Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 14, 2017

Happy Friday!
This has been a good week. I didn't have any court hearings and not too many appointments. This worked out well as I finished and filed an appeal brief and worked on taxes.

I sent Amazon Gift Card wins out and have two or three people to email with their balances.

Our weather has been in the 80s during the day and 60s at night so pretty nice.

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 April 6 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week.
Carol NW gets The Old Silent Cassette Tapes
and
SueF gets Rattlesnake Crossing

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 6 Pick:
BECKY gets The Silenced (through the block)
and
LESLEY 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.}

Read some Poetry this month!
Image found at The Writer's Almanac Bookshelf.

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
PAIR:
Matthew Reilly: Temple and Area 7
SINGLES:
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George
‘E’ is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
Lullaby and Goodnight by Wendy Corsi Staub
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lillian Jackson Braun
The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina
The Silenced by Heather Graham
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes (Audio Cassettes)


New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Critical by Robin Cook


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


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

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

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
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

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

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
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)

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 1,052+ 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!

Audible Book Review: Confluence by S. K. Dunstall

This kept me up late for two nights wanting to finish – but knowing I would be sorry when it ended!

Confluence

Written by: S. K. Dunstall

Narrated by: Brian Hutchison

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-28-16

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

From the national best-selling author of Alliance, linesman Ean Lambert finds himself caught in a dangerous fight for political power.

The lines. Mysterious yet familiar: the key to controlling every ship in the galaxy. Once they were thought of as tools, but since linesman Ean Lambert discovered strange new lines in an alien vessel, they have become so much more - symbols of a power too great to ignore.

©2016 S.K. Dunstall (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review:
The Emperor of Lancia, Michelle’s father, is putting pressure on her to strengthen the position of Lancia over the New Alliance. Trying to force compliance, Emperor Yu has announced the betrothal of Michelle to further his own goals. His manipulations are cause for consternation to Michelle and Abram who are trying to maintain the fragile balance in the New Alliance. Yu has also told Ean’s usual bodyguard, (and the Emperor’s niece), Radko, that she must marry a high-ranking official chosen by Yu. The goal there is to allow the official to meet and have access to Ean.

Michelle’s new security officer determines it will be best to get Radko away from the fleet for a time. She assigns Radko a team and sends them on an undercover assignment to a hostile planet. Radko comes face to face with a previous attacker and the tensions ratchet up as she uncovers secrets. But will she get the chance to get the news back to her commander?

Meanwhile Ean is continuing to train new linesmen, even single linesmen who have previously been rejected by the line cartels. Ean is juggling the Confluence and other ships who are seeking to select their own crew if they aren’t assigned crew soon. The fleet has unwelcome Lancastrian visitors who are being a bit too pushy. Ean manages to block the theft of one of the ships but steps up the possibility of war by the ship movements. Then he has to protect his linesmen and protection team from another unexpected attack.

I thoroughly enjoyed the action, political intrigue and humor. I like the relationship between Ean and the lines although Ean sometimes loses focus on the human side of his world. There are a couple of slow building romances which add a nice touch. It is fine with me that there is no foul language and no sexual content. Although there is violence and death, it is not gory and graphic.

This is the third in the series – I strongly hope it won’t be the last. This series has wonderful world building, good plots with action and likeable primary characters – even some of the testier ones. There were new characters introduced in this book and I hope they will appear in future installments. I was a little sorry that the two linesmen characters who played a part in book 2 were barely mentioned in this book. I highly recommend the series and suggest you read them in order for best enjoyment.

Audio Notes: Brian Hutchison does a great job with the character voices and the intensities and nuances. I turned this on every chance I could, eager to hear more. This was great listening enjoyment for me.

I picked this up with my Audible Selections because I liked the series so much. It qualifies for 2017 Audio Challenge.

My Reviews of the Books in the Series:
Linesman My rating 5.0.
Alliance My rating 4.5

Book Review: Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring... by Vanita Oelschlager

This is a lovely way to share classic poetry with children.
Ivy in Bloom:
The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past
by Vanita Oelschlager (Author),
Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)

Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Vanita Books (April 1, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0980016277
Genre: Children, Poetry
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Ivy In Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. ""I stare out the window,"" she says on the first spread of brown and gray, ""looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing."" But then Spring comes when ""March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest."" And Ivy's ""heart dances with daffodils."" As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color. Ivy In Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

Review:
This lovely story opens with Ivy inside a somber room, frustrated by the gray smudge of winter. She is looking forward to the colors of spring! She goes out on a cold, cloudy March day and sees the signs of winter still around her. She is even anxious for puddles and finally April comes and “Spring arose from its wintry rest.” Ivy's world comes alive with color.

