Sunday Post September 8, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 9, 2019

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.

Work continues to be busy with plenty more to do.

These are pictures of our lemon tree which is loaded down with lemons that should ripen within the month. This is the front...

And the back side too.

We were fortunate not to have hurricane Dorian touch much of Florida but we are praying for those communities, Bahamas and US, who were hit so badly. It will be a very long time of recovery.

I am moving along on the TBRs but I still need to read 2.43 books a week to reach the goal this year. Since this will limit my choices from longer and newer books I may choose to reduce that goal. We'll see.
I had another fun week of reading/listening. I finished four titles: 3 audiobooks and 1 ebook. I posted five reviews and my usual memes.

I was back to 18 blog visits last week.
Shout Out this week to Freda's Voice. Freda is a lover of poetry, photography and books. She also shares on her photography blog, Day One.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 1, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 2, 2019.

• MBS August 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen; Genre: Mystery, Steampunk, Victorian; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore; Genre: Action, Alien, Sci Fi, Teen Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Roman Holiday, The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Book 3.5 by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Drama, Humor, Theater, Victorian; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 30, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/12/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis; Genre: Environment, Political/Policies, Science & Technology; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #377 Comment Giveaway September 7, 2019; Open Worldwide. Ending 9/24/2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo; Genre: Animal Husbandry, How To, NonFiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 8, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

An Accidental Death: A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 1
Written by: Peter Grainger
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
This is a very good, engaging mystery.
Source: February 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Lone Wolf, F.B.I. K-9, Book 1
By: Sara Driscoll
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 11-29-16
I like search dog stories and this has good suspense with a side of romance.
Source: November 2018 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
In the first book in a thrilling new series, FBI Special Agent Meg Jennings and Hawk, her loyal search-and-rescue Labrador, must race against time as they zero in on one of the deadliest killers in the country....
Meg and Hawk are part of the FBI's elite K-9 unit. Hawk can sniff out bodies anywhere - living or dead - whether it's tracking a criminal or finding a missing person. When a bomb rips apart a government building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., it takes all of the team's extensive search-and-rescue training to locate and save the workers and visitors buried beneath the rubble.
But even as the duo are hailed as heroes, a mad bomber remains at large, striking terror across the Eastern seaboard in a ruthless pursuit of retribution. As more bombs are detonated and the body count escalates, Meg and Hawk are brought in to a task force dedicated to stopping the unseen killer. But when the attacks spiral wide and any number of locations could be the next target, it will come down to a battle of wits and survival skills between Meg, Hawk, and the bomber they're tracking to rescue a nation from the brink of chaos.
©2016 Sara Driscoll. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

3. eBook/Kindle (Ladies Book Club)

It Started with Goodbye
by Christina June
Nice story; particularly good for YA and Teens.
This is for Ladies Book Club.
meeting September 14 21, 2019.
Source: Print books discounted through Christianbook.com. I picked up the Kindle version
a couple of weeks ago.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Followed by Frost
By: Charlie N. Holmberg
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
I liked the fairy tale nature of this story.
Source: February 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
Seventeen-year-old Smitha has the wealth, status, and beauty that make her the envy of her town - until she rejects a strange man's marriage proposal, and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha's desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her renewed hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha's heart, or will Death forever still it?
©2015 Charlie N. Holmberg (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Storm Rising
by Ronie Kendig
I like this author and am 
looking forward to reading this.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

Cyclone
Linear Tactical Series
By: Janie Crouch
Narrated by: Tom Campbell
Series: Linear Tactical Series, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
I am enjoying the characters and stor. 1/3rd in.
I wanted to check the quality of these before buying more. The quality is good.
Source: July Chirp Purchase $1.99.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
He’d protect her from any threat… But what if the biggest threat is him?
Doctor Anne Nichols is back in Oak Creek, Wyoming, only because she has no other options. Here, she was always the shy, stuttering girl, invisible to everyone.
Except Zac Mackay. The very reason she left in the first place.
Zac’s years in Special Forces taught him survival skills, and he’s created a company—Linear Tactical—to teach those skills to others, so they never have to live in fear.
Then why is Annie, the last person he’d ever want to hurt, afraid of him?
Zac’s determined to wipe the fear from the eyes of the woman who has never been far from his mind. And fix the mistakes—his mistakes—that put that look there in the first place.
But a predator has set his sights on Annie. And now survival skills will become much more than lessons…

