#NetGalley Book Review: The Quokkas, the Snails, and the Land of Happiness by Eric Geiger and Evie Geiger

This has a wonderful message of unconditional love!
The Quokkas, the Snails, and the Land of Happiness
Eric Geiger, Evie Geiger

Publisher : B&H Kids (March 16, 2021)
Hardcover : 64 pages
ISBN-10 : 1087713110
Reading age : 6 - 10 years
Grade level : 1 - 5
Genre: Children, Christian Values, Emotions
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Two quokkas, two snails, one strawberry patch . . .
Suzy and Sam Snail live in the Land of Sadness, constantly working hard to feel loved. But their gloomy lives just might change when they meet two friendly quokkas who tell them all about the Creator and what life is like in the Land of Happiness. Will the Snails remain sad and empty? Or will they eagerly journey to a new land where grace, joy, and contentment grow instead?
Join these four quirky friends in the strawberry patch, and let this parable-style story offer your family a powerful conversation starter and a celebration of God’s gift of grace.

Review:
Kenton and Kailey are two happy Quokka children who live in the Land of Happiness. Their life isn’t always perfect, but they are grateful for all they have. They have a life perspective that gives them joy.

Across a meadow, in the Land of Sadness, lives the Snail family. Suzy and Sam struggle each day to earn approval from their parents and at school.

One day the four children meet in the strawberry patch between the lands. Kenton and Kailey share about the Creator and the ‘secret’ to their happy life. They invite Suzy and Sam to tell their parents and move to the Land of Happiness.

What is the secret to the Quokkas’ happiness? Will the Snails chose to change their view of life? This is a very sweet story that shares a message of God’s unconditional grace and love. I had never heard of Quokkas so that interested me by itself. The four children are cute and the message really warms my heart. The illustrations are adorable and the story is suitable, and I recommend it, for young readers.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley and 2021 Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Departure by A.G. Riddle

I liked this engaging time travel suspense.

Departure
By: A.G. Riddle
Narrated by: Nicola Barber, Scott Aiello

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 02-17-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Technothriller, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
En route to London from New York, Flight 305 suddenly loses power and crash-lands in the English countryside, plunging a group of strangers into a mysterious adventure that will have repercussions for all of humankind.
Struggling to stay alive, the survivors soon realize that the world they've crashed in is very different from the one they left. But where are they? Why are they here? And how will they get back home?
Five passengers seem to hold clues about what's really going on: writer Harper Lane, venture capitalist Nick Stone, German genetic researcher Sabrina Schröder, computer scientist Yul Tan, and Grayson Shaw - the son of a billionaire philanthropist.
As more facts about the crash emerge, it becomes clear that some in this group know more than they're letting on - answers that will lead Harper and Nick to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving their own lives. As they begin to piece together the truth, they discover they have the power to change the future and the past - to save our world...or end it.
To read an epilogue to Departure and access other bonus material, go to agriddle.com/departure/extras
©2014 A.G. Riddle (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Harper is a writer who has been offered a contract to do an important biography. She is flying home from the interview and trying to decide if she should take this lucrative offer or turn her energies to her fiction writing. Near her in first class seating is a drunken, obnoxious man, Grayson Shaw, the son of the man she may write about. When Grayson gets too rowdy with an attendant, another passenger, Nick Stone, tries to calm him down. While they are in conflict the plane suddenly lunges, and quickly crashes.

Nick, a confident venture capitalist, takes charge at the crash scene where many of the passengers in the front have survived. He enlists a doctor, Sabrina, to help with the injured. Meanwhile, one man, later identified as computer scientist Yul Tan, remains in his seat fiercely working on his computer. The survivors soon realize that the rear half of the plane has fallen into a nearby lake and is in danger of sinking.

This group of five primary characters have an interwoven past that they aren’t aware. When a current day conflict involves them, they begin to question what is really going on.

