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

Hubby and I left Monday for a week long cruise to Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico. We had a goal to purchase a replacement aquamarine as I lost the one in my engagement ring a year or more ago.
So here is the ring without the stone and the new stone.
Our weather was very nice on the trip but we have had storms today and I understand we are expecting some cold weather this week.

I got hubby listening to the "If I Run" series which was nice sharing! I enjoyed listening and a little bit of reading. I finished 5 Audio titles, one Print Book and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I didn't get to visit last week because the internet was spotty - especially the first three days.
No Shout Out this week since I wasn't visiting.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

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

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert; Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.

• MBS February 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 9, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/15/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Golden Son, Red Rising Trilogy, Book II, by Pierce Brown; Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 5.0.

• #NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip; Fantasy, Magical, Romance; my rating 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #339 Comment Giveaway March 10, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/24/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 11, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Dead Ever After
A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13
By: Charlaine Harris
This is a good place to end the series.
Source: Audible 2015 Credit or Sale purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (TBR)

If I Run
by Terri Blackstock
Narrator: Nan Gurley
My husband listened with me and we were glad to get book 2 right away.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

3. PLBC (TBR)

When the Morning Comes, Sisters of the Quilt Series #2
by Cindy Woodsmall
This is another emotional story with engaging journey. I will read book 3 soon.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

If I'm Found
By: Terri Blackstock
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Series: If I Run, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
I was able to get this second in the suspenseful series downloaded as Hubby was involved listening with me.
Source: 2018 Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Is Dylan hunting Casey to prosecute her or protect her?
Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn't commit. Dylan Roberts - her most relentless pursuer - is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He's let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn't come easily.
As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who's also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture - and if she's captured, she has no doubt she'll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.
In this riveting sequel to the USA Today best seller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows...but there is light shining in the darkness. Is Dylan a provision from the God who loves her or another heartache yet to happen?
©2017 Terri Blackstock (P)2017 Zondervan

5. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Hell Divers
The Hell Divers Series, Book 1
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
This is a dark, action-packed sci fi.
Source: Audible Daily Deal 2017.
Publisher's Summary
An Audible Editor's Pick of 2016 and An Audible Best of 2016 Science Fiction.
More than two centuries after World War III poisoned the planet, the final bastion of humanity lives on massive airships circling the globe in search of a habitable area to call home. Aging and outdated, most of the ships plummeted back to Earth long ago. The only thing keeping the two surviving lifeboats in the sky are Hell Divers - men and women who risk their lives by diving to the surface to scavenge for parts the ships desperately need.
When one of the remaining airships is damaged in an electrical storm, a Hell Diver team is deployed to a hostile zone called Hades. But there's something down there that's far worse than the mutated creatures discovered on dives in the past - something that threatens the fragile future of humanity.
Narrator Interview: vimeo.com/188195570/ad4a958906
©2016 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

6. eBook/Kindle (NG 2018)

If I Live (If I Run Series)
by Terri Blackstock
This is a satisfactory conclusion of this intense series.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.
Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.
Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?
With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

7. eBook/Smartphone (NGTBR)

Fade to Black: A Doug Brock Thriller
by David Rosenfelt
This is a good crime suspense with a detective who has much of the wry humor found in
Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter character.
Source: NetGalley; Title releases March 13, 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Quarter Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
I am working on my TBR and Alphabet list.
Source: Audible 2016 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
What if we sent freighters instead of frigates?
In a universe run by corporations, where profit matters more than life, how can an orphan with no skills, no money, and no prospects survive?
When Ishmael Wang's mother dies in a senseless accident, he's given a choice: leave the planet on his own, or the company will remove him. To avoid deportation Ishmael finds work as a mess deck attendant on an interstellar freighter.
Find out what Ishmael must do to earn his Quarter Share.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Consent of the Governed
by Bernard LoPinto
I am just starting this.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
It’s 2029, and the United States has fallen under the sway of an oppressive government where all citizens’ rights have been stripped, Red Shirt platoons patrol the streets, and people die for voicing opinions. Into this chaos step Sid and Annie Winthrop. The elderly couple sets out on a deadly journey of revenge against the Red Shirts who murdered their son.
Red Shirt members Victor and Brooklyn have devoted their young lives to the cause of the president in protecting the nation. When attacks on their home town leave dozens of Red Shirts dead, Victor must help his superiors find the vigilante.
At their darkest moment, each couple finds a common bond in their suffering and must decide where their loyalties lie.

