Sunday Post October 22, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 23, 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.

I felt like I completed some work this week. Still more to do -- always.

My reading/listening time was good. I finished four books: two ebooks, one audio and one galley/format for eTP. I am far along in the next audio. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I visited 25 blogs during the week including some brand new to me.
Shout out this week is to an article How Long Would it Take to Read Every Book in the World? which I found at My Book Cave.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 15, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 16, 2017.

• eAuthor: Book Review: Wild Justice by M.L. Buchman; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 20, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/26/2017.

• A-Narrator- Audible Book Review: Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2 by Scott Washburn; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• P/eB-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher; Historical, Inspirational, Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #325 Comment Giveaway October 21, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/27/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 22, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman
I enjoyed this from one of my go to authors. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (Author)

The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes
Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This is an quick, fun listen.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (iRead Tour)

The Fabergé Entanglement
by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes
This has lots of 'James Bond' type action with sizzling chemistry between the characters. 
I received this title through iRead Book Tours; my tour date 10/25.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/eTP prep

Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
I read this as I prepped it for NetGalley,
then Kindle release. 
It is a charming historical romance with a nice touch of faith based forgiveness.
When her mother died giving birth to her, Megan Carter’s father sent her to live back East with his mother. After her abusive grandmother has her sent to Bellevue Mental Asylum for a minor scuffle with her spoiled cousin, Megan must flee the only home she has ever known.
Megan has an adventurous journey as she travels west by train and stagecoach to meet her family for the first time. She faces all the hardships of the West, as well as some prejudice from the local sheriff; but soon begins to win everyone over with her kindness and spunky personality.
Fueled by laudanum, Adelaide's hatred for Megan grows once her granddaughter escapes her clutches. Will Megan’s faith and newfound family be able to protect her from her grandmother’s hatred?

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
This is usual good Eve Dallas and team investigation.
I am 60% complete. This is from my Audible TBR
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Christmas Room
by Catherine Anderson
This sounds like an enjoyable Christmas read.
I received this through NetGalley a few months back. It was released in September.
The beloved author of the Mystic Creek series gifts readers with a novel of homespun holiday cheer, as two families discover the joy of hope and redemption....
Widow Maddie McLendon has uprooted her life to move to Rustlers Gulch with her son and grandson. But as a brutal Montana winter looms on the horizon, contractors have yet to break ground on their new house, leaving them to live in a makeshift camp of trailers, tents, and sheds....
Since his wife died six years ago, millionaire rancher Sam Conacher has been content to wallow in his grief alone while keeping a tight rein on his twenty-six-year-old daughter. But now the girl has gone and fallen in love with his foolish new neighbor’s no-good son....
Maddie and Sam will never see eye to eye on anything, until a near-tragedy gives them a true glimpse into each other’s souls. And as the first snowflakes begin to fall, they’ll discover that an open heart is the biggest gift of all....

3. Audible/MP3
I had trouble converting an MP3 disc to my player. So I am not sure what audio I will listen to next. It will be a surprise!


October 22, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, and caught up now! 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 three books and posted three reviews. That keeps me up to date.
I need to link the last two weeks of reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I added two NetGalley titles to bring that shelf to 13. I realized I had two author titles in my queue; one wasn't on my list.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
will be available at NetGalley this week and hopefully at Kindle by the weekend. See full blurb above under finished reading.

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 books requested at NetGalley.
I selected two Audibles with my September credits.
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 two titles through NetGalley

Sugar Pine Trail: A Small-Town Holiday Romance (Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
"An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!"
I enjoy this author and look forward to reading this holiday story.

