Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 9, 2015

Happy Friday.
We have made it to 8:00pm so hopefully the power will stay up tonight. Losing power made me ponder what life would be like without it. I could listen to my Kindle and MP3 until their charges ran out. Then I would have to go back to print books and reading by daylight or candle/fire light. We should give thanks for all we have while we have it!
I have had a swamped week and my desk is covered with files that I will be in tomorrow to work on before I become overwhelmed. 

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 October 2 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.
AUTO: rubynreba gets Only by Your Touch

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 2 Pick:
Janhvi gets a GC

CarolNW gets The Man Who Ate the 747

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.}

Lovely thought! Books are for EVERYONE!

Image found at National Book Foundation.

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!

ANTHOLOGIES:
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
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

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

SINGLES:
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
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)

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

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 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
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
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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 873+ 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!

Delay in Friday Book Pick Post 10-9-15

Hi all and Happy Friday.
My home power has gone out the last two nights (our whole neighborhood) for about two hours. 8pm on Wednesday and 7:45 on Thursday just as I was sitting down to work on the computer. Since the power was off we went to bed early both nights. :-)
I was up and out early for court this morning and have had a full day at work.
I hope to get the post up late tonight or early Saturday.
Enjoy your Friday everyone!

Audible Review: The Remaining: Allegiance by D. J. Molles

This wasn’t the strongest episode but I thought it still moved forward well.
The Remaining: Allegiance
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-24-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the fifth novel in the action-packed series following Special Forces Captain Lee Harden and a group of survivors struggling to make their way in a ruined world. After a bacterium has turned 90 percent of the population into a ravenous horde, Lee must complete his mission: SURVIVE, RESCUE, REBUILD.
©2015 D.J. Molles (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
This is the fifth novel in the series. Lee is trying to recover from his injuries and struggles. He is trying to help with the state of leadership at Camp Ryder, while trying to figure out how he can help the two convoys that went east and west.

LaRouche has gone missing from the east group leaving Wilson to continue the scrambling efforts to destroy the bridges over the Roanoke River. The team is on a desperate race to stay ahead of the infected hordes they can hear and see on the north side of the river.

Harper’s team has reached Eden only to discover that they may be too late to prevent the spread of the infected hordes there. His team has been joined by a group of Marines although there is some friction between the Camp Ryder team and the Marines. An impulsive and angry decision puts one team member down with a broken leg. But real trouble appears when a betrayal takes place.

While we follow the usual characters, we also get to follow new characters. Abe and Luke were part of Project Hometown until they got new orders. They have begun to question if they are doing the ‘right’ thing. They are moving in one direction but become captives of a new element in the story.

Things move quickly in this episode following five different threads. There is still good action and much conflict as personalities continue to mold with the new realities and moralities of the situation. Sides are being drawn between those who support the concept of Project Hometown and those who are committed to follow the new President with the plans to abandon the southern states to the hordes. Lee and Camp Ryder have to face the fact that they cannot succeed without gaining new alliances.

This installment has a bit too much internal introspection that creates strange pauses. Still, I am completely wrapped in this series and I am anxious to listen to the next book to find out what happens. (There is still a lot of violence and language continuing in the series although maybe not as heavy or noticeable/memorable.)

Audio Notes: I don’t have much new to add regarding the excellent narration by Christian Rummel. I read the two novellas on Kindle and I am glad to be back to audio for the rest of the series. The narration enhances the intensity and entertainment value for me.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella

I selected this with a September Audible Credit. This adds to my Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post October 4, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 5, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! at Book Journey is active again too.

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

My DH and I enjoyed a relaxing Bahama's cruise.  We met many Christians on the ship which was encouraging and refreshing for us. We were glad to return before bad weather but I am mindful of (and prayerful for) the many states experiencing rain and flooding this past week. 

I enjoyed my reading and listening.  I finished three books: two audio and one ebook. I posted five reviews and the usual memes posted.

I didn't visit last week as I was away on cruise with limited internet. I hope to do better this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 27, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 28, 2015.

• Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors; Historical Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.

• Audio Review: The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel by Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.

• Friday Pick Giveaway October 2, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/8/2015.

