Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 22, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy November! As I do each year in November, I celebrate this giveaway by doubling winners for the month.   

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 15, 2019 Pick. There were No automatic again 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 November 15, 2019 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets The Wedding Promise
MYSTICA gets a GC
and
ADIK gets a GC,
ALINA gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

YEP - Gobble, Gobble!
Image found at Pinterest linked from Alexandria.

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Connie Brockway: My Pleasure and My Seduction
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs
Long, Lean and Lethal by Heather Graham
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Treasures by Lisa Jackson (hardback)
No Limits by Alison Kent
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


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 NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,286+ 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!

Book Review: A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews

This is a fun, quick read.

A Christmas Feral (Magical Cool Cats #3)
by Mary Matthews


Kindle Edition, 24 pages
Published (first published December 4th 2011)
ASIN B006HY67XW
Series Magical Cool Cats #3
Genre: Cats, Holiday, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Judge Scrooge won't even heat his home for Christmas in this Roaring Twenties' short story. Judge Scrooge says that when you pay the bill, you don't feel the cold. When Judge Scrooge rules incorrectly in a cat dispute, Magical White Cat Tatania and her companion Zeus teach him the meaning of keeping Christmas and cats.

Review:
This is a very cute, short parody of “A Christmas Carol”. On Christmas Eve an attorney seeks an injunction to keep a man from killing cats in the park. The Judge knows this attorney as “Her”, a colleague from his past. After ruling against the cats, Scrooge finds himself visited by the “Magical Cats” to show him the past, the present and what the future would be like without cats. Will their visit help change his miserly attitude so he can share the joy of Christmas, even with his cook’s son, Tiny Tim?

I found this to be a fun read. It doesn’t hurt that I like cats and I love the kindness that should envelop Christmas. This story made me interested to read more by Ms. Matthews and I realize I have several volumes of Magical Cool Cats Mysteries which I also got free on Kindle. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cats and Scrooge based stories.

Source: November 2016 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #HoHoHoRAT.

#NetGalley Book Review: Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters

I really enjoyed this quick, Christmas, time travel romance.
Christmas Once Again
by D.K. Deters


File Size: 2778 KB
Print Length: 43 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (November 12, 2018)
ASIN: B07HDG1GRC
Genre: Holiday, Romance, Short Story, Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

She's dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison's company purchased his grandmother's beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return.
Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she's stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time?
Zach's the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran's painting. It's up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he's not cut out to be a hero.

Review:
Madison Knight is facing a rather bleak holiday: no money, no fiancé since she discovered his betrayal, and a job on the edge. She can’t have any mishaps at her work, Once Again Antiques, or her boss will terminate her.

She gets a call from a man with a sexy voice claiming that his grandmother’s antique painting was sold to the company by mistake. Zach Murdock offers to pay double for the return of the painting. At first, the piece shows up in inventory and Madison agrees to sell it back for the standard restocking fee. Then she learns the artwork was actually sold and she sets out to locate the piece. In the process of trying to recover the painting, Madison gets stranded in a blizzard.

Suddenly Madison finds herself in unfamiliar territory. She slowly suspects she is out of place even as she befriends a young boy despite the skepticism of his parents.

Meanwhile, Zach has set out to meet up with Madison but fears that he will be too late. Will Madison be able to get back to her SUV and her proper place? If Zach can help rescue her how will she react to what he reveals?

I enjoyed the lively characters of Madison, Zach, and even Zach’s grandmother. The writing is direct and the plot is engaging. The story is complete although short. It gave me a good taste of Ms. Deters's writing and I would like to read a longer story by her. Christmas is a nice time setting although not a crucial element. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy time travel and sweet romance.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth 2019.

Audible Book Review: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor

This is such a fun series and I enjoy the mishaps and Max’s recovery efforts.

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5)
by Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max’s obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they’re right up against it.
A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it’s up to them to retrieve it before anyone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come.
And as if that’s not enough, someone (Max) has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham.
It’s hot, they’re running out of supplies, they can’t find the gun, and it’s all going horribly wrong. Again.

