Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 18, 2015

Happy Friday.
I hope everyone had a good week - some of us with an extra day off work for Labor Day.
I had only half a day today and I'll be out of office tomorrow for a quick medical check.
I had hoped to get my books together and get the photo but it didn't happen. I have half the books at home and a few at the office. I'll get the new group up for next Friday.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to 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 September 11 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked this week, but one was won.
Holden j gets That Summer Place.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 11 Pick:
Mary P gets a GC

CarolNW gets The Thinner (through the block)

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 am not going to admit this but... how about you?

Image found at Sodahead

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

PAIRS:
Shannon Drake – When Darkness Falls (Alliance Vampires #2)  and Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
Charlaine Harris – Club Dead and Grave Signt
SINGLES:
A Darker Dream (Love Spell romance) by Amanda Ashley
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
Fated (Dark Protectors Book 1) by Rebecca Zanetti
Grave Sins by Jenna Maclaine
Primitive by Mark Nykanen (ARC copy)
The Accidental Human (Accidentally Paranormal Novel Book 3) by Dakota Cassidy
The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Silent Night, Haunted Night (A Nicki Styx Mystery) by Terri Garey
Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 3) by Casey Daniels
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes - Checking re mailing
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 864+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away 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 Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles

This is wonderfully engaging action.
The Remaining: Aftermath
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Nothing has gone according to plan.
To Captain Lee Harden, Project Hometown feels like a distant dream and the completion of his mission seems unattainable. Wounded and weaponless, he has stumbled upon a group of survivors that seems willing to help. But a tragedy in the group causes a deep rift to come to light and forces him into action. In the chaos of the world outside, Lee is pursued by a new threat: someone who will stop at nothing to get what he has.
The Remaining: Aftermath is the second book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Captain Lee Harden is committed to the Project Hometown mission: survive, rescue and rebuild. Lee has survived his first week running and fighting through the plague-infected humans. Now he has stumbled into a community of survivors but he is not completely welcome. Although the leader of Camp Ryder, Bus, is willing to accept Lee’s offer of help, the opposing power-hungry politician, Jerry, doesn’t want more outsiders and challenges Lee’s veracity. Even though Lee is under medication trying to recoup from injuries he becomes the prime suspect when an attack by the infecteds appears to have had inside help to get inside the fences. Jerry and his supporters are quick to label Lee as a spy and saboteur with connections to the brutal outside raider group led by Milo. Now Lee is forced to prove that he can fulfill his promise of accessing a bunker and bringing desperately needed supplies.

Lee sets out with a handful of men in a vehicle with limited gas. Harper, an older gruff man who initially tried to turn Lee away, chooses to go just to spite Jerry. Miller, the wiry young man who helped rescue Lee while he was running from Milo's goons is another volunteer as well as a brawny older teen, Josh. Surprisingly, a jittery Doc, steps up at the last minute to go with them.

The team has to scavenge gas and fight infecteds and looters just to get to the bunker location. There they find a small camp of survivors led by Father Jim, a local pastor. They don’t have room to bring Father Jim and the supplies back but they let them know where the camp is in case they can make it there.

Lee insists on stopping in Smithfield because he promised the camp’s cook that he would look for her sister, Julia. They find the community in Smithfield inside the hospital. Lee hopes to make allies but instead he faces betrayal and danger. The group are being threatened by Milo and Lee doesn’t know who can be trusted and who can’t.

Before getting out of Smithfield, Lee has to fight his way through infecteds and Milo’s thugs. New characters are added as Lee gets help from another soldier, LaRouche, and Julia, a dedicated medical professional,

I was a little distressed by the foul language but I was gripped by the plot and action. D. J. Molles manages to create characters and relationship dynamics that I got invested in. The story and action kept me glued and then I was delighted with some wonderful descriptions. I was glad that I had book three in my Audible library so I could continue the story.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a terrific job with the narration. Each character gets the right voice and the intensity of the action is conveyed through the narration. It is possible that reading the book might let the reader skim over the bad language easier. Still I am definitely enjoying listening to this series.

