It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 2, 2015

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.

Happy February everyone! Do you feel love in the air?
I am still short handed at work and staying busy. I expect a very busy weekend as I have four events scheduled for next Saturday which will keep me hopping. I will be spending some time Thursday and Friday getting ready for a Women's Club yard sale.
At church I will have first Saturday of the month prayer, then book club and lunch for Secret Sister reveal. All should be good and fun.

Reading was good this week. I finished three books and am almost done my audio too.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes. 

I only visited a little bit last week as I was a bit tired when I came home each night and have been getting to be early to get up early. I hope to some more visiting this 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? Plus Mailbox Monday January 26, 2015.

• Book Review: Starship Blackbeard by Michael Wallace; Sci Fi, Action Adventure; my rating 4.75.

• Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 30, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/5/15.

• Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria; Political Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #188 Comment Giveaway 1/31/15. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/7/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 1, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Founders' Plot
by Frank Victoria
I loved the constitutional and immigration issues 
featured in this story. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
This is an interesting take on 'end of the world' as you know it. I will post the review this week.
I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig
Another good fast paced action story in this series.
I will post the review this week
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audio/ MP4

Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren
I received this through the SYNC Audio Program 
in August, 2013.
I am enjoying this twisted fairytale and will soon finish.
Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
It isn't easy being Sunday's child, not when you're the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true. When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical.
One night, Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland - and a man Sunday's family despises. The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction to this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?
©2012 Alethea Kontis; (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle

Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1
(The Men of the Texas Rangers series)
by Margaret Daley
I picked this book up for my Ladies Book Club
which meets 2/7/15.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup
(Book #4 in Templars in America Series)
by David S. Brody
This sounds like a good adventure I am looking forward to reading it.
I received this from New Shelves Distribution.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2014
A mysterious race of North American giants.
An ancient Hebrew inscription in a Cherokee burial mound.
A blood oath made by blindfolded Freemasons.
Are these three historical oddities the reason the CIA is trying to brainwash historian Cameron Thorne and his fiancée Amanda Spencer-Gunn? The answer lies buried in the legends of the Knights Templar, within the rituals of the secretive Freemasons and, most significantly of all, inside the bowels of the Smithsonian Institution. The problem for Cam and Amanda? If they go rummaging around the Smithsonian, they may find themselves buried alongside the ancient giants.

4.eBook/Kindle

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne
This is my last NetGalley selection from 2014
and the last (maybe?) Christmas read for a few months. :-)
Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright.
Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!
Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.

I will probably pick out another Audio before the week ends but I haven't chosen yet.

A Touch of Nerves
by Dennis Hampton
This is on hold until I can get a proper conversion.
Click on book title for full description.

I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
2/2/15 Romance In the Air Giveaway 
2/7/15   Ladies Book Club: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 (The Men of the Texas Rangers series) by Margaret Daley (reading)
2/17/15 Rock Star PR Tour/Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I have two reviews to complete from this week so I am still up to date.
I am reading one NetGalley title this week and have three or four more for this month. 
I also have one more ebook from publicist to get to and some author titles I expect to get to this month.

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 received one review title and three through NetGalley.
I downloaded many more free kindle titles to my library
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from Rock Star PR for February 17, 2015 review.

Accept This Dandelion 

Brooke Williams

A bumbling young journalist seeking a to be a show host 

participates in a local TV version of The Bachelor.

I visited NetGalley last weekend so I have some new titles there. :-)


Monday's Lie
Jamie Mason
"...[A] new thriller about a woman who digs into her unconventional past to confirm what she suspects: her husband isn't what she thought he was."

The Last Heiress 

Mary Ellis 

"...{Ii]tertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant 

caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States."

(For March reading)

The Fire Sermon

Francesca Haig

"The Hunger Games meets Cormac McCarthy’s The Road in this richly imagined first novel in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy by award-winning poet Francesca Haig."

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

***I was invited to a new book recommendation site that might interest many other avid readers:
Ignite Your Book.Ignite Your Book was designed to be a great place for readers and authors to come together over amazing deals on fantastic eBooks!***

Over the past week I added 200! free Kindle titles to my library. (I found a new site through a FB link but failed to note it!) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 1, 2015

This morning we began a study of Romans in Sunday School. It is impressive that Paul introduces himself first as “a servant.” As we all should be.
We had a beautiful worship and prayer service. Pastor stopped the service to call people forward who were struggling to forgive from both the heart and head. There were several messages in tongues with interpretation. This is a message on Forgiveness:

I AM God Almighty! Are you not all sinners, falling short of the righteousness I created you to? No one is better than another. I gave my own beloved Son to shed His blood to cover your sin and redeem you. When you accept Him you accept the forgiveness that I promise. Your debt is paid; your sins are washed clean and forgotten.
How can you hold a grudge against your brother or sister? How do you dare such arrogance? If I can forgive you, should you not forgive them? Your failure to forgive only builds anger, bitterness and poison within yourself. It keeps you from peace. Let go the grudge; lay it down before me. I love you my children - unconditionally. I desire that you learn to share my love - unconditionally - to each other. Let me set you free and give you peace. Share in the Power of my Love.

Wow - I found this song that fits so beautifully!

(The inspiration for this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9J6xOT3Ldw)

A Verse for Today:
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Lord, I thank you for your awesome presence in our service this morning. I pray for healing (physically and spiritually) and stregnth for those on our prayer list and your children everywhere.

