Sunday Post January 1, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 2, 2017

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.

This was an odd week of rest, a day of illness and a rush to finish deeds to be recorded before the end of the year (so they would qualify for homestead in 2017). The early days were nice and quiet at home and in office (even my birthday 12/27). Then I stayed in bed all of Wednesday as my throat was raw and awful.  I am still coughing but not as badly and hope another long weekend will help to end this bug.
I am excited about a new year - I think it's going to be a good one!

Reading was good even though a push to finish challenges and to try to post reviews before the end of the year.   I finished Seven ebooks, Two TBR audibles, and one print book (my Bible). I posted five reviews on the blog and four at Goodreads. I also posted all of my usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting early in the week; then got sick - bleh.
No shout out again this week but I do plan to pick that up again next week!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 25, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 26, 2016.

• Book Review: Mrs. White Rabbit by Gilles Bachelet; Children; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: Reading is for Idjits! by W. W. Rowe; Children; my rating 3.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 30, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/5/2016.

• Book Review: The Circuit: Executor Rising by Rhett C. Bruno; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review at Goodreads: Unicorn Western by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review at Goodreads: Ever After by Anya Wylde; Fantasy; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review at Goodreads: A Very Holly Christmas by Sheila Roberts; Christmas; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review at Goodreads: In the Event of My Death by Michele Hauf (Goodreads Author), Debbie Irwin (Narrator); Mystery; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: Halcyon (The Complex Book 0) by Demelza Carlton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Zombies at the Door: Planning for the Inevitable by Charlie Pulsipher; Parody, Humor; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #284 Comment Giveaway December 31, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/7/2016.

• MBS First Book of the Year 2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 1, 2016 -- Happy New Year!

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (TBR - from Author)

Ever After - A Novella
by Anya Wylde
My Review at Goodreads.
“With a shout from the queen, a hoot from the major, a joyous giggle from the good king … the long awaited princess finally arrived.” In a wonderfully unpredictable tale of adventure, romance and a goodly bit of humour, Ever After tells the story of a princess who is trapped in a luxurious tower by her over protective father. The princess must escape the tower, learn the ways of the world, and choose between love and duty. And when one thinks this is the end, the tale takes a turn and the princess finds herself taking an unconventional path to happily ever after.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Mrs. White Rabbit (NetGalley pdf)
by Gilles Bachelet
I received this title as a NetGalley pdf. 
Review linked above.
A hilarious twist on a classic tale.
Alice in Wonderland is one of the great classics of children's literature, but what does anyone actually know about Wonderland? Through the diary of the White Rabbit's extremely busy wife, readers finally get to see what happens in the background during Alice's adventures.
Mrs. White Rabbit loves her husband and their many children, but with an invisible housecat from Cheshire and a young female visitor who frequently changes size, living in Wonderland comes with a number of challenges.
With an abundance of wit and charm, Mrs. White Rabbit gives Lewis Carroll's famous tale a refreshingly modern twist.

3. eBook/Kindle (TBR)

The Yellow Line
by Kitrin Haas
I enjoyed this 'recovery' romance.
This is from my TBR and is "Y" for my Alphabet Challenge.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (TBR)

A Very Holly Christmas: An Exclusive Short Story
by Sheila Roberts
My Review at Goodreads.
Shelia Roberts is back with the hilarious short follow up to On Strike For Christmas. This short story will bring you right back to the spirited town of Holly, one year after the big strike! For even more Christmas (this time with a touch of romance) don't miss The Nine Lives of Christmas, coming November 2011.

5. Audible (TBR)


In the Event of My Death
by Michele Hauf (Author), Debbie Irwin (Narrator)
My Review at Goodreads.
Madiera Shane has only hours to find computer genius, Jesse Marvel's killer. She's got brains, she's got a Z4, and she's got gadgets. Now, to keep the evidence away from her sexy rival, freelance bounty hunter, Eddie Powell. They've dallied before, always vying for the prize of bagging a big arrest, but Madiera isn't about to allow Eddie's charm keep her from tracking the killer. Heck, she's got her own arsenal of charm, and she's not afraid to use it.

