Mailbox Monday July 7, 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 four review books, one email and three audios. I purchased 3 Kindle books and I picked up a free ebook, 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 title from the author for review as part of July-August Bookblast and Tour. 
My Review date: August 6th.

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos

by Janette Rallison

Three titles from Aubiobook Jukebox


Title: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible
Author: Arthur W. Pink
Narrator: Ralph Cosham
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/06/14
Inspirational foundations.

Title: Lightning Fall
Author: Bill Quick
Narrator: Johnny Heller
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 04/29/14
Sci Fi - post apocalyptic.

Title: Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/13/14
Third in this fantasy series.

Won

None

Purchased

Three .99 cent titles:
The Listener

Christina Dodd

Kindle Edition

Sold by Macmillan
Mystery and intrigue.

Train Station Bride

Holly Bush

Kindle Edition

Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Historical Mail Order Bride.

A Light In the Window

Julie Lessman

Kindle Edition

Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc

Christian Romance.

Free

Spell Check 
by Julie Wright
Fantasy






I got this week's duo from SYNC YA for "New Stories from Favorite Characters":
These both look like they will be fun listens!

Torn From Troy
by Patrick Bowman
A re-creation of Homer's classic Odyssey as a young adult novel, we see the aftermath of the Trojan War through the eyes of Alexi, a fifteen-year-old Trojan boy.

Peter and the Starcatchers
by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

A story that precedes J.M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. In a evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island, an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil.


Plus I downloaded another 60 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? July 7, 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.

Work week was busy - I was glad for the Friday holiday. 
Saturday the kids and friends were over for fun in the pool and dinner. We had a good time but I was beat by the time they left.
My regular laptop is still in the shop and I have had difficulties with the word programs, even openoffice, on this travel computer.

Reading was good though slow.  I finished two books but am well into two others. I finally posted three reviews at the end of the week. I posted an Audio and  a print giveaway.  I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I didn't get to visit much this past week again.
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 30, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday June 30, 2014.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 4, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 7/10/14.

• A Featured Freebie (July 4 and 5, 2014) Spell Check by Julie Wright.

• July Kindle Fire Giveaway. Ends 7/31/14.

• Audio Book Review: Edge of Tomorrow by Hiroshi Sakurazaka; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review plus (Audio)  Giveaway: Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller, Mystery; my rating 5.  Open US; ends July 12, 2014.

• Book Review and (Print) Giveaway: Heading Home by John Robinson; Christian Fiction; my rating 4.0.  Open US; ends July 12, 2014.

• Sharing Beyond Books #158 Comment Giveaway 7/5/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 7/12/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 6, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Print/eBook

Falling to Pieces, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series #1
by: Vannetta Chapman
This was a very nice gentle mystery.
Our ladies' book club meeting was postponed a week so I won't be posting the review until next weekend. .
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Sunshine
by Janet Spaeth
I 've had this on my TBR for a couple of years.
This was a quick, sweet read.
I will be posting a review and a giveaway for another book later this week.
Olivia has a crazy dream, and Hayden isn’t quite sure what to think of the adorable city slicker who shows up in answer to his ad to sell the now-defunct resort his family has owned for decades. Does she really think she can remodel—rebuild, really—the place by herself? And to what end? To reopen a tourist attraction in the middle of nowhere? Shouldn’t a realtor know the old adage “Location, location, location”?

But there’s more to life than surface events. And while Livvy sees the possibilities in her new property, Hayden sees them in her….

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
One print release is out but we have to link it up at the website.
Two ebooks out for galley proofs.

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Deadly Shores: Destroyermen, Book 9
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
I am 3/4ths done on this. More great action and imagination. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Take Back the Morning
by Evan Howard
I am 65% through this.  It is not quite what I expected.
It is an interesting story presenting 
a strong Christian message.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print

Every Time I Love You
by Heather Graham
I wanted to read an American Revolution and found this in one of my collections. Not really American Revolution but interesting so far.
Every Time I Love You is the captivating tale of a modern couple and their struggle with ill-fated past lives.

I am pretty sure that the next eBook will be Half a King by Joe Abercrombie.
There will be a new audio also but I'm not sure which yet.

I am a day ahead 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 still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on another print children's 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 two new ones - so four 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
I received three new titles. I will put them up next week.

