Sunday Post October 23, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24, 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 left work early on Thursday to head to the Florida Writer's Association Conference in Orlando. The children's acquisitions editor met me there and we had a good time. I attended several interesting workshops and met a number of nice authors.
I received a couple of review titles. (See Monday Mailbox.)
I also acquired two book baskets at silent auction and won two books as a door prize. I will post that info tomorrow (Monday) after I get pictures.
I'll be working on catching up in office this week.
Our weather dropped into the 40s at home and even 52 in the mornings in Orlando. Quite lovely.

I enjoyed my reading and listening during the week. I finished two ebooks, and one Audible. I posted three reviews and the usual memes.

I had a nice time visiting other bloggers early last week.
My blog "shout out" tonight goes to Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Just in case you don't get to link up to the Sunday Post, I encourage you to visit her blog. It is always full of good reviews, some discussions, a few review opportunities and usually a coffee quip or image. :-) Plus the Sunday Post gets you links to lots of other good bloggers!
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 16, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 17, 2016.

• Book Review: The Steam Man of the Prairies by Edward S. Ellis ; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 21, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/27/2016.

• Book Review: The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder; Paranormal Suspense, Psychics; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn; Regency Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #275 Comment Giveaway October 22, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/29/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1)
by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley
This is a different time travel and steampunk.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
by Barbara Venkataraman
This is fun and quick.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible (TBR)

Heroes Are My Weakness
Written by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
This is not quite the usual SEP.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3)
by Marcus Sakey
I am half-way through this exciting conclusion.
For thirty years humanity struggled to cope with the brilliants, the one percent of people born with remarkable gifts. For thirty years we tried to avoid a devastating civil war. We failed.
The White House is a smoking ruin. Madison Square Garden is an internment camp. In Wyoming, an armed militia of thousands marches toward a final, apocalyptic battle.
Nick Cooper has spent his life fighting for his children and his country. Now, as the world staggers on the edge of ruin, he must risk everything he loves to face his oldest enemy—a brilliant terrorist so driven by his ideals that he will sacrifice humanity’s future to achieve them.
From “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly) comes the blistering conclusion to the acclaimed series that is a “forget-to-pick-up-milk, forget-to-water-the-plants, forget-to-eat total immersion experience” (Gillian Flynn).
The explosive conclusion to the bestselling Brilliance Trilogy.

2. Audible (ABB-Narrator)

The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
This sounds like an American Revolution romance I will enjoy.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own - some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him? Listeners will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse listeners in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.
©2011 Laura Frantz (P)2016 Laura Frantz

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series)
by Amos Cassidy
This is another title I received for free 
and am reading for October.
Only the bravest go over the Horizon...
Twenty years ago the barriers between worlds came down and our reality was swallowed up by the Shadowlands. Now we scavenge to survive, until one day there’s nothing left to reap. Starvation is around the corner, but I’m not the roll over and wait-to-die kinda girl. Nope, I’m going further than anyone has ever been and returned to tell the tale. I’m going into the Beyond, and I’m not coming back without a solution.
Dark urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic twist.

October 2, 2016 - I have really enjoyed reading Isaiah with all of its prophesies. I remain up to date with 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 three reviews which keeps me up to date with four still due for the coming week.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I continue reading author titles with one in current reading this week. I added new requests to the list so it is back up to nine again.
I am reading the last of my older NetGalley titles so my shelf will be at six for Sci Fi Month.
I still hope to read some Sci Fi TBRs in November although I also picked up some new titles at the conference.

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
The next fiction title will go up on NetGalley this week while we release one to Kindle and one to Print.

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 still have new review requests to consider.
I received a new audiobook review title this week and I accepted a couple requests and titles from authors.

I picked my two September credits from Audible, plus one extra.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
This sounds like an American Revolution romance I will enjoy.
See full description under Currently Reading above.

I have signed up for a 2017 blog tour new release 

by author Stephen Manchester.

(I will post more when I get the book.)

