It's Monday What are You Reading? December 9, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a busy week traveling to Tampa for a work conference and returning for another quick visit with my sister and brother-in-law in town for the weekend.

I only finished one longer eBook and am still reading the print and listening to the audio.  I posted three reviews, one with Tour  Giveaway. 
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway,  Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I got minimal visiting done being busy, having guests and being tired. Maybe I'll get some visiting in this week. 
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 2, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 12/9/13.

• Book Review, Song Inspiration and Giveaway Link: Shrouded by Frances Pauli, Sci Fi Romance; my rating 5.0.  eBook giveaway Ends 12/10.

• Audible Book Review: Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen, Book 7 by Taylor Anderson, Alternate History; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 6, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/12/13.

• Book Review: Waning Moon (The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy) by PJ Sharon, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #129 Comment Giveaway 12/7/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 8, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser
I enjoyed this fantasy 
and will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have several print files to upload as soon as I get cover flats and final proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Gift Cards for the Holidays!

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP3

Title: The New Space Opera 2
Editor: Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Stahan
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
I am still listening to the 23 hours of stories but I'm a good three quarters along.
There are some great stories; some too short. :-)
I received this for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Christmas in Lucky Harbor:
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
I'm enjoying The Sweetes Thing; about half way.
Received and reviewing for Hachette. 
Click on book title for full description

3. eBook/Kindle
 

The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus 
by Scott Roloff
I will be starting this tomorrow.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description continues at link.]

4. eBook/Kindle

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella
I am looking forward to enjoying this.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
Desperate and penniless, Miss Olivia Langley is out of options. To ensure her family's survival she and her sister decide to take a drastic step - they don masks and take to the road as highwaymen. Disaster strikes when, inside the first carriage they rob, they find the one man Olivia had hoped never to see again. Five years ago Lord William Ryder had broken Livvy's heart. Now he has returned and she has a bad feeling that if anyone can succeed at unmasking her deepest secrets, it will be him.
Will knew his return would be greeted with both joy and resentment, but after five years of hard living he was ready to come home and take his place in society. He had never forgotten Olivia no matter how hard he'd tried, and whilst he hadn't imagined she would welcome him with open arms, the hostility and anger she displays are at odds with the woman he once knew. It is not long before he realizes she's living a dangerous lie, and now that he’s back, Will is determined to keep her safe and finally claim her for his own.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: I will still be finalizing four print releases.

I want to keep enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-) I have added few titles to my current line up for December.
I didn't get caught up last week but my backlog for review is now four books and I hope to post four or five this week and then I'll be up to date again.

December Scheduled

12/10 (moved from 12/7) Review and Giveaway Christmas at Harringtons
12/9 $100 Book Blast Silver-White by Shawn Underhill


Hachette
CHRISTMAS IN LUCKY HARBOR by Jill Shalvis (reading)

NetGalley:
  couple requests pending

Authors
   The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author
   Christmas on Main Street Anthology  - picked up at Kindle
   The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff  - auhor request
    Lady in Disguise by Wendy Vella - author request
    Christmas Novella by Wendy Vella - author request

AudioBook Jukebox 
    The New Space Opera 2 (listening now)
    more to come

From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 8, 2013

[As noted the first Sunday of December I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]

ADVENT WEEK TWO is a time of Conception... a time to reflect that God left his throne on high and came to be born a man in a simple manger in a humble, little town.

The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Week Two :: Annunciation
Mary’s kind of freedom, that is, not clinging, is a surrendering to God’s will. It exemplifies a true cooperation with the divine which leads to the incarnation of Jesus. By discovering this freedom within us, we can better cooperate with the divine through discernment. Putting aside our own expectations—though not dismissing our deep desires—will lead to a new incarnation in the form of a decision.

Our guest Pastor this morning also spoke of the Angel's visit to Mary. PastorB noted that, although the news to her was overwhelming, Mary accepted and submitted herself to God's plan. Then PastorB asked "What happened after the angel left?"  Once the excitement of the moment is passed, how should we respond? We can follow the example of Mary to (1) continually remember the promise and the commitment we made; (2) visit and help someone else who may have more trouble (an elderly, pregnant Elizabeth); and (3) give Thanks and Praise to God for the blessings already received (Mary's Magnificat prayer).

This song is a duet and choir piece that we shared this morning.

I looked at a dozen or so versions online.  I chose this one because of the lovely interpretive dance. 

A Verse for Today:
Luke 1:38 (NIV)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Even when the excitement of worship is over, I will carry your word and promises, and my commitment to trust you, in my heart. Thank you, my Lord, for all the blessings you have already given to me. Help me to share with others and to maintain my TRUST that you will see me through whatever plans that you have for me.

Sharing Beyond Books #129 Comment Giveaway 12/7/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the first week of December. The weather has warmed up which is too bad. I see more lights up each day/night.

Most of us are fine buying used books although several mentioned that they buy new for gifts!  Nikki doesn't have a used bookstore handy so she buys more new. And Ricki still likes the smell of new even though she buys used too.

