Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 13, 2017

Happy Friday!
I am still running the hamster wheel and making small progress. I think I got past the cold although every now and then my throat is very raspy. Might be allergies as we are in peanut season here.
I still have not gotten to the gift cards or the newest box list. I do have the lists printed and started putting totals together.
My clerk assistant has not even had 8 hours in office this week so book mailouts are piled up in a box. I'll talk with her tomorrow to see when she can get to them or I will have to reassign the task this time.
Thanks again for being patient everyone!

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 6 Pick. There was no 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.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 6 Pick:
RUBYNREBA gets The Trophy Wife.
Elizabeth gets The Duchess Diaries..

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.}

Not as soft as falling into leaves but just as fun!
Image found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

To be listed on Saturday soon. (The Painted House is cassette tapes)
PAIRS:
Rachel Lee: Snow in September and Ever Princess
JoAnn Ross: Legacy of Lies and Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
 The Trophy Wife 
The Painted House is cassette tapes
Daring
Something Special
Named of the Dragon
Whispers at Midnight
The Inquisitor
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

PAIRS:
Suzanne Brockman: Flashpoint and Over the Edge
Lisa Gardner: Hide and The Survivor’s Club (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The Duchess Diaries by Barbara Dawson Smith
To Conquer a Highlander by Mary Wine
Cain by James Byron Huggins (Hardback)
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
Reader’s Digest Large Type: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks and Consigned to Death by Jane K. Cleland

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

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


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016-- All Gone
The Champion by Heather Grothaus

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

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015 -- All Gone

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

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

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
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)

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 1,106!+ 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: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

I was drawn by the cover (note the cat too) and enjoyed this sweet, fun cozy mystery.
Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery

by Jacqueline Frost

File Size: 2061 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2017)
ASIN: B06XWDL7YW
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When Holly White’s fiancé cancels their Christmas Eve wedding with less than two weeks to go, Holly heads home with a broken heart. Lucky for her, home in historic Mistletoe, Maine is magical during Christmastime—exactly what the doctor prescribed. Except her plan to drown her troubles in peppermints and snickerdoodles is upended when local grouch and president of the Mistletoe Historical Society Margaret Fenwick is bludgeoned and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm.
When the murder weapon is revealed as one of the wooden stakes used to identify trees on the farm, Sheriff Evan Grey turns to Holly’s father, Bud, and the Reindeer Games staff. And it doesn’t help that Bud and the reindeer keeper were each seen arguing with Margaret just before her death. But Holly knows her father, and is determined to exonerate him.The jingle bells are ringing, the clock is ticking, and if Holly doesn't watch out, she'll end up on Santa's naughty list in Twelve Slays of Christmas, Jacqueline Frost’s jolly series debut.

Review:
Holly has returned home after her fiancé broke up shortly before their Christmas Eve wedding. Her spirits begin to rise as she helps out on her parents’ tree farm, Reindeer Games, and in their historic small-town, Mistletoe, Maine. Tourists are already gathering as the farm prepares for one of its biggest events, the annual Twelve Days of Reindeer Games. Unfortunately, the town’s grouchy Historical Society president and enforcer, Margaret Fenwick, is found dead in a sleigh at the gates of the farm, closing it before the event can open.

Sheriff Evan Grey is quick to look at Holly’s father and the Reindeer Games staff because of the location and murder weapon. Holly knows it couldn’t be her father and is pretty certain it isn’t anyone else on staff. She has to hunt up alternate suspects quickly so the Sheriff will reopen the farm.

As Holly makes inquiries around town she learns that Margaret had been issuing tough restrictions to many folks so there are quite a few people who might have been angry with her. Sheriff Evan warns Holly to stop especially when someone starts issuing warnings to Holly. The first warning is disturbing but then the threats escalate. But Holly is onto a solid trail if she can only figure out where it leads before the murderer sneaks back to keep her quiet.

I liked Holly and Evan right away. Their dialog is “peppered” with bad metaphors and challenging banter. Neither is rushing into any feelings but it is nice as his protective instincts, and her sense of security, grow. There are plenty of quirky characters to join in the holiday activities, including Holly’s aloof cat, Cindy Lou Who, and another cat that joins the group mid-story. The setting has the touch of Christmas Magic and the mystery moves along with light relief in between the threats and clues until the climactic scene when the murderer is revealed.