I saw a Christmas title he had and asked to review it for December. He was kind to send me:

 The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit

by Steven Manchester

I sat with author Don Donovan at lunch on Saturday.
He shared the first two titles of his Miami Crime series for my review:
Who'll Stop The Rain: (Book One Of The Miami Crime Trilogy)
"In this first entry in The Miami Crime Trilogy, Don Donovan has spun a tale of separate South Florida characters whose lives are woven together into a web of money, betrayal, and murder."

Against the Wind (Book Two of The Miami Crime Trilogy)

"In Miami, crime never sleeps. Drugs, prostitution, money laundering, murder … it's all in a day's work."
These sound like nitty, gritty crime thrillers.

I downloaded a title from another author I met who gave a good class on marketing/social media. She is also one of the authors in the basket I will post tomorrow (Monday). This story is still free as of Sunday.

AOB (Return to Earth)
by Bria Burton

Won

Two as door prize - to be posted on Monday.

Purchased

I selected my 2 Audible credits plus one additional for $1.99 because I already had the Kindle version:


The Zoo at the Edge of the World
Written by: Eric Kahn Gale
Narrated by Julian Elfer
(A "Z" title that looks like fun I can share with my grand kids.)


We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1
Written by: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by Ray Porter
(With a husband named "Bob", I couldn't resist!)


A Quiet Life in the Country: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
Written by: T E Kinsey
Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden
(A "Q" title that I like the looks and sound of.)

Free

I only added 46 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 23, 2016

Our Sunday School Teacher was doing a wrap-up on the study of Romans a few months ago. Paul’s message was given to remind the Jews that God created Israel by choosing one man, Abraham, and bringing him out of darkness. Abraham was obedient and surrendered to God’s will. Abraham became the father of Israel which is God’s chosen people and special nation. But the people repeatedly suffer for their disobedience. God is always willing to accept the repentant sinner – that is His Grace. But men continued to disobey… they did not see fit to acknowledge God. Romans 1:28.

In Chapter 2 Paul reminds us that God loves us, but loves us too much to leave us as we are. He wants to lead us to a radical life style! Jesus’ death on the cross made righteousness available for any who would believe. We must learn to trust only God to set things right. We hope against hope (Romans 4:18) because only by faith are we saved from the wrath of death.

I chose this song video today: Hope for "Every Man" by Casting Crowns

A Verse for Today:
Acts 2:21 (NIV)
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Thank you Lord for giving us a Hope of eternity in Your loving presence.

Sharing Beyond Books #275 Comment Giveaway October 22, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

We are very evenly split on where we stop reading. Ten of us prefer to finish a chapter if/when we can. Nine of us can stop anywhere. And a couple mentioned they like to finish a good book in one sitting!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #274 comments is: #3, Linda 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 #275

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Do you prefer to read print or digital books; and does your preference change with fiction vs. non-fiction??

We asked about e-readers four years ago (December 2012) at which time 11 commenters preferred print compared with 9 who liked their ereaders. Since the question came up again, I thought it would be interesting to see if preferences have changed.
My preference does not change for fiction/non fiction but I do read to the grand kids from print. Otherwise, I still read much more on my Kindle and listen to audios. I have to push to read 12 print books a year (besides the kid's books).

Image Found at BuzzFeed Books.

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.

Your turn to share: Elizabeth asks: Do you prefer to read print or digital books; and does your preference change with fiction vs. non-fiction??

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 29, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun Regency Romance by an author I really enjoy.

What Happens in London
Written by: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Series: Bevelstoke, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-09
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.
He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .
©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Olivia is a young beauty who hasn’t been interested by the men who have sought her out during her first season. She becomes interested in her neighbor when her friends share a rumor that he murdered his fiancée. Olivia argues against their unsupported suspicions but that doesn’t deter her own curiosity. From her bedroom window on the second floor, she begins to watch Sir Harry through his study window on the first floor. She observes some odd, if not nefarious, behavior until she is embarrassed that Sir Harry has seen her through the window.