Review:
The staff at St. Mary’s don’t call themselves time travelers. They are historians who “investigate major historical events in contemporary time”. They have strict instructions to watch and record; never to get involved, take anything or leave anything behind. Dr. Maxwell (Max) is the chief training officer of the team and has learned that one of the crews left something behind in Ancient Egypt.

Max always likes to clear up messes before the big boss finds out. She and her usual cohorts in mischief, Mr. Markham and Tim Peterson, are prepared to sneak back in time to fix the problem. This seems like it would work easily enough but somehow this trio always runs into trouble.

I love the humor in this series. And the history is interesting too – this time including shipbuilding, insect stings, and a wedding ring. The characters interact with banter and comradery. Even Max’s new husband, Leon, a Chief Technical Officer, helps in the final rescue.

I recommend this series to those who enjoy history, time travel, and humor. Listening to this spurred me into getting the second book so I could continue with the main stories.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does such a great job with the characters, the energy, and the fun. This series is great fun on audio.

Source: November 2015 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook goal, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth 2019.

My other reviews so far in this series:
Audible Review: Just One Da*ned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25
Audible Book Review: The Very First D*ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.5
Goodreads Review: Christmas Present, The Chronicles of St. Mary's #4.5 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.0
Audible Review: When a Child Is Born, A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story. by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25.

Audio Book Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr

This is a nice Christmas Romance; reliable Robyn Carr.
Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Small Town
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on.
So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.
As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Review:
Becca and Denny were young lovers when she was in college and he set off to be a Marine. Denny’s mother died and he broke off his relationship with Becca and reenlisted, leaving her devastated. It has been three years and Becca is wondering if she can commit to her boyfriend of the past six months. She suspects that she has unresolved issues with her first love.

Becca knows her twin brother, Rich, is heading out to Virgin River to meet with his service buddies, including Denny. Becca shows up at the last minute to invite herself to the hunting and fishing trip.

The tension is immediate when Denny sees Becca walk in behind Rich. He had asked for a second chance after his confused mistake but she shot him down cold. Why in the world would she show up now at a men’s hunting weekend? The sniping between the two ends up with Becca suffering an accident which means she is stuck in town with Denny taking care of her. Can they stop their defensive bickering long enough to admit their true feelings? And how would they resolve the distance between Becca’s home and family in San Diego and Denny’s chosen life in rustic Virgin River?

It may have taken me a little time to warm up to Becca but her attitude is realistic in light of the hurt that she suffered when Denny dumped her. It was fairly evident that Denny never stopped caring for her but he didn’t want to be hurt again either.

It is charming to see how the town members support each other and are ready to fold Becca into their community family. Author Carr has this special ability to present real characters and a warm small town community. Becca’s care and concern for the local children adds an additional sweet element along with the town members caring for the less fortunate among them. I have read a few of the early books in this series and this easy, cheery read works fine as a nice holiday stand alone. I recommend this to fans of Robyn Carr and fans of small town romances.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer is a consistently reliable narrator for this series. Her clear character voices and emotional portrayal add depth to an already strong story. The audio makes this a plus listen for me.

Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals and #HoHoHoRat.

Sunday Post November 17, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 18, 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.

This was another busy week with hearings and a fun but cold outing on Tuesday night.

Our grapevine is taking over the corner of the porch. Bear dog (in the front left) is getting his thicker winter coat.
We had some wet days last week but now things are supposed to warm up to 75 this week.

I enjoyed lots of Christmas stories this past week. I finished 12 11 books! (I had one numbered twice.) Eight ebooks and three audios. I posted four reviews on the blog. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to My Guilty Obsession. Kindlemom is "a full time mom and avid reader" and maybe "a book hoarder".
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 10, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 11, 2019.

• NG2019-#NetGalley Book Review: Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier; Genre: Dramatization, Fiction, Historical; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 15, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/21/2019.

• eTBR- Book Review: The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick; Genre: Historical, Holiday Romance, Short Story, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• #HoHoHoRAT 2019 Book Bingo Challenge.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: One Wish by Jodi Thomas; Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday, Novella, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #382 Comment Giveaway November 16, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/30/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 17, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

Evergreen: A Christmas Tale
by Richard Taylor
This is a sweet story of tradition and love.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
This is a nice Christmas Romance; reliable Robyn Carr.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal.
Click on book title for full description.