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Lost World
By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Glen McCready
Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 02-25-08
I need a sci fi fix and this is another TBR.
Source: October 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Publisher's Summary
Here is the precursor to Jurassic Park. Victorian explorers have heard there is a remote plateau where dinosaurs still survive, and a group set outs on a dangerous mission to find out more about it.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
Public Domain (P)2008 Naxos Rights International

4. eBook/Kindle (eB2019)

One Paris Summer
by Denise Grover Swank
I have wanted to read this author for a while.
This is the second summer book for Ladies Book Club. To be discussed 9/21/19.
Source: Print books discounted through Christianbook.com. I picked up the Kindle version this week.
Most teens dream of visiting the City of Lights, but it feels more like a nightmare for Sophie Brooks. She and her brother are sent to Paris to spend the summer with their father, who left home a year ago without any explanation. As if his sudden abandonment weren't betrayal enough, he's about to remarry, and they’re expected to play nice with his soon-to-be wife and stepdaughter. The stepdaughter, Camille, agrees to show them around the city, but she makes it clear that she will do everything in her power to make Sophie miserable.

Sophie could deal with all the pain and humiliation if only she could practice piano. Her dream is to become a pianist, and she was supposed to spend the summer preparing for a scholarship competition. Even though her father moved to Paris to pursue his own dream, he clearly doesn't support hers. His promise to provide her with a piano goes unfulfilled.

Still, no one is immune to Paris’s charm. After a few encounters with a gorgeous French boy, Sophie finds herself warming to the city, particularly when she discovers that he can help her practice piano. There’s just one hitch—he’s a friend of Camille’s, and Camille hates Sophie. While the summer Sophie dreaded promises to become best summer of her life, one person could ruin it all.

September 8, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I didn't do a study last week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted five reviews so that keeps me current with reviews.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 10 unread. I have pulled/read titles released and on my list before July. Next week I expect to start titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to get caught up on these too- I better start soon.
Still many titles 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 picked up my second review title this week for Ladies Book Club.
I resisted the 3 for 2 credit sale deciding to save my credits for titles I really want. I picked one daily deal this week.
I have two free September Audible Originals to pick and one Free VIP at Audiobooks. I will probably choose two for one credit deals at Audiobooks soon.
I only downloaded one free kindle title this week. (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

9/8/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Marine
Terran Scout Fleet, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 03-26-19

9/6/2019 Kindle Purchase $3.99 Whispersync Audible Purchase $1.99 = total price $5.98 for a book on my Audible wish list. :-)
A Symphony of Echoes: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 2
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm
Series: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Free

Only one free title was added this week to my Kindle library. 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 September 8, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher showed us part of a video today: God of Wonders. I love these scientific documentaries that show the awesome, wonderful, amazing creation of God!

We had lovely praise and worship before moving into the Pastor’s sermon continuing in
the Culture Shift series.
First we looked outside the church to note the Point: We must lead people by our lives, to the real Jesus of the Bible.
The second week Pastor noted the need for a shift within the church with the Point: Every person most positively contribute to a culture of KINDNESS.
Week three discussed setting priorities in our lives with the Point: The only way to truly worship God is to find all our satisfaction in Him.

Church shouldn't be walking with the world (although it might be very good if the world were walking with church). Yet, we need to be within the culture to help change it.

Satan wants to keep people from worshiping God and it is important for us to make worship a Lifestyle, not just Sunday service.

If you walk in uninvited to a private club you feel like you don’t belong but that attitude changes if you are invited as a guest. Belonging to an exclusive club is touted as something special, of extra value and the public is encouraged to pay extra. But exclusivity shouldn't be part of the church.

