Sunday Post March 31, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 1, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

Everyone was in office by Tuesday but two were fighting colds and working in what I dubbed "slo-mo fuzzyness".
I have a handful of court hearings this week and am working away on probates and litigation files.
Still no word from the engineer and architect. The contractor is contacting them to try to get a reply.
The injured chicken didn't make it.
Our small cat had a better week. She is no longer limping or dragging and titling her head. She is up to a full can of cat food a day and just jumped up in a chair. (She missed a couple of jumps earlier in the week.)
Our weather remains on the cool side. The pollen count is high causing extra sinus trouble.

My reading listening went well.  I finished 4 audiobooks even though some were shorter. My Kindle has been rebooting every time I pick it up which slowed reading. Time to switch to the Fire Kindle again. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Mad Book Love, sharing things "related to books and reading".
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 24, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 25, 2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Zero G by Dan Wells; Kids, Middle Grade (ages 8-10); My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.

• NGTBR- Book Review: Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles Book 3) by John A. Heldt; Time Travel Romance; My Rating: My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 29, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/4/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Curiouser and Curiouser: Steampunk Alice in Wonderland by Melanie Karsak; Fairy Tale Retelling, Sci Fi, Steampunk; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4,25 and Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 31, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Curiouser and Curiouser: Steampunk Alice in Wonderland
Steampunk Fairy Tales
By: Melanie Karsak
Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 09-13-17
This was fun. My review is linked above..
Source: 2019 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

So Long, Lollipops
The Free Until The End of the World Novella
By: Sarah Lyons Fleming
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Series: Until the End of the World, Book 1.5
Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
I enjoyed this novella in the series.
Source: Audible Free Title 9/2014.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Breach of Security
By: Susan Hill
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
Series: Simon Serrailler, Book 8.5
Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
I enjoyed this novella mystery 
and would like to read more of the series.
Source: Audible November 2016 Sale.
People who bought this also bought...
Publisher's Summary
When a bunch of neo-fascist thugs named The Bulldogs attack a Gay pride march in the sleepy country town of Lafferton, detective Simon Serrailler moves quickly to find the assailants. He’s already got his hands full making security arrangements for a memorial service to honour soldiers returning from Afghanistan. When anonymous threats come in, Serrailler wonders if the Bulldogs are behind these too - and worries that they know the Prince of Wales will be in attendance. As the day approaches, the threats intensify, and Serrailler finds himself racing against the clock to prevent catastrophe.
Susan Hill has won the Whitbread, Somerset Maugham, and John Llewelyn Rhys prizes, as well as being shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She has written 55 books in several genres, including the ghost story The Woman in Black, the play adapted from which is still running in London’s West End after 25 years. I'm the King of The Castle has been a GCSE set text. She has also published collections of short stories, fiction for children, several nonfiction books and the highly successful crime novel series about the detective Simon Serrailler, who features in a short story here for the first time. Her new novel, The Soul of Discretion, is the eighth in the Serrailler series, and will be published by Chatto and Windus in October. Susan Hill is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Fellow of King’s College, London, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Honours of 2012.
©2014 Susan Hill (P)2014 Audible Studios

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Voodoo Planet
Written By: Andre Norton
Narrated By: Mark Nelson
Publisher: LibriVox
Date: January 2011
Duration: 2 hours 47 minutes
I was glad to have a quick sci fi to listen to.
Source: 2017 Audiobooks.com Public Domain Vintage free download.
Summary:
The sequel to Plague Ship, Voodoo Planet finds the Solar Queen banned from trade and starting her supposed quiet two-year stint as an interstellar mail carrier. But instead her crew accepts a visit to the safari planet of Khatka, where they find themselves caught in a battle between the forces of reason and the powers of Khatka's mind-controlling wizard. (Summary by Mark Nelson)

