Sunday Post February 28, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 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.

My desk seems to be covered with files right now. I need to buckle down and prepare about eight or so probate files. Then I need to update status on ten or so litigation files.
The stock market took a dip last week which has been anticipated. I had hoped it would wait until the end of March but I have been making preparation to go through a deeper dip.

Hubby made monkey bread (yummy) for the office this Thursday
and banana bread (yum) for us on Saturday.

I think we are starting to get spring weather with temperatures this week - 42 to 81; three possible days of rain.

My listening was good again this past week. I finished two audiobooks and one NetGalley;  posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to THE READING DEVIL. Penelope exudes energy and invites guests to join her "on my journey through the YA/adult book world!"

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 February 21, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 22, 2021.

• Author2021- Book Review: 200 by Jennifer Brody; Genre: Dystopian Graphic Novels, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Night Stalker by Shirlee McCoy; Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 26, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/4/2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12, by Patricia Briggs; Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Call to Arms, Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 2, by Joshua Dalzelle; Genre: Military Sci Fi, Sci Fi, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 28, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver
Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
This is a fun "madcap" romance.
Source: February 2021 Author Code.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Murder of Crows
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
This is a series which I really enjoy.
Source: 8/8/2020 July Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Return to New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop’s "phenomenal" (Urban Fantasy Investigations) world of the Others - where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules.…
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all. ©2014 Anne Bishop (P)2014 Penguin Audio

3. Kindle App on/Smartphone (NG2020)

Time of the Rose
by Bonita Clifton
This is a traditional (originally written in 1994) romance with suspense and time travel complications.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Black Ops Expeditionary Force, Book 4
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
I decided to go with another fav series.
Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
©2017 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

2. eBook/Kindle App (Author 2021)

Frosted (Regency Retold #2)
by M.C. Frank
I am just starting this romance adventure.
Source: Received from author. Release date is February 20, 2021. My review will post before March 12.
Click on book title for full description.

The audiobook is longer and the ebook takes longer for me to read so I may not get to a third book this week. We'll see.

February 28, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading.
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 finished the 21-day study: Open Heaven: 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer.

I completed three books and remain up to date on review postings.
NetGalley shelf is still at 11. (I might allow myself to look again once I go below 10.)
Two author titles remaining 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 review books this week.
I picked up my free VIP February selection at Audiobooks.com.
I downloaded the Christian Audio February free audio.
I added six 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

NONE

Free

2/27/2021 Audiobooks.com VIP February Selection.

A Fragment Too Far
Written By: Dudley Lynch
Narrated By: T. Ryder Smith
Duration: 9 hours 26 minutes



February 2021 Download at ChristianAudio.com

Healing Racial Trauma
Author Sheila Wise Rowe
Narrator Sheila Wise Rowe
Runtime 5.8 Hrs. - Unabridged



Six free Kindle titles this week: Four books from Author invitations at facebook:

Devolution: A Sam Jameson Espionage & Suspense Thriller by Lars Emmerich

Wolves and Daggers: A Steampunk Fairy Tale (Steampunk Red Riding Hood Book 1) by Melanie Karsak

Alphas and Airships: A Steampunk Fairy Tale (Steampunk Red Riding Hood Book 2) by Melanie Karsak

Windsworn, book one of Gryphon Riders Trilogy by Derek Alan Siddoway (I discovered I had this on my shelf since 2017)

(Seen at Savvy Verse and Wit) The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen: An uplifting, comedic tale of time travel and friendship (The Austen Adventures Book 1) by Ada Bright, Cass Grafton

(Amazon Prime First Reads) Infinite by Brian Freeman

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 Februrary 28, 2021

We had another good church service which my husband and I attended online. Pastor continued his Crash and Burn message series this morning. He asked: Where is your citizenship? Too often we struggle to have dual citizenship. We need to remember we are citizens of Heaven living in a messed-up world where we are messengers to deliver God’s message.

Conditions of our world are becoming more unfavorable for Christ followers. We can remember that the world hated Jesus first. We consider ourselves blessed to live in America. But America is not truly a Christian nation anymore. America was founded on Christian principles, but sin has always been around. We have been like the frog in the pot – dropped in when the water was cold but now it is getting hot.