6. ebook/Kindle (TBR)

Christmas in Time
by Peggy Webb (Author)
This is a sweet, time travel romance with a special
(the Titanic) setting.
Paranormal, time travel novella, a prequel to Only Yesterday.
Everybody in her family and in the Gulf Coast town of Fairhope views Gilly as a woman whose life is plain and simple, one who has been content to spoil her great-niece Ann while living out her days in Windchime House. Only her best friend Margaret knows the heroic story of Gilly Debeau.
When Ann’s Christmas gift of wind chimes catapults Gilly back in time, she finds herself seated at the café Parisiene, having tea with her Papa and enjoying her eighteenth birthday gift – passage on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. As the string quintet entertains the passengers, Gilly can’t take her eyes off the handsome, talented violinist from West Yorkshire. Under William’s spell, she falls for both the music and the musician. But does an over-protected, unsophisticated girl from Alabama dare defy convention in order to become a woman? And how will she ever explain to Papa that she is planning a future with a man she’s known only three days?
On April 14, 1912, Gilly is wrenched away from everything and everyone she loves. Can she survive the icy Atlantic? Can William? Can their love survive a lifetime and beyond?
Advance praise for Christmas in Time…“The perfect gift for Christmas! Arm yourself with plenty of tissues for this beautiful love story that takes the heroine back in time to the Titanic. Nobody tugs on the heartstrings like Peggy Webb!” Sandra Fortune “Ed.D. ETSU faculty”

7. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Halcyon (The Complex Book 0)
by Demelza Carlton
This is an engaging sci fi with aliens and conflict.
A Lone Planet. One Complex.
Unlimited Chaos.
Catch a siren. Stop the storm. Whatever the cost.
Allie, sick of war and grief, signed up as a lowly maintenance worker for the Complex in the hope of securing a lasting peace between the Metas and Humans. However, the girl has her own secrets, not least of which is her assignment from the Lorn government to monitor the Complex for signs of a suspected saboteur.
Galen, the only survivor of the Poseidon shipwreck, didn't join the Complex for peace. He wants vengeance on the siren Halcyon, the mysterious Mer whose terrorist tactics single-handedly killed more humans than any other Meta. His sources say that Halcyon is on Lorn, and he'll happily kill every Mer in the Complex until his parents' murderer is dead.
Can they catch the terrorist before the Complex is destroyed?
The Complex Book Series:
A Lone Planet. One Complex.
Unlimited Chaos.
After a brutal war between Humans and Metas an uneasy truce is declared in the Seldova solar system. At the conclusion of the treaty signing, the Complex is created on the lone planet, Lorn. The Complex is a blended community of Humans and Metas, all sent to test the waters of a more peaceful existence between the two races. Living under a domed community can only mean one thing for the Humans and Metas. Chaos.

8. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Reading is for Idjits!
by W. W. Rowe (Author),
Charles A Filius (Illustrator)
My Review is linked above - this has good illustrations but a mixed message.
Martin and Morton are identical twins! Which one is which? "Smarty Marty" loves to read. "Morton the Moron" hates it. "Reading is for idjits!" he declares. But Morton's faulty reading gets him into BIG trouble. His entire world falls apart! After a series of humorous disasters, Morton finally learns to read. He even saves the day with his new skill!

9. Print (Re-read)

The One Year Bible NLT (One Year Bible: NLT Book 2) by Tyndale House Publishers Inc (Author), Tyndale (Contributor)
This is my second year reading this Bible with my hubby. I love reading every day (except occasionally getting behind) and being able to discuss this with my husband.
The best-selling One Year Bible helps you read the entire Bible in as little as 15 minutes a day. The One Year Bible divides God's Word into daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs, creating an achievable, unforgettable devotional experience. This edition features the clear and understandable New Living Translation.

10. Audible (TBR)

The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1)
by Robert Jordan, Mark Rolston (Narrator)
This was an Abridged edition 
but gave me a feel for this epic series.
Set in a world where two kinds of magic exist, one female and the other male, the Wheel of Time series features the hero Rand. Rand is on an epic quest to unite the diverse peoples of his planet against the Dark One, who threatens to destroy their world. His quest takes him through a series of complex and well-delineated alien cultures.