See my review of The Remaining, Book 1.

I recently picked this up with an Audible credit so I could continue the series. This is part of my Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post September 13, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 14, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! at Book Journey may be active again in September.

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 had to have a medical procedure on Friday morning so I lost half of Thursday and all of Friday at work. The procedure went fine and all is well. I am still walking three mornings. 
This week will be another short week because I will be out of the office all day Wednesday for court hearings and then we have an industry conference on Thursday and Friday. 

I really enjoyed the reading and listening this week.  I finished four books: one ebook and three Audible. I posted three reviews, and the usual memes.

I visited early in the week but none later.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 6, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 7, 2015.

• Audible Review: The Empire's Corps by Christopher G. Nuttall; Sci Fi, Futuristic; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Friday Pick Giveaway September 11, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/17/2015.

• Audible Review: Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1 by Peggy L. Henderson; Historical Romance, Time Travel; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #219 Comment Giveaway for September 12, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/19/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 13, 2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1
Written by: Peggy L Henderson
Narrated by: Cody Roberts
I enjoyed this historical, time travel romance. The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

The Remaining: Aftermath
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Although there were tough moments 
in this, the story is very engaging.
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Death of the Blue Flower
by Roxann Hill (Author), Paul Wagle (Translator)
This has excellent writing and good mystery.  
I will post a review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

The Remaining: Refugees
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
I have become very engaged in the characters and story of this series.
I had this in my Audible Library from 2014.
I expect to review this week too.
Publisher's Summary
He has fought the fight, and run the race. But the enemies never stop coming, and the race has no finish line. It has been three months since Captain Lee Harden found the survivors at Camp Ryder. With winter looming, Lee is on the verge of establishing Camp Ryder as a hub of safety and stability in the region. But not everyone agrees with Lee’s mission... or his methods. Growing tensions between camp leadership are coming to a head, and as Lee struggles amid the dissention and controversy, new revelations about the infected threaten to destroy everything he has worked for. The Remaining: Refugees is the third book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Last Christmas Ball
by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, and Cara Elliott
I am enjoying this collection of historical, second chance love stories. I picked this up at NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/On Computer

The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel
Written by: Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
This has been slow going as I need to listen to it on my computer instead of my player.
I am about a third in and enjoying the action and intrigue.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
From the coauthor of the number-one New York Times best seller American Sniper comes a heart-pounding military thriller in which American hero and SEAL team sniper Gil Shannon joins up with an unlikely ally in order to stop a terrorist plot bent on destruction across Europe.
Hot on the trail of The Wolf, a rogue Russian military sniper turned Chechen terrorist, Gil Shannon turns from hunter to hunted when his mission is exposed by a traitor high up in US government. Shannon must turn to an unlikely ally - a deadly Russian special operative - to help even the odds. But when they discover that The Wolf is just the tip of a global terrorist plot whose goal is to upend the US economy and the stability of the Western world, Shannon and his team of operatives must track the terrorists down before their plan comes to fruition.
Shannon comes head to head with legions of enemy fighters all across Europe in this breathtakingly cinematic and realistic military thriller, ending with a faceoff between Gil and the one sniper who may be his equal shot. Will he survive?
This third action-packed and battle-filled adventure in the Sniper Elite series takes listeners along for a white-knuckle ride across Europe in the company of American soldiers, Russian special operatives, and global leaders - and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final scene.
©2015 Scott McEwen and Thomas Koloniar (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

3. Kindle

Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel
by Julianna Baggott
This is a book I was invited to read at NetGalley. It sounds interesting.
"A mesmerizing tale of star-crossed love and of the dark secrets in a fracturing family . . . This novel is so full of wonders that it leaves you haunted, amazed, and, like every great read, irrevocably changed."--Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You

The reclusive Harriet Wolf, revered author and family matriarch, has a final confession-a love story. Years after her death, as her family comes together one last time, the mystery of Harriet's life hangs in the balance. Does the truth lie in the rumored final book of the series that made Harriet a world-famous writer, or will her final confession be lost forever?

Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders tells the moving story of the unforgettable Wolf women in four distinct voices: the mysterious Harriet, who, until now, has never revealed the secrets of her past; her fiery, overprotective daughter, Eleanor; and her two grown granddaughters--Tilton, the fragile yet exuberant younger sister, who's become a housebound hermit, and Ruth, the older sister, who ran away at sixteen and never looked back. When Eleanor is hospitalized, Ruth decides it's time to do right by a pact she made with Tilton long ago: to return home and save her sister. Meanwhile, Harriet whispers her true life story to the reader. It's a story that spans the entire twentieth century and is filled with mobsters, outcasts, a lonesome lion, and a home for wayward women. It's also a tribute to her lifelong love of the boy she met at the Maryland School for Feeble-minded Children.

Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders, Julianna Baggott's most sweeping and mesmerizing novel yet, offers a profound meditation on motherhood and sisterhood, as well as on the central importance of stories. It is a novel that affords its characters that rare chance we all long for--the chance to reimagine the stories of our lives while there's still time.

4. Audible/ MP3

TBD - I am ready to start another audio on my player but I have not yet picked.
I might pick up the next in the Remaining Series with my August credits which I need to use this week.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week which left three new for this week although I may do a fourth as well. 
I finished one and am reading two books from NetGalley. I added only one new book so my waiting NetGalley shelf is still seven (I miscounted last week).
I still want to pull in more books off TBR shelves, print and digital. 

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received one new NetGalley title and an Audible download for review this past week.
I also purchased a daily deal at Audible for $2.95
I added many free kindle titles to my library too.

(I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one title at NetGalley this week.
This is for Tour in October through Caffeinated Virtual Assistant.


Merry Mary
by Ashley Farley
A young woman longing for a child stumbles upon a Christmas miracle.

I received this Audible Download for review

through iRead Book Tours

Murder on Safari: A Thriller
Written by: Peter Riva
Narrated by: R. D. Watson
Only a reality TV producer and an expert safari guide can stop a terrorist attack.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased one Daily Deal Audible for $2.95

The Dead Key
Written by: D. M. Pulley
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith
...The ransacked offices and forgotten safe-deposit boxes remain locked in time until young engineer Iris Latch stumbles upon them during a renovation survey. What begins as a welcome break from her cubicle becomes an obsession as Iris unravels the bank's sordid past. With each haunting revelation, Iris follows the looming shadow of the past deeper into the vault - and soon realizes that the key to the mystery comes at an astonishing price.

Free

Over the past week I added 65! free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 13, 2015

We had another awesome service today. Our Sunday School teacher talked about the signs of the end times, but more particularly, what is our response to them? I have set those notes aside for a Sunday message when we are away from town.

Pastor’s Sermon was titled: He's Still God!
He noted that the God we serve is still God.

He is Our Protector. He was with Daniel and the other Jews even when they were exiled to Babylon. He is still with us today no matter what we may go through. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Lord." Psalm 91:1. When things get bad run to God. He covers us in times of distress. He is our refuge and fortress. Psalm 91:2. He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. Psalm 91:3. He is our ever present help in trouble...Psalm 46:1-3.

He is Our Provider. Most cities were built near rivers for a water source. But Jerusalem had no river. There was a spring above the city and King Hezekiah's built a huge water tunnel to supply water in the event of any siege. God provides a river of living water for His people. Psalm 46:4; John 4:14; John 7:38-39 and Jeremiah 17:13. Our source of provision is not through our own smarts, but from Him – especially if you recognize that any smarts you may have were a gift from Him in the first place.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.