• Book Review: The Remaining: Trust: A Novella by D.J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: The Remaining: Faith: A Novella by D.J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott Women's Fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #222 Comment Giveaway for October 3, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 10/10/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 4, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP3

The Remaining: Extinction
by D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
I think this is the conclusion but 
I would like more.
I will post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle + Print

First the Dead: A Bug Man Novel
by Tim Downs
We discussed this at Ladies' Book Club on Saturday October 3, 2015. 
I will post a review and giveaway later this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

Annihilation: Love Conquers All
Written by: Saxon Andrew
Narrated by: Liam Owen
I needed more sci fi after finishing The Remaining series so I pulled this from my Audible Library from August 2014.
Publisher's Summary
Annihilation: Love Conquers All offers humor and a tale of enduring love against the backdrop of galactic war on a grand scale.
Tag, an exceptional young human living in Central City on the planet Earth, tries to keep his powerful, one-of-a-kind skills undetected by leading an ordinary life and staying under the radar. But one day, on the way home from school, Tag's compassion leads him to make a decision that alters the course of his life - and history.
The Alliance of Worlds, which includes Earth as a ruled non-member, has decided that humans are to be annihilated as an example to anyone who discovers an ancient alien technology, even though there is no proof against them. The Alliance thinks fifty thousand warships can do the job. Unfortunately, the humans are not cooperating with their plan and one young human who has fallen in love will change everything...
In this epic story, author Saxon Andrew takes us into the future and the lives of human and nonhuman characters alike. Along with a hearty dose of battles and spaceships, this is a story that offers humor and a tale of enduring love against the backdrop of galactic war on a grand scale.
©March 2011 Saxon Andrew (P)2014 Saxon Andrew Publishing LLC.

Currently reading:
1. Print Book

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story, O'Malley Series #1
By Dee Henderson
I haven't quite finished this although we discussed it Saturday at ladies' book club.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Written by: Lynne Olson
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
I had this in my Audible library since 2011 so it is part of my TBR Challenge. 
I am about 5 hours in and finding it quite interesting.
Publisher's Summary
In Citizens of London, Lynne Olson has written a work of World War II history even more relevant and revealing than her acclaimed Troublesome Young Men.
Here is the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three key American players in London: Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, Olson skillfully depicts the dramatic personal journeys of these men who, determined to save Britain from Hitler, helped convince a cautious Franklin Roosevelt and a reluctant American public to support the British at a critical time. The three---Murrow, the handsome, chain-smoking head of CBS News in Europe; Harriman, the hard-driving millionaire who ran FDR's Lend-Lease program in London; and Winant, the shy, idealistic U.S. ambassador to Britain---formed close ties with Winston Churchill and were drawn into Churchill's official and personal circles. So intense were their relationships with the Churchills that they all became romantically involved with members of the prime minister's family: Harriman and Murrow with Churchill's daughter-in-law, Pamela, and Winant with his favorite daughter, Sarah.
Others were honorary "citizens of London" as well, including the gregarious, fiercely ambitious Dwight D. Eisenhower, an obscure general who, as the first commander of American forces in Britain, was determined to do everything in his power to make the alliance a success, and Tommy Hitchcock, a world-famous polo player and World War I fighter pilot who helped save the Allies' bombing campaign against Germany. Citizens of London, however, is more than just the story of these Americans and the world leaders they aided and influenced.
©2010 Lynne Olson (P)2010 Tantor

3. eBook/Kindle

Children of the Comet
by Donald Moffitt
This releases October 13, 2015 so I am reading it now to review. I am 15% in.
I received this through NetGalley.
In the far future, on top of a gigantic tree rooted in the ice ball of a comet, a young man’s journey leads to unexpected encounters

In this brand-new cosmic adventure by the author of The Genesis Quest and The Jupiter Theft, Torris, son of the Facemaker, knows only his small community at the base of the great Tree on a comet with almost no gravity or atmosphere. Torris’s daily struggle for survival includes harvesting frozen air to keep breathing, dodging flutterbeasts, and hunting meatbeasts for food. When it comes time to make his vision quest to the top of the Tree, Torris is completely unprepared for what he finds: first, a thieving and hostile fellow quester; then, Ning, a female hunter from a neighboring tree-bearing comet, who has catapulted across empty space in search of food to save her family; and ultimately, alien visitors in a massive starship that has spent billions of years crossing the galaxy.

Shocked at the cultural differences between his home and Ning’s and stunned by the changes precipitated by the arrival of the spaceship, Torris must learn quickly, adapt even faster, and face an uncertain and rapidly changing future unlike anything he has ever imagined.