In the old testament, God's people were select, special, set apart. But that changed in God’s Christ based church. Those who believe in Christ have the right to become children of God, part of a new family. John 1:6-13. We receive a new identity; we become part of the family of God.

There is always a tension, a pull back to former culture. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15. Our culture changes but you can distinguish families by various identity markers such as: outwardly demonstrative or reserved; patriarchal or matriarchal; blessed or depressed; abusive or loving. But God is in the business of breaking family chains. 2 Corinthians 5:16-20.

The Point: The church, the family of God, have been made ambassadors of Christ.

Who are you? Ambassadors are supposed to go to others seeking to make a connection, carry a message. Our message to the world is “Come to Jesus; Come Back to God”.
What makes a healthy family culture? We may have an imperfect church, an imperfect pastor, and we may be imperfect people. Even so, we learn to love one another. We open wide the doors to the narrow gate. We don’t have to “become” first, it is okay to belong first.
Belong, believe, become.

Who are you? We (the church) are family, not an institution.
Invite someone to sit with you. Commit and invest. What will you do as an ambassador?

I couldn’t find this with lyrics but this lively song fits the message today.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

John 1:12 (NIV)
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 

 Lord, I pray that you will strengthen me and use me as an ambassador for your message.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo

Highly recommended if you are interested in starting a hen house or just want fun information about chickens.
The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens
by Anne Kuo

File Size: 8171 KB
Print Length: 236 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Rockridge Press (May 21, 2019)
ASIN: B07RDZ6PWZ
Genre: Animal Husbandry, How To, NonFiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The book new chicken keepers will crow about.
The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens makes it simple and easy to start keeping these surprisingly smart birds right in your backyard. From constructing coops to rearing chicks, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy all year round.
Which breed of chicken is right for you? What’s the best coop-bedding material? What sort of feed should you use? Let expert chicken keeper Anne Kuo answer these questions—and many others—in The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens.
The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens includes:
All cooped up—Create the perfect home for raising chickens using detailed backyard coop designs and construction guides.
From chickens to eggs—Find out how to pick the right breed, raise chicks, collect eggs, keep your birds safe from predators, and more.
Learn to speak bird—Start talking the talk thanks to an extensive glossary of common chicken-keeping terms.
Get your own flock started in no time—The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens shows you how.

Review:
This is a great resource for anyone looking to start raising chickens. It covers pros and cons, rewards and costs, joys and losses. As noted in the blurb, the book covers from preparing to house your chickens, selecting them, caring for them with proper food, exercise, safety and health issues, and ultimately enjoying their unique antics, attention and morning songs.

I was impressed with the extent of information shared in an easy to read and reference style. There are pictures, highlighted definitions, and specific how-tos shared, all of which contribute to an engaging flow. Having recently raised chickens I wish that I had read this first. Fortunately my husband is a great hands on, common sense guy (which off sets my book learning, follow directions style). This is really well done and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to start a flock.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sharing Beyond Books #377 Comment Giveaway September 7, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Fredamans said she would try anything once. MaryP has a long list of foods she won't eat. Four of us will not eat fishy fish; Miki is allergic to shellfish, two others won't eat squid or octopus and Ashfa won't eat prawns. Some 'normal' foods that people won't eat are: "peas and liver", hot peppers and okra. Here is the list of other less likely food items commenters won't eat: "stinky" Durian fruit, bugs, snakes, cats and dogs.

The Winner from SBB #376 comments is: #1 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. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**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 #377

(One Question.)

Becky asks: Do you consider yourself organized or unorganized? And if unorganized what would you changed to make it not so unorganized??

I do think I am organized. I have always found the busier I get the more organized I need to be to get the work done.

Image found at Steemit.

Image found at Mission.org.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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. Becky asks: Do you consider yourself organized or unorganized? And if unorganized what would you changed to make it not so unorganized??

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 September 21, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis

This was a timely, quick listen as Hurricane Dorian took aim toward the US east coast.