God is The Proven One.
He proved himself to the Israelites time and time again as He brought the people out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Exodus 33; Deuteronomy 8:2; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 25: 5-8 and Psalm 46:8-9, 10-11. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. We should be ready to do what He says when He directs and then trust Him as He is in control and holds the world in His hands.

Once again I started with one song but ended up with another.

You Never Let Go

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 25:5-6 NIV
5Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

I am so glad that I believe that God has proven His greatness and that He is still in control. I can trust Him to protect me, provide for me and never let me go.

Sharing Beyond Books #219 Comment Giveaway for September 12, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I am finally feeling much better. And I am looking forward to fall.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Commenters are evenly split. Nine like fairy tale retellings and nine who do not like fairy tales or have never read them. Two people want to read the Lunar Chronicles and I plan to read Cinder soon. Two others, like me, are watching Once Upon a Time. And I am pretty sure I agree with Carol L that Cora, the mother, is the most wicked.

~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #218 comments is: #9 fredamans who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #219 (One Question.)

Elizabeth asks this week: What is the weather like in your hometown in September/October??

We have pretty nice weather here in north Florida - as long as we don't have hurricanes which don't really hit my town. Temperatures in the past two weeks have been in mid to high 80s during the day and high 60s at night. In October it will be more like 80 during the day and high 50s at night. Precipitation is only about 3.4 inches. We have a major peanut harvest in October.

Image found at Agfax.com

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 book choice or 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 to use.

Your turn to share:
Elizabeth asks this week: What is the weather like in your hometown in September/October??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 September 19, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Audible Review: Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1 by Peggy L. Henderson

This is a lovely romance with a time travel, adventurous historical setting of a wagon train.

Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1
Written by: Peggy L Henderson
Narrated by: Cody Roberts

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-19-13
Publisher: Peggy L Henderson
Genre: Historical Romance, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Jake Owens is tired of life on his parents' Montana ranch, catering to city folk who want a taste of old-fashioned country living. He enjoys life in the fast lane, with fast cars and even faster women. When he falls in with the wrong crowd and is accused of murder, a stranger's bizarre offer at a second chance might be his only hope to clear his name.
Rachel Parker is highly devoted to her family. A tragedy prompts a daring move to the Oregon Territory for a fresh start in a new land. After meeting the wagon train's scout, the meaning of a fresh start may be more than she ever imagined.
Jake can't believe he's been sent back in time to act as scout for a wagon train headed for Oregon, and given the added burden of keeping one emigrant woman safe during the journey. He and Rachel are confused by their attraction to each other. Jake's ill-mannered, unconventional ways are overshadowed only by his notorious reputation. Rachel's traditional values and quiet, responsible character are the complete opposite of what attracts Jake to a woman. When their forbidden attraction turns to love, what will happen at the end of the trail?
©2012 Peggy L Henderson (P)2013 Peggy L Henderson

Review:
Jake Owens broke free of his mundane life on his parents’ Montana ranch to join a slick woman and the fast life in Los Angeles. The woman and her friends are the wrong people and set Jake up to be accused of murder. A strange man visits him in prison and offers him a second chance. The charges will be dropped against Jake if he agrees to scout for a wagon train traveling over the plains to Oregon. Jake is alarmed when he awakens in 1841 to begin his assignment which includes watching over Rachel Parker specifically.

Rachel is a young, beautiful woman devoted to her family. A tragedy has her traveling west with Tom, her drunken husband, and three young boys. When Tom stays drunk and fails to help with the trail duties, Jake steps in to help. Rachel is a woman of quiet, traditional morals who finds herself uncharacteristically attracted to the devilishly handsome, but rough, brash and supposedly womanizing, scout.

Jake tries to control his feelings for Rachel but he uncovers a secret that makes it even harder to stay away. Their relationship becomes more difficult as the people on the wagon train face the arduous dangers of the trail.