I had some frustration with the stubbornness and opposition of characters who were supposed to be altruistic visionaries. Still, their behaviors created the conflict that fueled the tension among the characters. I enjoyed the suspense and time travel elements. There was also a small, but nice element of romance. The story is told in alternating views by Harper and Nick. The reading moved along at a quick pace. All together the plot and action made for an entertaining reading/listening. I recommend this to readers who enjoy time travel and suspense.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the dual narration by Nicola Barber and Scott Aiello. They managed to portray the character personalities through their voices. The narration enhance my reading experience.

Source: Audible Two for One Credit Sale 10/31/2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook an 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Sunday Post March 28, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 29, 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.

Heather is finally back in office although still having pain. I have been scrambling to catch up on my legal files and felt like I had a productive week.

Stock market still seems to be doing a small reversal right now. I'm being a bit more cautious on my weekly option investing.

My orchids are blooming and in bud.
I hope to get a better picture when the white orchid blooms.

We did get to enjoy Spring weather most of the week and expect more of the same this week.

I enjoyed all of my reading again this week. I finished two (almost three) audiobooks and one NetGalley children's book. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to A WEB OF STORIES. mdawnott has kept a running journal of thoughts during the pandemic which is interesting.

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

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton; Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hold Your Breath: A Novella by Wendy Walker; Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller & Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 26, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/25/2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Outland by Dennis E. Taylor; Genre: Alternate World, Science Fiction,(time travel); My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky; Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 28, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Departure
By: A.G. Riddle
Narrated by: Nicola Barber, Scott Aiello
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 02-17-15
I liked this engaging time travel suspense.
Source: Audible Two for One Credit Sale 10/31/2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle App on/Smartphone (NG2020)

The Quokkas, the Snails, and the Land of Happiness
Eric Geiger
This has a wonderful message of unconditional love!
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/ScanDisc(ATBR)

Bluebird Memories
Click on book title for full description.
By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam
Narrated by: Common
Series: Words + Music
Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
This is an interesting cultural experience for me.
It may be my non-fiction for the month.
Source: Audible Plus August 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

 
Ever Winter
By: Peter Hackshaw
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 01-26-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
This is a suspenseful dystopian, revenge story.
I have less than two hours left.
Source: 2021 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
Narrated by award-winning actor Dan Stevens (Beauty and the Beast, FX’s Legion) Ever Winter is a vivid and eloquent story of loss, rehabilitation, and revenge set in a post-apocalyptic ice world.
Far from the savage remnants of humanity, Henry and his family have managed to survive the grip of desolate, perpetual winter on a vast tundra that was once an ocean teeming with life. When the family is discovered, their peaceful existence is shattered and their lives changed forever.
Henry’s siblings are kidnapped, leaving him alone in the ruins of their home. Broken, altered, and tormented by all that has befallen him, he is driven to wreak vengeance upon those who assume him dead...by any means necessary.
Fans of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road or Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven will enjoy the raw, emotional pull of debut author Peter Hackshaw’s writing.
©2020 Peter Hackshaw (P)2021 Podium Audio

2. Kindle App on/Smartphone (eTBR)

Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1)
by Dawn Lee McKenna
I am enjoying this Mystery set in our near-by Florida as part of a book club with my local Woman's Club.
Source: Free Kindle 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print (TBR)

