Audible Book Review: The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4 by James Howard Kunstler

I finished this interesting series for my "Spring" title.

The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 07-05-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
"From the renowned social critic, energy expert, and bestselling author James Howard Kunstler, The Harrows of Spring concludes the quartet of his extraordinary World Made by Hand novels, set in an American future of economic and political collapse, where electricity, automobiles, and the familiar social structures of the "old times" are a misty memory.
In the little upstate New York town of Union Grove, springtime is a most difficult season, known as "the six weeks want," when fresh food is scarce and winter stores have dwindled. Young Daniel Earle returns from his haunting travels around what is left of the United States intent on resurrecting the town newspaper. He is also recruited by the town trustees to help revive the Hudson River trade route shut down peevishly by the local grandee, planter Stephen Bullock. Meanwhile, a menacing gang of Social Justice Warriors styling themselves as agents of the Berkshire People's Republic appear one evening to camp on the outskirts of town. Their leaders are the imposing Amazonian beauty Flame Aurora Greengrass and the charismatic grifter Sylvester "Buddy" Goodfriend, progressive to a fault in their politics and intent on extracting whatever tribute they can from people of Union Grove.
Romance, politics, bunko, violence, and family tragedy swirl through the thrilling finale to Kunstler's bestselling series. The Harrows of Spring is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and satisfying conclusion to this poignant history of the future."
©2016 James Howard Kunstler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Life continues to move forward for the community of Union Grove. Personal issues involving lack of vaccines and medical facilities in this society which has been set back to days of horse and buggy. There are moments of absolute tragedy that bring unique responses from the family members involved.

The local land baron, Stephen Bullock, has decided to go isolationist and stop delivering trade goods to the town. Brother Jobe convinces town members to gather funds needed to send a group of men to buy a boat for the town in order to transfer needed supplies. Daniel Earle, who has returned to town as a wanted man in the south, is starting a newspaper in town. He needs supplies for the business and is recruited to travel with the team to get a boat. It is a dangerous mission but must be done.

Meanwhile a crowd of what appear to be simple, ‘hippy’ type people have been discovered on the outskirts of town. They identify themselves as agents of the Berkshire People’s Republic. It is soon realized that they are actually socialist /social justice warriors in town to exploit people to sell their resources for worthless paper money or be brutally attacked if unwilling to share voluntarily. Can the leaders of Union Grove deal with the threat before infiltrators and imposters cause irreparable damage?

I was pleased to finish this interesting series for my "Spring" title. I enjoyed the character developments and idiosyncrasies as well as the plot themes. This last story still had some strangeness (the metaphysical aspect) and had distinct brutal elements. I am glad that I was able to enjoy this down to earth post-apocalyptic series through Audible’s plus catalog. I recommend the series to fans of the genre.

Audio Notes: Once again, the narration by Jim Meskimen added to the story for me. He provides distinct, fitting and unusual voices. He also conveys the underlying personalities of the characters. I appreciated this series in audio.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Season goals.

World Made by Hand: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 1
The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3

Sunday Post May 29, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 30, 2022

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I continue to be behind in work although I get some projects done each day and at least one each evening.

I have made it through my first week at home alone. I made my own meals: cauliflower rice and steamed veggies; a hamburger that ended up as scrambled beef with cheese;  tomato soup and bread sticks; and a version of chicken salad. I realized after starting the chicken salad that my cleaning ladies cleaned out the fridge and I didn't have onion or celery so I added a hard boiled egg from the half dozen I made.
I do miss my Bob's companionship and cooking. I have only managed to adjust the banking that was absolutely required the first couple of weeks. There is still much to do as my emotions fluctuate.

A strange, but edible chicken salad mix.

My second try at hamburger was successful.

I continue my previous prayer list and added the families in Uvalde, Texas.
So heart wrenching.
.
We had some very heavy rains for several days. Then it cleared up beautifully. The end of the week ended with nice sunny days in the high 70s to mid 80s.

I enjoyed some listening this week that moved along well. I finished two audio books and 10 hours of CLE courses. that I need to finish for June reporting.  I posted four reviews, and my usual memes.

