It's Monday! What are You Reading? June 16, 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 was another busy week and I came home late three nights.
Reading was good.  I finished three books and started three . I post three reviews, one with giveaway, and the usual memes. :-)



I did visit some earlier in the week. I had hoped to visit again later but that didn't happen.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? June 9, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday June 9, 2014.

• Book Review: Simply Irresistible by Kristine Grayson; Paranormal  Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Audible Book Review: Earth Abides: The 60th Anniversary Edition by George R. Stewart; Classic Sci Fi; my rating 4.2.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 13, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 6/13/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #154 Comment Giveaway 6/14/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 6/21/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 15, 2014.

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1 by Gilbert Morris; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio

I've Got You Under My Skin
by Mary Higgins Clark
A good mystery - consistent MHC.
I'll post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

The Trouble With Harry
by Katie MacAlister
A fun story. 
I'll post a review this week (with a giveaway).
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP3

The Thirteenth Rose
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 4
by Gail Bowen
I enjoyed this fourth story and 
will review this week
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
No new releases this week; hope to finish one, if not two this week.
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. eBook/Kindle

Right Click, (Click Series)
by Lisa Becker
I have started this and am interested to know what happens with the characters.
I look forward to reading this for the author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3

Audio Book: Greenwillow
by B.J. Chute
This is a charming tale.
Received from Post Hypnotic Press Books for review.
"Everyone needs to visit Greenwillow and meet its wonderful inhabitants - from the two reverends with their 'two ways of walking before the Lord' to the irrepressible Micah who braves the devil."
A lyrical and timeless fable of the small country village Greenwlllow and its unforgettable inhabitants, and the poignant romance between young Gideon Briggs, who lives in the shadow of a family curse and is determined never to marry, and Dorrie, the orphan girl he loves. Perhaps B.J. Chute's best-known novel, a critic described Greenwillow as "a deeply moving, gently humorous and serenely wise story of young love and self-discovery." Greenwillow was brought to the Broadway stage in 1960, starring Anthony Perkins, with book by Lesser Samuels and Frank Loesser, and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
A bit of trivia. Anthony Perkins was simultaneously filming Alfred Hitchcock's classic shocker Psycho while rehearsing Greenwillow. Over the years, Perkins, in interviews, always said that his stand-in was used in the filming of the infamous shower scene, because he was rehearsing a Broadway show. Greenwillow was that show.

3. Print

Heading Home
by John Robinson
I have started this and like it so far. 
This was a book I won a while back.
The Bible makes it clear no one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return. But it doesn't say we won't know the month. Or the week. When every Christian simultaneously receives a message that Christ will return sometime in the coming week, the world is thrown into stark panic. Two old friends, hardened combat veterans from the closing days of the Vietnam War, set out on a suspenseful quest to redeem that time. What they don't know is that they and their entire church have been targeted for satanic annihilation.

I expect to start listening to Edge of Tomorrow by Hiroshi Sakurazaka later this week. I might start another ebook too but haven't decided which yet.

I am a 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 new ones for this coming week.

June Scheduled -
6/16 Kindle Fire Giveaway Hop

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June:
(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
Edge of Tomorrow by Hiroshi Sakurazaka

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

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

Book Review and Giveaway: The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1 by Gilbert Morris

This includes a sweet romance in a good history of the early part of the Civil War.

The Crossing, Last Cavaliers Series #1
by Gilbert Morris

BARBOUR PUBLISHING / 2011 / PAPERBACK

• Series: The Last Cavaliers (Book 1)
• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books; 1 edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602609071

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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?

Review:
Yancy and his father, Daniel, had continued to live on the outskirts of his mother’s Cheyenne tribe after her death. But at age 13 Yancy is rejected by the tribe as a half breed. Daniel moves them back to his roots, an Amish community in Shenandoah, Virginia. Yancy quickly learns to love his strong hearted, but gentle in spirit, grandmother but he struggles with the restrictions of the strict Amish rules. Daniel agrees that Yancy can take a handy-man job in town working for Anna Jackson, the wife of Major Thomas Jackson. Yancy meets Major Jackson at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where the Major teachers.

