Sunday Post January 31, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 1, 2021

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.

I still have to finish my organization reports which are do by midnight 2/1/2021. I just have to complete final details and scan and email them tomorrow.
The stock market was a bit crazy last week. I wasn't involved with any of the stocks in the ruckus but my account value went down $5,000.00 one day then up $5,000.00 the next. I was careful not to panic. I am likely to be a bit cautious this week waiting to see how things are moving.

No picture from me today but I am sharing a woodwork image that is gorgeous! I have been enjoying We Love Woodworking on Facebook for the few minutes I visit there.

We expect two days of rain again this week plus several cloudy days. Temps a bit cooler 30 to 69. .

I enjoyed my reading this past week. I finished two ebooks and one audiobook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to I Wish I Lived In a Library. Katherine says: "I read a wide variety of genres but especially mystery, food memoirs, romance and history. I also have a tendency to collect cookbooks."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 24, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 25, 2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Galaxy's Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole; Genre: Military Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Death at the Gazebo by Minnie Crockwell; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 29, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/4/2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter; Genres: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 24, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/NetGalley App (NG2020)

Came A Horseman, A Hard Ride In A Fierce World
by Paul McHugh
This mixes some philosophy with mystery and action in an interesting dystopian society.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/NetGalley App (NG2020)

LOVE
by Corrinne Averiss
This has a very good message that is sweetly delivered.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Funny, emotional, and uplifting picture book about separation and love, to help children understand their emotions.
Everyone loves everyone in Tess’s house, but when Tess has to leave for school for the very first time, she is worried that her family’s love might not stretch that far. Mom explains that love is like a string, it connects people together even when they are far away. At school Tess notices that all the children have strings! Some are new, some are old, some stretch a long way, and some even stretch right up into the sky. But what happens when a string breaks?
Love is the third in a trio of feel-good picture books from author Corrinne Averiss (Joy (2018), Hope (2019)) - a pure delight from start to finish. A wonderful story that subtly tackles difficult topics of death, grief, separation, and overcoming anxiety.

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2018)

Red Winter
Red Winter, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 01-03-17
I liked this good fantasy and I expect I will continue the series.
I figured this could count for a color and Winter season.
Source:  May 2018 Audible Daily Deal for $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Paperback(PTBR)

Noah - Another Storm is Coming
by Ellen G. White
I like this although the reading is slow, maybe 10 or so pages a day.
Source: My own bookshelf; gift from a church friend.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Unprepared
The Scourge, Book 1
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 04-26-20
I was ready for another post-apocalyptic and I have been wanting to read this author.
I do have the Traveler Series but it sounds like it will be okay to listen to this one first.
Source: 12/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale.
Publisher's Summary
A mutating plague is spreading. It's killing two of every three people on Earth. And Mike Crenshaw is totally unprepared.
From the world of The Traveler Series comes a new cast of characters, new obstacles, and the same devastating, world-altering virus which plunges society into the depth of a dystopian hell.
Unprepared begins in the hours before The Scourge takes hold. As if ripped from today's headlines, governments react too slowly and the disease spreads too fast. Quarantines don't work. Infrastructure fails. People die.
Follow Mike and his friends as they try to survive this new landscape and find out how the world in which The Traveler Series was set came into being. It's a thrill ride that will keep you up at night with the lights on and the doors locked.
©2020 Piton Press LLC (P)2020 Piton Press LLC

3. Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

X-O Manowar, Volume 1: By The Sword
(X-O Manowar (2012) #1)
by Robert Venditti (Goodreads Author) (Writer), Cary Nord (Artist), Stefano Gaudiano (Inker), Moose Baumann (Colorist)
I don't read a lot of graphic novels but I am liking this. (Plus it is my "X" title for Alphabet!)
Source: December 25, 2018 Free Kindle Download.
The beginning of the all-new Valiant Universe starts here! Aric of Dacia is a brash warrior and heir to the throne of the Visigoth people. He has lived his life under the heel of the Roman Empire, but now a far more terrible enemy has come to subjugate him. Taken from his home and family, Aric is enslaved aboard a starship belonging to a brutal race of alien colonizers known as The Vine. If he is to have any hope of escaping and returning to Earth, he will have to steal the Vine’s most powerful weapon – a sentient suit of indestructible armor – and become X-O Manowar!