We may feel like we are facing giants in today’s society. We serve a God who has a reputation for facing and defeating giants. Numbers 13:25-31 tells the story of the group of scouts who went to explore the land God was promising to give the Israelites. Most of the men who returned spread a bad report. (Spreading misinformation is happening all around us today.) Instead of following God, they wanted to go back to Egypt.

Only Caleb and Joshua said: “…the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid…” Numbers 14:8-9. Instead of going, the Israelites waited and got stuck in the wilderness for 40 years. Numbers 14:20-35.

The Church needs to remember why we are here. When Jesus sent His disciples out to spread His message, He said “Go…” He didn’t say anything about surviving or coming back. We trust because He says: “I will be with you!” Five powerful words: The Lord is with us!

The gates of hell can not withstand the attacks of God. Who is on the offense? We need to stop being on the defensive and go on the offense. We need to lead revival- not for the exiting believers but for non-Believers. What will the cost be if the Church doesn’t engage our world head on?

We need to be out I the messed up, fear-stricken world taking the message of the Good News to the people.

The Point: Our messed up, fear-stricken world is starving for the truth and peace of the Gospel and we are the messengers.

Believers aren’t going to a party. We are going into battle. Put on the full armor and go to the battle! Ephesians 6:11-18.

The message can’t be contained, it needs to be delivered.
How do we do this?

• Purposefully form relationships with non-believers.
• Ignore the mess of the messed-up world or messed-up person. Cleaning them up is not our job. (The messier they are the more they need Jesus.) Show compassion. The Holy Spirit will sort them out if they surrender to Him.
• Stick to the message of Jesus. He wasn’t political. Lives are changed only by the truth and light of Christ.

Get ourselves in alignment with Jesus so we can share His message.

I went through an hour’s worth of songs (always an inspiring time) and came to this song for today:  Mighty to Save!

Verses for Today:

Numbers 14:6-9
6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

Lord, Thank You for being with me. Help me to be a faithful messenger sharing Your Good News!

Audible Book Review: Call to Arms, Black Fleet Trilogy, Book2, by Joshua Dalzelle

This military space story zipped by!
Call to Arms
Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 2
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 01-19-16
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
From Joshua Dalzelle comes the follow-up to the number-one best seller Warship. Captain Jackson Wolfe survived the initial incursion of a vicious alien species into human space...barely. He had assumed the juggernaut that had devastated three Terran systems was the herald for a full invasion, but for the last few years it has been eerily quiet along the Frontier. Jackson now struggles to convince the Confederate leadership the threat is still imminent and needs to be taken seriously. While powerful factions make backroom deals, he is desperate to find irrefutable proof that the invaders are coming, and if humanity expects to survive they must marshal their forces and make a stand before it's too late.
©2015 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Captain Wolfe has seen the devastation that the alien enemy known as the Phage can deliver. He and his crew on the Ares have been out at the Frontier in decimating battles with the Phage. The enemy small ships are difficult enough, fast and many in number, but then there are the mammoth Alphas which are overwhelming to face. Now the crew has seen an even larger construct move in and quickly destroy a full planetary colony.

Wolfe has continually warned the Confederate leadership that the threat of invasion attack is imminent. When he requests that the military leaders begin to plan to protect the planets on the edges of the inner system, he is frustrated to learn that political factions are inclined to ignore him. It looks like they won’t provide support but that won’t stop Wolfe from trying to do what he can to protect the planet that seems to be the next target.

Although Wolfe oversees an unbalanced battle campaign with staggering losses. As the fight appears to be lost, Wolfe’s ships receive a rescue by the arrival of unknown ships. But then the news comes of a devastating attack at another location. Wolfe feels defeated until he is presented with a surprise opportunity to challenge the enemy.

This installment is full of military battle action which I enjoyed even if I couldn’t follow all of the descriptive details. There is development growth for several of the primary characters that added interest to the story. I liked the fast pace action and look forward to getting the next book. I recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a wonderful job with the narration. He delivers clear voices and intensity in the action. The narration adds to my enjoyment of the series.

Source: 1/15/2020 December Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12 by Patricia Briggs

I was in the mood for werewolves and this installment in a favorite series hit the spot!

Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy, our coyote shifter heroine, has her hands full with community and spousal stress. In book 10, Silence Fallen, Mercy claimed the Tri-cities areas under the protection of the local Columbia Basin werewolf pack led by her Alpha husband, Adam. The pack has its share of danger balancing issues among the local vampires, witches, werewolves, and fae, while protecting the humans from those with supernatural powers. Of course, this sets up a chance for various outside groups who feel they can challenge the pack while it is spread thin. There is a rogue group of werewolves, led by a dangerous assassin, who think they can take out the edges of Adam’s pack and then challenge him.

Before they even know about the rogue werewolf threat, Mercy finds her elderly, sweet neighbors murdered. Mercy is bitten by what appears to be a wild rabbit until they learn it is an evil, mind controlling creature who has escaped from Underhill into Mercy’s own backyard. Fortunately, Mercy is saved with the help of a creepy ‘stalker’, but it makes her realize that something is wrong with her mate bond with Adam.

Adam has been acting tense and standoffish and Mercy begins to wonder and doubt the strength of their relationship. Will she be able to face the wolf, or worse, and still keep their unique bond? As noted, there are at least three threads of suspense moving in this book. Ms. Briggs presents her impressive creativity with fast paced action and tension. I like how she weaves in a touch of fairy tale classic into the fae situation. The author also has built a strong emotional relationship between Mercy and Adam and she makes it real to life stresses. I love this series and highly recommend it. I do suggest starting from the beginning not only to get to know the characters but also to enjoy the entertainment!

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is a superb narrator and does a wonderful job with this series. The characters come to life with all their energy and stresses.  I’m sure the story is good if read in print/ebook, but for me it is a great listening experience.

4/13/2020 Audible March Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 26, 2021

Happy Friday! Final week of February - that's okay with me.

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 February 19, 2021 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. There was no title blocked.
bn100 gets The Shape Shifter.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 19, 2021 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC
AND
SUE F gets a Alaskan Renegade

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.}

My last "heart" image for February. :-)
Image found at Teachers Pay Teachers at Pinterest.

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 1,353+ 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!

Audio Book Review: Night Stalker by Shirlee McCoy

This is a suspenseful thriller with a second chance romance.
Night Stalker
Faith in the Face of Crime (FBI: Special Crimes Unit Book 1)
by Shirlee McCoy
Read by Emily Durante

Run Time 5h 37min
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Night Stalker
Faith in the Face of Crime (FBI: Special Crimes Unit Book 1) by Shirlee McCoy
Read by Emily Durante
Run Time 5h 37min
After Special Agent Adam Whitfield’s ex-wife is nearly killed when she stops an abduction, the serial killer that Adam’s been hunting turns his focus on Charlotte Murray for getting in his way. Now, as the Night Stalker closes in, Adam has two missions: bring the murderer to justice and save Charlotte—because failure isn’t an option.

Review:
Charlotte and Adam separated after tragedy struck their family and grief overwhelmed their relationship. Charlotte lives quietly in their little lakeside home that is set away from the busier community. She has adjusted her life and has tried, not fully successfully, to convince herself that she has accepted her circumstance. One night her dog growls and she steps outside to investigate. She prevents an abduction but gets injured in the process. She wakes up in the hospital to find her ex-husband, Adam, hovering.

Since Adam left Whisper Lake, he has been involved with a special FBI unit pursuing a serial killer known as the Night Stalker. He was headed to investigate the abduction which fit the profile and MO of the Stalker, but he was told he couldn’t be part of the team as his ex-wife was involved. That only strengthened his reason to go even if he had to go on personal time.

Charlotte and Adam struggle with their painful past and their apparent incomplete relationship. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s elderly neighbor is barely saved from an attack and it is clear that the Stalker is now stalking Charlotte as a loose end witness. Can Adam capture the killer, keep Charlotte safe, and maybe win her back too?

The plot isn’t totally smooth as I had to wonder why the long illusive Stalker is suddenly making mistakes. It was easy to root for Charlotte and Adam even though there is emotional self-think which isn’t always my favorite to read. I was glad that the story moved along at a quick pace. I also like that the author includes a picture of underlying faith. The author shows that people of faith are not exempt from sorrow and struggle, but she also shows that God is faithful to guide the believer who seeks Him. I enjoyed this quick romantic suspense and recommend it to readers who enjoy the genre with a faith foundation.

Audio Notes: Emily Durante does a very nice job with the narration. The narration is clear and conveys the energy and emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 12/6/2020 Chirp purchase $3.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Book Review: 200 by Jennifer Brody

This interesting graphic novel ends with fitting sci fi irony.

