No Friday Post - Traveling

Happy Friday! 

Due to my D-I-L having to have surgery again, our family plans switched from Matt and family coming to me to me traveling to them. I am happy to have the company of another granddaughter on the trip. However, I have to travel Friday in the very cold temps after the storm. I allowed extra time to deal with possible road delays  so we did a very short leg of the trip tonight (Thursday). I have limited internet access and my computer mouse is packed.

It is likely I won't get any reviews posted for the week and maybe not even my Sunday Post.

If that is the case, I wish everyone a safe and joyous Holiday weekend!

Sunday Post December 18, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 19, 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.

Heather was able to stick it out in the office this week. It was a push as we had several closings at the end of the week and to close early next week..

We had our office party on Friday which was a chance to share in joy.

We are blocking the tree but it is in the second picture.

This little gem is the daughter of the young lady in green in the first picture.

Our Marianna Woman's Club (MWC)  had a cookie exchange today.
There were lots of yummies and fun fellowship.

I made my first home made cookies: Lemon Pound Cake Cookies and Pecan Bites, which are on the table behind my right shoulder.

My prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations. In spite of all the busyness, I remind myself to enjoy the hope, peace, joy and love of the season, keeping in mind the "reason for the season".

We had pretty nice weather all week, even today in the 40s. But tonight is going down to 31 for a couple of hours so I covered the plants on the back porch. The men from church will be coming by mid week to help cover our citrus trees. 

I hope everyone will have a meaningful Christmas and beautiful Holiday, cold or not.

This week I finished five sci fi audios which I thought would be unavailable after 12/20/22.  I posted three reviews and my regular Memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
No Shout outs this week or next. But I hope you enjoy visiting blog friends.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were the posts last week:

• Sunday Post December 11, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 12, 2022.

• MBS November 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Last Stand: The Complete Box Set by William Weber; Genre: Dystopia, Military, Post-Apocalyptic, War; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick December 16, 2022 Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/22/2022.
  

• A2022: Audible Book Review: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Fost; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #453 Comment Giveaway December 17, 2022. Open Worldwide.
  Ending January 14, 2023.

• A2022: Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian; Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 18, 2022 - God So Loved!
  

Finished Reading: Last week my Audible Library was saying several of the plus catalog titles were only available through 12/20/22 so I went on a binge to listen to several of those. As of Saturday this week, they no longer have that message.
1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

This Fallen World
By: Christopher Woods
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: The Fallen World, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
I liked the action in this story.
Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Don't Call Me Ishmael
By: Chris Kennedy
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: The Fallen World, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
This is another story in The Fallen World series.
I'll be picking up more in the series.
Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Series: Tasmanian SFG Series, Book 1
I enjoyed the strength of this female protagonist in the vein of GI Jane.
I’ve already picked up book 2.
Source: 12/14/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was another title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
Jolie was 3 when she found she was ugly and deformed.
She was 5 when she found she was a subhuman and an outcast. She was 7 when five boys and two girls dragged her out of the orphanage and beat her unconscious, leaving her lying bleeding and broken in the street.
She was content to lie there and die, tired of being hated and abused. But a frail old man with wispy white hair and a long beard wasn't content to let her die. He not only saved her, but he adopted her and passed on his unique martial art to her.
She was 20 when she headed to Delphi, the center of the United Systems of Perileos (USP) and the planet of her birth father, to find her place in his society.
Based on her unique upbringing, she decides to join the USP military, requesting to be assigned to the Tasmanians SFG, an elite all-male unit. The military brass is reluctant to deny her request and admit their enlistment contract permits bait-and-switch assignments. Instead, they agree to let her enter the school, thinking she couldn't possibly succeed - a Chihuahua competing against Rottweilers — and plan to make an example of her when she fails.
Although Jolie is small, she is not what she appears. But can her adopted father's art enable her to survive the treachery of the military brass, the grueling of the school, the prejudices of the instructors, and the testosterone of an all-male class.
And if she succeeds, can she thrive in the high-octane and all male environment of the Tasmanians?
©2019 C. R. Daems (P)2020 Podium Publishing.

4. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

The Legion Awakes
The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
By: J. R. Handley
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
This has some interesting military involvement but there was some confusion.
Source: 12/15/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was another title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
A century ago, all but two members of Lance Scipio's unit were executed for bringing dishonor to his regiment.
Now, he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
The price of failure: Death!
AD 2565. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved...as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that's needed to change the fate of worlds.
The Sleeping Legion is an action-filled sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the hit series The Human Legion by Tim C. Taylor.
©2016 J. R. Handley (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

5. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

TFS Ingenuity
The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
By: Tori L. Harris
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
This has an interesting dilemma – trying to determine who is friend or foe in first contact aliens.
Source: 12/17/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was one more title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
It's the year 2277. For 50 years, Earth has received mysterious data transmissions from random locations in deep space. The streams include advanced technology, allowing humans to achieve faster-than-light travel virtually overnight. As we prepare to take our first tentative steps into interstellar space, we know almost nothing about our alien benefactors, and their motivations remain unexplained.
While completing their shakedown cruise, Captain Tom Prescott and the crew of the first Terran Fleet Command starship, TFS Ingenuity, stumble into a first contact situation. They learn that Earth is not the first civilization granted access to the stars before their time - and how this Faustian gift has inevitably led to centuries of interstellar war. Humanity's existence hangs in the balance as a powerful alliance assembles a preemptive military strike, believing it to be their only option to protect themselves...from us. Prescott and his small, initially unarmed starship must serve as our only line of defense. Ingenuity is our only hope.
©2015 Tori L. Harris (P)2016 Podium Publishing.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Joy to the Wolves
By Terry Spear
Narrated By: Mackenzie Cartwright
Duration: 10 h 28 min
I am ready for another Christmas title.
Shifter wolves is a plus.
Source: 9/26/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary
As Christmas approaches, red-wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding. Josh doesn't intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can't help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there's a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
I'll be seeing my grandchildren soon so I am reading book 2 in this series so I will be able to talk about this with them.
Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

December 18, 2022 -  I was startled today when I noted I was on day 352 of 358. Almost finished another year. I have to decide what version I will read/listen to in 2023.  I have totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.

I read five audio titles and reviewed three. I am sort of up to date with 5 reviews due (plus 7 children's books). Considering this is Christmas week, I am not sure if I will get to all of the reviews.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have two new titles from NetGalley.
I still have the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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.

I tend to fill up on titles in December so they will qualify for TBRs in 2023.
I received two new review titles this week through NetGalley and might look for more.
I selected my two November credit books at Audible.
I used another Two for One credit for two audios from Audiobooks.com.
I only got one free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Two books from NetGalley:

A Hard Day for a Hangover: A Novel (Sunshine Vicram Series Book 3)
by Darynda Jones
I saw this at several other blogs and was able to get it before it was archived.

The Last Saxon King
A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
By: Andrew Varga
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
Series: A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
This doesn't release until March so I will probably not read it right away.

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/17/22 Two November Audible Credits: Both series titles - one the end(?) and the other, book 2 of a series I discovered this past week,.

Commune 5
Commune, Book 5
By: Joshua Gayou, Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 19 hrs and 29 mins

Devils to Me
Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 2
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins


12/18/2022 Two for One Credit Deal on Holiday Romance at Audiobooks.com

An Ivy Hill Christmas
Series: #3.5 of Tales from Ivy Hill
Written by: Julie Klassen
Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 7 hours 35 minutes

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Written by: Milly Johnson
Narrated by: Colleen Prendergast
Duration: 10 hours 22 minutes

Free

KINDLE TITLES:

Christmas Cookies with a Side of Murder (Daley Buzz Treasure Cove Cozy Mystery Book 7)
by Meredith Potts


One new title added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 18, 2022 - God So Loved!

I had trouble with my eyes this morning. They felt scratched and instead of immediately soothing them I rubbed them. It is probably due to the heater running all night. I ended up watching service online.

We celebrated with the Fourth Advent candle representing The Love of God.
Pastor's Message was from John 3:14-17 which includes one of the best known verses of the Bible.

“God so loved” – is the only way He can love. Some scholars interpret the passage as ‘God loved the world, SO He gave….’
When you are at your worst, God loves you.
When you are in rebellion, God loves you.
God doesn’t love our sins, but He loves us.
We often struggle to serve as God wants us to, but He still loves us.

John tells us that God is Love. 1 John 4 (verse 16 but read the full chapter)!