4. eBook/NetGalley App (NG2020)

Evolving Elizah: Initiatum
by C.J. Hall
This is a post-apocalyptic/dystopian set in space.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Elizah (Liz) Goeff was born into a world much like the one we know today, but she doesn’t remember it. It’s all gone now, covered in ash after a series of natural disasters threw North American civilization into a death spiral. Now Liz’s world is the Green Grow 3, a lush space farm orbiting Earth designed to feed humanity until the planet can heal itself.

January 31, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I did good for a month reading/listening first thing each morning.  I hope I can continue the pattern.
I am reading/listening the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I am finishing a four day study this week: Demonstrating God's Presence In Business.

I completed three books and posted three reviews to remain up to date.
NetGalley shelf is: 12.  (I didn't look again this week so I wouldn't be tempted.)
Three author titles in queue.
(Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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.
No new titles for review.
I used one credit at Audible for a two for one credit sale. I also made my January VIP pick at audiobooks.com. I also remembered to get my free download at ChristianAudio.
Thirteen 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

1/31/21 Audible 2 for 1 credit sale.

The Prince of Midnight
By: Laura Kinsale
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 05-21-13
I have a small collection of books by this romance author but not this one.

A Long Time Until Now
By: Michael Z. Williamson
Narrated by: Dennis Holland
Length: 22 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 06-02-15
I see dinosaurs and men and I want to read about it!

Free

1/31/2021 January Audiobooks.com Free VIP selection.

Revelation Space
Written By: Alastair Reynolds
Narrated By: John Lee
Duration: 22 h 0 min



January Free download at Christianaudio.com

Hope Your Heart Needs
52 Encouraging Reminders of How God Cares for You
Author Holley Gerth
Narrator Esther White

I should have listed these last week as they were my two Prime Member First Read picks for January. (Amazon allowed two titles instead of one in January.)

The Shadow Box
by Luanne Rice

The Ardent Swarm: A Novel
by Yamen Manai, Lara Vergnaud (Translator)

Thirteen free Kindle titles this week which include five for children. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 31, 2021

Our service opened with praise before Pastor introduced a missionary whom we support. He and his wife have been serving in Spain. Our guest shared about his work for God. They were holding four services on Sunday with 1200 coming to services before pandemic. They hosted a Couples Community Group, New Beliver’s Class and Youth English Camp (teaching English through the story of Joseph). The Speed the Light vehicle they received help them minister to widows and also helped them set up a new campus outside of Barcelona. His wife has written a book that tells the story of Sant Jordi in Spanish, English and Catalan.

When they return to Spain they will be returning to another unchurched community, Malaga.
Our guest repeated several times: Where the Gospel is preached, God changes lives!
Matthew 28:19 – The Great Commission says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Jesus uses bold action words: Go and Make. Our response should be “Yes” although we may ask “How?”

The speaker’s message was titled “Reaching Distant Shores”. He noted that ‘Mission starts with me’. God calls us to be part of a journey to see the Gospel sent to the farthest reaches of the earth. You can’t make that trip with an old car that is bound to break down along the way. God does something new in us to allow Him to do something through us.

The speaker gave his message using scripture in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us go over to the other side.” Jesus was inviting the disciples to make the journey with Him to reach out to the Gentiles. He was introducing them to something new. As they traveled by boat, a furious squall rose up. They had to wake up Jesus who spoke to the waves, “Quiet. Be still!” And the waves obeyed. His disciples wondered: "Who is this?
God does the same in our struggles and we may wonder: "Who is this Jesus I serve?"

What do we need to reach distant shores?

1. We need new eyes. Eyes that see the way God sees. Not color or culture but in need of salvation. Mark 8: Do you have eyes but fail to see? “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” Mark 8:16.

The missionary described how he sees echoes of emptiness in the people looking for something more.
There are over 2 billion Muslims who don’t know Jesus. 1 billion Hindus, 1 billion Buddhists, ½ billion Animists; ½ billion Secularists. All these people are looking for change and hope in their lives but don’t realize they need Jesus.

2. We need a new heart. Proverbs 24? A heart that beats like God; has His passion. We may not have knowledge as new parents, but we have a love for our child. We need that love for those who need salvation.

