Sunday Post January 31, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 1, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 didn't travel too much this week after all but the week was busy with closings and appointments.
Reading was good although I only finished two 2 ebooks, (plus 12 hours of audio). I posted four reviews. I also posted the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting early again last week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 24, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 25, 2016.

• Book Review: Extreme Honor (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1) by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 29, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/4/2016.

• Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1) by Eric R Asher; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #238 Comment Giveaway January 30, 2015; Open Worldwide. Ends 1/30/16.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 31, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Extreme Honor (True Heroes)
by Piper J. Drake
This is good romantic suspense.
My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1)
by Eric R Asher
I enjoyed this Steampunk adventure.
My review is linked above. 
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audible/ MP3

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James
I am really enjoying this vintage sci fi. 
Only two hours left so I should finish this on Monday.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (LBC)

Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America)
by Jennifer AlLee, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson,
and Gina Welborn
I almost forgot I had one more Christmas book that we are reading for Ladies' Book Club which meets this Saturday, 2/6/16.
I have read two stories and they are charming. :-)
Spend a heartfelt Christmas on Schooley’s Mountain as four generations make a house a home. Carpenter Stephan Yost vows to build a precocious spinster a home by Christmas. Civil War widow Mary Ann Plum learns the greatest peace on earth comes from giving and receiving love. Olympia Paris must protect the orphanage she grew up in from a man intending to play Father Christmas to most of the town. Joy Benucci turns to a modern-day Scrooge to save a transitional home for foster kids. Will Christmas be a season of miracles in their lives?

3. Print (LBC)

Two From Galilee: The Story Of Mary And Joseph
by Marjorie Holmes
This is a second book Ladies Book Club is reading for Saturday.
Here from Marjorie Holines, one of the most beloved authors of our day, is the extraordinary bestselling novel that tells the story of Mary and Joseph as it has never been told before--the greatest love story of all.

This is the story of two real people whose lives were touched by God: two people chosen by God to provide an earthly home for His Son. Here are Mary and Joseph-a teenage girl and a young carpenter-alone, frightened, in love, faced with family conflict, a hostile world and an awesome responsibility. It is a story for young and old alike; for everyone who finds the Christmas tale a source of timeless beauty and wonder, a compassionate, emotional novel of divine love.

4. Audible/MP3 (ABJ)

Singular
Written by: David F. Porteous
Narrated by: David F. Porteous
This caught my eye
(especially while listening to The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.)
I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
In Singularity - the network that promises immortality to the rich - a creature is awakening. New virtual life is being created and is struggling to become free. But the growing power of this prisoner, this virtual god, threatens to destroy the world of the living.
Only a handful of people even know the creature exists. They need each other if they're to survive. But can they trust each other? And can they trust themselves when even life and death are no longer certain?
Dive into a nearly possible future where the real and the virtual overlap, and follow Patrick Clark into Singularity in this dark, comic thriller.
©2011 David F Porteous (P)2015 David F Porteous

January 31, 2016- up to date.
Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews last week trying to squeeze in Sci Fi Experience.  I only have one book to start for review this week - I will have to finish the others to get more reviews posted.
My five titles on my NetGalley shelves increased to nine. 

There will be some new eTreasure's books listed at NetGalley this week - I'll post the links next weekend.

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 picked up four titles at NetGalley and 3 audio review books!
TBR Triple Dog Dare update: I have resisted purchases now for 31 days with the exception of using my two January Audible credits.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

These four titles came through NetGalley:

Written in Fire
by Marcus Sakey
Thomas & Mercer (Rel 1/12/16)
I want to continue this exciting trilogy.
I think I had book 2 and 3 confused. I hope I can get book 2 also --
or I will have to buy it before the end of TBR Triple Dog Dare to read as this one archives soon. :-(.

The God's Eye View
by Barry Eisler
Thomas & Mercer (Rel 2/2/16)

This looks like a good political thriller.

Dear Emma

by Katie Heaney
Grand Central Publishing (Rel 3/1/16)

This is a coming of age (college) story.

Admiral (An Evagardian Novel)
by Sean Danker
Penguin Group (Rel May 3, 2016)
This is a 'first contact' sci fi.



I received these two audiobooks from the publishers through Audiobook Jukebox.

Singular
by David F. Porteous
Sci Fi Fantasy - Virtual life trying to break free.
See more details in currently reading above.

The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1

by Andrea Perno
Sci Fi/Fantasy - Teen and brother leaving earth to find/fight over water resources.