The adventure and danger of the wagon train is the backdrop for the strong love story. I really enjoyed the history as well as the growing attraction and sensual edge to the relationship. There is heartbreak on the trail and at the end of the trail that had my heart clinching. Is there any way that Rachel can “come back” to Jake?

This is the second story I read by Ms. Henderson and I enjoy her style. (See review of Audible Book Review: A Yellowstone Christmas: Yellowstone Romance Series by Peggy L. Henderson.) It is a nice break from some of the darker books I have been reading/listening to. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical western and strong love elements.

Audio Notes: I was at first surprised that a male was narrating this. However since the story is told primarily from Jake’s situation this worked out well. Cody Roberts portrayed Jake in a strong, sexy voice and managed a soft, gentle voice for Rachel. He gives appropriate voices to other characters and does a good job with the entire narration program. I enjoyed the easy listening and recommend the audio for those who like to listen to their ‘read’.

This is from my Audible Library (2015) and part of my Audio Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 11, 2015

Happy Friday - 
Is everyone looking forward to lovely fall weather? Or spring for our friends "down under"?
I've had a good week although pressed for time as I am attending an industry conference this Friday, which required travel on Thursday and staying Saturday before returning on Sunday.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to 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 September 4 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked again this week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 4 Pick:
Elizabeth gets Madison Avenue Marriage

Marjorie gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This suits me - how about you?
Image found at Starryeyedtl Pinterest.

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes - Checking re mailing
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 862+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away 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!

Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler

I enjoyed the action, mystery and magic of this story.
The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1)
by Jeff Wheeler

• File Size: 5219 KB
• Print Length: 357 pages
• Publisher: 47North (August 18, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 18, 2015
• ASIN: B00TOV0U7O
• Genre: Fantasy
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In a world full of magic and mystery, eighteen year old Maia is the exiled princess of Comoros and rightful heir to the throne. Forced to live as a servant in her enemy's home, Maia flees her captors and begins a perilous quest to save her people. To survive, she must use magic she has learned in secret despite the fact that women are forbidden to control it. Hunted by enemies at every turn, Maia realizes that danger lurks within her, too. Her powers threaten to steal not only her consciousness but also her sense of right and wrong. Can she set herself free and save the realm she lovesCeven if her people have forgotten her? In bestselling author Jeff Wheeler's fantasy epic, the answer may be only the beginning to Maia's journey throughout the mystical land of Muirwood.

Review:
Young Maia lives in a world where women are not allowed to read or write -- except if they are truly a Princess. Women are also forbidden to be Dochte Manders who are members of a religious order who use magic. When she was very young Princess Maia was allowed to train under a very special Dochte Mander who taught her forbidden skills. Maia was nine when her mother lost another son at birth and her parent’s marriage fell apart. Although her father, the king of Comoros, loved Maia he was obsessed with having a son as an heir and also with removing the magical elements from his kingdom. Maia was sent to the border lands to learn the duties of being a mediator. She returned three years later to find her mother banished and a new woman in the castle with a young son who looks a lot like the King.

Maia is declared a bastard and banished from the castle. She is sent to live with one of her stepsisters who mocks her and reduces her to a despised servant. The king also removed all of the Dochte Mander from the kingdom which resulted in hardship and unrest.

After some time in her desperate position Maia is called to the king who sends her on a quest that will take her through enemy lands to the most northern of the seven realms. The journey begins with a kishion guard (a trained assassin) as her sole companion. Along the way they are joined by a skilled hunter Jon Tayt and his loyal boarhound. Jon Tayt agrees to guide them even though it is clear the way will be fraught with dangers. Whenever Maia uses magic to protect them she also opens her mind to the Dochte Mander who are seeking to capture her.

Maia also meets a handsome man who is the Dahomony king’s collier (stable master). Feint Collier is a dangerous man who is incessant on pursuing Maia, knowing that she was pledged to his king as an infant until her father broke that pledge.

