Sunday Post September 20, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 21, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! at Book Journey is active again too.

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 traveled to Orlando on Thursday for conference. My daughter and other assistant came too and they walked me all over Downtown Disney on Saturday. I did walk Monday and Tuesday and our room was at the far end of the hotel from the conference events so I got some walking in there too. 
I didn't get much computer time during the week as I was busy at work preparing to be out three days as I was out to court all day  on Wednesday.  

I enjoyed my reading and listening although it seemed to move slowly.  I finished three books: one ebook and two audios. I only posted two reviews but I did get the usual memes posted.

Sadly I didn't get to visit much last week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 13, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 14, 2015.

• Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.

• Friday Pick Giveaway September 18, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/24/2015.

• Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill; Mystery, Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #220 Comment Giveaway for September 19, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/26/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 20, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Last Christmas Ball
by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, and Cara Elliott
This is a delightful collection!
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
This series is harsh (violence and language) but it is gripping and I will be following it through to the conclusion.
Publisher's Summary
This is the destiny of those who stand for others. Their honor will be bought in blood and pain. The Camp Ryder Hub is broken. Lee is nowhere to be found, and his allies are scattered across the state, each of them learning that their missions will not be as easy as they thought. Inside the walls of Camp Ryder, a silent war is brewing, between those few that still support Lee's vision of rebuilding, and the majority that support Jerry's desire for isolation. But this war will not remain silent for long. And in this savage world, everyone will have to make a choice. To keep their morals. Or keep their lives.
©2013 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

3. Audio/On Computer

The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel
Written by: Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
This is action packed with political machinations.
I plan to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Kindle

Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel
by Julianna Baggott
20% in. This has started out strangely -- drama and good writing. I am interested to see where it goes.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/ MP3

The Remaining: Allegiance
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
I will be picking this up this week
with September Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
This is the fifth novel in the action-packed series following Special Forces Captain Lee Harden and a group of survivors struggling to make their way in a ruined world. After a bacterium has turned 90 percent of the population into a ravenous horde, Lee must complete his mission: SURVIVE, RESCUE, REBUILD.
©2015 D.J. Molles (P)2014 Audible Inc.

3. eBook Kindle

Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1)
by Lara Adrian
I figured I'd better get reading on my TBR Challenge list.
This is from my free Kindle Library as a free book downloaded in 2009.
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

4. eBook Kindle

On the Run (The Elijah Project)

by Bill Myers (Author), James Riordan (Contributor)

This is another TBR title in my

free Kindle library since 2010.

In book one, On the Run, Elijah’s supernatural gifts have drawn the attention of dark forces. Separated from their parents, Zach and Piper (with a lot of help from heaven) must protect their little brother.

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.

I posted only two reviews last week which left one plus three new for this week so I hope to get four posted.
I finished one and am reading one book from NetGalley. I didn't add any new books so my waiting NetGalley shelf is still seven.
I am finally pulling in more books off my Kindle shelves for my TBR Challenge. 

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 receive any review books but I picked up two Audible books with credits.
I purchased one Kindle title to continue the Remaining Series.
I added many free kindle titles to my library too.

(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 purchased two Audible titles with my August Credits:

The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
This is book 4 in the series.
See full information under Finished Reading above.

A Curious Beginning

By Deanna Raybourn

Narrated By Angele Masters

London, 1887.
This was getting good comments at other blogs so I decided to get it.

I purchased at Kindle:

The Remaining: Trust: A Novella
by D.J. Molles

Free

Over the past week I added just 45 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 Words of Encouragement September 20, 2015

I mentioned last Sunday that our Sunday School teacher talked about the signs of the end times, but more particularly, what is our response to them? He noted that the signs are primarily for believers because the world doesn’t recognize them or will scoff at them. Signs, as we know, are for direction, warning, or information and instruction.

There is a purpose. Although there are men of God trying to figure out the secrets of God, we must be careful because Satan can use this to distract believers. We must not lose focus of our purpose. The Christian Mission is not to predict the date of Christ’s return, but to take God’s message of salvation to the world, starting with our own range of influence.

There will be signs that can be recognized as beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:4-8, Luke 21:9) which will increase as the day approaches. It is not so important to know what day that is but it is important to “keep watch” and “be ready”. Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:13. We are encouraged to be faithful servants and do the work that has been assigned to us. Matthew 24:45-51 continuing in Matthew 25.

I went on a worship trail of great praise songs and found this one for today. 

Be Lifted Higher

Verses for Today:
Luke 21:25-28
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Lord, help to remain on course with your purpose: to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others as You have loved.

Sharing Beyond Books #220 Comment Giveaway for September 19, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I have been away the end of this week for a conference in Orlando. My daughter and other staff assistant have been with me and they have kept me busy.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I really enjoyed reading the temperature and weather conditions that you each noted. It reminds me of the wonderful variety we share in our world.  Several people still have hot weather and several have rainy weather. Many expect October to cool off - at least on the western hemisphere. :-)

~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #219 comments is: #10 Elizabeth 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 #220 (One Question.)

Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??