The enemy will try to tell us that our behavior and our thoughts make us unlovable; that God can’t love us. These are lies. God loves us in spite of our issues.

God’s love does not condemn. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation.

We do not deserve God’s love. We cannot earn God’s love. God loves as His nature. He loves us by His Grace! The coming of Jesus has nothing to do with who we are, but with who He is.

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

God isn’t arrogant. God doesn’t get irritated with us. He isn’t resentful
God does not need our worship, nor need our relationship. He is complete in who He is. But He desires our worship.

Contrast God’s love to man’s love of others: Jonah didn’t want to take God’s message because he thought Nineveh should be punished. Jonah was judgmental and then resentful. But God loved even the sinful Ninevites and He gave them a chance to repent.

Trust God’s love. His love bears with our failures. He always wants what is best for us. He may be rejected, but He still loves.

This sweet song fits this message: Love’s Pure Light.

Verses for Today:
John 3:14-17 NIV
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Heavenly Father – I give thanks that You loved me so much that You sent your only son to save me from my sins. Thank you for the example of Your unconditional Love. Help me to show Your Love to others.

Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian

This is a story of survival against blizzards and the treacherous conditions of ice flow.
Icequake
By: Crawford Kilian
Narrated by: Tim Campbell
Series: Icequake, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 10-30-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A group of 27 scientists and explorers are stranded in Antarctica.
Residing in a station known as Shackleton, they are studying the seismic activity of the region. An eruption of the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus, soon sends quakes throughout the continent with devastating results.
All radio communication has been disabled by the breakdown of the magnetic field. Evacuation is unlikely. No one knows whether they survived the icequake, and their station is now moving two kilometres north each day with the strong aftershocks. They are on their own, with limited food and resources.
Do they stay put and risk being caught in the next series of icequakes and avalanches? Or do they pack up and trek over dangerous territories to the neighbouring station?
Icequake is a gripping prophetic sci-fi disaster novel, full of excitement and danger in every chapter.
©2017 Crawford Kilian (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
A group of scientists are preparing to leave Antarctica when they are stranded first by a bad storm and then by a major land – or ice – shift. One of the scientists had predicted a very dangerous icequake. He is gratified to be right although he is not thrilled with the timing. The main group is at the Shackleton station but there is another community even closer to the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus. All communication is down and it is too dangerous to travel as the ice continues to move. Fortunately, there is a plane that allows some reconnaissance, but there isn’t enough fuel to travel to the mainland.

The interaction among the men and women is part of the drama in the story. Most of the danger is outside, from the elements, but there are some men who are struggling to remain civil. And romance has a different level when there are scientists who care more about their studies than their partners.

Of course, the scientists suspect that the mainland is suffering too from the rising level of waters, loss of crops and other difficulties. But the scientists won’t know the full extent unless they can get back to the mainland.

I saw this was only available free through 12/20/2022 so I chose to read it sooner rather than later. I found it interesting if not overly exciting. The scientific elements surrounding an icequake and its impact are interesting and are shared well through the story rather than preaching. I recommend this to readers who would find the climate issues interesting with the drama of survival against the elements.

Audio Notes: Tim Campbell does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the variety of characters. The energy and pacing is good considering the survival plods at times. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 11/5/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Sharing Beyond Books #453 Comment Giveaway December 17, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books. (Note - I am going to continue to post monthly now, probably through the end of the year. This one runs through January 14, 2023.) As much as I appreciate the six to eight regular commenters, I am thinking about ending this post. I haven't updated books for a while and I have been so busy that I am not keeping up with mail outs and payouts.  I know I will get to them but the time input adds to my work load. I checked my spreadsheet and there are five or so questions still available (that haven't been asked before) so I might continue for those. We'll see how I feel in January

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #452: Alina asked: What are some of your favorite holiday traditions??
I enjoyed the different traditions that were shared. Elaine noted that her family opens one gift on Christmas Eve. I like that and we did that when I was young. In our home, mom and dad picked the gift and it was always pajamas.

The Winner from SBB #451 comments is #2 BN100 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 #452

(One Question.)

Ashfa asks: Do you enjoy reading books from villain’s POV? Who is your favorite villain??

I have enjoyed some stories from the villain's POV. The one that comes to mind is Villains Rule. When I was looking for an image, I was reminded of: Voldemort (Harry Potter), Cornelius Snow (Hunger Games), Pennywise (It), Maleficent, and more. Of course, most of those are not from the villain's POV.

