Sunday Post July 16, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 17, 2017

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.

Hubby and I spent three nights in Orlando. We saw all the plays and most of the tours at The Holy Land Experience on Friday. Saturday we relaxed and enjoyed movies with a free DVD pass. It was a day of sci fis:
The 5th Wave, Jupiter Ascending, Oblivian and Passengers. I had read The 5th Wave and we had seen parts of the next two. Hubby was reluctant when I described Passengers but he ended up liking that one the best.

Reading was very good. I finished five books: one ebook, two audio books and two print books. I posted five reviews, one with giveaway, along with all of my usual memes.

I visited about 30 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Unbound Worlds for Science Fiction and Fantasy book news (Penguin Random House).
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 9, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 10, 2017.

• A (ABJ)- Audio Book Review: Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis; Cozy Mystery, Animals; my rating 4.25.

• eNG- Book Review: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller; Historical Romance, Inspirational, Regency; my rating 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 14, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/20/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7 by A. American; Post Apocalyptic, Survival; my rating 3.75.

• eTBR- Book Review: The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story (The Soul Summoner) by Elicia Hyder; Police Procedure; my rating 4.25.

• LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3 by Shelley Gray; Western Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 4.25. Open US for print copy. Ending 7/22/2017.

• Sharing Beyond Books #311 Comment Giveaway July 15, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/22/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 16, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. Print (LBC)

A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray
Ladies Book Club enjoyed this sweet western romance with vulnerable characters.
My Review, with giveaway, is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (ABJ)

The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
This is a compelling view of what could happen in America.
I chose this from my Audible TBR shelf for "D".
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Wild Horse Springs (Ransom Canyon)
by Jodi Thomas
I enjoyed this fun romance.
Received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 10
I have mixed feelings on this episode.
I pulled this in from my Audible TBR Shelf for "C" in Alphabet.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Print (Poetic Book Tours)

Poetry and Ponderings: A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry
by Diamante Lavendar
This is a lovely collection. I will post my review on 7/20.
In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault. Knowing herself the very difficult journey of being a victim, Diamante was abused as a child, and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Many years later, she started to heal under God’s watchful eyes and was able to find love in her life again. She shares these truly inspiring, religious poems in the hopes that it may help other victims heal their hurts, as she did while writing the poetry collection.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG-Tour)

Blink
A psychological thriller with a killer twist you'll never forget
by K.L. Slater
This is interesting suspense.
I received this from NetGalley.
What if the person you love most in the world was in terrible danger … because of you?
Three years ago, Toni’s five-year-old daughter Evie disappeared after leaving school. The police have never been able to find her. There were no witnesses, no CCTV, no trace.
But Toni believes her daughter is alive. And as she begins to silently piece together her memories, the full story of the past begins to reveal itself, and a devastating truth.
Toni’s mind is trapped in a world of silence, her only chance to save herself is to manage the impossible. She must find a way to make herself heard. She must find her daughter.
A compelling, gripping thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you awake until the early hours. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Into the Black: Odyssey One
Written by: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Benjamin L. Darcie
Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
I picked this from my Audible TBR shelf as "I" in my Alphabet Challenge.
Publisher's Summary
Beyond the confines of our small world, far from the glow of our star, lie a galaxy and universe much larger and more varied than anyone on Earth can possibly imagine. For the new NAC spacecraft Odyssey and her crew, the unimaginable facets of this untouched world are about to become reality.The Odyssey's maiden voyage is an epic adventure destined to make history.
Captain Eric Weston and his crew encounter horrors, wonders, monsters, and people; all of which will test their resolve, challenge their abilities, and put in sharp relief what is necessary to be a hero.
A first-rate military-science-fiction epic that combines old-school space opera and modern storytelling, Into the Black: Odyssey One is a riveting, exhilarating adventure with vivid details, rich mythology, and relentless pacing.
©2012 Evan Currie (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (PUYB)