I enjoyed the fun characters, light romance, and easy read. This reminded me of the Hallmark Christmas Movies. :-) I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, Christmas (and cats). I’ll look forward to reading more about Holly, Evan and Mistletoe.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday Post October 8, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 9, 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.

Work was busy any I plugged on each day. I was out half a day on Wednesday to help the hubby and for a rest before I went into work. Other than that I didn't miss any work.

My reading/listening time seemed pinched again, maybe because I was trying to go to bed early for health. I finished two books: one ebook and one audio. I am far along in the next ebook. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I visited 31 blogs during the week which was fun, as always.
Shout out this week is for Rabbit Ears Book Blog who has a lively book blog (with a gorgeous wedding photo today).
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 1, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 2, 2017.

• MBS September 2017 Reading List Wrap Up.

• A-Narrator: Audible Book Review: The Rampart Guards by Wendy Terrien; Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 6, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/12/2017.

• A-ABB- Audio Book Review: The League of Governors by Wendy Terrien; Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• eNG- Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle; Action, Romantic Suspense, Small Town; My rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #323 Comment Giveaway October 7, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/14/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
by Jacqueline Frost
This is a sweet, fun cozy mystery.
I'll post my review for
release day, October 10.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series
Book 11
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
I liked this installment, with lots of action and adventure, and look forward to the next in the series!
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Crown of Souls
by Ronie Kendig
I am 70% into this Christian military suspense.
I received this through NetGalley (it released in September).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2
By: Scott Washburn
Narrator: Ray Greenley
Duration: 10 hrs and 27 mins
I enjoyed book one and look forward to this.
I received this Audiobook from the narrator as a follow up to the first book. :-)
Publisher's Summary
This is the second of the three-part series covering the opening salvo of the Great Martian Invasion. US forces recover from the initial shock of the Martian invasion of the Southwest and attempt to set up a defensive line along the Mississippi. The best minds in the US try to come up with ways to defeat the Martians using the little captured technology available to them. Meanwhile, President Roosevelt tries to rally world leaders to aid in stopping the invaders.
©2016 Scott Washburn (P)2017 Scott Washburn

3. eBook/Kindle (Ladies Book Club - LBC)

A Matter of Character,
Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series #3
by Robin Lee Hatcher
I will finally be finishing this fun book for
our next book club meeting on 10/14.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman
I just started this and really like the characters.
I set this aside to read my LBS book for next Saturday.
I plan to complete this in time for the release date of 10/17.
Click on book title for full description.

October 8, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, still with half a week to catch up. I am working on getting back on track. I have been 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.

I completed two books and posted three reviews. That keeps me up to date.
I mostly caught up linking my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I am at 12 NetGalley titles. Still 2 author titles in my queue, with a few requests I am considering.

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 received two more NetGalley titles I had requested a week ago.
I selected one Audible Daily Deal but was tempted all week long. and two kindle titles for $.99 each. 
As usual, I 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 received these 2 additional titles from NetGalley. Release dates are shown in parenthesis.

Mind Game
by Iris Johansen 24 Oct 2017
"With the adventure, intrigue, and explosive energy that Iris Johansen fans love, Mind Game is a high-octane thriller that readers won’t be able to put down."
I have read many good books by this author but apparently not since I have had the blog (8 years).

Rise of the Fallen
by Chuck Black
17 Feb 201
I have book one in this series in my Audible library
so I am glad to get this through NetGalley.

Won

I won a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card from Tribute Books at 'The Bell Tolls' blog tour. That will be nice to cover a few $.99 titles when I pick them. :-) Thank you!