The Faith of Condoleezza Rice
by Leslie Montgomery
I picked this up over two years ago for our Ladies Book Club. I thought it was a good choice for Women's History Month for my Ladies Book Club as we begin to meet again.
Source: February 2018 Discounted price at Christianbooks.com
This is not a book about politics. It is a book about a little black girl who was born into a Christian home in the racially explosive town of Birmingham, Alabama, during the throes of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s about two parents who quietly defied discrimination, stood against injustice, clung to their faith, and raised their child to follow the Lord they themselves served. They believed wholeheartedly that she was a gift from God born for such a time as this and that he had a special plan and a purpose for her life—a plan for good, and not for evil, a plan to give her a hope and a future—all this despite what the world shouted at them through hatred and prejudice that hovered over them mercilessly.
Condoleezza Rice has built her life and career on defied expectations. She defied the shortsighted guidance counselor who advised her parents that their daughter wasn’t college material by earning not only a Bachelor’s Degree, but then a Master’s and a Ph.D. She took on roles that a black female had never held before—provost at Stanford University, National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State—and performed these roles skillfully. Once you read her story, you will recognize that even more than her vast intellectual capacity, ambition, and strong work ethic, it has been God’s leading in her life—and her willingness to follow his call—that has allowed her to come so far. In Condoleezza Rice we have a true spiritual hero.
She’s been called the devil’s handmaiden, a history-maker, a rock star, Bush’s secret weapon, the most influential woman in the world, a rising star, and a race traitor—among other things. Regardless of which opinion people come to about who she is or what label they’ve placed on her character, everyone knows there’s something uniquely different about the 5′7″ African-American woman who currently serves as our Secretary of State.
Condoleezza Rice has a mysterious stability, an enigmatic air, and an inexplicable confidence that is devoid of pride—a trait that is hard to find in the world, let alone in the slick world of politics. Her impenetrable strength and unshakable temperament are evidence of three defining characteristics—a faith that runs deep in her heritage, a personal passion for God, and moral convictions that stem from both.
No matter what your faith, to know and appreciate the character of Condoleezza Rice, you must learn about hers. To understand her passion for peace, you must become personally familiar with the chaotic state of the nation in which she was born. To fully grasp her heart and what has motivated her to far exceed the limited expectations that enslaved both her race and her gender for generations before her, you must examine her roots. To taste the inspiration for democracy that flows like a river from her heart, you must learn what it is that feeds her soul. The Faith of Condoleezza Rice reveals all of this and more.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia
By: C.S. Lewis
Narrated by: Michael York
Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 12-26-04
My husband and I are listening to this to join our grandchildren as they are reading it.
The narration by Michael York is delightful.
Source: 11/3/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
Don't miss one of America's top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS's The Great American Read.
Four adventurous siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie - step through a wardrobe door an into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change...and a great sacrifice.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis' classic fantasy series, which has been drawing readers and listeners of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over 60 years. This is a stand-alone listen, but if you would like to explore more of the Narnian realm, follow up with The Horse and His Boy, the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Don't miss any of the books in C.S. Lewis' classic Chronicles of Narnia series.
©1950, 1978 C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd (P)2000 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

March 28, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I really liked the Easter study: Christmas and the Cross.

I completed three books and plan to get those reviewed this week.
NetGalley shelf is still at 7.
Three author titles now 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.
Two new review books this week.
I had no purchases this week.
I picked my free March VIP at Audiobooks.com.
I received several titles from authors on Facebook and one through TOR newsletter. I only added one free Kindle title 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

Received from NetGalley:

Ever Winter
By: Peter Hackshaw
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
I picked this out because I like the genre.


Received from Author email for Review:

Chinook: a political technothriller (Miranda Chase Book 6)
by M. L. Buchman
Released March 23, 2021.
This is an author I like.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I selected my March VIP free title at Audiobooks.com.

Collision of Lies
By Tom Threadgill
Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
Duration: 10 h 45 min



I received several free titles from Authors through Facebook that I have forgotten to list:

(1/27) SHEEPDOGS: Keeping the Wolves at Bay (A Gil Mason Novel Book 1)
by Gordon Carroll
Put a dog on the cover and I’ll get pulled in. I like the sounds of this.

(2/7) The Human Experiment
by Kevin O. McLaughlin and Craig Martelle
This looks like an interesting sci fi.




Received from TOR earlier in March.

The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates #1)
by A.K. Larkwood


One Free Kindle title this week after seeing it at The Book Connection:
Ten First Dates: A romantic comedy anthology
Kat Addams, Jill Brashear, Claudia Burgoa, M.C. Cerny, Mary Frame, Karen Grey, Mia Heintzelman, Bethany Lopez, Sarah Peis, Abigail Sharpe

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 March 28, 2021

This morning our church service opened with prayers for loss of a brother in Christ who passed after long time Cancer battle with other complications. I am also praying for an elder sister who has been placed in rehabilitation after falling and breaking her hip. With limited visitation still in place this is causing her great confusions. On a cheerier note we sang Happy Birthday to celebrate our Pastor’s upcoming birthday. (I sing along with the video.)