The job outside of the community creates a problem with the Amish leaders especially after Major Jackson includes Yancy in some field activities of racing and shooting. The military activities are particularly against the Amish views of nonviolence. Yancy is excited to be offered a scholarship to VMI and goes with the blessing of his father and grandmother rather than remain and cause difficulties due to being shunned.

The story follows Yancy’s training with four good friends. When Virginia joins the Confederacy the four move serve under Jackson, with Yancy and Peyton being favored couriers. The young men declare themselves to be the “Stonewall boys” after General Jackson earns that nickname. Yancy rescues a Union soldier and becomes friends with the family outside of Richmond. He begins to fall in love with the daughter of the family but she suffered through a deceitful relationship and is very wary of men.

The history is fascinating and I appreciated (“enjoyed” would be an awkward word) the Southern war strategies and scenes. This is not the first story of the Civil War that comments on the differences of the Confederacy and Union military leaders. There are hospital scenes as well which are interesting, although difficult.

There are circumstances and events that make one think regarding the various communities: Cheyenne, Amish, ‘English’ and military. Yancy struggles with his understanding and acceptance of faith but a stark event brings him to a point of commitment. The romance is sweet and natural and adds a softer element to the balance out the violence of war.

The story starts rather slowly as the characters are introduced and the settings developed. It isn’t until midway that the pace picks up. I did like the characters and I loved the historical elements. The romance is very nice too. The writing style is clear, straight-forward and easy to read.

Gilbert Morris has written many Christian fiction books. I have only read one before but I hope to read more. I own eight of the Seven Sleeper Series and plan to get the two missing and read them with my Grandson. The members of my ladies’ book club enjoyed this book too. I recommend it particularly for those who like Civil War history.

This was our Ladies' Book Club read for May. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE or Goodreads Link (where more books are listed) and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 6 PM (Central) June 23, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after June 23, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 15, 2014 -- Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! We have been thinking about, and missing, my father - Love you Dad.

Pastor’s message this morning was, of course, about fathers, particularly about our Heavenly Father. The message started in Luke 15 - the story of the Prodigal Son. Instead of focusing on the son, Pastor looked at the father and used him as an example of our Heavenly Father.
Just as the prodigal son’s father, our Heavenly Father gives, receives, restores and renews.
He gives love, salvation, mercy, healing and grace
He receives us into His household - His kingdom - as adopted children.
He restores us through forgiveness and redemption.
He renews us with healing and mercy by the Power of His Grace.

There is no perfect father on earth. There is none like Him. But Godly men are to reflect the Father, not just serve Him.

Thinking of Heavenly Father made me think of this:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven.

Psalm 103:13-14 NIV
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

I thank you, my Father Creator, for all the things you are to me: creator, provider, healer, banner, defender, deliverer, comforter, strength, peace, and above all, love. Help me to reflect Your nature through my own life.

Sharing Beyond Books #155 Comment Giveaway June 14, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I did relax a little today so I'm not quite so tired.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Almost everyone had a different, wonderful author they would like to 'work' with! Neil Gaiman was the only one who was named twice.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #154 comments is: #3 Ricki 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 #155 (One Question.)

Q1. Lisa C asks: Apart from ereading, do you have any apps that you depend on??

A: I have to admit that "apps" are still a bit of a puzzle for me. As well as I know my regular computer it just doesn't seem so natural on the phone or tablet. We do use Skype, Facebook and Dropbox - if those are considered apps. And I imagine when we travel in the motorhome I will probably use some type of weather and GPS app. We do have a GPS for the car. We do not pay (extra) for internet on our phones so we don't do a lot of things on the phone.

Working with apps is still a puzzle to a lot of people, including me.

Image found at fwelections.

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. Lisa asks: Apart from ereading, do you have any apps that you depend on??

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 21, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 13, 2014

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

Argh! Another busy week getting up and out early (6:30am twice and 8:00am three times) this week and home after 7:30pm three nights. I keep plugging away at work but there is always more to do. 
I hope to get a couple hours relaxing by the pool this weekend. Is any one else getting to relax for summer?

[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 June 6 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 was only one blocked title and it was won through a many weeks block.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 6 Pick:
Becky gets the Stephanie Laurens pair (won through the block)

Linda 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.}

June is AudioBook Month and I am a happy listener!

Image found at Salon.

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:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
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:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

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

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

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
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)

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 671+ 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)

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)