Sunday Post July 29, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 30, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 week was a little disjointed by a broken AC unit in the office. Surprising how distracting it can be to work in 90 degree office. Happily the new unit was installed and running late Wednesday.

We have still been having steady storms every afternoon with hot days preceding.

You can't tell by the one book finished but I enjoyed my reading this week. I finished one NetGalley and am far along in another and an audio book. I posted three reviews on the blog and all of my usual memes.

I visited only 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Colletta's Kitchen Sink. Colletta shares books and several of the popular weekly memes plus some nice family photos.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 22, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 23, 2018.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Year of the Knife by G.D. Penman; Alternate History, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy; my Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 20, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/2/2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Audible Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi; Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi; my rating: Story 4.5 of 5.0; Narrator 4.5 of 5.0.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than; Cartoon, Comic Strip, Self-Help; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #349 Comment Giveaway July 28, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/11/18.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 29, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook
by Cees Dekker (Author), Corien Oranje (Author), Perta van Rijssen (Illustrator)
This is a fun read weighing out creation and scientific theories.
Source: NetGalley (requested end of 2017 but received 1/2/18).

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible - Review)

The Painter of Time
By: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
I am still fascinated by the history and art detail in this. And there is an interesting twist in the mystery!
Just two hours to go.
Source: Author Marketing Experts.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1)
by Amanda Greenslade
I am 56% and really like this fantasy adventure with animal shifters and a battle of good and evil.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible - Review)

Christmas at the Inn
Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1
By: Andrea Twombly
I am looking forward to enjoying a sweet story. 
Source: author through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
Annie Acorn Audio is pleased to present Christmas at the Inn written by Andrea Twombly and narrated by Lisa Leslie.
“The sign says NO VACANCY, not VACANCY.” The innkeeper's gruff reply belied his handsome face, and Angela Perkins took a step back.
Heading north for the holidays, things certainly hadn't gone as she had planned. A snowstorm, an apple pie, and an old friend all conspire to bring her to a crossroads. Will a Christmas Eve detour send her back to her snug village home, or will she forge ahead and let a turn in the road lead her to newfound happiness?
In this, the first entry in her new Rose and Briar Inn series, internationally beloved From Women's Pens author Andrea Twombly weaves a warm story of the Christmas season, rich in challenges overcome and courage discovered along a twisting road to love.
You won't want to miss this one!
©2015 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC (P)2018 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer
by Ed Ryder
I needed a "J" NetGalley title and this included a lawyer so it got my attention.
This offsets the sweet listen.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Don’t be careful what you wish for, be certain!
Meet Jack Gilmour, Las Vegas’ first and only demonic contract lawyer, protecting people against themselves from offers they can’t refuse.
When a casino owner Eddie Malfitano’s nephew makes a potentially fatal pact to be with a woman he met at a club, the paper trail leads to Lucia Oredis, a powerful demon from Jack’s past. She proposes a deal: to cancel the contract, Jack must investigate a conspiracy in the corridors of demonic power, and help her destroy it.
With time running out and his assistant missing, Jack goes on a quest to solve both mysteries and gets in over his head with both the human and demonic underworld. With only his wits, the Malfitano family and a gambling wizard for help, can Jack save the day and both worlds?

July 29, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I enjoyed reading several of the prophets last week. Now back to Chronicles. I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed only 1 book and 3 reviews. So I am up to date with only one review until I finish more books this week.
I still need to find time to keep adding reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I finished all my 2017 NetGalley titles and my NetGalley shelf is at 12 (I must have miscounted last week). I now have two author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 three NetGalley titles and a review book
I held off on Audible Daily Deals this week but there are Sci Fi titles on sale! Can I resist? We'll see.
I resisted the kindle bargain deals.
I did pick up some free kindle titles this week. (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 this ebook for review from the author through Author Marketing Experts.

Must Love Babies
by Lynnette Austin
"This baby's not the only one in need of a cuddle..."
This sounds so cute.


I picked these titles up from NetGalley:

A Book Without Dragons
by Olivia Berrier
"The year is 2054, and the clocks are wrong."
It's hard for me to pass up a dystopian/post-apocalyptic.

