Sunday Post April 8, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 9, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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.

We still had some staff members not fully healthy this week. I got some work done each day but still have more. I had to spend time preparing for two upcoming trials.
We are having rain with fluctuating weather. We have a new hen house with a baker's dozen of chicks which we are enjoying watching.

My listening was good if slower this week. I finished 1 ebook and 1 Audio title. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 25 blogs last week. I want to do better.
Shout Out this week for My Lovely Secret, a book blog with a cute new background (I love the kitties on the 4/1 recap).
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 1, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 2, 2018.

• MBS 2018 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge Wrap-Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Fledgling by Nicole Conway; Dragons, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.25.

• NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan; Drama, Psychological Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 6, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/12/2018.

• eB2018- Audible Book Review: Book Review: Blackstone by Richard Falkirk; British Detectives, Historical, Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #341 Comment Giveaway April 7, 2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 8, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

The Mysterious Howling, Book 1
The Incorrigible Children Of Ashton Place
by Maryrose Wood
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Children Ages 8+ • 5.5 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2010
This really is a fun story.
Source: SYNC 2013 Download.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Publisher 2018)

Dog Training the American Male
by Steve Alten
This romantic comedy has its moments.
Source: Ralina Shaw PR.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Portrait in Death
In Death, book 16
By: J. D. Robb
I am about 3/4ths in, enjoying this.
Source: Audible 2016 sale purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. LBCPrint (TBR)

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied
By: Paul Kent
This is our March read for Ladies Book Club.
Nice concise information.
We will discuss this 4/14. 
Source: 2017 Purchase at CBD.
Product Description
Know Your Bible is a concise, easy-to-understand guide to God's Word-giving you a helpful and memorable overview of all 66 books. For each Know Your Bible provides data on the author and time frame, a ten-word synopsis, a longer (50-100 word) summary, thoughts on what makes the book unique or unusual, a listing of key verses, and a "So, What?" section of practical application. It's a fantastic resource for individuals and ministries! Quotations are in NIV, ASV, and KJV.

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan)
by Iris Johansen
I haven't read this author (nor series) in a few years.
The beginning reminds me why I enjoyed her writing. 
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Mind Game takes Jane MacGuire back to Scotland where she continues her search for the treasure she’s been chasing for years. But now she’s being plagued by dreams of a girl in danger. Who is this girl, and what is she trying to tell Jane? And will Jane figure it out before it’s too late—for her and the mysterious young woman? Things are further complicated when Seth Caleb comes back into Jane’s life. This time he’s the one in trouble, and Jane will find herself pulled unexpectedly into his world as she fights to save him.
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.

4. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor
Duration: 5 hrs and 32 mins
I'll be listening to this for conference next week.
Source: Audible 2018 sale purchase.
Publisher's Summary
We live our lives word by word - to build our relationships, to convey our points of view, to object to wrongs done to us or to others, to comfort our children and our friends. We also use the wrong words - sometimes unknowingly - and get ourselves into situations we'd rather not be in.
As Stephen R. Covey points out in his introduction: "Words sell and words repel; Words lead and words impede; Words heal and words kill."
Kevin Hall discovered the deeper power inherent in words after a fateful encounter with a wise shopkeeper in Vienna. When that led to an introduction to an esteemed etymologist residing in a senior home, Hall embarked on a project that changed his life, and has since changed the lives of thousands. Discover the eleven words - as well as the secret word - that when used correctly, can light your path to the lifelong success you deserve.
©2009 Kevin Hall, Power of Words LLC (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

April 8, 2018 - I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. It is a great way to start my day. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews on the blog. That moves me to 3 current reviews.
I linked some titles during the week at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 14 and I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but still haven't replied.

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 one review title.
I picked up two Audible daily deal titles but no Kindle deals this week.
However, as usual, I picked up lots 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 this from the Author and Giveaway to be posted this month.
4/8 Author Gift for Review
Hunting in Bruges: Hunters' Guild, Book 1
by E.J. Stevens
Narrator: Melanie A. Mason, Anthony Bowling
Duration: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Audible Deals again this week:
I realize they are both narrated by Bray whom I like. :-)
4/8 DD $2.95
The Deep Dark Descending
By: Allen Eskens
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 10-03-17


4/3 DD $3.95
Infinite
By: Jeremy Robinson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-26-17

Purchase on sale 4/8:
I received this book in print to read for an upcoming conference. I misplaced the book so thought I would get the audio to listen to this week (see description above).
Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor
Duration: 5 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 01-05-10

Free

I added 99 free titles to my Kindle 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 April 8, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher went to Haiti a week ago for a youth spring convention at the church that God planted through Band of Brothers. He shared wonderful photos and videos this morning. God at work is so wonderfully amazing!

Pastor started his new Sermon series title “Relation Slips”.
Some outgoing people have many relationship, some introverts only have a few. However, many we have, when we hit bumpy times do we look to blame the other or look to ourselves? Are we depositing enough credits into the affection account or over withdrawing?

Any time there is a relation slip, there is stress. Often our day to day situations are beyond malfunctioning and more like dysfunctional. John Maxwell, leadership expert, has stated “The Bob Principle” as: When Bob has a problem with everyone around him, Bob is usually the problem.

