Mailbox Monday August 11, 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 didn't get to post this Sunday night or Monday morning but I am posting it on Monday night. :-)
I didn't get any review books last week but I downloaded the 13th pair of SYNC audios and downloaded two ebooks from NoiseTrade. I also purchased four Kindle $.99 Kindle titles and picked up many free kindle titles.

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

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

None

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased four $.99 cent Kindle titles that caught my eye. Two are post-apocalyptic and two are authors I like.



Aftermath (Invasion of the Dead, BOOK 1)
Owen Baillie, Monique Happy

EDEN

Dean Crawford

Riding High (Sons of Chance)
Vicki Lewis Thompson

Dreamer (Highland Treasure Trilogy Book 1)

May McGoldrick

Free

I got this week's duo from SYNC YA  -week 13 - Against All Odds:

LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS
By Ben Lesser
Read by Jonathan Silverman
    & Ben Lesser
Published by Remembrance
    Publishing

In this true story, the listener will hear how an ordinary human being — an innocent child — not only survived the Nazi Nightmare but achieved the American Dream.

THE SHAWL

By Cynthia Ozick

Read by Yelena Shmulenson

Published by HighBridge Audio

A woman named Rosa watches a concentration camp guard murder her daughter. And there is a shawl — a shawl that can sustain a starving child or inadvertently destroy her, or even magically conjure her back to life.

Free From NoiseTrade through notice from my wonderful son who appreciates that I love to read:

Seeking Sirius 
by Laurie Edwards Reminick

Warrior In Pink
by Vivian Mabun

Plus I downloaded another 50 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? August 11, 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 another good week. Tonight we had a special 2 and 1/2 hour service so I am late getting this up.

Reading and listening was good. I was glad to complete four book reviews with two print giveaways and one tour giveaway. 
I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did a little visiting early in the week, but again not as much as I would like to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? August 4, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday August 4, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: Lightning Fall, A Novel of Disaster by Bill Quick; Science Fiction, Apocalyptic Thriller; my rating 4.25.  

• Book Review and Tour $25.00 Giveaway: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison; YA Fantasy, Thriller; my rating 4.5.  Open Worldwide. Ends 8/24/14.

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Lady's Maid, Prairie Dreams by Susan Page Davis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. Open US. Ends 8/17/14.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 8, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 8/14/14.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Romance Rides the Range (Romance Rider Series #1) by Coleen L. Reese; Historical Romance, Christian Romance; my rating 4.25. Open US. Ends 8/17/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #163 Comment Giveaway 8/9/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 8/16/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 10, 2014.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos
by Janette Rallison
This is a YA love triangle with strong characters and a different plotline.
My review and a tour giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Romance Rides the Range (Truly Yours Digital Editions)
Colleen L. Reece
This is a sweet historical romance and an easy read.
My review and the print giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson,
Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Another fun and entertaining installment in this sassy series. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston.
This author really does high action suspense!
This is another good mystery. I'll post my review this coming week.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks
I really enjoyed this Audio from my own Audible Library.
I hope to post a review this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen’s points of view with humor, intrigue, and waves of romance.

2. Audible/MP3

Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
By A. American
Narrated By Duke Fontaine
Series: Survivalist, Book 4
I am enjoying the continuation of this series.
This is also from my own Audible Library.
Release Date: 06-24-14
Morgan Carter has weathered the weeks after the collapse of the nation's power grid, reuniting with his family and ensuring their safety, but his struggle isn't over yet. Carter must focus on survival in an increasingly unstable society - but the challenges he faces are beyond his wildest imagination. Meanwhile, the enclosed quarters of the nearby government-run refugee camp make for an environment where injury, assault and murder are the norm.

3. Audio/MP3

Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/13/14
I am looking forward to finishing this series.
I received this download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Summary:
Emma and Galen’s kingdom—and their love—is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks’ bestselling trilogy.
Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together—alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.
Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.
In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.
© 2014 by Anna Banks

4.  eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf
by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel
I picked this up to read through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Navy SEAL Team Six commando Don Mann infuses his debut military thriller with the real-life details only a true insider can reveal.
In the midst of a grueling training exercise, Thomas Crocker, USN, unearths a pocket of terrorism that leads straight from the slopes of K2 to the cities of Europe and the Middle East. Crocker and his team, who are trained for the most intense kinds of combat in the most extreme environments, must blaze through a perilous web of terrorist cells to track down a ruthless sheikh who is running an international kidnapping ring before his captives pay the ultimate price.
HUNT THE WOLF is an adrenaline-packed novel sure to appeal to fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, featuring the world's most elite soldiers and based on the experiences of renowned SEAL Team 6 commando Don Mann.

I am one 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:
We are still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward.  I hope to read a few of my own TBRs this month. 
I completed four reviews last week. I expect to post at least three this week.  