Currently reading:
1. Print (LBC / First Book of 2017)

All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life
by Mark Batterson
I am looking forward to reading this over the next several weeks.
Ladies Book Club will not be discussing until February.
From the blurb:
The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible (ABB-Narrator)

Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B
Written by: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Narrated by: Kitty Hendrix
I picked this for Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi.
Publisher's Summary
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) was a prolific and genre-bending American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
These two short works, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" and "2BR02B", are science fiction tales originally published in the magazines Galaxy Science Fiction and If: Worlds of Science Fiction in 1959 and 1962.
©2016 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2016 Kitty Hendrix

3. Print (i-Read Book Tour)

The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping
by Alla Campanella (Author), Ken Massey (Author)
This looks interesting.
I will be posting a tour review for this title on January 11, 2017.
Early in life, we learn to exaggerate our positive personal qualities and hide or deny our failures and weaknesses. The Skeleton Code is a satirical and humorous look at the many ways we protect our public personas by closeting our personal secrets, an ultimately self-deluding way of life. As a parody of the self-help “success” genre, the book presents facetious strategies about how to cover up our silly and scandalous secrets before turning to The Skeleton Cure.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
by Kate Kingsbury (Author)
This releases 1/10/17 so I thought I would get to reading.
Melanie West is getting her life back on track after a messy divorce when her grandmother, Liza Harris, asks her to open a B&B with her. Together, Liza and Melanie purchase a purportedly haunted mansion on the Oregon coast and jump right into clearing out the cobwebs. But while attempting to remove wallpaper in an upstairs bedroom, the new B&B owners stumble upon a very real skeleton in their closet.
The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner of the B&B, but no one in town seems to want to say much about her. As the inn owners try to juggle renovations with their own amateur investigations, their grand opening looms closer and closer--and a friendly ghost in their walls starts playing tricks. But it all comes crashing to a halt when a new body is found stabbed to death on the beach below the inn--the victim chillingly close in resemblance to Melanie herself.
It seems someone doesn't appreciate newcomers prying into the small town's past, and now it's up to Melanie and Liza to get to the bottom of these murders to save their business...and their lives

January 1, 2017 - I am starting again with the One Year Bible, reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed nine reviews total which still leaves me six due for 2016 reads.

I still plan to request audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I now have 12 NetGalley Titles and 11+ author titles in my queue.

We did get an ebook release but waiting for covers for two prints releases.
There will be one upload for eTreasure's NetGalley page 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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received six more NetGalley titles plus a review title.
I picked up 1 Audible Daily Deals.
I didn't buy any Kindle titles.
I picked up a fair 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 seven more books at NetGalley, two read in 2016 and five to add to the 2016 books to become TBRs. I am showing four titles now and plan to add the other three books next week.

Mrs. White Rabbit (NetGalley pdf)
by Gilles Bachelet
(See Finished reading and review links above.)

Reading is for Idjits!
by W. W. Rowe (Author),
Charles A Filius (Illustrator)
(See Finished reading and review links above.)

Hunt the Dawn (Fatal Dreams Book 2)
by Abbie Roads
"You can't hide your secrets from Lathan Montgomery-he can read your darkest memories. And while his special abilities are invaluable in the FBI's hunt for a serial killer, he has no way to avoid the pain that brings him."
The cover pulled me into this paranormal suspense.

Bookburners

by Max Gladstone (Author), Mur Lafferty (Author), Brian Francis Slattery (Author), Margaret Dunlap (Author)

"Magic is real, and hungry. It’s trapped in ancient texts and artifacts, and only a few who discover it survive to fight back. Detective Sal Brooks is a survivor."

With a title like this - How could I resist?

I saw this title for review through a message at Goodreads.

From Afar
by Roger Thomas
"The Magi, or Three Kings, of the Nativity story are among the best loved yet most mysterious figures in all history."
I am looking forward to reading this.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I am tempted by deals everyday since I subscribed to Audible Daily Deals.
This week I picked up only one daily deal for $2.95:
Jackaby
Written by: William Ritter
Narrated by: Nicola Barber 
Written by: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Jason Isaacs
"Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1890, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary - including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant."
I like the sound of this mystery.