The Duke needs a Wife: The Belles of Bath
by Katy Walters
I received this from Pump Up Your Book Campaign for review before 8/3.
On the untimely demise of her parents, Miss Cassandra Whitney endures abject poverty raising her siblings. She faces further torment as her landlord, the odious Baron Scudder, threatens her with eviction, if she refuses to assent to his offer of marriage to her younger sister Belle. As Cassandra fights to save her family, she inherits a titled estate and a ruin of a castle.
News of Casandra’s inheritance travels fast, reaching the highest circles in the ton. The Dowager Duchess of Taunton immediately sees her as a worthy match for her son Maximillian the 6th Duke of Taunton a renowned rakehell. The dowager also plans to take control over the castle which would be a prestigious venue for her many balls and hunting weekends. However, neither Cassandra nor Maximillian has any desire to wed. The Duke is more than inclined to enjoy his various mistresses without the entanglement of matrimony; besides his time is mainly caught up with horses, gaming and his club. What with her siblings, the estate and a ruin of a castle to renovate Cassandra could not possibly entertain the idea of courtship.
Both did not anticipate the manipulative powers of the dowager who slyly arranges a meeting between them.
On seeing Cassandra, Max is suitably impressed with her wit and ironic humour. Already tiring of one of his mistresses, she would be a welcome replacement. Although charmed with his handsome looks and seductive overtures, Cassandra puts him firmly in his place.
Can Cassandra resist the devilish overtures of the Duke and the devious ploys of the dowager?

4. eBook/Kindle

Jeopardy in July: A Jamie Quinn Mystery (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 5)
by Barbara Venkataraman
I received this from the author and thought I should get it read in July.
Old people were dying at an alarming rate at La Vida Boca, a posh assisted living facility in Boca Raton, Florida. With its sterling reputation, dedicated staff, and top-notch medical care, none of the deaths are considered suspicious, but when members of the poker club start to die under strange circumstances, attorney Jamie Quinn finds herself once again embroiled in a mystery. With help from her new friend, Jessie Sandler, and her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie uncovers a crime that took place forty years earlier. Can she stop the killer in time? Or is she in danger of becoming the next victim?

July 16, 2017 - I am two days behind in the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

Some of my reading time is going to a Wednesday night study we are doing called Freedom Course.

I completed five books and posted five reviews. I have four reviews current and one for later release. I still need to add books at Goodreads and my latest reviews to Goodreads and Amazon or Audible.
I am down to 6 NetGalley Titles and down to 8 author titles in my queue.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to 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 (yours truly).  
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get review books this week but have this month's Ladies Book Club book.
I am still resisting NetGalley.
I picked up one Audible on sale but didn't purchase any Kindle titles.
I also picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (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 didn't pick up any review titles this week but I have pulled a book from my box for Ladies Book Club. I picked these up in 2015 for $1.99 a copy.

A Matter of Character (The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Book 3)
by Robin Lee Hatcher
This looks like fun. We will discuss it August 12.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but got one on sale. I need to make my June credit selections but it is hard to choose!
Pax (Sale  $3.95)
By: Sara Pennypacker
Narrator: Michael Curran-Dorsano
Duration: 5 hrs and 35 mins
I have been eyeing this and decided to get it when I saw the sale price.

Free

I picked up Week Twelve SYNC Audio titles:
THE DORITO EFFECT: THE SURPRISING NEW TRUTH ABOUT FOOD AND FLAVOR by Mark Schatzker, Narrated by Chris Patton (Dreamscape Media)
SUGAR by Deirdre Riordan Hall, Narrated by Tara Sands (Brilliance Audio)

Here are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (the last three of these may still be free)
 
Watching You: A Police/Psychological thriller with a mind-bending twist 
(Detective Kerri Blasco Book 3)
by J.A. Schneider

 
The Man With Two Names: A Novel of Ancient Rome
(The Sertorius Scrolls Book 1)
by Vincent B. Davis II

The Key to Justice (A Marc Kadella Legal Mystery Book 1)
by Dennis Carstens

Hidden: A Northern Waste Novel
by Eve Silver

A Home for Haley (Crystal Springs Homecoming Romances Book 3)
by Mary Jane Morgan


I added 58 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 16, 2017

Last week’s Sunday school lesson was from Acts 24:24-26 and titled Paul’s Big Three. Paul was telling Felix and his wife about his faith. “As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened.” v25. This is a message that was not a ‘tickle the ear’ message. The message frightened Felix, who had enough belief to be uncomfortable. Felix lured his wife from another so he was in an adulterous relationship. In those days, the Roman culture was full of sin, adultery, homosexuality, even bestiality. Felix was familiar with the Way.

