It's Monday! What are You Reading? June 2, 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.

This week was hectic and stressful but finally the new computer and switch are in and most of the disruptions on my own computer have been smoothed out. 
It was another good reading week with three books finished. I posted two reviews and the usual memes. :-)

I was glad that I visited early in the 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? May 26, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday May 26, 2014.

• Happy Memorial Day 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Tricked: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4 by Kevin Hearne; Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 30, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 6/5/14.

• Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Tony Lee Henderson; Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #153 Comment Giveaway 5/31/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 6/7/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 1, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Where Dreams Are Born (Angelo's Hearth)
by M.L. Buchman
I really loved this romance.
I will post a review this week.
Received as part of the Romance books from StoryBundle
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Simply Irresistible
by Kristine Grayson
This is a fun story with good characters- the nice ones and the evil ones.
I will post a review this week.
Received as part of the Romance books from StoryBundle
Book Description
Publication Date: March 3, 2011
Dexter Grant, the inspiration for the greatest superhero of all time, lives in reduced circumstances. Now he runs a pet store in Portland, Oregon, and privately calls himself a Kitten Superhero because he saves stray animals. He aspires to something greater, but his magic has been restricted—by the Fates.
The Fates, three women who control the magical universe. Only they’ve lost their position, and they’re on the run. They’ve turned to an old friend for help, but that friend is dead. Her niece, Vivian Kineally, runs her estate. Vivian, who doesn’t even know magic exists. Vivian, who loves comic books. Vivian, who also happens to be psychic.
The Fates steer Vivian to Dexter Grant. They want his help. He’s not willing to give it. But now that he’s met Vivian, he’s not willing to give her up either. Dexter Grant must save the Fates—and discover his own fate, all at the same time.
Book One of the Fates Trilogy.

3. Print

The Windflower
by Laura London
There is some wonderful writing in this.
I will post a review and giveaway this week.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
No new releases this week; working on some.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  Prairie Lily by Georgina Sellwood
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:
1. Audio

Earth Abides: The 60th Anniversary Edition
by George R. Stewart
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Connie Willis
I am enjoying this Sci Fi Classic which is different than I expected.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1
by Gilbert Morris
I have just started this
book which is our Ladies' Book Club read for June 7.
Click on book title for full description.
In the years leading up to the Civil War, widower Daniel Tremayne leaves his wife's Cheyenne family and returns to the Virginia Amish settlement where he grew up. He joins the church and remarries, but his son Yancy has trouble conforming to civilized life and the rules of the church. He continues roaming the woods and hunting. When the war begins, he jumps into the fray, despite the community's pacifism. He is soon a lieutenant under General Stonewall Jackson. When Yancy rescues a Union soldier at Bull Run, he meets the man's sister, Lorena. Will Yancy finally find a home for his heart?

3. eBook/Kindle

The Trouble With Harry
by Katie MacAlister
I picked this up from Sourcebooks on NetGalley. 
It is starting out fun.
Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Enjoy unforgettable characters and irreverent laughs in the Regency series that launched the career of New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister
You think you've got troubles?
As a spy for the Crown, Lord Harry Rosse faced clever and dangerous adversaries-but it's his five offspring who seem likely to send him to Bedlam. At his wits' end, he's advertised for a wife and found one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on certain points...
Wait till you meet Harry and Plum...
Frederica Pelham, affectionately known as Plum, spent years avoiding the scandals of her past, and is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. And while all kinds of secrets are catching up with them, Plum knows the real trouble with Harry... is that he's stolen her heart.

4. Audio/MP3

The Thirteenth Rose
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 4
by Gail Bowen
I am looking forward to reading #4 in this series.
For his Valentine's night call-in show, host Charlie D plans to offer his listeners two hours on the topic of "satisfaction." His in-studio guest is twenty-five-year-old Misty de Vol Burgh, formerly the highest-paid escort in the city but now happily married to eighty-three-year-old billionaire Henry Burgh. It's all good fun until Charlie receives a chilling message: "It's take-out-the-garbage night. Time to kill all the hookers and wash the streets with blood." When Charlie is directed to a website that allows viewers to watch the murder of a prostitute in real time and promises that another killing will be broadcast live within the hour, the hunt is on. But The World According to Charlie D. has an audience of over a million listeners. The murderer could be anyone, anywhere. Charlie and his team have less than two hours to find and stop the killer.

I will also probably start another ebook but haven't decided which.

I am still up to date on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits: Slight delay as we have staff changes. We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on two non-fiction releases and a print release.

I am carrying books into June. I hope to get to a few of my own TBRs this month. :-) 
I completed three reviews and have three pending for this coming week.

June Scheduled -
6/7 - The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1 by Gilbert Morris
Hoping to add some giveaways this month.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June:
The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlister (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca) (reading)
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie (Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra)
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel (Mulholland Books)

Authors
From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There is now a Devastor Humor Bundle available.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox (I have made two requests, waiting for one and expecting to make a couple of more soon.)
Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 1, 2014

Pastor’s sermon this morning was entitled: The Plans He Has For Us.
The prophet Jeremiah warned the Israelites that they would be punished for abandoning God. Jeremiah went on to tell the people that they needed to accept the judgment and honor God by living where they were placed, not putting their lives on hold. Additionally the Israelites were told to pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon so that God could bless His people even when they were in exile. God always has a plan for us, to prosper us, not to harm us. Jeremiah 29:11.