This audiobook came from the Author through Audiobook Blast


Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance
by Michael G. Thomas
Another sci fi - sounds a little like The Last Starfighter. :-)

Won

NONE

Purchased

These were my selections for my January Subscription credits at Audible:


Agenda 21: Into the Shadows 
by Glenn Beck
Sci Fi - I listened to book 1 a few years back so I am looking forward to this sequel



Enforcing Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 6
by A. American
I discovered book 6 was released (1/19/16) in this series that I like.

Free

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 Words of Encouragement January 31, 2016

We welcomed home the Band of Brothers men from their Haiti mission trip. Our Sunday School teacher shared pictures and three of the men shared some of their experiences. The work being done by God is AWESOME!

Pastor’s message was titled: Speak Out!
He noted that Jesus always spoke in parables or took action to show His points. In the Pastor started with the parable of the Fig Tree in Mark 11:12-23. Jesus saw the fig tree that appeared leafy and lush green. But when he went to pick fruit there was none so he rebuked the tree and then it withered. (A separate message notes that the fruitless tree represents Israel – the appearance of religion but no fruit.) (As long as you have breath, you can bear fruit.)

Jesus spoke to the tree. (I am also mindful that Jesus spoke to the waves and they quieted.) Even nature responds to God’s words. His word is like fire or a hammer breaking rocks. Jeremiah 23:29
Jesus speaks with power and when we believe we too can speak from belief and faith.
2 Corinthians 4:13 (NIV) It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,…

There is no power without God's word. Go to God and give thanks for all He provides.
Isaiah 55:10-11. When we speak Gods healing, we speak His power. Psalm 107:20. We need to be clear and direct our words/prayer so it does not go to all but to the specific. (Jesus called to Lazurus not all the dead, John 11:43-44.)

We must believe it – visualize and see it. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24.

God calls things that are not as though they were! Romans 4:17. (This message was confirmation as I had been thinking this phrase through our worship time!)
Who do you think you are? A Child of God? An heir of eternal life? Then show it through your belief and faith. Speak out - it's your miracle!

Although I found another good song (which I will save for another time)

I choose this strong song: Move Mountain!

Verses For Today:
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
10
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

I am thankful for the power of God’s Word and thankful that I was called (chosen) and given faith to believe! I will continue to trust God's reality over my own.

Sharing Beyond Books #238 January 30, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I've had another busy, but good week. The weather is a little warmer for a few days.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Most of the commenters agree that warnings on books would be good. Miki and Poetryinleaves noted that such warnings are not available for print books. Marjorie and Fredamans suggest ratings similar to movie ratings.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #237 comments is: #5 Natalija 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #238

(One Question.)

My question this week: 1) Do you name your devises-- like Katrina your Kindle or Matilda the MP3??

I have never named my reading devices although I do call our GPS "Gertrude". :-)

The image is funny (and so is the article).

Image found at Matt Soria.

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.
January Questions were provided by: Poetryinleaves, Becky, Rosebud and bn100. Random.org choose #1 so Poetryinleaves gets to pick a book.

Your turn to share:
My question this week: 1) Do you name your devises-- like Katrina your Kindle or Matilda the MP3??

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 February 6, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1) by Eric R Asher

This is an easy reading and engaging steampunk adventure.

Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1)

by Eric R Asher

File Size: 677 KB
Print Length: 239 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018RK2RC8

Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Jacob, a tinker's apprentice and sometime thief, has lived his entire life in the mountain city of Ancora, protected by the city walls. These towering barriers keep the Deadlands creatures at bay, but the monsters move higher into the peaks every year. More and more, they breach the defenses of the Lowlands while the Highlands rest easy. A swarm overruns the walls and wreaks utter devastation on the Lowlands. Charles, the old tinker, suspects the attack may not be natural. With help from Jacob's closest friend, Alice, and Samuel, one of the city's elite spider knights, Jacob and Charles will uncover a terrible darkness at the heart of their city.

Review:
Jacob, at fifteen, is a talented tinker’s apprentice with a caring heart. He doesn’t like to steal but he does what is needed to help get medicine for his father. He and his family live in the Lowlands of Ancora and are looked down on by the wealthier families in the Highlands. The city walls were built to keep the Deadlands creatures out but the poisonous spiders and killing bugs keep encroaching. Now a frenzied swarm has destroyed most of the outer walls forcing the Lowlanders who survive to move into the Highlands. Some provide shelter and help while others pay fines rather than help the Lowlanders. Jacob’s mentor, the respected tinker, Charles, suspects that the attack was arranged.