Sharing Beyond Books #188 Comment Giveaway January 31, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

This has been another busy week for me at work with staff out. Fortunately, it hasn't been stressful, just sort of tiring. I got some good reading in that made it nice. I hope everyone else had a good week personally and reading!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

There were similar responses and some unique replies too for what makes us try a new author. Those mentioned in order of most to least were: a) the blurb or summary, b) reviews on blogs, Goodreads and Amazon, recommendations and word of mouth, c) enticing cover, and d) genre. Also mentioned by individuals were: price, author interviews, accessibility (library), won in giveaway, no errors on packaging/blurb, recognition of author through social media, excerpts and teasers.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #187 comments is: #3 Miss Meagan Marie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #188 (One Question.)

Q1. My question this week:  Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

A: I do belong to many Yahoo Groups, all book or author groups, which I signed up for about six years ago and visited much more often before I began blogging. (I was even a moderator of a couple back then.) Now I only visit a handful rarely, not even once a month. I get the digests but usually delete them without looking at them. Time is just too limited.

 Image found at PartyPlan Divas.

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.
The contributors for four weeks of January were: Alyn, nrlymrtl, miki and MaryP. Random pick was #4 so MaryP gets a GC. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. My question: Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 February 7, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria

I loved the constitutional and immigration issue discussions in this book.
The Founders' Plot
by Frank Victoria

File Size: 406 KB

• Print Length: 192 pages
• Publisher: Frank M. Victoria; Limited edition (June 1, 2012)
• ASIN: B0088DBQ8Q
• Genre: Political Thriller
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
When California Governor Michael J. DiGrasso pushes through a tough immigration law, the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional, but the decorated Vietnam veteran refuses to accept the ruling. This ignites a clash between federal, state, and judicial power that threatens to jar the country’s political and justice systems. And it leaves the governor’s long-time friend, President of the United States, Martin W. Ballard, with the decision of whether to federalize the California National Guard to enforce the Court’s order.Tension increases when Elizabeth Stern, a savvy member of the opposition party tries to ram through a new immigration law that will pass judicial review. An expert in back room legislative machinations, she’ll go to any length to force the governor to obey the Court decision, and her devious maneuvers throw DiGrasso’s personal and professional life into turmoil.One sub-plot involves DiGrasso’s close personal friend, Congressman Manuel Mendoza, who is indicted for taking bribes. Another concerns two Mexican families in the country illegally and the tragedies that befall them because of the new immigration law.The unfolding of these interwoven events creates a tense, fast-paced thriller that parallels the current tumult over illegal immigration and the on-going debate on Constitutional interpretation that will leave readers craving for the eventual outcome.

Review:
Michael (Mike) J. DiGrasso was elected as Governor of California on a platform promoting a tough immigration law. He gets a strong law passed by a favorable legislature but then has to struggle to enforce it especially as sanctuary city mayors resent the law. A bigger issue arises when the law is challenged and the appeal process results in the US Supreme Court declaring the law unconstitutional. Mike has determined that the Supreme Court has overstepped its function and he refuses to abide by their ruling.

A particularly determined Senate Minority leader is intent on bringing down the Governor by any means possible. First they will try to race through a more lenient immigration bill that will not be overturned. Second they will seek impeachment. All of this stress creates tension between Mike and his wife, including the fact that the opposition is willing to stoop to blackmail with a past indiscretion.

Meanwhile Carlos and his friend, Julio, are concerned about Carlos and his family being deported to Mexico. They have managed to make good money including owning the apartment building where they live. Carlos has also earned significant funds by participating in an illegal activity. Although Carlos wants to stop this activity, his superiors are not going to take that nicely.

I loved the first half of this book that expounds on the history of the American founders, the separation of government powers, constitutional issues, government finagling and, most importantly, examples of the Supreme Court improperly stepping into the legislative realm through court orders. The description of difficulties for government dealing with illegal immigrants and for the problems the people face personally were also very interesting. I liked the secret plot that supports the title.

The second half of the book lost some momentum as it turned into more personal drama. The story followed personal issues of Mike, especially after he was the victim of an assassin attempt. The author also followed family and work problems faced by Carlos and his friends. The author did wrap up details at the end even though it felt a bit forced and incomplete.

The writing had a good flow with better pacing in the first half and drama in the second. There was good individual character development with some normal and unusual quirks. The final result was engaging although I would have liked it better if it had stayed more with the political and social issues instead of diverging into the drama issues. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys constitutional issues and stories involving political and personal effects of immigration issues.

I received this from New Shelves Distribution for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 30, 2015

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

Yikes - It's Friday Again! It's been another busy week - court hearings and closings. I hope everyone is looking forward to the LOVEly month of February!
(I didn't get to pull new books this week but I plan to do it Saturday. Books are pulled but we are still behind in mailing as I am still down one staff person and my right hand lady (my daughter) has to be out tomorrow for an abscess.) 

[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 January 23 Pick. There were two 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 two titles blocked.
Rita  gets 'Til There Was You
Brooke gets the Elysa Hendricks Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 23 Pick:
Betty gets The Ladies Lunch

YunA 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.}

Pretty New books announced with Pretty stained glass!

Image found at Pinterest from freshlymintedlibrarian.wordpress.com

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014

PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner



New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014
SINGLES:
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain

New Book Group #41-45 ---(All gone)

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

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 #33-35 --- (All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
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)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #24-28 ---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #18-22 ---(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 five years I have posted 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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 758+ 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 #12-15---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2-6(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8---(All gone)

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)