It's Monday! What are You Reading? January 13, 2014

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.

Last week the work was quiet and interrupted with some doctor visits. I still have a few travel hearings coming up but not as many for the next month. 

I finished three books, posted three reviews, and one special Giveaway. 
Plus I posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot). 

I did some nice visiting mid and end week which I enjoyed.
I didn't exactly visit a couple to five every day but I did get to over 20.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? January 6, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday 1/6/14.

• Attention Shana Galen Fans! A Pre-Order Gift Offer and A Giveaway from SOURCEBOOKS. Ends 1/18/14.

• Audible Book Review: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Let Me Get This Off My Chest: A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares by Margaret Lesh; Memoir, Nonfiction; my rating 4.5. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 10, 2014. Open Worldwide.  Ends 1/16/14.

• Audible Book Review: Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3 by Kevin Hearne; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #134 Comment Giveaway  1/11/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 1/18/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Wanderers
by Cheryl Mahoney
This is wonderfully imaginative
I will post a review this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel
By Helen Simonson
Narrated By Peter Altschuler
I enjoyed this more as it went on.Picked from my Audible Library.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print

White Rogue
by David R. Fett M.D., Stephen Langford & Connie Malcolm
This is a solid, fast reading bio-terroism thriller.
I will be posting a review with tour feature (Pump Up Your Books) and Giveaway on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 8, 2013
After Boston experiences a seemingly inexplicable bio-terrorist attack, the Center for Disease Control's Dr. Dave Richards and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Paula Mushari once again join forces to uncover who is behind it. An obscure reference to a Dresden project found amid crash site evidence marks them both for execution. Paula and Dave are forced to leave Boston in the middle of the night and head to Washington, D.C., where they soon find that anyone they contact also becomes a target of assassins. When the daughter of the CDC's director is taken hostage, Dave and Paula come face to face with an evil that forces them to question the very nature of duty and service to country. With the help of one man, they learn the true meaning of dark operatives as they desperately try to determine the where and when for the next strike against the United States.

Line Edits/Releases:
One print released; working on three more.
The Initiates by Kamil Ali, a Paranormal Occult, Fantasy, Thriller released in print $13.99

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  to be linked this week - Heather has been on Christmas break with children. :-)

Currently reading:

1. Audible

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Narrated by Kate Rudd
"Raw" is a good word choice for this one.
I picked this from my Audible Library while awaiting my new Audio review downloads.
Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
©2012 John Green (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. Print

In One Year and Out the Other
Cara Lockwood (Author), Pamela Redmond Satran (Author), Beth Kendrick (Author), Megan McAndrew (Author), Tracy McArdle (Author), Kathleen O'Reilly (Author), Eileen Rendahl (Author), Diane Stingley (Author), Libby Street (Author), Christina Delia(Author)
No progress on this as I was reading a review book. Getting back into it has been slow.
From my own TBR shelves.
Click on book title for full description.

3. ebook/Kindle

Cloaked in Danger
by Jeannie Ruesch
I had started this before I recalled
I had a review book due.
I enjoyed how it started.
Reviewing for the publisher through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 27, 2014
Aria Whitney has little in common with the delicate ladies of London society. Her famous father made his fortune hunting archaeological treasures, and her rustic upbringing has left her ill prepared for a life of parties and frippery. But when Gideon Whitney goes missing in Egypt, Aria must embrace the unknown. Armed with only the short list of highborn men who'd backed her father's venture, she poses as a woman looking for a husband. She doesn't intend to find one.

Adam Willoughby, Earl of Merewood, finds London's strangest new debutante fascinating, but when he catches her investigating his family's secrets, he threatens to ruin her reputation. He doesn't intend to enjoy it so much.

When their lustful indiscretion is discovered, Adam finds that he regrets nothing. But now, as Aria's father's enemy draws near, Adam must convince his betrothed that she can trust him with her own secrets...before it's too late.

I am a couple days ahead with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are finalizing several formats for two new eBooks.

I am still enjoying reading books from my own TBR. :-) I did however update my list to include the two tour review titles I have this month, the three NetGalley's I picked up and two of the Audios I requested. So that is seven or so committed and open for the rest.
My backlog for review is still at four so that will cover this coming week.

January Scheduled-
I have several unscheduled Giveaways to get posted this month/week.
1/14 White Rogue - Tour Feature and Review, with giveaway.
1/28 Warrior's Moon - Tour Review. 

NetGalley:
  Cloaked in Danger by Jeannie Ruesch (reading)
  Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles) by Cindy Spenser Pape
  The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

Authors
I have numerous requests to respond to.

AudioBook Jukebox 
 Flight of the Bowyer by Kenneth R. Lewis 
 Forever His: Stolen Brides, Book 1 by Shelly Thacker  
Awaiting receipt of others requested.

