#NetGalley Book Review: Somewhere The Bells Ring (Somewhere in Time Book 3) by Beth Trissel

This is another engaging Christmas romance with a ghostly presence.
Somewhere The Bells Ring (Somewhere in Time Book 3)
by Beth Trissel

File Size: 265 KB
Print Length: 78 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press; Faery Rose edition (November 8, 2011)
ASIN: B006530S2Q
Genre: Ghosts, Holidays, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Ghosts aren't real, are they?
December 1968: Caught with pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestral home in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal, until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued. Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't so bad.
To Eric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feels no less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-like beauty gives him reason to hope--until she tells him about the ghost haunting the house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.
As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees to help her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?

Review:
Bailey is a bit of a free spirit in a generation that tips between propriety, the traumas of the Vietnam war and ‘free love’. Bailey has been sent off to the ancestral home of her Aunt to spend Christmas and sort herself out. Things are calm, almost boring, until Bailey spots a ghost in the window and then meets the apparition in person. She creates a quick bond with the ghost and agrees to hunt for a long-lost Christmas gift.

Eric has returned home after being wounded in Vietnam, His spirits are low until he is encouraged that an old family friend, Bailey, is spending the holidays. She has grown into a little beauty who intrigues him although he is disturbed by her insistence of meeting the house ghost.
Eric is skeptical of the tales of a ghost but wants to help Bailey, even if it means humoring her quest.

I really liked Bailey’s empathy for the ghost and I enjoyed the attraction and caution between Eric and Bailey. The historical elements, the 1960s and an earlier war era, were nicely descriptive with the injuries being handled gently. There was a nice warmth to the story which I found engaging. I recommend this to romance readers who enjoy a touch of paranormal.

Source: NetGalley 2018; NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance) by Christina Skye

I enjoyed this suspenseful Christmas story where past and present mix.

Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance)
by Christina Skye

File Size: 355 KB
Print Length: 62 pages
Publication Date: July 17, 2015
ASIN: B011YGWNEE
Genre: Ghost, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As Christmas draws near and darkness veils the haunted English abbey, a tale of loss and love betrayed begins.
As cold closes in, old hatreds spring to life, bringing danger to a vulnerable woman betrayed by those she trusts most. Wounded and lost, Clair Haywood will seek haven within the abbey's ancient granite walls. But her enemies are closer than she knows.
Only one man can save her. And he has been dead for 200 years.

Review:
Clair went undercover with the government to England to seek out the powerful man who used and killed her sister. She gets caught by the enemy but manages to escape. She is wounded and injured in her blind race to seek safety. She stumbles upon an old English abbey where she is taken in by a mysterious man. She doesn’t know who she can trust and tries to get away again but danger lurks at the door.

Ian Sinclair is man who keeps to himself. He has a dangerous past and is careful to avoid risk and to be cautious of strangers. He appreciates the solitude of Draycott Abbey which has been lent to him by his friend, the current Viscount. Ian and his big dog, Churchill, spot a shadow in the woods. They rescue a young woman but he is aware of men following her and is immediately on alert.

Clair and Ian struggle to understand the strange attraction between them while they try to avoid the men seeking her. There is another presence at the abbey who has reason to want to help them. He has been waiting for 200 years to right a wrong that cost his friends their chance at love for a lifetime.

This was a quick, exciting read that I really enjoyed. I liked the smooth, direct writing. I haven't read this author in years but I think I won’t wait so long to read another Skye paranormal romance adventure. It looks like I have 10 in my Kindle library, including the first of this series. This book read fine as a standalone. I recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

Source: 2012 Free Kindle. This is a 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge "C" title.

Sunday Post December 2, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 3, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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 shared my office images this week so you can see we have a while to get restoration. I am still spending time each day dealing with contractor/adjuster issues.
Our temporary office finally has networked computers so we don't have to take thumb drives to the only computer that prints. It makes such a difference!
Chickens apparently don't mind cold weather or rain. We had a couple days/nights at freezing and yesterday I arrived home in the rain to find scraggly wet chickens greeting me.
Hubby is struggling with pain as he begins trying to do things each day. Hard to keep him resting.

My listening and reading was slow this week. I am still managing with short reading times on my old kindle. I only finished one audio book. I posted five reviews on blog, and three at Goodreads. I also posted my usual memes.