Free

I added 57 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 January 1, 2017 --Happy New Year!

We opened the new year with a Sunday School lesson showing videos of two people sharing visions of heaven. I liked the thought of the involvement of angels and I will share that another day.

Our Pastor concluded his Celebrate Series.
He asked: "If we took inventory of the last 365 days, what would we find?" We can inventory areas such as health, financial, relationship, and spiritual. We can't agonize over past negatives.

In church, we tend to present our best selves. But we all have room for improvement.
Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3-6: I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God has started a good wok in you... He will continue that work.
God is continuing that work in you... Until it is finished on the day when Jesus returns.
Pastor encouraged us to read The Blessed Life which talks about giving at a ‘God Level’. Sometimes we are called to sacrifice.

1. What will be your goal for 2017?
2. What steps will you take to reach your target.
3. Each of us needs to commit with Focused intensity to reach our goal.

The Point: To be successful you need a target to receive your focused intensity.

What are you targeting for spiritual growth? Sharing Christ? Prayer? Stepping up? It is time to let God use us instead of doing something for us.

God has God-size plans for each of us and those plans are tied to His plan for the church.

I had several New Beginning songs and choose this one: Write your Story.

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.

Lord, help me commit and stay focused on Your Will this year and always.

MBS First Book of the Year 2017

Welcome to 2017!

And once again we begin a new year of reading!

 Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

(I'll update the link on Sunday after church.)
Pop over to see pictures of many of our fellow bloggers 

and see what each person is reading as their First book of 2017! 

This year my choice for the first book was fairly straight forward. I actually made the selection about four months ago as I was selecting books at Christianbook.com for my Ladies' Book Club.  I tend to order in bulk about twice a year, selecting titles at good prices (usually $5.00 or less).
This book was recommended by our Sunday School teacher over the past year and I have set it as the first book for our book club group this year and my first book of 2017.

I have chosen All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life by Mark Batterson

From the blurb:

The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.

(I remembered at the last minute on Friday to have my daughter take a picture.)

I am looking forward to seeing the titles others have chosen for their First Book of The Year 2017.
Please share with me what book YOU plan to read first for the new year!

Sharing Beyond Books #284 Comment Giveaway December 31, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented over the past two weeks. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and will have a safe New Year's celebration tonight!

It is not surprising that the majority of commentors were looking forward to visiting with or at least communicating with family. Several are looking forward to new experiences in the new year.
Rubynreba's family has a lovely tradition of reading the Christmas Story. I'll have to see if we can get the grandkids to do that next year.
Linda was looking forward to spending time with a new dog; bn100 was looking forward to the food. My prayers have been with Miki as I know it must be hard to go through the holidays after the loss of a loved one.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #283 comments is: #10 Marjorie 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 #284

(One Question.)

I decided to ask the first question as we go into 2017 (last question for 2016). So MaryP and Poetry will both get a prize for their questions in December.
My Question tonight: Do you have a reading list ready for 2017 and what is your anticipated reading goal for 2017??

I have my first book set up with the post for tomorrow morning. I have already lined up a handful of tours for January, February and one so far in March. I have my list of NetGalley titles (12), my author list (10+), and I have set up a tentative list for 2017 Alphabet Challenge with Audible titles and ebooks. So I do have some lists but they are not written in stone (except for tour dates).
I felt like I had to push a little this month to finish my challenges, including the Goodreads challenge which I had set at 175 and finished at 178. Knowing other tasks I have, I think I will set that goal at 160 for the new year, allowing for 3 books a week plus a few spares.

Be Safe and Happy New Year to One and All!

[May 2017 be a special year!]

Image Found at Quotesgram..

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: My Question tonight: Do you have a reading list ready for 2017 and what is your anticipated reading goal for 2017??

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 January 6, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Zombies at the Door: Planning for the Inevitable by Charlie Pulsipher

Sometimes you just need to read something funny - this fits the bill.

