 8+ hours driving time to listen to books. :-)

My reading/listening time was good this past week. I finished four books: three audios and one ebook. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I only visited 24 blogs early in the week as I didn't get to go back like I had hoped.
Shout out this week is to Book Dilettante. I love her header quote which is so true!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • eTour: Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Fabergé Entanglement by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes; Action & Adventure, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25. Open Worldwide; Ends 11/17/17.
  • eNG- Book Review: Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig; Christian, Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
I enjoyed this entertainment.
  This is from my Audible TBR
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)
Of Treasons Born cover art


Of Treasons Born
A Novel of the Treasons Cycle
By: J. L. Doty
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

This is an engaging sci fi - character profile.
I picked this from my Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
A gripping military science fiction adventure starring the hero of A Choice of Treasons.
As a lifer in the Imperial Navy fighting in a war that has lasted for generations, York Ballin's only hope for an honorable discharge is the grave. But what events led up to his reluctant enlistment? What spawned York's almost fanatic loyalty to his friends - and his doubts regarding the imperial uniform he once wore with such pride?
York rarely recalls his childhood, which began with a mystery and ended at age 11 when he was given a harsh choice: Join the navy or face certain death on a prison asteroid. The navy has its own code of justice, but a youngster with curiosity and grit is able to rise in the ranks...if he's given a fair shot.
A few rigorous years later, as a newly commissioned ensign, York is assigned to the hunter-killer ship The Fourth Horseman. But when an unexpected foe kills his superior officer and leaves the crew stranded in enemy territory, the young ensign must do whatever he can to save the ship - even if it means he'll be court-martialed for treason.
Of Treasons Born is a novel of the Treasons Cycle; the series was written so that it can be listened to in any order.
©2016 J. L. Doty; published in 2016 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.



3. Audible/MP3
The One and Only Ivan cover art


The One and Only Ivan
By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
This is a charming story.
I pulled a couple of shorter audios to listen to before starting Sci Fi Month in November.
Publisher's Summary
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his own art - through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers



4. eBook/Kindle (NG)


The Christmas Room
by Catherine Anderson
This is a nice small town family and romance story.
I received this through NetGalley.
The beloved author of the Mystic Creek series gifts readers with a novel of homespun holiday cheer, as two families discover the joy of hope and redemption....
Widow Maddie McLendon has uprooted her life to move to Rustlers Gulch with her son and grandson. But as a brutal Montana winter looms on the horizon, contractors have yet to break ground on their new house, leaving them to live in a makeshift camp of trailers, tents, and sheds....
Since his wife died six years ago, millionaire rancher Sam Conacher has been content to wallow in his grief alone while keeping a tight rein on his twenty-six-year-old daughter. But now the girl has gone and fallen in love with his foolish new neighbor’s no-good son....
Maddie and Sam will never see eye to eye on anything, until a near-tragedy gives them a true glimpse into each other’s souls. And as the first snowflakes begin to fall, they’ll discover that an open heart is the biggest gift of all....




Currently Reading:
1. Print/eBook (Great Escape Tour)


King Harald's Snow Job 
(King Harald Mysteries Book 3)
by Richard Audry
I am looking forward to this.
My review through Great Escape Tours will be November 8.
It’s early December and Andy Skyberg is itching to blow town for a weekend of holiday cheer with old friends—including a date with an attractive divorcée who thinks he's hot.
But first, Aunt Bev needs a teensy bit of help. She’s managing the Girls’ Weekend Out event at the Beaver Tail Resort and could use some extra muscle. Andy figures he can spare a few hours before hitting the road.
Mother Nature, though, has other plans. A giant blizzard makes an unexpected turn. Andy and his pooch King Harald find themselves snowbound—in a hotel full of hard-partying women, stranded travelers, a hockey team, a man-eating novelist, a belligerent blogger, and one violent, devious jewel thief.
Before you know it, man and mutt are up to their noses in another case. It’s a winter wonderland of fast-paced fun and merry madness, as the sleuthing duo dig out from King Harald’s Snow Job.