3. eBook/Smartphone (NGTBR)

In Wolves' Clothing
by Greg Levin
This sounds good.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
On his best days, Zero Slade is the worst man you can imagine. He has to be. It's the only way to save the Lost Girls.
During his seven years on a team fighting sex trafficking, Zero's become quite good at schmoozing with pimps, getting handcuffed by cops and pretending not to care about the young girls he liberates. But the dangerous sting operations are starting to take a toll on his marriage and sanity. His affinity for prescription painkillers isn't exactly helping matters.
When the youngest girl the team has ever rescued gets abducted from a safe house in Cambodia, Zero decides to risk everything to find her. His only shot is to go rogue, and sink deeper into the bowels of the trafficking world than he's ever sunk.
It's the biggest mission of his life. Trouble is, it's almost certain death.

March 11, 2018 - I had to read at different times on ship when I could catch internet but I managed to stay up to date reading the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. It is a great way to start my day. 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 7 books and posted 3 reviews. That moves me to 7 current reviews.
I am now a good three weeks behind linking at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.:-(
My NetGalley shelf is down to 16. I have two committed author titles 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 didn't request or receive any review titles.
I resisted the Audible daily deal titles again but purchased one title.
I resisted Kindle deals this week too - especially since I wasn't online.
However, as usual, I picked up 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 picked up this Audible with a February Credit to complete the trilogy:

If I'm Found
By: Terri Blackstock
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Series: If I Run, Book 2

Free

I added only 44 free titles to my Kindle library this week even with only two days of internet! Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 11, 2018

Hubby isn’t feeling well so we didn’t make it to church today. These are notes from our Sunday School class on January 28, 2018.

We start each class with prayer and our teacher noted that it is important for us to share this burden of prayer. We should pray for others as we pray for our family. There should be sincerity of prayer. We need to be purposeful, praying with intensity; intentional, pressing in.

God is bigger than we can see. We need to be careful never to box God. His love is beyond what we can understand yet we are directed to love others like Jesus did/does.

God is sovereign. We need to trust that God is working and all things are possible through Him.
There should be awareness in our prayer: awareness of His expansiveness, His sovereignty, and the Peace He gives!

We should be keeping our mind on God and Walking in the Spirit; remembering that God's grace and love is unconditional.

I had this fitting song in my list: My Prayer For You:

Verses for Today:
James 5:14-16 ESV
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.


Lord, Thank you for being our intercessor to God. Please help me to pray sincerely for others.

Image from Sidewalks Chalk.

Sharing Beyond Books #339 Comment Giveaway March 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.
13 of us do not listen to music, several noting distracting and some prefer silence. Three listen to background noise, one listens depending on mood. Only Alina actually listens to a rotating playlist.

The Winner from SBB #338 comments is: #12 Natalija 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 #339

(One Question.)

Alina asks: What are some of your pet peeves while reading??

Hmm - I am reading this question as a pet peeve while reading, not a pet peeve about books I am reading. [We can do that one another time.] I had to think about the question. It is a peeve if I am interrupted at a good spot in the reading although I understand this if it is family need. On the other hand, it is terribly annoying when my device runs out of power at a good point in the story.
Another peeve would be loaning a book out and never getting it back.. for that reason I now only loan if I don't need or expect the book back.

Image found at Pinterest.

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. Alina asks: What are some of your pet peeves while reading??

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 March 24, 2018 at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

This is a beautiful story full of emotional magic.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
by Patricia A. McKillip

File Size: 760 KB
Print Length: 242 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1616962771
Publisher: Tachyon Publications; Reprint edition (September 15, 2017)
ASIN: B06VW2PKQ7
Genre: Fantasy, Magical, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Young Sybel, the heiress of powerful wizards, needs the company of no-one outside her gates. In her exquisite stone mansion, she is attended by exotic, magical beasts: Riddle-master Cyrin the boar; the treasure-starved dragon Gyld; Gules the Lyon, tawny master of the Southern Deserts; Ter, the fiercely vengeful falcon; Moriah, feline Lady of the Night. Sybel only lacks the exquisite and mysterious Liralen, which continues to elude her most powerful enchantments.