Zombies at the Door: Planning for the Inevitable

by Charlie Pulsipher

File Size: 661 KB
Print Length: 68 pages
Publisher: Singular Books; 2 edition (August 18, 2011)
ASIN: B005I3ZZR2
Genre: Parody, Humor, Zombies
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

*Get ready for a funny Advice & How-To guide to the coming Zombie Apocalypse using humor and practical knowledge together to help you survive*
We all know it can happen, will happen. Be prepared and have a laugh at the same time. This basic manual will make sure you are ready to face the zombie hordes and walk you through where to meet, find weapons and food, and set up camp. It may even give you hope as you huddle in the bathroom stall at the mall.
Seriously though, don't go to the mall!
Learn the glow stick technique to distract zombies or how a paper bag might save your life or at least keep you from seeing the bitey end that's coming. Are dentist offices safe? Can the game of baseball stop the zombies from attacking? Is petroleum jelly something you should have in your zombie kit? Find out now....

Review:
Just read the blurb and you can’t miss the tongue-in-check humor. Actually, the prep info is nicely set forth and would be helpful for other (more likely) disasters like losing power due to hurricanes, tornadoes or blizzards. Just remember – don’t go to the mall! And plan ahead for an escape route just in case you are out shopping at a mall when a catastrophe strikes (and sadly, nowadays, that could happen more often than we’d like to think).

Zombie books often bring fear and stress. There is a little of that in this one, but along with that there is a big dose of laughter. The book includes stick drawn illustrations that made me chuckle. This is a very fun read and perfect for a “Z” in Alphabet Challenge at the end of the year. Pick it up and get some grins; share it with friends so you will have some other survivors as companions (or bait?). I hope to read something else by Mr. Pulsipher as I enjoyed the style.

This is from my Kindle library; 2012. It is a TBR and "Z" for my Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Halcyon (The Complex Book 0) by Demelza Carlton

A Complex of blended races -- a chance for peace or revenge?
Halcyon (The Complex Book 0)
by Demelza Carlton

File Size: 5173 KB
Print Length: 168 pages
Publisher: Lost Plot Press (December 10, 2016)
ASIN: B01MXN7KKW
Genre: Sci Fi, Alien Invasion, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A Lone Planet. One Complex.
Unlimited Chaos.

Catch a siren. Stop the storm. Whatever the cost.
Allie, sick of war and grief, signed up as a lowly maintenance worker for the Complex in the hope of securing a lasting peace between the Metas and Humans. However, the girl has her own secrets, not least of which is her assignment from the Lorn government to monitor the Complex for signs of a suspected saboteur.
Galen, the only survivor of the Poseidon shipwreck, didn't join the Complex for peace. He wants vengeance on the siren Halcyon, the mysterious Mer whose terrorist tactics single-handedly killed more humans than any other Meta. His sources say that Halcyon is on Lorn, and he'll happily kill every Mer in the Complex until his parents' murderer is dead.
Can they catch the terrorist before the Complex is destroyed?

The Complex Book Series:
A Lone Planet. One Complex.
Unlimited Chaos.

After a brutal war between Humans and Metas an uneasy truce is declared in the Seldova solar system. At the conclusion of the treaty signing, the Complex is created on the lone planet, Lorn. The Complex is a blended community of Humans and Metas, all sent to test the waters of a more peaceful existence between the two races. Living under a domed community can only mean one thing for the Humans and Metas. Chaos.

Review:
Allie has chosen to become a maintenance worker in the Complex for personal reasons as well as political ones. She is tired of the war and the loses. The community project at the Complex is designed to put humans and Meta (other beings) living together so they can find a way to peace.

Galen was only a teen when he became the sole survivor of an attack by the Mer siren, Halcyon. That devastating attack started the Meta war. Now he is the chief engineer for the Complex. Although the Complex has been developed to promote peace, Galen isn’t done with the war yet. He has heard that Halcyon is at the Complex and he intends to revenge the death of his parents, as he has planned for years.

Galen is immediately drawn to Allie, even as he tries to keep his focus on his primary goal. Meanwhile, Allie is secretly hunting for the terrorist threat without realizing where that search will end.

