Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 19, 2016

Happy Friday!
Sorry the post is late today. I was very tired last night and never turned on the computer. I completely forgot it was Thursday night! I am not blaming the cold I am rebuking -- just a tired brain. :-)

[It is really lovely to know that online friends around the world respond to prayer requests. My nephew is doing well with his recovery and the PT is pleased. He sees the surgeon again today to remove stitches and for follow-up. We are all very glad and we thank you my friends for your prayer support. ] 

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

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

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

Thank you to all who entered the February 12 Pick. There were TWO 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 were two blocked titles again.
Alyn gets the Victoria Alexander Pair
Sue gets Walking After Midnight 

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 12 Pick:
Rubynreba gets The Cinderella Plan 

Natalija 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 image seemed appropriate for today. :-)

Image found at Skreened (no longer available).

New Book Goup #63 January 22, 2016
(I have the picture and will try to get the list up before I crash. Sorry no links right now.)

PAIRS:
Victoria Alexander: The Pursuit of Marriage (slight creasing) and When We Meet Again
Shannon Drake: Reckless and When we Touch
James Patterson: Black Friday and Hide and Seek (both have spine creasing)
SINGLES:
Presidential Antidotes by Paul F. Boller, Jr.
Undercurrents by Stella Cameron
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight
Moving Target by Cheyenne McCray
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes
Walking After Moonlight by Karen Robards
Forgotten Promises by Denise Skelton
A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks - hardback

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015

Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


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

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
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:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
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:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

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 -- All Gone

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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 928+ 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!

Guest Post On Jujitsuffragettes by L Davis Munro PLUS Giveaway!

On Jujitsuffragettes
by L Davis Munro 

One of the most frequent questions I get asked by readers is: How did you come up with the idea to make Emmy learn Jujitsu?

I didn’t, it is based on true historical events!

The suffragettes learned Jujitsu when they started experiencing violence from the police and especially when the Cat and Mouse Act took effect. This act allowed women to be released from jail early due to health issues, caused by hunger striking, and then re-arrested under the same charge and sentence when they were healthy. This brought huge stress on their bodies and caused some serious medical issues. The suffragettes needed a way to protect themselves from being re-arrested, so a group of women formed The Bodyguard. They were taught Jujistu from Edith Garrud and learned how to defend themselves. The Bodyguard protected prominent suffrage leaders during public events and engaged in hand to hand combat with the police on many occasions. It was a really fascinating piece of their history that I discovered during my research for this book. These women were knicknamed Suffrajitsus or Jujitsuffragettes by the media at the time.

Tony Wolf has written a short biography of Edith Garrud and also a fascinating graphic novel called “Suffragitsu: Mrs. Pankhurst’s Amazons”, an alternate history of The Bodyguard women. I am a huge fan and highly recommend it!! And if you are interested in more, many of the women who were part of The Bodyguard wrote autobiographies. One book I particularly loved is “With All Her Might: The Life of Gertrude Harding Militant Suffragette” by Gretchen Wilson.

“Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette” only starts Emmy’s journey in Jujitsu. The second book will delve more into this part of the history and The Bodyguard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Image from Wikipedea, article on Emmeline Pankhurst

SEE MY REVIEW POST FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOK AND THE AUTHOR.

GIVEAWAY!
Win 1 of 2 prizes!  A copy of Emmy Nation + $15 Amazon gift card

(print book USA & Canada) (ebook International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1) by L Davis Munro

This is thought provoking, eye opening and a wonderful read!

Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1)
by L Davis Munro

File Size: 2613 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018RBXQ9U
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

A fascinating glimpse into often-overlooked aspects of women’s history, Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette follows a young typewriter girl as she struggles to survive on her own in 1913 London.
Emmy’s wages are far from sufficient to feed and clothe her properly, so when she’s offered a better-paying job with Scotland Yard she doesn’t hesitate to accept—even though it means spying on the seemingly harmless Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). She soon meets Edith, a wealthy suffragette, who promises to show Emmy the ropes.
When a man from her past takes over the Scotland Yard task force and questions her loyalty, Emmy accepts a risky mission from the WSPU to prove her value to both sides, only to wind up endangering herself and Edith and wondering for what or whom she’s actually fighting.
Honest, yet hopeful, about the hardships facing women in the early twentieth century, this story honors the human struggle for equality and serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of standing up for your beliefs.