Somehow I thought there would be poems shared with whimsy illustrations. Rather than full poems, and more appropriately for children, there are one or two lines or phrases enhanced with delightful illustrations. The lines are familiar and some I knew the poet. (Several of the poets are mentioned in the blurb.) Thankfully, at the back of the book the poems and poets are shared with the line from Ivy’s world highlighted. This makes the book a fun way to share classic poetry with younger children.

The fully illustrated pages are wonderful – not overly complex but full of energy and fitting to the text. Most of the poetry lines blend smoothly although one or two seemed a bit forced. Still, it is a delightful experience and learning tool. I look forward to sharing this with my granddaughters. I recommend this to others who would like to share the joy of poetry with children.

I think late winter and early spring is a good time to read this.
I received this from NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "I" for Alphabet Challenge.

Sunday Post April 9, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 10, 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.

I continue, as always, to plug along, completing work tasks each day.
We spent Wednesday night at a local camp ground because hubby is ready to get out of his lifevest and on to a trip. He visits the doctor this week.
Our weather has been fairly nice, except for the rain storm I had to dodge on the way to court.
I am praying for wisdom for world leaders as they address the traumas in the middle east.

Reading was good. I finished two ebooks and one audio. I posted two reviews plus all of my usual memes.

I visited about 26 blogs last week.
Blog shout out this week is for Bookishness and Tea where I found an article about reading slumps.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 2, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 3, 2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better by Dave Eggers; Sci Fi, Dystopian, Preview; my rating 4.0.

• ET Book Review: MBS March 2017 Reading Wrap-Up.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 7, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/13/2017.

• ABJ- Audio Book Review: The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart; Fantasy, Classic Fiction; my rating 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #298 Comment Giveaway April 8, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/15/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 9, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Confluence
Written by: S. K. Dunstall
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
I love this series and hope it continues!
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print (TBR Ladies Book Club)

A Talent for Trouble (Ladies of Distinction Book #3)
by Jen Turano
We read this for Ladies Book Club which met Saturday. It is light, fun reading. I'll post a review and giveaway this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook (NG TBR)

Ivy in Bloom:
The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past
by Vanita Oelschlager (Author), 
Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)
This is delightful for late March or early Spring!
I received this from NetGalley
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG TBR)

Codename Lazarus: The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead
by A.P. Martin
I'm not too far along since I jumped to the LBC book.
I am just getting to the spying, I think.
I received this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio (ABB)

Streets of Payne
Written by: Jeff Brackett
Narrated by: Joy Nash
I received this audio title from the author/narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
Humanity is in the eye of the beholder. But for street-smart detective Amber Payne, it's the eyes that aren't human. Cybernetic implants replaced the organics she lost in the line of duty, and their appearance often causes Amber to doubt her self-worth. Rookie detective Kevin Glass is her partner. And though he may be new, Kevin's unparalleled skill as an elite cyber-surfer makes him an invaluable asset. When Alta Corp contracts the two of them to solve a case of high stakes data theft, they will need every bit of skill, experience, and determination to succeed. For the more they investigate, the more it becomes evident that this case is much more than it appears, and its resolution may forever alter the world in which they live.
©2013 Jeff Brackett (P)2013 Jeff Brackett

3. eBook/Kindle

Fake
by Twist Phelan
I'm looking forward to this thriller.
I received this through NetGalley.
Finn Teller Corporate Spy Mystery #1
Have you ever thought about buying a counterfeit product? Maybe a watch or a handbag for fun? After you read FAKE, the first book in Twist Phelan's series featuring Finn Teller, corporate spy, you'll think again.
From Thriller Award-winning author Twist Phelan comes "a new and capable heroine you'll want to see again" (Jan Burke, Edgar® Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author). FAKE, the first book in Phelan's new series featuring corporate spy Finn Teller, shines a light on the netherworld of counterfeit goods.
An assignment with a Milan fashion house leads Finn to an undercover investigation of a train wreck in Croatia—scene of her most tragic professional mistake and home to terrorists still out for revenge. The hunter becomes the hunted and the stakes skyrocket as Finn must win a race against the clock to stop the spread of a deadly African pandemic and escape with her life. FAKE is a page-turning mystery that will keep you guessing up to the end.
"Full of character and good storytelling!" –Michael Connelly, Edgar® Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author

April 9, 2017 - I am up to date 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 three new books and posted two reviews; this will mean I have four reviews for this week.
I have 12 NetGalley Titles remaining and 10+ author titles in my queue.