I was glad to visit 16 blogs again this past week.
A Shout Out today to READING ACTUALLY. Cindy, who has been blogging since 2015 describes herself as "an Avid reader, obsessed with reading actually. I love running, cycling, and all things Mystery/Thriller novels."

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 22, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 23, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Wild Swan: A Story of Florence Nightingale by Patti Callahan; Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 27, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/2/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Into the Wild Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter; Genres: Action and Adventure, Animal, Cats, Fantasy; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 by Neal Asher; Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #445 Comment Giveaway May 28, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/11/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2022.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Ripple in Time
Written by Victor Zugg
Narrated by Sean William Doyle
Run Time 7h 26min
This is a fair time travel adventure.
Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

You Have the Right to Remain Innocent
By: James Duane
Narrated by: James Duane
Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
I needed to listen to this book! And it was a "Y" title.
Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.15.
Publisher's Summary
Law professor James J. Duane became a viral sensation thanks to a 2008 lecture outlining the reasons why you should never agree to answer questions from the police - especially if you are innocent and wish to stay out of trouble with the law. In this timely, relevant, and pragmatic new book, he expands on that presentation, offering a vigorous defense of every citizen's constitutionally protected right to avoid self-incrimination. Getting a lawyer is not only the best policy, Professor Duane argues, it's also the advice law-enforcement professionals give their own kids.
Using actual case histories of innocent men and women exonerated after decades in prison because of information they voluntarily gave to police, Professor Duane demonstrates the critical importance of a constitutional right not well or widely understood by the average American. Reflecting the most recent attitudes of the Supreme Court, Professor Duane argues that it is now even easier for police to use your own words against you. This lively and informative guide explains what everyone needs to know to protect themselves and those they love.
©2016 James Joseph Duane. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

CLE titles finished:

Florida Law Update 2021 - 8 hours
Opportunity Zones - 1 hour
Florida's New Summary Judgment Standard and Rule 1.510 - 1 hour

Currently Reading:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Duration: 10 h 16 min
I decided to go with a lighter listen
so I picked romance as an "R" title.
Source: 8/31/18 Audiobooks deal - 2 for 1 credit.
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point-a place made for second chances. McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down.unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie-its fiery young mayor-he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing.a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Swing Shift
By: William D. Arand
Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
I'm in the mood for paranormal and this one looks good for an "S" title.
Source: 12/1/2019 Audible Sale for $5.00.
Publisher's Summary
Reports to write, forms to fill, coffee to drink, leads to run down.
Gus’s life was a tedium and boredom he’d grown comfortable with. One that he sought out after he’d come back from his tour of duty.
A detective in the paranormal investigations department. A job he could work day in and day out in relative peace. One cold and forgotten cup of coffee at a time.
It was an environment that made some sense to him. At least in comparison to civilian life where almost nothing did. On top of that, it gave him a chance to hide what he was from the rest of the world.
An apex predator that made the entirety of the paranormal world fear him. His very species was often killed as soon as they were found out.
By government and citizen alike.
He’s a Boogieman.
A name that made humans laugh, and vampires curse. It was a strange life to be sure.
Now though, Gus’s stable non-life is about to be kicked over. Whether he likes it or not, he’s about to be handed a case that’s going to mess up his already screwed up life.
©2019 William D. Arand (P)2019 William D. Arand

May 29, 2022 - I have always enjoyed the Book of Job and feel like I have been getting more meaning from it after the insight from the Bible Project devotion video. I am still getting caught up on videos I missed while we had no internet at home. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day (actually, I am one day ahead).
I'll look for a new study maybe next month.

I completed two books for review. I now have six outstanding reviews to write and post. 
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I picked my VIP choice at Audiobooks. com.
I added four ebooks to my Kindle TBR library today.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

5/27/2022 Audiobooks.com May VIP selection

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 18 h 6 min

Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him (How to Reform a Rake Series Book 1)
Tammy Andresen

Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)
Blake Pierce

Cracked Open (The Dragon Born Academy Book 1)
T.L. Christianson

When Stars Move & Other Stories
Shannon Rampe




Four Free titles. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2022

I attended church online this morning. It was announced that the Youth raised over $5,000.00 for Speed the Light at a 5K Color run they hosted yesterday. Great job!