I only got to visit 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Cal's Constant Raving Reviews, "a young adult from Australia" who is clearly another bibliophile.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

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

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Zoe's Tale (Old Man's War, #4) by John Scalzi; Tavia Gilbert (Narrator); Colonization, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1) by Ruth Logan Herne; Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Story and Narration.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book eReview: The Hospital: The First Mountain Man Story (Mountain Man, #0.5) by Keith C. Blackmore, R.C. Bray (Narrator); Sci Fi, Short Story, Zombie; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0. Free on Kindle and Audible.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hunter by Mercedes Lackey; Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: In the After (In the After, #1) by Demitria Lunetta, Julia Whelan (Narrator); Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Survival Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 30, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones; Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigatore; My Rating: Overall: 4.25; Story 4.0; Narration 4.75.

• The Damage at my Office - No Rain Needed.

• Sharing Beyond Books #357 Comment Giveaway December 1, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/15/2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Gilbert; Inspirational, Memoir, Multiple Sclerosis; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 2, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

We'll Always Have Christmas
By: Jenny Hale
Narrated by: Helene Maksoud
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
This could make a Hallmark Christmas movie. 
Source: September 2017 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
by Dana K. White
I am really liking this and implementing the rules slowly.Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Jacob T. Marley
By: R. William Bennett
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
I saved this from last December to listen at Christmas time this year.
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
"Marley was dead to begin with...."
These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge’s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn't he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?
Or had he?
Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story of remorse and redemption, sure to become a Christmas favorite.
©2011 Burgess Adams Inc. (P)2011 Shadow Mountain

3. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

A Chance at Christmas
by Beppie Harrison
I'll start this Christmas book next.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

December 2, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App. Although I am on track on my smartphone I haven' t been steady for each morning and find myself finishing the reading at the end of the day instead of beginning. I need to get back to starting my day with scripture.
I am up to date on the additional reading plan started 11/12: Names of God, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed only one book and posted eight reviews. That makes some headway so I have only 5 reviews to post now.
I am slowly adding these reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 9 as I am added 2 this week. I still have one author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 added two new review titles.
I picked up two Audible Daily Deals, two sale books and one credit pick.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I only picked up 12 free kindle titles. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected two titles at NetGalley last week:
Patience for Christmas
by Grace Burrowes
I always enjoy Grace's Historical Romance and it's nice to add another Christmas read.



101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily
by Lisa Steele
I saw this and knew I had to read it - maybe get the paperback as Christmas gift for hubby!

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/2/2018 Daily Deal $1.95
The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant
Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
This looks like fun and one to share with grandchildren.


11/27/18 Four new titles.
One Audible Daily Deal $3.95
Her Last Word
By: Mary Burton
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
I haven't read Mary Burton for a while and she generally has good romantic suspense.


Two Audible Books on Sale $4.95 each
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
I know I picked this up at NetGalley but it will be quicker to listen.


Hello Love
By: Karen McQuestion
Narrated by: Dan John Miller
Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
I couldn't resist this romance with such a cute dog cover!


One November Credit:
Villains Rule, The Shadow Master, Book 1
By: M. K. Gibson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
I have been attracted by this cover for a while - weird I know.
And it is a "V" title for 2018.

Free

I only added 12 free titles to my Kindle library over the past week - little spare time before crashing to sleep. 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 December 2, 2018

My husband had a rough night with pain and when it was time to go to church this morning, he was sound asleep. It was pouring rain and we didn’t get to church service.

Mid-day the sun came out and I took the chance to go to my office to empty the dehumidifier water trough. I realized the water was flowing towards the other offices where our file boxes were lined up. My staff wasn’t available to help move boxes so I called our Pastor to see if I could get help from the youth in the church. Within ten minutes he showed up and spent the next hour helping me move the boxes. Now that is God’s love in action! I thank God for a caring, shepherd pastor!

I am mindful that this is the first day of Advent – We begin the season by preparing our hearts for the coming of the Savior.

I chose this song: Even So Come

A Verse for today:
James 5:8 (ESV)
You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Lord, help me to focus on YOU this season; to stay calm knowing that You have all my issues under control. I love that I can trust You.

