Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 3, 2015

Happy Friday - I'm going fishing! Not exactly but close. We are heading out in the RV with our daughter, s-i-l and three grandchildren. We'll be camping and doing some light site-seeing, maybe tubing and other summer activities. 
I've had a long week at work and unexpected no internet for two nights this week which put me behind in posting. I need to unwind and I don't know how much I will get online this weekend. So don't be alarmed if you don't see me back until Monday late. 

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

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.

Thank you to all who entered the June 26 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
Auto: bn100 gets Exclusive Anthology

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 26 Pick:
Carol L gets Dark Possession

Linda 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.}

I hope my Canadian friends had a lovely July 1 and Happy 4th to those of us in the USA!

Image found at Green County Public Library.

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor\
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tommow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


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

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun


New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



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
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
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)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
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
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.


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
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 836+ 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!

Book Review and Blitz Giveaway: A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1) by Marilyn Pappano

This is a very enjoyable and beautiful small town romance with strong characters and an engaging storyline.
A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1)
by Marilyn Pappano

• File Size: 948 KB
• Print Length: 369 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455561568
• Publisher: Forever (June 30, 2015)
• Publication Date: June 30, 2015
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00O7X61GI
• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Sergeant First Class Avi Grant's return to Tallgrass, Oklahoma is a long-deferred wish come true. With her final tour in Afghanistan over, Avi can focus on her future-a job here at home and a family of her own. There's just one thing she has to do first: visit her beloved commanding officer's widow and share her grief. The last thing she expected was to feel an instant attraction to the woman's son. Too bad the sexy surgeon is impossible to ignore . . . and even harder to resist.
The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?

Review:
Avi has been determined to be a career soldier since she was ten. She is twelve years in with eight to go. She has seen her share of war in hot spots and suffered the lose of comrades, friends and now the beloved commander who had originally inspired her as a child. She has come home to Tallgrass to visit her family and pay respects to her commander’s widow, Patricia. Avi plans to spend a few weeks before moving to Georgia to take up new duties.

Ben is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon in Tulsa, an hour drive away from Tallgrass. Ben was just a young teenager when his mother left the family to marry an army commander. His father lost interest in life and a hurting Ben was left to raise his younger sisters. He is just starting to reconnect with his recently widowed mother, Patricia.

Lately Ben has been thinking about finding the right woman to start a family with. He is immediately interested in Avi even when she explains that she will only be around for a few weeks. She might not be “the one” but they can have a fabulous fling before she has to go. Neither one realizes that a light fling can turn into a love that will lead to heartbreak when they have to part. After all, Avi has to go where the Army sends her and Ben isn’t one to leave behind his family and career.

I really enjoyed these strong characters, their family and friends. Several side characters, especially Patricia, her neighbor, Lucy, and some dogs with personality added depth and side interests. The writing is clean and flowed very well with an uplifting view even in dealing with loss. Any reader who has lost a loved one, whether in war or other means, could relate to the war widows who gather as the Margarita Ladies. The romance is beautifully developed with lots of chemistry and mostly behind doors sex scenes. The connection is clear without graphic details. I was glued to the story to find out how the romance would end - apart or together?

There is an intermittent story thread of an unconnected character which was curious and not explained until the excerpt for the next book. That seemed an odd way to present another story but it works okay for me. This is the first story I have read by Ms. Pappano and I would be glad to read more of her work. The strong characters, small town interest and conflicted romance can be closely and favorably compared with the style of Robyn Carr. I recommend this book and this author as another “go-to” author for entertaining, contemporary, small town romance.

I received this title from Hachette for an honest review during Blitz Week. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge.

Buy the book!

