MBS June 2016 Reading Wrap-Up

Martha's Bookshelf June 2016

My goals are repeated below the book list - 15 per month total. I was ahead by two in January but down by five in February; up one in March; down one in April.  May I was up nine by including children's books. JUNE I am down two so that puts me up four for the year to the end of June.  I still hope to gain a couple TBR groups maybe during the summer so I do not have to push at the end of the year.

Total read = 13
Audio/Audible = 7 (1 tour)
eBook = 6 (three tour reviews; 1 author request)
NetGalley = 3
Print = 0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBR =  0 (obtained prior to 2016); year to date = 32
New to Me Authors = 8; year to date = 57
Series Continued = 4; year to date = 16

There was one 5.0 rated book in June and one 4.5.

Code for the list is:
A = Audio/Audible     ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox    ABB = Audiobook Blast
E or ETour = eBook
NG = NetGalley
P = Print
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2016

       JUNE 2016

1. A-- Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens; Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
2. E-Tour-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Resilience by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
3. ABB--Audible Book Review: Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen; Historical, Mystery, Amateur Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
4. A-Tour--Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
5. E(Author)-- Book Review: Guardian of Paradise by W.E. Lawrence; Historical, Adventure Romance; my rating 4.0.
6. ABJ-- Audible Book Review: Beware the Little White Rabbit Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
7. E-Tour-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Vigilance by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, YA; my rating 4.0.
8. A(Narrator)-- Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
9. ABJ-- Audio Book Review: Desolation by M.L. Banner; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
10. NG-- Book Review: Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye; Military Thriller; my rating 5.0.
11. ABB-- Audio Book Review: The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2 by Liz Dodwell; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
12. NG-- Book Review: A Better World by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.
13. NG-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ultimate Courage (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Ending 8/4/2016
Drake 

I have certain goals to reach my challenges and reading total for 2016.

The YEARLY reading goals+ Progress (+ after the number means I am ahead; - means I am short; no symbol means I am right on goal.)
Total = 180................... End of June = 94
Audio = 72................... to date = 42+
NetGalley = 42.............. to date = 21
Tours  = 24..................... to date = 12 (incls 3 NG)
Ladies Book Club (LBC) = 12.. to date = 5
Print = 12...................... = (4-) These are same as the LBC books.
Mixed in Author Reviews (hopefully includes TBR books I've won) = 18 to date = 20+ (includes childrens)

My TBR goal is to read at least 100 from my shelves, whether Audible, Kindle, other ebook or print.
TBRs read as of June = 32-

The goal breaks down roughly to 15 books a MONTHLY in these formats (with TBRs, print, LBC and others overlapping at times):
Audio --  6
eBooks -- 2  (author review/tour or TBR)
NetGalley -- 3.5
TBR Print  --  1
TBR eBook -- 1
LBC -- 1
Other -- 1

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

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

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.

It is hard to realize that July is over -- it went so fast! I brought my DH home on Thursday. He is in pain today after more activity in the last several days than he probably had in the last three weeks at rehab. You don't realize how normal motions of bathing, dressing and walking up and down stairs tax the body. He managed to got to church this morning and wore plastic wrap under his shirt because the shirts itch and hurt the hair as it is growing back. Turns out it was lucky he did that because the lower tube wounds bled under the wrap. The main sternum cut is scabbed over and healing but these larger (straw size) holes are apparently still open and oozing. He will see the surgeon on Tuesday so we will see what he says.

I enjoyed my reading although I only finished two books; I am midway in two others. I finished one ebooks and one audio. I had hoped to do four reviews but only got three up as I had work that took presidence. I did post my usual memes. 

I got to visit more bloggers early in the week which I am glad of. I spent the later part getting reviews posted.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

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

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ultimate Courage (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Ending 8/4/2016

• Book Review: Machinations by Hayley Stone; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Indiana Belle (American Journey Book 3) by John A. Heldt; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 29, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/28/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #263 Comment Giveaway July 30, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/6/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 31, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

This Present Darkness
Written by: Frank Peretti
Narrated by: Jack Sondericker
I enjoyed this re-read. We will be discussing on Saturday.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 4)
by Barbara Venkataraman
This is an easy reading lawyer mystery series!
I received this from the author for an honest review.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Inquisitor
by Mitchell Hogan
I am very engaged in this intriguing sci fi. I am 60% in.
I have had this from NetGalley since early in the year.

Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written by: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
I am half way through this remarkable story of WWII.
This is from my Audible TBR shelf.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Promo/review reach out from Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours)

The Cat, The Collector and the Killer
A Cats In Trouble Mystery
by Leann Sweeney 
This looks like a fun cozy that releases 8/2/16.
In the latest mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret, a cat collector is suspected of murder.
Jillian Hart and police chief Tom Stewart are enjoying peaceful, newly wedded bliss in Mercy, South Carolina, until a woman is found wandering the streets one night. She's in her night clothes, disoriented, and carrying a kitten in a tote bag. A search of the woman’s house reveals many more cats, a maze of cardboard boxes—and a dead man.
Although the evidence suggests the frail woman is the killer, Jillian doesn’t believe she’s capable of such a crime. The dead man had many enemies in town, which means finding the real murderer may prove to be its own cat and mouse game...

4. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte
I received this forensic mystery title from the Narrator.
Publisher's Summary
Detective Manny Williams and his partner, Sophie Lee, are called to the scene of a disturbing and gruesome murder at Lansing's local adult playhouse, the White Kitty. The circumstances surrounding the murder rocket deeper into the bizarre as the forensic evidence reveals more questions than answers. As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle's heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean. All the while the body count rises in his home city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.
©2011 Rick Murgittroyd (P)2015 Murcer Press, LLC

July 30, 2016 - I am still one day behind but expect to catch up this week with 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 three reviews this past week. With two new I still have seven total pending. I hope again to post four this week.  I have to work harder to get up to date.

