MBS December 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - DECEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
eB = eBook; eBA = eBook from Author; eBT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2019
Favorites for December:
One 5.0 Star = Morning Star 
Four 4.5 Stars = All Hearts Come Home for Christmas; Push Back; Orphan X, The Ultimate Guide to 2020

1. eBA2019- Book Review: Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures) by Andy Stonehouse; Genre: Animals, Children's Book; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
2. AT2019- Audio Review: Her Ruthless Protector by Caitlyn O'Leary; Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
3. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Collection; Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Push Back, The Disruption Series, Book 2, by R.E. McDermott Genre: Alternate History, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
5. A2019- Audio Book Review: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron; Genre: Animals, Dogs, Holiday, Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz; Genre: Crime Thriller, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble; Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
8. A2019- Audio Book Review: Someone to Care by Mary Balogh; Genre: Historical Romance, Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
9. A2019 LBC- Audible Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1, by Michelle Griep; Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Victorian; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
10. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to the 2020 Election: 101 Nonpartisan Solutions to All the Issues that Matter by Ryan Clancy, Margaret White; Genre: Human Rights, Political Advocacy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
11. eBA2019- Book Review: The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical by Charlene Raddon; Genre: Western Romance; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
12. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Nothing to Fear by Juno Rushdan; Genre: Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
13. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown; Genre: Colonization Sci Fi, Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Disney Junior Storybook Collection; Genre: Children's; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Total read = 14; TBR = 4; New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 8 (4 TBRs)
eBook = 2 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0
Review books (other than NG) = 2 (+ 1 audio)

Goal Progress:
Met Goodreads Goal of 150; plus 44; Total Read to Year End: 194
Met TBR to Year End: 108 of 100 total
Met TBR ebooks: 28 of 24
Met Audio to Date: 108 of 75
Met NetGalley to Date: 55 of 40
Not Met- Author Reviews: 11 of 12
Met Nonfiction: 13 of 12

• ebTBRs: 1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +0 +1 +2 +1 +7 +9 +0 = 28
• Author titles: 1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 +1 +0 +0 +2 +3 = 11
• New to me Series: 5 +5 +8 +10 +8 +9 +9 +7 +8 +7 +3 = 79
• Continuing for me Series: 3 +1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2 +2 +1 +2 +3 +4 = 25
• Title with Month in it: 1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +0 +0 +0 +0 +1 +0 +0 = 6
• Seasonal title: Winter 1; Spring 2; Summer (in Winter); Fall/Autumn (0) = 2
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April + 0 May + 1 June + 1 July + 1 August + 0 September + 0 October + 0 November + 1 December = 26

Sunday Post January 5, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 6, 2020

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.

Hubby and I enjoyed our visit up north but we are glad to be home now.
Fortunately I was able to (mostly) get past my sore throat and head cold in three days and nights.

Our family trees generally include a train. :-)

Our son is responsible for this set now.

The temperatures in Illinois remained mild (mid 30s to mid 50s) and now we are home with high (hopefully) 30s to low 70s.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this past week although I had several books going. I finished two audiobooks.   I posted five reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 13 blogs last week (between grandkids and cold).
Shout Out this week to BEACHWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE. Candice is a blogger, homeschooler and shares some 5 star reads to end 2019.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 29, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 30, 2019.

• First Book of the Year 2020: The Possibility of America by David Dark.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1, by Michelle Griep; Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Victorian; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• eBA2019- Book Review: The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical by Charlene Raddon; Genre: Western Romance; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 3, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/9/2020.

• ATBR-Audible Book Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown; Genre: Colonization Sci Fi, Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Disney Junior Storybook Collection; Genre: Children's; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to the 2020 Election: 101 Nonpartisan Solutions to All the Issues that Matter by Ryan Clancy, Margaret White; Genre: Human Rights, Political Advocacy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 5, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Disney Junior Storybook Collection
Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey/Minnie, Henry Hugglemonster
By: Disney Book Group
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
My granddaughter and I enjoyed listening to this
(while I fell asleep for nap).
Source: 8/2//2017 Audible Book Sale $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Green Ember
By: S. D. Smith
Narrated by: Joel Clarkson
Series: The Green Ember, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-04-15 
My son encouraged me to read this series.
Source: Sharing with my son's Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Possibility of America
How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed,
God-Forsaken Land
by David Dark
At 30% I was disappointed. At 50% I am still waiting.
I chose this as my First Book for 2020.
SOURCE: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone in Car (A2019)