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Trouble on the Books
by Essie Lang
I am 65% in on this cozy mystery.
Source:  NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Apex
Written By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated By: Amy Landon
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Date: September 2017
Duration: 8 hours 49 minutes
This is the third and conclusion of the series. 
I am two hours in.
Source: 2019 Credit Purchase Audiobooks.com.
Summary:
Being a member of the Elite Hunter Command imperils Joy in more ways than one. In their latest clash with Othersiders, the army of monsters nearly wiped them out. Apex City is safe for now. But within the city barriers, Joy must wage a different kind of war.The corrupt and powerful PsiCorps is determined to usurp the Hunters as chief defenders of Apex City, and Joy is now squarely in their crosshairs. Unused to playing political games, she has very few people she can truly trust-not even Josh, her first friend in Apex City, who broke up with her when it became too dangerous for a Psimon to be dating a Hunter.
Then Josh comes to Joy for help. He fears that Abigail Drift, the head of PsiCorps, will soon use him in her twisted experiments designed to empower PsiCorps and render Hunters superfluous-a scheme that's already killed off dozens of Psimons. Joy manages to smuggle Josh to safety, but he cannot evade Drift forever As Joy faces ever more powerful Othersiders, she is helped by the most surprising ally imaginable-the same Folk Mage she once met in battle on the train to Apex City. But can Joy trust the most cunning and treacherous of all Othersiders?In the thrilling finale to Mercedes Lackey's New York Times bestselling trilogy, Joy must risk everything to end a brutal war before she loses all she's ever loved....

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Heart of the Storm
by Debbie Peterson
This released in February so I picked it next.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
DEA agent Aliyana Montijo must stop a drug lord's killing orders and find a government mole. With a contract on her head, she trusts no one. While heading back to Florida with evidence, lightning strikes her plane. As it careens into the ocean, she thinks she sees a pirate ship. What she finds is a dashing and most unlikely ally.
Four centuries ago, Wolfaert Dircksen Van Ness captained a vessel for the Dutch West Indies Company. Then an unearthly storm in the Bermuda Triangle blew him into a parallel dimension. After rescuing Aliyana from a similar tempest, he finds himself drawn to the courageous beauty and wants to aid her mission.
In the midst of danger, the two find themselves falling in love. Then a misunderstanding tears them apart, perhaps forever…

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Oath of Swords
War God, Book 1
By: David Weber
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
Series: War God, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
Time for a Fantasy; plus an O for Alphabet. :-)
Source: 2012 Audible.
Publisher's Summary
Bahzell is no knight in shining armor, and besides he has too many problems of his own to be messing with anybody else's problems - let alone the War God's. Unfortunately, the War God has other ideas for him.
©1995 David M. Weber (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

March 31, 2019 - I am enjoying my daily morning devotion and reading with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am on day 4 of 5 day reading plan: Spiritual Warfare Battle Plan. Then I'll pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted three reviews. That puts me current with three reviews to post for current reading.
I keep working to  add newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible again. (Eventually I will add older reviews.) 
My NetGalley shelf is now at 15 unread (still 2 left from December) to date, since I added three and am reading one. I have 4 old titles (2012!) that I might get read this year too. 
I still have four author ebook 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 added three new titles from NetGalley; have to put myself on hold till I get another couple read.
I purchased three audiobooks through High Five sale.
I picked up only 13 free kindle titles. (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 three titles from NetGalley:

The Time Collector
by Gwendolyn Womack
"Travel through time with the touch of a hand."

The Library of Ever

by Zeno Alexander

"The Library of Ever is an instant classic for middle grade readers and booklovers everywhere—an adventure across time and space, as a young girl becomes a warrior for the forces of knowledge."

The Governess of Penwythe Hall
by Sarah E. Ladd
"Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast."
(Lovely cover too!)

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/31/19 Three High Five Audible Sale titles - $5.00 each
The Final Day
By: William R. Forstchen
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 01-03-17


Eden's Gate: The Reborn
A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
By: Edward Brody
Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 03-30-17


Spinning Silver
By: Naomi Novik
Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan
Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 07-10-18

Free

I only added 13 free titles to my Kindle library.  Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 31, 2019

Our Sunday School lesson was focused on 1 Corinthians 13 often described as ‘the love chapter’ All the spiritual gifts are only worthwhile if they are operating in love.
1 John 4:7 tells us to love one another...
The only debt we owe is the continuing debt to love. Love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10.
Jesus gives a new command: “Love one another”... John 13:34-35.
Love is the indicator to the world that you are a Christ follower.