3. We need a new faith. We need to believe that God is faithful to us. Storms will happen, but He will see us through. God says “Just trust me!” We don’t have the answers but God will use us when we let Him. Gospel witness!

Malaga is a university community with international people, 700,000 people, only a small portion are Spanish. Convoy of Hope is setting up headquarters there.

Our church needs to love missions! How do we evangelize in this day of distancing? Support the missionaries abroad and be a missionary where we are!

I found this timely and fitting song: Start Right Here.

Verses for Today:
Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Lord, please give me new eyes, new heart and new faith to serve You.

Audible Book Review: Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter

I enjoyed the unique characters, world building and action in this post-apocalyptic fantasy.

Junkyard Cats
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-02-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Genres: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
From the author of the best-selling Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series comes a tough new heroine who is far more than she seems.
After the Final War, after the appearance of the Bug aliens and their enforced peace, Shining Smith is still alive, still doing business from the old scrapyard bequeathed to her by her father. But Shining is now something more than human. And the scrapyard is no longer just a scrapyard, but a place full of secrets that she has guarded for years.
This life she has built, while empty, is predictable and safe. Until the only friend left from her previous life shows up, dead, in the back of a scrapped Tesla warplane. Clutched in her cold fingers is a note to Shining—warning her of a coming attack.
With dread, Shining realizes: someone knows who she is. Someone knows what she is guarding. Will she be able to protect the scrapyard? Will she even survive? Or will Shining have to destroy everything she loves to keep her secrets out of the wrong hands?
©2020 Faith Hunter (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Shining Smith is the proprietor of an old scrapyard in the deserts of West Virginia, dealing in scraps, old, new and alien tech, and secrets. Shining was raised by her father who was deep in the OMW, the Outlaw Militia Warriors. When she was a young girl, she saved her father’s community from the aliens. Before the Bug aliens arrived on earth Shining was human, but then she became infected… survived and mutated. She has to stay away from the government authorities and the OMW who would take her resources, including parts of a downed spaceship, and use her or kill her.

Shining has a few companions in her limited territory. Mateo is a damaged war veteran she rescued from slave labor and helped to rebuild. Now he is a bio-metallic Warbot and an invaluable ally. Then there are the cats who have an interesting group dynamic. She helps give them protein and they help keep her alive with an organized spy network and group hunting the alien puffers, nano tech weapons, when they show up.

When shining investigates a newly acquired piece of scrap, a Tesla warplane, she discovers trouble. First, she finds angry, swarming ants. Not just any ants but the murderous results of an environmental experiment gone wrong. These need to be killed before they try to kill Shining. Second, she realizes that there is a dead body in the vehicle. It is one of her few human friends and he has a note warning her that her location has been discovered and ‘they’re coming”.

Soon a single outsider is coming in. She doesn’t know if he is government or OMW but either way he isn’t her friend. While she is still trying to determine why he is there, a multi prong attack is detected. Surprisingly, the lone enforcer visitor ends up fighting with Shining. The cats and AI are welcome comrades who help turn the tide in the fight with the enemy.

It was clear from the opening that Shining was a special woman with unique secrets. Her history, physical secrets and surrounding secrets are revealed as the plot moves forward. I really enjoyed the interaction between Shining, Mateo, the super cats and the AI. The puffer and other weapons are very creepy and I was glad to see the combined efforts to fight them.

I enjoyed the first book of the Jane Yellowrock series by this author and now I have this second series to enjoy too. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sci fi fantasy mix with a heavy dose of military-like action.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam does a great job with narration. She captures the personality of Shining and delivers the other characters with distinct voices and fitting emotional energy. I will look forward to listening to more of Ms. Hyam’s narrations.

Source: 1/11/2020 One of Two Free January Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 29, 2021

Happy Friday!  I 'm thinking I am glad this month is almost over!

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 January 22, 2021 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.
Rubynreba gets Select Editions
and
BN100 gets The Promise

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 22, 2021 Pick:
FREDAMANS gets a GC
AND
MARYP 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 a great quote!
Image found at Rae's Daily Page.