Purchased

I selected two Audible Daily Deals this week (and was tempted all week long!):
10/2 DD $3.95
The Fold
By: Peter Clines
Narrator: Ray Porter
Duration: 10 hrs and 52 mins


10/8 DD $3.95
Geekerella
By: Ashley Poston
Narrator: Eileen Stevens, Tristan Morris
Duration: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Free

Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Cooking Spirits: An Angie & Friends Food & Spirits Mystery 
(The Angie & Friends Food & Spirits Mysteries Book 1)
by Joanne Pence

Romancing Wisconsin Volume I (Christmas Boxed Set)
by Stacey Joy Netzel

Wild West Frontier Brides Boxed Set Vol. 1: Books 1-3
by Cindy Caldwell, Ashley Merrick

Morna's Spell (A Sweet, Scottish, Time-Travel Romance):
Book 1 (The Magical Matchmaker's Legacy)
by Bethany Claire

Justice is Served: The Hunt for Justice Series
by Diane Capri

Mastiffs, Mystery, and Murder (A Dog Detective Series Novel Book 1)
by Sandra Baublitz

and a few more:
A Werewolf Boxed Set: Tempted by the Pack, Wolf's Heart, and At The Viking's Command by Anne Marsh
Rogue (SEAL Team: Disavowed Book 1) by Laura Marie Altom
Glory Rising: Walking in the Realm of Creative Miracles, Signs and Wonders by Jeff Jansen
Summer Lake Romance Boxed Set (Books 4-6) by SJ McCoy
Telling Lies (A Sam Mason Mystery Book 1) by L. A. Dobbs
For Children: Cassidy and the Rainy River Rescue by Keely Chace (Author), Nikki Dyson (Illustrator)
I added 73 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 October 8, 2017

Our Sunday School teacher summarized his message from last week so I didn’t miss anything. 😊
Pastor’s Tension sermon today was Tension in Life. (I missed last week’s message on Family. I should be able to get it on tape.)

Pastor used water skiing as a good example today. That is a sport that requires tension (and also needs a technique). When the line goes slack, you will have trouble.

Most of us live with tension; some people bring it with them. We were not designed to live with tension. God designed Eden to be perfect; all was in harmony. Tension is a punishment for sin. Genesis 3:16-19. Tension rose up between man and God and between man and woman. Tension rose up between man and the ground.
Sin ALWAYS leads to tension. Between life and death there is tension.We live in constant tension though not by design. God created a way out by putting our sin (and the tension it brings) on Jesus at the cross.

Point: Tension indicates a difference between God's plan and my plan. I can surrender or try to live with tension.

We become used to life with tension. But it means our plan is not the same as God's. I have to align my life with God's plan. Holy Spirit tension brings us back into alignment. The Holy Spirit works on your behalf to bring you back into alignment with God.

In Ecclesiastes 2 King Solomon, the richest and once most blessed king, notes that men are continually seeking pleasure from things, but find it meaningless. Even riches are meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5.

Perfect peace is only found in God; when our hearts desire to glorify God. Isaiah 26:1-9.
When there is tension, we either surrender or try to live with the tension.

God wants to be the answer to all problems and all your tension. Will you seek to realign your life? Will you surrender to His plan?

I found this song that fits very well!

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 26:3-4
3You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Lord, Thank You that You care to keep us from tension. Please help me surrender to Your plan for my life!

Sharing Beyond Books #323 Comment Giveaway October 7, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
All fourteen of us who commented agree that reviewing doesn't change what we would read. Those of us who review tend to pick genres we like, just as those who read solely for pleasure. Many of us try to read a variety although we don't choice certain genres if we don't like those. Natalija will sometimes pick a different genre to break a reading slump. Several of us read different books when they are recommended by family or friends or maybe even found on blogs we follow. I know I have been picking up books I see on the Mailbox Monday blog links.:-)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #322 comments is: #10 NATALIJA 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 #323

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

I don't think I have ever wished this really. However, I recently thought while reading/listening to complex and engaging plots (or watching shows like "Blacklist"), "how does the author come up with, and keep track of, all those creative elements?" [I think the story that recently brought this thought to mind was Valor's Choice because of the fighting strategy issues that were involved.] I know that authors use character and story boards, lists or notebooks, especially for series, but it is still amazing to me how they are always pulling up new plots and character elements. I think one series that fits that is the Mercy Thompson series but there are many.

 Image found at Pinterest.

Faulkner writing on wall image found at Daily Mail news article "Losing the plot.."

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. Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

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 October 14, 2017 at 5 PM central.