Book Review: Dear Emma by Katie Heaney

This is rather charming and sweet – recommended for those who enjoy YA/coming of age.

Dear Emma
by Katie Heaney

File Size: 2151 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 1, 2016)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
ASIN: B0112T4ZLW
Genre: Coming of Age
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Harriet, the author of her college newspaper's pseudonymous student advice column "Dear Emma," is great at telling others what to do, dispensing wisdom for the lovelorn and lonely on her Midwestern campus. Somehow, though, she can't take her own advice, especially after Keith, the guy she's dating, blows her off completely. When Harriet discovers that Keith has started seeing the beautiful and intimidating Remy, she wants to hate her. But she can't help warming to Remy, who soon writes to "Dear Emma" asking for romantic advice.

Now Harriet has the perfect opportunity to take revenge on the person who broke her heart. But as she begins to doubt her own motivations and presumably faultless guidance, she's forced to question how much she really knows about love, friendship and well-meaning advice.

Review:
Emma is the pseudonym for Harriet, a sophomore at college. The advice she gives in the college newspaper is direct, logical and mostly fair. In spite of her skill on the articles, Harriet can't give, or take, the same smart advice for issues in her own life.

Harriet shares an apartment with two other sophomores, Mel and Logan. They share studying, partying, fashion tips and, of course, romantic support and advise.

Harriet meets Keith in a class and they begin to "hangout". Things seem to be going well until he stops texting and calling and pretty much ignores her in class. This turn of events is hard enough to deal with but then Harriet sees him out with Remy, a beautiful girl who is now working beside Harriet at the library. Should she warn her? Should she seek some type of revenge? Would she take Keith back if she could?

The writing is clear, crisp and the tone appropriate for college students. I did not immediately get the connection between Harriet and Emma but had to chuckle when I did. There are moments I smiled, although there were more moments that I shook my head and winced. It has been many years and I don’t think I relate well to high school or college romance anymore.

I think when I accepted this title for review I was hoping for more than teen or young adult dating angst. Unfortunately, my hopes were not realized. The best parts of this novel for me were the “Dear Emma” letters and replies. I also liked the ending that develops for Harriet and Remy. While going through the book I really wanted to get to the end and I didn’t like that attitude. It clearly reminds me why I don’t usually read coming of age or YA stories. They just don’t hold my attention.

In retrospect, as I am thinking of the story, I am thinking kind thoughts for a sweet book. I do think this is a good read for younger readers or those who do enjoy YA/coming of age stories.

I received this from Grand Central/Hachette through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and Alphabet Soup.

Audio Book Review: Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1 by Sarah Noffke

The is a dystopian YA with nice characters and an interesting plot.
Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1
Written by: Sarah Noffke
Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Series: Reverians, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-11-16
Publisher: Sarah Noffke
Genre: Teens, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. Em is a Defect - one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead - but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.
©2015 Sarah Noffke (P)2016 Sarah Noffke

Review:
Em is an independent teen in a community that demands submission and compliance to the leaders' directives and goals. The Reverians are the privileged citizens, the Dream Travelers, who have special talents. The varying skills include mind reading, ability to predict the future, ability to generate fire, super attuned senses and more. The people without such talents are "Middlings" who work as servants under the control of the privileged class.

When Em reached puberty without exhibiting her talent, she was placed in a program with others of similar deficiency. They receive painful injections designed to help encourage the development of their gift. Or so they have been told. Over the past few years, as the program has grown, the youths have been named the "Defects".

Em begins to uncover secrets behind the true purpose of the lab and injections to the Defects. While investigating one day she comes upon a childhood friend, Rogue, whom she thought was dead for years. Em has the help of another young man, Zack, who clearly is interested in her and who was also best friends with Rogue.

A desperate situation escalates as the President announces the newest development to "help" the Defects, with Em designated as the first "lucky" recipient. If Em can escape the President and her father she will have to survive outside the community. And they will not want her alive, knowing her newly discovered abilities and with the knowledge of their monstrous secrets.

I liked the premise and it was presented well enough. The story pacing is good and the secrets, revealed bit by bit, maintained interest. Em is a likeable character as are Zack and Rogue. I just did not totally connect to understand why this was receiving rave reviews. I liked the dystopian elements, but I am guessing my standoffishness may be because of the YA elements. There is young teen romance, complete with first kiss, jealous siblings and jealousy and disappointment in a love triangle. I guess this is engaging for some audiences but it is not really my thing. I'm not sure I have enough interest to want to seek out the rest of the series.