200
by Jennifer Brody, Jules Rivera (Illustrator)

• Publisher : Keylight Books (February 16, 2021)
• Language : English
• ISBN-10 : 1684424224
• Print page Numbers : 128
Genre: Dystopian Graphic Novels, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

It’s Eva Thorne’s 200th birthday.
But it’s not a celebration, more like a funeral. Eva lives in a world where the Cure for aging and illness has been discovered and administered to every person on Earth, only there’s one big hitch. It turns out that very few people can handle immortality, so they have to take a test on their two hundredth birthday. If they pass, then they get to live forever. But if they fail, they must be euthanized.
Eva’s not an optimist. In fact, she’s pretty sure that she’s going to fail her Centurial Assessment Test. For starters, almost nobody passes anymore. She’s seen the news stories. But than more than that, Eva can tell that she’s already starting to slip mentally. Ever since the Escorts took her husband Owen away for his test a little over six months ago and he never came back, she’s been chain smoking cigarettes (they can’t kill her after all), binge drinking, and waiting for the Escorts to get it over with already.
Who wants to live forever if you have to do it alone?
Here’s the truth—Owen was her husband for over 170 years. He was her soulmate. Her lover. Her goofball best friend. Her partner in crime. Her everything. But on the way to her testing room, Eva glimpses a staffer who resembles her husband. Suddenly, she has to find out the truth about what really happened to him. Suddenly, she has a reason to live. Did he pass his test? Does he get to live forever? Can Eva join him for this next part of their lives? Or is she destined to fail her test and be euthanized?
Now Eva must escape from the testing facility and find out if her husband passed his test—and what he’s been doing for the past six months. With the Escorts hunting her down, she kidnaps the staffer and drags him to the roof, discovering that it’s Owen—only he can’t remember her because they wiped his memory. When you pass your CAT test, you must leave your old life behind. Eva must now find a way to him remember their life together, or lose him forever to his new immortal existence.

Review:
Eva and her husband and best friend, Owen, have been together for nearly 170 years. But as their 200th birthdays loom, they are distressed. In Eva’s world, when people turn 200, they are required to take a Centurial Assessment Test (CAT). If the person passes the test they get to live forever. But as far as the public knows, most people fail.

Eva convinces Owen to make bucket lists so they can do special things their last year. Owen takes his test and Eva believes he is dead. She struggles waiting for her CAT test date, wondering if she has a reason to live. As she enters the facility for her testing, she sees a staffer whom she is sure is Owen. He has no memory of Eva as his mind has been wiped. Eva is desperate to find out what truly happened to Owen, but to do that she has to escape the enforcers and force ‘Owen’ to escape with her. Will Eva be able to uncover the truth? Will she be able to pass the CAT test and gain the right to live forever?

This story has humor, excitement, a bit of sex, and the irony that is so often an element of sci fi. I enjoyed the twists which are anticipated but still a good surprise. The graphic images are engaging, sometimes bold and sometimes with starkness. There are sexual images that I could have done without, but they are quick and only a small part of the overall story. I recommend this as an entertaining, quick read for sci fi and graphic novel fans.

Source: 1/11/2021 Received from Turner Publishing Marketing. This qualifies for 2021Author ebook goal.

Sunday Post February 21, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 22, 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.

Another week whisked by. Work keeps me busy at the office. Reading and blogging keep me occupied at home. In between there are a few hours setting up stock option trades and watching the market go up and down.

Another Saturday breakfast of my fav creamed dry beef:
Hubby doesn't really help my diet but I love breakfast and will not complain.

It was definitely colder this past week but I was praying for others, like Texas, with the power outages. Our weather warms up this week - 45 to 77 - and no rain expected.
I hope it warms up for everyone who has been too cold!

My listening was particularly good this past week. I finished one pdf book and three audiobooks;  posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Bookidote. This is a bold looking blog co-blogged by Lashaan and Trang.

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 February 14, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 15, 2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Evolving Elizah: Initiatum by C. J. Hall; Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: From Here to Equality, Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century, by William A. Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mulle; Genre: Economic Theory, Nonfiction, African American Demographic Studies; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 19, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/25/2021.