  I like to shop year round -- if I see something that would be a good gift I buy it and put it away at home. I did some sale shopping today while visiting Downtown Disney.
  I used to be good about putting gifts in large containers (marked family or friends) so I would know where to look when December rolls in. However a week or two ago I found a cute top that I bought for one of our granddaughters last year but tucked in my closet and forgot about it.
  We have a Christmas auction in one of the civic organizations I belong to. If I would make something I would already have started it. I plan on doing a basket gift this year and I have already purchased some of the basket items.

Image found at London24 - Consumer.

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:
Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??

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 September 26, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill

This has wonderful writing and a good mystery but a lot of violence.

Death of the Blue Flower

by Roxann Hill (Author), Paul Wagle (Translator)

• File Size: 4013 KB
• Print Length: 332 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1503947246
• Publisher: AmazonCrossing (September 8, 2015)
• ASIN: B00V7BLU32
• Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
• 
  

Working in an exclusive, high end rehab clinic in Germany, ex con Alicia Petersen does her job well enough to get through the day. Battered by life, she=s generally not one for conversation, escaping her dreary existence through daydreams of her childhood. These dreams and the friendship of Miriam Morgenroth, an elderly patient, are all that keep her going.

One day, Miriam disappears without a trace. But patients do walk away from rehab time and again, so no one suspects foul playCno one except Alicia. Determined to conduct her own search, she asks for help from a chemo ravaged police detective, Chris Winkler, who jumps at a chance to put his dormant expertise to use in the investigation.

From the Bavarian Alps to the northern German Coast, the two follow a bloody trail into a world of betrayal, revenge, and murder, with motives that reach far back into an appalling past. As Alicia and Chris grow closer, they soon discover that Miriam had many secretsCthe sort that threaten the lives of those who attempt to bring them to light.

Will they be able to uncover the truth before the past catches up with them?

Review:
Alicia Petersen was raised on a remote Halligen off the coast of Germany where sea lavender grows in a delicate blue color. In spite of her loving grandmother, Alicia ended up going wild and getting into trouble as a teen. Now she is alone working as an aide in a high end German rehab clinic. She takes a personal interest in some of the patients, unlike other employees. Alicia makes friends with Miriam, an elderly woman, as she shows her kindness and they share a love of reading.

Alicia also challenges Chris, a cop who is trying to recoup from a bout of cancer and the resulting chemo treatments. Chris is close to checking out until Alicia comes to him with questions that he is trained to answer. Miriam has gone missing and Alicia is the only person who thinks there has been foul play instead of a confused patient walking out of the facility.

Alicia met Miriam’s ‘nephew’, Georg, who, as Miriam’s business partner, has been has been handling their banking business. He reveals business enemies who sound like promising suspects. There is also a graduate student who recently interviewed Miriam. Georg agrees to support Alicia as she looks for Miriam and Chris agrees to help with the investigation as it diverts his attention from his medical issues.

Alicia and Chris begin an unofficial investigation which leads them to two entwined trails. One trail is a Jewish family escaping Nazi Germany with rumors of diamonds. The other trail leads to recently dead persons of interest. As they diligently pursue the diamond mystery Chris and Alicia are on a collision course with the hit team who is eliminating the witnesses and information.

This has wonderfully real and flawed characters in Alicia and Chris. Alicia’s friendships with Miriam and Chris are nicely developed with dynamics that blend the current situation with Alicia’s past and memories. The mystery is well plotted with multiple suspects.

The assassins are truly sick and brutal. I have to admit that this trio made me think of Clockwork Orange which I found sick and brutal. This would not be a book for anyone of great sensitivity to violence. On the other hand, when away from the violence, the prose of this book is quite lovely. I was pulled in by the writing from the very beginning – gripping both in alternating scenes of alarming violence and remarkable beauty.

The Nazi escape added historical interest and the romantic element helps soften the intensity of the violence. I would like to read more writing by Ms. Hill. I highly recommend this for the high quality of prose writing and effective mystery plot.

I picked this up from NetGalley. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 18, 2015

Happy Friday.
I hope everyone had a good week - some of us with an extra day off work for Labor Day.
I had only half a day today and I'll be out of office tomorrow for a quick medical check.
I had hoped to get my books together and get the photo but it didn't happen. I have half the books at home and a few at the office. I'll get the new group up for next Friday.

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 September 11 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked this week, but one was won.
Holden j gets That Summer Place.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 11 Pick:
Mary P gets a GC

CarolNW gets The Thinner (through the block)

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 am not going to admit this but... how about you?

Image found at Sodahead

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

PAIRS:
Shannon Drake – When Darkness Falls (Alliance Vampires #2)  and Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
Charlaine Harris – Club Dead and Grave Signt
SINGLES:
A Darker Dream (Love Spell romance) by Amanda Ashley
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
Fated (Dark Protectors Book 1) by Rebecca Zanetti
Grave Sins by Jenna Maclaine
Primitive by Mark Nykanen (ARC copy)
The Accidental Human (Accidentally Paranormal Novel Book 3) by Dakota Cassidy
The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Silent Night, Haunted Night (A Nicki Styx Mystery) by Terri Garey
Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 3) by Casey Daniels
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

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 - Checking re mailing
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 Tomorrow 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 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
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

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 864+ 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!