The lost need to hear that the day of Judgment is coming. Righteousness (true freedom) is a basic need of all men. There is a consequence at the time of Judgment. The Bible, especially the words of Jesus and the letters of Paul promote self-control which is needed to be victorious.
We need to choose to deny the flesh; the lusts, anger, gluttony, and greed of the body and mind. Galatians 5:19-21. The lusts of eye, lusts of flesh, and pride of life; passions, pleasure and pride.

Our human nature is selfish. We are drawn away by our desires. Mind over matter is temporary. Control is different for each individual. We have to train ourselves to temperance. John 2:16. We have to take control of mind, mouth and body.

We do not have the ability or power to rule or regulate ourselves in our own strength. We need to seek control through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:4-8.

I wasn't sure which song I wanted. I found many choices.

It took more than an hour of wonderful listening. Then I chose this.
Our God is Able!

Verses for Today:
2 Peter 1:4-8 NLT
4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Help me Lord to grow more in your strength of character and love for others.

 

Sharing Beyond Books #311 Comment Giveaway July 15, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Most of the commenters would pay off debt, particularly mortgages of their own or family. A couple would pay off house renovations; a couple would travel; and several would make donations to help others.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #310 comments is: #2 Mary P who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #311

(One Question.)

Poetryinleaves asks: Can you relate any part of the story you are currently reading or have read to an event in your life??

Hmmm - I just finished a paranormal about gods...so that is not really relatable to my life. I also finished a small town romance that included a lawyer and an author so that is sort of relatable. I am reading a poetry book that praises God and His guiding hand in our lives. Now THAT I relate to!

Image found at Pinterest.

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.

Your turn to share. Poetryinleaves asks: Can you relate any part of the story you are currently reading or have read to an event in your life??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 July 22, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3 by Shelley Gray

This is a lovely story of love and redemption.
A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray

Amazon link
File Size: 1316 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Fiction (October 1, 2012)
ASIN: B01ES91T12
Genre: Western Romance,Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Texas, 1874. Long ago, Scout Proffitt gave up on ever being a man of honor like his Civil War hero brother Clayton. But when Scout steps foot on the rundown remnants of the Circle C ranch, he wonders if maybe-just maybe-the Lord has something different intended for him.
Rosemarie has lived most of her life doubting her worth and shouldering the blame for her brother's death. But when a stranger rides onto her ranch, claiming he owns it, she suddenly is given a choice: either keep looking at the dark side of life . . . or dare to dream.

Review:
This is a lovely story with a realistic setting in 1874 Texas and some darker characters. Scout Proffitt and Rosemarie are two damaged people who find love, worth and redemption.

Rosemarie lives with her family on a dirt-poor farm in Texas. Her father, a squanderer, is on his death bed with a room full holding death watch. Rosemarie is barely allowed in the room, much less near enough to say goodbye. But Rosemarie is used to being ignored and treated as less than worthless. Her family abandoned her emotionally when she was nine years old and it doesn’t matter how hard she might try to work, it will never be enough.

Scout Proffitt is a wanted man, a known killer. He wanted to follow in his big brother’s footsteps as a war hero when he ran away from home over 15 years ago. But living in the world without resources didn’t turn out as he planned. He thinks he may have found a way out when he won a farm in a bet a few months back. He shows up to find the farm is mostly dilapidated and dreary. The man he is claiming it from has just died.