2. Audible/MP3
FREE: The Undead cover art


FREE: The Undead
Deleted Scene
By: R R Haywood
Narrated by: Dan Morgan
Series: The Undead
Length: 1 hr and 3 mins
I figure this is appropriate for Halloween. I chose one more from my Audible shelf before starting the Sci Fis for November.
Publisher's Summary
After a tense day of fighting off a horde of Undead, Howie and his group of survivors must find shelter before night falls. Moving through a desecrated town, they come across an industrial estate, break into a low building and find themselves in an abandoned radio station. They decide to record their voices for posterity.
Meet Howie, Dave, their group of survivors and Meredith the dog in this free, exclusive Audible short.
©2015 R. R. Haywood (P)2015 Audible, Ltd



3. eBook/Kindle (Author)


The Letterbox
by Layton Green
I received this from the author in July
but failed to get it on my list.
It sounds like a good listen.
What if you had the chance to uncover tangible evidence of the divine? How far would you go, what dangers would you brave, in pursuit of the greatest mystery of all?
Four companions of varying beliefs, on a journey to the forgotten corners of Europe, are about to find out.
On a desolate English moor, a team of scientists unearths a two-thousand-year-old wooden box, preserved in silver and inlaid with a map of patterned gemstones. A set of runes inscribed on the box claims the map is a pathway to God.
In an attempt to decipher the map, a wealthy New Orleans collector assembles an unlikely team: a specialist in cultural antiquities who dabbles in the occult; a jaded attorney searching for meaning; a brilliant linguist who loathes organized religion; and a Catholic historian with a reputation for acquiring pieces no one else can or will.
Shackled by secrets and hidden motives, pursued by a sinister religious order, driven by an insatiable desire for answers, the four companions trek across Europe as they search for a connection among the ancient sites revealed by the map. As the hunt for truth takes them deeper into the unknown, their lives and perhaps their souls in peril, they must determine whether the letterbox is part of an elaborate, centuries-old deception—or the answer to mankind’s ultimate questions.
From critically acclaimed and bestselling author Layton Green, The Letterbox is a thrilling new mystery that weaves danger, exotic locales, breathless suspense, romance, and ancient secrets into the tapestry of an unforgettable novel.


Starting November 1 I will be listening to Sci Fi stories for Sci Fi Month.

October 29, 2017 - I am back up to date in the One Year Bible reading. I have been 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.

I completed four books and posted three reviews. That keeps me mostly up to date.
I need to link the last three weeks of reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

My NetGalley shelf is still at 13. I realized I had two author titles in my queue; one wasn't on my list but is added above.


We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.
Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
will be available at NetGalley this week and hopefully at Kindle during this coming 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 (yours truly).
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received two audiobooks from author/narrator.
I selected two Audible daily deals.
As usual, I 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 will listen to both of these as part of November Sci Fi Month
I received this title from the Narrator:

Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller
By: L. L. Akers
Narrator: Kevin Pierce
Duration: 6 hrs and 19 mins
I like post apocalyptic and this narrator.

I received this title from the author:
10/26 from author
Virus: Earth's Last Battle
By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrator: George Napier
Duration: 9 hrs and 10 mins
This is another sci fi author that I like.

Won
NONE

Purchased
I picked up two Audible Daily Deals :
10/25/17 DD $2.95
The Lost World cover artThe Lost World
By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Glen McCready
Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

10/28/17 DD $4.95
Starship Liberator cover artStarship Liberator
Galactic Liberation, Book 1
By: B. V. Larson, David VanDyke
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins


Free
Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Keep Me, Cowboy 
(2015 Montana Born Rodeo Book 3)
Nicole Helm


Dinosaur and Monster and The Magic Carpet
(Dinosaur and Monster stories Book 1)
Suzanne Pollen, Simon Culverhous