Pastor continued his series with Part 6 of The Bridge, based on Hebrews 5:12-14 and 6:1-7, titled “Growing Things”. It is easier to grow unwanted things than wanted things. Unwanted things will grow where you don't want them.
Wanted things only grow where they are planted and nurtured; encouraged to grow.
It takes skill and work, maintenance, to grow things you want where you want them.
If we want to grow something we have to plan and attend, maintain it.
Growing always happens but it may be in an unwanted way.
If we are only holding steady, we are most likely not growing.
Life is always full of change: we grow or diminish.
Doing what we've always done doesn't result in growth.
Who is responsible for your growth? You.
It is important to add resources to your life to help growth.
As we grow spiritually our capacity grows.

Point: Spiritual growth requires commitment to intentionally plane what is desirable and remove what is not.

If you take your hands off the wheel you will go off course.
We may try to manage our words and attitude. It isn’t really enough to hope that our good character and attitude will choke out the bad.
Time does not insure maturity. We have to feed ourselves.
If we want desirable things to grow...we have to plant desirable things.
If we don't plant healthy things in our lives, weeds and undesirable things will grow.
How do we know when undesirable things are growing in us?
There are warning signs. hidden thoughts and deeds.

Have we allowed undesirable things to grow within us? It will eventually come out. We will become critical, dissatisfied, self-centered.
We have to stop and take action to change.
We are able to have better things. Hebrews 6:9. To experience the ‘better’ we have to keep on….. Commitment to loving others is intentional and desirable. Hope grows into assurance. Hebrews 6:11-12.
If you are spiritually sharp and passionate, you will influence others.
Up your game.

I think this song fits today: Show Me How to Love

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 6:11-12 NLT
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.


Lord, I pray that you will help me grow and increase my capacity to love others.

Audible Book Review: Curiouser and Curiouser: Steampunk Alice in Wonderland by Melanie Karsak

I liked the “Alice” references in this fun steampunk retelling.
Curiouser and Curiouser: Steampunk Alice in Wonderland
Steampunk Fairy Tales
By: Melanie Karsak
Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-13-17
Language: English
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling, Sci Fi, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
To save the Hatter, Alice must work with the one man she despises so much that she might still love him.
Alice thought she'd turned over a new leaf. No more working for Jabberwocky. No more making deals with the ruthless Queen of Hearts. No more hanging around The Mushroom with tinkers, tarts, scoundrels, and thieves in London's criminal underbelly. But she'd been bonkers to dream.
Hatter's reckless behavior leads Alice back to the one person she never wanted to see again, Caterpillar. Pulled into Caterpillar's mad schemes, Alice must steal a very big diamond from a very royal lady. The heist is no problem for this Bandersnatch. But protecting her heart from the man she once loved? Impossible.
Sometimes love is mad.
©2017 Clockpunk Press (P)2017 Clockpunk Press

Review:
Alice and her sweet sister were orphans struggling in a London workhouse when they were ‘rescued’ by Jabberwocky. He took them to his wealthy home where Bess cares for his elderly mother and he gave Alice, aka Bandersnatch, tasks that used her nimble fingers. Alice wasn’t thrilled with the work but she would do what she had to in order to care for her frail sister.

Another child who came to work for Jabberwocky was William aka Caterpillar. Alice and William work many jobs together and eventually something goes wrong. Alice and William were to take over the ‘business’ when Jabberwocky dies. Even though it means leaving William behind, Alice takes the chance to walk away from the life of crime.

Alice and Bess are living simply while Alice works in an honest position for a Lord. Bess is being wooed by the Mad Hatter, Henry, but Henry has a serious gambling problem. His actions result in Alice being called back to help William on a dangerous heist. In addition to working with William, which threatens her heart, Alice has to face the Red Queen which threatens her life.

