Mailbox Monday June 30, 2014

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I have received one review book, two free SYNC audios and many free kindle downloads.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this August release title from the author for review and to host a giveaway. 

The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence)

Timothy S. Johnston

Won

None

Purchased

None

Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA for "Strength in Adversity":


Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock 
by Matthew Quick

October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard

by Lesléa Newman

Plus I downloaded another 52 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? June 30, 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.

I had a 'catch-up", but still busy, week at work. Saturday my sister and some family visited for a few hours. 
Reading was good.  I finished four books. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway and posted an Audio giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

Unfortunately I didn't get to visit last week until Sunday. For some reason I was tired and went to bed by 9 most nights.
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 23, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday June 23, 2014.

• Audio Book Giveaway June 2014. Open worldwide, ends July 5, 2014.

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAllister; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.  Open US; ends July 2, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Greenwillow by B.J. Chute; Classic Fiction; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 27, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 7/3/14.

• Book Review: Right Click, (Click Series) by Lisa Becker; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #157 Comment Giveaway 6/28/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 7/5/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 29, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/MP3

Judgment in Death
by J.D.Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Another great Eve Dallas murder mystery.
I have the book on audio to giveaway with my review.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Heading Home
by John Robinson
This is an interesting story. 
I will post a review with giveaway.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Inn at Last Chance
by Hope Ramsay
I enjoyed this romance with paranormal elements.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio

JENNINGS BOOKS: JENNINGS DIARY (1953)
Jennings Diary by Anthony Buckeridge
read by Simon Vance
This is a fun story for middle grade or young adults.
Received from Post Hypnotic Press Books for review.
In this audiobook - it is the Easter term at Linbury Court School and Jennings has been promised five pounds by his aunt if he keeps up his diary every day. When he and Darbishire devise a code for entries, things really start to happen - the nasty incident of Wilkins's mark book is only one of them.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
One print release ready- just waiting for cover fix. Two ebooks out for galley proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link: TBA
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:

1. Print/eBook

Falling to Pieces, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series #1
by: Vannetta Chapman
I am 15% into this so far and enjoying it.
This is for our ladies' book club meeting on Saturday.
Product Description
When two women-one Amish, one English-each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town's reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

2. Audible

Deadly Shores: Destroyermen, Book 9
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
I am looking forward to listening to the latest in this series that I enjoy.
Publisher's Summary
The long-planned raid on the heart of the Grik Empire has grown more ambitious - and dangerously ill-defined. Only Matthew Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker, seems focused on its original intent.
Many Lemurians see an opportunity to reconquer their sacred homeland, which was stolen long ago, and have no intention of simply striking a blow and then pulling back. Others, Lemurian and human, have their own agendas - which may not be in the best interests of the Alliance. Complicating matters further is Reddy's suspicion that his task force is being stalked by an unknown power bent on aiding the Grik for reasons of its own.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of "Grik City", on the very decks of Walker, and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy - or the Alliance - can bear.
©2013 Taylor Anderson (P)2014 Tantor

3. eBook/Kindle

Take Back the Morning
by Evan Howard
I selected this from NetGaley as it looks good.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
A corrupt stockbroker on the run . . .
An economy in turmoil . . .
And a mysterious pendant sought by the richest woman on Wall Street.
Terrified of going to jail, Justin Connelly faked his death and fled the seductions of Manhattan for the quiet corners of Providence, Rhode Island. His only keepsake was an antique pendant engraved with strange markings.
But then a sailing accident almost kills him for real. In his near-death state Justin is taken to the depths of Hell itself, where he sees things that drive him out of hiding and back to his abandoned wife in New York. But Tori’s moved on, and his old enemies on Wall Street are not happy to see him. They want the pendant, which in the wrong hands could destroy humanity—and Justin’s former boss definitely has the wrong hands. The only way out is to swallow his pride, and his doubt, and work with Tori and her new fiancé to expose the truth.
As world economies—and his own soul—hang in the balance, Justin must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice.
A spiritual thriller critically relevant to the crises of our time.

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 still have some books carried forward. I hope to get to a few of my own TBRs this month. :-) 
I completed three reviews and have four new ones - so five due now.

June Scheduled -
Planning on an unscheduled giveaway soon.

NetGalley - May Picks to be read in June:
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 new Sci Fi 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
Planning to request more soon.

