Sunday Post February 18, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 19, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 a good, full work week but I am still behind.
Our weather has turned into 80 degree days. Spring has sprung with our crocuses and other bulbs growing. I hope the weather is getting nicer for others.

I enjoyed my reading and listening last week. I finished one ebook and two Audibles. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 32 blogs this past week :-)
Shout Out this week to Beth Fish Reads another strong book blogger from 2008.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 12, 2018.

• MBS January 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• eBookAuthor- Book Review: The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest) by Laura L. Walker; Clean Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 16, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/22/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera; my rating 4.5*.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai; Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 18, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
I enjoyed this lighter romance. The review is linked above.
Source: Author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Author)

The Earth Bleeds Red
By: Jackson Baer
Narrator: Dan Carroll
Duration: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Good story with nice, light faith elements.
Source: Author
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Scarlet
The Lunar Chronicles, Book 2
By: Marissa Meyer
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler
This kept my attention and I will be getting book three soon I think.
Source: December 2017 Audible Credit Purchase
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. PLBC (TBR)

When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall
Good story - I hurt for this young woman.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover
by Susan Wittig Albert
This story has wonderful history even if I haven't gotten to the mystery yet.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
It is 1934. FDR is in the White House, the New Deal is in full swing, and Prohibition has finally been repealed. Bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert returns to Darling, Alabama, where the ladies of the local garden club aren’t afraid to dig a little dirt if that’s what it takes to cultivate a mystery . . .
When the Lucky Four Clovers run into a string of bad luck, it looks like the music may have ended for Darling’s favorite barbershop quartet—just when the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition is about to take place. To complicate things, there’s a serious foul-up in Darling’s telephone system—and Myra May and Violet don’t have a penny for repairs. The town’s party lines may have to go out of business, which would be bad news for the gossips.
And it doesn’t help that newspaper editor/publisher Charlie Dickens is facing a crisis of confidence in his new wife, Fannie. Or that Liz Lacy (the Dahlias’ president) has to decide whether she’s ready for a do-over in her ill-fated romance with Grady Alexander. And what’s that secret her old friend Fremon is keeping? What does he know about what happened to the unlucky Clover on that dark night on the Jericho Road?
While liquor is legal again, moonshine isn’t, and as Sheriff Buddy Norris discovers when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County’s most notorious bootlegger, it helps to have a little luck. But whatever the challenge, the Dahlias know that pie fixes everything. And you will, too, when you hear what they’re baking for Darling’s pie supper.
Once again, author Susan Wittig Albert has brought us a charming story of richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make of it.
Traditional Southern pie recipes (and a little cookery history) included!

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

For We Are Many
Bobiverse, Book 2
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
This is a really fun series.
Source: Audible 2017 sale purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The highly anticipated sequel to Audible's Best of 2016 - Science Fiction winner, We Are Legion (We Are Bob); a book listeners are calling "so much fun", "what science fiction was meant to be", and what would happen if "Andy Weir and Ernest Cline had a lovechild".
Bob Johansson didn't believe in an afterlife, so waking up after being killed in a car accident was a shock. To add to the surprise, he is now a sentient computer and the controlling intelligence for a Von Neumann probe.
Bob and his copies have been spreading out from Earth for 40 years now, looking for habitable planets. But that's the only part of the plan that's still in one piece. A system-wide war has killed off 99.9 percent of the human race; nuclear winter is slowly making the Earth uninhabitable; a radical group wants to finish the job on the remnants of humanity; the Brazilian space probes are still out there, still trying to blow up the competition; and the Bobs have discovered a spacefaring species that sees all other life as food.
Bob left Earth anticipating a life of exploration and blissful solitude. Instead he's become a sky god to a primitive native species, the only hope for getting humanity to a new home, and possibly the only thing that can prevent every living thing in the local sphere from ending up as dinner.
Listener favorite Ray Porter returns to narrate Bob - and his many incarnations - in all of their geeky glory.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

4. Audible/Smartphone

Golden Son
Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy
By: Pierce Brown
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: Red Rising, Book 2
This is a very intense series.
Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown's genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within.
A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown's continuing satuts as one of fiction's most exciting new voices.
©2015 Pierce Brown (P)2015 Recorded Books

February 18, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying reading and listening to the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. However we realized that it does not match the book plan so we aren't not reading the same scriptures. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 4 reviews. That moves me to 3 current reviews - Yay.
I have started linking again at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 19. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but haven't had time to reply.