Called Together
by Steve Prokopchak (Author), Mary Prokopchak (Author)




Masters At Arms Series - Volume Two
(Masters At Arms Boxed Sets Book 2)
by Jennifer Blake



and a few more:
Fate Hates (Twist of Fate Book 1) by Tina Saxon
Savage Winds: A fast-paced apocalyptic epic adventure (Children of the Elements Series Book 1) by R.J. Merle
The Last Alley (YA Magic Urban Fantasy Adventure): House of Cards Book 1 by Michelle Erickson (Author), Trishelle Erickson (Author)

I added 63 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 October 29, 2017

We had a good Sunday School lesson on The Great Deception. I’ll share those notes another day.

Pastor continued with his sermon series “Illuminate” from Galatians.
Last week the point was: The purity of the simple gospel is primary. Everything else is secondary.

But people are drawn to two things The Law and the flesh.
The world is full of a variety of personalities with all different levels of expressiveness. God brings together all different people to be the church to accomplish the work. Some people are planners and others are “pantsters” (that’s my 'book-minded' phrase as pastor used “spontaneous”). Pastor is quiet but in the spontaneous camp. He prefers freedom and choice instead of rigid guidelines. He doesn't like ruts and routines.

In Galatians Chapter 2:1-10 Paul told the church that he was traveling there to make sure of the purity of the gospel. He even referred to the fact that there were people sent in to spy and a create trouble and division. Galatians 2:4.
Paul reminded the church that the gospel is not about traditions and the law, but about faith in Christ. He stressed the importance of preserving the truth of the message. Paul even confronted Peter to challenge his pulling back from sitting with the gentiles. v11- 21. He admonishes saying ‘don’t rebuild the law’. v18.

The purity of the Gospel is simple, but it is a big leap for the Jews to move from the law they were taught all their lives to the gift of grace.

The Point: Those who are FREE are completely free.
Free is free, not in stages.
The foundation of your belief has to be right. You can't be more free by adding law. God's grace is all that matters. If faith in Christ isn't enough to set us free, then the message means nothing.
The old self has been crucified with Christ; I no longer live but Jesus lives in me. Christ lives, not me. Don't pick up or dig up the habits of the dead. Brokenness is meant to remain in the grave. Don't enslave yourself again.

If you're not free, why not?

This song is new to me but it is beautiful and fits today’s message.
Verses for Today.
Galatians 2:19-21
19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Thank you, God, for Your Grace. Help me to stay free and not dig up bad habits from my past.

Related image

Image result for Galatians 2:19-21

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Sharing Beyond Books #326 Comment Giveaway October 28, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Related imageIt was certainly fun reading all the yummy desserts everyone likes: ice cream, chocolate desserts, cream pies, cheesecakes, angel food cake, and some more unique items like tiramasu, panna cotta, baklava and Mary P shared Port Wine Triffle (see image which looks delicious!).


~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #325 comments is: #1 BECKY 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 #326
(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: There has been many great books out in the past few years. I have 2 favorites, they are Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. What are your 2 favorites from the past few years??
This certainly isn't an easy question to answer.
The books that
came to mind for me are
From Afar by Roger Thomas

Product Details

and The Linesman Trilogy
by S. K. Dunstall.


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.
Questions for October were provided by Rose, Poetryinleaves, Natalija and Marjorie. Random.org result was 1 so Rosebud gets a book or GC.

Your turn to share. Marjorie asks: There has been many great books out in the past few years. I have 2 favorites, they are Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. What are your 2 favorites from the past few years??