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

The Promise by TJ Bennett
A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
Alaskan Renegade by Kate Bridges
Killing Floor by Lee Child
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
Snowflakes on the Sea by Linda Lael Miller
Murder in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
No Ordinary Man by Suzanne Simmons
The Scot by Lyn Stone
The Abducted Heiress by Claire Thornton
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Three Complete Novels by Sandra Brown (Best Kept Secrets, Mirror Image, and Slow Heat to Heaven)
Select Editions Four Novels: Safe Harbor, The Analyst, Fallen Angel and Open Season
Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
The Celtic Riddle by Lyn Hamilton
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Castles in the Mist by Jose Litton
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Thief of Hearts by Teresa Medeiros
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
Familiar Stranger by Sharon Sala
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Senseless by Mary Burton
Indefensible by Pamela Callow
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
Final Appeal by Joanne Fluke
The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook


PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
A Little Magic (Sorry - I initially listed this as Dark Magic)
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry  hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


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

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

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

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
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

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


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
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One 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 TEN years I have posted 91 groups of 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling 1,477 books available to find new homes! (As of November 6, 2020).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,351+ 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 faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: Death at the Gazebo by Minnie Crockwell

I liked this easy listen, cozy mystery.
Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20
Publisher: Minnie Crockwell
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
First in a new cozy mystery series from Minnie Crockwell.
Settling into her new condominium on Mirror Pond, novelist Sallie Chilcoat feels lost in Ashburn, Virginia, after moving to the state for love of a man. But with the end of that relationship, she finds herself at loose ends. She stares out the window at the pond and contemplates learning to kayak...or taking up painting...or climbing Mount Everest.
Movement in the overwater gazebo catches her eye, and she grabs up her people-watching binoculars to see a man sitting inside the gazebo playing an accordion. Curious about the musician who plays such a rare instrument, Sallie trots down to the pier to investigate.
The term “investigate” takes on a whole new meaning when Sallie reaches the gazebo to discover not a happy musician, but a dead body and a missing accordion. Forget Mount Everest! Sallie finds herself immersed in the mystery of the death at the gazebo.
©2019 Minnie Crockwell (P)2020 Minnie Crockwell

Review:
Sallie is a romance novelist although romance didn’t work out so well for her after she moved to Virginia to be with the man she loved. Soon thereafter he ended their relationship. Now she is sort of stuck in her condominium taking breaks from writing by jogging around the condominium ponds and gazebo. One morning she spots a man playing an accordion in the gazebo. When she comes back around, she finds him dead!

Before the police arrive, a local couple appear at the crime scene and Sallie notes that the wife is struggling with grief while the husband is struggling with anger. Soon, the local gossip chain, including Sallie’s across the hall neighbor, gets busy sharing information and Sallie learns the deceased was seen with multiple women, some married, who could be suspects. The suspects expand to jealous husbands too.

The police detective shares some information with Sallie as she shares the local gossip information and the efforts of her own unauthorized sleuthing. Meanwhile, Sallie is coordinating information with the condominium handyman, Bill, a man she has some interest in. But she is cautious since other single women surely find bachelor Bill interesting too. And it seems that Bill is very reluctant to discuss his own past.  Sallie and Bill both have some emotional history that leads to misinterpretation of signals.

The characters are likeable, and the plot has several suspects to keep things moving along. Some of the writing seemed simplistic but that was okay.  I enjoyed the easy flow of the mystery, the light humor and the hint of possible romance. I like this as a first of a new cozy mystery series and would be interested to read more. I recommend this to fans of the genre looking for a quick read/listen.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job with the narrations. She is able to give enough voice to the characters to keep them distinct while she also provides fitting emotion and energy. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 1/8/2021 Author Audible Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Author review goals.

Audible Book Review: Galaxy's Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole

I enjoyed the military action in these books.

Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Galaxy's Edge contains Legionnaire through to the end of Galactic Outlaws.
On the edge of the galaxy, a diplomatic mission to an alien planet takes a turn when the Legionnaires, an elite special fighting force, find themselves ambushed and stranded behind enemy lines. They struggle to survive under siege, waiting on a rescue that might never come.
In the seedy starport of Ackabar, a young girl searches the crime-ridden gutters to avenge her father's murder; not far away, a double-dealing legionniare-turned-smuggler hunts an epic payday; and somewhere along the outer galaxy, a mysterious bounty hunter lies in wait.
Galaxy's Edge combines sleek starfighters, exotic aliens, loyal bots, blasters, scoundrels, heroes, and powerful enemies in a thrilling adventure that will take you back to that magic place from a long time ago.
©2017 Nick Cole; 2018 Podium Publishing; 2017 Jason Anspach (P)2018 Podium Publishing.