4. eBook Kindle

Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1)
by Lara Adrian
This has still been pushed to the side but I do expect to start it before week's end. 
Click on book title for full description.

October 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 five reviews last week which was good for being out on cruise! This left only one old plus the three new titles from this week.
I finished one book from NetGalley and started another this week. I didn't add any new books (although tempted!) so my waiting NetGalley shelf is now six.
I am pulling in more books off my Kindle and Audible shelves for my TBR Challenge - I just have to read them and not postpone them. :-) 

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 didn't select any review books and I didn't purchase any except I added more free kindle titles to my library.

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

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I again added 55 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 October 4, 2015

It was lovely to be back with home church family this morning. The pastor we are supporting in Haiti is here for local spiritual days. The Band of Brothers returning from the Haiti trip had a remarkable story to tell about one of our friends who was detained and arrested. Thank God that He was in control and used the situation as an opportunity to share witness to God’s grace and glory! (More on that another time.)

Pastor’s Sermon was “How Big is Your God?”
Our ‘home’, Earth, is just a teeny speck in the observable universe. Yet God is the creator of all of that observable universe. We need to remember that the closer you get to the action, the less interference there is. If we want a closer relationship with God, we have to keep praise, worship and prayer in the forefront of our lives.

Pastor shared the story of Jesus healing the blind man from Luke 18:35-43. See also the version in Mark 11:46-end where it says that the blind man cast off his coat – the coat was his right to a beggar’s position. When we trust God to get us out of a position of begging we move to Him and move to a position of blessing.
Don’t tell God how big your storm is. Tell your storm how big your God is!
SO -- How big is your God?

I am sharing a video that includes images our pastor shared in still shots.

There are other fascinating links too: check here or just google search "earth compared to universe".

I found this song to share to fit today's message.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?

God created us, sent His only son, Jesus, to redeem us since we can never be good enough on our own. And He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us through our days here in this ‘foreign world”. I am thankful that I believe in an Almighty, all powerful God. I can feel peace and joy knowing He controls the world and yet cares for me.

Sharing Beyond Books #222 Comment Giveaway for October 3, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I am glad to be home and I am praying for those folks who went on the Bahama cruise the day we returned. Their trip may have been a bit rocky.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Twelve commenters do not read fanfiction and at least three of us had to look it up to see what it meant.  Miki, Fredamans and Nikki have read fanfiction. Alyn noted that some stories we have read might have been fanfiction but we didn't realize it - like 50 Shades of Grey and The Mortal Instruments series.

~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #221 comments is: #2 Natalija 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 #221 (One Question.)

Marjorie asks: Do you feel as though you are online too often??

[I consider this different from a previous question of how much time we spend on the computer.] I am online each day if I am posting a review or meme on my blog or posting reviews at Amazon and NetGalley. And I try to visit 10 to 20 other blogs each week although that doesn't always happen. Other than that I do not spend much time "online". I rarely visit Facebook and Goodreads because they take too much time.  Oh - I am online too to pick up free kindle books, which goes pretty quickly, and to pick out new audible books which takes longer.  I don't see much way to reduce the time unless I choose to do less on the blog.

Image found at SparkPeople.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:
Marjorie asks: Do you feel as though you are online too often??

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 October 10, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott

This is not my usual reading taste but in the end I found it remarkable.

Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel

by Julianna Baggott

File Size: 1098 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0316375101
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (August 18, 2015)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00S5A6HQS
Genre: Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

"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.

Review:
This is a most unusual book. It starts out with a punch as Harriet announces she was born dead… She then proceeds to explain. Although Harriet is the primary figure, the book weaves in and out of her life and through the lives of her stubborn and controlling daughter, Eleanor, and Eleanor’s two daughters, rebellious, bitter, Ruth and fragile but inquisitive Tilton. Harriet slowly shares her background as a seemingly moronic child placed at the Maryland School for Feeble-minded Children, a specialized school, in the early 1900s. After a number of years it is discovered that Harriet is actually a genius but her father views a genius female child as a waste and leaves her in the school. Harriet meets a young boy at the school and they fall in love.

Harriet’s mother discovers by accident that Harriet is alive and she immediately brings her home from school. Mother and daughter have several wonderful years together, while dad remains late at work and out of the way. Harriet’s live is set in a tail spin when her mother dies and her father returns the senior teen to another facility. Eventually Harriet moves out on her own and establishes a life that ultimately leads to writing a series of six books that reach great popularity and academic acclaim. Everyone was sure there was a seventh book but Eleanor insists she does not have it and keeps her house closed to any fans or inquiries.