Unwritten

by Tara Gilboy

"Twelve-year-old Gracie Freeman is living a normal life, but she is haunted by the fact that she is actually a character from a story, an unpublished fairy tale she's never read."
I was caught by the idea of a character from a story. (And I needed a "U" title.":-)

For Us Human

by Steve Rzasa

"Caz Fortel is a great liar. In fact, he's a professional."
This is Christian and Sci Fi - a great mix for me.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I added only 29 free titles to my Kindle 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 July 29, 2018

Our substitute Sunday School teacher shared a message that we should live our lives as though we are writing our obituary. Our actions should speak for our lives. This fit with the sermon message too.

Pastor continued his sermon series The Strong from 1 Peter. He noted that last week’s message from 1 Peter 4 spoke to practical aspects of living different. This week the message is from 1 Peter 4:7-11.

Pastor noted that we often settle for second best in our choices. Sometimes it’s a matter of money; other times it is a determined choice of taste. Of course, “best” is a relative term that varies from person to person.

So the question today is: How often do we give God our best?
Do we give God less than our best but still expect God to give us blessings?
1 Peter 4:7 starts: “The end of the world is coming soon.” This would worry many people but for Christ followers it should be exciting! We believe: “The day I die I begin a new life.”
1 Peter 4:7b: therefore be earnest in your prayer.
1 Peter 4:8: Most important... Show deep love.

Point: The church is at its best when the strong give their best.

When we settle for less, then the church is less.
Everyone has a spiritual gift. We are to use them to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10.
Use your gifts to help the church and honor God.
The Devil will minimize your gift; he will lie to you saying, ‘you ruined your gift’.

We are created to do and become more than we can imagine. God created each of us specially. Psalm 139:13-18. This scripture shows God’s Intimate and magnificent plan. We each need to seek God's best plan.

Using your gift well will give glory to God. 1 Peter 4:11.
Are you giving God your best?
Here is how to prepare:
1. Ask for God to forgive us for failing to give our best.
2. (Re) Discover your spiritual gift.
3. Commit to use your spiritual gift for God.
4. Give your best to God.
Don’t consider that you owe God a debt. Instead, pursue a right relationship with Him.

I found several songs I liked for today but chose this one.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

My prayer: God forgive me for failing to give my best. Help me remember this prayer each morning and, Holy Spirit, help me give my best to God each day.

Sharing Beyond Books #349 Comment Giveaway July 28, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Six people watch games shows sometimes; two only watch sport shows; two like shows with a storyline; one watches documentaries and one watches only dvds. That leaves another five who don't watch much TV and one who doesn't have a TV!

The Winner from SBB #348 comments is: #17 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 #349

(One Question.)

St. James asks: How many pages of a book do you read before deciding it's a dnf [did not finish]??

We have had this question before but back in 2013. Let's see if our answers have changed.
My answer hasn't changed. I rarely DNF. If I selected or accepted a book for review I plan to push through to the end. I can only think of one DNF over the past several years. It is a popular book and I was listening on audio. I stopped about two hours in as I found it boring and depressing. Perhaps I'll try again sometime.
(Maybe someone should ask - for another SBB- what popular book we DNF.)

Image found at Sarah's Bookshelves - follow the link to a good discussion of DNF.

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.
Marjorie and St. James get 1/2 book credit or $2.50 for the month of July.

Your turn to share. St. James asks: How many pages of a book do you read before deciding it's a dnf [did not finish]??

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 August 11, 2018 at 5 PM central.

##NetGalley Book Review: Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than

This cartoon offering is very different from my usual read.

Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks
by Gavin Aung Than

File Size: 60076 KB
Print Length: 176 pages
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (November 11, 2014)
ASIN: B00JKNMFWY
Genre: Cartoon, Comic Strip, Self-Help
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Gavin Aung Than, an Australian graphic designer turned cartoonist, started the weekly Zen Pencils blog in February 2012. He describes his motivation for launching Zen Pencils: "I was working in the boring corporate graphic design industry for eight years before finally quitting at the end of 2011 to pursue my passion for illustration and cartooning. At my old job, when my boss wasn't looking, I would waste time reading Wikipedia pages, mainly biographies about people whose lives were a lot more interesting than mine. Their stories and quotes eventually inspired me to leave my job to focus on what I really wanted to do. The idea of taking these inspiring quotes, combining them with my love of drawing and sharing them with others led to the creation of Zen Pencils."