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 November 4, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda

This is a fun story of animals – good for children and adults!
The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-03-17
Publisher: Woolly Family Studios
Genre: Animals, Children, Mystery, Noir
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This came in just in time for my post tonight.
And I was looking for a lighter audio to listen too.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Publisher's Summary
Listen up. If you're looking for trouble, you've found it. His name's Jake G. Panda and he's a wildlife investigator. This hard-boiled bear works at a flophouse for endangered critters called the Last Resort. He's the hotel snoop. The resident fuzz. It's his job to keep these unusual guests safe and outta harm's way.
This hilarious first installment of The Endangered Files is a wild and woolly mystery involving a missing guest, a green bird, and a bunch of double-crossing critters all hot on the trail of The Cursed Dodo. It's designed to introduce young listeners to the subject of endangered species in a fun and informative way.
So join this tough talking panda detective and a cast of endangered creatures on a globe-trotting audio adventure that will appeal to young and old alike.
©2014 Jake G. Panda (P)2017 Jake G. Panda


Review:
Jake G. Panda is a bold wildlife investigator. He cares about the people/critters he lives with at the Last Resort, a hotel where endangered species gather. Jake is quick to set out to investigate when one of the hotel guests calls in while on exploration and the call is cut off.

Jake races off to foreign lands to rescue the Professor, a rare Hispid hare. Jake soon finds himself and a few friends tricked and captured. A small thing like a cage won’t stop Jake and his cohorts. As they chase down a suitcase with a rare green dodo, Jake comes across old friends, including a very special one from his past.

Other employees at the Last Resort include Rose, an El Hierro giant lizard, Gloria, a Mexican grizzly who works the front desk, and Timmy a Round Island day gecko selling newspapers in the lobby.

The enemy critters include a wild yak, a one-eyed cave salamander, a large slithery, Bimini boa, with his much-abused assistant, the shrew. They are countered by the Endangered Underground. This wildlife resistance who fight against the human intruders, are led by the legendary Diego “the Desert Rascal”, a Mexican prairie dog and Lieutenant Nina, a Tehuantepec jackrabbit.

This is a fun, quick tale that describes endangered species. Jake and critter friends run through several dangerous situations and share some lessons along the way. The presentation of the story is unusual as it is set up like a screen play with ‘fade in’ and ‘fade out’ scenes. Although I found this to be fun, I am not sure how children would follow the scene changes. Also, the detective tone has a noir atmosphere and some of the fun irony will be lost on children. I liked the characters, sass and mystery. I note that the kindle version has images that might be more engaging for children. However, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed the audio.

Audio Notes: The audio book has a cast of narrators who bring the various characters to life. I found myself smiling and chuckling through the listen. I am glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this.

I received this from the author. It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 27, 2017

Happy Friday!
WE woke up to cold weather today which cause me to be sneezy all day. With intense work, I am drained/tired right now.
My clerk assistant is back in office and we will be getting books mailed tomorrow and Monday.

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 October 20 Pick. There were THREE 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: Di gets Legacy of Lies;
             Sue F gets Whispers at Midnight;

and      Becky gets A Dragon Prince

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 20 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC
MIKI also 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.}
Image result for Books and Halloween
This is an awesome book cut!
Image found at Every Day Matters - Paper Anthology.

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017
To be listed on Saturday soon. (The Painted House is cassette tapes)
PAIRS:
Rachel Lee: Snow in September and Ever Princess
JoAnn Ross: Legacy of Lies and Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
 The Trophy Wife 
The Painted House is cassette tapes
Daring
Something Special
Named of the Dragon
Whispers at Midnight
The Inquisitor
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

PAIRS:
Suzanne Brockman: Flashpoint and Over the Edge
Lisa Gardner: Hide and The Survivor’s Club (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The Duchess Diaries by Barbara Dawson Smith
To Conquer a Highlander by Mary Wine
Cain by James Byron Huggins (Hardback)
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
Reader’s Digest Large Type: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks and Consigned to Death by Jane K. Cleland

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

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:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover
)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
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:
SINGLES:
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
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-- All Gone
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 -- All Gone

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 1,112!+ 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!