Pastor delivered a Sermon: Hold Fast! The initial test is 1 Thessalonians 5.
A time of rapture will come in the future. No one knows when. It is not necessarily a delay by God because God has a Plan.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11.
In the meantime we build each other up, we rejoice and give praise.
“19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.

We must be grounded and HOLD FAST. Refrain from even the appearance of evil.
Don’t trust all you hear on social media. Make sure what you hear and apply has Biblical truth. Don’t hold onto things of this world.
Pastor did a mini (Family Feud type) survey: What are things people try to hold onto:
Money                 Youthfulness
Relationships       Status
Traditions            Health
Job                       Bladder

None of the answers were God.
What are you holding on to?
The world has an entitlement mentality. They are holding on to hurts and claiming rights that are not truly rights (someone else is to blame, someone else should pay for my expenses, someone else should pay my debt etc).

Too many people are holding onto things that are not essentials.
We need to hold fast to what is good - valuable and virtuous
What the world thinks is valued: their opinions, their feelings, their rights. Sometimes this is totally different than what God holds as valuable and righteous.

Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,”
What is good? – GOD is good! The scripture is good.

1. Hold Onto the Word of the Lord

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast to sound words.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

The Word is light and health to us! Proverbs 4:20-22.
Delight in the word of the Lord! Psalm 1:1-3.

Are we people of the Word? If not, you are not healthy and will not be producing good fruit.

Deuteronomy 8:3.

3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Health and Life come from the spiritual food of the Lord.

Friends can give you advise
Lawyers can give counsel.
Doctors can give diagnosis and treatment.
But only God and God’s word can give you true life and health.

God’s Word is never wrong and never off target, It is perfect
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Psalm 119:105 The word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.
Psalm 107:20 He sent His Word to heal them…

2. Hold onto Salvation!

You have a living inheritance in eternal life! 1 Peter 1:3-5.
If you walk away from God, where else are you going to turn?
Hold fast to your profession of faith, without wavering. “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23.

Endure to the End – The Son of God will set you free! 1 Timothy 6:12.
Stay with your relationship with the Lord. He is your salvation, your provider, your hope, your healer, your firm foundation, …
Don’t give up now! Hold fast. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Hold fast to your Hope. Hebrews 3:1-6.

I was looking for a good song video this morning.
This was not on my list but I was led to it! He Always Provides.

Verses for Today:
2 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Oh Lord. I am grieved by the evil in our world. And you must be ever more greatly grieved. Help me to Hold Fast to You and Your Word. Help me to share Your love and Your word with a world that needs Your light!

Too much of this is apparent in our world today:

Sharing Beyond Books #445 Comment Giveaway May 28, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#444 Natalija asksed Which movie have you watched the most times??
I really enjoyed seeing your favorite movies. Pride and Prejudice got 2 picks, otherwise we had a variety including: comedy (Meet the Parents and Meet the Frockers), romantic comedy (While You Were Sleeping, The Proposal, and You've Got Mail). crime drama (The Godfather), classics (The Sound of Music and Blue Hawaii), Action Thriller (Die Hard), historical fiction (Robinhood and The Gladiator), sci fi (original Star Wars), and post-apocalyptic (The Postman).

The Winner from SBB#444 comments is #9 Life's Simple Pleasure who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #445

(One Question.)

Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How about annotated books? Do you like to know what local language, customs, dialogue are referring to in annotations? preferred or not?

I'm not sure I have seen too many fiction books that are annotated. Sometimes they have a glossary of words. I do like that when there are unusual words, customs, or places that would benefit with that information.

Image found at Struggling Bookaholic.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.
NATALIA and FHCT get the $2.50 credit for the questions in May.