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 selected/received one audiobook for review this week.
I picked up two daily deal Audible titles this week and selected my January credits.
Plus I picked up two Kindle deals at $.99.
As usual, I picked up (many) more free kindle titles as usual. (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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased two Kindle titles:
$.99 - This looks/sounds so cute; I saw this at Herding Cats through Mailbox Monday.
Saving the Sheriff: A Three River Ranch Novella
by Roxanne Snopek

$.99 I saw this post-apocalyptic.
The Way We Fall (The Fallen World Book 1)
by Megan Crewe

I purchased one Audible Daily Deal 2/16 at $.99
The Dispatcher
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 10-04-16

2/18 Daily Deal $3.95.
Call the Midwife
By: Jennifer Worth
Narrator: Nicola Barber
Duration: 12 hrs and 2 mins0

2/18 I have been eying this series; Sale $5.95
To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Duration: 17 hrs and 8 mins

Two Audible Credits

(One for me.)
Cry Wolf
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Holter Graham
Duration: 10 hrs and 6 mins

(One for Hubby and me.)
White Fire
By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
Narrator: Rene Auberjonois
Duration: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Free

I added 65 free titles to my Kindle 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 February 18, 2018

We had a strong message in Sunday School continuing the study of death. I loved the testimony shared: You can’t do anything more, nor anything less, to change how God loves us. He already loves us beyond our imagining. Our music worship was beautiful and I broke into tears. (**See below the Sermon notes for comment on this.)

Pastor continued his sermon series on Inhabited. We need to seek the real deal – not momentary experiences or flash in the pain.

The last several weeks have noted how the Holy Spirit lives in us. The Holy Spirit is for anyone who believes In Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us power to defeat sin.

Anyone who has ever been near a lightning strike, or has made a mistake with electricity knows how you can feel the heat and power. Surges can hurt and do damage, so what you want is a steady flow.

The Holy Spirit brings power. Acts 1:8. The Greek word means ‘dunamis’ can be translated to mean dynamite. Don’t let the Holy Spirit be limited to an event. We need changed lives with a steady flow of power, not a surge of dynamite.

The power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is very practical, and for every day. This is shown in the story of Elijah and the challenge with the Prophets of Baal described in 1 Kings 18:16-39. The Prophets spent from morning to evening petitioning their God and Elijah mocked them “maybe your God is sleeping”. (I love God’s humor!) Then, at the usual time for the evening sacrifice, after having the people prepare an altar and offering soaked with water, Elijah prayed a straight forward prayer. And the TRUE GOD (the only God) showed His power and the people cried out “The Lord, he is God”. (v39.)

Point: The power of the Holy Spirit displayed in your life will point people to Jesus.

James 5:17 says that Elijah is just another human man, but he prayed earnestly and fervently.
Elijah lived before the Messiah, before the Holy Spirit so think how strong his faith was.
Why don't we see the power working in our lives?
We can be functional, even effective, but not powerful.
The Holy Spirit wants us to be powerful. Do not let the troubles, stresses and burdens of life steal the power within you. Give the burdens and hindrances back to God and be filled with power instead of worldly troubles.

I had another song in this post but the Spirit took me to this song instead!
(It fits my postscript below too.)
What if His People Prayed?

Verses for Today:
1 Kings 18:36-39 NIV
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”


**I mentioned in the first of this post that I was moved to tears during our worship. We were singing Holy is The Lord and my mind went to the sad comments of Joy Behar of ABC's "The View" who basically said United States Vice President Mike Pence is ‘mentally ill’ for talking to Jesus and listening for God's voice. I have been praying for her since I saw some tidbit about that. I was struck during worship how she rejects, even mocks, the very presence and power of God to be real in our lives. Tears started running down my face as I felt the heartbreak of her being so lost and then the heartbreak for loved ones who do not walk with God and then for heartbreak for all the lost. Then we sang Spirit of the Living God which begins with a phrase "we want to hear your voice" and later says  "You move us to tears".
I thought how the heart of God and Jesus must break when people refuse to accept all that has been created and the sacrifice that has been given for man. I am determined to continue to pray that Ms. Behar and others who are lost will hear the voice of God.

#NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

Time travel paradox: What would you do if your actions changed your own time line?
All Our Wrong Todays: A Novel
by Elan Mastai

File Size: 1884 KB
Print Length: 380 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1101986506
Publisher: Dutton (February 7, 2017)
ASIN: B01FEY5EP2
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Elan Mastai's acclaimed debut novel is a story of friendship and family, of unexpected journeys and alternate paths, and of love in its multitude of forms.
It's 2016, and in Tom Barren's world, technology has solved all of humanity's problems—there's no war, no poverty, no under-ripe avocadoes. Unfortunately, Tom isn't happy. He's lost the girl of his dreams. And what do you do when you're heartbroken and have a time machine? Something stupid.
Finding himself stranded in a terrible alternate reality—which we immediately recognize as our 2016—Tom is desperate to fix his mistake and go home. Right up until the moment he discovers wonderfully unexpected versions of his family, his career, and the woman who may just be the love of his life.
Now Tom faces an impossible choice. Go back to his perfect but loveless life. Or stay in our messy reality with a soulmate by his side. His search for the answer takes him across continents and timelines in a quest to figure out, finally, who he really is and what his future—our future—is supposed to be.
Filled with humor and heart and packed with insight, intelligence, and mind-bending invention, All Our Wrong Todays is a powerful and moving story of life, loss, and love.

Review:
Tom Barren’s world of 2016 is a future that looks like the Jettson’s TV show with sleek buildings, robotic maids and hovercrafts. It is full of technology, (most) everyone is happy and (most) people finds their work in a field of entertainment or exploration. Tom’s parents are a strange, aloof couple and, sadly, Tom doesn’t have the focus or drive to keep a job, much less a career. He is pretty much a second rate loser who fantasizes about women and currently about one particular woman, Penelope, a brilliant young woman who is now the lead chrononaut on his father’s time travel team. Tom has been given the position of her understudy due to a freak accident four months earlier and a moment of pity from his father.

Tom’s father is a famous scientist who is about to run the first time travel experiment. His calculations are keyed to a specific time and energy signature in 1965 when another scientist unveiled the experiment that created endless free, clean energy which allowed the world to become Tom’s remarkable world in 2016.

The night before the trip in time Tom manages to mess up life again – for himself, Penelope and his father. In an extreme moment, Tom plunges himself into the time machine without being fully prepared – as usual. His arrival is partially successful but results in a glitch that changes time.

Tom awakens in a new 2016 as John Barren who has had a fall at a construction site. John is everything that Tom wasn’t. He is a driven, successful, wealthy architect with loving parents and a bright, sassy sister. No one believes Tom/John’s story of another timeline even as he is determined to set things right. But then he meets a wonderful bookstore owner, Penny who could be the love of his life. This would be a beautiful life, but it isn’t Tom’s life.

Tom/John must search out a way to proof his craziness, especially to Penny. That sets him across continents and times where he discovers that messing with time isn’t always a good thing.

Tom is somewhat of a shallow, miserable character making the beginning of the story slow and hard to get into. But once he travels back in time things become complex and interesting…and Tom even matures along the way. The story is more about the consequences of time travel than the travel itself, although there is some of that too in an interesting span.

I enjoy the paradox of time travel and this story is fun once it gets going. I recommend this to sci fi fans who enjoy the issues raised by time travel.

Source: NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018TBR, 2018NetGalley, 2018Alphabet Challenges and a book set in Canada for I Spy Reading Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger

This Space Marine Sci Fi provides great entertainment.

Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3
By: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Series: Man of War, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 06-30-15
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: Entertainment/Story 4.5 of 5.0;
Performance 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes Captain Max Robichaux fights by the book - and sometimes he throws the book away. This makes him one of the Union Space Navy's rising stars. It's also what has kept him and his green crew alive...thus far.
When Max and his ship - the twenty-fourth-century space destroyer USS Cumberland - are boxed in by eight enemy battleships, the odds are against them at a million to one. It takes all their skill and guts just to escape...and surviving won't get easier. Sent on a covert mission behind enemy lines, Max and his crew are poised to strike a blow so hard that, if successful, it could turn the tide of the war. But if they fail, it will cost them their lives...and the lives of every human in the galaxy.
©2015 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Review:
Max Robichaux is a young space Captain on the space destroyer USS Cumberland, a ship that was previously mocked for its losses. The crew knew more about polishing the rivets than fighting the enemy of the Union until Max became their Captain. Since then they have faced danger and come out alive through Max’s quick, sometimes out of the box thinking.

The action starts as Max has to help the ship and crew escape from overwhelming odds. He will have to pull a rabbit out his hat – or try a trick that has never been done- to succeed.

Next the Cumberland is sent on a covert mission that takes them into the heart of the enemy. There is initial conflict as the other Captain he is paired with is a seasoned man who doesn’t want to take orders from Max. Once that conflict is resolved, they proceed with a daring plan. Although it means they may end up stranded with the enemy they have to take the risk to capture a key leader to have a chance of stopping the war.

I loved the non-stop action and danger in this story. Max is a great character who comes up with ingenious tactical solutions and is willing to trust his crew to know their jobs and make effective suggestions. Dr. Sahin, chief medical officer and special ambassador, adds good humor with his side comments and views from a nonmilitary aspect. I like the other crew ‘family’ and shared in their emotions.

I am only sorry that Mr. Honsinger has no other books for me to get. I do recommend this series to readers who enjoy action packed military space battles.

Audio Notes: As with Book 2, Ray Chase does a great job with the narration. He captures the intensity, the dry wit and the quirks of the characters. The listening experience enhanced the entertainment of the story.

Source: Audible TBR, 2016 Sale. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

NetGalley Review of Book 1: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger 5.0
Audible Review of Book 2: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger 4.5

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 16, 2018

Happy Friday !

I had another crazy work week... sigh, sigh. I just keep trying to push through the work. Thank goodness I wasn't sick this week.
A new box is posted. Picture and list! :-)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

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

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

Thank you to all who entered the February 9 Pick. There were no 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 was one title blocked but it was won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 9 Pick:
BECKY gets Five Gold Rings (through a block); and
Marjorie gets a CG.

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.}

I am ALWAYS ready to read. How about you?
Image found at The Third Wheel Teacher.

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I *Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester


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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,140+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz

I enjoyed this alternate history, military series.
Battle Hymn (America Rising)
by William C. Dietz

File Size: 1861 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0425278743
Publisher: Ace (February 20, 2018)
ASIN: B072LT18QW
Genre: Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned® novels comes the final volume in the postapocalyptic military science fiction trilogy about America warring with itself and the people trying to keep it together...
The Second Civil War continues to rage as Union president Samuel T. Sloan battles to keep America whole and, more than that, to restore the country to its former greatness.
"Wanted Dead or Alive." Following a fateful battle between Union Army major Robin "Mac" Macintyre and her sister, the New Confederacy places a price on Mac's head, and bounty hunters are on her trail.
But there's work to be done, and Mac is determined to help Sloan reunify the country by freeing hundreds of Union POWs from appalling conditions in Mexico and capturing a strategic oil reserve that lies deep inside Confederate territory.
However, to truly have peace it will be necessary to capture or kill the New Confederacy's leadership, and that includes Mac's father, General Bo Macintyre.

Review:
At the end of book two Mac and her sister had a fateful confrontation. The New Confederacy, by the command of her own father, has placed a price on Mac’s head making her the target of bounty hunters. Many of Mac’s original platoon have been lost so there is a steady stream of new troops coming in. Some of those under her command have Confederate sympathies, or are just greedy, making it hard to know whom she can trust.