Audible Book Review: 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Gilbert

This is very well done and inspiring. It was a nice listen for Thanksgiving week!
29 Gifts
How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
By: Cami Walker
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-20-09
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Inspirational, Memoir, Multiple Sclerosis
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At age 35, Cami Walker was burdened by a battle with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that made it difficult for her to walk, work, or enjoy her life. Seeking a remedy for her depression after being hospitalized, she received an uncommon prescription from an African medicine woman: give to others for 29 days.
29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author's life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. Many of Walker's gifts were simple - a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. Yet the acts were transformative. By day 29, not only had Walker's health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement.
The book also includes personal essays from others whose lives changed for the better by giving, plus pages for the reader to record their own journey. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.
©2009 Brightside Communications, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This memoir/inspirational work started out rather difficult to read (listen to). Cami, the author, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and at age 35 she was struggling with fatigue, weakness, consistent pain and severe depression. This impacted her life as well as tired out her caregivers, her husband and mother.

Cami met with an African healing woman for massage and mental therapy. This friend (she was more than a healer) shared the unique prescription of spending 29 days in a row giving gifts to others. Cami’s friend explained that the gifts did not have to be big or expensive but did have to be given with meaning and intent. The purpose was to focus on giving but it had a surprising effect on opening Cami to receiving gifts too. Cami was so impressed with the changes in her life that she established a blog to share the story and prescription with others.

Cami does a good job sharing her 29 Gift experience with honesty and charm. The change in her attitude was a relief and pleasure to listen to. I can appreciate the difficulties for the caregivers as I experienced some of the meanspirited elements when my husband was on medication recovering from his heart valve operation. (You would think the patient would show more sorrow for bad behaviors and gratitude for the care, but they don't seem to recognize that.) The end of this audio includes short descriptions from others who shared on the blog/webpage. Since I am a strong Christ follower, I wasn't totally comfortable with some the occult 'dabblings' the author shares.

I like to think I have a pretty giving nature to begin with. I am not sure I will do the 29 day exercise, but this has made me more mindful to give unexpected gifts to friends and strangers. I love the idea of unexpected kindnesses! I would certainly recommend this to anyone who is suffering with stress and depression as I do think it would help turn the focus to more positive ground.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert did a fine job with the narration. She captured the distress in the beginning and the relief as the journey progressed. I didn't realize that I had just listened to a fiction title by Tavia (Zoe's Tale) until I started to include my audio notes here. The works are totally different but she did well on both of them. I am glad that I picked this up at a bargain price and I enjoyed the listen.

Source: June 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Sharing Beyond Books #357 Comment Giveaway December 1, 2018

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
There were two people who don't worry about waiting for sequels. Of the other 15 answers the waiting time ranged from a few months to over 10 years. At least two get tired of waiting while others find the books worth waiting for.

The Winner from SBB #356 comments is: #10 Rita 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 #357

(One Question.)

This is a question from Nikki: Have you even had a scary/shocking encounter with an animal(s) before??

When I was a child we had a very large bull break into our pasture. They couldn't get it to go home so they had to put it down. That wasn't pleasant. The other events I think of are with snakes. I went out to go to work one morning and found a big rattlesnake across our driveway. I called hubby from the car. One evening a harmless oak snake fell out of the ceiling vent next to my computer - that was a shock. We also have some very large zipper spiders that we sometimes walk into - ugh.

This was the snake across the driveway.

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. Nikki asks: Have you even had a scary/shocking encounter with an animal(s) before??

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 December 15, 2018 at 5 PM central.

The Damage at my Office - No Rain Needed

These are images of the damage to my office.

Office image before the hurricane:
my office, brown with the bright blue awning, is the fourth building in from the right.
The other brown brick building with lighter blue awning shares the middle wall with me.
She has a true second story; mine is only a facade.

This is an image shared by someone during the storm:

The building that lost its front is two doors down from mine; the second from right above. It is being demolished.

Here are images a few days after the hurricane of just my office and the neighbor.

Here is an aerial view of the corner block after the storm, before we could get up to see the damage.
The hole on the roof shows on the fourth building in from right.

This is the inside lobby which becomes a rainfall when raining.

There are cracks from corner to corner along the front which is creating the structural concerns.

Here is the 15' x 32' hole on the roof with bricks fallen in.

The side walls and this hole are making it difficult to get tarping secured.

We are not sure what is holding the bricks on the roof.

This is a broken beam below that area.

The front entrances to the buildings were blocked by the fallen brick. This is my neighbors rear storage area that we have to wade through to get access.