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Book Review: Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig

I did enjoy this complex, Christian military suspense
Crown of Souls
by Ronie Kendig
File Size: 8885 KB
Print Length: 482 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 5, 2017)
ASIN: B071NJBKFZ
Genre: Christian, Military, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


"Kendig has out done herself."--RT Book Reviews on Conspiracy of Silence
Six months after stopping a deadly plague, Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are enjoying a little rest. That peace is short-lived when a sniper shot hits Tox. The enemy is discovered to be one of their own, a rogue Special Forces team operator.
Alec King is perhaps the only person as skilled as Tox, and he's out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier.
Afraid his old friend is right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team engage in another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is cheating--he's using a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one.


Review:
Cole’s nickname is “Tox”, short for Toxic, because of his past. Even though he has proven himself in his successful service to his country, there are memories that he hasn’t let go. His name has been cleared of an accusation, but that doesn’t help a lot since the public, including his parents, believe he is dead. He continues to operate with a special ops team under instructions of selected superiors.

The team is enjoying some down time and Tox is spending time with Haven, a woman who loves him and brings light to his life. He doesn’t feel worthy of her and thinks she will hate him if she ever finds out about his past secrets. A sniper shot takes Tox in the shoulder and at first it isn’t clear if the shot was meant for him or Haven. The investigation reveals that the bullet was a message from an old friend and prior team member, Alec.

Soon they discover that Alec has gone rogue and is on a vendetta to destroy men who were enemies of the state and those who obstructed their capture in the past. Further investigation shows that it is not just Alec having gone off the deep end, but apparently he is using an ancient relic, a crown, that is corrupting his mind. The team must find a way to stop Alec before he kills those Tox loves, and many more. Just as importantly, they must get control of the crown so it doesn’t fall into the hands of anyone else.

Ms. Kendig creates a rather involved, complex plot that moves from present day danger to the legend of the crown in ancient, 1170AD Syria. The first jump back in time was a bit confusing but then it became apparent that the author was establishing the history of the crown and the Christian Knight whose mission was to retrieve it. I enjoyed the history and it added to the mystery to be unraveled by Tox and his team.

One problem I had was the author’s inconsistency in us of character names. In one paragraph Tox might be referred to as Tox, Cole and/or Russell. There were other characters where this occurred too and it was confusing to follow especially since I was letting Kindle read to me.

I found the mystical legend to be an interesting vehicle from a Christian author. I am not totally settled on how I feel about the supernatural elements in the story. I have the sense that reading the earlier book in the series may have made this a little easier to follow. Still, I like Ms. Kendig’s strong, intense writing style. I enjoyed the comradery and loyalty of the team, the tension in the romance and the danger and suspense of the plot. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy military suspense with romantic and supernatural elements.

I received this through NetGalley and it qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Fabergé Entanglement by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes

This has lots of 'James Bond' type action with sizzling chemistry between the characters.
The Fabergé Entanglement
by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes

File Size: 1672 KB
Print Length: 306 pages
Publication Date: July 13, 2015
ASIN: B011M2N7W2
Genre: Action & Adventure, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Sabinne ‘Saber’ Darrieux’s father, the billionaire CEO of Frontenac Global Security has been kidnapped. His ransom is not cash in a numbered offshore account, or a briefcase of Bearer Bonds but something utterly unique, incredibly valuable, and until recently, hidden away from the world.
The kidnapper seems to know Saber very well, and knows that the next day, through her work as an elite translator she will be in the same location as the Object. She must steal the Object and deliver it to the kidnapper to ransom her father.
Adrian Steele, a British Intelligence agent has just come off of two harrowing missions. Upon returning to London for a well-earned rest, he learns that his friend and fellow agent, has been murdered in Moscow, but not before he made use of a unique Object as a mobile ‘drop site’ for the valuable intelligence he was carrying.
The drop site is traveling from Moscow to England. Steele insists on completing the mission to honor the death of his friend, Gerry Cornell.
At an ultra-chic quasi-diplomatic gathering in a mansion in Windsor, England, Saber and Steele meet and find themselves faced with a powerful, undeniable attraction. But at the moment, this compelling attraction is very inconvenient.
In reality they are at the mansion to check out the security arrangements — for their own reasons — to steal the Object, a Fabergé egg worth thirty million dollars. But who will get to the egg first?
Fabergé eggs are very famous for their unique surprises. Saber and Steele are about to be very surprised, indeed.
And when Saber clashes with Steele; more than sparks will explode!