The story was engaging, with a bit of a twist. I enjoyed the intelligent characters, particularly Allie. I enjoyed following her quirks. This is a novella but it is a full story with an engaging plot. There was suspense and budding romance. The dialogue was natural, the writing flowed well and the story read quickly with good pacing. I would be willing to read more by Ms. Carlton.

I was given a free copy of this title from the author with no obligation to review.

Book Review: The Circuit: Executor Rising by Rhett C. Bruno

This has lots of high tech, action and some interesting characters, but I found the plot a bit confusing.

The Circuit: Executor Rising
by Rhett C. Bruno

File Size: 4070 KB
Print Length: 276 pages
Publisher: Diversion Books (May 19, 2015)
ASIN: B00XAUYRY2
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"A hard-charging opener to a promising, if bloody, space-opera series." —KIRKUS
Centuries after Earth was rendered an uninhabitable wasteland, humanity was forced from its homeworld and founded the Kepler Circuit, a string of colonies throughout the solar system. These settlements provide resources to the remnants of humankind, the most important resource being the newly discovered element—Gravitum—found only in the Earth’s unstable mantle.
But a powerful religious faction known as the New Earth Tribunal has risen to preside over most of the Circuit. Though there is barely a faction left to challenge them, a string of attacks on the Tribunal’s freighters causes them to suspect their mortal enemies, the Ceresians, of foul play.
Tasked with solving the problem is Sage Volus: Tribunal Executor. Spy.
Sage quickly infiltrates the ranks of a roguish, Ceresian mercenary named Talon Rayne, seeking to discover the truth behind the attacks, but the longer she works amidst Talon and his squad, the more she finds her faith in the Tribunal tested.
While her quest for answers only unearths more questions, a new threat is on the rise, and it plans to bring down the Tribune once and for all.

Review:
Sage Volus is a Tribunal Executor who handles the necessary enforcement against those who violate the rules of the cult-like Circuit Tribunal. She also serves as a spy when so instructed. It is a rough job but she dedicated herself at a time when she had nothing else to live for.

Cassius Vale is a rare commodity. He is an Ex-Tribune and there are those who would prefer to see him dead. Cassius son, Caleb, was married to Sage. Seven years ago, Caleb died while exploring new growth on the husk of old earth. Sage was injured in the explosion too, but Cassius made sure she survived.

Cassius has broken faith with the Tribunal whom he blames for his son’s death. He has put into place a plan to circumvent the control of the Circuit, or at least to create chaos. After all, he is known as ‘creator’ to his Automated Dynamic Intelligence Mech (ADIM).

Sage is directed by the Tribune to investigate the attacks on the Circuit freighters. Some suspect their mortal enemies, the Ceresians, but one or two of the Tribune suspect Cassius. Sage manages to infiltrate the team of a Ceresian mercenary named Talon Rayne. The things Sage discovers begin to test her previously unquestioned devotion to the Tribunal. And facts have only begun to surface.

I really liked ADIM as an AI character, although he is a bit brutal in his approach to his tasks. Sage is a Kick-butt character and I liked that she has feelings even after years of trying to numb her heart. I liked Cassius but honestly, I am not sure if he is good, bad or simply mad.

The story moves at a good pace with lots of action and high tech. It is not one that can be read lightly as it takes concentration to follow what is happening. It didn’t seem totally clear what had happened to destroy earth and why the Circuit had to rely on the Gravitum from earth. Even when finished I felt confused as this seemed like the second book in a series that didn’t pull in all the backstory. There were numerous grammar errors plus the story ends without wrapping up either line of action, for Sage or Cassius. So – I liked the basics but it has some drawbacks. I noted that the reviews on book two are favorable so that is a good sign.

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

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 30, 2016

Happy Friday!
Well - I had recovered until late Tuesday when my throat started closing up. I spend all day Wednesday in bed hoping to knock out the bug. I felt better Thursday and had to go cover a court hearing two hours away. As of Thursday night I have only a whisper of a voice. I have a couple of appointments on Friday to finish out some deeds that have to be recorded by the end of the year. Then I hope to come home to bed again. 