The roofer was by on Thursday and was supposed to tarp the roof but then decided there was too much risk and they had to arrange to get the brick removed and a temporary fix of the hole. Now we have a weekend of heavy rain which we don't need until we can get the roofs covered. :-(

Audible Book Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones

This is a good addition moving the series along toward the conclusion.

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Series: Charley Davidson, Book 11
Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-24-17
Language: English
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Series narrator Lorelei King returns to narrate Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, the latest installment of Darynda Jones' New York Times best-selling paranormal series.
My entire life can be summed up in one sentence: "Well, that didn't go as planned." (T-shirt)
A typical day in the life of Charley Davidson involves cheating husbands, errant wives, missing people, philandering business owners, and, oh yeah...demons, hell hounds, evil gods, and dead people. Lots and lots of dead people.
As a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper, Charley has to balance the good, the bad, the undead, and those who want her dead. Now Charley is learning to make peace with the fact that she is a goddess with all kinds of power and that her own daughter has been born to save the world from total destruction. But the forces of hell are determined to see Charley banished forever to the darkest corners of another dimension. With the son of Satan himself as her husband and world-rocking lover, will Charley be able to defeat the ultimate evil and find a way to have her happily ever after after all?
©2017 Darynda Jones (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Charley has her memory again and is happy to be back with Reyes. She is trying to help Cookie who is worried about Ubie (Uncle Bob) who keeps getting grumpier. They are keeping an eye on him until finally a conflict brings his issues out in the open.

Meanwhile, Reyes half-brother, Shaun, has sought help from Charley. She and Cookie track down the foster parents who kidnapped Reyes and then turned him over to the monster man who abused him. Reyes keeps telling Charley to drop the investigation but she now suspects that a missing young girl is the latest kidnap victim and she isn't willing to back down.

Charley is slowly starting to accept her powers as a god with the training help – and challenge -- of  Reyes. When Cookie's daughter, Angel, develops problems, Charley seeks the help of demon Osh to go undercover at school to trap a stalker.

There is plenty of strong, snarky humor to go along with the suspense of the several investigations. There are also several rather sexy encounters between Charley and Reyes. I like how Charley is maturing as this moves along. I can't help but chuckle at the fun, sardonic sayings that start each chapter. There is additional backstory divulged in this volume and it helps as the author prepares for the next story. I wasn’t so taken with book 10, but this one is engaging and moves the story forward. I recommend this series to those who enjoy snarky fantasy, but I do suggest beginning at the beginning.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King has this series down pat with wonderful narration. She conveys the full range of emotion and snark and trepidation of the characters. I truly enjoy this series in audio.

Source: Audible Credit November 2018. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

My Reviews for Books 1 through 10 can be found through THIS LINK.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 30, 2018

Happy Friday and Welcome to a month of Thanksgiving and November Anniversary of Friday Pick! Every November I pick 4 random winners to celebrate the anniversary of Friday Pick.

This was another busy week juggling work, meeting roofers, setting up copiers and phones. I have been tired every night when I come home. We had a couple of nights that hit freezing and I am glad it will be warming up again. Although I am not happy more rain is expected this weekend. They haven't put the tarp on my building yet. :-(
Hubby and I celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary today. :-) He reminded me last night. Good thing I already had a gift for him.

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 November 23 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. One title was blocked and won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 23 Pick:
FHCT, FREDAMANS and NATALIJA each get a GC and
ELIZABETH gets the Jude Deveraux Pair

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.}

The caption for this said: Snow is falling, books are calling. :-).
Image found at SweetwaterNow.

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback
Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and
       Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:

No One Left to Tell is MP3
Kisscut is Cassettes
Dark Summer is CDs
Pairs:
Kay Hooper and
Carla Neggers Red Clover Inn
SINGLES
Cold Pursuit by Carla Neggers
Best Laid Plans
Bound For Murder
Asking for Murder
Pretty Poison
Darkness Tell Us
Last Writes (A Jaine Austen Mystery Series Book 2) by Laura Levine
Don’t Tell a Soul by S. K. McClafferty - MSE has on Kindle 2013
Zombies of the Gene Pool
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 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

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 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,200+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman

This Christian romantic suspense was right on target for me.
Kill Shot: A Novel (White Knights Book 2)
by Susan Sleeman