Review:
Sabine is a beautiful, captivating woman who would rather be respected for her skills than her looks. Her family built its fortunes on thievery, but her father has moved the family businesses into legitimate fields. Sabine is one of their experts in security services and works as an elite translator when she is not accessing and improving security systems.

Sabine’s father has been kidnapped and the ransom message directs her to steal a Fabergé egg to exchange for her father’s life. Sabine happens to be attending the function where the egg is displayed. When she sneaks back to steal the item, she is surprised to bump into a handsome man who also wants the egg. Only one of them can succeed and Sabine is desperate.

Adrian Steele is a British Intelligence officer who just learned of a fellow agent’s murder. Although Steele should be going into down time, he pushes for the assignment to complete his friend’s mission. He is to ‘pick up’ a certain Fabergé egg as it has secrets hidden within it.

Steele is struck by a beautiful woman he sees during the party while casing the setting of the eggs. Later he is stunned to find her trying to steal the egg he needs to get. When she wins the first encounter to make off with the egg, Steele is determined to follow her to find out what her purpose is.

Sabine and Steele have zinging chemistry from the moment they see each other across a crowded room. Neither are accustomed to such reactions and it puts them off balance. Their opposing interests in the egg and powerful attraction to each other make for fun cat and mouse, back and forth, attention and dialogue.

The story starts with a little background set up but soon kicks up to fast-paced, pretty much nonstop action. The pair travels from London to LA juggling the egg along the way. Steele is aware that he is not the only one following Sabine. It will be a race to see who gets the egg and whether Sabine can save her father.

Steele is a character who had me thinking of a mix between James Bond and MacGyver. Sabine fits right along like a slick female operative even though she isn’t one. This is strong romantic suspense with a good plot and magnetic characters, I recommend this to readers who enjoy good action and romance with a lot of heat but without unnecessary graphics.

I received this title through iRead Book Tours.

To read more reviews, please visit the authors' page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:



Meet the Authors:
LESLEY MERYN
Enjoyed an exotic, adventure-filled childhood, following her anthropologist father and travel writer mother to the farthest corners of the world. She later took inspiration from her Aunt Sophia Francesca and became the author of romantic adventure novels. She alternates her time between Los Angeles, and a family property located in Yorkshire England.

ELLE BROOKES
She is the author of the first two books of the Time Frame Series, LUST. MECHANICS. MINI COOPER. and SEX. COFFEE. TIME TRAVEL. Loves travel, discovering new foods to try, reading and writing. She currently lives in the central highlands of Costa Rica with her dog Pixie and her hedgehog Quiller.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Nov 17

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Sunday Post October 22, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 23, 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 felt like I completed some work this week. Still more to do -- always.

My reading/listening time was good. I finished four books: two ebooks, one audio and one galley/format for eTP. I am far along in the next audio. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I visited 25 blogs during the week including some brand new to me.
Shout out this week is to an article How Long Would it Take to Read Every Book in the World? which I found at My Book Cave.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • eAuthor: Book Review: Wild Justice by M.L. Buchman; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  • P/eB-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher; Historical, Inspirational, Romance; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author)


Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman
I enjoyed this from one of my go to authors. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audio/MP3 (Author)



The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes
Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This is an quick, fun listen.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle (iRead Tour)


The Fabergé Entanglement
by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes

This has lots of 'James Bond' type action with sizzling chemistry between the characters. 
I received this title through iRead Book Tours; my tour date 10/25.
Click on book title for full description.