The story shifts chapters between the four female characters and the reader gets to see the strengths, weaknesses and the dysfunction of each. Eleanor’s circumstance was impacted by events that led to her husband leaving. Eleanor adopted the attitude: “Human beings are shaped by tragedy and this one’s ours.” Ruth blamed her mother for her father walking out and resented her mother’s focus on her fragile sister. Once she left home Ruth had not expected to return, even to save Tilton as she had once promised. Tilton is a lovely character full of gentleness and joy. It is so sad that she has been completely overprotected by her mother. As the current lives of Eleanor and her girls unfold and head toward collision, Harriet’s tale continues to reveal the great joys and loves of her life. The story and the characters finally “bloomed”.

The writing is smooth with a lyrical tone and some incredible descriptions. The historical elements regarding treatment of the ‘feeble-minded’ are rather fascinating. The difficult and tangled feelings between mothers and daughters is a primary focus of the book.

I am not big into drama and I almost stopped reading this at about a third in. I found it somewhat depressing as well as outright bizarre. I am glad I persevered as the ending made the entire book worthwhile for me! I am sure that readers who enjoy family drama would like the journey better than I did but I am glad that there was light and love revealed at the end. The author states a precept that I have long believed that “joy needs sorrow to understand itself. And sorrow, without joy, has no bearings” (location 707). She also makes a clear point that each individual has a unique life experience that results from their unique way of perceiving (location 2140). My final impression of the total work: remarkable.

This is a book I was invited to read at NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: The Remaining: Faith: A Novella by D. J. Molles

This is another novella bringing a civilian perspective to this interesting series.
The Remaining: Faith: A Novella
by D.J. Molles

• File Size: 1130 KB
• Print Length: 74 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (May 27, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00HK6UA34
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The world is slipping into chaos. A mysterious plague has come stateside, and Clyde Bealey suddenly finds himself with nothing but a suitcase full of worthless things and a desperate sense that he must prove himself to his pregnant wife. As he tries to lead his family to safety through a world filled with madmen, he will learn that the cost of his pride might be more than he can bear.

Review:
This novella fills in early details of the plague effects as it focuses on a civilian couple in an evacuation situation. The behavior of the public is not too surprising and brings home the huge gap between the lifestyle most of us take for granted and the hardships of surviving without basics like electricity, water and society protections. Clyde’s character is a great contrast to the military characters who are primary in the installments so far. But even a man like Clyde might find a place in the new disordered world.

This is an interesting, if disturbing, character study. Again, the novella serves to fill in background and develop a character who will appear in the next installment(s). I would not recommend this book without the full series but this serves to pull in a different, and interesting perspective before moving on to the next full book.

Again, this is pricey for a digital and for an audio book. Still, I am glad I read it as part of the whole series. The novellas strengthen the stage to jump into book 5, The Remaining: Allegiances.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella

I purchased this second novella as it fits in the series before Book 5.

Book Review: The Remaining: Trust: A Novella by D.J. Molles

This Novella presents background material and an important character for this series.

The Remaining: Trust: A Novella
by D.J. Molles

• File Size: 502 KB
• Print Length: 83 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (March 25, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00HCKSYAE
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

D..J. Molles' stunning Remaining saga continues in this first novella in the series set in a world ravaged by a bacterium that has turned 90% of the population into ravenous animals.
While Captain Lee Harden struggles to fulfill his part in Project Hometown his trusted friend and ally Major Abe Darabie works to hold up his end of the mission. But caught between his responsibility to the mission and the ambitions of a new president Abe must decide where his duty lies and whom he can trust in a country turned upside down.

Review:
This novella focuses on a character who, although mentioned in the previous books, has not been an active character. Major Abe Darabie was Captain Lee Harden’s superior in Project Hometown. They were friends before the plague hit but now it appears that Abe is operating under new orders from the new – or in Lee’s opinion “acting” - president.

Abe is called out to help a team that is retrieving supplies. The team has been attacked and Abe is alarmed when he learns the identity of the attackers. The new information has Abe questioning the changes being implemented by President Briggs. Can Abe trust the ambitious intentions of the new president or should he trust his old orders and duties?