I've reduced my author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates queue to three books so I might start accepting new ones for the end of the year.
My NetGalley shelves are down to three when I finish the one I plan to read this week.
I'm sort of hoping to set aside September for TBR books only so I am still trying to resist new arcs/author requests and NetGalley.

We have two coming up releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.
Fractal
Rachel J. Mannino
Sci Fi Romance

The Handy Dandy Quick Reference Guide For Teachers

Working with Children with Academic & Behavior Problems

Dr. Jackie Paxton

Nonfiction, Reference

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 ebook through NetGalley and two audiobooks from the narrators.
Again - I didn't purchase any kindle titles since I picked up more than enough free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from the narrator:

Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte
Forensic Evidence Mystery.
See full description above under Currently Reading.

Received through NetGalley:

The Cat, The Collector and the Killer
A Cats In Trouble Mystery
by Leann Sweeney 
A cozy mystery - see full description under Currently Reading above.

Received from the narrator:
Unseemly Pursuits: The Concordia Wells Mysteries Book 2
Audiobook
Written by: K.B. Owen
Narrated by: Becket Royce

Cozy mystery - I enjoyed book one and was glad to be offered book two.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 67!! 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 July 31, 2016

I do love Sunday mornings! Our Sunday School Teacher is doing a wrap-up on the study of Romans. I am saving those notes to share another day.

This was our retiring Pastor’s last Sunday preaching. He didn’t get a lot of time because his wife spoke first and there were extra songs by men’s quintet, including Pastor. Mrs. Pastor shared her thanks for the 28 wonderful years at our church. She noted that in time of change, such as this, we can have peace, as she does. She let’s peace rule and counts her blessings. She gives thanks for: God’s divine plan, friends, weddings & funerals, shared celebrations, shared struggles, unity, love of worship, shared bounty, welcomed family, dedicated staff, continual prayers, and encouragement.

In Pastor’s last five or so minutes he shared from chapters 13 through 17 in the Gospel of John. Repeated through these chapters is that Jesus loved his own who were in the world. He reminded them to have peace by focusing on Jesus (John 14:25-27). He extorted all of his disciples to love one another; pray for perfect peace and love with an overwhelming love. (John 17:24-26).

I looked at many videos but didn’t find one that fits with today’s message much better than this one. My Peace…

Verses for Today:
John 14: 25-27 NIV
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I give thanks for the wonderful ministry of our Pastor and his wife. I pray for peace and rest as they transition into retirement.  I am looking forward to the move of God as our new Pastor comes. I pray for God's safety and anointing for his whole family.

Sharing Beyond Books #263 Comment Giveaway July 30, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
The post is a little late tonight because hubby and I were watching the movie Jack Frost Rise of the Guardians. I enjoyed the animation and the story although I have to think the dark parts might not be so good for younger children.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Most of us will read a book even if we don't like the cover. HOWEVER - many of us acknowledge that we are drawn to look at the blurb because of a good cover so it is possible we wouldn't look at a good book that has an unimpressive cover. I have to agree with Fredaman's comment: "I learned that having a great book cover doesn't always make the book great, and vice versa."

Several of us noted that a too sexy cover is a turn off and we wouldn't buy a book with such a cover. (That is how I feel about the old 'bodice ripper' covers too although some of the older books are tamer than the new ones.)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #262 comments is:#10 Fredamans 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 #263

(One Question.)

My question this week: Are you a cheerful riser or do you wake up/get up grumpy more often than not??

I am a cheerful rise. Not that I always jump right out of bed. But even when I have to roll myself out I start with a "good morning". That gets even better when I get my coffee!

I found two images I really liked. Which would you pick?

Image Found at A Medium Corporation

2nd image found at AnimalMemes.com


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.

The questions in July were shared by Jenna, Becky, CarolL and bn100. Random.org picked #1 of 4 so Jenna gets a book choice or GC credit.

Your turn to share:
My question this week: Are you a cheerful riser or do you wake up/get up grumpy more often than not??

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 August 6, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 29, 2016

Happy Friday!
Hubby is home now - Yay. Already his first day he did a bit too much moving around and was in a lot of pain as he went to bed. He will have to take things more slowly.
It is hard to believe that July just vanished - it went by so fast!
I finally got the picture of the June 25 box of books up. All the won books for the past two-three months have been pulled and my clerk will be preparing them for mailing today (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 too 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 July 22 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 no titles blocked.
AUTO: Becky gets Witch's Hammer

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 22 Pick:
Llehn gets a GC

Elizabeth gets The Commander

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.}

x

Today it is July - but not much longer! 

Image found at ebook.ITMedia.

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
Sandra Brown: Above and Beyond and Honor Bound (my copy is 1986 edition with a different cover
Joan Johnston: Faron & Garth: The Cowboy and the Princess / The Wrangler and the Rich Girl and Sweetwater Seduction
SINGLES:
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews (new- hardcover)
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
*Witch’s Hammer by Caroline Farr (a 1967 yellowed pages - different cover)
*Mistress of Mount Fair by Jane Gordon
Once an Angel by Tammy Hilz
Bound By Temptation by Lavinia Kent
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
On Fire by Carla Neggers (1999 version with different cover)
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
*She Came Back by Patricia Wentworth (1981 yellowed pages)
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
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!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone


New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

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 Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


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)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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)
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


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 980+ 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!