Jacob and his friend, Alice, are exploring the old train lines and catacombs beneath the city when they hear the secret plans of a powerful conspiracy. These men want to force the Lowlanders back to their ruined and defenseless homes. Jacob and Alice have become targets to be captured and punished, if not eliminated, with the help, or coercion, of the Ancora guards, the elite Spider Knights. Charles has prepared for escape but Jacob and Alice will have to leave their families behind. They are joined by Samuel, a friend from the Spider Knights. The four set off to seek old allies in the Deadlands, with troops close behind and giant monsters in front.

When I started the book I thought it was perhaps written for middle schoolers or teens as the writing style is easy. However, as I continued I became engaged by the characters and the unique creatures. Although the wild spiders and bugs are dangerous, some of the spiders are trained as carriage ‘cattle’ or rides for the knights, and smaller bugs are raised as pets. I enjoyed watching Jacob as he helps others and begins to mature. He has a sweet friendship with Alice and wonderful teachers in Charles and Samuel. I was impressed as the world expanded beyond Ancora and I also liked the mechanical and steampunk elements of the story.

This first book has a satisfactory ending, leaving the team ready to begin another leg of their journey with new friends and new dangers. I recommend this to readers who enjoy active and creative steampunk fantasy. I hope to continue the adventure with book two and I may check out some of the other titles by Mr. Asher.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, “S” in Alphabet Soup Challenge, part of TBR Triple Dog Dare and Sci Fi Experience.

Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance

This presents an interesting character study in a futuristic society.
To Live Forever 
Written by: Jack Vance
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 08-25-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Waylock had been granted eternal life - but now he was killing on borrowed time.
Gavin Waylock had waited seven years for the scandal surrounding his former immortal self to be forgotten and had kept his identity concealed so that he could once again join the ranks of those who lived forever. He had been exceedingly careful about hiding his past. Then he met the Jacynth. She was a beautiful 19-year-old, and Gavin wanted her. But he recognized that a wisdom far beyond her years marked her as one who knew too much about him to live. As far as she was concerned, death was a mere inconvenience. But once the Jacynth came back, Gavin Waylock's life would be an everlasting hell.
©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
Waylock is a man living in a society where levels of achievement determine the number of years a person lives. Men strive to increase their “sloop” through innovation, great study, artistic talent or remarkable work achievement. When a person reaches the top elite level, they are inducted into the Amaranth where they are granted eternal life. To accomplish this eternal life, they have ‘clones’ or replicas who are matured over seven years.  The clones have the DNA coding and memories of their primary so it is as if they continue on for eternity.

The governing authorities do their best to maintain smooth operations with strict and swift enforcement, including humiliation and execution. But problems are beginning to be exposed in the calm society. It is difficult for the lower working levels to gain sloop and rise to Amaranth. Not only that but, to keep balance for the resources, for each Amaranth that is inducted, 1700 lowest levels must be removed from the city rolls. This causes depression or mental illness in some who can’t accept that they can’t get beyond the middle level.

Waylock was an immortal sentenced to death for killing another immortal. He is believed to have been eliminated as his replicates should not have had time to mature. However, he lives quietly in hiding for seven years hoping that his past deed will be forgotten and he will be able to work his way back to Amaranth. Then he meets a beautiful young woman, Jacynth. He is drawn to her until he suspects that somehow she knows his secrets. Waylock will take extreme measures to protect himself.

The second time Waylock meets the Jacynth he is again attracted but wary. He soon learns that she is now an investigator for the enforcers and she is determined to bring “the monster” to justice. They begin a cat and mouse dance trying to best each other. Waylock's ambitions drive him to use methods that may destroy the very foundations of the society in which he seeks to advance.

This story portrays an interesting, if sometimes depressing, future world. The story is built around a somewhat evil protagonist and the author develops the character with cleverness and perseverance. I didn’t like Waylock but he makes for an interesting character study. The story includes a dissertation on mental illness and political commentary woven in between the scheming mystery. I was once again struck by the irony in the ending which is a feature I have found in the vintage sci fi stories I have been reading. It seems to be a theme tied to the imaginative futuristic view of life. I recommend this to readers who like crime novels as well as those who like futuristic society sci fi.

Audio Notes: Kevin Kenerly delivers a solid narration that fits the tone of the story. Kenerly provided good character voices and an appropriately dry presence that added to the mystery. It is not flashy or exuberant but the accent added to the engagement for me.

Originally published in 1956, this is one of my books for Vintage Sci Fi month. This is from my own Audible library. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, “T” in Alphabet Soup and TBR Triple Dog Dare.