Through the Eyes of a Lost Boy by Ed Bonner, a new poetry collection, will be available tomorrow at: eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 one audio review book this week but expect a few more soon.
I resisted the Audible daily deals again this week but I did purchase one ebook for $2.99 each.
I picked up more free kindle titles again. (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 received this audio title from the author through AudioBook Boom.

• Streets of Payne
• By: Jeff Brackett
• Narrator: Joy Nash
• Duration: 9 hrs and 36 mins

This looked like a good futuristic detective story.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I bought this ebook for $2.99 to read and consider for future Ladies Book Club choice.

Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels
By: J. Warner Wallace, Lee Strobel

Free

Here are some of the free books I found this week:
 
The Daily Word: Frame Your Day for Victory in 60 Seconds
Efia Leatham 




Keeper of the Well (The Ancient Book 1)
Steve Kaide


Wolf Land Book One: Bluebells
Fiona McShane


I added only 43 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 April 9, 2017

This was a beautiful Palm Sunday Morning. Our Sunday School teacher returned from Haiti and gave us an update, with pictures and video, of the Band of Brothers’ visit there over the past week. God is doing an awesome work, touching the lives of many children and adults.

The worship team led in beautiful music and Pastor gave a great sermon before we shared in communion. The message was from the “triumphal entry’ passages of Luke 19:28-44. Pastor asked us to imagine ourselves as one of the followers of Jesus as he enter Jerusalem that day. Imagine the smells, sounds, touch and visual setting: the dust, the heat, the breezes, the smells of the animals and the burning sacrifices, the sounds of the lambs bleating, the sight of the palms waving, the clothes along the pathway, the people and the sound of their cheering as they marched in front and behind. Imagine one step beyond the senses, to the emotions. What were the people and the apostles feeling? What was Jesus feeling?

Two disciples were sent ahead to request the colt of a donkey saying, “The Lord needs this.” The owner gave the animal just as he would be expected to if he was told “The king needs this.”
The people with Him were mindful of His miracles, including giving sight to the blind and raising of Lazarus from the dead. They laid their garments before Him and shouted with song and praise. The religious leaders complained about the noisy crowd but Jesus replied saying, ‘even If the people were quiet, the stones would sing out.’

As He looked upon the city of Jerusalem, Jesus wept over the people and their future, because they did not recognize when God visited them. The crowd was shouting “Hosanna” on Sunday but crying “Crucify Him” by the end of the week.

The week, which we know as The Holy Week, was full of meaningful and historic events. Jesus was totally committed to those events and God’s will. The redemption had been foretold in many prophesies. Note Zechariah 3:2-9 which ends: “I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.”

Does your life mirror those cheering? Do you recognize the importance of this week to you and all men? Ask yourself, “How does His resurrection change my life? How does it reorder my life?”

The Point: When we understand God's full commitment to us it leads us to a life committed to Jesus.

Fully commit yourself. Will you be ready when He returns? During communion, examine your commitment. Choose to commit to obey the call to follow Christ and spread the Good News.

I set this song aside to share for Palm Sunday to remind us:

The King is Coming!

Verses for today:
Zechariah 3:1-4 NLT
3 Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”
3 Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. 4 So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

Lord, thank you for being committed to bringing salvation to frail men like me. Please guide me each day to be committed to You and to be ready when You return.

Sharing Beyond Books #298 Comment Giveaway April 8, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

About seven commenters view lots of 5 star ratings for a book with suspicion. Another seven do not pick a book by ratings or hype. Several will check reviews for the pros and cons. A couple rely more on the blurb or pick by favorite author. MaryP hopes that a book with lots of 5 stars is deserving. :-) Nikki doesn't trust a reviewer who gives all reviews 5 star. (Sometimes I feel awkward giving so many 4 star ratings but I think that is consistent with getting to (mostly) pick the books I want to review.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #297 comments is: #14 Janhvi who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated **Old (and soon to be updated) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did set aside new books to add to the SBB choices and took pictures last week. -- Another international winner tonight. I still hope to get the pictures and then list up soon!
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #298

(One Question.)