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 29, 2014

Pastor's Sermon this morning was based on the example of Zaccheus in Luke 19:1-10.  Zaccheus was a chief tax gatherer with the unpleasant reputation that went along with that position. Although he had power he knew something was missing in his life. He was a short man who had to make an effort to climb a tree to seek Jesus. God fore-knew Zaccheus' circumstances and placed a tree where it was needed. Jesus knows our needs and will meet our needs where and when we seek Him.

When the religious leaders and others grumbled about Jesus meeting with sinners like the tax collector, Jesus said:  “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” v 9-10.

God can use anything and anyone who submits. We need to want to know Jesus. We need to know that we are in this world but not of it. Zaccheus made a choice, a decision to seek Jesus and then to turn from his wicked greed. We must choose, make a decision each day, to seek Jesus, to live as He wants us to and to show His love to others.

Consider your lifestyle and possessions. Are you self sufficient or are you relying on God?  If you own something that you can't give away, it owns you; it is the equivalent of an idol. If God doesn't have you're resources, He doesn't have you.

This is a fairly simple praise song but it says a lot.
Make Me a Servant

Verses for Today:
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)
26 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I pray that the Lord will remind me each day to be a servant.

Sharing Beyond Books #157 Comment Giveaway June 28, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We spent a nice lunch visit today with my sister, brother-in-law, two grand-nephews and a grand-niece. Had computer troubles later in the day so I am working from my smaller travel computer now.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I was impressed by how many commenters have gardens, although there were a couple of black thumbs. :-) Many would like to grow vegetables and some fruit trees. There is lovely variety.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #156 comments is: #11 Llehn 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 #157 (One Question.)

Q1. Marjorie asks: Do you read more books by women or men??

A: Good question but I have never checked this. I will guess that I read more female authors although male might be increasing as I read more sci fi.

Image found at Just One Cynic's Opinion.

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. 
Questions for June were offered by Becky, LisaC, bn100, and Marjorie. Random.org picked #3 = bn100.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Marjorie asks: Do you read more books by women or men??

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 July 5, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: Right Click, (Click Series) by Lisa Becker

This is an entertaining and satisfactory conclusion to this cute series.
Right Click, (Click Series)
by Lisa Becker

• File Size: 574 KB
• Print Length: 381 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1494899159
• ASIN: B00KE6H90O

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 16, 2014
Love. Marriage. Infidelity. Parenthood. Crises of identity. Death. Cupcakes. The themes in Right Click, the third and final installment in the Click series, couldn't be more pressing for this group of friends as they navigate through their 30's. Another six months have passed since we last eavesdropped on the hilarious, poignant and often times inappropriate email adventures of Renee and friends. As the light-hearted, slice of life story continues to unfold, relationships are tested and some need to be set "right" before everyone can find their "happily ever after."

Review:
Renee, a public relations guru with a big heart and an emotional spirit, is engaged to pragmatic and calm Ethan. Shelley, a bold spirit and inventive lover, has moved to Seattle to be with her new love interest, Nick. Renee worries that Shelley will find someone to replace her as her ‘bestie”. Ashley, more of a strict-laced, control type, is coping with being a new mother. Renee realizes that Ashley is having trouble with an infant since children do not fit into control all the time. Mark, the nerdy computer guy, is enjoying his new romance. Renee wants happiness for Mark even if his three lady friends aren’t too fond of Cassidy, the lady who doesn’t know what a capital letter looks like and is enthralled with cat videos.

The year of Renee’s engagement is about to lead to lots of changes for the friends. There are so many real life issues such as infidelity, betrayal, job loss, depression, insecurities and more.

A fun and unique aspect of this series is that it is told entirely through emails. This gives the story a real-time feel as characters express their emotions and opinions in ‘live’, if sometimes delayed, email conversations. The email captions are easy to skim, although they take up reading time if you let Kindle read to you as I often do. I love the pun competition and the musical banter.

This series deals with the everyday lives- difficulties, emotions, up and down - of Renee and her friends. This is book three of the trilogy and does a very nice job of wrapping up the story, the relationships and the connections between the characters. It is lovely to have everyone receive what is anticipated as a “happy ever after” in the end. I do recommend reading the books in order so the reader can get to know the characters and enjoy their growth through the fun developments.

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review.