Review:
Emmy is a young woman who makes a desperate choice to leave her home and set up life on her on in London. In 1913 jobs for women are scarce but, after learning how to type, Emmy secures a position at Scotland Yard, typing police reports. She struggles to eat each day and still save money for new boots.

Emmy is offered an increase in pay (and clothes!) to infiltrate the Women’s Social Political Union (WSPU). She is to report the names of the agitators and warn the department of any destructive and embarrassing activities so they can be nipped in the bud. Emmy meets a wealthy suffragette, Edith, who takes Emmy under her wings and shows her how to help in the movement. Slowly Emmy gains recognition and becomes closer to the leaders, learning more valuable information.  Meanwhile, Emmy develops a friendship with her “body guard”, Colin, who watches over her and helps her when she faces difficulties with her sweet landlady.

Emmy is surprised when a man from her past is appointed her new boss. He challenges her loyalty, accusing her of being 'one of those suffragette women' seeking independence. To show her commitment to get the important information, Emmy volunteers for a risky mission. She and Edith face serious danger and have to determine how much the movement means to them.

I found this to be a wonderful bit of history that made me think about, and appreciate, what the suffragettes did to help the cause of women everywhere! I enjoyed watching Emmy’s character grow. Even as a sweet young woman she isn’t afraid to take a stand when she sets her mind to a decision. However, her motives change as she gains a better understanding of her past and present choices. I liked the gentle, growing friendship with Colin and the fact that their friendship faces challenges that have to be sorted out.

The writing is in present tense from Emmy’s view which is interesting. There is good description and detail, even in some difficult situations. The story moved along well and kept me eager to find out what happened next. Now I have to wait for the next book to discover where Emmy goes with her new found courage and decisions.

Although this is a book for those who like historical fiction, I highly recommend this as a wonderful read for all women -- and men too; anyone who might be interested in the struggles women faced gaining the right to vote and be heard as more than just dutiful wives. Grab this book up at only $.99 and enjoy while learning history!

I received this for an honest review as part of iRead Book Tour. This qualifies for E on my Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare as I received this at the end of 2015. 

SEE GUEST POST AND GIVEAWAY NEXT POST!
 

Buy the book:  Amazon   Book Depository

Author's Bio:
L. Davis Munro holds a master’s degree with a focus on women’s suffrage theatre and works in theatre and dance. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and her dog.

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

See the video trailer:

Tour Schedule:

Feb 15 - Working Mommy Journal - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 15 - Amie's Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 - Jorie Loves a Story - review / author interview

Feb 16 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review

Feb 17 - Laura Fabiani - Top 500 Amazon.ca Reviewer - review

Feb 17 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - guest post

Feb 18 - Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 19 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway

Feb 22 - Book Reviews Nature Photos and Everything in Between - review

Feb 22 - History from a Woman's Perspective - review

Feb 23 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Feb 23 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Feb 24 - Sahar's Blog - review

Feb 25 - Laura's Interests - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 26 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Audible Book Review: Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance by Michael G. Thomas

This is an action packed space battle with teen cadets as the heroes of the fight.
Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance
Written by: Michael G. Thomas
Narrated by: Andrew B. Wehrlen

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-29-15
Publisher: Swordworks Books
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Nate has a talent for space combat after hundreds of victories in the Star Crusader videogame simulation. His skills are unique, enough to gain him a rare privilege: the chance to join five other Alliance cadets and escape the dull routine of the classroom. They will enter a fierce competition light-years away in the ancient Byotai Empire. Yet days after their arrival a rebellious faction begins a bloody mutiny that spreads like wildfire. The time for competition has ended; the time of war has begun.
A handful of capital ships attempt to avoid the massacre, but only Relentless escapes. Nate and his friends are aboard, part of the few to make it out alive. Relentless is a heavily armored assault ship, a relic from another age, but most of her crew members are dead or missing. Nate and his fellow cadets have to face the unthinkable. Under the guidance of Lieutenant Higgins, the ship's last fighter pilot, the six cadets have just days to practice operating the ship's fighters. There are no others. Only they can defend the ship, or face death at the hands of the enemy.
©2015 Swordworks Books (P)2015 Swordworks Books

Review:
Nate is a seventeen-year-old who has played hundreds of games on a vidogame known as Star Crusader. Based on his successful victories Nate has won a place in the Alliance cadet program. The Alliance is a space program set up to defend against attacks. The Alliance has a shaky relationship with the Byotai Empire who are an aggressive lizard-like race.