From TBR Collection -In One Year...
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2014

Pastor’s sermon this morning was to help us as we move into the New Year. He noted that we need to learn to control three things: thought, heart and tongue. He asked: “What do you think about?” He pointed out that we make choices based upon our thinking. Are we thinking and choosing negatives or positives? What we think on tends to gather space in our hearts... we harvest what we think and the good or evil overflows from our heart. Luke 6:45 and Proverbs 4:23.

We must also guard our tongue as we interact with others. He provided this wonderful quote shared by Margaret Thatcher (although not originating from her):

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become.
My father always said that.

Our thoughts, heart and tongue contribute to our attitude. The next admonition is “Do not be judgmental.” Not to say there is not judgment because there is judgment to distinguish truth from falsehood. But when it comes to opinions or personal preferences, (does the roll of toilet paper go over or under?) we should not judge differing opinions as ‘wrong’ or stupid. It is more important to be watchful of our own behaviors and to live by an example that shows the love and joy of God through our lives.

I thought of this wonderful hymn to share.

Then I found this video designated as a prayer for the New Year - how appropriate!

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 4:23-24, 26 (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.


I give thanks for extra prayers and support shown to me during prayer time this morning. I also appreciate the sermon that encourages me to stay in the Word, to allow it to fill my heart and direct my attitude in all things.

Sharing Beyond Books #134 Comment Giveaway, January 11, 2014

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

I admit surprise! At least four people like comedies best plus it got several 'included' votes. Although two people do not like horror at all, another three like horror best. And I agree with Liss that Disney and Pixar are entertaining for any age. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #133 comments is: #16 Marjorie 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 #134 (One Question.)

Q1. Nikki asks: In light of recent, and not so recent events, I was just wondering, when an author hits out at his/her readers, how do you as a reader respond? Please feel free to share you opinions, the pointers below are general answers.
1) stop supporting the author if you were previously doing so?
2) won't bother picking up that author's book(s)
3) still support the author if the claim is justifiable? like readers/reviewers were trolls ??

A: I think I mostly try to ignore author tirades and author/reviewer drama. I can't think of any at the moment. I imagine if I saw an author be really ugly and petty I would probably not read them again.  

Image found at The Guardian.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Nikki asks: In light of recent, and not so recent events, I was just wondering, when an author hits out at his/her readers, how do you as a reader respond?? (See question above for suggestions.

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books (to be updated soon), 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 through Saturday January 18, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3 by Kevin Hearne

This is another fun offering in this fantasy, action series.
Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3
by Kevin Hearne
Narrated by Luke Daniels
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
Release Date: 07-05-11
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully - he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant.

Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plane of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.
Listen to Iron Druid Chronicles

©2011 Kevin Hearne (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
This is another fun adventure with the Iron Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan. He gained a reputation from the prior installments when he killed the celtic god, Aenghus Óg. Now he has people, especially his friend, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson, wanting him to help take on the Norse god of thunder, Thor. Atticus may not like Thor but he has no inclination to take on this battle. Besides he has another quest to complete first. He accepted help from a friend in his last battle to protect the witches and he promised to procure a special apple of immortality. Atticus sneaks into the magical land of Asgaard and manages to steal the apple after killing a few legendary guardians in the process. Although he tries to blame the theft on Bacchus he ends up with enemies on his track.

Atticus prepares to leave his beloved Tempe and move to a new place.  Morrigan (goddess of death with whom he has a pact) and Jesus meet with Atticus to warn him that chasing down Thor will have unwanted consequences In spite of the warningsAtticus reluctantly agrees to help Leif in his fight. Leif brings along the leader of the local werewolf pack and three other unusual warriors. They prepare by bonding together with each warrior shareing his experience with the brutal, ruthless behavior of Thor who killed their friends or family.

The small band enlist, through a bit of Atticus trickery, the help of an army of frost giants and set out to face the Valkyries, Thor and his hordes. An epic battle of super-hero proportions ensues.

I really enjoy this series. Atticus is a two thousand year old druid who is full of wisdom and trickery, but also kindness. I like his unique friends, including his lovely apprentice, Granuaile, and his faithful wolfhound, Oberon. The plots include some real to life situations but also some almost outrageous characters and encounters. The adventure and action keep it faced paced and fun. I recommend stating at the beginning and enjoying them in sequence.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels does a great job narrating this series. He adds to the characters and the excitement. This is a fun series to listen to.

I had this audiobook in my Audible library.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 10, 2014

[** 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 everyone stayed warm this very cold week! I had a sporadic work week with several doctor appointments to interrupt the work days.

MUGA test said my heart was good so I start chemo next Thursday. :-\  I am praying for no sickness.

[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 January 3 Pick. There was one Automatic win again 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 two titles blocked.
scottsgal gets the Diana Palmer pair.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from January 3 Pick:
Anita gets Another View

Janhvi 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.}

This was a week of Cooooold weather.

Good time to do what this image says!

Image found at Mercer County Library. 

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

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

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

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 611+ 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)