Audio notes: I think Elizabeth Klett did a good job with the narration and presenting the voices and intensity of the story. Still, the narration didn’t help me connect with the story and I am not sure this wouldn’t have been better in print for me.

I received this from the narrator through Audiobook Blast. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and Alphabet Soup challenge.

MBS February 2016 Reading Wrap Up

Martha's Bookshelf February 2016

My goals are repeated below the book list. I was ahead by two in January but am down by five in FEBRUARY with a net down of three. Hopefully I will have a month or two that picks up the loss.
Total read = 10
Audio/Audible = 5
eBook = 2 (tour reviews)
NetGalley = 2
Print (LBC) = 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBR = 4 (obtained prior to 2016)
New to Me Authors = 7
Series Continued = 1

There were three 5.0 rated books in February and three 4.5 rated.

Code for the list is:
A = Audible     ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox    ABB = Audiobook BLast
E = eBook
NG = NetGalley
P = Print
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2016

1. P-LBC-TBR-- 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.
2. ABJ-- Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous; Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
3. ABB-- Audible Book Review: Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance by Michael G. Thomas; Sci Fi, Space Adventure; my rating 4.25.
4. NG-TBR-- Book Review: Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1) by L Davis Munro; Historical Fiction, Women's Suffrage; my rating 5.0.
5. A-TBR-- Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others; Poetry; my rating 5.0.
6. E(Tour)-- Book Review: Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.5.
7. ABJ-- Audible Book Review: The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1 by Andrea Perno; Fantasy, Young Adult; my rating 4.0.
8. E(Tour)-- Book Review and Feature: City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold; Mystery Thriller; my rating 4.25.
9. A-TBR-- Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb; Mystery Thriller, Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
10. NG-- Book Review: The God's Eye View by Barry Eisler; Suspense Thriller, Political; my rating 4.5.

I have certain goals to reach my challenges and reading total for 2016.

The YEARLY reading goals:
Total = 180
Audio =  72
NetGalley = 42
Print = 12
Tours = 24
Ladies Book Club (LBC) = 12
Mixed in (hopefully includes TBR books I've won) = 18

My TBR goal is to read at least 100 from my shelves, whether Audible, Kindle, other ebook or print.

This breaks down roughly to 15 books on a MONTHLY basis in these formats (with TBRs, print, LBC and others overlapping at times):
Audio --  6
eBooks -- 2  (author review/tour or TBR)
NetGalley -- 3.5
TBR Print  --  1
TBR eBook -- 1
LBC -- 1
Other -- 1

Sunday Post March 6, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 7, 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.

I had another busy week and am still playing catch-up. Our son reported to his new base and our d-i-l and granddaughter are with him for the weekend. The girls will be coming back to spend another week with us.


Reading was good even with only two books finished. I am half way through two more. I finished one ebook and one audio again. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway, and I posted my other usual posts.

I enjoyed visiting other blogs early in the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 28, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 29, 2016.

• March 2016 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge.

• Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb; Mystery Thriller, Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: The God's Eye View by Barry Eisler; Suspense Thriller, Political; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 4, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/10/2016.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Christian, Military, Mystery Suspense; my rating 4.5. Open Print US; eBook Worldwide; Ending 3/14/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #242 Comment Giveaway March 5, 2016. Ending 3/12/16.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 28, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MPE (ABB)

Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1
Written by: Sarah Noffke
Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett
This is interesting and I will post my review this week.
I received this from the narrator through Audiobook Blast
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle + Print (LBC)

Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig
My Ladies Book Club enjoyed this title. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. ebook/Kindle (NG)

Dear Emma
by Katie Heaney
This started slowly for me but now I am well into it.
I received this from Grand Central/Hachette through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/ MP3 (TBR)

