It's Monday! Waht Are You Reading? February 3, 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 was interrupted by an icy Wednesday. Most businesses in our county were closed due to inexperienced drivers on icy roads. I had a little extra reading time, then enjoyed Saturday morning with my family as the kids came to help prepare the garden for planting.

I finished three books and well into another audible. I posted three reviews, one with feature giveaway.
Plus I posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot). 

I did some visiting mid and end week which was nice.
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 26, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday 1/27/14.

• Book Review with Giveaway Link: Warrior's Moon by Jaclyn M. Hawkes; Medieval Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.  Ends 2/23/14.

• Audio Book Review: Flight of the Bowyer by Kenneth R. Lewis; Political Thriller, Futuristic; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 31, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/6/14.

• Book Review: Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles) by Cindy Spenser Pape; Sci Fi, Steampunk, Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #137 Comment Giveaway 2/1/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 2/8/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 2, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Fifth Grave Past the Light: Charley Davidson, Book 5
    UNABRIDGED
    by Darynda Jones
    Narrated by Lorelei King
        Series: Charley Davidson, Book 5 
Another good addition to the series.
I hope to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print/ ebook/kindle

The Sheriff's Surrender (Ladies' Shooting Club)
by Susan Page Davis
We ended up postponing our Club meeting. I'll still post the review this week with giveaway.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

 Beyond the Shadow of Canderlay Manor
by Dee Julian
I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous historicals
and loved this one too!
I will post a review later this week.
Book DescriptionPublication Date: January 7, 2014
In Regency England, Morgan Spence sets his mind upon achieving two goals. Acquiring his father’s abandoned ancestral estate and finding a wealthy bride to foot the bill for its restoration. Having accomplished the first part of his plan, Morgan moves into the neglected manor and soon discovers he’s not alone.

Afraid for her very life, Isabelle Lindley is forced into seclusion by the disfigured ruffian who burned her cottage and chased her into the forest. For the last three months she’s been hiding in a secret room at Canderlay Manor, depending upon the kindness of an old caretaker. When the new owner takes up residence, Belle tries to frighten him off by pretending to be a spirit, but the hoax backfires and nearly ends the man’s life.

After a near fatal accident, Morgan isn’t sure if he’s dealing with a ghost or clever intruder. When he discovers the truth, his plans for the future sail slightly off course, leaving him more determined than ever to avoid losing his heart.

Line Edits/Releases:

We released another Poetry collection: What Will Suffice by Barri Bryan
The subject matter of these one-hundred poems is diverse and varied with vivid and recognizable impressions, originality of diction, and variance in tone. Each poem has a life of its own. The theme is the common thread of humanity that speaks to the heart through many forms, melodious language, and personal emotions.  The author's devotion to craftsmanship lends immediacy and expressiveness to a wide variety of charming and introspective poetic images.
Genre: Poetry, Pages: 89


Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  New giveaway to be linked soon.

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Conspiracy in Death: In Death, Book 8
UNABRIDGED
    By J. D. Robb
    Narrated By Susan Ericksen
        Series: In Death, Book 8 
I realized I had jumped over this one. Another intense investigation with Eve and Roarke.
Publisher's Summary
With the precision of a surgeon, a serial killer preys on the most vulnerable souls of the world's city streets. The first victim: a sidewalk sleeper, found dead in New York City. No bruises, no signs of struggle. Just a laser-perfect, fist-sized hole where his heart had once been. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is assigned to investigate. But in the heat of a cat-and-mouse game with the killer, Dallas' job is suddenly on the line. Now her hands are tied...between a struggle for justice - and a fight for her career.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.
©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

2. eBook/Kindle

The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence)
Timothy S. Johnston
This has a good hook to start!
Reviewing for the author; to post with giveaway.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 23, 2013
Dead Space, 2401 AD

Kyle Tanner is about to die. Alone, floating in a vacsuit only a few million kilometers from a massive, uncaring sun, he has barely enough time or juice to get out a distress signal before either his oxygen runs out or he succumbs to the radiation.

When the CCF sent investigator Kyle Tanner to SOLEX One, a solar energy harvester past Mercury, he thought it would be an open-and-shut murder case. A crew member was found dead, minus his head and hands. Not the worst Tanner has ever seen, but the deeper he delves, the more nightmarish it becomes. A shadowy figure, bleeding from his hands, assaults Tanner in his quarters. Then two more turn up dead, missing their heads and hands as well.

With no one to trust and everyone a suspect—even the intriguing chief engineer, Shaheen—Tanner must navigate a crew on the brink of madness to uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the whole of the human race. Even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice…

3. Print

New Frontier
by Jeremy Lee
I am enjoying the weaving of the mystery in this sci fi. Reviewing for Blog Tour on February 13.
Click on book title for full description.

I am up two days ahead with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for a couple of print releases, two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

I am still enjoying reading books from my own TBR. :-) Looks like I may have only read 14 books in January which is down a little for me.  Then again, it was comfortable. So far I have seven books selected for February with more to come.
My backlog for review is still five so I hope to do four or five reviews this week to catch up.

February Scheduled-
I expect a couple of unscheduled Giveaways this month again.
2/13 New Frontier by Jeremy Lee - Novel Publicity Tour Review.

Sourcebooks:
   R is for Rebel – Megan Mulry 

NetGalley:
  The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston 
  The End: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series) by G. Michael Hopf
  Surviving Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series) by A. American
  The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy by Robert Reed

Authors
   Sleeping Dogs: A Novel by Tony Vanderwarker

AudioBook Jukebox 
Making some new selections. 