The Coming Storm
By: Michael Lewis
Narrated by: Michael Lewis

Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-31-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Category: Environment, Political/Policies, Science & Technology
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Original
Tornadoes, cyclones, tsunamis…Weather can be deadly—especially when it strikes without warning. Millions of Americans could soon find themselves at the mercy of violent weather if the public data behind lifesaving storm alerts gets privatized for personal gain. In his first Audible Original, New York Times best-selling author and journalist Michael Lewis delivers hard-hitting research on not-so-random weather data—and how Washington plans to release it. He also digs deep into the lives of two scientists who revolutionized climate predictions, bringing warning systems to previously unimaginable levels of accuracy. One is Kathy Sullivan, a gifted scientist among the first women in space; the other, D.J. Patil, is a trickster-turned-mathematician and a political adviser. Most urgently, Lewis’s narrative reveals the potential cost of putting a price tag on information that could save lives. Please note The Fifth Risk includes the entirety of The Coming Storm.
© 2018 Michael Lewis (P) 2018 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Author Michael Lewis describes several mostly unknown individuals who found their passions in studying weather – its history, its patterns for forecasting and its impact on environment, economics and the lives of the damaged communities. This makes this short documentary piece personal as well as somewhat informative.
Lewis tells bits of the story of developing weather data that got lost in the halls of government. Lewis may have intended to present a brief discourse blending science and politics. It seemed he left out some of the final connections regarding the data and forecasting accuracies other than to describe an incident of a 15-minute warning of a tornado which may be the best they can get. The work felt more intent on making political arguments particularly raising the (perhaps valid?) question of whether critical weather information should be publicly available rather than controlled and released to limited stations who have paid subscriptions. Apparently, the US Department of Commerce includes oversight of NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) so there are concerns regarding the sourcing of data.

I was quickly engaged by the storytelling technique that made this a more interesting listen. I am glad I listened to this as it brought this concerning issue to my attention. Since I experienced the damage of Hurricane Michael last year and there are millions of people facing weather disasters on a regular basis, this is an important issue to keep an eye on.

Audio Notes: Michael Lewis provides the narration for his own excerpt and it fit the material and tone. I think it is easier for me to listen to this type of work than reading it so I am glad I got this through free Audible Originals.

Source: 9/8/18 Free Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 6, 2019

Happy Friday! So much for good intentions. We have been doing hamster wheel work this week funding and packaging from last week's closings. The books are pulled and ready for mailing (hopefully) next week.

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 August 30, 2019 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. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 30, 2019 Pick:
ALINA gets a GC
and
SUEF gets Innocent as Sin.

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 think we may have finished the summer at the beach.
Image found at Scott's Township.

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three 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

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


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
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(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 1,269+ 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!

Audible Book Review: Roman Holiday, The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Book 3.5 by Jodi Taylor

This series and these short novellas are always fun listening.
Roman Holiday
The Chronicles of St. Mary's
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Series: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 3.5
Length: 1 hr and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-07-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Humor, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Another rollicking short story from the Chronicles of St Mary’s author Jodi Taylor.
Question: What sort of idiot installs his mistress in his wife’s house? Especially when that mistress is Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, queen of Egypt and the most notorious woman of her time? Answer: Julius Caesar - poised to become king of Rome. Or as good as.
Question: At this potentially sensitive point in your political manoeuvrings, who are the last people you’d want crashing through the door, observing, recording, documenting...? I think we all know the answer to that one.
Roman Holiday - an epic, standalone tale set in Ancient Rome, 44 BC, featuring, in no particular order: an attempted murder; stampeding bullocks; Cleopatra, queen of the Nile; a bowl of poisonous snakes; a smallish riot; Julius Caesar; and Mr Markham’s wayward bosoms.
Jodi Taylor is and always has been a history nut. Her disinclination to get out of bed for anything after 1485 can only be overcome by massive amounts of chocolate and sometimes, if it's raining, not even then. She wanted to write a book about time travel that was a little different and, not having a clue how difficult this would make her book to classify, went ahead and slung in elements of history, adventure, comedy, romance, tragedy, and anything else she could think of. Her advice to booksellers is to buy huge numbers of her books and just put one on every shelf.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Max (Madeleine Maxwell) and four of her historian comrades (Peterson, Van Owen, Guthrie and Markham) visit Caesar and Cleopatra. They were there, as always, to observe, NOT to go in the house or get involved. But, as usual, they stumble into trouble and hope that their actions don’t change history! As noted in the blurb: this quick adventure includes “in no particular order: an attempted murder; stampeding bullocks; Cleopatra, queen of the Nile; a bowl of poisonous snakes; a smallish riot; Julius Caesar; and Mr Markham’s wayward bosoms.”