The Oracle
The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Michael Beck
Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-07-19
This is really remarkable!
I had been listening with hubby in the car but suspect that I will go on to finish this before he does.
Source: 2019 November Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Mission Pack 1: Black Ocean Mission Pack, Missions 1-4
By: J.S. Morin
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Black Ocean, Book 1-4
Length: 20 hrs and 50 mins
I am working on some longer audios, although I might listen to only book 1 right now. We'll see.
Source: April 2017 $1.99 Audible Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Science to build a starship. Wizardry to take it past light speed. A crew to give it a soul.
The Mobius is a cobbled-together ship with a matching crew. Captain Carl Ramsey is an ex-Earth Navy pilot whose crew won't let him fly his own ship. The pilot is his ex-wife, the mechanic is a drunk, and the chief of security is from a predatory species. Instead of a star-drive to travel through the astral space between worlds, the ship's wizard does it by hand.
Mission 1: Salvage Trouble
A salvage mission turns into a rescue, and no good deed goes unpunished. With two refugees onboard, the Mobius crew is hounded by bounty hunters, border patrols, and corporate enforcers.
Mission 2: A Smuggler's Conscience
"Don't open the package." It's the smuggler's credo for good reason. When the Mobius crew takes a peek at their illicit cargo, the entire job takes an about-face.
Mission 3: Poets and Piracy
The Mobius crew gets caught in a turf war between a pirate fleet and a galactic criminal syndicate. The trick is getting everyone out alive (and maybe getting paid in the process).
Mission 4: To Err is Azrin
Sometimes, you can't go home again. When a job takes the crew to their security chief's homeworld, she gets dragged into a familial power struggle. Can the rest of the crew bail her out of an old feud gone horribly wrong?
©2015 J.S. Morin (P)2016 J.S. Morin

4. eBook/Kindle (eB2019)

An Endless Christmas: A Novella
by Cynthia Ruchti
I am reading this for Ladies Book Club meeting 1/11/2020. (Put on hold for The Possibility of America but I expect to finish by week's end.)
Source: Print books from Christianbooks.com; ebook from Amazon $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

January 5, 2020 - I have started another year of devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I am reading a 15-day plan New Year, New Mercies to start the New Year!

I completed two books and posted five reviews. I have 1 review to post for 2019 and then I am current.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 19, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which are now planned for 2020.
That is a total of 23 which will go toward NetGalley and TBR and 18 Alphabet letters.
I have two author titles carried into January 2020.
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 received six NetGalley review titles.
I found one free Audible but haven't chosen any others yet.
I purchased one Kindle to go with my NetGalley titles.
I added 36 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

NetGalley selections (I was working on filling my alphabet goal with NetGalley titles):
Received 2019
Coding Capers 
by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic
Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno (Released 21 Nov 2019)



Honor in an Age of Metal and Men
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub (Released 05 Dec 2019)
"War blazes all around, but it's not J.D.'s war. Not this time."
This is Book 3 so I picked up book 1 for $.99.



Reimagining Mr. Right
by Wynter Daniels (Releasing 07 Jan 2020)
"But when Levi starts to fall for the beautiful Sydney, he wonders if he’s making the worst mistake of his life by being her would-be Cyrano de Bergerac."
Book six of the series but I am thinking these may have separate plots.


Requested 2019 but Received 2020
A Tangle of Brungles
by Shobha Viswanath and Culpeo Fox (Illustrator) (Released 28 Aug 2018)
"The book is a hilarious twist on collective nouns."




Who Rescued Who
by Victoria Schade (Releasing 24 Mar 2020)
"As Elizabeth's brief visit to Fargrove turns into an extended stay, she discovers that she has more in common with the new puppy than she realized."
I saw this at Bookfan and immediately wanted to get it. Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley.

Quack
by Anna Humphrey (Releasing 01 Apr 2020)
"...Shady, Pouya, and their diaper-wearing duck are working to help all of the underdogs (or is it underducks?) at their school--and there are many."

Won

NONE

Purchased

Justice in an Age of Metal and Men: Metal and Men, Book 1
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub
I thought I would start with Book 1 since I have Book 3.

Free

One Free Audible:
1/2/2020 Audible Free
West Cork: Aftershow
By: Sam Bungey, Jennifer Forde, Jesse Baker
Length: 31 mins
Release date: 05-09-18
Language: English

I added 36 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 January 5, 2020

I remained home this morning as I don’t want to share any remaining bug issues I have, and I am aware that many church members are sick too. I am drawing on a message shared in Sunday School in September. The message was from Judges 6 and 7 about Gideon.