Image found at Deviant Art.

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.
November question was provided by ASHFA who gets a GC credit.

Your turn to share. Ashfa asked: Do you enjoy reading books from villain’s POV? Who is your favorite villain??

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.
The deadline is a month, until January 14, 2023.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Fost

Although this is a nice cozy, I had some issues with the primary heroine.

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, Book 2
By: Jacqueline Frost
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Series: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 11-13-18
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A Christmas delight, 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas will charm the stockings off fans of Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier.
It's out of the cupcake tin, into the fire for Holly White's best friend, Caroline. Can Holly clear Caroline's name in time to go caroling?
When a body turns up in the dumpster behind Caroline's Cupcakes, Holly White is horrified to learn her best friend, Caroline, is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine's sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, Caroline's fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, a custom-designed marble rolling pin. 
Now, just 10 days before Christmas, Holly's up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family's Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle - and now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff and run-ins with an ex-fiance looking to make amends, and Holly's ready to fly south until springtime. 
But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas...even after she gains the true killer's attention? Find out in 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, Jacqueline Frost's second pine-scented Christmas Tree Farm mystery.
©2018 Jacqueline Frost (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Two weeks before Christmas, Holly is busy helping her parents with remodeling at their Christmas Tree Farm. Her best friend, Caroline, is coerced by her political father to attend a society event with an unpleasant, ‘handsy’ man. Caroline is caught on camera reprimanding the man for his inappropriate behavior. The next day, the tree lighting ceremony reveals the dead body of the man half buried in a giant dish of peppermint candies.

Everyone, including the local sheriff, Evan, is aware of the quarrel the night before. Then a butcher knife from Caroline’s Cupcake shop is found next to the dead man. When Caroline is arrested, Holly is determined to find the real killer and get her friend released before Christmas.

Holly found a dead body the Christmas before on the tree farm ( book 1, Twelve Slays of Christmas) and almost got killed while she was investigating. She and Evan began dating during that event and Evan is quick now to remind her to keep her nose out of this murder and allow him to due his job. Holly isn’t particularly inclined to listen to Evan who has been secretive and avoiding her company since the spring.

Soon Holly is getting threats from someone telling her not to pursue the investigation. Can Holly uncover helpful information without risky her own safety? And can she figure out what is going on with Evan?

I did like how the author developed interesting suspects and was curious to see how Holly found the killer. However, the relationship between Holly and Evan, with the months of evasion, lack of communication, and Holly’s hanging on and pushing was annoying and distracting to me. I was glad that an explanation was finally revealed but I do think this made the mystery less enjoyable for me. I enjoyed the inclusion of Santa in the story, and I still think this is a cute cozy series. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries set in small town at Christmas time.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a good job with the narration. She provides sufficiently distinct character voices and conveys the emotion and energy of the story. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: 11/7/22 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick December 16, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
I had another long week and no rest insight. I do hope for a couple of easier days as the year comes to a close.
I still have some GC emails and payments to complete and books to pull for mailing soon. (Maybe with my extra day this weekend.)

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 December 9, 2022 Pick. There was no 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.

CONGRATULATIONS to one winner (under 10 entries):
Random.org picked Winner from December 9, 2022 Pick:
#2 FREDAMANS 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.}

As the weather gets really cold this bulletin board sounds true, doesn't it?
Image found at Pinterest

New Book Box #96 June 10, 2022

PAIR:
Liz Carlyle: Three Little Secrets and My False Heart
Johanna Lindsey: Brave the Wild Wind and Fires of Winter
SINGLE TITLES
Against the Sky by Kat Martin
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

The Eagle and the Dove by Jane Feather
Heir to a Dark Inheritance by Maisey Yates
The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour
A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli
Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie
No Greater Treasure by Ellen Kelley
One Minute Out by Mark Greaney
Texas Born by Diana Palmer
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Illustrated Classic Edition)
While Others Sleep by Helen R. Myers


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
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


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

Three One Audio CD Books:
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale

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

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
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


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

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence


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:
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek


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

SINGLES:
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
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
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
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:
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.

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
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
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
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 THIRTEEN years I have posted 95 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,541 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2022).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,408 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, 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!