August Scheduled -

NetGalley - June Picks to be read in June/July/August:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel (Mulholland Books) (reading)
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)

Authors:

From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There are several other Bundles available now.
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
Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3 by Anna Banks

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 August 10, 2014

This morning was interesting. Both our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor had worked on preparing their lesson/sermon but God did not let either of them complete their plans. Instead, they both were open to allow the Spirit to move. In Sunday School we discussed the events occurring in Iraq where ISIS terrorists are killing Christians, including the unspeakable evil of brutally beheading little children. We are beyond distressed by these events and some people may question “Where is God?”  Yet we know that God is in control. We must PRAY that the Christians remain strong and trust in God.

Pastor’s message was in the same vein. He asked us to focus on Jesus and trust in God. We are to PRAY for the circumstances; pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world.  But we should not dwell on the trials and not wallow in sorrow. In times of trial and tragedy falling apart does not help. We must stand and declare God’s faithfulness, declare faith in God’s word. God is Love; He loves each of us. We are all the same. We all have hearts that can be broken, hearts that need love and hearts that need to know that God is with each of us. 1 John 4:4-8, 15-19.

I wasn't sure what song video to look for.
I put in "God is in Control" and this fitting video was listed:

God IS In Control!

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

“Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 GW)

I am praying for my brothers and sisters around the world. Lord please help me stay focused on the important things - Trusting You and sharing Your good news.

Sharing Beyond Books #163 Comment Giveaway August 9, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We had a nice visit with family and friends by the pool early in the day. Then again for dinner after I came back from work. I'm tired now and heading to bed shortly.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
We are equally split on using the library. Seven of us do not use the library, several mentioned because it was so small and limited. The other seven love the library and are happy to get to use it. .

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #162 comments is: #6 Marjorie 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 #163 (One Question.)

Q1. Elizabeth asks (from August 2013): When do schools start again in your country??

A: Our schools are starting this Friday and next Monday. I think my three grandchildren who live here are looking forward to it - mostly. :-)

I like that READ is prominent in this sign.
Image found at Whimsically Detailed.

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. Elizabeth asks (from August 2013): When do schools start again in your country??

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 August 16, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Romance Rides the Range (Romance Rider Series #1) by Colleen L. Reece

This is a lovely, sweet romance showing characters who trust in God’s faithfulness.

Romance Rides the Range (Romance Rider Series #1)
by Colleen L. Reece

• Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (April 28, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-1602608955

Genre: Christian Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Sarah doesn’t dare look back . . .
Sarah Anderson refuses to become a drudge for her stepfather and his unruly children after her mother dies in 1882. Neither will she become a pawn for his indebtedness to a riverboat gambler. Sarah escapes from her Missouri home and heads for California to find her brother Seth, trusting God to keep her safe on the perilous journey west.
Matt Sterling rescued Seth from danger and taught him to become a top hand on the Sterling ranch near Madera. Betrayed by one selfish girl, Matt has vowed the San Joaquin River will run dry before he ever gets involved with another woman. He’s better off fighting cattle rustlers, floods and drought to make his spread one of the finest in the valley.

Is love's long lasso strong enough to overcome obstacles and rope in the runaway girl and the once-bitten, twice-shy rancher?

Review:
Sarah, a girl of sixteen, is grieving the death of her faithful mother. She is troubled by her rough, drunken stepfather, Gus, who has used her mother to care for his four unruly children and now expects Sarah to do the same. That expectation pales when Sarah learns that Gus has agreed to give her into marriage in exchange for his gambling debts to the slick, wealthy owner of the River Queen.

Sarah has always dreamed of having a marriage blessed by God like the example she saw in her parents. She believes that God is encouraging her to escape and make her way west to the safety of her brother, Seth. Seth left home a few years before to get away from Gus. He has written to Sarah in secret telling her of his life as a cowboy working under a Godly boss, Matthew Sterling. Seth even sent a picture of himself with Matthew and Sarah has been encouraged by dreams that maybe Matthew would be the Godly mate for her.

Seth also shared a picture of his younger sister with Matt. Matt has been reluctant to seek female friendship since being betrayed a few years earlier. Yet Matt is impressed with Seth’s hard work and Christian foundation and there is no escaping the beauty Matt sees in the picture of a young, innocent Sarah.

Can Sarah make it safely from Missouri to California to stay out of the hands of Gus and her would be fiance? She is sure God has a plan for her but does that plan include Matthew?

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Sarah is a young girl with a strong, determined faith that God will keep her from harm. But that doesn’t mean she will fall into the arms of a handsome rancher to protect her. She is obedient to seek God’s will even if that means working to support herself. Matt is a well respected man of integrity and high morals. Although Seth and Matt have one bitter enemy in town, most of the supporting characters are lovely, hard working men and women.

The author shares appropriate scripture that fits into the circumstances of the characters so it does not come across as preachy.  The writing is direct and simple, making this story an easy, quick read. The message of trust and God’s faithfulness is lovingly presented. My friends in Ladies’ Book club enjoyed the story too. We would be glad to read more stories by Ms. Reece.

I purchased and read this book for Ladies' Book Club meeting 8/2.

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 Page at FF and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 17, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 17, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.