Gideon was not a brave warrior. “Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites” Judges 6:11. Gideon was full of excuses. “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15.

God replied: The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Judges 6:16.

Throughout the Bible and throughout history, God calls those who will respond: examples are Oskar Schindler (a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who is credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust); Kathryn Kuhlman (an American evangelist known for hosting healing services); Kurt Warner (a football player who founded First Things First Foundation); and Billy Graham (an American evangelist known among the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. All of these people acknowledged that they did not give up but trusted through their faith.

God equips the called. He will be with you. He always wins when He leads the battle. You can trust God to be with you.

I like this song for this message and to start a New Year.

Judges 6:14 and 16 (NIV)
14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

#NetGalley Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to the 2020 Election: 101 Nonpartisan Solutions to All the Issues that Matter by Ryan Clancy, Margaret White

I enjoyed reading the suggested practical solutions.

The Ultimate Guide to the 2020 Election: 101 Nonpartisan Solutions to All the Issues that Matter
by Ryan Clancy, Margaret White

File Size: 1407 KB
Print Length: 272 pages.
Publisher: Diversion Books (October 29, 2019)
Language: English
ASIN: B07TLYYMD3
Genre: Human Rights, Political Advocacy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Will Donald Trump’s Southern Border Wall actually make our country safer? How much will Bernie Sanders’s and Elizabeth Warren’s Medicare for All plan really cost American taxpayers? Can Cory Booker’s and Kamala Harris’s ideas for debt-free college revive the American dream?
You’ll find the answers in this book. With the 2020 US presidential election looming, the emerging contest doesn’t seem so much a battle of ideas as it does a war of two tribes bent on the other’s destruction. The Far Left and Far Right increasingly dominate and drive America’s political debate, leaving a majority of Americans feeling left out and left behind. The Ultimate Guide to the 2020 Election gives a voice to this majority and provides an unbiased education on the true nature of the problems America faces on several key issues, including:
• Health Care
• Energy & Climate Change
• Infrastructure
• Big Tech & Privacy
• The American Dream
• Immigration
• The National Debt
• Gun Safety
Beyond these policy issues, No Labels senior advisors Ryan Clancy and Margaret White present ideas for rescuing American democracy itself. Complete with sample questions for the 2020 presidential candidates and an inclusive Unity Agenda that addresses concerns on both sides of the aisle, this nonpartisan political handbook should be required reading for all US voters.

Review:
The book identifies clear domestic policy issues (not much on trade and foreign issues)), setting forth specific candidate proposals and stated positions from the left and the right. The authors then propose some viable solutions. Whether the reader agrees fully with the solutions, there is open discussion and responsible and workable compromises. The guide also offers questions directed specifically to President Trump, questions directed specifically to the Democratic presidential candidates and then questions for all of the candidates.

The presentation is well documented and provides open views for citizens and journalists who may have a sincere interest in seeking to focus on clear candidate positions. Although The Ultimate Guide is not a one-stop resource and doesn’t always find a place of common ground, it is at least an effort to open discussions on some of the issues.

I had never heard of the No Labels group but I appreciate this approach. I did not find any clear, gross bias, either toward the left or right. Too often the public is presented with clearly biased positions from authors or news outlets who are not willing to allow open dialogue. This book is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this as an excellent resource while watching debates and preparing to vote in 2020.

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

Audible Book Review: Disney Junior Storybook Collection

My granddaughter and I enjoyed listening to this (while I fell asleep for nap).
Disney Junior Storybook Collection
Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey/Minnie, Henry Hugglemonster
By: Disney Book Group
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-19-16
Language: English
Publisher: Disney
Genre: Children's
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Explore Enchancia with Sofia the First, and sail the Never Sea with Jake and his crew. Help Doc diagnose her toy patients; hang out at the Clubhouse with Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang; and have a roarsome time with Henry Hugglemonster! This fun-filled book features 18 stories starring your favorite Disney Junior pals!
©2016 Disney Book Group (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I purchased this audiobook with my grandchildren in mind. Our seven year old knows all of the characters and I met some new ones. We enjoyed sharing quiet time as we listened to several stories at a time. Many of the stories shared a good moral which we discussed briefly (for the times I remained awake).