This series has wonderful humor, interesting technology (time traveling pods) and always include fascinating tidbits of history. The characters always stumble into trouble and have to use their knowledge of history and quick witted insight of human nature to escape capture --- or sometimes they just have to run fast. These novellas can be read out of order but it is best to at least read the first novella, The Very First Da**ed Thing or the first full book, Just One Da**ed Thing After Another, so you get to know the primary characters. I recommend this for readers who like history, adventure, time travel and zany fun.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does a great job narrating this series. She captures the voices and personalities and delivers the story with on point pacing and energy. I will continue to listen to more in this series.

Source: November 2015 Audible Free title. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I enjoyed this fast, easy listen.

I Am Number Four
By: Pittacus Lore
Narrated by: Neil Kaplan

Series: The Lorien Legacies, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-03-10
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Action, Alien, Sci Fi, Teen Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four.
I am next.
Also included is a sneak listen to the first chapter of the next book in the series. Enjoy!
©2010 Pittacus Lore (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
“John Smith” is one of nine young Loriens who were sent to earth to protect their race. The Loriens are aliens whose planet was destroyed by monster aliens known as Mogadorians who have followed them to earth. The enemy is killing the Lorien ‘superheroes’ in sequential order. One through Three have been killed and John is number Four. John and his guardian, Henri, have recently moved to Ohio after an accidental exposure of John’s strangeness. It is imperative that John hide his secret strengths, or they will have to move again. This would be fine except that John has arrived at the age where his power gifts-- his “legacies”-- are manifesting. It is pretty hard to hide glowing hands!

But John has met a young girl who returns his interest, and with the fervor of young love, he refuses to be pushed into moving. That is until it becomes clear that his girlfriend and other school friend, Sam, an alien enthusiast, are in danger. By then it is a little too late to run so John, Henri and some unexpected allies have to take a stand to fight.

This is a fast paced teen action. There are fun super powers and standard teen love and angst. It is a bit frustrating to read John’s current careless attitude after successfully protecting his secrets for 15 years. This reads/listens quickly with easy writing that is suitable for young teens. There are some environment comments and some issues that are unbelievable like how are the very large, albino Mogadorians not obvious on earth? Overall, the story makes for a good, clean adventure appropriate for young men and women… and for adults you enjoy a light superhero story. The reviews imply that the series gets better so I might read more someday but I’m not rushing out to get them.

Audio Notes: Neil Kaplan does a solid job with the narration. Whether it is the text or his interpretation of the characters, he captures the teen ambiance and maintained my interest. It is likely I would listen to further books in the series.

Source: 11/6/2018 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen

This was a good fantasy mystery.
The Lady in the Coppergate Tower
by Nancy Campbell Allen

Series: Proper Romance Steampunk
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (August 6, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629725544
Genre: Mystery, Steampunk, Victorian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.
Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.
Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.
Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.
Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.

Review:
Hazel is a gifted healer but also thinks she has skills as a Medium. She constantly dreams of a different version of herself, a young woman with different color hair who is going mad. Hazel has an unrevealed ‘thing’ for her employer, Dr. Sam MacInnes. She does not see them in the same social set so she tries to resist her feelings for him.

Sam is a talented surgeon who is attracted to Hazel, a young woman whose life he saved before she became his employee. Sam runs in the higher social circles but doesn’t let that impress him.