Pastor extended this message to our church saying that, even though there must be change in the church to grow, we have been placed here for a purpose and we each need to support our church as best we can. Jesus set the example to love the church. Ephesians 5:25-30. If we love our church, as Christ, we should be faithful in attendance, tithing and service. We should look for areas we can help, improve, and serve. Pastor challenged us to spend a half hour to an hour today studying how "church" is described and/or defined in the Bible.

I found this wonderful article that speaks to this message: Church is Not a Show....
I also found this helpful article: 15 Ways to Serve God Through Serving Others.

Here is a song stating a commitment to Serve The Lord, 

and the reasons why.

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NIV)
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

I trust, Lord, that you do have good plans for me. I pray that you will use me where you plant me, for your purposes. Guide and use me to share you love and message of salvation with others, near and far.

Sharing Beyond Books #153 Comment Giveaway May 31, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
It's late...I almost posted that I was taking a break this week as I am tired. Then I decided to push on through. :-)
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Listing the choices of snacks in my spreadsheet did make me hungry but it is too late to eat. I think I liked all the choices but I had to look up Mystica's sweet choice of mysore pak - sounds good. Sarah's entry of cajun nuts reminded me that I bought some cajun notes for our son-in-law who loves all things hot!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #152 comments is: #14 Natasha 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 #153 (One Question.)

Q1. My question for week 5 and since it is almost summertime: Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Anything surprising??

A: I am not a big beach goer especially since we have a pool (which I did get in last weekend). I do have a couple of beach bags which my daughter uses more than me. Whether I go by the pool or to the beach I will have basics: old shoes, towel, book or kindle (of course) and water to drink. I know I should have sun screen but I only last about 10 - 15 minutes in the sun anyway so I tend to forget the sunscreen. Also, I do not have any sunglasses and I need a new floppy hat. :-)

I just saw a great bag that includes a cooler at the site with this image.

Image found at Grandparents.com

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. 
Our four contributors for May were: Mary P, Nikki, Miki and Elizabeth. Random.org chose # 3 so Miki gets a GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. My question for week 5 and since it is almost summertime: Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Anything surprising??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 June 7, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audio Book Review: Erian's Lair #2 by Troy Lee Henderson

This is an engaging, fun adventure listen.
Erian's Lair #2
by Troy Lee Henderson
Read By: William Dufris


ISBN: 9781611141023
(The Hill Brothers Trilogy)
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (December 4, 2013)
ebook: File Size: 247 KB
Print Length: 59 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Simon Hill has been away studying for the past two years. When his parents die suddenly, he returns home to find that he and his two young brothers, Darien and Edwin, have been evicted from their farm. Simon convinces his brothers to join him in an effort to find Erian, the daughter of Eathed, an old dragon who once befriended Simon. The three brothers enlist the aid of Deandra leBec, a dragon hunter whose father was killed by a dragon and setoff to find Erian. [A Novella] -–Book 2 of The Hill Brothers Trilogy.

Review:
Simon was a boy who looked beyond the immediate surroundings to wonder what more there was to explore. He curiosty led him to became friends with a dragon in Eathed. He has been studying away from home but returns to discover his parents died of a plague and his younger brothers are about to be evicted. Instead of remaining to slave for the new farm owner, Simon convinces his brothers to join him in a quest for Eathed’s daughter, Erian.

The journey is long but they push on led by Simon’s determination. When they come to the town where Simon planned to hire a famous dragon killer as a guide he learns that the man has been killed by a dragon. The man’s daughter, Deandra, is now intent on hunting the dragon for revenge. Simon tries to convince her that dragons and humans can be friends but she doesn’t want to give up her anger.

The four young people experience adventure and face danger as they travel to the island of the dragon. Simon knows he will have to act quickly to keep the girl and the dragon from killing each other but he believes he will succeed.

This is an engaging tale of tolerance and friendship. I enjoyed the sense of danger and especially enjoyed the surprises the author includes. It is an easy listen that can be enjoyed by young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job of narrating. He is able to infuse the wonder and nature of children into the voices of the characters. This is a fun, quick listen.

I received this book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. 

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 30, 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 have uploaded a new group of books for consideration!
This week has been hectic again. It has been very hard working from a computer that won't print and takes 5 minutes to open internet or Word documents. We finally got the new computer and switch in and all computers networked and printing so half the issues are resolved. I need a week that is less busy soon!


More details at My Cancer Journey (nearing the end of treatments.)

[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 May 23 Pick. There were no 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 blocked titles with multiple picks, and one was won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 23 Pick:
Carol NW gets Luciano's Luck

Patricia P gets The Mystery of Whitehorse (won through a block)

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 image struck my fancy this week - love the sentiment!

Image found at Goodreads (Aussie Readers)

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad
Son of the Sword by J. Ardian Lee
Spring Fancy by LaVyrle Spenser
Tangled Lives by Margot Dalton
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
Underfoot by Leanne Banks


New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

PAIRS:
Catherine Palmer: Prairie Rose and A Whisper of Danger
Stephanie Laurens: A Lady of His Own (spine creases) and Impetuous Innocent
SINGLES:
Hawken's Heart by Suzanne Brockman
The Mystery Man of Whitehorse by B.J. Daniels
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper
When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The MacGregor Grooms by Nora Roberts
Sirius About Murder by Sue Owens Wright
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
The Stepmother by Carrie Adams (hardback) 


New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


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
Provocative 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---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

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 (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

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---(All gone)

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
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
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---(All gone)
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 667+ 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 

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---(All gone)
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
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)