I recommend this to parents with children or grandchildren who could enjoy reading by listening to some of the stories they can find on TV and books. The length of each story fit well into a 20-30 minute setting for a week of sharing.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller did a great job narrating each story. The delivery is clear and in a storytelling voice that worked for the variety of characters. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 8/2//2017 Audible Book Sale $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown

There is lots of trauma and excitement in this originally planned trilogy conclusion!

Morning Star
By: Pierce Brown
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Series: Red Rising, Book 3
Length: 21 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-09-16
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Colonization Sci Fi, Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society's mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.
Finally, the time has come.
But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied - and too glorious to surrender.
©2016 Pierce Brown (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review: (Mild Spoilers)
In the opening chapters, Darrow suffers through mania during solitary captivity. He faces confusion and worse when the box is finally opened and he lies completely humiliated before his enemies, including former friends, now brutal enemy Jackal and mocking Cassius. Then to his surprise, he receives unexpected aid to escape.

Darrow is brought back to health to continue the heart-aching and dangerous rebellion. He still has a handful of friends at his side although some earlier friends have become enemies and it isn’t always clear who might still betray him. Through one near-death experience after another, he faces the continuing possibility that he will lose more friends as the war against the better-equipped Golds escalates.

There are moments of great suspense and sorrow with small triumphs that bridge into the next stage of bitter, gruesome deprivation that accompanies war. Darrow will have to inspire several other levels of society, many slaved Obsidians, Pinks, and Blues, to support the challenge for equality if he wants a chance to win for his own people, the oppressed Reds.

The characters are well developed and wonderfully complex. There is terrible, twisted evil and some surprises. I totally enjoyed the suspense, intrigue and even the dark trauma in this story. Originally this was to be the conclusion but there are two additional books that have been added to the series. My son indicated that I don’t have to start those right away but I was very glad to read/listen to this one while we were visiting as he was eager to share the excitement with me. I highly recommend the first three books for fans of dystopian fantasy.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds does an amazing job with the narration. He captures the complex characters and gives them voices that fit their personalities. It is a rich listening experience.

Source: March 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 3, 2020

Happy First 2020 Friday! 
We've enjoyed our family visit in Illinois but will be happy to be home this weekend.

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 December 27, 2019 Pick. There were No automatic wins again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 27, 2019 Pick:
BN100 gets No Limits
and
MARIJANA 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.}

If only the grandkids loved reading as much as Olaf loves hugs!
(My grandchildren have been enjoying Frozen stories so this one fits for this week.)
Image found at Pinterest shared by I work at a Public Library.

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 1,293+ 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: The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical by Charlene Raddon

I like this story premise but feel the writing needs polishing.

The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical
by Charlene Raddon

File Size: 1211 KB
Print Length: 103 pages
Publication Date: October 14, 2018
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07JG3MHCL
Genre: Western Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Aurora Cavender's twin brother Jason is missing, reportedly kidnapped by a notorious gang of outlaws in Utah. Aurora feels his pain and fear. He's hurt. Determined to help, she travels to Price, Utah to board a stagecoach she's sure the gang will rob. Her hope is to discover a clue to Jason's whereabouts. A dangerous job, but one she's better equipped to deal with than many men.
To run smack into her ex-fiancee, Garret Mosely, is a shock. To learn he's part of the Hell's-Gate gang is unfathomable.
Can Aurora find her brother, free him and get the two of them to safety? And what part will Garret Mosely play in her plans?

Review:
Aurora and her brother Jason have that special connection that exists between twins. He has been missing and now she feels his pain and fear. She is intent on finding him especially since rumors indicate he is dead or has been kidnapped by a notorious gang of outlaws.  Aurora arrives in Price, Utah planning to board a stagecoach she hopes will be robbed by the Hell’s-Gate gang. It’s a dangerous move but she is trained and ready to face the danger.

What she wasn’t prepared for was to run into her ex-fiancee, Garret Mosely, who left her at the altar with no explanation three years before. She is even more shocked to learn he is part of the outlaw gang as that isn't the Garret that she knew. Garret immediately takes steps trying to protect Aurora from revealing his true identity and also to protect her from the unwanted advances of the gang members.

Aurora finds a maybe safe place in the gang as a good cook and supposedly ‘Garret’s girl’. Aurora, Garret, and Jason all have secrets and they are all in danger from the brutal outlaws. Can Aurora find Jason and escape safely? And what is she going to do about Garret and their continuing feelings for each other?