Wealthy and impressive Romanian Count Petrescu arrives in town telling Hazel that she is his niece who was abducted at birth. He claims that she has a twin who is seriously ill and needs her help. As Petrescu convinces Hazel to travel with him to Romania, Sam insists that he accompany her, along with his personal automaton, Eugene. Sam, who doesn’t like closed places, suffers some qualms when they realize they will be traveling by submarine.

Sam and Hazel agree that Petrescu is darkly mysterious and not to be easily trusted. He has a rough bodyguard who becomes a suspect in an attack on Hazel’s maid. The closer they come to their destination the more Hazel connects (even unwillingly) with her sister. She begins to realize her sister is trapped in a tower and her life under abusive manipulation is distressing and driving her mad.

I enjoyed the steampunk aspects of the automatons, the submarine and the wicked tower. It was easy to be drawn to Hazel and Sam who are both warm characters who are very respectful of their growing affections. Petrescu and his right hand man are appropriately villainous while Eugene makes a fun, rather smart alecky robot. The pacing was mostly good with consistent mystery even though the crisis seemed to peak as a rush to the ending. Still and all this is an engaging story and I recommend it to reader’s who enjoy steampunk, mystery and fairy tale elements.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

MBS August 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - AUGUST

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 2019
I still have five reviews to post and link after posted. 
Favorites for August:
4.75 titles: The Ethereal Squadron and Death Cloud
4.5 titles: No Other Will Do; Preserving Liberty; The Beekeeper's Apprentice; The Lady in the Coppergate Tower; and The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens.

1. The Mueller Report The Findings of the Special Counsel Investigation
2. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1) by Sarah Bennett; Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sweet Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
3. ATBR- Audio Book Review: No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer; Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
4. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Girl in Red by Christina Henry; Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Ember War, Books 1-2, by Richard Fox; Genre: Sci Fi, Space Fleet, Space Military; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sleeping Tiger by Rosamunde Pilcher; Genre: Novella, Romance; My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.25.
7. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: You Don't Belong Here by Sean O'Toole; Genre: Novella, Romance; My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.25.
8. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection; Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
9. eBTBR- Book Review: Preserving Liberty by Candice Sue Patterson; Genre: Clean Romance, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi; Genre: Galactic Empire, Space Opera, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
11. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Ethereal Squadron: A Wartime Fantasy (The Sorcerers of Verdun) by Shami Stovall; Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy, Historical Military; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1) by Laurie R. King; Genre: Detective Mystery, Historical Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5..
13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized) by Oscar Wilde; Genre: Drama, Humor, Theater, Victorian; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
14. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen; Genre: Mystery, Steampunk, Victorian; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
15. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Death Cloud by Andrew Lane; Genre: Detective, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult Ages 12+; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.
16. ATBR- Audible Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore; Genre: Action, Alien, Sci Fi, Teen Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
17. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Roman Holiday, The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Book 3.5 by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Drama, Humor, Theater, Victorian; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
18. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo; Genre: Animal Husbandry, How To, NonFiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
19. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis; Genre: Environment, Political/Policies, Science & Technology; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

DNF:
Total read = 19, +1DNF; TBR = 12; New Authors = 15
Audio/Audible = 11 (11 TBRs)
eBook = 1 (1 TBRs)
NetGalley = 7 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0
Review books (other than NG)= 0

Goal Progress:
20 ahead on Goodreads Goal of 150
Total Read to Date: 120 of 150
TBR to Date: 58 of 100 total (I need to push this and the ebooks)
TBR ebooks: 10 of 24
Audio to Date: 65 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 42 of 40
Author Reviews: 5 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 12

• ebTBRs: 1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +0 +1 +1
• Author titles: 1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 +0 +0
• New to me Series: 5 +5 +8 +10 +8 +9 +9 +7
• Continuing for me Series: 3 +1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2 +2
• Title with Month in it: 1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +0 +0 +0
• Seasonal title: Winter 1; Spring 2;
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April + 0 May + 1 June + 1 July + 1 August
(One letter left: X)