Sir Harry is annoyed by the young woman who has ‘spied’ on him for a week. He even created some scenes for her benefit. When they meet at a ton event, there is quick distrust and animosity between them. Harry is not a spy but he does Russian translations for the government office. He is asked to watch and report on activities of the Russian Prince whose actions in London are suspect and who has taken an interest in Olivia. Over several days, Harry and Olivia begin to share reading a book and conversation through their windows. Harry soon feels compelled to protect Olivia from any advances by the experienced Prince. Although their friendship is growing, Harry hasn’t shared his Russian background with Olivia. Olivia gets caught in a kidnapping scheme and Harry and the Russian bodyguard race to the rescue. Olivia has suffered the trauma of being kidnapped but now she realizes that Harry had ulterior motives for paying any attention to her. Will he be able to get her to talk to him again, much less trust him?

Listening to this reminded me that I have always enjoyed the likeable characters and conflicts that Julia Quinn creates. Quinn shares a good dose of humor and the unorthodox friendship and unacknowledged courtship between Harry and Olivia is fun to follow. There are secrets building to obvious conflict but getting to the HEA is entertaining. There is sensuality with one particular sexual encounter which isn’t overly graphic. I recommend this book and author to readers who enjoy Regency Historical Romances.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor does a fine job with the narration. She conveys the light heartedness of Olivia and the more serious character of Harry with equal ease. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

This was in my Audible library since 2012. It qualifies for Audio and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "W" for Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review: The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder

This is a fast-paced, entertaining paranormal. Not ghosts as I mistakenly thought but ‘soul readers’.
The Soul Summoner
by Elicia Hyder

File Size: 881 KB
Print Length: 311 pages
Publication Date: November 4, 2015
ASIN: B015ZS7DSS
Genre: Paranormal Suspense, Psychics
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Blessed or cursed with a connection to the souls of others, Sloan Jordan can see the best in people…and the worst. With nothing more than a glance at a photograph, she can judge the living from the dead and the good souls from the evil ones. For twenty-seven years, she's kept her ability a secret, but eleven young women have been murdered in the mountains of North Carolina, and Sloan may be the only hope of finding their killer.

She has just agreed to help Detective Nathan McNamara with the case, when a stranger—who is as alluring as he is terrifying—shows up at her doorstep with a dark past and another puzzling mystery: she can't see his soul at all.

Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe.

Review:
Sloan has known she was different since grade school but she tried to hide her abilities so she wouldn’t be considered a freak. After all, it is not normal to be able to look at people and know if the person is good or evil, or look at a picture and know if the person is alive or dead. Sloan can also summon people by thinking about them, although she hasn’t really tried to develop that skill.

Sloan works as the Public Information Officer for Buncombe County in North Carolina. When one of the newest detectives, Nathan McNamara, brings a release about a missing person to Sloan she slips by blurting out “he’s dead”. Now Nathan is curious why Sloan said that and what other spooky skills she has.

Nathan coerces Sloan into helping him find a kidnapped child. Then Nathan brings a stack of folders on missing young women who may be victims of a serial killer. Although she tries to resist, Sloan begins to realize that she can use her ‘gift’ to help bring closure to others. Besides, she likes working with Nathan even if he has a girlfriend who happens to be Sloan’s high school nemesis.

Things get even more tense when Sloan and her best friend attend a festival and Sloan spots a man whose ‘soul’ she can’t read. The man shows up at her house that night and Nathan rushes over to protect her. It turns out that Warren, a handsome ex-marine, has a lot in common with Sloan. His ‘gift’ is slightly different and sometimes more lethal. As the two men vie for Sloan’s attention the three begin to work together as pieces of the murder cases begin to fall into a pattern. Can they track the killer before Sloan accidentally summons him and ends up in trouble?

I immediately liked Sloan’s character and the chemistry between her and first Nathan, then Warren. I liked how the author included Sloan’s family and best friend to develop her history and values. The author shares some philosophy of good and evil through the primary characters. The story moves along at a quick pace with mystery, tension and suspense that build to an exciting ending.