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

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 6, 2014

Our Sunday School lesson continues in Revelation but our teacher often goes on very worthwhile rabbit trails. We have been studying Revelation 18 and 19 where there are "Hallelujahs", rejoicing in Heaven, over the destruction of Babylon. Our teacher has interpreted Babylon to be not necessarily a city but a system of evil, of idolatry.  God objects to idols that provoke jealousy (an idea from All In). Idols are anything that takes our focus and devotion away from God.

We want the blessings of God but the blessings should not be just to bring us material possessions. Blessings are to flow through to share with others. Are we reservoirs or conduits? Jesus says that if someone asks for your shirt, you should give them your coat too. Matthew 5:40. We need to share what we have. Most importantly we need to ask God each day: What do You want me to do today?

Pastor's sermon on Freedom went along with the Sunday School message.  'If Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed.' John 8:36. But freedom is a choice. We have to choose everyday to be free from sin. We also should realize that freedom is never free. Someone paid for it. Our country's freedom was paid for by the sacrifice of many warriors. Our freedom from sin was paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

I was looking for another song but, once again, was led to this awesome song that fits.

I Give Myself Away

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

More and more, Lord, I feel you calling me to focus more fully on what is important in this life: obedience to Your Will.  I seek your strength to help me to have no other idols, to love my neighbor as myself; to serve by allowing you to use me. Let my freedom be found in following your example and serving while showing your love and light to others.

Sharing Beyond Books #158 Comment Giveaway July 5, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We had family and friends over for swimming and dinner. I'm tired now and ready to wrap this up and get to bed. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Ten commenters read more female authors; four read equally male and female; and three read male more than female with one more currently reading male.  I think I will check my list more accurately someday when I get a chance.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #157 comments is: #2 Becky 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 #158 (One Question.)

Q1. Nikki asks: Do you get Groupons (or similar coupon sites) in your country? Have you bought one before??

A: We do have Groupon here but usually the discounts are at bigger towns an hour or so away. I can't recall using any coupons although I have been tempted.

Image found at Groupon.

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: Do you get Groupons (or similar coupon sites) in your country? Have you bought one before??

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 12, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Heading Home by John Robinson

This is a fast paced, exciting read with a timely Christian message.

Heading Home
by John Robinson

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sheaf House (August 2, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-0979748585

Genre: Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

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.

Review:
The beginning of this book jumps the reader into an American military camp in Vietnam in 1972. The primary protagonist, Corporal Nick Castle, a rich boy soldier, is introduced with his three team mate doorgunners: ‘farm boy’ Dooley, imposing Mr. C. T. Barnes and bitterly angry Frankie. Their commander, Colonel ‘Mad Jack’ Rugg, advises Nick that a London news reporter, Trevor Ames, has been flown in to interview the team in a last ditch effort to raise awareness and funding. Ames ends up convincing the Colonel to let him fly on one of the helicopters to make a supply drop to a MASH unit and then a quick patrol. The lives of all of these men are greatly impacted when the routine run ends up in an emergency rescue of a unit under enemy attack.

C.T. Barnes got religion during his tour of duty and shares the message with Nick while he is recovering from injuries. When they returned to the States C. T. became the security chief in Nick’s family business, Castle Industries. Thirty-eight years later Castle Industries is on the edge of a corporate take over. Nick won’t give in to the ruthless demands but he doesn’t see a way to save the company either. Yet, he prays and trusts God to handle the situation.

A few days later Nick and C. T. are in church with their families when a disembodied voice speaks out the words “This Week”. This occurs not only in their church but all over the world. Many believe this to be a message from God announcing His return. Nick and C. T. determine that they must find the three team mates from their unit, as well as their commander and even Trevor Ames, to bring them the message of salvation before it is too late. Thus begins a fast track race to locate the men and reach them with the hopes of seeing acceptance and grace worked in each life.

While Nick and C. T. are intent on their mission their families and church at home are receiving unwanted attention. There is a very evil servant of Satan who seeks to wreck havoc at Nick’s church.

This wasn’t quite what I expected but I enjoyed the quick pace of the novel and the encouraging message with miracle responses. The plot line encourages me, and hopefully other believers, to be ready to share the gospel and not wait until the final hour. The story has good intensity and emotion. The results seemed almost too easy, so not quite real. But God is certainly able to work in such a fashion and that is part of what make this an uplifting book and enjoyable reading.

This was a book I won a while back.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for cassette audio book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 12, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 12, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.