Agenda 21: Into the Shadows
Written by: Glenn Beck
Narrated by: Jeremy Lowell, January LaVoy
I am not quite midway and enjoying the dangerous escape.
I selected this from my Audible library for a TBR listen.
Publisher's Summary
The sequel to Agenda 21, from number-one New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Glenn Beck.
"I knew those men were our enemies, but they, like everyone else in the Republic, were nothing more than servants. Rule followers. They had no choice. But I did. I had a choice and I made it. I knew then and there that, no matter what happened, I would never go back. Never."
It was once named America, but now it is just "the Republic". Following the worldwide implementation of a UN-led program called Agenda 21, the once-proud people of America have become obedient residents who live in barren, brutal Compounds and serve the autocratic, merciless Authorities.
Citizens mainly keep their heads down and their mouths shut - but Emmeline is different. When the Authorities took her mother away, she started questioning the world around her. What happened to her mom? Why is everyone confined to grim living spaces and made to eat the same food cubes every day? Why was her own baby taken from her to be raised in the Children's Village? And are the rumors that somewhere out beyond the fence live those who got away during the Relocations - the so-called shadow people - really true?
When Emmeline's questions lead to the realization that she will never see her child again, she decides to escape the Compound with her partner David and their baby Elsa. Fleeing the armed enforcers of the Earth Protection Agency, and facing the unknown for the first time in their lives, Emmeline and David run into the shadows in the desperate hope of finding something they'd only heard stories about from those who'd lived before the Relocations: freedom.
©2015 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Path of the Bullet
by M C Jacques
This had to be pushed back for the other two that need to be read this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (Tour)

Those Who Walk In Darkness (Jacks Jackson Mystery Book 1)
by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
I received this through Great Escape Book Tours for review on March 15, 2016.
Three years ago in 1867, Julia Jackson was a well to do young woman from Boston whose fiancé, Jonathon, was killed right before her eyes. Obsessed with finding the killer, a man whose face she saw only in a flash as he walked up and shot Jonathon, she leaves her family and her life behind. She starts a new life as ‘Jacks’ Jackson—a cigar smoking, dead eye, female Pinkerton agent…pretending to be a man.
Now Allan Pinkerton needs Jacks to find the man who kidnapped the wife and son of a railroad official, David Boyd. Their only clues are the severed finger from the man’s wife, complete with wedding ring, and a map of the Qualla boundary, the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina.
Jacks doesn’t like the way the whole thing sounds from the beginning. David Boyd isn’t important enough to target for a kidnapping. And why travel so far with two hostages?
But Pinkerton tells her that he believes the man responsible for the kidnapping worked with Jonathon’s murderer in a train robbery five years ago. Jacks agrees to go after the kidnapper with hopes of catching him before he can reach his home grounds.
Pinkerton insists that Jacks bring three men with her—Boyd, her new partner, and a Cherokee guide named Running Wolf, who’s always watching her, like he’s trying to figure it out.
Can Jacks catch the kidnapper with her secret—and her life—intact?

February 28, 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 two for this week - once again up to date.
I don't think I will get too many TBRs this month as I have a month full of scheduled reviews:
Rel 3/1/16 Dear Emma by Katie Heaney - (NG) from Grand Central Publishing
3/5 Ladies Book Club - Talon
3/15 Those Who Walk In Darkness (Jacks Jackson Mystery Book 1)
by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene - Great Escape Book Tours
3/17 Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley – (NG) through Caffeinated Book Reviewer
3/24 The Ethical Coach Leader by Dwight Johnson - through iRead Book Tours
Rel 3/29/16 The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton – (NG)

In addition to those I have five more author reviews committed with no specific dates. Plus my NetGalley shelves with 10 books.

This week we added one of our childrens' titles at eTreasure's NetGalley:
Edmund Pickle Chin, A Donkey Rescue Story
by Clara Bowman Jahn and Susan April Elwood

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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

I received two new tour review titles this week.
TBR Triple Dog Dare update: It has been 66 days and I only bought one $.99 Kindle book.
However, I am looking at just succumbed to buying four Audible books on sale for $5.95.
I haven't selected my February Audible titles yet but most likely this week. :-).
I did add more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two titles by the same author to review through iRead Book Tours.

The Path
by Peter Riva
I enjoyed a mystery by this author and was interested in his sci fi series so I am glad to be reviewing books 1 and 2.
The first will be for April 21.
"All life on earth is about to be terminated by an entity as old as the galaxy itself. To make matters worse, Simon has broken everything already."

The second book will be for review on May 3.

Reaching Angelica

by Peter Riva
"For fans of cyberpunk and classic science fiction, Reaching Angelica is the second book in Peter Riva’s Tag series, the comic, thrilling, and continuing saga of Simon Bank—ex–master system computer wrangler and very unlikely savior of the universe."