I will be picking up more in this series and I am very glad that I have The Detective (a Nathan McNamara’s story) available to read soon. I highly recommend this to readers who like a fast-paced paranormal read.

I had this as a free Kindle book from 2015 plus it was offered this summer as a free book from the Author. It qualifies for my Mount TBR Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 21, 2016

Happy Friday!
I am out of town this weekend attending Florida Writer's Association Conference. Hope to meet some authors and have fun as well as learn things.
Our weather was a bit hotter this week but still nice.
New book list will have to wait till next weekend.

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 October 14 Pick. This week there was one automatic win. 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 by two requests.
AUTO: Carol L gets The Spitfire

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 14 Pick:
CAROL NW gets Wayward Wind Tapes

Morgan 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.}

Doesn't this fit Fall?
Image found at The Wall Street Journal.

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

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.)
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


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)
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)
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
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


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 1007+ 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 Steam Man of the Prairies by Edward S. Ellis

This is an interesting and fun vintage science fiction.

The Steam Man of the Prairies
by Edward S. Ellis

Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications (July 20, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-0486806136
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

One of the earliest examples of steampunk literature, this 1868 story was actually written during the Victorian era and was among the first American science-fiction novels. In fact, the tale features the very first literary instance of a mechanical man, published long before the term "robot" was coined. Extremely popular and much imitated in its day, The Steam Man of the Prairies recounts a teenage inventor's road test of his automaton, in which he conducts a party of gold prospectors across Indian territory.
This book marked the beginning of a genre that came to be known as edisonades — dime novels centered on a young genius and his invention that captivated boys of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Educator and author Edward S. Ellis wrote more than 100 such tales, under his own name and more than a dozen others. In addition to appealing to boys' fascination with engineering and technology, edisonades offered plenty of action and adventure in untamed parts of the world. As Kirkus Reviews noted, "Ellis' works serve as a good window into the attitudes of the time and provide some context for how the future was viewed as well as how much the world was changing."

Review:
Young Johnny Brainerd started being a tinker almost as a toddler. Once bored with standard inventions, he jumps upon his mother’s suggestion to create a mechanical man. He hides it in his garage until one day a strange looking man gets a glimpse. Tracker, frontiersman, Baldy Bicknell, is immediately fascinated by the steam man. He assures Johnny that they can test it out on the prairies where it can be very useful to help another project that he is involved with. Baldy is working with two rough miners seeking gold! But the men have been under constant threat from Indian attacks. Perhaps the appearance of a huge steam man could scare the Indians.

This story was written in 1868 which I think makes it remarkable fun. The steampunk elements are presented with good, reliable detail. The author uses rough accents to convey personalities to the characters. They are not deeply developed but there is enough portrayal to make them interesting and real to the time period. The story is creative and has action with the running steam man and dangerous confrontations with the Indians. The writing is not precise and could have benefited from a good editing. Still this is a quick, fun read. I recommend it to steampunk fans and to those interested in sci fi literature history.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday Post October 16, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 17, 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 am still working on my To Do stacks of files at work. I have two probates finishing this week and I have three litigation cases set for final hearing in November.
Hubby is doing well although he grumbles about his exercises.
We are enjoying the cooler weather. I'll be attending a Florida book conference this weekend.

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

I visited early in the week.
This week I highlight Greg's Book Haven. He always shares fascinating art images, videos and cover characteristic posts. Set aside some time to take a look and enjoy. (I just wish I had more time to explore all he shares!)
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 9, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 10, 2016.

• Book Review: Ergon by George HS Singer; Poetry; my rating 4.25.

• Audio Book Review: Loreena's Gift by Colleen M. Story; Inspirational, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 14, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/13/2016.

• Audible Book Review: Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde; Alternate History; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #274 Comment Giveaway October 15, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/15/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 16, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. Print (Author)

Ergon
by George HS Singer
This is thought-provoking poetry.
My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Steam Man of the Prairies
by Edward S. Ellis
This was fun and interesting early steampunk.
I received this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

The Soul Summoner
by Elicia Hyder
This is very engaging story telling.
I had this as a free Kindle book from 2015 plus it was offered this summer as a free book from the Author.