Your turn to share. Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How about annotated books? Do you like to know what local language, customs, dialogue are referring to in annotations? preferred or not?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 By: Neal Asher

This is creative military space opera.
Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1
By: Neal Asher
Narrated by: David Marantz

Series: Polity, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Neal Asher takes on first contact, Polity style. This original novel recounts the first contact between the aggressive Prador aliens, and the Polity Collective as it is forced to retool its society to a war footing. The overwhelming brute force of the Prador dreadnaughts causes several worlds and space stations to be overrun.
Prador Moon follows the initial Polity defeats, to the first draws, and culminates in what might be the first Polity victory, told from the point of view of two unlikely heroes.
©2006 Neal Asher (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Polity is the Earths’s societal government entity that is led by AI with humans often integrated. Polity has been in space but over many years only found one other intelligent species. Now they have met another – the Prador.

The Prador are a species comfortable on land and in the sea. They resemble standing shrimp with a hard carapace and crab claws. They have technologically advance ships that appear to be undefinable as they proceed to annihilate worlds. The creatures themselves are led by Captains who breed children who are the soldiers. Only the best of the young live to become Seconds or Firsts and the Captain will kill and sometimes devour those who don’t make the grade.

Vortex is a First Child of Captain Immanence. When he leads a party of Prador to a meeting with the Polity he has no intent of friendship. Instead, he and his smaller soldiers attack the human and partially human hosts leaving a bloody room.

Jebel is a Polity, enhanced-human soldier who has been fixed with AI technology and parts. He suffers under the initial attack of Vortex, but lives to face the enemy again.

Moria is a brilliant scientist, technician, who has been promoted to a level beyond her capability to understand the gate technology she is tasked to study. The only way to manage is to accept augmentation in the form of AI nano tech inserted to connect with her own brain synapses. After surviving the aug installation, Moria begins to advance in her understanding to a point where she is able to comprehend the gate technology that will allow new leaps in space travel. Can she use her new knowledge to help stop the Prador?

Captain John Varence remembers vaguely when he was once only human, now he is mostly AI on (or part of) the ship Occam Razor. They have been in stasis for years but now awaken to the call of danger. They are ready to fight the Prador and make the first successful blow against the impenetrable Prador ships. But they can’t fight the enemy alone.

These three characters and their comrades must find a way to work together if they want to keep the Prador from taking out another Polity world.

This book jumps quickly into an alien bloody attack. There is plenty of action that moves the story along. The Polity characters are interesting although shallowly developed. On the other hand, Asher gives more depth to the Prador species. The world building is creative. There is some political commentary twisted into the story but that can be overlooked if the reader chooses.

The story is entertaining but did not pull me into committing to the Polity world of space sci fi. I will probably get another Asher title at some point, but I am not rushing. Space Opera fans should check out other reviews and consider reading/listening to this title.

Audio Notes: The narration by David Marantz is mixed. At times I thought Marantz was doing a good job delivering the energy with the underlying excitement and humor of the text. Other times I cringed at the mispronunciation of terms. Still, I am glad I had the chance to listen to this audio from the Plus Catalog.

Source: July 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Into the Wild Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter

>This is interesting but not for children, IMHO.

Into the Wild
Warriors, Book 1
By: Erin Hunter
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genres: Action and Adventure, Animal, Cats, Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary

Epic adventures. Fierce warrior cats. A thrilling fantasy world. It all begins here.
Listen to the book that began a phenomenon - and join the legion of fans who have made Erin Hunter's Warriors series a number-one national best seller.
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code has been threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying - and some deaths are more mysterious than others.
In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty...who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.
©2003 Working Partners Limited (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Rusty, an ordinary house cat runs off to join the wild cat clans. He stumbles into the ThunderClan where he is renamed ‘Firepaw’. He is given the chance to train and prove he can be loyal to the clan rather than returning to being a ‘kitty pet’.

Firepaw goes through a time of growth as he tries to overcome skepticism and bullying from other cats. He helps an injured cat from another clan which brings ridicule and suspicions. He also follows his leader on a special journey where he realizes that he has special strengths that can be used to help his clan.