File Size: 639 KB
Print Length: 401 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455596493
Publisher: FaithWords (February 6, 2018)
ASIN: B071JLNVKD
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Suspense and romance combine in Susan Sleeman's thrilling new novel about an FBI agent who must team up with a beautiful therapist to stop a killer with a deadly new weapon.
Some fears haunt you forever....
As the ballistics and weapon's expert for the FBI's special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets. Rick feared these smart bullets--which have one hundred percent accuracy that can turn even a novice into a lethal sniper--would eventually end up in the hands of the wrong people. But since the ammunition was still in the development stage, he figured they had plenty of time before that happened. He was wrong. Dead wrong.
Until they become reality.
When a homeless vet is killed with a smart bullet, it's clear that the ammunition has been stolen, and the Knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. But they aren't the only ones desperate to find the killer. Therapist Olivia Dobbs is well known for her success in counseling military veterans with PTSD. When she discovers one of her clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI's prime witness, and suspect.
Despite the mutual attraction that immediately sparks between them, Rick can't--no he won't--let Olivia interfere with his investigation. But when the sniper trains his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn't a kill shot that takes Olivia out.

Review:
Olivia is a Christian therapist who has counseled a number of vets suffering from PTSD. She is trying to help a particular patient who is acting paranoid, thinking someone is going to kill him. The man takes off in anger and she decides to try to catch up. When she finds him, he has just been killed and she narrowly escapes the killer. The next thing Olivia knows she is being interviewed by the FBI even thought she doesn't understand why they are on the case. Soon it is apparent that she is not just a person of interest but may be a suspect.

Rick is the lead of the FBI team brought in on a rush to investigate the murder. They are there not because of the victim but because of the use of stolen self-steering bullets. They cannot reveal the secret nature of their mission to anyone as the team implements their special skills to uncover the theft and plot that is bigger than the murder.

Rick doesn’t trust anyone. He hasn’t even let his teammates get too close to his personal frustrations and vulnerabilities. Rick is with Olivia when a sniper tries to kill her. Now he is determined to keep her close so he can better keep her safe while he discovers if her caring nature is real of if she has a nefarious connection with the criminals.

The chemistry between Rick and Olivia is nicely done. It is clear they try to keep things professional, but the attraction keeps pulling them closer together. Rick’s team of forensic experts contributes strong interest and personalities. Olivia’s family adds distraction - some pleasant and some very stressful.

There is a full story with danger and suspense and the romance is a nice add in. I especially enjoyed the Christian foundations shared by Olivia and the way her patience wore down Rick’s resistance. I have some other titles by Ms. Sleeman and I need to get to read them as I enjoy her style. I'd like to read the other books in this series too. I recommend this to readers who like romantic suspense.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Hunter by Mercedes Lackey

I enjoyed this fantasy enough to quickly pick up book two.

Hunter
By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated by: Amy Landon

Series: Hunter, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-01-15
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.

Publisher's Summary
They came after the Diseray. Some were terrors ripped from our collective imaginations, remnants of every mythology across the world. And some were like nothing anyone had ever dreamed up, even in their worst nightmares.
Monsters.
Long ago, the barriers between our world and the Otherworld were ripped open, and it's taken centuries to bring back civilization in the wake. Now, the luckiest Cits live in enclosed communities, behind walls that keep them safe from the hideous monsters fighting to break through. Others are not so lucky.
To Joyeaux Charmand, who has been a Hunter in her tight-knit mountain community since she was a child, every Cit without magic deserves her protection from dangerous Othersiders. Then she is called to Apex City, where the best Hunters are kept to protect the most important people.
Joy soon realizes that the city's powerful leaders care more about luring Cits into a false sense of security than protecting them. More and more monsters are getting through the barriers, and the close calls are becoming too frequent to ignore. Yet the Cits have no sense of how much danger they're in - to them, Joy and her corps of fellow Hunters are just action stars they watch on TV.
When an act of sabotage against Joy takes an unbearable toll, Joy uncovers a terrifying conspiracy. There is something much worse than the usual monsters infiltrating Apex. And it may be too late to stop them.
©2015 Mercedes Lackey (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Joy is a sixteen-year-old living in a world where a thin barrier separates the monsters of the Otherworld from civilization. Many people, Cits, live in sheltered communities. Joy was raised in a distant mountain village and trained by very wise elders, the Masters of the Monastery. In the primary city of Apex, Hunters are not trained so young and their training is limited to ‘academy’ training. Joy has had years of real-life experience before she is sent to join the Hunters. She has to hide that background but it helps her on her train journey which is supposed to be protected.