Pastor continued with his Crash & Burn series. Previous messages noted that sin messed up the world a long time ago. Today people are hurting: families are dysfunctional, people on drugs, financial stresses both personal and for our country, political divisions, racial tensions, violence, cancel culture, moving away from Christian foundations. Christ followers have changed our citizenship to Heaven. Our mission is to carry the Good New to all people. God goes with us!

There are times when we experience the joy of volunteering and helping others. Physially, personally or through financial gifts. Last week's Point: The same power that was given to the Disciples to build the world in a messed-up world, is the same power given to us to build the church in a messed-up world.

We are equipped for certain circumstances. ‘Each of you has been given a spiritual gift; use them well to serve one another.’ 1 Peter 4:10-11.

THE POINT: The Church will be effective in our messed-up world when every person uses their spiritual gift to serve.

The Church will be less effective when we aren’t using our gifts to serve.

Satan will lie to you saying you have no gift, you wasted your gift, you really can’t do that, you need to make room for others to serve in that capacity… LIES.

We have been created to be more than we can imagine. God made us Marvelous! Psalm 139:13-16. Whatever gift we are given we have a choice of what to do with it. Our gifts may change from time to time.

Are we using our spiritual gifts well to serve others?? Is you spiritual gift ‘playing possum’ – playing dead because of hurricane (or other traumatic) disruption then Covid isolation? It is time to begin to use our spiritual gift again!

There are 24 spiritual gifts set out in the Bible. You have at least one, and you are expected to use it.
Do you know what your gift is? What is holding you back? Disobedience; a season break or new way of life?

If you are not using your gift well, then take these steps:
    Ask for forgiveness.
    Discover your gift & how God can use you.
    Use it to serve.

Pray: “God, I am here, use me how You need me. Holy Spirit – unlock Your spiritual gifts in me. Help me to understand what it is. Help me to use it for You!

I had a different song I found but then I found this one which I chose to share today:

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Audio Book Review: The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky

This is a beautifully written, unusual mystery story.
THE GOLDEN DAY
by Ursula Dubosarsky
narrated by Kate Rudd

Length: 3.75 hrs.
Release date: 08-06-13
(Candlewick on Brilliance Audio)
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

While participating in a field trip that a young class is told not to mention to anyone, their teacher disappears. What happened that day? And whom can the kids talk to? Kate Rudd has the perfect voice to narrate the innocence, wonder, and confusion of a classroom of young girls as they try to figure out what has happened to their teacher. Rudd’s emotional narration captures the girls’ worry and sense of a world gone awry. The novel crafts subtle tension, and Rudd's voice crafts a tone to match as the story unfolds. Her narration builds just the right amount of suspense in a sophisticated thriller that leaves listeners wondering what they believe about what happened.
S.B.T. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]

Review:
The morning started with a hanging. The young teacher of a class of eleven young girls tells them about the event and then announces they are going to the park to contemplate death. The girls are excited to be out on a secret field trip with their lively teacher. They visit the park where there is a mysterious poet. Then their teacher meets up with a workman who leads them all on an adventure into the seaside caves. The girls get frightened in the dark cave and lead each other out the way they went in. But their teacher doesn’t come out. What happened to her?

Initially the girls won’t speak to the headmistress or the substitute teacher as they were told not to tell anyone about the field trip. Finally, the school counselor interviews the one child who bursts into tears at the slightest upset. All the others know that she will tell where they went. But they still can’t find the teacher.

The prose in this little piece is beautiful. The mystery and intrigue are carried through to the twist at the end. I am very glad that I got this title through the SYNC program. Sometimes they share some real gems! I recommend this to those who enjoy lovely prose and or a quick mystery.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd does a beautiful job with the narration. Her presentation carried the mood and enhanced the experience.