I did like Firepaw who is a smart, brave, kind, and, yes, loyal, cat. I also like the top leader of the ThunderClan (Blue Star), and a few of the other fair leaders. Unfortunately, there are wicked, mean, conniving, spoiled, and sullen characters too. The problem I had is that I felt this was much too pugnacious and brutal to be a good story for children. If you check reviews, many readers liked the story more than I did so read the sample or take a listen and see what you think.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by MacLeod Andrews. He brought the characters alive with clear, unique voices. He also delivered the story with the appropriate energy and emotions. The audio helped me finish the book.

This took over a year to finish listening to it as a backup when books (other than Audible) weren't connecting in my car.

Source: 12/8/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 27, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
I am making slow progress getting caught up on life. I appreciate the expressions of caring. Thank you.

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 May 20, 2022 Pick. There was no automatic win this past week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS to:
Random.org picked Winner from May 20, 2022 Pick:
  ASHFAgets a GC
MIKI 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.}

I thought this display fitting for Memorial Day Weekend.
Image found at Pinterest posted by Kerri Hunt-Simpson

New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three Audio CD Books:
Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson

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

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

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

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

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

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


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

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

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
All Gone

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.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(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 TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,395 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, TWRP, 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: Wild Swan: A Story of Florence Nightingale by Patti Callahan

I enjoyed learning about this strong, brave woman through this short historical fiction.
Wild Swan: A Story of Florence Nightingale
By: Patti Callahan
Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo

Series: Audible Original Stories
Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
Release date: 12-10-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
In this captivating historical novella narrated by Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry celebrates the life of the mother of modern nursing and one of history's greatest heroines: Florence Nightingale.
Wild Swan introduces listeners to the Lady with the Lamp long before she became a legend. In this poignant story, a young woman has just discovered her divine purpose to become a nurse, and struggles to make that dream a reality. While traveling abroad with her close friend, Selina Bracebridge - another strong woman living an unconventional life - a rare opportunity arises for Florence to practice medicine. Intellectually gifted with an advanced education thanks to her father’s progressive political views, can the daughter of a prominent English family defy Victorian societal expectations to fulfill her destiny?
Over the course of a few short years, Florence remains brave and determined in the face of all obstacles, pursuing her passion against her family’s wishes. From her parent’s luxurious countryside estate in England to her travels abroad to the German medical institute where she first began her training and fell in love with her work, we follow Florence during these pivotal early years of her extraordinary life.
©2020 Patti Callahan Henry (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Florence Nightingale was the daughter of a well-off English family and expectations from her mother were for her to have limited education, limited travel and then settle down in marriage. Fortunately, Florence’s father was progressive enough to allow her to get a higher education. Florence wanted to do so much more to help the less fortunate, and especially the injured and sick. Although her mother fought her every step, Florence ultimately persevered.

Florence used her time traveling with a friend to experience life in a convent. Later she is able to begin training at a German medical institute. Florence even made her way before the Queen to seek support for better resources and training to help soldiers in the Crimean War. Florence’s efforts helped lead to greater appreciation for nurses as well as better nursing care, especially during war circumstances.

I grew up knowing about Florence Nightingale as “the angel of mercy” but never really thought about all she went through to share her passion and skills. I appreciated this novella sharing the social reformer side of this unique woman who was determined have a more meaningful life and to ‘follow God’s call’. I like the apt title of "Wild Swan" too. I recommend this to readers who need to remember the pioneers who helped move women into higher education and broader careers.

Audio Notes: Cynthia Erivo does a nice job with the audio. She provides distinct voices and appropriate emotion in her presentation. Her accent and strong voice fit the work. I am glad I found this on Audible Plus.

Source: 12/14/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor

I totally enjoyed this story of a young woman finding her inner strength.

