Sunday Post July 19, 2015 / It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 20, 2015

Sunday Post - It's Monday! is still not up and linking while Sheila finds her way after her family tragedy.
Kathryn at Date Book suggested linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. I guess I'll have to rename the post starting next week.

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.

We drove to Orlando on Wednesday to meet our son and d-i-l. They had two days in the Parks at Disney while we road the monorail and enjoyed visiting the hotels. We drove back with the kids on Saturday and stopped in Carrabelle to visit our daughter and her family as they use are RV during State baseball championship tournament this week. It was our daughter's birthday so we got to wish her a Happy Birthday in person. 

I enjoyed my reading/listening week. I finished two ebooks, one audio and a print devotional.  I posted three reviews, one with print giveaway. I did get the memes in this week, although a little delayed.. 

I got to visit a bit at the beginning of the week but not later due to family time and limited computer time.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 13, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: The Lost Starship by Vaughn Heppner; Sci Fi Adventure; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Friday Pick Giveaway July 17, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/23/2015.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 19, 2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #211 Comment Giveaway for July 18, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/25//2015.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1
by Justin Woolley
This was a surprise - entertaining. I'll post a review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
This Eve Dallas investigation is a bit sexually gritty but  still good entertainment.
I hope to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A Killer Past
by Maris Soule
This is a twisted, unique plotline.
I picked this up last minute from Novel Book Tour for a tour review on July 23.
When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own
Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.

4. Print

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation
By: Jack Countryman
I really enjoyed this 40 day devotional.
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.

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Sector 64: Ambush
Written by: Dean M. Cole
Narrated by: Mike Ortego
This is an engaging story with alien danger.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
**Huffington Post - IndieReader Best of 2014**
What happens to present-day Earth if friendly aliens take humanity under their wing?
What happens when their enemy becomes ours?
X-Files meet Independence Day when incredible events thrust Air Force Captains Jake Giard and Sandra Fitzpatrick into a decades-long global conspiracy to integrate humanity into a galactic government. However, as Jake finishes indoctrination into the program, it renders present-day Earth a disposable pawn in a galactic civil war.
Unknown aliens with a dark secret raid the planet.
Within and even below Washington DC, Jake fights through a post-apocalyptic hell, struggling to comprehend the enigmatic aftermath of the first attack. On the West Coast, Sandra's squadron smashes against the invading aliens. Thrown to ground, Sandy wades through blazing infernos and demented looters in a desperate attempt to save her family.
Finally, with the fate of the world in the balance, both captains must take the battle to the enemy--humanity's very survival hanging on their success....
Scroll up and grab a copy today.
©2014 Dean M. Cole (P)2014 Dean M. Cole

2. eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox
by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo
This got bumped for a book I am reviewing this week.
I look forward to enjoying it this week.
I selected this title through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A Curse of Ash and Iron
by Christine Norris
This sounds like a book I will enjoy.
I received this at NetGalley.
Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
She asks for his help, and he can't refuse. Even if he doesn't believe in 'real' magic, he can't abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother's death under the watchful and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year's Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.

June 1, 2015- 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.

July:
July 23: A Killer Past by Maris Soule Review on Tour

I posted three reviews last week and I have three so far for this week. 
I now have ten titles selected at NetGalley.
I really want to get to a TBR eBook in July as I didn't get to any in June.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I have to get my replies to several new author offered books this wee - that didn't happen while I was away. I added one review for tour this coming week and added four new NetGalley titles.
I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC and I added 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

A Killer Past
by Maris Soule
I picked this up last minute from Novel Book Tour for a review on July 23. (See information above.)


I received these four titles through NetGalley:

A Curse of Ash and Iron 

by Christine Norris

(See information above.)

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection

Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. 

Plantation Shudders

by Ellen Byron
Check in for some Southern hospitality in Plantation Shudders, the Cajun Country series debut...

Whispers in the Reading Room

by Shelley Gray

Lydia's job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye
. . . and perhaps her heart.

Won

None.

Purchased

None.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Eleven.