Source: SYNC Week 8: June 13 – June 20, 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet Audio and 2021Color goals.

Audible Book Review: Outland by Dennis E. Taylor

Skilled narrator Ray Porter helps make this quick, fun listen.

Outland
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 05-16-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Genre: Alternate World, Science Fiction, (time travel)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, it's up to six college students and their experimental physics project to prevent the end of civilization.
When an experiment to study quantum uncertainty goes spectacularly wrong, physics student Bill Rustad and his friends find that they have accidentally created an inter-dimensional portal. They connect to Outland - an alternate Earth with identical geology, but where humans never evolved. The group races to establish control of the portal before the government, the military, or evildoers can take it away.
Then everything changes when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts in an explosion large enough to destroy civilization and kill half the planet. The team has just hours to get as many people as possible across to Outland before a lethal cloud of ash overwhelms them.
Nothing has prepared the refugees for what they find - a world of few resources and unprecedented dangers. Somehow, they must learn to survive, because Outland may not just be a safe haven - it could be their new home.
©2019 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Richard and Kevin, two college physicist students, are involved with experiments on quantum uncertainty. They approach Bill and his friend Matt to add their technical skills to the science project. As the team gets deeper into the project, without clear university sanction, they soon realize that they have created an inter-dimensional portal. When a blast of gas comes through a portal, Erin, a geologist student adds to the information. Next, they add in Monica, a biology major, to chime in on apparently prehistoric animals seen through the portal.

These six young people soon initiate plans to move their experiment off campus and find creative ways to fund their continued work. Once they have some funds available, they begin to expand the experiments, gather, and stock supplies needed for their projects. When the team cashes in with significant funds, they become the target of thugs. The thugs think they will take advantage of the kids but they have no idea who they are dealing with!

The portal team is stepping up their activities just when Yellowstone goes supernova covering their community and others in lethal ash. The team realizes they have a safe place to go and they must move quickly if they want to save others from the university. Quickly a group of refugees are escorted through the portal to “Outland”. There they struggle to build shelters, organize food, set up security patrols, and send out scavenging teams to gather supplies. And if it isn’t enough to try to survive among hostile animals, soon there is a vocal, angry activist group seeking to challenge the leaders. Add to that another threat that lurks beyond their gates.

I found the story easy to follow, quick and fun listening. I would say that the characters were not deeply developed but there was sufficient to know what each added to the team. The personal interactions seemed mostly superficial but that was okay as it didn’t cause distraction from the dangers and struggles of a new society trying to survive. I have enjoyed the ‘Bob Universe’ series by Mr. Taylor and will no doubt read more in the future. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic, dystopian and alternate world genres.

Audio Notes: It is hard to go wrong with any book narrated by Ray Porter. He always contributes his strong, creative voice skills to make a book a good listening experience.

Source: 8/11/19 I picked these up with July Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

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

Happy Friday! 

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

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

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

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

Thank you to all who entered the March 19, 2021 Pick. There was one automatic win last 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.
CAROL gets Familiar Stranger.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 19, 2021 Pick:
LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES gets a GC
AND
MARJORIE 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.}

Are you digging into the garden or a good book?
Image found at GoAlexandria

on 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 1,355+ 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: Hold Your Breath: A Novella by Wendy Walker

This is an engaging little suspense.
Hold Your Breath: A Novella
By: Wendy Walker
Narrated by: Dylan Baker

