It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 23, 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.

This past week was busy and enjoyable. 

I thought I had done more reading but only finished two books. Still, I am well into two more.  
I posted three reviews and the usual memes. 

I visited some bogs early in the week and more at the end of the 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 February 16, 2015.

• Book Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #190 Comment Giveaway February 17, 2015 (delayed from 2/14/15); Open Worldwide, Ends 2/21/15.

• Book Review: The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup by David S. Brody; Mystery, Historical Theories; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 20, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/26/15.

• Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #191 Comment Giveaway February 21, 2015; Open Worldwide, Ends 2/28/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 22, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:
1.eBook/Kindle

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne
I enjoyed this light, character driven romance.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery
Written by: James R. Callan
Narrated by: Jonathan Mumm
This is a good mystery story.
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

What a Devilish Duke Desires
by Vicky Dreiling
I am 70% of the way completing this charming Historical Romance for review and giveaway to post 2/24.
Click on book title for full description.
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

2. Audible/MP4

Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1
Written by: Peggy Martinez
Narrated by: Amanda C. Miller
I am mid-way in this
interesting time warp fantasy.
I received this title for review 
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)
by Jillian Hart
I have had this title in my Kindle library as a free book since 2009.
Steeple Hill (February 12, 2008)
Book Description
Montana Territory in 1883 was a dangerous place—especially for a blind woman struggling to make her way through an early winter snowstorm. Undaunted, Noelle Kramer fought to remain independent. But then a runaway horse nearly plunged her into a rushing, ice-choked river, before a stranger's strong, sure hand saved her from certain death.
And yet this was no stranger. Though she could not know it, her rescuer was rancher Thad McKaslin, the man who had once loved her more than life itself. Losing her had shaken all his most deeply held beliefs. Now he wondered if the return of this strong woman was a sign that somehow he could find his way home.

4. Audible/MP4

Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11
Written by: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
This title has been in my Audible library since September, 2012.
I figure I should finish up the series.
Publisher's Summary
With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover, Eric Northman, and his "child", Pam, are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot - which is much more complicated than she knows.
Listen to more titles in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
©2011 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

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:
2/24/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I will have at least three, probably four reviews to complete from this week.
I wanted to read some from my TBR this week so I'll have to get back to reading NetGalley titles next week.

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 any review books this week but I did select three audible books, one free and two from my monthly subscription.
I downloaded 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

None

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)
I selected two Audible titles, both with 4.7 ratings, for my monthly subscription:



Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
By Laura Hillenbrand

History, adventure survivor story for a 1943 bomber who crashed into the Pacific ocean. 

The Martian

By Andy Weir

A thriller story of the first man on Mars being left for dead.

Free

I found this title free thanks to Faith, Hope & Cherry Tea - Also a 4.7 rating.

FREE: Classic Love Poems
By William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I remember years ago when I enjoyed an evening reading poetry.

Over the past week I added 46 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Encouragement February 22, 2015

God gave us a double message this morning from our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor. They had not discussed their preparations. I love when God works to confirm messages.

Our Sunday School teacher spoke on the doctrine of “Eternal Salvation”. Specifically he compared the basic principles of Calvinism with the principles of Arminianism.
The tenents of Calvin are represented as “Tulip”:
• Total depravity - no hope.
• Unconditional election - only God selects; man has no choice.
• Limited atonement - Christ died on the cross only for those God selected.
• Irresistible grace - You have no chose as you will be saved if you are chosen. Therefore the salvation is “irresistible”.
• Perseverance of saints - you are secure because you are chosen.
Arminianism proports the argument of ‘free will’. The free will of an individual is not enslaved to salvation but must choose to accept God's salvation by faith. The counter positions to Calvinism are:
• Partial depravity - Man has goodness in his character as well as evil; there is hope through faith.
• Predestination is only due to fore knowledgee of who will choose to accept salvation; but not who is chosen by God.
• Unlimited atonement for all - God wants “no one” to perish; salvation is offered to “whomsoever” would come (John 3:16).
• Grace may be rejected.
• A believer can fall away.
Romans 8: 38-39 says that ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’...that is God’s unconditional love, but not salvation.
(There are many supporting scriptures which I am having emailed to me.)

Our Pastor’s sermon was entitled: “Security of Salvation”.
The grace of God gives us assurance. Our Salvation is based on our faith but a person can chose to live in sin and reject grace. Sin is powerful but not more powerful than God's grace. Grace should be working in you to grow righteousness, not working toward apathy or hardening of your heart.

The bottomline message from both: God chooses all people, but we have free will to accept the salvation that is offered. It is error to think that you can accept salvation and then choose to “live as you want”, even if it is sinful. Salvation requires faith and a sincere desire to want to be obedient to God. God knows and judges the secrets of our hearts.