The story is told in present situation with alternating flashbacks to fill in the backstory. I especially enjoyed the characters and phrases recognized from Alice in Wonderland. There is even a Rabbit and a Cheshire Cat. I liked the craft of the Mad Hatter and enjoyed the steampunk elements. The story is a bit dark but balanced by fun characters and struggling romance. I plan to pick up more of the retellings by Melanie Karsak. I recommend this imaginative story to fans of fairy tale retellings and steampunk.

Audio Notes: Lesley Parkin does a nice job with the narration. She gives the characters their own voices and even captures the arrogant ugliness of the Red Queen. The narration gives good energy and enhanced the story for me.

Source: 2019 Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook and Alphabet goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 29, 2019

Happy Friday! I hope everyone is planning to enjoy the first true week of Spring!
I did pull together a new box of 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 March 22, 2019 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. No title was blocked.
Emily gets Reader's Digest Condensed Book (please let me know which of the three)

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 22, 2019 Pick:
ASHFA gets a GC.
and
DI gets The Knight of Rosecliffe (one of the pair, leaving the other a single)

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 it be wonderful to grow books from seeds?
Image found at Pinterest from School Libraians.

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves

PAIRS:
Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes and The Knight of Rosecliffe
Stella Cameron: Target and Now You See Him

SINGLES:
Golden Goddess by Stephanie James
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
The Gamble by LaVerle Spencer
Two Brothers by Linda Lael Miller
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
Bold Conquest by Virginia Henley
Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
Forbidden Pleasures (hardback) by Bertrice Small
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann


New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


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

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 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

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 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,233+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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!

Book Review: Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles Book 3) by John A. Heldt

Wonderful historical details add to this time travel family drama/adventure.

Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles Book 3)
by John A. Heldt

File Size: 645 KB
Print Length: 419 pages
Publication Date: November 26, 2018
Language: English
ASIN: B07KWHMRFW
Genre: Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Arizona, December 1943. After surviving perilous six-month journeys to 1889 and 1918, the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, seek a respite in their home state. While Adam and Greg settle down with their Progressive Era brides, Natalie and Caitlin start romances with wartime aviators and Cody befriends a Japanese family in an internment camp. The time travelers regroup, bury some ghosts, and continue their search for their missing parents. Then old problems return, new ones emerge, and a peaceful hiatus becomes a race for survival. In INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, the sequel to RIVER RISING and THE MEMORY TREE, several young adults find love and adventure as they navigate the home front during the height of World War II.

Review:
This continues to time travel adventures of the Carson family. The Carson siblings, Adam and his pregnant wife, Bridget, Greg and his new wife Patricia, Natalie, and the twins, Cody and Caitlin, travel from 1918 to arrive in Arizona in December 1943. They move to Phoenix where they acquire jobs and make friends. Natalie and Caitlin work as mechanics at the airfield and begin romances with a pilot instructor and a pilot trainee respectfully. Cody’s job brings him to a Japanese family in an internment camp. He makes friends with a young woman and seeks a way to help her family.

Despite getting jobs, there are those who challenge the Carson men for not enlisting. There are also rumors spread to the FBI that raise questions about a Carson fugitive from 1889. This makes matters tense for the sibling family.

Meanwhile parents, Tim and Caroline, have tried to meet the children in 1943 but they arrive too early, September in Pennsylvania instead of December in Arizona. They visit some of the same ‘friends’ of the young people but experience different circumstances as they are in a different time stream. Their search for the children brushes and slips by like ships barely passing in the dark.

I found the historical settings in 1943-44 intriguing, including the Japanese internment camp. It is quickly apparent that the young people are stepping into realms fraught with emotional turmoil and difficult decisions regarding their caring and sharing. I was shaking my head as I saw the troubles they were creating for themselves. It was interesting to see how author Heldt would treat each dilemma. As is the pattern from the prior books, the last chapters tense up with danger and an exciting race to the next time jump… where adventures will no doubt continue in the next book.

I enjoy how the story is told in chapters that feature views from the alternating characters. Mr. Heldt does a good job of blending ‘real-to-life’ situations (like new babies and new romance) with the challenges of time travel issues. I recommend this to readers who enjoy family fiction with time travel as a bonus.

Source: 12/18 Author review request. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Alphabet and Author Review Goals.

