Sunday Post August 28 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 29, 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 returned home on Wednesday night and the good news is that the twins are fine. The not good news is due to continued dizziness my husband had a sonogram done Thursday. They found that he has an aorta aneurysm in his abdomen. A CAT scan was done Thursday afternoon to confirm and to get measurements. They had to order the stint that is specially made to size. We are hoping the surgery will be as soon as possible this week as he is on low activity until the stint is put in.

My reading/listening was good with return plane time to make up for little time while playing with our granddaughter. I finished three books: one audio and two ebooks. I posted two reviews and did get in this week's usual memes.

I didn't get to visit at all this past week. I hope to get visiting this Monday.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 21 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 22, 2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #266 Comment Giveaway August 23, 2016 (for 8/20). Open Worldwide. Ending 8/27/2016.

• Audio Book Review: Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2 by Rick Murcer; Forensic Mystery Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 26, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/1/2016.

• Book Review: Quiet As They Come by Angie Chau; Asian American, Fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #267 Comment Giveaway August 27, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/3/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 28, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Second Chances - A "Chosen" Short Story
by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef
This short story is an intro to the series.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Apocalypse Machine
Written by: Jeremy Robinson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
I enjoyed this engaging story.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Keepsake for Eagle Cove
by M. L. Buchman
I loved this! 
Releases 8/30 and I will post my review then.  
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Tarah Woodblade: The Bowl of Souls Book 6
Written by: Trevor H. Cooley
Narrated by: Andrew Tell
I am midway and enjoying this good fantasy with magic, dwarves, gnomes, and an assortment of creatures.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
The war is over, but there is a void of power that must be filled and no shortage of souls eager to fill it.
Tarah Woodblade was the best guide and tracker in the land, but she ran away from the war. She returns to Dremaldria expecting to be labeled a coward, but finds herself lauded as a hero. It seems a hero is needed too, because someone is hunting rogue horses....
©2013, 2015 Trevor H. Cooley (P)2016 Trevor H. Cooley

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1)
by Mark Nolan
I am liking the writing and the primary characters (photo-journalist and police detective) as I start this.
I received this ebook from the author for an honest review.
A mysterious killer who calls himself The Artist is assassinating wealthy lawyers in San Francisco. When war veteran Jake Wolfe accidentally takes his picture during a murder, The Artist adds Jake to his kill list and he becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive. How far would you go to protect your loved ones from a killer? Jake wants to leave his secret, violent past life behind him. But the reluctant, flawed hero can't ignore his duty and his personal moral compass.
This gripping thriller is full of suspense, plot twists and surprises. It features a cast of interesting characters, including several strong-willed women, two wise-cracking San Francisco Police Homicide Inspectors, one highly intelligent dog, and a philosophical killer who shares Jake's admiration for Van Gogh paintings but still plans to kill him anyway. As Jake gets closer to unraveling a merciless conspiracy, his life gets turned upside down and the danger level increases, adding to the growing suspense. This entertaining page-turner starts out as a murder mystery and then shifts gears into a high-speed action thriller that takes you on a roller-coaster ride to the riveting ending. A good read for those who enjoy mysteries, suspense, action and adventure, vigilante justice, unique characters, witty dialogue and a little romance too. Now on sale in over a dozen countries around the world. Be the first among your friends to read it.

3. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Written by: Linda Bridey
Narrated by: Mary Ann Weathers
I am looking forward to listening to this one next.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
In 1918, Sawyer Samuels is injured in The Great War and given a medical discharge. He's sent back to his hometown of Dawson, Montana, but it's a bittersweet homecoming. There is more to his discharge than he can tell most people. Shortly after coming home, Sawyer runs into Devon Dwyer, the woman who rejected his marriage proposal before he enlisted in the army. His feelings for her are as strong as ever, but after their painful parting, there's no going back.
Seeing Sawyer again drives home the point to Devon that her heart still belongs to him even though she's tried to move on. However, she knows the situation is hopeless. There's still too much anger and pain between them to reconcile - or is there?
Enter a group of their wily friends who have some tricks up their sleeves to push Sawyer and Devon to attempt to repair their broken relationship. As the Christmas season begins, chaos and mayhem ensue. Meanwhile, tensions in Dawson rise as suspicions rise and threaten the peace and wellbeing of their town. Can Sawyer and Devon recapture the love they once shared? Can the citizens of Dawson rise to the challenges and dangers that arise? Join the adventure and find out.
©2015 Linda Bridey (P)2016 Linda Bridey

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 only posted two reviews, which puts me at five to do.

I am still accepting new audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have been reading author titles so I am down to five.
My NetGalley shelf is at four since I added a title this week.
I am still hoping to read TBRs in September but I will have a few of the author titles to get in also. I am planning more TBRs for November when I will participate in Sci Fi Month 2016.

I am still working on additional releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page .

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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

I received one review book through NetGalley and one print book for a poetry tour in October.
I also picked up two Audible titles with credits.
Again, I didn't purchase any kindle titles. I didn't realize I picked up so many free kindle titles till I looked at the orders.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one ebook through NetGalley: 
 
The Captive Heart
by Michelle Griep
This Christian, Historical Romance releases in October.