I am glad that I am not alone in forgetting my anniversary!! A good half of us tend to forget anniversaries even if we remember birthdays. The other half are good at remembering but most of them use reminders like FB, calendars or planners. Okay - guess I should take that idea and implement it.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #128 comments is: #7 Rita who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #129

Q1. Winnie asked this earlier in the year but I didn't use it till now: What is your favorite book this year??

A: I was reluctant to ask and answer this one earlier as I didn't really have a favorite yet for the year. Now I will select Shrouded as my favorite so far in 2013.

My Review linked HERE

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: Do you prefer bar soap or liquid soap/gel for bath/shower time??

A: I am a soap user and for the most part have used the same mild, old fashioned brand for years. I do have a few fancy soaps for decoration but provide soap pumps for use in the guest baths - of course that is usually for hands. Recently the doctors told me to use a good antibacterial soap to prepare for the surgery but friends say their research shows that is not good to use all the time as it washes away good skin oils. 

Image found at The Soap Lady.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Winnie asks: What is your favorite book this year??

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: Do you prefer bar soap or liquid soap/gel for bath/shower time??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 by Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review: Waning Moon (The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy) by PJ Sharon

This is an engaging, fast paced, post-apocalyptic adventure.
Waning Moon (The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy)
PJ Sharon

• File Size: 425 KB
• Print Length: 270 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1479309427
• Publisher: PJ Sharon (September 25, 2012)
• ASIN: B009GW3GTK

Genre:  Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
In the year 2057, in a post-apocalyptic world where a polar shift threatens the survivors of a widespread pandemic with extinction, sixteen-year-old genetically enhanced Lily Carmichael has more immediate problems. Her uncle is dying of cancer and her healing abilities are ineffective against the blood ties that bind them. In order to find a cure, Lily must leave the protection of her quiet town and journey to the trading city of Albany, all while avoiding the Industry, an agency that would like nothing better than to study and exploit her abilities.

Seventeen-year-old Will Callahan has been searching for his father since severe storms blasted through the Midwest, killing his mother and sister. When he learns that his father may be in the city, he catches a ride with Lily, a girl who has come to his rescue more than once. As the two embark on a dangerous journey, the tension between them grows. But the secrets Will’s keeping could put Lily in far more danger than traveling to the city with him, and if he was any kind of man, he would have told her to run the minute she found him.

Review:
Lily, a sixteen year old, lives in a secluded village with her Uncle, Sam, and her younger brother, Zephron, in a post-apocalyptic world. The children were genetically enhanced and keep their special abilities secret because otherwise they would be pulled in, studied and used by The Industry. Lily has special skills as a healer but her brother’s powers lean toward violent outbreaks. Their Uncle is a creative engineering and mechanical whiz with skills to create camouflage and provide means of survival.

Lily has encountered a stranger heading toward her home and in an effort to evade him there is an accident that leaves her more frightened than ever. Shortly thereafter Lily finds a young man, Will, looking wild and starved, in one of her brother’s traps. Although she knows she should not allow any stranger near their home she feels that she must help him.

Will is a seventeen year old who is traveling to find his father who he believes has gone to the city. His father has a family connection with the government but doesn’t agree with the policies so he may be laying low to avoid being brought in. Will stays with Lily’s family for a few days while they prepare a caravan trip to the city to trade for supplies and the special medicine that Lily’s Uncle needs for his cancer.

Although the trading seems to go well there is danger following Lily and Will. Lily gets in trouble when she meets with the doctor who is supposed to provide the medicine. Lily flees and tries to follow Will only to discover more trouble and danger when she has to rescue him from the authorities who are actually seeking her.

The characters are likeable and pretty natural in their circumstances. I enjoyed the developing friendship between Lily and Will even though it is clear that they are both hiding secrets. That is part of the intrigue to the story as the author weaves in the past history to reveal their secrets. There are some points that didn’t quite seem realistic ... that is to say the actions and events were contrived. Yet the story was engaging. It flowed well and read quickly. I would be interested to follow the continuing adventures.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uncle Sam explains his mantra for survival:

"Adapt, improvise, and overcome--remember?"

I received a download for this book from the author at EPICon 2013.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 6, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
{I hope to get all GC and books from November wins mailed out Friday and Saturday.}
Happy Friday Friends!! I hope everyone has had a good first week of December. I attended a seminar in Tampa the last two days so I am a little frazzled from travel. Thankfully my daughter was with me so she did most of the driving. 
Now I have to get serious about getting ready for Christmas!

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the November 29 Pick. There were TWO Automatic wins this week.   (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were three titles blocked this week.
Becky gets Diana Palmer Pair: Lawless and Brides to Be
CarolL gets Wicked and Wonderful

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 29 Pick:
This is the last week for four winners to celebrate the anniversary month for Friday Picks and almost 600 books to new homes!! :-)

Di gets Tabitha in Moonlight

Janhvi gets a GC
Booklady gets Kate Wilhelm pair
Mary P 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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Image found at Sweet On Books.com. 

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Pairs:
Susan Spencer Paul
     Beguiled and The Bride's Portion
Singles:
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Portrait of Dreams by Victoria Malvey
No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Wet & Wild by Sandra Hill
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Something Extra by Janet Dailey
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Dead Silence by Brenda Novak
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by Sharyn McCrumb

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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! I am happy to say that so far about 598+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

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 $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)