4. Audible (TBR)

What Happens in London
Written by: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
This reminded me why I collected Julia Quinn books. This was in my Audible library since 2012. It is a TBR and "W" for Alphabet Soup.
Publisher's Summary
Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.
He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .
©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1)
by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley
I am 10% into this 
and liking the time travel and steampunk.
I got this through NetGalley.
Two opposing factions of time travelers vie for control of the future in this thrilling steampunk series opener dubbed "Interesting" and "Unexpected" by Kirkus Reviews.
Lex and Ember—two time travelers with no memories of their lives before being recruited into the time war—are torn between the factions. When Lex accepts a mission that lands him deep within the heart of the Telsa Institute, he meets Ember, and the past that was stolen from them comes flooding back. Now armed with the truth of who they were, Lex and Ember must work together to save the future before the battle for time destroys them once again.
*This special edition contains expanded content and bonus material not found in the first release.

2. Audible (TBR)

Heroes Are My Weakness
Written by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
I picked this one from my Audible Library to listen to for TBR and "H". Interesting beginning with a Gothic feel.
Publisher's Summary
Deepest winter.
An isolated island off the coast of Maine.
A man.
A woman.
Puppets. (Yes, puppets…)
And…
A mysterious house looming over the sea…
He's a reclusive writer whose imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a down-on-her-luck actress reduced to staging kids' puppet shows. He knows a dozen ways to kill his characters with his bare hands. She knows a dozen ways to kill an audience with laughs. But she's not laughing now.
Annie Hewitt has arrived on Peregrine Island in the middle of a snowstorm and at the end of her resources. She's broke, dispirited, but not quite ready to give up. Her red suitcases hold the puppets she uses to make her living: sensible Dilly, spunky Scamp, and Leo, the baddest of bad guys. Her puppets, the romantic novels she loves, and a little bit of courage are all she has left.
Annie couldn't be more ill prepared for what she finds when she reaches Moonraker Cottage or for the man who dwells in Harp House, the mysterious mansion that hovers above the cottage from a windblown cliff. When she was a teenager, he betrayed her in a way she can never forget or forgive. Now they're trapped together on a frozen island along with a lonely widow, a mute little girl, and townspeople who don't know how to mind their own business.
Is he the villain she remembers or has he changed? Her head says no. Her heart says yes.
It's going to be a long, hot winter.
©2014 Susan Elizabeth Phillips (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

3. eBook/Kindle

Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
by Barbara Venkataraman
This is a title from the author 
(and will be a "Q" for Alphabet Challenge).
For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," PLUS seven bonus essays. What a collection! If this doesn't make you smile, then you're not even trying.
"A Trip to the Hardware Store"
These humorous essays explore such quirky topics as: disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance").
"I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"
A collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people ("I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"), to analyzing your inner child ("Irrational Fears"), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane ("A Jolt of Electricity"). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze ("It All Started with a Loud Sneeze"), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste ("Ask Me No Questions"), how a parent's obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex ("Crazy Hobbies"), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens ("Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic").
If you don't see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I'm not talking about you, of course.

October 2, 2016 - I have really enjoyed reading Isaiah with all of its prophesies. I remain up to date with 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 three reviews which keeps me up to date and leaves me with four for this week.

I have requested a couple of audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I continue reading author titles. I am reading another to bring the list to six this week.
My NetGalley shelf was down to one but I just refilled it to seven.
I was planning/hoping to get to TBRs for November when I will participate in Sci Fi Month but then I just picked up these new NG sci fi titles so TBRs will be squeezed in between.

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
We'll be working on another fiction title to go up this week.

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 still have new review requests to consider.
I had a happy day picking titles at NetGalley. :-)
I purchased one Kindle book.
I did resist the second Audible Sci Fi sale but this week I'll be picking up my two September credit selections.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected six Sci Fi titles from NetGalley. Guess I'll be reading several during November Sci Fi month!