Crows & Cards
by Joseph Helgerson
Read by MacLeod Andrews

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Mark Twain

Read by Robin Field

Over the past week I only added 40 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 #211 Comment Giveaway for July 18, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! This was delayed from Saturday night since I was spending time away with family. I got a chance to set part of it up ahead of time but had to wait until Saturday to pick the winner and then I was still with family until later today (Sunday). :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I guess it is not surprising that almost all of us like entering for books and GCs. MaryP takes the attitude "you have to be in it..." Many enter at favorite blogs. Marjorie just recently won a book at Goodreads but others haven't had luck there. Most do not like repeated daily entries and many do not like multitude of entries. Simple is preferred.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #210 comments is: #15 Nikki 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 #211 (One Question.)

MaryP asks: Q1 Does your favorite flower reflect your personality??

A: I really had to think a bit what my favorite flower is. I'd say it is Daffodil. And yes, it sort of reflects my personality as it is bright, stately and on the conservative side. 

Image found at Wallpapersinhq.

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.

Your turn to share:
MaryP asks: Q1 Does your favorite flower reflect your personality??

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 the question 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 25, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 19, 2015

We were with our family this morning and didn’t get to the church services.
These are additional notes from one of our Sunday School meeting a month or so ago from Paul’s teachings in Romans 2.
God steps in at times in man's world- those times are of His design and choosing. If God always took care of problems automatically then we wouldn't need faith to seek His help. We need Christ to help us get through this world. We can ask Him to touch and step in. Our trials on earth are a momentary trouble. Ultimately we can trust in God’s plan and time table.
God doesn't want us to be complacent but, like Paul, we can accept God’s sovereignty. Paul didn't ask “why?”, instead he learned to be content in all circumstances.

This is a song I found one day and enjoy the fullness it represents.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 119: 75-77 NIV
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

Lord , I thank you for a beautiful few days with family. Keep them safe as they continue to travel.
Help me to rest as I trust in You.

Book Review and Giveaway: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

This historical romance is gentle, fun and engaging with mystery and intrigue. 

Love in Disguise
by Carol Cox

• File Size: 832 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)
• Publication Date: June 1, 2012
• ASIN: B0073UPP78
• Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read.

Review:
Ellie grew up in the theater with her acting parents until they died in a theater fire. She continued on as a makeup assistant to a star. When her employer realized a dream to travel to London to act there, she left Ellie behind. Ellie didn’t have other friends in the industry and didn’t have the looks to be on stage herself. She is desperate to find a job when she hears that the Pinkertons are looking for a female to cover an investigation in Arizona.

Ellie is sure this is something she can do but at her initial interview she learns that she doesn’t have the right qualities. Using her ingenuity, and tricks she learned in the theater, she returns the next day and convinces them to hire her. She sets out to meet her partner but discovers another stumbling block along the way. Once again she pushes on with every intent to keep her new job.

She arrives at her destination as Lavinia, a middle-aged widow, and begins to meet the men and women of the town. She needs to talk with more members of the town so she transforms into her characters niece, the sparkling young, red-haired Jessie. She is careful to take notes of her observations and conversations each day but she doesn’t fully know how to uncover those responsible for thefts from the silver mine shipments.

Ellie is attracted to one of the mine owners, Steven, who has been helpful to Lavinia and hopes that she will invest in his mind. Steven escorts Lavinia to church where she begins to renew her lost beliefs in God. Steven also becomes entranced by Jessie, creating lots of conflicted feelings in Ellie. Now Ellie has to juggle her two characters as well as her fears and disappointment that Steven would not be interested in the true person she is...assuming she can figure out who she is.

The story is sweet and fun with a little mystery and danger. Ellie is a lovely character and uses good smarts to gain a job and pursue the investigation. I loved the Pinkerton element that added interest as well as a plausible situation for the storyline. The writing is smooth and made for very easy, quick reading. Most of the ladies in book club enjoyed the story. The one who thought it was just so-so is not a big fan of romance and prefers our mystery reads.

I'm glad I selected this title which I enjoyed. (I liked the cover too.) I would like to read more by Ms. Cox. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a gentle historical romance.

I read this book for Ladies’ Book Club.

ONE (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

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 (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) July 25, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 25, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 17, 2015

Happy Friday - 
DH and I had lovely lunch today at the Grand Floridian Hotel at Disney. 
I just got up from a short nap so I could complete this post.
I hope everyone else gets some quiet, relaxing days!

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.
no
Thank you to all who entered the July 10 Pick. There were no 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 this week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 10 Pick:
MaryP gets a GC

Rita gets Illegal Possession

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.}

Doesnt' this look relaxing? 

Image found at GoiTalk

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 840+ 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!