Review:
I don’t read too many cartoon style books and I thought this would be fun. It is fun with the author sharing some great quotes with unique and wonderful illustrations. My favorites were The Two Wolves, To Love at All (C.S. Lewis) and Invictus-- a Tribute to Nelson Mandela. All three of these are favorite quotes or poems of mine so it’s not surprising I liked them. I liked how Mr. Than matched the images to the literary works.

There are many other inspirational pieces with unique comic strips expressing emotions for each piece. The only thing that troubled me was some of the illustrations have very angry faces. We have enough terrible rage and mean-spiritedness in the world. I can appreciate the emotional intensity but I don’t think the terrible anger expressed is suitable for young people or a book promoting “zen”. I guess I have always associated “zen” with calm and peace although it is more accurately a focus of togetherness of mind and body in tune with natural intuition. Apparently the anger aspects did not bother other reviewers.

I read this on my tablet so I could experience the color comics. The set up allows expanding individual frames which I found interesting. I think the book might work even better in print but it worked fine on tablet too. Except for the anger emotions, I would recommend this as a unique presentation of inspiring words.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

This is a different future dilemma and a good mystery.
The Dispatcher
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto

Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)
Winner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - Original Work
Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi.
One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.
Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.
It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.
©2016 John Scalzi (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
It is a future time and murder is almost impossible. Not because there are no criminals or bad people. They can kill, but 99.9% of the victims vanish and wake up at home or a familiar, safe place… and alive. A few people train to become licensed “Dispatchers”. The Dispatchers are called in to ‘dispatch' people who are about to die, whether from a violent act, during surgery gone wrong or an accident. It takes a special person to be able to deal with the emotions and consequences and Tony Valdez is such a person.

A local police detective calls on Tony to help find a fellow Dispatcher who has gone missing. Tony and the man used to be friends but the man’s wife blames Tony for introducing her husband to a shadier part of dispatching -- undocumented or “under the table” jobs. The police detective is sure that Tony can uncover clues even if he is forced to work against his will.

It is clear from the beginning of the story that not everyone approves of the job of a Dispatcher. There are tensions and ethical considerations to explore. Who knew that the aspect of ‘licensed to kill” could be a fun premise for a mystery. Well, obviously talented author John Scalzi figured this out. I enjoyed the quick detective investigation and the sometimes-brash dialogue and interaction between characters. I also liked the clever (albeit cruel) methods for killing that are used.

This does not have the humor aspects readers might associate with Scalzi. However, it has the Scalzi imagination and creativity. This is a short story but I could see it being a premise for other mysteries. I recommend this to mystery and fantasy/sci fi fans.

Audio Notes: Zachary Quinto did a great job with the narration. He nails the tone without infusing excess emotion. This fit the darker nature of the mystery. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/16/18 Audible Daily Deal $.99. This qualifies for Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 27, 2018

Happy Friday! Hot July!

I said last week that "I am thankful for the office AC." On Monday we arrived to discover the AC was broken. When the repairmen came to fix it they determined the unit was 'dead'. Possible lightning strike. So we worked in high 80s heat until late Wednesday. It was a bit disorientating for work. And made us appreciate the AC even more as we wondered how people work outside or how people worked in buildings before air conditioning was available. Whew.
We continued to have a few heavy afternoon rain storms.

I hope everyone is staying safe from fires, rain, storms, floods and heat.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

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

Thank you to all who entered the July 20 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. One title was blocked.
AUTO: none

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 20 Pick:
FREDAMANS gets a GC and
LINDA gets a GC

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

This is my type of relaxing.
Image found at The Three Tomatoes.

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,175+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: The Year of the Knife by G.D. Penman

This is strange but entertaining urban fantasy.