We are all dysfunctional to a degree although some hide it better than others. It is important to remember that you are not alone. We have all been born with the sin nature and all fallen short of God’s standards.

Point: A functional relationship with God will lead to functional relationships with people.

You may think your relationship with God is healthy but most likely it is not. Matthew 7:21-23.
Have we come to accept a relationship that is less than it should be? Sin made us dysfunctional, but God wants us to function properly.

Sometimes men are hopelessly confused. We must look in the mirror and then take action. We must throw away the old nature and put on the new nature. Ephesians 4:17-24. This requires us to act, as it doesn’t say someone else (even God) will do this for us.

Our old (human) nature is a slave to sin. But when we believe in Christ, we have a new life and a new view. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. When we view those around us as God's sons and daughters it will changes how we view and treat them.

Is your relationship with God fully functional? It requires that we invest into the relationship: spend time, study His word and apply His views to life. He wants you to have the new life; to be fully functional; to have Life more abundantly.

Today start a new life by looking at the person in the mirror.

I chose this song video for today: New Beginnings

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Lord I pray that I put of the old and put on the new. Help me live fully in the example of Christ.

Sharing Beyond Books #341 Comment Giveaway April 7, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I am going to continue to post this event biweekly (every other week) for now. My work is so hectic that I appreciate the break every other weekend. Thank you for understanding and continuing to participate.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
7 of us choose our mother's as the one who helped us become the person we are. Other choices were good friend, high school teacher, parents, sister, cousin, first boss, and dad.

The Winner from SBB #340 comments is: #8 Rita 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 #341

(One Question.)

CarolL asks: All of us here are obvious readers. Are you the only constant reader in your family??

I am the biggest reader in my family. My hubby doesn't read - he waits for the movies. My son and daughter do read some but of course with younger children they don't have that much time available. I have encouraged all the grandchildren to read but only one grandchild seems to love reading. I love to share books with her. :-)

Image found at The Family Life.

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. CarolL asks: All of us here are obvious readers. Are you the only constant reader in your family ??

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 April 21, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Blackstone by Richard Falkirk

I especially liked the history in this mystery.

Blackstone
by Richard Falkirk

File Size: 367 KB
Print Length: 234 pages
Publisher: Thistle Publishing (April 12, 2017)
ASIN: B07223LKKS
Genre: British Detectives, Historical, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Edmund Blackstone, Bow Street Runner, of doubtful parentage and background, the best if far from the most conformist in the force, secretly applauds the robbers he hunts. He is tall, well-built, with a strongly featured face and, despite his elegant and expensive attire, moves with ease among the thieves and cut-throats in the taverns and soup shops, the cockfighting pits and dirty alleys of London. But if Blackstone has a weakness for professional esteem and flattery, for a woman's touch and for good wine, he is also one of the best shots in London, an expert in almost all areas of crime, a ruthless man with a reputation for courage and persistence, and - first and last - a Bow Street Runner.

In this, the first of the series, Sir Richard Birnie, the Bow Street magistrate, has appointed Blackstone to guard the heir to the throne, the young Princess Alexandrina Victoria. Among the Runners this is considered an honour but Blackstone feels that it is all a waste of time, even a punishment. Then Blackstone himself is attacked outside his lodgings - and there's something about his assailant that seems oddly familiar…

Review:
This is a fascinating portrayal of historical London with a fascinating character. Blackstone was raised on the streets with a criminal background- petty thief and more – until a target took him under his wing and got him into more honest work as a Bow Street runner. Blackstone isn’t all ‘good’ as he is still a rough, tough, and ruthless cop.

Blackstone thinks that being put on duty to “baby sit” the future queen of England, Alexandrina Victoria, is a demotion instead of realizing that he was placed there as the best protector. He isn’t sure there is a plot but then a miniature goes missing so there is something to investigate. But someone doesn’t want him around and he is set up to be removed from the force. That opens the door for a kidnapping to occur during Bow Street watch.

Sir Richard Birnie, the head of the Runners, is stressed because upper officials, speared by Robert Peel, are planning to start a full-time police force which threatens the Bow Street Runners program. Now that the princess has been kidnapped he is relying on Blackstone to rescue the child to show the value of the Runners.

Blackstone has his own weaknesses that get in the way sometimes. Various women at the Estate are interested in Blackstone and/or the man he puts into place undercover. Still, Blackstone is a top-notch detective and surprisingly brave and dedicated to saving the child and his career. His actions are a bit gritty as he doesn’t always use the best methods to accomplish his goals.

Although there is a good deal of sexual innuendo and grittiness, I enjoyed this strong, historical mystery. This novel is clearly well researched. The historical detail of the times, the politics, intrigues and challenges to the Runners is a big plus which I found fascinating. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mystery and especially those who enjoy historical detail.

Source: Thistle Publishing, 2018. This qualifies for March Take Control and Alphabet Challenges.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 6, 2018

Happy Friday!

We've been busy all week but moving along.

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 March 30 Pick. There was one 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.
AUTO: Rita gets Someone to Watch Over Me

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 30 Pick:
SUEF gets Big Stone Gap and
LINDA gets a GC.

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'm sure some of you would rather have raining books than snow!
Image found at Deb Hanson Crafting Connections.

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,153+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!