• PTBR- Book Review: Noah - Another Storm is Coming by E.G. White; Genre: Christian, Inspirational; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #415 Comment Giveaway February 20, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/6/2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 21, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. PDF on Computer (Author Ebook 2021)

200
by Jennifer Brody, Jules Rivera (Illustrator)
This interesting graphic novel ends with sci fi irony.

Source: 1/11/2021 Received from Turner Publishing Marketing.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Night Stalker
by Shirlee McCoy
Read by Emily Durante
Run Time 5h 37min
This is a suspenseful thriller with a second chance romance.
Source: 12/6/2020 Chirp $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
I was in the mood for werewolves. This is a favorite series!
4/13/2020 Audible March Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Call to Arms
Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 2
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 01-19-16
This military space story zipped by!
Source: 1/15/2020 December Audible Credits.
Publisher's Summary
From Joshua Dalzelle comes the follow-up to the number-one best seller Warship. Captain Jackson Wolfe survived the initial incursion of a vicious alien species into human space...barely. He had assumed the juggernaut that had devastated three Terran systems was the herald for a full invasion, but for the last few years it has been eerily quiet along the Frontier. Jackson now struggles to convince the Confederate leadership the threat is still imminent and needs to be taken seriously. While powerful factions make backroom deals, he is desperate to find irrefutable proof that the invaders are coming, and if humanity expects to survive they must marshal their forces and make a stand before it's too late.
©2015 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Currently Reading:
1. Kindle App on/Smartphone (NG2020)

Time of the Rose
by Bonita Clifton
I am enjoying this time travel romance.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver
Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
I'm ready for a dose of "madcap".
Source: February 2021 Author Code.
Publisher's Summary
Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure, and, of course, toe-curling romance.
The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley - the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy - things change.
With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her. Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.
©2016 Anya Wylde (P)2020 Anya Wylde

3. eBook/Kindle App (Author 2021)

Frosted (Regency Retold #2)
by M.C. Frank
(Pretty cover don't you think?) This sounds like a fun romance adventure.
Source: Received from author. Release date is February 20, 2021. My review will post before March 12.
Can two people hate each other more than these two?
She has a heart of stone. He is the notorious pirate every lady swoons for.
They have vowed never to meet again.
Captain Timothée Vaughn
Heart: Broken
Face: Gorgeous
Tone: Acidic
Pirate: Yes, he is
Marital Status: Forced into an engagement
Willing to: Break his own arm to escape his wedding tomorrow.

Lady Stella DeWinter:
Heart: Frosted
Face: Angelic but sad
Tone: Silent
Secrets: Many, but one in particular. A very dark one indeed.
Marital Status: Jilted Captain Vaughn right before their wedding, five years ago.
Willing to: Do anything to meet Timothée one last time.

Question: Why? (on earth)
Meeting place: The Frosted Ball.
What follows: Chaos. Noisy ballrooms. Starry skies. White flurries. Hungry kisses. Haughty stares. Frozen lakes. Shaking breaths. The truth. Finally.

Frosted is a heart-wrenching romance about a pirate and an ice-cold lady who seem to have hated each other for years, inspired by winter-themed fairytales like The Snow Queen and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. It is set in a witty, glittering Regency world made up of a little bit of Jane Austen, a little bit of Georgette Heyer, and a lot of a modern heart yearning for romance, passion and a tall gentleman with a smoldering gaze. This is a broken tale of beauty, dark secrets and love lost.
Frosted is the new enemies-to-lovers Regency novel that will melt your heart.

February 21, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading.
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 on day 18 of this 21-day study: Open Heaven: 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer.

I completed four books so I'll have four reviews to post this week.
NetGalley shelf is still at 11. (I might allow myself to look again once I go below 10.)
Two author titles in queue as I am currently listening to one and plan to start another ebook this week.
(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 review books this week.
I found three Audible Plus catalog titles.
I purchased one Chirp deal.
I added no 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

2/21/21 Purchase at Chrip $1.99:
America Falls Episodes 1-2
Written by Scott Medbury
Read by Adam Barr
Run Time 11h 12min

Free

Added from Plus Catalog:

New Frontiers
The Expansion Wars Trilogy, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Resistance: Nomad, Book 3
By: Matthew Mather, Lucas Bale
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka
Series: The Nomad Series, Book 3, The New Earth, Book 3 Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

A Little History of Economics
By: Niall Kishtainy
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins


No free Kindle titles 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.