But Sybel's solitude is to be shattered when a desperate soldier arrives bearing a mysterious child. Soon Sybel will discover that the world of men is full of love, deceit, and the temptations of vast power.

Review:
Sybel inherited her wizardly gifts that include calling and controlling magical beasts. Her mother died in childbirth and her father raised her until he died when she was only 12. She has lived in her mountain mansion alone except for her beautiful animals who are the stuff of myths and legend.

One day a soldier brings an infant to her gates and asks Sybel to protect him and raise him. She knows nothing of human infants but agrees and seeks help from the witch who lives down the hill. Sybel learns that her Tamlorn is the greatest of her treasures as the boy grows but she doesn’t know what will happen as he approaches adulthood.

The soldier, Coren, returns when Tam is a young lad of 12 seeking to take Tam to the world of men. Sybel is drawn to the soldier who has so much information regarding her animals but she will not release Tam. A few years later Tam is seeking his father and King Drede comes up the mountain in search of a rumored son.

Sybel learns the heartaches of the world of men as Tam’s curiosity seeks his own history… and the truth of his parentage. COREN is enchanted by Sybel but she does not know the world of emotions involved with men and she cannot understand the deep bitterness that COREN has that drives him to seek revenge against his enemy. The King also is enthralled by Sybel but he makes a terrible mistake in trying to capture her as his own.

This story is enchanting with the wonderful beasts who speak, often in riddles. They don’t seem to mind terribly being caged by their gentle mistress although some of them do chaff and want things beyond her territory. Their reactions as the tensions escalate between the opposing tribes of men are an interesting element added to the tale. The story speaks to the human heartaches of love and hate, and the poison and losses that spread from bitterness and obsessive revenge. The story evoked emotions, high and low, in me as I feared what might happen and wondered at events that did happen.

The writing is beautiful with a lovely fairy tale quality. I was not familiar with most of the named beasts and, as far as I know, this is an original fairy tale. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy fairy tale fantasy.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Golden Son, Red Rising Trilogy, Book II, by Pierce Brown

This is an intense series with well-developed characters, complex world building and wonderful narration.

Golden Son
Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy
By: Pierce Brown
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Series: Red Rising, Book 2
Length: 19 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

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

Review:
Darrow was born in the low, slave caste of the reds. Although he had frustrations at unfair treatment, he would have been happy living his life with his young wife, Ieo and their children. Darrow would have given up after Eo was killed by their Gold master, but others took control of his life and destiny. He was reshaped to become one of the Golds, the ruling race, so that he could help to lead a rebellion from a place of strength.

Darrow has successfully climbed through the training and institution programs to accept a close position to the very man who killed Eo. Along the way Darrow has developed a group of loyal followers, the howlers, as well as making extreme enemies of a competitive ruling house. He has given up a possible chance at love to continue his deception and ambitious climb. His work is lonely as with every step there are those who would eliminate him and those who would betray him.

This second book takes Darrow on a vicious roller coaster of highs and lows, loyalty and betrayal. There are allies who are admittedly enemies and enemies who are covertly allies. It is a remarkable ide of imagination and intrigue with well-developed characters and complex world building.

I spent several nights up late listening to this engaging story. I highly recommend the series to fans of other world, dystopian battles for equality.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds does a masterful job on the narration. He makes Darrow and the other characters, as well as the intensity of the situations, come alive. If you like audio, this is a series and narrator not to be missed.

Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 9, 2018

Happy Friday!

Hubby and I have enjoyed a relaxing week of cruising. He has even been listening to audio books with me! We've been pretty careful not to overeat and to get in some walking time. I have had limited success being online with spotty internet.

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 2 Pick. There was one automatic win again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one blocked title.
Rita gets Night Whispers

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 2 Pick:
DI gets a Heroes are My Weakness and
MARYP 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 should have posted this last week to kick off National Reading Week.
Thanks to Dr. Seuss for his wonderfully creative children's reading!:-)

Image found at NEA.