The Wrong Unit: A Novel
by Rob Dircks
"It’s a science fiction tale of technology gone haywire, unlikely heroes, and the nature of humanity. (Woah. That last part sounds deep. Don’t worry, it’s not.)"

(I really like this cover.)

Toru: Wayfarer Returns

by Stephanie R. Sorensen

"Revolutionary young samurai with dirigibles take on Commodore Perry and his Black Ships in this alternate history steampunk technofantasy set in 1850s samurai-era Japan."

The Invisible City
by Brian K. Lowe
"Tracking German soldiers through the muddy trenches of France, Captain Charles Clee stumbles onto something amazing--a secret archeological expedition from the far future."

The Circuit

by Rhett C. Bruno

"A hard-charging opener to a promising, if bloody, space-opera series." —KIRKUS

The Reader
by MK Harkins
This one is actually listed as paranormal - and clean & wholesome.
"Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island."

Free Space

by Sean Danker

"In the follow-up to Admiral, the intergalactic war has ended and hostilities between the Evagardian Empire and the Commonwealth are officially over, but the admiral is far from safe. . . ."

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased one $.99 Kindle - I couldn't resist.


To the Stars and Back: 5 Book Science Fiction Bundle
C.F. Barnes
"To the Stars and Back is a collection of books that range from Space Opera to Near-Future post-apocalypse and many stops in between."

Free

I only added 43 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 16, 2016

We attended another church this morning to share in their Unity Service. One of their preachers is part of the Band of Brothers that meets at our church. He invited others of the group to come and bring their wives. We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed the Sunday School message on the sovereignty of Jesus, the exuberant praise music and the good word shared.

The pastor centered his message on Philemon 10-11. He noted that although the verses do not contain the word “forgiveness” the message is one that tells us to be forgiving. (The text is below the song video.) Paul became friends with Onesimus, a runaway slave, while in prison. Onesimus had run from Philemon and ran into Paul. The letter reminds Philemon that we all have some past. We all have good in us. Often, to see the good you may have to practice three steps:

• 1) Release the other from his past – we all have a past filled with wrong actions before we were changed by Christ into a new creation.
• 2) Recognize the other’s progress. I am a work in process and so is my brother or sister. Mark 8:23-25 when it took a second touch to heal a blind man. We all need a touch and usually multiple touches on our mind, our mouth, our heart and our body. Onesimus was a slave, now he is a son to Paul and therefore a brother of Philemon.
• 3) Respect my purpose. God can use whoever he wishes. Not everyone has a title but God can still use them. They just need to be willing to be used. That fact that the product has a dent doesn’t mean it’s finished. There is still some good in you.

Added to this is a ‘type or shadow’ of Jesus. Paul says at verse 18: ‘If Onesimus owes you, put it on my tab.” Most important for all of us to remember about each who share Christ: There is some good!

This is one of the songs we shared in this morning.

Verses for today:
Philemon 10-11New International Version (NIV)
10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Lord I thank you that we are all one in the body of Christ. Help us to see beyond outward differences and embrace our oneness. Help us to love one another as you have commanded.

Sharing Beyond Books #274 Comment Giveaway October 15, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Three commenters might picture celebrities and six might visualize their own image of the characters. But the rest of us, (nine), do not really create or see character images.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #273 comments is: #5 SueF 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 #274

(One Question.)

bn100 asks: Can you stop anywhere in a book or do you have to finish the chapter??

This is another good question. Our ladies in book club noted this month that they like shorter chapters because they want to stop at the end of a chapter. Although that is my preference, I will stop in the middle if need be. Sometimes I just grab a few sentences before I am interrupted or have to get back to life tasks. So I am willing to snatch what I can whenever I can. :-).

Image Found at Quotesgram.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.

Your turn to share: bn100 asks: Can you stop anywhere in a book or do you have to finish the chapter??