Audible Book Review: Zero G by Dan Wells

This fits the target audience - children.
Zero G
By: Dan Wells
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, Josh Hurley, Eddy Lee, Jennifer Van Dyck, Allyson Johnson, David Shih, Betsy Hogg

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Kids, Middle Grade (ages 8-10)
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.

It’s one kid versus an entire band of space pirates in this cosmic middle grade caper from New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Zero is just one of 20,000 people aboard a spaceship bound for a new planet set to be colonized. The journey is over a century long but luckily, everyone is in stasis, so they’ll be safe and sound asleep during the trip. Everyone that is, except for Zero, whose pod has malfunctioned, waking him up a hundred years early. His initial excitement in roaming the ship alone quickly turns to a heart-stopping interstellar adventure when a family of space pirates show up, trying to hijack the ship and take the colonizers hostage. With everyone he knows fast asleep, it’s up to Zero to think fast and find a way to stop them–all on his own.
The full cast for this production includes Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, Betsy Hogg, Josh Hurley, Jonathan Davis, Jennifer Van Dyck, Chelsea Spack, Charlie Thurston, David Shih, Eunice Wong, Eddy Lee, Allyson Johnson, and Polly Lee.
©2018 Dan Wells (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Zero is a Tweener who is traveling with his family to colonize a new planet. Zero’s father is one of the space engineers who helped build the spaceship which will carry 20,000 people in stasis for 105 years. Zero is a typical young boy full of energy and mischief, poking at his older brothers. Before settling into the stasis pod, Zero bounces around the ship where he meets the pilot and the onboard navigation AI.

Everyone buckles into their pods hoping to wake up “tomorrow” in the future. Unforntunately for Zero, he is the only one whose pod malfunctions resulting in his waking after just a couple of weeks. Zero knows from his discussion with the navigation AI that no one out of a pod can survive the upcoming jump through space. That is worrisome but then Zero discovers that the pilot has disappeared, and space pirates are boarding the ship.

The pirates are a back biting, dysfunctional, misfit family who quickly move to disable the AI so they can redirect the ship. This leaves Zero as the only person who can protect everyone else on the ship. After stealing a pirate communicator, Zero struggles to foil the enemy with common life tools which he finds as he was exploring the cargo bays. There are tense moments mixed with comical situations.

The story is an easy listen although it is requires embracing unbelievable coincidences and a manipulated plotline. That’s okay as it is fun and appropriate for the middle grade bracket. I was not impressed with the boyish pranks but young people would probably appreciate that childish humor. I think this would be a fun listen for families with middle graders.

Audio Notes: The mix of narrators makes this story fun and easy listening. The voices should help keep the attention of young listeners.

Source: Free Audible Original December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Sunday Post March 24, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 25, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

Heather was out all week and I had to double up on work. I had a bit of rant (10 minutes) late Thursday afternoon. Lots of stress with another staff scheduled to be out on Friday and three out on Monday.
I'll be handling a couple of closings early this week and working on legal tasks. Limited court hearings this week.
Still no word from the engineer and architect. The contractor is contacting them to try to get a reply.
We haven't seen any evidence of the opossum this week - not even stealing eggs. My husband is treating one injured chicken who we put in a pet carrier so the others wouldn't attack it.
Our small cat isn't doing too well. We saw the vet and he really couldn't say what the problem is, although she is 14 years old. She goes through phases of not eating. She hangs and tilts her head. I have been getting her to eat a spoonful of food with the potassium pills the vet ordered. But the last couple of days she has started scooting on her hind legs... not good.
Our weather was cool but beautiful!

My reading went well as I finished 2 audiobooks and the long ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I did got to 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Bookwyrm's Hoard. Lark reads "mainly genre fiction — fantasy and science fiction, mystery, and romance..."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 17, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 18, 2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Ghost Squadron Boxed Set by Sarah Noffke; Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi, Space Military; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4,25 and Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 22, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/28/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: The Double-A Western Detective Agency by Steve Hockensmith; Mystery, Westerns; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4,25 and Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #365 Comment Giveaway March 23, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/6/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 10, 2019.