Joy happens to be the niece of a leader in Apex. There are those who think she is being favored and won’t make it in the Hunters. Before Joy even arrives at Apex she faces danger and she and her Otherworldly hounds help save the train, troops and occupants aboard. She has no idea that her survival instincts and skills have now put her in the camera rankings for Hunters. Some of the other Hunters feel threatened and are inclined to make life difficult for Joy and any who befriend her. While Joy is discovering that more monsters are sneaking into the city, she also learns that there is danger within as she becomes a target.

The story is told from first person perspective through Joy’s character. She is well skilled but humble and willing to learn and willing to share her knowledge. She is not interested in the TV popularity rankings but is truly concerned about protecting her fellow hunters and the unsuspecting Cits. The friends she makes are well developed characters too and add to the action and adventure. And the hounds are a special, engaging element.

This is more than just a coming of age, country girl comes to the city, story. Although the writing isn't brilliant, I found the story entertaining. I am engaged in the story and look forward to book two. I recommend this to fantasy lovers of all ages.

Audio Notes: Amy Landon does a good job with the narration. She captures the youthful nature of Joy’s character. Although she could have added a bit more emotion, I became used to her style. I was engaged and kept listening when I could get time.

Source: Audible Daily Deal July 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge

Audio Book Review: Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1) by Ruth Logan Herne

I totally enjoyed this inspirational, contemporary western romance.
Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1)
by Ruth Logan Herne
Narrator Anna Salinas
Runtime 9.25 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher Recorded Books
Downloads ZIP M4B MP3
Release Date February 15, 2017
Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Story and Narration.

Here comes a captivating western romance and family-centered drama with a heart of gold, featuring plenty of cowboys and family drama, from prolific author and networker Ruth Logan Herne. Colt Stafford's winner-take-all personality clashed with his father's similar temperament and led Colt to pursue his own success far from the Double S ranch. The opportunity came in private equities once he earned his way to a desk on Wall Street. But timing is everything and Colt's financial demise coincided with his father's illness. God's perfect timing doesn't always seem all that perfect, but Colt needed a job, the Double S needed Colt and Sam sent his prodigal son a ticket. and Colt came home. He rediscovers his love for ranching, for Washington and for the great outdoors. His father's change of heart seems surreal, and by the time Colt realizes he belongs with his family, he's lost his heart to a Latina cop whose gone undercover to protect her child and her mother. Through the accidents of timing, God has brought multiple facets together at the Double S, just in time for healing, hope and home.

Review:
Colt was raised on a ranch by his father, Sam, who had a strong take control attitude. As a young man they began to clash so Colt headed off to the city to make his own brand of success. He was doing great at private equities until a situation lost him his career and savings. He headed home to try to help with his father’s illness. Colt is surprised when he arrives to find Sam’s attitude has softened.

Colt’s first meeting with Angelina is at the end of a gun. It is rather strange behavior for a housekeeper but Colt is quick to learn that Angelina has secrets. At least Angelina’s tough love and trust God philosophy is helping Sam to seek a relationship with God and with his estranged son.

Colt and Angelina are doing the clashing now with Angelina inclined to think Colt is a city slicker who will be heading back to the bright lights as soon as he can. Colt thinks Angelina is bossy and antagonistic and he is determined to uncover the secret she is hiding.

I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. Ms. Herne shares thoughts from the characters which makes them very real. She also unabashedly shares Godly themes - resistance (prodigal) to redemption to reliance - which I greatly appreciated. There is good chemistry between Colt and Angelina and the secondary characters (including Sam, Angelina’s adorable son, Noah, and her dedicated mother) add more depth and richness. There are family issues and a touch of suspense and danger.

There is strong description and easy flow to the writing. I have read Ruth Logan stories years ago and always like them. I have to add more of her to my reading. I recommend this to readers who enjoy heartwarming family interaction, sweet romance and Christian themes.

Audio Notes: Anna Salinas does a fine job with the narration as her voice fit the tone of the story. She doesn’t give strong voice changes but enough to distinguish plus she manages the pacing well to reflect appropriately the aside thoughts. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audiobook.com 2017 Sale Purchase. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.