.
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 books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*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 1,145+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!

MBS February 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - FEBRUARY

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

Favorite for February: For We Are Many

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.
3. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai; Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
4. A-ABB- Audible Book Review: River Rising, Carson Chronicles, Book 1, by John A. Heldt; Adventure, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
5. eBookAuthor- Book Review: The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest) by Laura L. Walker; Clean Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
6. A-Author- Audio Review: The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Baer; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Scarlet, The Lunar Chronicles, Book 2, by Marissa Meyer; Adaptations, Alien, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
8. P-LBCTBR- Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5. Open US Only. Ending 3/17/2018.
9. ATBR- Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.
10. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert; Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0

Total read = 10; TBR = 7; New Authors = 4
Audio/Audible = 5 (3 TBRs)
eBook = 1
NetGalley = 3 (3 TBRs)
Print = 1 (TBR)

#NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert

This story shares great history with a light mystery.
The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover
by Susan Wittig Albert

File Size: 1245 KB
Print Length: 269 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0996904034
Publisher: Persevero Press (March 6, 2018)
ASIN: B077ZJFKTN
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

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!

Review:
Liz Lacy, one of the Dahlia Darlings, is the part time secretary to a lawyer. They have gotten a call from a local woman whose husband has gone missing. A day later the wrecked car and body are found. The deputy and sheriff realize quickly that what may look like an accident was something more sinister. Now they have to figure out why and who considering the deceased had several people in town unhappy with his business dealings.

While Liz talks to town folk trying to unravel the mystery from the view of her office, the author shares a wealth of details regarding the lifestyle in 1934. There are descriptions of cars, clothing, switchboard telephone system with party lines, old time newspaper with Linotype, and lots of pies including shoofly pie which is one of my favorites. There is also discussion of political issues such as the new deal, repeal of prohibition, Works Programs Administration (WPA) and more.

This is a good cozy mystery with wonderful history. The history made this as much fun to listen to as the mystery. There are also gardening details for garden buffs and yummy pies play a part of the story. After the conclusion there are several pie recipes shared from sources as early as 1837. The writing style flows well for an easy, enjoyable read. I recommend this to cozy mystery fans who would enjoy the nostalgia and history of the 1930s.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Alphabet and NetGalley Challenges.

Sunday Post March 4, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 5, 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 had to work late every nights as we are taking a short cruise this week. I always like to clear my desk, if I can before I go. It was hectic and I did not get everything done but have it all organized with a little to work on while I am gone and others to dive into when I get back.
We have had some rain and the weekend dipped to the 40s. Otherwise the weather continues to be nice.

I enjoyed my reading and listening although again I didn't get as much in as I might have. I one Audible and one eBook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only got to visit 25 blogs again this past week.
Shout Out this week to Cindy's Love of Books who has a charming header.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 25, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 26, 2018.

• MBS 2018 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge.

• A-Author- Audio Review: The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Baer; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 2, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/8/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.

• P-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5. Open US Only. Ending 3/17/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 25, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. 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 really holds attention with wonderful character and world development.
Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
by Patricia A. McKillip
This is beautiful and emotional magic.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (TBR)

If I Run
by Terri Blackstock
Narrator: Nan Gurley
I am about a third into this and enjoying the building story.
I expect I will get book 2 this week.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. PLBC (TBR)

When the Morning Comes, Sisters of the Quilt Series #2
by Cindy Woodsmall
I am 100 pages in but do plan to finish
this 2nd book this week.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Dead Ever After
A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13
By: Charlaine Harris
I decided to finish this series as part of my Take Control of TBR Pile Challenge this month.
Source: Audible 2015 Credit or Sale purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-selling author Charlaine Harris has won numerous awards for her Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series, which has been adapted into the hit HBO show True Blood. In this 13th and final book, a murder rocks the town of Bon Temps and Sookie is arrested for the crime. After making bail, she sets out to clear her name - but her investigation only leads to more deaths.
©2013 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2013 Recorded Books

4. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Fade to Black: A Doug Brock Thriller
by David Rosenfelt
I enjoy the Andy Carpenter series by Rosenfelt 
so I am interested to try another character.
Source: NetGalley; Title releases March 13, 2018.
In Fade to Black, the thrilling sequel to Blackout from David Rosenfelt, policeman Doug Brock helps a fellow victim of amnesia untangle a murder case and discovers he may not be as distant as he thinks.
After getting shot in the line of duty, New Jersey state police officer Doug Brock has been busy rebuilding his life. He’s reunited with his fiancé and started to get some of his memories back. He hopes he can continue to recover with the help of an amnesia support group and that the damage from his past isn’t permanent.
It isn’t until fellow group member Sean Conner approaches him after a meeting that Doug realizes the trouble is just beginning. Sean has discovered in his attic what can only be called a scrapbook of a murder victim, but he has no recollection of the girl’s identity or why he might have gathered this information. Doug agrees to help and convinces his captain to open what had been a cold case. When he discovers that he had a personal connection to this case, suddenly he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about the case, about Sean, and about his own past.
In the next page-turning thriller by David Rosenfelt, Doug Brock is back to delight readers and keep them guessing until the end.

March 4, 2018 - I really am enjoying following the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone each morning! It is a great way to start my day. 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 3 current reviews.
I am about two weeks behind linking at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now to 20. I have two committed author titles 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 didn't request or receive any review titles.
I resisted the Audible daily deal titles again, but I did pick up 5 on sale.
I resisted Kindle deals this week too.
However, 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 picked up a group of Audibles on sale on 2/25/18:

Four titles at the Price of $4.95 each:
Killing Trail
A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 1
By: Margaret Mizushima, Narrator: Nancy Wu, Inc. Blackstone Audio

American Exit Strategy
The Economic Collapse Chronicles, Volume 1

By: Mark Goodwin, Narrator: Kevin Pierce

Into the Storm
Book One of The Malcontents
By: Larry Correia, Narrator: Ray Porter, Audible Studios

The Watchmaker's Daughter
Glass and Steele, Book 1
By: C. J. Archer, Narrator: Emma Powell, C.J. Archer

One Title for $6.95
The Black Prism
By: Brent Weeks, Narrator: Simon Vance, Hachette Audio

Free

I added 54 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 March 4, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher shared a touching video about how one person sharing the message of Christ can impact many. I hope to share that another day.

Pastor completed his sermon series on Inhabited.
He noted that God gives each person spiritual gifts.
He gave an example of a gift he was given in high school. It is very special to him even though he does not use it as often now as he did years ago. Some gifts we use once; some are used as courtesy; some are regifted and some may even be thrown away. Some gifts are used from time to time and others are used often.

The greatest gift we've been given is the Holy Spirit. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for every day, not just special occasions. The Holy Spirit always confirms the word of God and the relationship of love.
There are gifts for every situation. Living full of the Holy Spirit is continual.
Spiritual gifts are given by God and the Holy Spirit works in us to steward gifts. Luke 11:13.
The gifts are given to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Point: God has given each of us one or more spiritual Gifts to be used to serve one another.

You have gift to use, not just once in a while but every day.
There are a variety of gifts, but the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12-14.
We should use our gifts every day for God’s purposes.
Pastor encouraged us to read 1 Corinthians Chapters 12- 14 as a letter without verse and chapter breaks. As Chapter 12 ends Paul is saying: ‘desire the best gifts, but I will show you the best way’… This flows into Chapter 13 where we are told that the gifts without love are nothing. The best way to live is to love others.Without love it works against the goal, the message.

“Let love be your highest goal”… 1 Corinthians 14:1(a), NLT. “But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” 1 Corinthians 14: 26, NLT.

Take these five steps:
1. Learn what spiritual gifts exist.
2. Seek the giver of all spiritual gifts.
3. Surrender yourself for His purpose.
4. Discover your current spiritual gifts.
5. Be ready and available.

Your gift is waiting for you to use in service to others.

I didn't find this with lyrics in the video so you have to listen. 

I think the song fits the message today.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord - show me my gifts and help me use them to serve others.