Won

NONE

Purchased

I ended up buying four Audible titles on sale for $5.95 each
A Voice in the Wind -- Christian Fiction set in Ancient Rome
Written by: Francine Rivers
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers
Written by: Gary Brozek, Nicholas Irving
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

H Is for Hawk -- Memoir of bereavement turned to training a Hawk.
Written by: Helen Macdonald
Narrated by: Helen Macdonald

Death World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 5 I have books 1-3 so thought I'd get this on sale.
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Free

Over the past week I added 53 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 March 6, 2016

We had another good morning at church. We continued discussing Romans 12:12, moving on to the second phrase which reads “…persevering in tribulation,…” Other verses talk about us enduring hardship - 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4. Paul was writing from experience, explaining how to live and relate to others in the Christian life.  Although we have troubles we have already been told that all things work together for good to those who love God. Romans 8:28. That raises the question of “how is your attitude”?

Hardships make us dependent on God. Even mature Christians need to recognize that they are dependent on Him. He may use trials to reveal God's character. He wants His children to appreciate all that He has given them. He perfects us through our weaknesses and we are to be careful to remain humble and give Him the thanks and glory. 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Our Pastor’s sermon followed this theme. It was titled: “Just a Little More Time” and was based on the story of King Hezekiah found in 2 Chronicles 32:24 – 26. Hezekiah was a good King who removed the false worship and idols from the land. God have him wealth and victory over King of Assyria. But when it came time for Hezekiah to die, he prayed to God for more time. God granted the prayer with 15 more years.

Unfortunately, instead of giving thanks and glory to God, Hezekiah boasted to the visiting Babylonians of his treasury and successes, thus setting the country up for their attack. Hezekiah’s pride brought about the destruction of his kingdom. When he repented, God delayed the consequences, but still those consequences came in time. The lesson is one of caution: How vigilant are you? Are you seeking to serve God, do His will and give Him glory, or are you in danger of experiencing shipwreck? Humble yourself to His guidance and direction.

This is a good song recognizing God’s promise
and recognizing that His Grace is Enough!

Verses for Today:
2 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.


I give you Thanks Lord that you have blessed me throughout my life. Guide me Each and Every Day and let me never forget that I have no success in school or life that isn’t the result of Your Blessings.

Sharing Beyond Books #242 Comment Giveaway March 5, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I hope everyone had a good week and is getting ready for weather changes. 
I am still playing catch-up. Our son had to report to work on Thursday so they went for the weekend but Hui and the "Sweet Pea" will be back Monday for another week visit.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Everyone (19) of us agree that we are not really influenced or swayed by the author endorsements. Many will read them, though a few ignore them. A few don't trust those endorsements at all and many of us prefer to rely on reader reviews.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #241 comments is: #1 Poetryinleaves 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 #242

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: 1) What are your favorite book settings??

This is a hard question for me because I think I like a variety of settings. I love outer space and historical settings more than contemporary and I like small town more than city. I like western romances, more than western cowboy. And thinking about it I think I like US settings just as much as foreign or exotic places. Soooo - that did not help me narrow down a "favorite" setting. I think maybe mine tie with outer space/other worlds, including alternate history, and Regency London. Oh - but I love Scotland and Ireland too.

Image found at Pinterest (Amy Ruffo at Teachers Pay Teachers)

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:
Natalija asks: 1) What are your favorite book settings??
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 March 12, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

This has good characters and engaging action and suspense…plus a dog. :-)

Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart Book 2)

by Ronie Kendig


File Size: 1045 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (May 1, 2013)
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
ASIN: B00C1T441O
Genre: Mystery Suspense, Military, Christian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Aspen Courtland is out to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog, Talon, knows where to look. Problem is, after a brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon’s afraid of his own shadow. The search is on, but when one mistake means disaster, can Talon muster the courage for one last mission?

Review:
Aspen Courtland was in the military service, but not in combat. She manages her own activities to keep fit, including boxing. She is working with her missing brother’s combat tracking dog, Talon. Aspen is half preparing for the chance to go abroad to look for her brother. If only she had a hint that he was alive and where to look.

Cardinal was raised in a very difficult situation. Now he is a government “asset” staying low and waiting for the chance to find his missing protégé, Austin Courtland. He finally gets the “go ahead” and reaches for another resource that he needs to locate Austin: Talon. Cardinal doesn’t tell his secrets – to anyone. He won’t be telling Aspen his connection to her brother but he needs the dog. What Cardinal didn’t plan on was Aspen as the handler who has to come along with the dog to find Austin.