This is an action-packed western romance with some good character and danger elements. Not all things are sweet considering Aurora is stuck in a camp of evil men. I enjoyed the action, twists, and surprises in the story.

Sadly, the writing seemed stilted and very amateurish to me which seems strange from an apparently well-experienced author. I felt the writing needed more polish to improve the natural flow of the story. I can recommend the story as a quick, easy read as long as the reader isn’t expecting a polished work nor a totally sweet historical.

Source: Review request received from Babs Book Bistro. This qualifies for 2019 Author Review goal.

Audible Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1, by Michelle Griep

This is a sort of haunted house Christmas Mystery/Romance which I read and enjoyed for Ladies Book Club.
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1
By: Michelle Griep
Narrated by: Nan McNamara


Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-11-18
Language: English
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love?
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend - for if she remains the duration of the 12 day celebration, she is promised a sum of 1,000 pounds.
But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests - her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.
Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he's given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it - and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters.
What matters most is what Christmas is all about...love.
Pour a cup of tea and settle in for book 1 of the Once upon a Dickens Christmas series - -a pause-resisting Victorian-era holiday tale by Michelle Griep, a listener and critic favorite.
©2017 Shiloh Run Press (P)2017 Oasis Audio

Review:
Clara and Ben were separated on the morning they were to be wed. He was sent to the jail for theft and she was left jilted at the altar believing her fiancé’ had run off with the family fortune.
Clara is struggling out a meager living caring for her elderly aunt and wondering: “Why, God? Why?” She receives a strange invitation that promises her 500 pounds if she spends 12 days at Bleakly Manor. Although a strange request, and reluctant to leave her ailing aunt, Clara welcomes this one chance to restore her circumstance.

Ben believes Clara abandoned him during the rigged trial proceedings and wonders: “Why, God? Why?” When Ben is called to the warden’s office, he suspects that his time to be deported has come. Instead, he is given an invitation that promises his freedom if he stays at Bleakly Manor for 12 days without trying to escape.

As Clara and Ben arrive at the bleak manor house, they realize they are not the only guests invited. There are a handful of others and each person has been promised something unique to their circumstances but only one of the participants can gain the promise by staying the full time. At first, the manor seems warm, if dark, but as soon as everyone has arrived, most of the staff disappears leaving the group to fend for themselves without proper food or warmth.

Tensions are high between Clara and Ben who are shocked to see each other and even more startled when they finally agree to listen to what happened to each other. Soon tensions begin to rise among all of the guests as the conditions deteriorate starting the first morning with an alleged jewel theft. The police inspector guest claims he will investigate but his procedures leave a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Ben is certain he feels “eye” watching from the halls.

This plot was great fun, reminding me of the Agatha Christie mystery “And Then There Were None” and making me think of the movies Clue or Murder by Death. It appears that I haven’t read enough Dickens recently enough to catch all of the connections to Dickens's characters and locations (Bleak House). Still, I had great fun following the mishaps that helped to eliminate the guests and the dilemmas that Clara and Ben had to face.

I have enjoyed several books by Michelle Griep and look forward to more! I recommend this to fans of Victorian and noir mystery, and clearly to any true Dickens fans.

Audio Notes: Nan McNamara’s narration drew me into the setting and kept me following the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: December 2019 Audible Sale purchase $5.24. This qualifies for Ladies Book Club and 2019Audiobook goal.

First Book of the Year 2020: The Possibility of America by David Dark

Welcome to a new year, 2020!

A big thanks to Sheila at bookjourney for hosting again.

The Possibility of America
How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed,
God-Forsaken Land
by David Dark
As I watch the societal strife in America I pray for a calmer, kinder future.
I have chosen this as my First Book for 2020.
SOURCE: 2019 NetGalley.
Published in the years following 9/11, David Dark’s book The Gospel according to America warned American Christianity about the false worship that conflates love of country with love of God. It delved deeply into the political divide that had gripped the country and the cultural captivity into which so many American churches had fallen.

In our current political season, the problems Dark identified have blossomed. The assessment he brought to these problems and the creative resources for resisting them are now more important than ever. Into this new political landscape and expanding on the analysis of The Gospel according to America, Dark offers The Possibility of America: How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed, God-Forsaken Land. Dark expands his vision of a fractured yet redeemable American Christianity, bringing his signature mix of theological, cultural, and political analysis to white supremacy, evangelical surrender, and other problems of the Trump era.

I'm looking forward to this as we start another new year.