Mac’s new commander views Mac as lucky and getting favoritism as the suspected ‘lover’ of Union President, Sam Sloan. Mac gets a new team together and has to prove her worth through a treacherous rescue of abused POWs held in a Mexican prison. More losses occur but the battles don’t stop.
Mac and her Marauders are assigned to capture a strategic oil reserve within Confederacy territory. The odds aren’t good and get worse when unexpected Mexican troops begin to swarm from the south. The Confederacy leadership has made a devil’s bargain with Mexican leaders in an effort to turn the tide of their losses.

President Sloan struggles to prevail as the engagements heat up and the Union faces fresh masses of troops arriving from Mexico. A ravaging hurricane hitting New Orleans adds to the confusion and the tense situation. A daring plan is implemented to take down the leaders of the New Confederacy hoping to stop the confrontation once and for all.

Between battles, corruption and betrayal are revealed. There are a few moments for Sloan and Mac to come together but they can’t let their guard down as enemies continue to stalk them.

This final book in the America Rising series packs a lot of action and some inconsistencies. There are some early bounty attacks on Mac, but those threats pretty much stop in spite of her notoriety and visibility. Some chilling attack plans are discussed and then never mentioned again. This was a good thing, but it seemed strange that it was introduced as a possibility only to never be revisited.

As in the prior books some of the scenes are implausible and have to be accepted as just entertainment. In spite of these inconsistencies, I enjoyed the steady action and suspense that continues to the end. I liked the teasing relationship between Sloan and Mac even in their brief encounters. This series was entertaining and the ending was a satisfactory conclusion.

Source: Publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

My Review of Book One: Into the Guns (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.0

My Review of Book Two: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.5

Note: I think this series is overpriced in the Kindle format and, IMHO, that may limit readership.
The Audible prices might be acceptable but with so many choices of books available it seems strange to overprice a series that may be entertaining but isn’t really stellar.

Book Review: The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest) by Laura L. Walker

This is a charming, clean romance – lovely for a Valentine or anytime romance read.

The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker

File Size: 1402 KB
Print Length: 191 pages
Publication Date: January 18, 2018
ASIN: B0794PGVBK
Genre: Holiday, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

When a Valentine's Day contest for Arizona's Cutest Couple throws two romance-challenged friends together, can they survive a fake engagement and win the prize?
All Penny Merrill wants to do is run her own sweet shop in ritzy Scottsdale, Arizona, but her money-hungry mother and conniving stepfather are making it nearly impossible to keep her dream alive. When Penny finds an advertisement for a Valentine’s Day contest for Arizona’s Cutest Couple, with the winnings being enough to enable her to hold on to her floundering business, she comes up with an idea that might just work—if she can find the right man for the job.
Commercial contractor Preston Ames is starting to develop feelings for Penny, and even though he’s been through enough heartache to know that he should avoid her at all costs, he can’t keep himself from visiting her sweet shop every day. When Penny asks him to participate in a crazy scheme so that she can overturn her stepfather’s underhanded business ploy, Preston hesitates, wanting to keep the fact that he’s a billionaire a secret. However, one look into her soulful blue eyes and he’s a goner.
Everything seems to be going well for Penny and Preston until they compete with another couple whose heartache transcends all of their misconceptions about love. When all is said and done, will they do the right thing and, in the process, discover a bond that is greater than they thought was even possible? Can just one picture turn Penny into Preston’s sweet Valentine? Find out in this clean and wholesome romance featuring a fun holiday contest!

Review:
Penny hasn’t had the easiest upraising with a single mother who went through one husband after another seeking riches. Now mom has married a rich man but for some reason they want to control her life. Penny broke out on her own and is struggling to give her sweet shop bakery a chance for success. When she learns of a Valentine’s Day Contest that has a $5,000.00 prize, she decides to be bold and ask Preston to pretend to be a couple with her.

Preston has been picking up treats at Penny’s shop for some time. He is a little reluctant to enter into a pretend relationship, but he really does want to help her. Preston has chosen to build his own business rather than just ride on his family money and he doesn’t want to explain to Penny his financial background. Instead he decides to enjoy the time with her as they become a couple for the contest.