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

GooglePlay

Kobo

BAM

About the author:

Known for her intensely emotional stories, Marilyn Pappano is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly eighty books. She has made regular appearances on bestseller lists and has received recognition for her work in the form of numerous awards. Though her husband's Navy career took them across the United States, he and Ms. Pappano now live in Oklahoma high on a hill that overlooks her hometown. They have one son and daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and a pack of mischievous dogs.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

EXCERPT:
 Outside, the sounds of children playing were louder, the splashes indicating that the kids across the street were enjoying one of the last swims of the summer. Avi and Ben walked silently to her car, parked in the driveway.
     She nestled the pie plate into the passenger seat, tucked her purse around to hold it in place, then closed the door before turning to him.
     So . . . Would he ask for her cell number? Offer his? Make firm plans to see her again before driving away?
     For the first time in a long time, the answers mattered.
     Linking his fingers with hers, he pulled her to the driver’s side of the car, then stood, invading her personal She liked it.
     “Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?”
     Yes! “Not a single one.”
     He combed his fingers through his hair. “Would you like to go out to dinner?”
     She wanted to blurt out the affirmative as quickly as it had echoed in her head, but he went on. “You would have to drive to Tulsa. Tuesday is surgery day, so if I come here, I can’t get here before seven, and I’ll have to head back before nine.”
     Drive to Tulsa? An hour or less. No big deal. She’d had commutes between apartments and forts that took longer, and that was just to work. An evening with Ben was such a nicer payoff. “I don’t mind.”
     “I usually get out of clinic around six. We could meet at my house around six thirty?”
     A smile spread across her face. “I can handle that.”
     “Good.” He wasn’t smiling, but his eyes showed something just as encouraging. Relief, maybe, or satisfaction. Hmm. She could show him satisfaction.
     He leaned closer, just slightly, and lowered his voice. “I’d kiss you good night, but we have an audience.”
     Glancing over her shoulder toward the house, she caught just a glimpse of Patricia before the blinds at the living room window settled. Looking back at Ben, she smiled. “Kiss me anyway.”
     He closed the last of the distance between them, lowering his mouth to hers, giving her a sweet, gentle, tender kiss that set her blood on fire. It was impressive and surprising and just a bit scary, considering she’d had tons of kisses that were a whole lot more passionate and evoked a whole lot less of a response.
     When he lifted his head, her fingers curled, wanting to wrap around the back of his neck and pull him down again. Her heart skipped a beat or two, and something deep inside her felt deprived.
     In the dim light, Ben looked impressed and surprised and a bit scared, too. For a moment, he stared at her, all intense and searching, then he gave a rueful shake of his head. Stepping back, he asked for her cell phone, input his number, and texted it to himself to get her number.
     “Six thirty,” he said when he handed it back, his voice rough-edged. “I’ll send you the address.”
     “I’ll be there.”

GIVEAWAY

ONE PRINT COPY (US/Canada only). Graciously provided by the publisher.

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 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,

OR

(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there

* This contest is open to US/Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 11, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 11, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr

This is a lovely reading experience!
My apologies to the tour and blog followers for being late with this post. We were without internet for the past two nights and my work day left me no time to get online for blog time.

A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr

File Size: 761 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: MIRA (July 1, 2015)
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
ASIN: B00S4ZH4XY
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Review:
Ginger had fallen under the spell of a second rate musician who warned her he wasn’t really the settling down type. She worked hard but the marriage failed and she suffered more than just the lose of a self-centered husband; she lost a child too. Ginger moved to Thunder Point to get a new start and to regroup from the emotional losses. She finds herself enjoying new friends in a warm community although she has no plans to try romance again for years.

Matt got married in a fever. It took a little less than a year to learn that their chemistry wouldn't survive their different goals and life styles. Matt spent the next year running through women and figuring it would be a long time before he risked marriage again.

Matt met Ginger at his sister’s wedding when he was drunk and practically groped her. His apology dinner turns out well and they quickly find they enjoy being friends with long, late-night phone calls and visits to share time. Soon they each have to decide if they are willing to risk their hearts to share more than friendship.

This is a strong romance for Ginger and Matt plus the reader gets to enjoy more romance with two other newly wed couples. The characters are well developed, the dialogue is natural and the smooth pacing makes for easy reading. The romances are sweet, conflicted and with just the right touch of sizzle. There are details of work and local interests that add to the story.