This gives the reader an up close view of Abe and the dilemma that officers face when duty to a superior conflicts with duty to the people. What happens when superior orders are inconsistent with doing ‘what’s right, legally and morally’? Who defines the ‘right’ and where is the line drawn between safety and survival for some but not for all? The novella isn't as action intense as other installments but it serves an informational purpose rather than just more action.

I enjoyed this quick novella and thought it was a good way to fill in the background of the opposition that has declared Lee to be a “non-viable asset”. Abe, and his second hand man, Lucas, are developed so they can appear in the next full installment(s) of the series. The price was a bit high for the product but it was more acceptable in digital format than the price of audio for such a short work.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4

I purchased this Novella which is one of two that fit before the fifth book in the series.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 2, 2015

Happy Friday.
We had a very relaxing time on the cruise but we are glad to be home with our puppies. :-)  
The ship moved swiftly to avoid most of the winds from hurricane Joaquin. 
Weather here at home is lovely - 70 degrees F at 6pm. However it is alarming to think it is October already!

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 25 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 25 Pick:
miki gets a GC

Elizabeth gets Cattle Rancher, Secret Son

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.}

Guess I missed this last week. 
I am thankful we do not have book censorship. 

Image found at Montclair Public Library.

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!

ANTHOLOGIES:
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
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

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

SINGLES:
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
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)

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

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 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
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
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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 871+ 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!

Audio Review: The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel by Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar

This is full of entertaining, intense action and danger.
The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel
Written by: Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Series: Sniper Elite, Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-12-15

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Genre: Military Thriller

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

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

Review:
Gil Shannon is a CIA operative called the Sniper. He is known for his fierce determination to see a mission through and remove any terrorist threats he can reach. He has been sent to remove one threat but comes upon a conspiracy that included false identity, agency betrayal and ties to Sasha Govolanko, a renowned former Russian sniper known as the Wolf. Gil joins up with a Russian specialist, Degrunov, as they chase the Wolf through Paris, Sicily, Turkey and ultimately Russia. Along the way Gil and Degrunov become the hunted prey of the Wolf, as well as the hunters.

Meanwhile several dishonest CIA operatives around the world are juggling and running as a strict leader, Robert Pope, intent on cleaning house, becomes the newly appointed commander of the CIA. As Pope, and other leaders at the highest levels, including the President and a General, share information about Gil’s locations and actions they learn how easy it is to speak too freely around employees who may have been compromised or turned by greed. There is a lot of behind the action, political maneuvering to balance and negotiate interests. Gil keeps creating ‘messes’ and his superiors are continuing to use the problems to their best political interest and advantage.

I enjoyed the fast paced, dangerous action and the intrigue. Scenes bounce from one side of the world to the other as Gil deals with foreign killers and an assassin tracks the rogue CIA agents. There are parts of the story that sounded like an armory inventory. There is some harsh language and, of course, much violence. The writing has a feel of Marvel comic heroism to it which provides good entertainment.  The level of realism is either scary or questionable - I am undecided. I recommend this to readers/listeners who like action, military thrillers.

Audio Notes: This was slow going as the format required that I listen to it on my computer instead of my player. I would much prefer to download this through Audible than in the format from the publisher. The quality of the production is very good and Brian Hutchison does a good job with the narration. He provided varied voices and accents and conveyed the intensity of the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment for the story.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies as part of my Audio Challenge.

Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors

What’s not to love? These eight historical Christmas romances are delightful!

The Last Chance Christmas Ball

by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, and Cara Elliott

• File Size: 949 KB

• Print Length: 320 pages

• Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2015)

• Publication Date: September 29, 2015

• ASIN: B00RRT32HU

Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year…

A chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, a stolen glance across the dance floor—amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart. There’s the headstrong heiress who must win back her beloved by midnight—or be wed to another….the spinster whose fateful choice to relinquish love may hold one more surprise for her…a widow yearning to glimpse her long-lost love for even one sweet, fleeting interlude …a charming rake who finds far more than he bargained for. And many other dazzling, romantic tales in this star-studded collection that will fill your heart and spice up your holidays…

Review:
This is a charming and delightful collection of Regency romances. Several of them are second chance stories: young lovers are divided by parents; young men go off to war and return wounded and broken or do not return at all. There are young women alone who believe they are on the shelf and resigned to become a spinster aunt, a companion or a teacher.

Lady Holly is a determined matchmaker. She is hosting the annual New Year’s Ball that she calls the Last Chance Christmas Ball. She insists on inviting certain young ladies whom she suspects could find love if they don't give up. She is also careful to invite certain single men as dance partners and potential life partners.