Nate and five other teens are shipped off to a far off spaceport to participate in active battle competitions against the Byotai trainees. The kids are in class when a rebellion breaks out. They barely escape the room trying to make their way to the marines seeking flight to their capital ship. Nate and his friends are among those who get out with the help of the marines, including a tough female.

When the dust settles from the first battles many of the crew members, including pilots, are gone and the capital ship is struggling to get to a rendezvous with other Alliance ships. Reluctantly the last of the fighter pilots, Lieutenant Higgins, who is injured, begins training the cadet pilots on the ship's fighters. The capital ship will stagger along with the thin hope that a handful of teen cadets will be able to defend her if they run into any enemy, especially before they get to restock their supplies and  weapons.

I enjoyed the sharp, observant nature of Nate’s mind and the rivalry and friendships among the cadets. Each of the teens have unique strengths that make them a valuable team if they will work together. Before the end of this action packed story they will face the enemy and learn that they must use their skills together to be successful in their mission.

I picked this title as it reminded me of The Last Starfighter. Although it starts with the videogame the rest is a new story. The characters are distinct, if not fully developed, and the action is pretty much nonstop. When this started I thought it might be more suitable to a younger audience. However, as the work progressed I found that I liked the young, brave characters and was fully engaged. I realized after finishing this book that it is the first of four in the current series. Apparently there are older series with a prior generation that lead into Nate’s generation. For now, I will be lining up the current set through Audible but I’ll be eyeing those prior books when I need a good sci fi fix!

Audio Notes: Andrew B. Wehrlen did a very good job with the narration. He captures the youthful personality of the cadets and is still able to pull in the older characters too. I had no trouble following the thought processes and action. I fully enjoyed the audio listen.

Find out more about the author, Michael G. Thomas and the Star Crusader universe at:

http://starcrusader.com/
and https://www.facebook.com/starcrusader/

This audiobook was provided by the narrator through Audiobook Blast for an honest review. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others

This was a lovely read for Valentine's week.

Classic Love Poems
Written by: William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning
Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 22 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-09-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Poetry
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
For anyone who's in love - or hopes to be - what greater celebration could there be than to hear the world's greatest love poetry read lovingly by Richard Armitage? With 15 poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more, Classic Love Poems is a listening treat for Valentine's Day - or any day.

Included in this collection are:
"How do I love thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe
"To Be One with Each Other" by George Eliot
"Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
"Bright Star" by John Keats
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
"The Dream" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe
"I carry your heart" by e. e. cummings
"She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron
"Give All to Love" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
This was lovely and too short at 22 minutes. Listening made me remember how much I enjoyed reading these classics in my youth. The nice thing is that this is quick enough to listen to over and over. I recommend this to anyone who wants a quick remembrance of the joy of poetry and especially the themes of love, inspiration and hope of love.

Audio Notes: Richard Armitage does a superb job reading each of these grand, classic poems.
It makes for an engaging listen.

This was from my TBR Audible library received as a free read in February 2015. This qualifies for Audio and Alphabet Soup Challenge and also TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Sunday Post February 14, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 15, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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.

As I noted last week we had a quick visit to Biloxi which was lovely. Of course then I had to catch up the rest of the week. 
Reading seemed slow again although I enjoyed it. I finished three books, two audios and one ebook. I posted two reviews - one with giveaway. I did post my other usual posts.

I enjoyed visiting in the middle of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 7, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 8, 2016.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America); Inspirational Fiction; Christmas Romance; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 12, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/19/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #239 Comment Giveaway February 13, 2016.

• Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous; Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 14, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/ MP3 (ABB)

Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance
Written by: Michael G. Thomas
Narrated by: Andrew B. Wehrlen
I enjoyed this action adventure. Review to post this week.
This audiobook came from the Author through Audiobook Blast.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1)
by L Davis Munro
I enjoyed this thought provoking, historical story.
  Review to post on 2/18 
as part of iRead Book Tour.

Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

Classic Love Poems
Written by: William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
This was perfect for Valentine week! This was from my TBR Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
For anyone who's in love - or hopes to be - what greater celebration could there be than to hear the world's greatest love poetry read lovingly by Richard Armitage? With 15 poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more, Classic Love Poems is a listening treat for Valentine's Day - or any day.