Santa brought me a new car instead of a new camera so I'm not complaining. I just have to find a camera shop to see if mine can be repaired or just break down and get a new one.

I am wishing Everyone a SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR as we kick off 2017 this 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 December 23 Pick. TWO automatic wins again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: Carol NW gets Beyond Reach
and
Becky gets Soul of the Wildcat

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 16 Pick:
JANHVI gets a GC
and
Marjorie gets a GC

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

Good sentiments to share for 2017!
Image found at Leeds Book Club.

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

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 by Vickie 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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,028+ 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: Reading is for Idjits! by W. W. Rowe

This has great illustrations and a well meaning message; but I have some cautionary concerns.
Reading is for Idjits!
by W. W. Rowe (Author), Charles A Filius (Illustrator)

File Size: 18529 KB
Print Length: 98 pages
Publisher: Charwood Publications (May 26, 2016)
ASIN: B01G87KU0S
Genre: Children
My Rating 3.5 of 5.0

Martin and Morton are identical twins! Which one is which? "Smarty Marty" loves to read. "Morton the Moron" hates it. "Reading is for idjits!" he declares. But Morton's faulty reading gets him into BIG trouble. His entire world falls apart! After a series of humorous disasters, Morton finally learns to read. He even saves the day with his new skill!

Review:
This quick story tells how Morton gets into trouble repeatedly when he misreads signs. The mistakes are funny until they start getting Morton injured. Ultimately his misreading leads to a very dangerous event, at which point his mother punishes him until he learns to read properly.  Finally he learns to love reading too.

I really enjoyed the fun illustrations in this book which are much more creative than the cover might suggest. But the cover did get my attention to look at the rest. 

I had some concerns about calling any child a "moron" as I totally discourage name calling. There are additional negatives, including the "idjit" phrase of course. I am also pretty doubtful that punishing a child to make them read will make them like or enjoy reading. I learned with an oppositional child that it is better to find reward structures than punishing structures.

As humorous as the story is and as cute as the pictures are, the more I thought about reading this with a reluctant reader the more I wondered if it would work. Making reading fun is the goal... and this book does make it fun so it might be worth a try with the right child and an adult to discourage the negatives of name calling.

I received this book through NetGalley. It helped to complete my NetGalley Challenge for 2016.

Book Review: Mrs. White Rabbit by Gilles Bachelet

This is delightful especially for fans of the classic Alice in Wonderland!

Mrs. White Rabbit 

by Gilles Bachelet

Age Range: 6 - 10 years
Grade Level: 1 - 4
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(February 6, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0802854834
Genre: Children's
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0*

A hilarious twist on a classic tale.
Alice in Wonderland is one of the great classics of children's literature, but what does anyone actually know about Wonderland? Through the diary of the White Rabbit's extremely busy wife, readers finally get to see what happens in the background during Alice's adventures.
Mrs. White Rabbit loves her husband and their many children, but with an invisible housecat from Cheshire and a young female visitor who frequently changes size, living in Wonderland comes with a number of challenges.
With an abundance of wit and charm, Mrs. White Rabbit gives Lewis Carroll's famous tale a refreshingly modern twist.

Review:
As the description notes, this is a view into the diary of the beleaguered wife of the White Rabbit. With five children you can imagine she is very busy and doesn't appreciate the addition of a transparent cat and a young woman who can't control her size.

I thought the story was fun and creative. It could be considered a quick read but that would be such an injustice. You can't just read through quickly because there is so much to see on each page. The illustrations are fabulous, creative and many! As a fan of Alice in Wonderland I had to stop on each page and look at the drawings that relate back to the original classic.

This is set out as a children's book and I don't think that is the best audience. Perhaps if a child has recently read Alice in Wonderland, he or she might get the humor and the irony, especially with the help of an adult to point out the scenes and characters that fill this book.

*I didn't give this a 5 star rating only because I am not sure it is fitted to the target audience. However, it would definitely get my recommendation for any mature or adult enthusiast of the classic Alice in Wonderland.

I received this title as a NetGalley pdf. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge.
(I realized I was a few books short for my NetGalley Challenge so I picked up some children's titles to test for my grandchildren... and to enjoy myself!)