The Nothing Girl
The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis

Series: The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Getting a life isn't always easy. And hanging on to it is even harder....
Jodi Taylor brings all her comic writing skills to this heartwarming tale of self-discovery.
Known as The Nothing Girl because of her severe stutter and chronically low self-confidence, Jenny Dove is only just prevented from ending it all by the sudden appearance of Thomas, a mystical golden horse only she can see. Under his guidance Jenny unexpectedly acquires a husband - the charming and chaotic Russell Checkland - and for her nothing will ever be the same again.With overprotective relatives on one hand and the world's most erratic spouse on the other, Jenny needs to become someone. And fast!
Fans of Jodi Taylor's best-selling Chronicles of St. Mary's series will adore the quirky humour in this new, contemporary novel. Jodi Taylor, International Woman of Mystery, spent some time working undercover for North Yorkshire County Library Service. Heavily disguised as the world's most incompetent facilities manager, she shifted dead dogs, fell out of mobile libraries, and spent far too much time in the gents' toilets. The idea to rewrite history first came to her while studying history A level at an evening class.
Just One Damned Thing After Another is her first novel and was originally self-published as an ebook; it was downloaded by more than 60,000 readers on Amazon.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Jenny Dove lost her parents and has been raised by the ‘benevolence” of her aunt and uncle. As a young teen with a bad stutter and low self-confidence, Jenny felt like a ‘nothing’. She was ready to end her existence until Thomas, a golden horse appeared to her to intervene. Jenny struggled forward with the help of Thomas and, to everyone’s surprise, including her own, Jenny gets a proposal of marriage from the charming, if chaotic Russell.

Russell is a kind heart, often rescuing strays. After being spurned by Jenny’s beautiful, outgoing and vivacious cousin, Russell lost his art muse and tried to bury himself in a bottle … or four. Russell realizing that he can’t get back the woman he thought he loved, also knows that he needs to gain financial support for his deteriorating estate. Russell sees Jenny and the oppression that she live in under the over-protective control of her aunt. He decides that he can rescue Jenny and perhaps help his own situation.

The pair gets off to a very rocky start when Russell is late and drunk to the wedding. Slowly, with the continued guidance of Thomas, and the quiet encouragement of Russell, Jenny finds her own voice and the Nothing Girl steps out to become someone.

I do like Jodi Taylor’s distinct combination of real-life personalities shared in clear characters with quirky humor. I already liked Jenny and Thomas as I had listened to the novella, Little Donkey. Russell is a harder character to like, but his rescue of Jenny, even if careless and self-motivated, sets him on a path of better growth. I listened to this at a time when I needed a lighter, engaging listen. I recommend this to fans of an imaginative, character-driven story with humor.

Audio Notes: Lucy Price-Lewis does a wonderful job with the narration. Her British accent fits the characters for who she provided distinct voices. She also captures the emotional tone and humor of the story. Her presentation enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 7/30/2021 Sale $5.00 each at Audible. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post May 22, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 23, 2022

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am sad that my son went home on Friday. It was certainly a blessing to share time with him the last two weeks.
I am in Orlando for a GFWC Florida annual convention. I was installed as 2022-2024 President of our GFWC Marianna Woman's Club the week of my husband's death. They offered to postpone the installation but all the plans were made and I had the bittersweet pleasure of having my sister, my step mother, Heather, and Matt join me for the event. 

Here is my family sharing in this lovely event.
My stepmother had her sweet service dog who was perfectly quiet through the luncheon.

Here I am with the other officers. The three to my left are at the convention too.

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders. I am adding Sri Lanka to these prayers per the request for another blog friend. 
I am also praying for our country and the state of crime that is awful.
.

Our weather is continuing to get hotter - high 80s to low 90s. We continue to have some sudden, heavy rains which are common to Florida spring and summer seasons.

I didn't get too much listening in this week as I am still trying to catch up work and have started listening to a CLE courses that I need to finish for June reporting.  I finished only one audiobook, posted only one review, and most of my memes. 

I was glad to visit 16 blogs again this past week.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 15, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 16, 2022.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 20, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/26/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher; Genre: Amish, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• MBS April 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 22, 2022.