Aspen, Talon and Cardinal, and a few friends, go to Africa to try to pick up the trail where Cardinal thinks he last saw Austin. Talon has bonded with Aspen but it isn’t clear if he is totally ready as he is still suffering from PSTD. Things become very tense and the team comes under fire. Aspen grows closer to Cardinal and tries to make him break from his secrets. Then a threat comes to challenge Cardinal with Aspen and Talon witnessing.

Cardinal is a dark loner and wonderfully conflicted character. His darkness is balanced – and challenged -- by Aspen’s sweet nativity and trust. I enjoyed the conflicted romance, the action, the dog element and the faith references, even though I thought there could have been some capitalizing on God’s control.

I (and the other book club ladies) really enjoyed the story as a whole. However, there are issues. The story bounces between characters but this is a style that Ms. Kendig uses. I have read some of her other military books and she jumps between scenes and characters as the story builds so that was okay for me. A couple of the characters have multiple aliases so you have to figure out who is who. I recognized several of the characters from the Quiet Professionals series by Ms. Kendig. The underlying conspiracy of corruption involves some of those characters without having filled in backstory. It would have been nice to provide that connection although it isn’t totally necessary to enjoy this story. There were also unexplained or loose ends: how was some of the intelligence of the enemy obtained? How did everyone get time off at the end?

So it wasn’t perfectly executed but it was still engaging. I recommend it to those who enjoy military action, military dogs and of course a romance with a rogue hero.

I picked this title up at a good price last November for our Ladies Book Club. I count it for TBR Triple Dare, March 2016 TBR Challenge and "T" in Alphabet Soup.

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for eBook

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 14 , 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 14, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 4, 2016

Oh Yay, again! Happy Friday!
I am glad it is the end of another week although they are going too fast. I am still scrambling to catch up. We've had a nice visit with son, d-i-l and our beautiful granddaughter.  They are away for the weekend getting our son set u p in his temporary housing.
I have a list for new books but no picture yet. I will try to get one Saturday.

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 26 Pick. There was only one automatic win again 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 blocked title and it was won.
Elizabeth gets Short Straw Bride.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 26 Pick:
Adelaida gets a GC

bn100 gets Undercurrents won through the block.

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

Oh - there is something about the idea of books and madness!

Image found at The Laker Anchor.

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

PAIRS:
Elizabeth Boyle: His Mistress by Morning and This Rake of Mine (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 2)
Kay Hooper: If There Be Dragons and The Matchmaker
Lisa Jackson: Left to Die and Twice Kissed
SINGLES:
Guilty Pleasures by Stella Cameron
The Theft by Andra Kane
Bed of Roses by Katherine Stone
Hope by Len Deighton (1995 paperback)
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
The Fallen by Thomas Sniegoski
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #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 933+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

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

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Book Review: The God's Eye View by Barry Eisler

This is a scary thriller that touches on timely issues of technology and privacy.
The God's Eye View
by Barry Eisler

File Size: 4004 KB
Print Length: 417 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1503951510
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (February 2, 2016)
ASIN: B00XT47SOK
Genre: Suspense Thriller, Political, Assassinations
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Knowledge is power…and they know everything.

NSA director Theodore Anders has a simple goal: collect every phone call, email, and keystroke tapped on the Internet. He knows unlimited surveillance is the only way to keep America safe.

Evelyn Gallagher doesn’t care much about any of that. She just wants to keep her head down and manage the NSA’s camera network and facial recognition program so she can afford private school for her deaf son, Dash.

But when Evelyn discovers the existence of an NSA program code-named God’s Eye, and connects it with the mysterious deaths of a string of journalists and whistle-blowers, her doubts put her and Dash in the crosshairs of a pair of government assassins: Delgado, a sadistic bomb maker and hacker; and Manus, a damaged giant of a man who until now has cared for nothing beyond protecting the director.

Within an elaborate game of political blackmail, terrorist provocations, and White House scheming, a global war is being fought—a war between those desperate to keep the state’s darkest secrets and those intent on revealing them. A war that Evelyn will need all her espionage training and savvy to survive. A war in which the director has the ultimate informational advantage: The God’s Eye View.

Review:
Evelyn is a computer analyst with special skills and duties within the NSA network. She has reported suspicious activity between an agent and a reporter to her boss, the Director, Theodore Anders. When her reports begin to lead to a series of deaths, Evelyn becomes concerned about how the information is being used.