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 2, 2014

It was so nice to be back at church to fellowship with 'family' today! The worship service was awesome!
Our Pastor's message today was: Do You Love What You Do?
What are your expectations? One definition of the verb “love” is to experience romantic passion and feeling for another. But the more important definition is found in the noun “love” - the acts that encompass more than just intimate feelings and which are outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13. Love is responsible for joy in the life that you are living.. Living under grace, through the love of God, is better than living under the law, the fear of God. The Ten Commandments are an outward symbol of the inward condition that we need to possess. Love, especially God’s love, reaches beyond the symbols! If we are living with and through God’s love, we will have more concern for others than for our self. The Fruit of the spirit applies to all equally - the pew sitter and the preacher. Ethics and morality will show through what we do. Are we living our life through love? Sometimes, we need to recognize our own shortfalls and seek more of God’s love to show to others. If you are not happy with ‘what you do’ (in work, home or play) maybe it isn’t the circumstances that need to change but your attitude towards them.

Once again I was led to a different song than I had in mind.

I had never heard this but it fits the message and I believe:

Love Never Fails

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)
7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

I was so infused in worship today - with love and praise overflowing! I thank the Lord for His exceeding Grace. May I live a life that shares and reflects, even in small ways, His love to others.

Sharing Beyond Books #137 Comment Giveaway, February 2, 2014

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

There were six definite "No" an author quote wouldn't influence reading the book with two more "not really" and one "not likely." So I count that as nine "nos." There were four "sometimes" with three more that would look closer for more info and another two who might let the quote to look at reviews. That totals nine "sometimes."  Then there were two that acknowledged small influence by the author quote.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #136 comments is: #16 Liss 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 #137 (One Question.)

Q1. Liss asks: Where's your "hidden" paradise? A place where you go to read quietly, to think clearly or to have peace..??

A: I really can't think of one place. I don't have a special cushy chair... sort of wish I did. I enjoy going to sleep and waking up with either the MP3 or the Kindle plugged into my ears. And I do read in the (blush) restroom. But mostly I am happy to read wherever I am.  

This looks like a place I could curl up to read!!
Image found at Things I'm Obsessing Over.

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. 
January questions were supplied by bn100, MaryP, Nikki, Becky and LisaC. The winner for question reward is: LisaC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Liss asks: Where's your "hidden" paradise? A place where you go to read quietly, to think clearly or to have peace..??

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 February 8, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles) by Cindy Spenser Pape

This is a very engaging and delightful “gaslight” steampunk romance mystery!

Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles)
by Cindy Spenser Pape

• File Size: 313 KB
• Print Length: 82 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (January 6, 2014)
• ASIN: B00F942VRC

Genre: Steampunk, Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
A Gaslight Chronicles novella
London, 1860
Police inspector Sebastian Brown served Queen and country in India before returning to England to investigate supernatural crimes alongside the Order of the Round Table. If his wifeless, childless life feels a little empty sometimes, that's not too great a price to pay in the name of duty.

Minerva Shaw is desperately seeking a doctor when she mistakenly lands on Sebastian's doorstep. Her daughter Ivy has fallen gravely ill with a mysterious illness—the same illness, it seems, that's responsible for taking the lives of many of Ivy's classmates.

Seb sniffs a case, and taking in Minnie and Ivy seems the only way to protect them while he solves it. But as mother and daughter work their way into his heart and Seb uses every magickal and technological resource he can muster to uncover the source of the deadly plague, it's he who will need protecting—from emotions he'd thought buried long ago.

Review:
Minnie is struggling through the snow storm and smoke poisoned air to find a doctor to help her daughter, Ivy. She stumbles at a door that is her last resort. Police inspector Seb hears a thud and opens his door to find a small figure fallen on his doorstep. He takes her in and discovers that she is seeking the doctor who lives next door. Seb decides to step in and help by taking Minnie back to her “project” apartment to pick up Ivy.

They discovered the place had been ransacked and Minnie’s friend and sitter has been murdered.
Fortunately they found Ivy hidden away. Now Seb’s interest is really picqued and he decides that Minnie and Ivy will be safest with him while they investigate the murder and the mysterious illness that has Ivy sweating out what looks like black soot.

Seb has an unusual team of investigators to call upon for help - the Order of the Round Table. These are people with special, supernatural skills: enhanced smell, sight and healing touches as well as ability to detect lies, auras and more. His friends are more than happy to add their efforts to find the villain who has been experimenting on young children from a poverty level grade school. The team also suspects that Ivy may have some super ability herself.

I really enjoyed Minnie as a tough, determined character. Though single she ‘adopted’ infant Ivy to raise as her own when her mother, another friend, died.  Minnie couldn’t be anymore fierce and protective than a natural, loving mother. I also loved Seb who is a quite determined investigator who has grown accustomed to his aloneness in life but has buried dreams of family. These two make a wonderful pair in this quick novella that gives a good feel for other characters in the series. There is mystery, suspense, steampunk elements and of course, sweet romance! I definitely want to read more in the series and recommend this to others who like mystery and romance, with or without steampunk.

I selected this through NetGalley to review for Carina Press.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 31, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

January is a wrap with more cold weather this week - including ice and two days of government and school closings!  It's been a long week for me with year end tax reports due as well as other work. I just keep plugging away at the papers on my desk.  ***New Book Group linked below!

I had another bad weekend but the week has been good.

More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 24 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 was one title blocked.
Carol L gets Hawk's Pursuit

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 24 Pick:
Linda gets a GC

Booklady gets Shades of Scarlet

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.}

Awesome thought!

Image found on Books Are My Drug of Choice at Pinterest.

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Perfection in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
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 gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone

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:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf

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

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

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 620+ 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

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)