Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 4, 2016

Happy Friday!

It is November and this is the month I celebrate when I first started this giveaway. For the four weeks in November I select FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!
Hopefully next week I'll add a group of Christmas books to pick from too.

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 October 28 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 title blocked again but it was won this week.
AUTO: BN100 gets the Suzanne Brockmann pair.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 28 Pick:
MaryP gets a GC

DI gets Her Scoundrel (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 so Thankful for Books!
Image found at Sputnik.

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


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.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
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:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
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:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
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 -- All Gone
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
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)
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
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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,011+ 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!

Book Review: Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3) by Marcus Sakey

This is an exciting conclusion to a gripping dystopian trilogy.

Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3)
by Marcus Sakey

File Size: 4823 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (January 12, 2016)
ASIN: B00YUICLP0
Genre: Sci Fi, Thriller, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

For thirty years humanity struggled to cope with the brilliants, the one percent of people born with remarkable gifts. For thirty years we tried to avoid a devastating civil war. We failed.
The White House is a smoking ruin. Madison Square Garden is an internment camp. In Wyoming, an armed militia of thousands marches toward a final, apocalyptic battle.
Nick Cooper has spent his life fighting for his children and his country. Now, as the world staggers on the edge of ruin, he must risk everything he loves to face his oldest enemy—a brilliant terrorist so driven by his ideals that he will sacrifice humanity’s future to achieve them.
From “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly) comes the blistering conclusion to the acclaimed series that is a “forget-to-pick-up-milk, forget-to-water-the-plants, forget-to-eat total immersion experience” (Gillian Flynn).
The explosive conclusion to the bestselling Brilliance Trilogy.

Review:
Nick Cooper loves his country. It doesn’t matter if people are normal or Brilliant, he is still fighting to save America for all of them. But the country is on the brink of civil war with the White House and top officials gone up in fire and tensions mounting throughout the country. Nick, Shannon and a few other friends, are racing to stop John Smith, the brilliant terrorist who has spent years planning his own destructive means of changing the world. But Smith, with his followers, seems to always be one move ahead on the dangerous chessboard of his devastating ambitions.

An army of frightened ex-military and preppers are gathering outside of the New Canaan Holdfast with the intent of attacking the Brilliant community. The Holdfast has special, secret and deadly defenses set up to protect against outside attack. But they couldn’t plan for all threats that they soon must face. How much are the sides willing to risk and sacrifice for their position? Is there any chance to deescalate the animosities and try to find a solution that would lead to peace?

Mr. Sakey gives a crisp, pulse pounding, hard-to-put-down conclusion to this gripping dystopian trilogy. He manages to weave social and moral commentary into the fast paced, tense action. The story clearly presents the question “Do you do whatever it takes to win or do you do the right thing?” Although I found the social moralities interesting to contemplate I wasn’t thrilled with Nick’s double standard on the home front as he ‘embraces’ his ex-wife in one scene and his new girlfriend in another. The author manages to resolve the personal issues along with the civil war crisis. Some of the circumstances are a bit contrived but it is still engaging. I recommend the trilogy for those who like exciting, politically-focused dystopian.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Sharing: 30 Days of Gratitude

My son sent me this calendar with this message:
1. Be Grateful on Purpose - YOU are invited to join the Gratitude Challenge
beginning 1 Nov. This calendar (attached) is a template to consider
following. This can be done individually, with your significant other, with
your children, with your friends, etc. Intent is to overshadow
discontentment with contentment.

I think it is a wonderful idea.
The written list can be found at Text My Journal.
I will link this in my  "Tour" box on the sidebar and update this post each morning. :-)

1. What smell are you grateful for today? Pine.
2. What technology are you grateful for? Computer
3. What color are you grateful for? Gold
4. What food are you most grateful for? Cheese
5. What sound are you grateful for today? Birdsong
6. What in nature are you grateful for? Trees
7. What memory are you grateful for? My Mother's strength and dignity
8. What book are you most grateful for? the Bible
9. What place are you most grateful for? Home
10. What taste are you grateful for today? Bacon!
11. What holiday are you grateful for? Thanksgiving!
12. What texture are you grateful for? Rose petal.
13. What abilities are you grateful for? Reading.
14. What sight are you grateful for today? Stars in the sky.
15. What season are you grateful for? All - but to pick one...Spring.
16. What about your body are you grateful for? Eye Sight.
17. What knowledge are you grateful for? God's Sovereignty
18, What piece of art are you grateful for? The Seasons by David Najar
19. What touch are you grateful for today? My Childrens' Touch
20. Who in your life are you grateful for? My Hubby!
21. What song are you most grateful for? Trust His Heart
22. What story are you grateful for? Beauty and the Beast
23. What tradition are you grateful for? Christmas Eve PJs :-)
24. What challenge are you grateful for? Living each day with Grace.
25. What moment this week are you most grateful for? Being with both children and all six grandchildren for Thanksgiving!
26. What form of expression are you most grateful for? (Not sure of the question but I think:) Written Word (Books and Music)
27. What small thing that you use daily are you grateful for? Contact Lenses.
28. What small thing that happened today are you grateful for? Time to read to Sweet Pea.
29. What friend/family member are you grateful for today? My Sister.
30. What talent or skill do you have that you are grateful for? God Given Faith.

Sunday Post October 30, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 31, 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.

Once again I worked steadily this week handling current files and preparing for some trials in November.
Weather fluctuates with cool nights and warmer days.
Everyone have a fun, safe Halloween if you celebrate!

My reading and listening was good during the week, although I only finished two books; one ebook and one Audible. I posted three reviews and the usual memes.

I had a nice time visiting other bloggers early last week.
This week I direct you to Rinn Reads who is hosting November Sci Fi. 

Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 23, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24, 2016.

• Books Received at FWA 2016 Conference: The Prometheus Saga and more!

• Book Review: Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1) by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley; Sci Fi, Steampunk, Time Travel; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection by Barbara Venkataraman; Essays, Humor; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 28, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/3/2016.

• Audible Book Review: Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #276 Comment Giveaway October 29, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/05/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 30, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3)
by Marcus Sakey
Good conclusion to an exciting series.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible (ABB-Narrator)

The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
This was wonderfully entertaining.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. ebook/Kindle

Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent
by Robin Parrish
I selected this for Ladies Book Club October read 
as I thought it would be rather timely.
We will be discussing this Saturday November 5.
"The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." --Reverend Billy Graham
The Question Is Not If Attempts Will Be Made
to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When.
And When That Day Comes, Will You Stay Silent?
A storm is coming.
The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical.
But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.

2. Audible (Audiobook Jukebox)

Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell
The summary makes this sound very interesting.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
There's a common plea detectives get from the loved ones of victims: When you find the person who did this, give me five minutes alone with them. And that's exactly what someone is doing. Someone is helping these victims get their five minutes alone.
When the body of a convicted rapist is found, the detectives try to determine if this is murder or suicide. The following night two more rapists go missing. It's hard to investigate when everyone on the police force seems to be rooting for the killer. But when innocent people start to die, two detectives find themselves with different objectives, and soon they're battling something they never would've expected: each other.
©2014 Paul Cleave (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series)
by Amos Cassidy
I set this aside for my book club title. 
I am also distracted by the rough language. 
I will pick it up and try again - so we will see.
This is another title I received for free 
Only the bravest go over the Horizon...
Twenty years ago the barriers between worlds came down and our reality was swallowed up by the Shadowlands. Now we scavenge to survive, until one day there’s nothing left to reap. Starvation is around the corner, but I’m not the roll over and wait-to-die kinda girl. Nope, I’m going further than anyone has ever been and returned to tell the tale. I’m going into the Beyond, and I’m not coming back without a solution.
Dark urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic twist.

October 30, 2016 - I got a few days behind last weekend.
I have been listening to the companion commentary online for the past few days to get caught up.
I am enjoying reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.

I posted three reviews which keeps me up to date with one past and two new for the coming week.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have been lining up Sci Fi titles for November. Here are a few of the ones I plan to read:
Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell from Sci Fi Explorations in September 2016
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1) by Joel Horn from the author in October 2016
AOB (Return to Earth) by Bria Burton - met author at FWA in October
NetGalley titles:
The Wrong Unit: A Novel by Rob Dircks
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen
The Invisible City by Brian K. Lowe
The Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno
The Reader by MK Harkins
Free Space by Sean Danker
PLUS Some choices from my own TBR shelves:
The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart (Book win 5/2014)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer (Feb 2014)
First Colony (Citadel Book 1) by Kevin Tumlinson (Sept 2015) Sci Fi, Steampunk, Military
Galaxy of Heroes by Gus Flory (10/2014) Space Opera
Hero (Epic Book 3) by Stephen Lee (6/2015)
Audible:
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia (Nov 2015)
The Synchronicity War Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr (2014)
Eye of the Storm: Legacy of the Aldenata (2012)
Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2 by Jack Campbell (1/13)
Spider's Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 1 (9/2012)

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
Two books released on Kindle: Jake's Happy New Year and Murder Crosses the Pond
One to release in print hopefully on Monday.
Had a hiccup with the NetGalley title, but it should be up later this week.

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 still have new review requests to consider.
I received a new audiobook title this week and I signed up for  a blog tour for Feb 2017.
I resisted purchasing anything.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected this for Ladies Book Club October read to be discussed November 5.

Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent
by Robin Parrish
(See full description under currently reading.)



I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox

Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell
(See full description under currently reading.)

I received this title from Dancing Lemur Press through MC Book Tours
The Tour is in February and my review and an author guest post are scheduled for February 1, 2017.

The Remnant
by William Michael Davidson
(a Christian Futuristic Fiction novel)

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Fake (Finn Teller Corporate Spy Mystery #1)
by Twist Phelan
"Have you ever thought about buying a counterfeit product? Maybe a watch or a handbag for fun? After you read FAKE, the first book in Twist Phelan's series featuring Finn Teller, corporate spy, you'll think again."


I only added 51 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 October 30, 2016

We had another good Sunday School message today about Spiritual Warfare. I will share that another time. The Pastor continued his sermon series on the Healthy Church.


It is sometimes difficult watching our children grow. We are to train them up. They will go through painful moments. Although we might want to shield or protect our children, the growing process is necessary for development. CIPA is a nervous system disease that exhibits a lack of pain. This can cause danger because the person with the decease doesn’t realize or recognize pain when pain occurs. They can’t learn from painful experiences. The pain of our past can shape how we live the future.
The message was centered around Titus chapter 3. The sermon encouraged us to post verses around our houses and cars. The verses note how division is negative for family, church and country. Unity matters.

The Point: A Healthy Church embodies the attitude and posture of Christ.

The book of James discusses the power of tongue. A careless tongue, or malicious one, can cause offence in family and church. We need to be authentic; not hiding behind masks. People should be our first priority. We should be sensitive to those around us. As followers of Christ we should convey the attitude and posture of Christ. We should be giving and sharing rather than taking and hording. We should give grace towards others, remembering that, in everything we do and say, we are representing our Father. As Paul encourages Titus, we too should learn to surrender and obey in humility. We have been declared righteous by God through Christ’s sacrifice and we need to share that gift with others.

I think this song is appropriate for this message: With Every Act of Love

Verses for Today:
Titus 3:4-7
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help me to share kind and graceful words and acts in my everyday living.