Series: Audible Original Stories
Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 10-01-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
From the best-selling author of All Is Not Forgotten and Don’t Look for Me comes a sharp, compulsive thriller about a young woman who narrowly escapes a violent crime and the psychiatrist helping to recover her memory of the suspect.
Gabby Ashford has just survived an attempt on her life. Detectives have connected her story to two other cases in the area: Professional women drugged at a bar, brought to their homes, and drowned in their bathtubs. Gabby, who miraculously woke up in her own bathtub unharmed, could be the key to finding a serial killer on the loose—but she has no memory of the attack.
Gabby admits herself to a high-end rehabilitation center to recover and to seek the help of a psychiatrist renowned for his work with memory recovery. As Dr. Forrester works with Gabby—interviewing not only her but her overbearing fiancée, her emotionally fragile brother, and the local detective working the case—questions about Gabby’s story, her past, and the ethics of memory recovery emerge.
Dr. Forrester, the central voice of Walker’s breakout debut All Is Not Forgotten, is a fascinating and deeply complicated character, barreling toward the truth of the case at hand while wrestling with the demons of his own past. Shocking and succinct, Hold Your Breath will have you on the edge of your seat from the first minute to the last.
©2020 Wendy Walker (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Gabby has reported that she has survived an encounter with a serial killer. She checks herself into a rehabilitation center where she hopes to be safe and where she can seek the skills of Dr. Forrester, a renowned psychiatrist. Dr. Forrester experienced a traumatic event after gaining fame a few years before while helping to solve a mystery with his work in memory recovery. He doesn’t see patients anymore, but Gabby has specifically sought him out. Forrester interviews Gabby, her fiancé and her strange, damaged brother. He obtains file notes and information from the local detective on the case.

Dr. Forrester is also spending time with a young patient, Billie, who diligently observes the other patients, sets up projection models and eagerly shares them with the Doctor. Billie has questions about Gabby, but the Doctor explains that he can’t share any information with her.

While Dr. Forrester is ruminating on the facts and evidence surrounding Gabby’s event, he also shares rambling memories from his own past. Slowly the reader gets a better understanding of Gabby and Dr. Forrester that results in a twisted climax.

I liked the intrigue and psychological twists in this mystery. There were several suspects to work through and good details and clues to piece together. This was a quick read/listen and I will be interested to read more by Ms. Walker. I recommend this to fans of psychological mystery. I think you’ll get a kick out of the ending.

Audio Notes: Dylan Baker does an excellent job as narrator. He carries the mysterious tone while providing clear and perfectly fitting cadence and emphasis. The narration added to the twisting story.

Source: October 24, 2020 free with Audible Plus Catalogue. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton

I did enjoy this sweet historical romance.

Forever Phoebe
by Chalon Linton

ASIN : B08KYM3Q47
Publisher : Covenant Communications (February 8, 2021)
File size : 1582 KB
Print length : 217 pages
Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism from the gentleman she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe’s spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park. Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe’s attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

Review:
Red-haired Phoebe has three older brothers, so she tends to be a bit bolder than most young ladies her age. She does have interest in one long time neighbor although he doesn’t seem to see her yet as anything other than as his friend’s younger sister whom he can correct on decorum issues.

Franklin Everly is a new neighbor taking over management of a nearby estate. He seeks assistance from the men at Primly Park and discovers that he is interested in their fiery sister, Phoebe. He begins to develop a friendship and soon seeks a more significant relationship.

Meanwhile Phoebe is a little concerned that her eldest brother may be leading on her best friend. This violates the pact the brothers made not to become involved with Phoebe’s closest friends.

While life moves on for these young people, there is concern and danger in the area. Several young women have gone missing and there is a hunt out for the “Bride Snatcher”. The brothers and Franklin think they can keep Phoebe safe but her independent spirit may defeat their best efforts.

This is a gentle romance that focuses on the characters and their life interactions. I enjoyed the slowly developed romance which carried most of the story. The author reveals Phoebe’s natural confusion between her interest in one man and the sweet pursuit by another. I kept anticipating the danger from the kidnapper. It was well done although it did not occur until late in the book.

I would be glad to read more by Ms. Linton. I recommend this easy reading, sweet historical romance to those who enjoy the genre.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and 2021Alphabet goals.

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

Heather had another week out but she finally got to the doctor and they prescribed drops for her ear. She wasn't able to join my staff who drove me to Lakeland for a conference which I attending on Saturday while they went to Hollywood Studios at Disney.