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 22, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde

This is crazy fun listening - makes me chuckle and smile.
Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel
Written by: Jasper Fforde
Narrated by: Emily Gray

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
Series: Thursday Next Novels, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-08-11
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Alternate History
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Intrepid literary detective Thursday Next is back in the second installment of Jasper Fforde's one-of-a-kind series. The inventive, exuberant, and totally original literary fun that began with The Eyre Affair continues with Jasper Fforde’s magnificent second adventure starring the resourceful, fearless literary sleuth Thursday Next.
When Landen, the love of her life, is eradicated by the corrupt multinational Goliath Corporation, Thursday must moonlight as a Prose Resource Operative of Jurisfiction—the police force inside books. She is apprenticed to the man-hating Miss Havisham from Dickens’s Great Expectations, who grudgingly shows Thursday the ropes. And she gains just enough skill to get herself in a real mess entering the pages of Poe’s "The Raven".
What she really wants is to get Landen back. But this latest mission is not without further complications.
Along with jumping into the works of Kafka and Austen, and even Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, Thursday finds herself the target of a series of potentially lethal coincidences, the authenticator of a newly discovered play by the Bard himself, and the only one who can prevent an unidentifiable pink sludge from engulfing all life on Earth.
Delve into Jasper Fforde's literary universe with the other books in his Thursday Next fantasy/detective series.
©2011 Jasper Fforde (P)2011 Penguin Audiobooks

Review:
Thursday Next is a spunky literary detective working for Spec Ops (Special Operations) in an alternate London. Thursday won notoriety in her successful investigation in Book 1, The Eyre Affair, when she took down a prime criminal, Hades. Thursday is dodging the division’s publicist who keeps seeking her presence for promotions.

During an investigation, Thursday is caught in a time slip that involves her with Neanderthals, who have been recreated and trapped as civil slaves. A second loop indicates that Thursday is the target of an assassin. Thursday’s father is fully aware of time jumps and time slips as he was a “Chronoguard” officer who went rogue and lives in an alternate timeline while trying to prove corruption in the system. He is willing to help Thursday but needs her help to prevent the eminent destruction of the world from a strange pink goo.

Meanwhile Thursday is also facing threats from the corrupt corporate giant, Goliath. Goliath’s leader has a step-brother who was trapped by Thursday in Poe’s The Raven. Now the leader has ‘eradicated’ Thursday's husband, Landon. He is blackmailing Thursday to show him how to get into the literary library world to rescue his step brother.

The prior portal to the literary realm was opened by Thursday’s uncle, a prolific inventor. Now it has been closed and Thursday doesn’t realize she can get to the realm without the portal until she is cornered. She finds herself in the world of Dicken’s Great Expectations where she becomes the apprentice to Miss Havisham. She is assigned to help with the internal police force, the Prose Resource Operative of Jurisfiction. During her tasks Thursday ventures into the worlds of Kafka, Jane Austen, and even Beatrix Potter. She makes enemies and friends of the Neanderthals who have been recreated and trapped as civil slaves.

If all of that sounds rather crazy, it is – zany, crazy fun especially for those of us bibliophiles who are familiar with the classic authors and works that make up part of the stories’ adventures. It had been a while since I read The Eyre Affair but I remembered that it was fun listening. As I began this story it took me only a few minutes to remember the characters and get back into the fast-paced, comical stream of Thursday’s world. I love her unique pet, Pickwick, a dodo bird. The author melds literary characters with a rather fantastical world of strange, and sometimes corrupt, police procedures.

I recommend this series to readers who want to enjoy light, fun, literature name-dropping entertainment. I will be picking up Book 3, The Well of Lost Plots: A Thursday Next Novel, for future listening fun.

Audio Notes: Emily Gray does a wonderful job narrating this craziness. Her tone conveys a perfect flighty atmosphere to enhance the characters and dialogue. Although I am sure this is fun in print, for me it is a hoot in audio.

This selection is from my Audible library picked up in August, 2012. It qualifies for TBR Mountain, Audio Book Challenge and "L" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.