Battle Hymn
by William C. Dietz
"From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned Novels comes the final novel in a postapocalyptic military science fiction trilogy about a nation wracked by a civil war."
I like the premise of this. It doesn't release until February 2018 so I have time to pick up the first two books.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but picked up two selections for September credits:
Western Christmas Weddings
By: Jenna Kernan
Narrator: Cody Roberts
Duration: 9 hrs and 10 mins

We'll Always Have Christmas

By: Jenny Hale

Narrator: Helene Maksoud

Duration: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Free

Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Tides of Hope: Second Chance Romance (A Nantucket Island Romance Book 1)
by Dawn Tomasko

Rumours & Recklessness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
by Nicole Clarkston

Dark Space Universe (Book 1)
by Jasper T. Scott (Author), Aaron Sikes (Editor), Dave P. Cantrell (Editor)

Crane's Bride (Wild Rose Country Book 1)
by Linda Ford

Christmas in Three Rivers (Three Rivers Ranch Romance Book 9)
by Liz Isaacson (Author), Elana Johnson (Author)

Lost Fortune (The Unbridled Series Book 1)
by Sandra E Sinclair (Author), Meg Amor (Editor)

and a few more:
Fatal Heir by L.C. Ireland
Secretly Craved (Billionaire Bear Brotherhood Book 1) by Lily Cahill
The Warrior Series 3 Book Box Set by Denise Domning
Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 4) by Angie Fox

I added 61 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 22, 2017

We enjoyed another lovely Sunday of fellowship and message. Our substitute Sunday School teacher shared a youtube video of Jonathan Cahn sharing highlights from his newest book, The Paradigm. I will be looking to pick this book up soon, probably at Audible.

We had nice praise and worship music and pastor started a new series: Illuminate, a Galatians Series.

Pastor shared two experiences from his youth when he went through some tunnels - literally. If you have ever ridden a bike or even walked through a dark tunnel you know the relief when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

When Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians it was intended to provide clarity on the Christian teachings of the day. Believers have been admonished to make sure that the preaching and teaching they are receiving measures up to God’s Word. It should always be consistent with the Bible.

Paul had preached to the Galatians before leaving to preach elsewhere. There were a group of Judaizing teachers who were trying to pull the Christians back to the law insisting that converts to Christianity must first be circumcised to comply with the Law of Moses.

Paul addresses two issues in the first chapter of Galatians. He reminds the believers that his (Paul’s) authority to speak and teach came from Jesus as a direct revelation (Acts 9). His teaching was not by human authority. This gives him authority to challenge contrary teachings. Galatians 1:1-2, 11-24.

The second and more important issue he discusses is the purity of the gospel message. Galatians 1:6-7.

Satan is always at work to distort the message. Humans are always drawn back toward two things: the law and/or the flesh. But the Gospel is incredibly simple: Salvation is found only in Jesus.

The Point: The purity of the simple Gospel is primary. Everything else is secondary.

We need to fall in love with the simple Gospel again! Loving the gospel means loving Jesus. We were given the awesome, greatest gift. Christ continues to stand at the door and knock to call sinners. When we open the door of our heart we are taken from being a slave of sin to become a child of God. God opens the future, the mission He has for you.

Ask yourself: Why am I here this day? Our purpose is found in the Gospel!

This song came to my mind as a perfect fit for today’s message.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 1:3-4 (NIV)
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, I thank you for the simplicity of the Gospel: Jesus died for my sins and when I accepted the gift of His salvation I became a child of God!

Sharing Beyond Books #325 Comment Giveaway October 21, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
It was fun to share the swag we like. There were 7 who like bookmarks, 5 like tote bags, 4 like pens, 3 like book charms and 2 like magnets. There were two unique items mentioned: SueF likes a jar opener and Natalija likes a non-slip coaster she has used for years.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #324 comments is: #14 MARJORIE 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 #325

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: What is your favorite dessert??

Oh so many I enjoy: cheesecake, shoo fly pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, butter pecan ice cream with caramel sauce, hot fudge sunday, berry tart, melting chocolate cake, caramel flan.... I have to pick only one?? Hard choice but I will pick a moist carrot cake with buttercream icing - yumm!

Image found at Cake Journal.

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. Natalija asks: What is your favorite dessert??

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 28, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher

This is a very sweet read.

A Matter of Character,
Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series #3
by Robin Lee Hatcher

File Size: 778 KB
Print Length: 273 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Unabridged edition (May 12, 2010)
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

“The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series delivers exactly what readers have been waiting for—smart, confident women who are not afraid to defy convention, live their own dreams, and share their lives if the right man comes along. In A Matter of Character, book three in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series, it's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret. A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne. When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.”