Review:
This audiobook included two full books in the Galaxy’s Edge series: Legionnaire and Galactic Outlaws. In the first book the reader/listener meets a troop of the most elite forces – The Legionnaires. These are the best prepared group with training and resources, including defensive uniforms with connective tech. They are supported by the regular troops of the Republic who usually look up to the elites, except for the rivalry that is sometimes fed by the superior officers. The story is told by Sergeant Chuun, a weary, veteran protagonist who has seen more than his share of conflict. When the troops fall under an ambush attack, Chuun, quickly accesses the situation and wants to take his team straight into the enemy to remove the danger. But his more politician than soldier commander says “No”. Then the commander’s transport is hit and believed to be down. Chuun and his direct superior Lieutenant Ford, known as Wraith, take to the ground to proceed with his suggestion.

Once they defeat the threat and secure the area, they learn that the commander is alive. Tension is clear and intensifies after a wounded general promotes Wraith and Chuun. The commander isn’t willing to give up control and claims that he was put in charge, but there was not witness to this and more personal conflict erupts. Finally, a division of command is agreed upon, but the troops face another ambush and betrayal before the end of the story.

The story addresses the issues with the politically appointed leadership within the Legion, and difficulties this produces in operations on the ground. I enjoyed the unique characters and hoped to meet them again in further stories. I also liked the intense action that kept me awake extra hours. I wasn’t positive I wanted to go right on for another 8 or 9 hours of the same. I was pleased that the second book shifted from primary military to bounty hunter type action.

Galactic Outlaws takes place seven years later and features two bounty hunters and young girl intent on revenging the death of her father. Aeson Keel is closely associated with the rebel outlaw Wraith who is one of the top outlaws of the Republic. The number one outlaw is an old warrior, Tyrus Rex whose goal is to remove criminals from the Galaxy’s Edge while he waits for something he can’t quite remember.

Prisma Maydoon is a young girl who watched a force of black glad soldiers, who look a lot like Legionnaires, kill the people in her community including her father. Apparently, her father had stolen some crucial government tech and wasn’t the best of men…but he was her “daddy”. Prisma is accompanied by an old warbot that has been reprogrammed to be her personal bodyguard.

The characters work their way along missions that eventually intersect. Along the way Aeson and his holographic sidekick pick up a brilliant computer whiz who can hack and reprogram almost any tech. He plays an important role in helping to keep them all safe. Tyrus and his nearly sentient spaceship pick up an alien pilot who is very reminiscent of Chewbacca, including unintelligible speech.

The enemy they head out to capture turns out to be a real twisted megalomaniac. His initial goals may once have been to prevent evil in the Republic but now he has become the primary evil.

This story took a little bit more concentration as the three-character lines emerged and met. I liked the complexity and enjoyed the interaction of the characters, including the AIs and warbot. There was good deep in the heart of the rough bounty hunter and warrior even though money and revenge were big motivators too. There was sadness at the end, but I am wondering if, and hoping, some of these characters will reappear in other volumes. I will be listening to more and recommend this to fans of Star Wars and similar trope.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does a wonderful job with the narration. It is always a pleasure to listen to him bring the characters alive.

Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post January 24, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 25, 2021

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.

I am busy at the office and glad everyone is back at work. I have reporting due in two weeks for an organization I belong to and that will be taking up hours of time over the weekends and end of my work days this week.

This was my breakfast one morning last week. One of my favorites: chipped dried beef (aka sos) with eggs and homemade hash browns.

We are scheduled to have warmer days this week: 36 to 76 with two days of rain.

I enjoyed the three audiobooks I finished last week while I continue reading an ebook and print. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Wendy describes herself as "a fabulavore" who "has required a steady supply of books to provide her sustenance."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 17, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 18, 2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Salvage Crew by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Narrated by Nathan Fillion; Genre: Humorous Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Break Shot: My First 21 Years, An Audio Memoir, by James Taylor; Genre: Arts & Entertainment, Memoir, Music; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 22, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/28/2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Pugly Duckling by Carla Siravo; Genre: Animals, Children; My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0.