Stock market seems to be on its own roller coaster. I have a solid set of dividend stocks which don't fluctuate so much. I have learned strategies for option investments which can succeed even if stock prices fall but any huge jumps up or down can still be a little tense and require watching. 

We've had our spring bulbs blooming.
Last week there were some crocus in the front yard but the deer ate those.

Our weather was pretty nice most of the week although it got cold this weekend. Not as cold as many of you further north, I'm sure!

I enjoyed all of my reading this week. I finished three audiobooks and one NetGalley ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to A UNIVERSE IN WORDS. Juli shared an interesting selection of recently received books through a Mailbox Monday Link up last week.

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 March 13, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 14, 2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Chicken Talk Around the World by Carole Lexa Schaefer; Genre: Genre: Children's, Farm Animals, Multinational; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Wolf's Bane by Aimee Easterling; Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Shifters; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 19, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/25/2021.

• ATBR- Audibe Book Review: Commune: Book Two by Joshua Gayou; Genre: Action, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #417 Comment Giveaway March 20, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/3/2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 21, 2021.

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

Forever Phoebe
by Chalon Linton
I did enjoy this sweet historical romance.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Hold Your Breath: A Novella
By: Wendy Walker
Narrated by: Dylan Baker
This is an engaging little suspense.
Source: October 24, 2020 free with Audible Plus Catalogue.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Outland
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 05-16-19
I like this author and narrator and this was entertaining.
Source: 8/11/19 I picked these up with July Audible Credits.
Publisher's Summary
When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, it's up to six college students and their experimental physics project to prevent the end of civilization.
When an experiment to study quantum uncertainty goes spectacularly wrong, physics student Bill Rustad and his friends find that they have accidentally created an inter-dimensional portal. They connect to Outland - an alternate Earth with identical geology, but where humans never evolved. The group races to establish control of the portal before the government, the military, or evildoers can take it away.
Then everything changes when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts in an explosion large enough to destroy civilization and kill half the planet. The team has just hours to get as many people as possible across to Outland before a lethal cloud of ash overwhelms them.
Nothing has prepared the refugees for what they find - a world of few resources and unprecedented dangers. Somehow, they must learn to survive, because Outland may not just be a safe haven - it could be their new home.
©2019 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

4. Audio/ScanDisc(ATBR)

THE GOLDEN DAY
by Ursula Dubosarsky
narrated by Kate Rudd
3.75 hrs.
(Candlewick on Brilliance Audio)
This is a beautifully written, unusual mystery story.
Source: SYNC Week 8: June 13 – June 20, 2019.
While participating in a field trip that a young class is told not to mention to anyone, their teacher disappears. What happened that day? And whom can the kids talk to? Kate Rudd has the perfect voice to narrate the innocence, wonder, and confusion of a classroom of young girls as they try to figure out what has happened to their teacher. Rudd’s emotional narration captures the girls’ worry and sense of a world gone awry. The novel crafts subtle tension, and Rudd's voice crafts a tone to match as the story unfolds. Her narration builds just the right amount of suspense in a sophisticated thriller that leaves listeners wondering what they believe about what happened.
S.B.T. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]

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

Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1)
by Dawn Lee McKenna
I am enjoying this Mystery set in our near-by Florida as part of a book club with my local Woman's Club.
Source: Free Kindle 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/ScanDisc(ATBR)