Some of the couples are snowed in or meet by misadventure in the storm. Others know each other or meet at the house before the ball.

I was impressed how each of the authors wove the last chance party and theme into their different love stories. I enjoy these authors (The Word Wenches) individually and joining them together created a package that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is a delightful collection that I highly recommend to readers who like historical romance with the magic of Christmas.


Prologue by Jo Beverley –  This sets the scene by describing the event and the invited ladies with a bit of description for each circumstance.
My True Love Hath My Heart by Joanna Bourne – A younger son, Nick, tends to do a bit of spying for the government. He has followed his sweetheart to the house party where she is acting as a housemaid for some purpose unknown to him. Claire is a jewel artist who has broken off her affair with Nick for what seemed like good reasons at the time. She may be facing some danger and he will see that she doesn’t face it alone – even in spite of her own protests. This includes sexy intrigue.
A Scottish Carol by Susan King – Henry and Clarinda had a history of interest but her family had pledged her out of obligation and Henry went off to war leaving her behind. She becomes stranded at his home by the storm. Will they be able to move beyond their long ago feelings of abandonment to find a new chance? Misunderstandings sometimes lead to sweet reunion.
Christmas Larks by Patricia Rice – Ivo was wounded in war and on his way home to his mother’s beloved estate he suffers a head injury from an attack by highway men. Sarah was 17 years old when her childhood friend Ivo become engaged to another young woman. She has resigned herself to running an orphanage that is being set up in Ivo’s mother’s home thanks to his guardian’s generous gifting of the property. Sarah will nurse Ivo back to health what will happen when he learns the property is no longer his? And how are they going to handle the talking mice inside the walls? Strong characters and adorable little 'mice'!
In The Bleak Midwinter by Mary Jo Putney – Kim has returned to his home a broken and scarred warrior. He will only allow his faithful batman, Jamie to help him. He refuses to see any of his family or old friend’s including the young neighbor he once loved, Roxie. Roxie has tentatively agreed to marry Kim’s younger brother, Edward, so the adjacent properties can merged. But strong-minded Roxie isn’t going to let Kim go without one last chance fight to overcome his qualms. Heartwarming determination.
Old Flames Dance by Cara Elliott – Edward was very young when he fell in love with Lily. Their families separated them and Lily was married to an older man. Now Lily has returned from foreign lands, twice widowed. She can only dare to hope that she might renew a relationship with Edward but is stricken to learn he may be announcing his betrothal to the vibrant Roxie. He is shocked to recognize her among the guests even if she seems to be hiding in plain sight. Is there a chance for a new dance for these divided lovers? Distinct characters with latent sparks.
A Season for Marriage by Nicola Cornick – Caroline has been married to Piers for six months but their relationship is struggling. He saved her from compromise not realizing that she already had a crush on him. Piers wants nothing to do with deep love as he saw what happened to his own parents as they neglected their children when they were so absorbed with each other. Can a risk of scandal get him to give their marriage a new beginning? Restoration and submission can be so sweet.
Miss Finch and the Angel by Jo Beverley – Clio Finch is acting as companion to Lady Holly. Lady Holly thinks she will have to find someone else as the quiet girl doesn’t suit her outgoing personality. Gabriel has consented to come to his Godmother’s ball to dance with the single ladies. After all, most ladies seem more interesting if they have been seen in the company of a handsome rake. Gabriel isn’t planning to fall for any of those single ladies but he soon is intrigued to find out what secrets have forced Clio into hiding in the shadows. Will an angel help Clio find new Christmas magic? It is always fun to see the good and heroic side of a Rake revealed.
Mistletoe Kisses by Anne Gracie – Allie is an orphan now and will be ousted upon arrival of her cousin. She has sent all of the house servants on Christmas holiday so she can spending a solitary last Christmas in her childhood home before leaving to become a teacher. Allie is startled by a commotion outside and discovers a carriage accident which strands Lord John and his young, rather spoiled sister. John and Lucilla are soon caught up by Allie’s competence and her warm Christmas spirit of giving. Could Allie find a special gift this Christmas? This has a stumble with a delightful recovery.

I picked this up at NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Giveaway Link: I was invited to one giveaway but it ended in 24 hours. So here is another I found that is open until October 15: Thank you Ms. Elliott!  http://www.caraelliott.com/contests.html