Though stoic, Scout is inwardly dismayed when Rosemarie’s mother and sister pack their things and leave…leaving Rosemarie behind. She proposes that she clean and cook for him if he lets her stay. He agrees she can stay for two weeks.

Just as Scout and Rosemarie are trying to sort out a new living arrangement, four outlaws show up to seek Scout’s leadership for a job that promises them all a new start. Scout can’t turn down the opportunity so once again he rides off and Rosemarie is left alone.

Rosemarie is a mistreated soul who shows gumption and strength of character just in moving forward each day. Scout is a good man inside with a dark past that haunts him. I couldn’t help but root for them. The messages of love and redemption are shared through the story and not in any preachy way.

The story jumps a bit as the chapters move to introduce the four outlaws who eventually show up at the ranch. This was a little confusing but I was sure there would be a connection. I read this with my Ladies Book Club and we all noted that there were numerous typographical errors and several fact errors that should have been caught during editing. Although noticeable, it did not damage our enjoyment of the story.

The story reads easily and kept my attention. This is the third in the series and reads fine as a standalone but I was glad to realize that I had books one and two in my Kindle library. This is the second story I read by Ms. Gray and I am impressed by her versatility. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy western historical romance with a lovely message of redemption.

I picked this book up in print at Christianbook.com for $2.49 a copy for Ladies Book Club.

GIVEAWAY:

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's Website.

* This contest is open to US only for paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 22, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on July 23, 2017.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email

Book Review: The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story (The Soul Summoner) by Elicia Hyder

I enjoyed this character in The Soul Summoner and enjoyed this additional background on him.

The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story (The Soul Summoner)
by Elicia Hyder

File Size: 3191 KB
Print Length: 149 pages
Publisher: Inkwell & Quill, LLC (October 29, 2015)
ASIN: B017DSORBE
Genre: Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Robbery, arson, murder...and the one night stand that just won't end.
With eleven missing women to find and six high-profile burglary cases to solve, the last thing Detective Nathan McNamara needs in his life is one more complication. And that’s exactly what his recent one-night stand is becoming—complicated. With his heinous lieutenant breathing down his neck for answers and his accidental girlfriend dropping hints for a commitment, Nathan is realizing that his career and his bachelor status are both on the line.
When the burglary cases suddenly escalate to homicide, Nathan must put everything else aside to stop the killer. But this is easier said than done when the blonde from the bar repeatedly shows up at his doorstep and enlists his own mother against him. Now he’s more convinced than ever that his job hangs in the balance and that the Surgeon General’s warning on the whiskey bottle should include something about women.
***Detective Nathan McNamara is one of the leading men in The Soul Summoner Series. Book One, The Soul Summoner (a full-length novel), focuses on the investigation of the eleven missing girls. Chronologically, this novella happens before the series begins, but it is a standalone and doesn't have to be read in order.***

Review:
I met the very attractive (okay, -- "yummy" is a better description) Detective Nathan McNamara in The Soul Summoner. This short story fills in his history and how he got involved with Shannon, his stalking girlfriend in the next book.

Nate is ducking his unpleasant superior while pursuing the investigation of a rash of robberies. The criminals left a victim at one of the scenes, turning the case into a homicide investigation. Nate is relentless in his efforts despite the negative attitude of his lieutenant. In his spare time Nate is working on a case with eleven missing women. This case is a special burden for him.

I enjoyed Nate’s family background and input. I didn’t enjoy his ‘accidental’ relationship with Shannon. He initially picks her up at a bar and then takes advantage of the open invitation. Shannon follows him to his town, calls his mother to make connections and repeatedly calls him even as he makes it clear he has work to do. Instead of putting a halt to the eager chase he lets her carry on, and I didn’t like that.

I did like how Nate worked the case and I like the direct writing style. Written in first person from Nate’s view gives it a hands-on approach. I think I would have liked to have read this before The Soul Summoner but I still liked it well enough. This does not have the paranormal elements that show up in the rest of the series. I want to continue with book 2, The Siren, and I recommend these be read in order.

I received this title through InstaFreebies. It qualifies for my TBR Challenge.