Bluebird Memories
A Journey Through Lyrics & Life
By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam
Narrated by: Common
Series: Words + Music
Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
This is an interesting cultural experience for me.
Source: Audible Plus August 2020.
About This Audible Original
In a performance that combines the personal and poetic with the literary and the lyrical, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist Common spins something entirely new and bold, for both his old-school fans and those new to one of hip hop’s most essential voices. This is Bluebird Memories, part of Audible's Words + Music that blends storytelling, music, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Written and conceived by Common with Awoye Timpo and NSangou Njikam, originally recorded live at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City and backed by a world-class band including special guest appearance by Robert Glasper and ensemble of vocalists, Bluebird Memories tracks Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. At its heart, serving as both an open letter to his estranged father, and a personal meditation on the quest for greater self-understanding, self-worth, and connection to the world that surrounds him.
As a young artist, introduced to the work of literary icons from James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks to Rakim and Melle Mel, Common would grow to use their works as motivation and a high-water mark for what would become his life in words. In a performance that recounts stories about growing up in Chicago, discovering hip hop, longing for a consistent father, and his awakening into Black consciousness, the evolution of Common, as son, as man, artist, and activist is all here, unpacked and laid bare.
At just under two hours, Bluebird Memories is constantly in motion, soaring with emotion and pulsing with raw vitality. Seamlessly blending, stretching, and playing with forms, Common slides between poetry and candid conversation, kicks into one of his classic tracks, and backs out into a moment of nearly silent reflection. For those hip-hop heads, the treat of hearing Common bounce between bars of his own self-admitted cringey party raps, to rapturously reciting classic hip hop’s most revered verses is a joy to behold. (Yes, bumping human beatbox included). In a performance that calls forth the spirit and legacy of so many artists, thinkers, and heroes who informed both his artistry and personal philosophy, Common invites listeners to experience him in his totality. A finely tuned instrument capable of conveying a sweeping breadth of power, range and tone. Listen to a modern icon deliver at the top of his craft.
Note: Bluebird Memories contains adult language.
©2020 Common (P)2020 AO Media LLC

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Departure
By: A.G. Riddle
Narrated by: Nicola Barber, Scott Aiello
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 02-17-15
Midway - This is engaging!
Source: Audible Two for One Credit Sale 10/31/2020.
Publisher's Summary
En route to London from New York, Flight 305 suddenly loses power and crash-lands in the English countryside, plunging a group of strangers into a mysterious adventure that will have repercussions for all of humankind.
Struggling to stay alive, the survivors soon realize that the world they've crashed in is very different from the one they left. But where are they? Why are they here? And how will they get back home?
Five passengers seem to hold clues about what's really going on: writer Harper Lane, venture capitalist Nick Stone, German genetic researcher Sabrina Schröder, computer scientist Yul Tan, and Grayson Shaw - the son of a billionaire philanthropist.
As more facts about the crash emerge, it becomes clear that some in this group know more than they're letting on - answers that will lead Harper and Nick to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving their own lives. As they begin to piece together the truth, they discover they have the power to change the future and the past - to save our world...or end it.
To read an epilogue to Departure and access other bonus material, go to agriddle.com/departure/extras
©2014 A.G. Riddle (P)2014 Audible Inc.

4. Kindle App on/Smartphone (NG2020)

The Quokkas, the Snails, and the Land of Happiness
Eric Geiger
I think I will enjoy this Children's Christian values book.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Two quokkas, two snails, one strawberry patch . . .
Suzy and Sam Snail live in the Land of Sadness, constantly working hard to feel loved. But their gloomy lives just might change when they meet two friendly quokkas who tell them all about the Creator and what life is like in the Land of Happiness. Will the Snails remain sad and empty? Or will they eagerly journey to a new land where grace, joy, and contentment grow instead?
Join these four quirky friends in the strawberry patch, and let this parable-style story offer your family a powerful conversation starter and a celebration of God’s gift of grace.

March 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 to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I am doing an Easter study this week: Christmas and the Cross.

I completed four books and I plan to get those reviewed this week.
NetGalley shelf is at 7. (I was approved for an audio last week but it was archived that day and I didn't get to access it. I may look some more soon.)
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 had not purchases this week.
I did add three free titles from Audible Plus.
I only added one free Kindle title 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

I picked up three Sci Fi titles from Audible Plus:

A Change of Plans: A Short Story
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1
By: Sean Platt , Johnny B. Truant
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Alien Invasion (Platt/Truant), Book 1

Aces: Book 1
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
Series: Aces, Book 1



I picked up one free kindle title this past week:

Rescued: An Allegory [Short Story]
Tracy Higley


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