4. eBook/eTP prep


Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
I read this as I prepped it for NetGalley,
then Kindle release. 
It is a charming historical romance with a nice touch of faith based forgiveness.
When her mother died giving birth to her, Megan Carter’s father sent her to live back East with his mother. After her abusive grandmother has her sent to Bellevue Mental Asylum for a minor scuffle with her spoiled cousin, Megan must flee the only home she has ever known.
Megan has an adventurous journey as she travels west by train and stagecoach to meet her family for the first time. She faces all the hardships of the West, as well as some prejudice from the local sheriff; but soon begins to win everyone over with her kindness and spunky personality.
Fueled by laudanum, Adelaide's hatred for Megan grows once her granddaughter escapes her clutches. Will Megan’s faith and newfound family be able to protect her from her grandmother’s hatred?



Currently Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
This is usual good Eve Dallas and team investigation.
I am 60% complete. This is from my Audible TBR
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (NG)


The Christmas Room
by Catherine Anderson
This sounds like an enjoyable Christmas read.
I received this through NetGalley a few months back. It was released in September.
The beloved author of the Mystic Creek series gifts readers with a novel of homespun holiday cheer, as two families discover the joy of hope and redemption....
Widow Maddie McLendon has uprooted her life to move to Rustlers Gulch with her son and grandson. But as a brutal Montana winter looms on the horizon, contractors have yet to break ground on their new house, leaving them to live in a makeshift camp of trailers, tents, and sheds....
Since his wife died six years ago, millionaire rancher Sam Conacher has been content to wallow in his grief alone while keeping a tight rein on his twenty-six-year-old daughter. But now the girl has gone and fallen in love with his foolish new neighbor’s no-good son....
Maddie and Sam will never see eye to eye on anything, until a near-tragedy gives them a true glimpse into each other’s souls. And as the first snowflakes begin to fall, they’ll discover that an open heart is the biggest gift of all....



3. Audible/MP3
I had trouble converting an MP3 disc to my player. So I am not sure what audio I will listen to next. It will be a surprise!


October 22, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, and caught up now! I have been 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.

I completed three books and posted three reviews. That keeps me up to date.
I need to link the last two weeks of reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

I added two NetGalley titles to bring that shelf to 13. I realized I had two author titles in my queue; one wasn't on my list.


We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.
Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
will be available at NetGalley this week and hopefully at Kindle by the weekend. See full blurb above under finished reading.



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 received two books requested at NetGalley.
I selected two Audibles with my September credits.
As usual, I 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 received two titles through NetGalley
Sugar Pine Trail: A Small-Town Holiday Romance (Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
"An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!"
I enjoy this author and look forward to reading this holiday story.

Battle Hymn
by William C. Dietz
"From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned Novels comes the final novel in a postapocalyptic military science fiction trilogy about a nation wracked by a civil war."
I like the premise of this. It doesn't release until February 2018 so I have time to pick up the first two books.
Won
NONE

Purchased
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but picked up two selections for September credits:
Western Christmas Weddings
By: Jenna Kernan
Narrator: Cody Roberts
Duration: 9 hrs and 10 mins


By: Jenny Hale
Narrator: Helene Maksoud
Duration: 10 hrs and 13 mins




Free
Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Tides of Hope: Second Chance Romance (A Nantucket Island Romance Book 1)
by Dawn Tomasko




Dark Space Universe (Book 1)
by Jasper T. Scott (Author), Aaron Sikes (Editor), Dave P. Cantrell (Editor)




Christmas in Three Rivers (Three Rivers Ranch Romance Book 9)
by Liz Isaacson (Author), Elana Johnson (Author)



Lost Fortune (The Unbridled Series Book 1)
by Sandra E Sinclair (Author), Meg Amor (Editor)

and a few more:
Fatal Heir by L.C. Ireland
Secretly Craved (Billionaire Bear Brotherhood Book 1) by Lily Cahill
The Warrior Series 3 Book Box Set by Denise Domning
Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 4) by Angie Fox

I added 61 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.

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