#HoHoHoRAT Books completed - Total 13 and that wrapped up my TBR Goal!
Before 11/11
Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier (Audio)
One Wish: A Christmas Story by Jodi Thomas (Not a TBR)
The Sheriff’s Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick
Between 11/11 and 11/17
1. Evergreen: A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor
2. Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr (Audio)
3. Christmas Scandal… Not! by Jeanne Savery (Regency England)
4. The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas) by Kevin Whitlark
5. Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway, #4.5) by Elly Griffiths
6. Santa’s Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsey (TBR from 2012)
7. Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor (Audio)
8. A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews
9. A Christmas Message from the Moon by Philip Gibson
10. Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters (Christmas and Time Travel)

11. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I  enjoyed the storytelling in this collection.
Source: June 2018 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Duration: 10 hrs and 32 mins
I ran out of TBR Christmas Audios so I decided to switch to Sci Fi for #SciFiMonth.
Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
Two teens must learn the "art of killing" in this Printz Honor-winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times best-selling Unwind Dystology series.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: Humanity has conquered all those things and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life - and they are commanded to do so in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe - a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
©2016 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley
I realized I don't have any SciFi NetGalley titles. Maybe I'll go look for one or two.
This may be the wrong season but the beginning is breezy and enjoyable.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.
And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

3. Audio/MPS (AReview)

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary
This sounds like a military romance I will like.
Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
It Only Took a Moment for Him to Know She Was His
Navy SEAL Kane McNamara has his mission. Four potential terrorist targets in Oman. His job is to keep everyone safe and try to figure out where al-Qaeda will strike next. Guarding an International Music Show is on the bottom of Kane’s list until he meets the woman organizing the event, then all bets are off. She’s fun, feisty and their chemistry is off the charts.
Has She Finally Met Her Match?
A.J. Lancaster has never met anyone like Kane. Nobody's ever given her this much crap or been this much fun. Her job doesn't give her a spare second to think, but she'll make time to flirt with the most interesting man she's ever met. The fact that he’s insanely gorgeous in that rough mountain man sort of way might also be why she’s taking a minute to enjoy some man candy.
It's Turning Deadly...Fast
Soon Kane, A.J., and the rest of the Night Storm SEAL team realize the music show is the next target. When bullets fly, it’s down to Kane and his team to stop al-Qaeda’s plans, and Kane must ensure that the stubborn woman he loves stays alive so they can have their chance at a happy ending.

November 17, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I have started Love God Greatly - Thanksgiving study to lead up to Thanksgiving.

I completed 12 books and posted four reviews. I have 11 books to review so I'll be doubling at Goodreads this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 9. I am still working on NG titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have three author titles as I forgot one added earlier this month. I'll finish them all this year.
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.
No new review titles.
I resisted Daily Deals and Chirps this week but purchased three Audible title.
12 free kindle titles 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

I don't care to use my credits for titles under $17.99. So I treated myself to these by purchase.
$10.99
Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 07-23-13

$7.49
The Traveler Series
A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 03-06-19

$5.99
Murder on New Year's Eve
A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1
By: P. Creeden
Narrated by: Shaniese Reyes
Length: 1 hr and 11 mins
Release date: 08-15-19
Language: English

Free

I added 12 free Kindle titles 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 November 17, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher came in from sabbatical to share a great lesson this morning. The message was on faith and hope based on Hebrews, starting with chapter 3 and continuing into the “hall of faith”, chapter 11.

Our senior pastor is out of town so the sermon was shared by our youth minister (actually “Youth and Family Focus Director”). He continued with message six in The Blessed Life series.
This message is based on John 13: 3-16 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and shows them the example of servanthood. Jesus gave them an example, exhorting them ‘to do as I have done’. John 13:15. Jesus gives a call to action.

Often in our lives – family, church, work and community – we want to do what we want to do, not always what needs doing.

If you want to be blessed, learn to serve.

There is a difference between knowing and serving. The impact comes from doing what you know. The church needs to be and do more than being a place for information transfer.
We need to acknowledge there is a difference between being a consumer and a servant.
James tells us that faith without works is dead. James 2:14-17, plus 2:26 and James 1:22.