Fredamans asks: What is another way you unwind that is not book related??

What? There's some other way to unwind?
Let's see-- I do change into "comfy"clothes as soon as I get home... but I am listening to a book while I change. Sometimes I walk... but that is with an audiobook. Sometimes we watch TV but the news doesn't help me unwind and I am on the computer during anything else. I occasionally have a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner. (Then I go to the computer.) I listen to books until I go to sleep; maybe sleeping counts as unwinding?

This cat needs to unwind!
Image found at Morris The Cat on Twitter.

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: Fredamans asks: What is another way you unwind that is not book related??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 April 15, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart

I was a little surprised that I finished this 16 hour audiobook in one week, but it was gripping/engaging.

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2
Written by: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
Series: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-22-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy, Classic
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become the king of all Britain - a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable.
Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain.
The prophetic voice of Merlin communicates not only the bristling atmosphere of the story's ancient setting, but also its profound relevance to our own time. Once again, as she did in her best-selling The Crystal Cave, Mary Stewart provides a glowing recreation of pre-Camelot England.
©2016 Mary Stewart (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I read this story back in the ‘70s. I didn’t really remember the story but I remembered that I loved it and I loved the author, reading all her works available in those years. (I even have one that I have saved and I think I will pull it out to read soon.) When I saw this available for review I immediately sent a request. I am so glad that I did.

This is the story of Merlin, The Enchanter and the man. It is told as narrative from Merlin, beginning as he helps arrange the conception of Arthur. The tale follows Merlin, as the boy’s guardian, as he first protects and later mentors Arthur, covering the years from birth to coronation.

Stewart writes with beautiful imagery and powerful characterization. She begins with Merlin as a 22-year-old who has sacrificed certain aspects of ‘normal’ life to embrace (more accurate than control) his magical craft. There are certain aspects of magic that he has learned to use, particularly herbs and potions, disguise and some natural manipulations. The prophesy elements of his powers he cannot control. He is not even certain which god or gods gives him foresight. But he is certain when it is real and he follows the instructions as best he can interpret them.

The other characters are not developed as deeply as Merlin but those closest to him are portrayed with suitable depth to be able to imagine each person. Stewart lays the seedlings for the twisted character of Morgause, Arthur’s half-sister, and sets up some potential enemies. She also develops a few key friends who will be there to support Arthur as he learns who he is and steps confidently forward to receive the crown.

Stewart manages to weave in the history and legends of Ambrosius, Uther and Arthur. She paints the settings so they are visual to the reader, even the brief pictures of the Greek and Roman cities where Merlin travels as he stays away to avoid inadvertently leading anyone to the boy as he grows up.

The story itself is rich and enchanting. I found it, as the blurb says, “spellbinding”. With the addition of masterful, rich narration, I was transported to another time and place. I highly recommend this as a great listen and, for those who love all things Arthurian, this is a “do not miss” selection.

Audio Notes: If I was the sort of reviewer who effuses, I would just say “wow!” Derek Perkins was a perfect narrator for this work. The accent and narration pacing is wonderful. I encourage listening to the sample and you will get just a tempting taste of how lovely this experience is.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 7, 2017

Happy Friday!
This week progressed fairly well. Hubby and I had a one night out Wednesday. He decided to take the motorcoach out to get washed by rain and then called me to meet him at a local campground. I picked him up to zip down the road for take out dinner and stop by the house to pick up basics like towels, glasses, dog food and a change of clothes. It was fun until I suffered a terrible allergic reaction, sneezing and itchy eyes, when I tried to go to sleep. Instead of getting extra sleep, since we didn't have the computers, I was up sneezing for three hours.

I did get the books out this week but not the Gift Card wins as I forgot to bring the papers home last weekend. I plan to do those this weekend now. Thanks again for being patient!
Our weather has been warm with some rain and wind. Tonight it dipped to the 50s.