Finished Reading: 1. Audible/Smartphone (Author)

The Double-A Western Detective Agency A Holmes on the Range Mystery By: Steve Hockensmith  
Narrated by: John McLain  
Series: Holmes on the Range, Book 6  
Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins  
This is fun listening and detecting. 
Review linked above.  
Source: Received March 2019 from the author for review.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
 

Zero G  
By: Dan Wells  
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, Josh Hurley, Eddy Lee, Jennifer Van Dyck, Allyson Johnson, David Shih, Betsy Hogg  
Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins   
This fits the target audience - children.  
Source: Free Audible Original December 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles Book 3)
by John A. Heldt  
Wonderful historical details in this time travel family drama/adventure.  
Source: 12/18 Author review request.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Curiouser and Curiouser: Steampunk Alice in Wonderland
Steampunk Fairy Tales
By: Melanie Karsak
Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 09-13-17
I have been interested in this Steampunk.
Source: 2019 Credit Purchase.

Publisher's Summary
To save the Hatter, Alice must work with the one man she despises so much that she might still love him.
Alice thought she'd turned over a new leaf. No more working for Jabberwocky. No more making deals with the ruthless Queen of Hearts. No more hanging around The Mushroom with tinkers, tarts, scoundrels, and thieves in London's criminal underbelly. But she'd been bonkers to dream.
Hatter's reckless behavior leads Alice back to the one person she never wanted to see again, Caterpillar. Pulled into Caterpillar's mad schemes, Alice must steal a very big diamond from a very royal lady. The heist is no problem for this Bandersnatch. But protecting her heart from the man she once loved? Impossible.
Sometimes love is mad.
©2017 Clockpunk Press (P)2017 Clockpunk Press

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Trouble on the Books
by Essie Lang
This meets my 3rd NetGalley goal for the month...and I'm ready for a cozy mystery.
Source:  NetGalley 2018.
Essie Lang’s series debut is perfect for fans of Lorna Barrett, Vicki Delany, and book lovers everywhere.
Rookie bookstore owner Shelby Cox must hit the books to learn the ropes before she loses a killer in the stacks.
Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island.
But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before he strikes again—in Trouble on the Books, Essie Lang’s clever and captivating series debut.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

So Long, Lollipops
The Free Until The End of the World Novella
By: Sarah Lyons Fleming
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Series: Until the End of the World, Book 1.5
Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
I enjoyed the first book and thought I'd squeeze this shorter book in this month.
Source: Audible Free Title 9/2014.
Publisher's Summary
**WARNING**
This novella contains major spoilers from the novel Until The End of the World. It's suggested you read the novel before you hear So Long, Lollipops. Unless you're someone who likes to read the last page of a book first - in that case, enjoy!
Peter watched his new family drive away, certain it was the last time he'd ever see them. But sometimes plans go awry in the best way. Now, the plan is to get back to them. But sometimes plans go awry in the worst way.
Sometimes the only plan is to believe it will be all right, even when it's almost impossible to believe.
©2014 Sarah Lyons Fleming (P)2014 Podium Publishing

March 24, 2019 - I am enjoying my daily morning devotion and reading with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. Tonight I'll finish a 5 day reading plan: Your Work Matters. Then I'll pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted two reviews. That puts me current with only 2 reviews to post for current reading.
I need to catch up adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible again. (Not counting the older reviews.) 
My NetGalley shelf is still at 13 unread (only 2 left from December) to date, since I added one and am reading one. I have 4 old titles (2012!) that I might get read this year too. 
I still have four author ebook 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 added one new title from NetGalley and have two outstanding requests.
I purchased one audio title at special price and picked up my 2nd free Audible Original.
I picked up only 3 free kindle titles. (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 this title up from NetGalley:

Every Last Breath
by Juno Rushdan
This sounds like a good Terrorism Thriller.

Won

NONE

Purchased

The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
by: Richard Phillips
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
I picked this up for $1.99 since I had the ebook.

Free

This was my second Audible Original choice for March.
A Mind of Her Own
By: Paula McLain
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
Release date: 02-28-19

I only added 3 free titles to my Kindle library.  Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.