In my opinion Robyn Carr is in the top of the writer field when it comes to contemporary, small town romance. Her characters are real and there are always true to life problems and emotions to overcome. Ms. Carr describes human relationships with such insight and feeling that I have to wonder if she has studied psychology. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of small town, family drama and relationships, but when I am in the mood, I know I can pick up a Robyn Carr novel and enjoy a lovely reading experience.

This is part of a series but read fine as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book, and this author, for a touching, uplifting read.

I received this title as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour, to post an honest review with Giveaway. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

GIVEAWAY

ONE PRINT COPY (US only). Graciously provided by the tour.

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 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,

OR

(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 11, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 11, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 29, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! Sheila is reading and reviewing a bit. I continue to pray for her family.


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 to get a new fuel pump on my car at the beginning of the week. The rest of the week was steady busy.

I had a good reading/listening week. I finished two audios and two ebooks.  I posted three reviews  and the usual memes.

I got to visit early in the week but the internet was wonky the rest of the week. (It is giving me fits today as I try to prepare this post. We get a new internet tomorrow and I hope that helps.)
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 June 22, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen ; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery) by Anya Wylde; Humorous, Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review: Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 26, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/2/2015.

• Book Blitz with Giveaway! Alive at 5 by Linda Bond.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 28, 2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #209 Comment Giveaway for 6/27/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 7/4/2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel
Written by: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
I really enjoyed this mystery.
I will get a review posted soon.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Judas the Apostle
by Van Mayhall Jr.
The later part of the book did pick up. 
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr
This is a lovely romance.
I will post a review and giveaway on June 30
as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
Written by: Maria Goodavage
Narrated by: Neil Shah
This is a wonderful story!
I picked this up as a Daily Deal recently at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of Soldier DogsTop Dog, Maria Goodavage takes listeners into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond developed between Lucca and Marine Corps handler Chris Willingham, launching what became a legendary 400-mission career. A Specialized Search Dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry. She and Willingham became so sought-after that units scheduled missions around their availability.
The audiobook describes in gritty detail the team’s adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and firefights as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately, we see how the bond between Lucca and Willingham overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas this violence ignites. Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heart-warming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military listeners.
©2014 Maria Goodavage and Christopher Elden Willingham (P)2014 Recorded Books

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1)
by Marilyn Pappano
10% in - I am enjoying the beginning of this.
Review and Giveaway, through Hachette, to post July 2. 2015.
Sergeant First Class Avi Grant's return to Tallgrass, Oklahoma is a long-deferred wish come true. With her final tour in Afghanistan over, Avi can focus on her future-a job here at home and a family of her own. There's just one thing she has to do first: visit her beloved commanding officer's widow and share her grief. The last thing she expected was to feel an instant attraction to the woman's son. Too bad the sexy surgeon is impossible to ignore . . . and even harder to resist.
The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?

2. Audible

The Lost Starship
Written by: Vaughn Heppner
Narrated by: David Stifel
I am becoming engaged by this with an hour in.
I received this audible from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Ten thousand years ago, a single alien super-ship survived a desperate battle. The vessel's dying crew set the AI on automatic to defend the smashed rubble of their planet. Legend has it the faithful ship continues to patrol the empty battlefield, obeying its last order throughout the lonely centuries.
In the here and now, Earth needs a miracle. Out of the Beyond invade the New Men, stronger, faster and smarter than the old. Their superior warships and advanced technology destroy every fleet sent to stop them. Their spies have infiltrated the government and traitors plague Earth's military.
Captain Maddox of Star Watch Intelligence wonders if the ancient legend could be true. Would such an old starship be able to face the technology of the New Men? On the run from killers, Maddox searches for a group of talented misfits. He seeks Keith Maker, a drunken ex-strikefighter ace, Doctor Dana Rich the clone thief stuck on a prison planet and Lieutenant Valerie Noonan, the only person to have faced the New Men in battle and survived to tell about it.
Maddox has to find a place hidden in the Beyond and bring back a ship no one can enter. If he fails, the New Men will replace the old. If he succeeds, humanity might just have a fighting chance...
©2014 Vaughn Heppner (P)2014 Vaughn Heppner