I received this book from the author 

for Poetic Book Tour Review on October 11, 2016:

Ergon Paperback

by George H.S. Singer

I am intrigued to read these poems and thoughts by a former Monk.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up my two July Audible titles last week and forgot to list them:

Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
This series is an automatic buy for me even if I save it for a TBR next year... or not.

Warship: Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
This looked like a space sci fi I would like.

Free

I added 63 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 August 28, 2016

Our Sunday School Teacher continued to summarize Romans, covering Romans 9 through the beginning of 11. The passages reveal the importance of Israel as God’s chosen people and special nation. With all the countries and people who hate Israel and the Jews why is it still here? Because God's hand of protection is still on His people.

Pastor started a new sermon series titled “BE”. The first thing lesson:
BE forgiven… and forgive.
1. We forgive because we are forgiven. Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 5:23-25. Forgiveness has a very high importance.
2. God’s forgiveness sets the sinner free. Psalm 103:8-12 God sets our sin away, as far as east is from the west. Ephesians 1:7; Isaiah 1:18. The capacity to forgive comes from God. His power can break every chain and set us free.
3. God’s forgiveness renders the enemy’s accusations powerless. Why would you continue to believe a liar once you know he is a liar?

BE FORGIVEN!!
Forgive yourself and forgive anyone who may have offended you. We depend on each other as members of a unified body.

I was looking for a different song on Forgiveness but came upon this one:

TobyMac - Forgiveness

Verses for Today:
Psalm 103: 9-12 NIV
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

God, thank you for forgiving and forgetting; help us to do the same.

Sharing Beyond Books #267 Comment Giveaway August 27, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

The overwhelming position (11 to 2) is that we like to start series with the first book if possible. However, 8 of us will read out of order if the book comes to us or we pick it up not realizing it is mid series. Two commenters will skip around or read in whatever order the books are available.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #266 comments is:#11 Marjorie 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 #267

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Has a book ever made you want to learn something new? (eg. Archery from The Hunger Games or Tarot Card Reading from City of Bones)??

I do get inspired to learn new things from books I read. Sadly, I seldom get inspired enough to pursue the interest. When I was younger I was more likely to try some projects I read about. Now I am more likely to try to visit a location I read about. :-)

Image Found at Children's Book Quotes Pinterest page

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.

Comments in August were provided by: Elizabeth, Poetryinleaves, Birgit and Nikki. Random.Org pick is #3 Birgit.

Your turn to share: Nikki asks: Has a book ever made you want to learn something new? (eg. Archery from The Hunger Games or Tarot Card Reading from City of Bones)??

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 3, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Quiet As They Come by Angie Chau

This is a remarkably engaging quick read.
Quiet As They Come (Free Story for Kindle)
Angie Chau

File Size: 469 KB
Print Length: 202 pages
Publisher: Ig Publishing (August 17, 2010)
ASIN: B0042FZRD4
Genre: Asian American, Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Quiet As They Come is a beautiful and at times brutal portrait of a people caught between two cultures. Set in San Francisco from the 1980s to the present day, this debut collection explores the lives of several families of Vietnamese immigrants as they struggle to adjust to life in their new country, often haunted by the memories and customs of their old lives in Vietnam. While some are able to survive and assimilate, others are crushed by the promise of the "American Dream." No matter their fate, you will never be able to forget the people you meet in this remarkable collection.

Review:
Viet Tran was known by his friends in Vietnam as a quiet man of letters; co-workers consider him a hard worker and great listener. Viet is a slight, unimposing figure who prefers to maintain a low profile. Viet works through tai chi to help control his emotions. But behind his quiet façade are roiling emotions with memories he tries to forget. When a co-worker shows disrespect towards Viet's young daughter the man has no idea what demons he may awaken.

Quiet As They Come is just one short story from the collection of stories about the lives of Vietnamese immigrants trying to adjust in San Francisco in the 1980s. This was a pleasant surprise! It is just a short story but packed with a lot of life experience and emotional depth. Chau portrays her character with depth and dignity. Based on the surprising smoothness and depth of this one book, I expect that the full collection would be wonderfully engaging and insightful.

This was a free Kindle story on my TBR shelf from 2010 so it qualifies for Mount TBR Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 26, 2016

Happy Friday!
It's Friday already?! Thanks for the many congratulations and prayers this week.
The week went by very quickly since I flew out Saturday to help our son and daughter-in-law get settled in with the twins. I am glad I got to meet my new grand babies and was able to help by spending quality time with our 3 1/2 year old "Sweet Pea". After a bit of a stress with blood work the test finally were determined to be false positive and mom and the twins got to come back home Wednesday when I had to leave. Our d-i-l's parents arrived Wednesday afternoon so they still have helpers.

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 August 19 Pick. This week there was one automatic win again. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one book with a three way block again, but it was won this week.
AUTO: Elizabeth gets The Tara Taylor Quinn pair.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 19 Pick:
Carol L gets The Necessary Bride (by Debra Mullins)

Sue F also gets She Came Back (through the three-way block for several weeks)

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 recognize three authors but haven't read any books from this list.

Image found at Kiss My List.
 
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

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
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 991+ 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!