Penny is facing more difficulties with her shop when she learns her step brother has become the new landlord and has moved in next door. Then some other troubles surface which are looking suspicious. Fortunately, Penny is enjoying her time with Preston and is glad to have him to lean on. She isn’t aware that Preston is investigating her problems in secret trying to determine what is going on.

I really liked this couple. Penny is full of optimism and determination. Preston has integrity and caring. It was sweet to watch their feelings for each other grow even as they tried to hide it. The other couples in the contest have different love stories that show love at various stages of life and through good times and struggles. The romance is sweet and clean and I found it charming. The storyline contest and touch of mystery flowed very smoothly and made for a nice, easy read.

I have to admit that I tend to avoid “billionaire” books. However, this one sounded like he wasn’t a pompous guy and it was a chance to read a Valentine story. I am glad I read this as it was a breath of fresh air and change of pace from some of the other things I have been reading. This is the second book I have read by Ms. Walker and I would be glad to read more. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a clean, sweet romance.

Note: Ms. Walker advised that she generally writes in the Christian genre. Although this is a sweet, clean novel, she has added Christian elements to the final version. I know I would have enjoyed those elements just fine.

Source: from the Author for review. This qualifies as a 2018 title for my Alphabet Reading Challenge.

Also see my review of Caitlyn's Christmas Wish by Laura L. Walker.

MBS January 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - JANUARY

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 2018

Favorite for January: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; rated 4.75

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
2. A2018- Audible Book Review: Year One by Nora Roberts;Fantasy, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Supernatural; my rating 4.25.
3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Year After by William R. Forstchen; Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 by Jim Butcher; Fantasy, Paranormal, Private Investigator, Wizards; my rating 4.25.
5. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann; Christian, Inspirational, Holiday; my rating 4.25.
6. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein; Classic, Space Marine, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emerald Atlas, Books of Beginning; Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10), Siblings; my rating 4.25.
8. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
9. PTBR- Book Review: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick; Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 4.0.
11. A2018- Audible Book Review: Island by Aldous Huxley; Classic, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 2.0.
12. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: X Minus One: A Gun for Dinosaur (March 7, 1956) by L. Sprague de Camp; Classic, Time Travel, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
13. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.

Total read = 13; TBR = 11; New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 8 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 0
NetGalley = 4 (4 TBRs)
Print = 1 (TBR)

Sunday Post February 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 12, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 came down with a sore throat on Monday with swollen glands. I stayed home Tuesday and slept most of the day. Today I am better with just a little bit of a cough left. I lost that day at work but keep plugging away.
We are having heavy rain right now and have a flashing leak at our chimney. We'll have to get repairs done this week.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this past week. I finished one ebook and one Audible. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 27 blogs again this past week :-)
Shout Out this week to The Book Jotter with Amazon’s 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime Tag post.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 4, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 5, 2018.

• NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick; Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 9, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/15/2018.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #337 Comment Giveaway February 10, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/24/18.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 11, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

All Our Wrong Todays: A Novel
by Elan Mastai
This is an interesting time travel tale.
Source: NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABB 2018)

River Rising
Carson Chronicles, Book 1
By: John A. Heldt
Narrated by: Chaz Allen
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I enjoyed this. Mr. Hedlt creates engaging characters and situations.
Source: From the author through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
I'm enjoying this lighter romance. :-)
Source: Author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Author)

The Earth Bleeds Red
By: Jackson Baer
Narrator: Dan Carroll
Duration: 8 hrs and 41 mins
This sounded interesting; I will start listening tonight.
Source: Author
Publisher's Summary
Scott Miller has everything he's ever hoped for. He has a successful marriage to Jessie, a stunningly beautiful, creative woman. His 17-year-old daughter, Ashley, is both gorgeous and intelligent, and has just been accepted to the University of Notre Dame, where Scott received his PhD. He has a comforting home in the woods, and a fulfilling career as a college professor at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He's blissful, and at peace, until it all comes shattering down.
Ashley is kidnapped. The scene of the abduction is horrific and bloody, and the police are convinced she couldn't have survived. They accuse her boyfriend, Brandon, of Ashley's murder. He declares his innocence, and claims that a masked man who entered his house and overwhelmed them both took Ashley. No one believes Brandon.
Then the bodies of three other missing girls are discovered, all bearing the mark of a known serial killer the FBI has been hunting for years. Evidence mounts. As Special Agent James Duncan tracks the Hail Mary Killer, Scott and Jessie try to move on with their lives. But they can't shake the feeling that Ashley may still be alive, and that the time for saving their only daughter is quickly running out.
In the best tradition of literature and suspense, Jackson Baer has weaved a heartfelt tale of one family's struggle to survive after a despicable evil wrenches them apart.
©2013 Jackson Baer (P)2018 Jackson Baer