People need you because you know Him. What makes you qualified to help, isn't who you are but that you know Him. We have to go out and be the church. People may not know Jesus but they know you.

Impact 360 Institute research says that only 4 percent of Gen Z have a Biblical worldview.
They have no roots in faith, Sunday school, church, camp. The Biblical worldview has declined over the last generations as follows: 10% of Boomers; 7% of Gen X; 6% of Millennials 6; and now 4% in Gen Z.

The concern is that the Church became focused on programs rather than serving. Changing this starts with each Christ follower and each individual’s relationship with God.

If you don't learn how to serve in secret, you won't serve in public.
When you give don't let others know. Matthew 6:1-4.
Church attendance with nothing else is not living faith.

POINT: If you want to be blessed, learn to serve ... even without anyone knowing.

God will reward you openly for serving Him privately. Allow God to transform you.
Jesus takes the towel before He takes the throne. He picked up a towel and served. John 13:14.
Our society culture encourages us to live for ourselves, but Biblical culture says live as a servant to help others.

Jesus showed us the Father's heart. Don't live for yourself, be a servant. Love people as God loves you. You have the answer: Jesus. How is your heart to serve?
Love God, love people.

I like this Video Song for today; We need to share about the Jesus we know!

Verses for Today:
John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Lord, help me to be about doing and loving people to show them Jesus.  

Sharing Beyond Books #382 Comment Giveaway November 16, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
In Death by JD Robb (which I incorrectly called the Eve Dallas series) got 4 mentions and
Women’s Murder Series got 2 mentions. Two commentors prefer standalones and two others couldn't think of any series.
These are other series mentioned:

The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling (My son is frustrated I got stuck at number 5 of 7. They are just soooo long.)
Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey (23 – I think I read one long ago and meant to read more)
Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen (These are good suspense thrillers. I read this through about number 9 but it is now up to 29!)
The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun (29 books)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (9 big books and lots in between)
Virgin River Series by Robyn Carr (20+ books. I didn’t think of this even though I was planning to listen to one)
Mitford series by Jan Karon (14 books)
Morland Dynasty Series by Cynthia Harrod Eagles (I counted 35!)
The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton (25)

The Winner from SBB #381 comments is: #14 Elizabeth 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. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in.  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**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 #382

(One Question.)

Miki asks: If you wished to contact an author about something not urgent like telling her/him how much you love her/his book(s) would you opt for email or for a handwritten letter? Why that choice??

I like this question. I would be likely to send an email although I think a letter is such a nice idea. Who wouldn't enjoy getting a little card of encouragement? On the other hand, some say what the author would most appreciate is a nice review to help boost their work.

First image found at Pinterest and second image found at J.L. Pattison

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. Miki asks: If you wished to contact an author about something not urgent like telling her/him how much you love her/his book(s) would you opt for email or for a handwritten letter? Why that choice??

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, November 30, 2019, at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: One Wish by Jodi Thomas

This is a rather unusual, sweet, western historical romance.
One Wish
by Jodi Thomas

File Size: 671 KB
Print Length: 352 pages This number is incorrect as this is a novella.
Publisher: Zebra Books; 1 edition (November 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07M6D2GVM
Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday, Novella, Western Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes you back deep into the Texas Panhandle, where the winters are long, the storms fierce—and the Yuletide nights are unforgettable . . .
It’s the week before Christmas in Kasota Springs and Maggie Allison is sweeping the floors before closing her shop for the night. But out in the cold darkness three men are keeping a close watch on her movements. Local farmer Sam Thompson is also there in the shadows, ready to step in if need be. Sure enough, when Maggie finds herself cornered by Boss Adler and his men demanding her money and more if she doesn’t cooperate, Sam comes to the rescue. Trouble is, Boss Adler gets away and everyone in town expects he’ll be back for revenge. Forced into hiding on Sam’s ranch, Maggie and Sam discover their distant memories of a childhood friendship promise something more in the present. But the Thompsons are famous for keeping to themselves, and Maggie knows it’ll take more than a moment under the mistletoe to bring Sam to his senses...