The Year of the Knife
by G.D. Penman

File Size: 1827 KB
Print Length: 236 pages
Publisher: Meerkat Press, LLC (November 28, 2017)
ASIN: B074PCTG14
Genre: Alternate History, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
(This does have a f/f romance but I would not call this lesbian romance as it is a side element -- IMO)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"An addictive blend of magic and murder noir." -Gareth L. Powell, BSFA award-winning author of Ack-Ack Macaque
Agent "Sully" Sullivan is one of the top cops in the Imperial Bureau of Investigation. A veteran witch of the British Empire who isn’t afraid to use her magical skills to crack a case. But Sully might need more than a good education and raw power to stop the string of grisly murders that have been springing up across the American Colonies. Every one of them marked by the same chilling calling card, a warning in the form of a legion of voices screaming out through the killers' mouths: "It IS tHe YEAr oF the KNife."
Sully’s investigation will drag her away from the comforts of home in New Amsterdam, the beautiful but useless hyacinth macaw that used to be her boss, and the loving arms of her undead girlfriend, in a thrilling race against time, demonic forces and a shadowy conspiracy that will do anything to keep its hold on power and ensure that Sully takes their secrets to her grave, as soon as possible.
G.D. Penman’s imaginative The Year of the Knife is a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy mystery with an engaging set of characters, most notably Agent Sully of the Imperial Bureau of Investigation.

Review:
Sully is a top cop in the Imperial Bureau of Investigation (IBI). She is a tough witch who often uses her magical skills to help solve a case or take down a culprit. Her department is dragged into a grisly investigation in the American Colonies. Bodies seem to be possessed by an evil that sends them on a killing rampage leaving the message "It IS tHe YEAr oF the KNife." Sully's initial confrontations with the killers don’t go well. She keeps trying to save the civilians and even the possessed killers, but the results aren’t working out as she ends up with serious collateral damage.

Although Sully is strongly dedicated to her work chasing down monster criminals, she has issues with her IBI office recognizing the political problems that exist. The prior Director, whose name no one can remember, has been turned into a Macaw nesting in his office which has been commandeered by the current Deputy Director. Like the missing name spell, there is a key word that is hidden by powerful magic that is hindering the investigation.

Sully first seeks the help of a rather ghoulish (in a twisted fun character) coroner who loves experimenting with the corpses brought in for autopsy. When Raavi can only provide limited information, Sully pulls in a master magician and even consults with a demon trapped in a doll (shades of Chucky or Annabelle).

In her personal life Sully is trying to keep it under wraps that she is hooking up with her former lover who is now a vampire – a species generally killed off or exiled. Marie gives encouragement to Sully but also puts her mission at risk.

The story is full of action with magic and monsters. This is a bit zany as it bounces from murder scene to consulting scene. The dialogue is snarky and fun. Sully's sexual orientation is upfront and her relationship with Marie is an interesting side thread that is nicely handled. My favorite extra element is the alternate reality/history which is revealed slowly at first, emerging more strongly as the book progresses.

My last note on the reading was “How do authors think up this crazy stuff?” I do recommend this to readers who like urban fantasy and want something out of the ordinary.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post July 22, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 23, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 with my daughter/manager taking a summer vacation week. So I still have plenty to do.

We continue to have hot sunny days with storms in the afternoon.

My reading moved along well - although I did pull in some shorter books for the week. I finished five books! Three Audible books and two NetGalley titles. I posted two reviews on the blog and one at Goodreads. I posted all of my usual memes.

I visited only 21 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to vvb32reads. Velvet has been blogging since 2009. She shares books for World Challenge and movies that are often new to me.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 15, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 16, 2018.

• A2018- #Audible Book Review: Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz; Horror; my Rating: Story 4.0 of 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 20, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/26/2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima; K-9 Dogs, Mystery; my rating: Story 4.25 of 5.0; Narrator 4.0 of 5.0.