Included in this collection are:

"How do I love thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe
"To Be One with Each Other" by George Eliot
"Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
"Bright Star" by John Keats
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
"The Dream" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe
"I carry your heart" by e. e. cummings
"She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron
"Give All to Love" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/ MP3 (AJB)

The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1
Written by: Andrea Perno
Narrated by: Austin Rising
I'm a good third into this sci fi adventure.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Jeremy always said Space Academy was Earth's last hope. People only dream of leaving a dying planet in search of better lives. Avery never expected he would be forced to do just that. On the heels of his brother's murder, his father's disappearance, and with Earth's dwindling water supply now contaminated with a deadly virus, Avery and his younger brother have no choice but to leave Earth behind and join the survivors migrating the nearest habitable planet. What they don't know is that the rarity of water extends far beyond Earth, and they aren't the only ones fighting for survival.
©2014 Beau Coup LLC (P)2015 Beau Coup LLC

2. eBook/Kindle

Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One
(A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel)
by Norma Hinkens
I am getting into the dystopian.
I received this from Xpresso Book Tours 
to review by 2/20.

Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

City of Gold (Matthew Connor Adventure Series Book 1)
by Carolyn Arnold
I am looking forward to this adventure.
I received this through Great Escapes Virtual Tours for review on February 23.
Action-adventure books for the mystery lover. In this series, modern-day archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor travels the globe with his two closest friends to unearth treasure and discover legends the world has all but forgotten. Indiana Jones meets the twenty-first century.

Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death...

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in India. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse--the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

January 31, 2016- up to date.
Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted two reviews last week which leaves one plus at least three for this week.
My five titles on my NetGalley shelves increased to nine. I need to start reading them soon.

I will be uploading another new title this week to eTreasure's NetGalley.
Also two new releases at Amazon.

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 picked up three review titles this week; two from authors.
TBR Triple Dog Dare update: I have resisted purchases now for 45 days with the exception of using my two January Audible credits. I had a few small temptations this week.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title from the author:

The Rage
by Mathew Babaoye
Urban Supernatural
The author sent this along with this: "Warning: this one is funny, dark, romantic, sad, and PG-13/R rated."
Isn't that intriguing?

I received this from the Author:

Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3
by Barbara Venkataraman
Including:
"Death by Didgeridoo"-Winner of the Indie Book of the Day award.
"The Case of the Killer Divorce"
"Peril in the Park"

The protagonist is a "reluctant lawyer". I think I will like this cozy mystery set.

I received this title from the author through iRead Book Tours for review March 24.

The Ethical Coach Leader: Developing Honor and Integrity
by Dwight Johnson
Described as: "The Ethical Coach Leader challenges cultural mindsets and introduces new ideas on how to apply desperately needed teachings in ethics, integrity, honor and good character."

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I 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 February 14, 2016

This morning we had a guest Pastor as our Pastor and his wife are both fighting illness. Pastor MJ noted that he knows many are struggling with health or financial issues.He stated he wouldn’t want to have to trade places with others but he is glad we all have a God and Savior who bore and bares our burdens.

Pastor MJ used the example of the three prong terrorist attack in Paris, France on November 13, 2015 to share a good message. Three separate suicide bombers attacked at three diverse sites. The police determined that there were at least eight individuals involved. But there was clearly someone behind the scenes who coordinated the events. Pastor explained that what happens in the natural has parallels in the supernatural. Someone always wants to force their way on others.

Satan was jealous of God and wanted the worship for himself. When he was thrown out of heaven it became his objective to steal, kill and destroy the souls of God’s children. Terrorism is not new. Satan wanted what God had; Ishmael wanted the love that Isaac had and would do anything to get it. So war begins and continues.

When the enemy attacks he will always look for the vulnerable, soft points. He does not go first for the walls but attacks at the gates which are more vulnerable.The nation of Israel was warned that if they were disobedient then other nations would attack. “And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land:...” Deuteronomy 28:52 (KJV).  Once they get through the gates they will wreak havoc in the cities.

We must be diligent to guard the gate lest what is within will be destroyed. Isaiah 28:5-6 says that the Lord will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath, “to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”
Christians are experiencing attacks against homes, children, finances, and health. These are against the walls. These are grievous attacks but Proverbs 4:23 says to keep your heart with diligence. Your heart represents the gate to your spiritual life. We must fight to turn back the battle at the gate of our hearts.
Our best guard to turn back the battle at the gates is:
1. Apply the blood. (As the Passover in Exodus 12.) The blood can repel the enemy.
John 16. Even in Revelations saints prevail by blood.
2. Accept His counsel. Proverbs 15:22. Seek the advice of others of spiritual maturity who will stand with you at the gate.
3. Acclaim His glory. Psalms 100:4. Express Thanksgiving. Give God glory, it’s His anyway!
Give God thanks when you feel like it and when you don't. He is in control, therefore I am an overcomer.