3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Scarlet
The Lunar Chronicles, Book 2
By: Marissa Meyer
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler
I am enjoying this second in the series.
Source: December 2017 Audible Credit Purchase
Publisher's Summary
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the best-selling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison - even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life.
When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
©2013 Marissa Meyer (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

4. PLBC (TBR)

When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall
I am 110 pages in and this pulls you in and keeps attention.
This book was for our Ladies Book Club but we didn't get them started in time so it is being read for March. Some of the ladies will read book two also.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016.
Hannah Lapp was raised in an Old Order Amish Family. Now seventeen, she is ready to get out and experience the world. She is thrilled to accept the proposal from her Mennonite boyfriend. If she were forced to live outside the community on her own, could she handle it? Will she turn to God for answers?

February 11, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying reading and listening to the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. However we realized that it does not match the book plan so we aren't not reading the same scriptures. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews. That moves me to 4 current reviews.
I have started linking again at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 19. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie.
I have more new author requests but haven't had time to reply.

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 selected/received one audiobook for review this week.
I picked up two free Audible titles this week but resisted purchases.
As usual, I picked up (many) more free kindle titles as usual. (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 accepted this audiobook/Audible title from the author:
2/10/18 Received for Review:


The Earth Bleeds Red
By: Jackson Baer
Narrator: Dan Carroll
Duration: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Won

NONE

Purchased

Here is the picture of the books I got last week for $15.00. I will read a handful of these but the rest will go into my Friday Pick boxes.

Free

I picked up two free Audibles:
2/8/2018 Free
West Cork
By: Sam Bungey, Jennifer Forde
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 02-08-18



2/7/2018 Free
The Minefield Girl
By: Sofia Ek
Narrated by: Camilla Belle. Sound design by: Rich Macar – Buttons NY. 3D spatial audio by: VisiSonics.
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 02-01-18

I added 73! free titles to my Kindle 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 February 11, 2018

We braved the rain to share and worship at church. Our Sunday School teacher continued his interesting lessons regarding death. Pastor shared for the second week on his sermon series: Inhabited.

He reminded us that the Holy Spirit is a person, dwelling and living within us. He also reminded us of last week’s point:
Point: We are not all we are meant to be when everything in our lives can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God.

Then Pastor asked: Are we desperate for more of Him, for His presence every day?
As he asked last week: Will we be satisfied to live a life that can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Holy Spirit?

When we enter a committed relationship, such as marriage, everything changes. We cannot live life as we did like a single person or their will be friction and trouble. This is true when we enter a committed relationship with Jesus. When we accepted Jesus did our life change? Did we (do we) allow the Spirit to be present and working in us or did we (do we) push Him aside to a corner? The Holy Spirit is not just to be added like a condiment, or a good luck charm to bring blessings.

Accepting Jesus should result in a change, a new nature. We should be immersed as is symbolized by the baptism through immersion in water.
Truth: The Holy Spirit is for anyone who believes on Jesus as Lord.

Acts 2:17-21 ‘In last days... And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Romans 8:9-11 ‘The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus, lives inside of us.’

Point: The Holy Spirit gives us power to put sin to death.

Satan, the Enemy lies to us trying to make us complacent in our sins. He says that sin is part of our life; it is part of genetics; it is part of social environment; everyone is doing it. But the Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin and generational curses. There are no earthly excuses to justify sin.