• Goodreads Review ATBR- Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller; Discipleship, Memoir; my rating Narration and Overall 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 22, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Year of the Knife
by G.D. Penman
This is strange but entertaining urban fantasy.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 then Smartphone (2018Audible)

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Series: Frankenstein, Book 1
I enjoyed this strange tale too.
My review is linked above.
Source: 6/3/2018 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 then Smartphone (2018Audible)

The Dispatcher
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins
Different future dilemma - fun listening.
Source: 2/16/18 Audible Daily Deal $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks
by Gavin Aung Than
This cartoon offering is 
very different from my usual read.
I liked most it.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Audible/MP3 then Smartphone (2008 TBR Audible)

Blue Like Jazz
Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
By: Donald Miller
Narrated by: Donald Miller
Length: 4 hrs and 16 mins
This was a pleasant, inspiring surprise. My review is linked above.
Source: Audible July 2008.
Publisher's Summary
"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself....I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened."
Donald Miller
For anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a post-modern culture, for anyone thirsting for a genuine encounter with a God who is real, for anyone yearning for a renewed sense of passion in life...Blue Like Jazz is a fresh and original perspective on life, love, and redemption.
©2007 Donald Miller (P)2007 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook
by Cees Dekker (Author), Corien Oranje (Author), Perta van Rijssen (Illustrator)
I am 80% in, enjoying the scientific facts and elements of Godly creation shared in this fun read.
Source: NetGalley.
"I'm afraid you're at the top end of the healthy weight range," said the doctor. This is doctor's speak for "you are FAT"! "Do you know how much I'd weigh if I was on Pluto?" "No idea," replied the doctor. "Only 2.3 kilograms. Practically nothing!" Meet Sam, science geek extraordinaire, and have an exclusive peek at his top secret logbook. When a meteorite crashes into Sam’s school bike shed, his class have a LOT of questions about space, the universe, and life on earth. But can they believe in God AND the Big Bang? They make some cool discoveries that show them that, surprisingly, the answer is a clear yes. A fact-filled and thought-provoking story that will make you chuckle.

2. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible - Review)

The Painter of Time
By: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
I am fascinated already by the history and art detail in this. I'm just getting into the mystery.
Source: Author Marketing Experts.
Publisher's Summary
Contemporary/historical suspense audiobook set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy.
Bronx born and bred, Mackenzie Ferrara is both nervous and excited to begin her career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters in New York City. The star of the restoration team is a handsome and reserved Italian, Anthony Bataglia. On loan from the Ufizzi, he is renowned for his ability to bring pre-Renaissance treasures back to life. Despite a rocky start, the two form a close working relationship, which Mackenzie hopes will blossom into something more.
But as she works with him she begins to notice peculiar patterns and unexplainable similarities in all of his restorations. Something is clearly not what it seems to be with the dashing Mr. Bataglia. Mackenzie - with help from her father, a retired detective - is determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences.
©2015 Matthew O'Connell (P)2018 Matthew O'Connell

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1)
by Amanda Greenslade
This will finally finish up my 2017 NetGalley titles.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
With a newly awakened icetiger for his companion, Talon is finally learning the magic of the Kriite people, including telepathy and shape-changing. After his home town Jaria is attacked by Zeikas he embarks on a mission to seek help.
Before Talon even understands the power within him, there are demon summoners after him. He is horrified to learn that the Zeika leader plans to use Talon’s body and mind to further his ambition for power. Bal Harar is on a god-given mission to enslave or kill all Kriites.
Talon represents both the greatest threat and the greatest opportunity to the Zeikas—his actions and faith will make all the difference between the two.

July 22, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 5 books and 3 reviews. This puts me at 2 reviews due.
I still need to find time to add reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12; I still have one more author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 two audiobooks for review - Love that!
I held off on Audible Daily Deals until today.
I also got the SYNC Audios this week.
I resisted the kindle bargain deals.
I did pick up some free kindle titles this week. (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 this audiobook for review from Author Marketing Experts.

The Painter of TimeBy: Matthew S O'ConnellNarrated by: Susan Fouche
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
"Contemporary/historical suspense audiobook set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy."

I received this audio title from the author through AudioBook Boom.
Christmas at the Inn
Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1
By: Andrea Twombly
Narrated by: Lisa Leslie
Length: 50 mins

"...author Andrea Twombly weaves a warm story of the Christmas season, rich in challenges overcome and courage discovered along a twisting road to love."

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/22/18 DD $2.95
Sharkman
By: Steve Alten
Narrated by: Andrew Eiden
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 12-06-16

Free

I have downloaded week 13 SYNC audio titles:
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama Read by Katherine Kellgren
The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Read by Glen McCready

I added only 27 free titles to my Kindle 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.