Finished Reading:
-- Between no internet and Bob's health and death I missed posting a couple of finished books.) (Finished on April 20 but not included in a post.)
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Nothing Girl
The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
I forgot to include this in my posts in April. I totally enjoyed this story of a young woman finding her inner strength.
Source: 7/30/2021 Sale $5.00 each at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
Getting a life isn't always easy. And hanging on to it is even harder....
Jodi Taylor brings all her comic writing skills to this heartwarming tale of self-discovery.
Known as The Nothing Girl because of her severe stutter and chronically low self-confidence, Jenny Dove is only just prevented from ending it all by the sudden appearance of Thomas, a mystical golden horse only she can see. Under his guidance Jenny unexpectedly acquires a husband - the charming and chaotic Russell Checkland - and for her nothing will ever be the same again.With overprotective relatives on one hand and the world's most erratic spouse on the other, Jenny needs to become someone. And fast!
Fans of Jodi Taylor's best-selling Chronicles of St. Mary's series will adore the quirky humour in this new, contemporary novel. Jodi Taylor, International Woman of Mystery, spent some time working undercover for North Yorkshire County Library Service. Heavily disguised as the world's most incompetent facilities manager, she shifted dead dogs, fell out of mobile libraries, and spent far too much time in the gents' toilets. The idea to rewrite history first came to her while studying history A level at an evening class.
Just One Damned Thing After Another is her first novel and was originally self-published as an ebook; it was downloaded by more than 60,000 readers on Amazon.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

(Finished May 3 but not included in post.)
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
I finished this interesting series for my "Spring" title.
Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
"From the renowned social critic, energy expert, and bestselling author James Howard Kunstler, The Harrows of Spring concludes the quartet of his extraordinary World Made by Hand novels, set in an American future of economic and political collapse, where electricity, automobiles, and the familiar social structures of the "old times" are a misty memory.
In the little upstate New York town of Union Grove, springtime is a most difficult season, known as "the six weeks want," when fresh food is scarce and winter stores have dwindled. Young Daniel Earle returns from his haunting travels around what is left of the United States intent on resurrecting the town newspaper. He is also recruited by the town trustees to help revive the Hudson River trade route shut down peevishly by the local grandee, planter Stephen Bullock. Meanwhile, a menacing gang of Social Justice Warriors styling themselves as agents of the Berkshire People's Republic appear one evening to camp on the outskirts of town. Their leaders are the imposing Amazonian beauty Flame Aurora Greengrass and the charismatic grifter Sylvester "Buddy" Goodfriend, progressive to a fault in their politics and intent on extracting whatever tribute they can from people of Union Grove.
Romance, politics, bunko, violence, and family tragedy swirl through the thrilling finale to Kunstler's bestselling series. The Harrows of Spring is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and satisfying conclusion to this poignant history of the future."
©2016 James Howard Kunstler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Norse Mythology
By: Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
I did enjoy these creative stories of the mythological Gods.
Source: 2/11/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Another CLE Course for Credits.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Ripple in Time
Written by Victor Zugg
Narrated by Sean William Doyle
Run Time 7h 26min
I didn't get to start this as I was listening to a CLE course I need to meet my requirements in June.
Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

May 22, 2022 - I am still very excited about the Bible Project devotion videos that are giving me a deeper insight and appreciation for my Bible reading. I am still getting caught up on videos I missed while we had no internet at home. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I'll look for a new study maybe next month.

I completed one book for review but I now have eight outstanding reviews to write and post. Because I am so far behind I may try to shorten reviews. We'll see.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I didn't have time to be online looking at books except one day I hit on several free Kindle titles.
I added nine ebooks to my Kindle TBR library today.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Deck the Hearts (A Christmas Creek Romance Book 1)
Rachelle Ayala

Where There's A Will
Janna MacGregor

The Bride's Secret (The Brides of Bath Book 3)
Cheryl Bolen

A Perfect Escape
M.L. Jameson, Maddie James

Maverick Gambit (Maverick Space Adventures Book 1)
Marjorie King

Rogue Countess (Regency Rogues Book 1)
Amy Sandas

Beneath the Fallen City (The Omni Towers Series Book 1)
Jamie A. Waters

Witch for Hire (A Witch's Path Book 1)
N. E. Conneely

Bond of a Dragon: Zahara's Gift
A J Walker



Nine Free title. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.