The Director has a secret computer program dubbed “God's Eye”, which allows the Director to watch people everywhere. He would like the Congress to pass legislation allowing NSA broad access to cameras and phones. The Director is convinced that the need to know, and to protect the public, supersedes all privacy issues. Until he is able to get more government and public support for his agenda, the Director will do whatever is needed to protect his secret programs.

Director Anders has two assassins he directs to his purposes. One, Delgado, is a man who relishes his work and completes his tasks in brutal fashion. The second, Manus, is a deaf man who was recruited by Anders from a dismal youth to be trained with special skills. Manus has been his loyal servant ever since; following directions without question.

Anders assigns Manus to get close to Evelyn who has a deaf son. Neither Manus nor the Director realize the impact the assignment will have.

This story is very timely in light of government drones and more recently with the conflict between the FBI and Apple to balance investigation goals with privacy issues. Any technology that can be used for spying is subject to abuses. I like to hope that the leaders don't really get this extreme but...it's scary because it could happen, or be happening.

The characters are well developed and I liked the dynamics between Evelyn and Manus as well as those between Anders, his assistant and his 'clean-up' team. There were a few loose threads at the end but that doesn't negate the suspense getting there.

This is full of action and suspense, sometimes with brutal killing. The writing was straight forward, engaging, and made for good reading. I caution readers who may be squeamish about violence, but highly recommend this political thriller.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb

This is another grand crime thriller for Eve, Roarke and Peabody.

Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
Series: In Death, Book 14
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At exactly 7:30 p.m., Walter Pettibone arrived home to over a hundred friends and family shouting, "surprise!" It was his birthday. Although he had known about the planned event for weeks, the real surprise was yet to come. At 8:45 p.m., a woman with emerald eyes and red hair handed him a glass of champagne. One sip of birthday bubbly, and he was dead.

The woman's name is Julie Dockport. No one at the party knew who she was. But Detective Eve Dallas remembers her all too well. Eve was personally responsible for her incarceration nearly ten years ago. And now, let out on good behavior, she still has nothing but bad intentions. It appears she wants to meet Dallas again - in a reunion neither will forget...
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc

Review:
NY homicide detective, Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and her successful businessman-husband, Roarke, have returned from a relaxing vacation. Initially Eve has no pressing cases so she pulls a cold case and begins to work it with her aide, Peabody. Soon a murder comes in to pull Eve's attention so she gives the cold case to Peabody as a side assignment as they begin the pursuit of the new murder.

Very quickly Eve suspects the MO of a female killer she put behind bars years before. Sure enough, the woman has been released from prison and has lined up targets, including Eve and Roarke. This sets up conflict between the strong-headed couple as they jockey for ways to protect each other and to capture the deadly enemy.

Peabody's intriguing parents arrive to make matters interesting on the home front. Eve isn't the most comfortable hostess and now she has to play nice with this unusual and sensitive couple.

Eve's chase of the murderer has Roarke accompanying her to Dallas and Italy. I laughed over the city girl's reaction to the country setting, keeping in mind the futuristic aspects that result in Eve being unfamiliar with farm smells and critters.  On the other side of the globe, Eve has to work her way through the red tape of the Italian police hoping to get to their suspect before she slips back to US where she is likely to go after Roarke.

As always, there is plenty of good action and police procedure as well as engaging dialog. There is emotional trauma as Eve faces her childhood memories in Dallas. I liked how Peabody’s parents came to appreciate her skills and career choice as she got to cut her teeth on a case of her own. There is some POV, head hopping that works with this series.

This is a reliably wonderful series with each book presenting police suspense and personal conflicts among the characters. Although the stories could be read out of order I recommend starting at the beginning so you can enjoy the development of the character relationships.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen once again does a stellar job of narration. She added the voice of the villain and Peabody’s parents to her already wonderful range of characters. I always enjoy the listening experience for this series.

This is from my own Audible Library, picked up last year. It does qualify for my Triple Dog Dare, my Audio Challenge and R in my Alphabet Soup Challenge.

March 2016 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge

I wasn't sure I would do this event but when I checked the rules the books have to be released before 3/1/16 so I should have a good group of those except for a few of the new March releases on my list.
I have a list of review titles this month so I am not going to guess which other TBRs I'll get to, but I will slip them in as I can!

Thank you to the host: Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
The basics:

For the entire month of March you focus on reading/listening to books in your TBR pile released before March 1, 2016. They can be eBooks, physical books or audiobooks. Let’s clean off those shelves, finish those series and trilogies and have some fun.

Check the link for all of the rules -- and HAPPY READING!