3. eBook/Kindle

Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever
by James Richey
I received this title from iReads for review on July 9.
Jaxon Tagget is a cattle-rancher's son, born and raised on the Double T, just outside of Dillon, Montana. In love with his high-school sweetheart, Annie, Jaxon proposes on graduation night, presenting her with a wedding ring made from gold he mined himself. Annie accepts immediately, to the horror of her bitter, man-hating mother.
Jaxon's a wonderful husband, but the warnings of Annie's mother linger in the young bride's ears. And it doesn't help that women continue to fall all over the markedly handsome Jaxon.
Unaware of his wife's persistent doubts, Jaxon is struggling with his own troubles when he finds out his dad is sorely in need of money to save the ranch. But hope glimmers gold when he rediscovers the old mine on the Double T.
While Jaxon travels to verify the mine's productivity, Annie grows increasingly suspicious. Is Jaxon's absence what it seems, or does he have another, less faithful reason for his travels? When Annie sees a picture of the beautiful laboratory owner whom Jaxon is visiting, she's sure the only gold he's interested in is long, blond hair. Is Annie right, or will it be her doubts that forever sever their Two Hearts?

4. Print

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation
By: Jack Countryman
I enjoyed my third week in this daily reading. The quotes from our founding fathers are particularly interesting at this time.
If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Click on book title for full description.

June/1/15- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. 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.

June:
6/30 A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr

I posted three reviews last week but I may have five books for this week.
I am back to six books at NetGalley with a couple more requested.
I guess I will have to post a TBR eBook to next 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 this week from NetGalley and requested some others that are not received yet.
I did purchase two eBooks that I want to read and I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC.
And -- as usual, 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

I received this title from Hachette for Review and Giveaway on July 2, 2015. 

A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1)
by Marilyn Pappano
(See info under Currently Reading above)

Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
Written by: Maria Goodavage
(See info under Currently Reading above)

I picked these two titles at NetGalley:

Dark Horse
by Michelle Diener
"Some secrets carry the weight of the world."

A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2
by Justin Woolley
"The battle was only the beginning; the real danger is beyond the fence ..."

Won

None.

Purchased

These are two audio titles that I selected with my monthly Audible credits:


1. Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 
by J. D. Robb 
Time for another Eve Dallas mystery.

2. 14
by Peter Clines
This Sci Fi sounds good and has good reviews.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Seven.

 
Monster 
by Walter Dean Myers 
Read by A Full Cast

Lord of the Flies
by William Golding
Read by William Golding

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.

Sharing Beyond Books #209 Comment Giveaway for June 27, 2015

Hello again on Saturday Sunday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! (I couldn't get the internet to open last night and had to switch browsers today. I still am having slow response. My DH has ordered a system upgrade which will start next week. We'll see if that helps.)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Seven commenters would try a book by a favorite author, especially if the story is in the genre they like. A couple of those might try the book through the library which is a good solution. Four people would always try a book from a favorite author. Linda has found that she enjoyed such a book. Four others would not try the book if it did not appeal to them. Fredamans feels they deserve a chance.

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The regular Winner from SBB #208 comments is: #3 Sue 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 #209 (One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Q1 What is your dream vacation location??

A: We get to travel a bit and we enjoy variety. We did one Viking River Cruise that was wonderful and I would love to do another. However, my husband and I have often talked about a long railway sightseeing trip. They are just too expensive. So more realistically it would be lovely to set up a month travel in our motorcoach. A month is hard for me but easier now with internet options.

Image found at Vacations by Rail.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if  you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

The four contributors in June were: Becky, nrlymrtl, bn100 and Elizabeth. Random.org picked 1 so Becky gets to pick a book.

Your turn to share:
Elizabeth asks: Q1 What is your dream vacation location??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 4, 2015 at 5 PM  central.