This was the first story I read by Mr. Wheeler and I enjoyed the writing and the world building. There is plenty of swordplay and intrigue that moves the story along well and there are some nice bits of wisdom and symbolism. The political history and personal issues are nicely filled in through Maia’s dreams. However there is so much going on in the intrigue that I felt as though I was playing catch–up in the Muirwood world. I really enjoyed the characters although I thought that Feint, who is two years younger than Maia’ 18 years, is rather young for the confidence and authority he displays.

There were some positive points of the ending but I was a bit disappointed that it left many points which can only be resolved by reading the next book. I recommend this to readers who enjoy engaging fantasy as long as they are prepared to read on in the series.

I received this through NetGalley. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Review: The Empire's Corps by Christopher G. Nuttall

This is engaging with lots of action.

The Empire's Corps

Written by: Christopher G. Nuttall

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Series: The Empire's Corps, Book 1

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07 18 14

Publisher: Podium Publishing

Genre: Sci Fi, Futuristic, Military

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

You should never speak truth to power

The Galactic Empire is dying and chaos and anarchy are breaking out everywhere. After a disastrous mission against terrorists on Earth itself, Captain Edward Stalker of the Terran Marine Corps makes the mistake of speaking truth to power, telling one of the most powerful men in the Empire a few home truths. As a result, Captain Stalker and his men are unceremoniously exiled to Avalon, a world right on the Rim of the Empire. It should have been an easy posting....

Well, apart from the bandits infesting the countryside, an insurgency that threatens to topple the Empire's loose control over Avalon, and a corrupt civil government more interested in what it can extort from the population than fighting a war. The Marines rapidly find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of political and economic chaos, fighting to preserve Avalon before the competing factions tear the world apart. They're Marines; if anyone can do it, they can.

The battle to save the Empire starts here.

@Book Revie2012 Christopher G. Nuttall (P) 2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
Captain Edward Stalker of the Terran Marine Corps is a sharp Marine officer. But the Civil Guard on Earth are the main authority force of the Empire. The controlling senate is corrupt and doesn’t want the honesty and integrity of the Marines. Stalker is banished after he impugns (“speaks truth to power”) the Senate for blaming his troops for tragedy after they had to step in to resolve a terrorist attack that the Civil Guard made worse instead of quelling.

Stalker and his corps are sent to Avalon, a world on the outer rim of colonized space. Avalon’s main settlement is Camelot and their society is in major trouble. Corruption has entered the governmental system and the city is divided between the rich and powerful and the suffering indentured classes. The Governor can no longer act without the authority of the corrupt Council. The convicts sent to the planet have escaped to become bandits in the hills. There is an underground group known as the Crackers who have lost one rebellion seeking reforms but are rebuilding. And the local Civil Guard is poorly equipped, poorly trained and infiltrated with insurgents.

Stalker has to tread lightly to stay within the chain of authority in addressing issues on the planet. Although they recognize corruption and suspect spies they have problems finding proof and determining who to trust.

The universe history and political and social imbalances are presented well, although it seemed that, with a few exceptions, the only good, honorable and trustworthy people were the Marines. I liked how each Chapter starts with a quote that fills in Empire history, marine traditions or insurgent strategies. There is personal interaction intermingled with plenty of physical danger and action that moved the story along at a good, engaging pace. The characters could use a bit more depth but I generally enjoyed the several primary characters: Captain Stalker, an intense Rifleman, Jasmine, an Avalon training recruit, Michael, banished Professor Leo Caesius, and a few more.

I would love this story except for two elements: there is a lot of cursing/foul language and a great deal of sexual innuendos and salacious banter. These will probably have me looking to other series for my military space opera enjoyment. I do recommend this book to readers who like sci-fi military action and aren’t put off by bad words and bawdy banter.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer does a grand job with narration. He captures the voices and conveys the intensity and danger of the situation. The audio made this an faster, more interesting read for me.

This was from my Audible Library as a 2014 selection. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and I count it as a TBR since it is not a 2015 selection.