Review:
Daphne may be an heiress but she is a down to earth young lady you is happy living in the small Iowa community of Bethlehem Springs in 1918. Most people would thing that a wealthy young woman would want to return to the society circles of the east coast, but not Daphne. She is happy living near her brother and her lovely sister in law. But Daphne’s seemingly simple life hides a secret. She has a secret connection to a popular dime store novel series which features an infamous character known as Rawhide Rick.

Joshua Crawford is a newspaper man from St. Louis who has trouble controlling his temper. He has lost his job after lashing out at a co-worker for maligning Joshua’s beloved grandfather, Richard. Joshua determines to travel to Bethlehem Springs to confront the author of the Rawhide Rick dime store novels that portray his grandfather as a villain rather than the God loving, generous man that Joshua was raised by.

Joshua is lucky to get a job at Bethlehem Springs where he meets the surprising Daphne McKinley. He doesn’t understand why the wealthy young lady is staying in this small town, but he enjoys her intelligent and outgoing character. Daphne finds the newsman attractive but is concerned about his inquiries trying to find an author no one knows.

Daphne and Joshua soon have an uneasy but growing friendship as they try to maintain secrets and distance. She doesn’t want to reveal her secrets and he doesn’t want to get involved with a lovely young woman when he plans to return home where he has a young lady waiting who expects a marriage proposal.

Daphne has a strong faith that she is not afraid to share with Joshua. Joshua was raised in a Christian household but has avoided faith issues since losing his grandfather. The faith that Daphne holds will pull at Joshua as they face an unexpected difficulty and isolation.

Ms. Hatcher provides strong, likeable characters and a believable storyline with light humor and sound faith. The romance starts with conflict and grows nicely with respect and sweetness. The story reads easily and provides several lovely faith messages regarding forgiveness, judging others and redemption. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical and inspirational romance.

I selected this book last year in print from Christianbook.com for Ladies Book Club so it counts as a TBR, I think. I did pick it up as ebook so I could get it read quicker.

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 and tell me something you find there.

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) October 28, 2017.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2 by Scott Washburn

This is a good sequel which brings the reader/listener into a tense battle for survival of the species.
Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2
By: Scott Washburn
Narrator: Ray Greenley

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Series: Great Martian War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-11-17
Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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

Review:
I enjoyed coming back to these characters. The conflict continues between the Martians and the 1909-10 version of the US forces under the commander in chief, Theodore Roosevelt.

The Americans are improving their technology, but it is still not enough. They may have a few successful encounters but the battles are still being controlled by the Martians. The Martians target the transport systems (railroads) in order to limit the tanks and other equipment that the humans can bring to the fight.

The story follows the primary characters from book one, both US and Martian. Andrew Comstock has been promoted and is still working in the ordinance department to help develop improved weapons that can increase the American chances in the war. He travels from D.C. to Niagara Falls to observe Tesla testing the Martian lasers. Then he travels to Santa Fe where he is commanded to head a force in the field.

The young farm girl who survived the battle in book one has become a nurse who longs to fight the Martians up close and personal. She is very close to the front lines and involved in caring for physical and mental injuries inflicted upon prisoners who are rescued from the Martian home hold.

Qetjnegartis is a Martian warrior in the home hold who is fighting for his race. He has a “bud” (an infant) whom he is training as one of the replacement corps. The Martians have their own reasoned strategy as they fight for survival and, sadly and frighteningly, elimination of the human population.

Mr. Washburn writes a convincing and engaging plot. He has developed likeable characters, US and Martians. The story has good action and interesting social growth and interaction. I recommend this to fans of the original story (War of the Worlds) and those who enjoy engaging sci fi. I look forward to more in the series.

Audio Notes: Ray Greenley does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides strong, distinct voices and carries the action forward. The narration enhances the story for me.

I received this Audiobook from the narrator as a follow up to the first book. :-)