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 March 31 Pick. There is one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked again and it was won.
bn100 gets The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 31 Pick:
NATASHA gets Lullaby and Goodnight (through the block)
and
FREDAMANS 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.}

**"Readin' in the Rain!!"**
Image was found at LibraryThing.

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
PAIR:
Matthew Reilly: Temple and Area 7
SINGLES:
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George
‘E’ is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
Lullaby and Goodnight by Wendy Corsi Staub
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lillian Jackson Braun
The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina
The Silenced by Heather Graham
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes (Audio Cassettes)


New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Critical by Robin Cook


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


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

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

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
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

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

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
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)

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 1,049+ 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!

MBS March 2017 Reading Wrap-Up

MBS 2017 Reading List - March

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017

5 Stars = How Good is Good Enough?

1. ATour- Audio Book Review and Tour #Giveaway: Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1, by Lauren Carr ; Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.5.
2. eA- Book Review: Girl of Fire: The Expulsion Project Book One by Norma Hinkens; Dystopian, Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
3. eTNG- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.5.
4. P- Book Review: How Good is Good Enough? by Andy Stanley; Christian, Salvation Theory; my rating 5.0.
5. eT- Book Review: Eric Olafson: Space Pirate by Vanessa Ravencroft; Military Sci Fi, Space Exploration; my rating 4.75.
6. ATour- Audio Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Fine Year by for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2 by Lauren Carr; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
7. eT- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Cat in the Flock (Dreamslippers Book 1) by Lisa Brunette; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
8. eTNG TBR- Book Review: Ashes by Steven Manchester; Fiction, Family Drama; my rating 4.25.
9. ABJ- Audio Book Review: The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk; Sci Fi, Dystopian, Environmentalism; my rating 4.5.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Excerpts from The Encyclopaedia Britannica; Fiction; my rating 4.5.
11. ATBR- We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better by Dave Eggers; Technothriller, Preview; my rating 4.0.
12.  eT- Book Review: Xenogeneic: First Contact by Lance Erlick; Sci Fi, Alien First Contact; my rating 3.75.

Total read = 12; TBR = 3; New Authors = 6
Audio/Audible = 5 (two tour reviews; 1 ABJ)
eBook = 6 (five tour reviews; 1 author request)
NetGalley = 2
Print = 1

Audible Book Review: We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better by Dave Eggers

This is an introduction to the book The Circle which will be released as a movie this month.
We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better
Written by: Dave Eggers
Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-27-13
Publisher: The New York Times
Genre: Fiction, Preview
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A million people, a billion, wanted to be where Mae was at this moment, entering this atrium, 30 feet high and shot through with California light, on her first day working for the only company that really mattered at all.
A story from The New York Times Magazine, adapted from The Circle, a new novel by Dave Eggers.
Listen to the rest of The Circle and listen to more from The New York Times.
©2013 The New York Times Company (P)2013 The New York Times Company

Review:
Mae, with the help of a friend, got invited to interview for a job at the prestigious company known as The Circle. She is thrilled to get the position and is promptly pulled into training. She is provided with the latest technology phone and tablet and a helpful coworker immediately sets them up so that everything is interactive with the company. As a new employee she is soon provided with clothes, shown all the onsite store and facilities that are available, and introduced to her onsite lodgings, so she doesn’t have to go home for anything.

Although she picks the work up quickly, at the end of the week she is approached by some of her ‘support group’ who express concerns about her lack of socializing with her “team”. She changes her online socializing to spend hours online to increase her socializing ratings.

I didn’t realize as I listened to this that it is just the introduction to the full novel. The author quickly sets the stage for a creepy situation where Mae’s life is immersed in, and manipulated by, The Circle. This clearly raises issues of giving up control and privacy. I found the premise interesting and am curious to know where the story goes and what creates the suspense/thriller elements. On the other hand, I was not so pulled in that I wanted to push through over 500 pages. There was some unnecessary bad language liberally used by Mae’s friend. I liked getting a glimpse of the setting and Mae’s character. I will be waiting for the movie.

Audio Notes: Dion Graham's narration fits well with the high tech sort of energy of the story. He reads at a quick, sharp pace that captures the 20 something excitement of the protagonist. He manages to capture the variety of male and female voices with youthful enthusiasm. The narration is definitely a good fit for the book.

This was from my Audible TBR shelves (2013). It qualifies for 2017 Audiobook and Mount TBR Challenges.