Review:
A week before Christmas, Maggie is hoping members of Kasota Springs will come shopping. Unfortunately, the town has treated Maggie as an outsider since she was the rich young daughter attending school with the poor of the community. Now Maggie runs her store alone, with no friends, while she journals her dwindling hopes and dreams. At this point, she has whittled down her dream list to one wish.

Sam has never forgotten the other outsider from his childhood who became his friend. Thompsons are known to stick to themselves, but Sam will do anything he can to keep Maggie safe. He overheard three men plotting to rob Maggie and take advantage of her. Although Sam is able to rescue her from the attack, the main outlaw, Boss Adler, gets away. But Adler never leaves witnesses so the sheriff agrees that Sam should take Maggie to his house – after all, no one would suspect a Thompson to become involved and no one really knows where Sam’s home is anyway.

When Sam gets Maggie down the canyon, she is shocked not only by his home but to learn of another occupant. Sam and Maggie decide to play a gentle marriage game for the short time they expect to be together. But then they get unexpected visitors that put them all in danger. They get some help from an ornery old woman, Nina, who is an interesting secondary character.

I enjoyed this holiday novella which added some unusual elements to the ‘snowed in’ romance. Instead of flashy protagonists, these are two vulnerable outsiders who are very likeable, especially as they interact. The rustic setting, gentle way they treat each other, and the spice of danger is sweet and engaging. Jodi Thomas creates fun characters and distinct settings which I enjoy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a sweet historical western.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019 NetGalley and #HoHoHoRat goals.

#HoHoHoRAT 2019 Book Bingo Challenge

This Challenge is sponsored by Simply Angela
These are always fun!

Bingo can be won any direction: Across, Down, Diagonal or Postage Stamp

Across 1, 2 and 3, 4, 5 and 6 or 7, 8 and 9
Down 1, 4 and 7; 2, 5 and 8; 3, 6 and 9
Postage Stamp:  1,2, 4 and 5; 2,3, 5 and 6; and 5,6, 8 and 9

Since I hadn't yet read an Auld Lang Syne title, I used my snowed in title for a different square.

1. Baby It's Cold Outside (Snowed in)

2. Last Christmas
(TBR over one year) Santa’s Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsey (TBR from 2012)
3. Step Into Christmas
(Christmas in title) Evergreen: A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor
4. Winter Wonderland
(Snowy Cover) One Wish: A Christmas Story by Jodi Thomas (Not a TBR)

5. FREE SPACE FREE SPACE

6. Merry Christmas Baby  Also Green
(Christmas/Holiday Romance) Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr (Audio)


7. Audle Lang Syne (New Year Read)

8. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
(Mistletoe in title) The Sheriff’s Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick
9. The Bells of St. Paul
(Set in Britain) Christmas Scandal… Not! by Jeanne Savery (Regency England)


I finished a total of ten (10) books (3 audios and 7 ebooks, 9 TBRS) and am still reading one more I might finish before the end of tonight. ( I was thinking ended 11/15 - I still have two days!)
In addition to the six listed abore I have completed:
Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier (Audio)
Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway, #4.5) by Elly Griffiths
The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas) by Kevin Whitlark
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor (Audio)

Book Review: The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick

This is a very quick, sweet read.
The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law
by Nita Wick

File Size: 147 KB
Print Length: 13 pages
Publication Date: December 14, 2011
Language: English
ASIN: B006M95CT2
Genre: Historical, Holiday Romance, Short Story, Western Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Western romance holiday 5 minute quick read.
This very short story is offered as a sample of the author's work.
If you enjoy this, you might also like Nita Wick's award-winning historical western romance, The Wagonmaster.

Review:
Opening line: “You’re standing under the mistletoe.” Rebekah/Becky is surprised when she is confronted by the new town sheriff, Colton. He insists that she owes him a kiss. Even her brothers and parents don’t scare him off. Why is he pushing so hard for a kiss? Will she give in? and then what?

This is a very short and sweet, historical almost romance – really just an introduction to a possible romance. I liked the setting and brief character development. It gives just a taste of the author’s writing and I liked it. I would read more historical romance by Ms. Wick. I recommend this as a five-minute holiday read to those who enjoy historical romance.

Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download. This qualifies for 2019TBR goal and #HoHoHoRat.