If you see brackish water where sea water has mixed with fresh water you know that is not safe or good to drink. The Holy Spirit makes us a wholly new person, if we allow. We are not to be part sin and part holy.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

There should be a big difference in our lives if we have the Holy Spirit living within. Is your life different? Do you recognize Him at work in your life? Have you limited the Spirit in you? Don't continue to live with the sin and the curses. Is it possible the Holy Spirit lives within is just not head knowledge, but not moving in you?

If you do not allow the Spirit to control within you, there is no power, no presence, and no work. Surrender your all every day and let the Holy Spirit have complete access to move within you to make you the new person you are meant to be.

The words of this song fit perfectly – “desperate for You, I surrender…”

Verses for Today:
Romans 8:5-6
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Lord, help me to surrender my will each morning to Your Will; to allow the Holy Spirit to lead over my carnal nature.

Sharing Beyond Books #337 Comment Giveaway February 10, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I am going to continue to post this event biweekly (every other week) for another month and then see if I am ready to go back to four a month. I have gotten some more questions - Thank you.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
It was really fun to see your favorite mother or grandmother dishes. Meatloaf was mentioned four times and there were four different chicken recipes. There were some basics like rice pilaf, roast (2 mentions), spaghetti and sauce, and beef stew. Some different dishes like linguine with clams and lemon, fried prawns, perogies and egg lettuce wraps. Then there were chickpea snacks and treats like milk ice, hot cream, and "papanasi" (lucky cakes) that sound and look delicious.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #336 comments is: #17 Nikki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #337

(One Question.)

Ashfa asks: Ashfa asks: What do you'll think of book inspired candles? Any scents that are just irresistible??

I wasn't aware of book inspired candles. Now that I see some I think I would like to try Hobbit Garden. :-)

Image found at Bustle.

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. Ashfa asks: What do you'll think of book inspired candles? Any scents that are just irresistible??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday February 24, 2018 at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman

This is a light, charming historical mystery with a determined female amateur detective.
A Gem of a Problem (Emma Berry Murray River Mystery Book 1)
by Irene Sauman

File Size: 3746 KB
Print Length: 223 pages
Publisher: Jakada Books; 2 edition (March 15, 2017)
ASIN: B06XPGYSHD
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As if losing Sam wasn’t enough, now she must deal with what he has left behind.
Emma hadn’t known Sam was delivering (smuggling?) a package across the Murray River border between the colonies, but the package, containing something of great value, is missing after the sinking of the paddle steamer Mary B. She doesn’t believe the Major’s story of why. It makes no sense. But his threats are real enough.
If only Daniel wasn’t blaming her for everything. She will have to travel a lonely road in her efforts to locate the missing item before time runs out. Who is lying to her, who is telling the truth? Will what she finds be what she is looking for? And more importantly, will it be what the Major expects?

Review:
Emma loved Sam when they married but things didn’t turn out as nicely as she hoped. Emma tried to settle Sam down but his impulsive and careless ways continued. Now he is dead after sinking their paddle steamer in a reckless channel race. Emma is trying to recover from his death, the damaged steamer and the loss of her baby when an intimidating neighbor, Major, claims that Sam had a valuable package to deliver. The Major wants it back or payment for the loss. His threats extend to her family and their reputation so she must try to resolve the problem.

The only person that Emma feels she can trust to help her is Daniel, Sam’s brother and co-owner of the Mary B. Emma is flustered by Daniel’s anger, but she is determined to hunt for the missing package and get repairs moving on the steamer whether he approves or not. Emma begins her inquiries, stirring up some troubles, but uncovering clues. She follows the clues up the channel, standing on her own, meeting new people and old acquaintances as she unravels the truth of the mystery.

The setting in 1870's Australia provides a unique and wonderfully rich backdrop for the story. The writing is straightforward, smooth with steady movement which makes for an easy read. Emma is a lovely, engaging character. I liked her determination combined with caring and gentleness towards others. There is a fine tension between Daniel and Emma that makes the reader wonder about their true feelings.

I look forward to reading more of Emma’s adventures on the channel and to learning what develops. I recommend this to mystery readers, especially those who like historical settings.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges; Also I Spy Reading Challenge – Umbrella on Cover.