We cannot always understand the doctrines that scholars argue about.
But we can know our Savior -- through faith!

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 3:13-14 NIV
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

I am so thankful that God chose me and even more thankful that I choose to believe that Christ died on the cross for my salvation, to redeem me to fellowship.

Sharing Beyond Books #191 Comment Giveaway February 21, 2015

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

I've had a rather fluctuating week with fluctuating weather. I had some very good court hearings but some changes and deadlines to meet too. Temperatures went from low of 24F degrees on Thursday morning to a high of 78F degrees today. I hope everyone else is having a good February with lots of hearts, flowers and love. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented during the short time this week.

Three commenters don't remember what books may have impacted them as early teens. Everyone else had different book choices. Several were impacted by classics including: The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit, Pride and Prejudice, Exodus, Jane Eyre, and the Tale of Two Cities. Others were impacted by some well known favorites like The Bobsey Twins, Cherry Ames (Nurse Series), The Mists of Avalon and Where Are the Children by prolific mystery wrtier, Mary Higgins Clark.  All great choices to encourage avid reading!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #190 0comments is: #1 MaryP who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) 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 #191 (One Question.)

Q1. Marjorie asks: If you find an author that you really like do you tend to buy all of their books??

A: A few years ago, before I began reviewing and this review blog, I did collect my favorite authors. I believe I have at least 56 books of one author. I have not collected books since 2009 since I have way too many books already and hardly get to read those collections!

Image found at Viralnova

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. Marjorie asks: If you find an author that you really like do you tend to buy all of their books??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 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 still 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 28, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis

This is a very sweet and engaging historical romance.
Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Narrated by: Reneé Raudman

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Irish Angel, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-01-10
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the first book of the Irish Angels series, we meet Laura Foster, a woman with the darkest of pasts, and Reverend Brand McCormick, a man with everything to lose by loving her. Having escaped a life she never chose, Laura Foster is finally living her dream. But even after four years of posing as a respectable widow in Glory, Texas, she is always afraid someone from her past might reveal her true identity.
Believing no man could love her if he knew the truth, Laura tries to resist Brand's courtship. His reputation would be shattered if Laura's former life is discovered. But it's not only Laura's past that threatens to bring him down - it's also his own. As they open their hearts to love and faith, will Laura and Brand find the depth and power of forgiveness from their community?
©2010 Jill Marie Landis; (P)2010 Zondervan

Review:
Laura Foster was a child, the oldest of four girls, when her parents came to America from Ireland. They settled in New Orleans but her father and mother died when she was only ten. The girls were taken in by their aunt and uncle...but not for long. The two younger girls were sent to an orphanage but the Laura and her 9 year old sister were sold to the owner of a brothel and separated. Laura had no way to save herself, much less keep her promise to take care of her younger sisters.

Years later Laura has managed to pull herself away from her past and remake herself as a respectable widow. She has operated a lovely boarding house in Glory, Texas for four years. Still, her past and shame press heavily on her and keep her in fear of exposure.

Reverand Brand McCormick has taken note how Laura is always gracious, kind, generous and willing to lend a helping hand to others in her community. He begins to court her even though she is resistant to his advances.

Suddenly the pastor is surprised by secrets from his own past which puts his standing in jeopardy. How can Laura risk exposing him to more difficulty with her own unsavory past?

I had not read a book by Jill Marie Landis for a few years and I had forgotten how I enjoy her writing. It is direct with an easy flow. The characters are warm and life-like with human flaws and problems. The villains are appropriately arrogant and nasty. There is wonderful, not always lovely, history showing hardships of the poor. This story has a lovely message speaking against those who judge others and how hard it can be to forgive ourselves even for things that we couldn’t control.

I would enjoy reading more in the series to discover what happened to Laura's sisters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a sweet, historical romance with Godly principles that can inspire.

Audio Notes: Reneé Raudman does a nice job with the narration. Nothing over the top but it is solid and made the listening easy.

This audiobook is from 2011 in my Audible library. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge, TBR Double Dog Dare, Winter Coyer and H on Alphabet Soup.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 20, 2015

Happy Colder Friday! I thought it was cold last Friday at 27 but today (Thursday) our low was 24! and Friday morning it may get down to 25F degrees again.  I guess I should just bundle and not complain since many Mid and NE states are below 0 and the lowest temperature on Thursday in the contiguous US was -42 at Cotton, MN. No wonder only 60 people live there.  I hope everyone is able to cozy up to a good book whether cold or hot across the globe!

TO ENTER:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late 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 without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the February 13 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 one title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 13 Pick:
Mary P gets a GC 

Linda gets Queen of Babble

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.}

Cuddle up with a good book!

Image found at Norfolk Reading Council.

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

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


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
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
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 769+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!