Because it is Valentine's I thought it would be right to find a song of love.

I saw several and chose this one.

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 28:5-6 (NIV)
5 In that day the LORD Almighty
will be a glorious crown,
a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people.
6 He will be a spirit of justice
to the one who sits in judgment,
a source of strength
to those who turn back the battle at the gate

Lord - I give thanks that you love us so much. I seek your strength and wisdom, daily guidance to turn back the battle at the gates!

Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous

This is a thought provoking and entertaining sci fi thriller.
Singular
Written by: David F. Porteous
Narrated by: David F. Porteous

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-03-15
Publisher: David F Porteous
Genre: Sci Fi, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In Singularity - the network that promises immortality to the rich - a creature is awakening. New virtual life is being created and is struggling to become free. But the growing power of this prisoner, this virtual god, threatens to destroy the world of the living.
Only a handful of people even know the creature exists. They need each other if they're to survive. But can they trust each other? And can they trust themselves when even life and death are no longer certain?
Dive into a nearly possible future where the real and the virtual overlap, and follow Patrick Clark into Singularity in this dark, comic thriller.
©2011 David F Porteous (P)2015 David F Porteous

Review:
The reader is introduced to Patrick Clark as he is being examined by a doctor for a lump. The description is personal with humor as a defense, setting a rather brash, but realistic tone to the story.

Patrick Clark is a Professor in a future time when the wealthy people do not really “die” but instead are transferred into a virtual life within a computer. If they have enough money people buy a spot in Singularity. Although Patrick has enjoyed his teaching, he hasn’t led a stellar life. He wasn’t ambitious enough for his wife and he never really connected with his less than brilliant children. His father is a constant companion visiting from Singularity and now Patrick has to decide if he will choose to move his personality into the virtual computer world.

Dr. Katherine Valentine is one of the systems engineers who built and maintains the growing Singularity network. She is struggling with the possibility that an entity in Singularity may be gaining autonomous control over the virtual world. She has asked the controlling board to institute some controls to protect the system but the board discounts her warnings. She becomes more concerned as she watches the evidence of increasing danger.

The “ghost” or being in the machine progresses in its fight for freedom while Patrick and Katherine are on a collision course to stop the massacre that may occur within the Singular system. There is suspense, humor and some surprising twists along the way.

The beginning of this story made me realize that it was a bit unusual. It is rather brash and gritty but I pushed beyond that. I enjoyed the excitement and philosophical arguments… even if I wouldn’t necessarily agree with them. The entity's view in the story adds a different element. Patrick and Katherine are two diverse characters and they get help from a determined journalist. Once again this is a sci fi story that includes irony to bring a thought provoking message to the reader. Definitely worth the read for those who like a sci fi thriller with suspense of a ‘virtual’ vein.

Audio Notes: The author, David F. Porteous does a great job presenting his work. It has the right - honest and humorous - tone for the characters, including the dangerous entity in the machine! The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audio and Alphabet Soup Challenges.

Sharing Beyond Books #239 February 13, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Sorry that I missed posting last week. Our weather has been warmer but it is getting cold again tonight.

Thanks to everyone who commented last post.

That was fun and a bit surprising. 18 of us do not name our devices but Lisa does! CarolL occasionally calls them names, miki names her plushies, Fredamans names her plants and Sue named her first car Matilda!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #238 comments is: #7 Mystica 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #239

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: 1) Does the country you live in celebrate Carnival? If so, what country and what are you planning to celebrate this year???

I realized that this is a week late. :-) I think Carnival equates to Mardi Gras celebrated primarily in New Orleans but in other Southern places too. We were in Biloxi earlier this week and had to drive around the parades to get home. I don't think Florida celebrates and we didn't. HOWEVER - we did do a little celebration of Chinese New Year with our Chinese daughter-in-law. Happy Monkey New Year!

Image found at Wikipedia.

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: 1) Does the country you live in celebrate Carnival? If so, what country and what are you planning to celebrate this year???

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 February 20, 2015 at 5 PM central.