• Print- Book Review: A Stockingful of Joy by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King; Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #413 Comment Giveaway January 23, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/6/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 24, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
I enjoyed the military action in these books.
Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20
I liked this easy listen, cozy mystery.
Source: 1/8/2020 Author Audible Code
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Junkyard Cats
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-02-20
I decided to slip in a quick listen to finish three this week. This is an intense sci fi listen.
Source: 1/11/2020 One of Two Free January Audible Originals
About This Audible Original
From the author of the best-selling Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series comes a tough new heroine who is far more than she seems.
After the Final War, after the appearance of the Bug aliens and their enforced peace, Shining Smith is still alive, still doing business from the old scrapyard bequeathed to her by her father. But Shining is now something more than human. And the scrapyard is no longer just a scrapyard, but a place full of secrets that she has guarded for years.
This life she has built, while empty, is predictable and safe. Until the only friend left from her previous life shows up, dead, in the back of a scrapped Tesla warplane. Clutched in her cold fingers is a note to Shining—warning her of a coming attack.
With dread, Shining realizes: someone knows who she is. Someone knows what she is guarding. Will she be able to protect the scrapyard? Will she even survive? Or will Shining have to destroy everything she loves to keep her secrets out of the wrong hands?
©2020 Faith Hunter (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Computer (NG2020)

Came A Horseman, A Hard Ride In A Fierce World
by Paul McHugh
I've gotten to a better point of interest as this turns into a murder investigation.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Paperback(PTBR)

Noah - Another Storm is Coming
by Ellen G. White
I pulled this from my TBR.
Source: My own bookshelf; gift from a church friend.
A worldwide, catastrophic flood. It reshaped the face of the planet. It killed millions of animals. It ended the lives of countless men, women, and children. Why would anyone believe a God of love would punish the world like that? You’re not alone. Questions like this one have mystified honest, searching people for thousands of years. Skeptics discredit the event as a mere myth, proof that God is nothing more than a cruel tyrant invented by men, while believers struggle to harmonize the love of Jesus and this frightening Old Testament story. There is an answer that actually makes sense that will help you understand the mind of God when it comes to evil, sin, suffering, pain, and punishment. Table of Contents Part 1—The Real Story: “As in the Days of Noah . . .” 1. The Building of the Ark: The Flood—Part I 2. Destruction by Water: The Flood—Part II 3. The Rainbow Sign: After the Flood 4. Skepticism

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2018)

Red Winter
Red Winter, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 01-03-17
I figured this could count for a color and Winter season.
Source:  May 2018 Audible Daily Deal for $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end, and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess - and not once has she doubted her chosen fate.
Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move, and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can't match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command - whether she wants him or not. On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate - but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope...and hope is all she has left. ©2016 Annette Marie (P)2017 Tantor

January 24, 2021 - I have been enjoying reading/listening to the Bible passages every morning.   I am reading/listening the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I hope to pick another short study this week.

I completed three books and posted four reviews to remain up to date.
NetGalley shelf is: 14.  (I didn't look this week so I wouldn't be tempted.)
Three author titles in queue as I accepted a new graphic title and am listening to the author audio.
(Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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.
No new titles for review.
I used one credit at Audiobooks.com for the two for one credit Mystery deal. I still have the VIP to pick for January which I will decide on this week.
I picked up four free plus catalog Audible titles.
Two 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

Two for One Credit Mystery Deal at Audiobooks.com:

The Girl Behind the Red Rope
By Rachelle and Ted Dekker
Narrated By: Sandy Rustin
Duration: 10 h 6 min

Scents and Sensibility
By Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: Jim Frangione
Duration: 9 h 30 min

Free

I added four more Plus Catalog Audibles to my library. Thanks to Book Date for the heads up that these were available!
I have been eyeing the Haunted Library series for several years so I am glad to get these!

Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Read and Gone: A Haunted Library Mystery, Book 2
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Buried in the Stacks: A Haunted Library Mystery, Book 3
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
By: Jacqueline Frost
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
(I read this one through NetGalley and am glad to get the audio.)

Two free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.