Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 18, 2018

Happy Friday! 

Again a busy week but I had fewer appointments so I was able to whittle away at the work. We've had some heavy rains.

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 May 11 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 two titles blocked; one was won through the block.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 11 Pick:
MAYOR gets Indigo Blue (through the block) and
MARYP 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.}

Image found at Books-Rain-Caffeine.

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal 
Indigo Blue

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 1,162+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!

Audible Book Review: Aspire by Kevin Hall

I enjoyed this book about positive words!
Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-05-10
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Communication, Inspirational, Self-Development
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

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

Review:
I found this audiobook exciting to listen to. Of course, I am a person who loves words. I especially love positive and encouraging words. This work shares eleven strong words that follow a journey of growth by the author. There are really more words than the primary eleven, (dubbed "core" words) because the author expands with root words and derivatives that run off on rabbit trails – wonderful side trips.

The claims of the blurb may be a bit grandiose as I don’t think it takes a secret word to lead to success. Still the words come with strong, positive and powerful messages that can improve a life with their positive approach. They are inspiring in their power and description. This work might be good in print as it sounded like it comes with workbook pages to expand the words and share them with others.

These are words that can enhance a journey of growth for any listener (reader) who is interested in pursing the path. Although I may not implement the words in a journal, I thoroughly enjoyed them and learning how they impacted the author’s life. This is a book I think I would listen to more than once or twice. I recommend this to readers who enjoy learning about words and the impact they can have.

Audio Notes: Patrick Lawlor does a good job with the narration. His voice is clear and shares the excitement of the author. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 2018 Audible sale purchase. This qualifies for my Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner

This is engaging sci fi rebellion.

The Hills of Mare Imbrium
by Carleton Chinner

File Size: 2478 KB
Print Length: 318 pages
Publisher: Carleton Chinner (August 30, 2017)
ASIN: B0758DSP5Z
Genre: Colonization, Sci Fi, Space
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Jonah arrives on the Moon, he isn't expecting much. All he wants is to stay out of trouble and start a new life working on the Helium mine at Chang’e Base. He doesn’t expect to be swept into the raging undercurrent of the Moon's racial tensions and politics.
Yesha is desperate to escape her domineering uncle. In a moment of rebellion, she agrees to have dinner with Jonah and his friend. A simple decision that will change her entire life and set her on a collision course with her uncle.
Unknown to either of them, the head of security, Wang Mei, has plans to enslave the people of the Moon and seize control of the incredible wealth that comes from supplying the world with energy.
Their lives collide in a perfect storm where no one is safe and freedom is the ultimate prize.

Review:
Jonah lost his favored brother to the wrong crowd in a mess that left Jonah tainted and a liability to the family. Now Jonah has been exiled to the Moon where he has no real prospects. He makes a new friend, Lucien, not realizing that he will soon be caught up in rebellion.

Yesha is the niece of the Moon’s governing authority. She doesn’t agree with his oppressive style that shows no rights or respect of the Moon folk. Yesha was born of earthers but was modified by her mother to become a child of the Moon. The head of security, Wang Mei is more than happy to brutally abuse the Moon workers. He has his own plans to enslave them even if he has to destroy their cities to beat them into submission. Wang Mei has abusive plans for Yesha too.
Yesha agrees to have dinner with Lucien and Jonah. But that night events spiral out of control putting her on the run from Wang Mei and destined for an unexpected future leading the rebellion.

There are secondary characters who are fun. The characters are nicely developed and the story is told from alternating perspectives which helped to keep it engaging. The pacing was good after a little slow start. The lunar rebellion and production line reminded me of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I enjoyed the human implants and the manipulation of the droids. I recommend this to those who enjoy sci fi colonization stories.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post May 13, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 14, 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.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
This was another busy week - nothing new I guess. I continue to work late each evening and have started going in an hour earlier too. I wonder if I will ever get caught up.

We had beautiful weather again. Getting warmer but lovely, sunny days. A little rain today to feed the earth and cool things off.

My reading seemed slow although I did finish three books: 2 Audible titles and one digital. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 24 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week for Paperback Princess who has a very cute blog where she shares about reading and life.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 6, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 7, 2018.

• MBS April 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Start with Why by Simon Sinek; Business, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty; CIrish, Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 11, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/17/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: NPCs by Drew Hayes; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout, Book 1, by Mark Tufo; Horror, Humor, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 13, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor
Duration: 5 hrs and 32 mins
I enjoyed this book about positive words!
Source: 2018 Audible sale purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (iRead Tour)

The Deadliest Sport: A Miriam bat Isaac Mystery in Ancient Alexandria
by June Trop
I received this title through iRead Book Tours
for review on 5/23/18.
The mystery and historical fiction are interesting.
Miriam bat Isaac, a budding alchemist in first-century CE Alexandria, welcomes her twin brother Binyamin home to fight his last gladiatorial bout in Alexandria. But when he demands his share of the family money so he can build a school for gladiators in Alexandria, Miriam explains that he forsook his share when he took the gladiatorial oath. When she refuses to loan him the money for what she feels is a shady, and dangerous, enterprise, Binyamin becomes furious. Soon after, the will of Amram, Miriam’s elderly charge, turns up missing, Amram becomes seriously ill, and the clerk of the public records house is murdered. Could Binyamin really be behind this monstrous scheme? If not he, who could be responsible? And is Miriam slated to be the next victim?

3. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Joshua
By: John S. Wilson
Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
I enjoyed this post apocalyptic listen.
Source: 2013 Audible Credit Purchase("J" title).
Publisher's Summary
He had to keep moving, that the man instinctively knew. He had to get away, from the rioting, the lawlessness, the killing. Away from the brutal gangs that ruled the highways. Then there was the boy that he found along the way, an orphan with no place to go. He couldn't leave the child behind; that would be murder. Together they had to make their way across the razed landscape of post-collapse America, west to where there was safety, a chance to begin again. If only they survived the journey.
©2012 John S. Wilson (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Currently Reading:

1. LBCPrint (TBR)
 

A Simple Change, Home to Amana Series #2

By: Judith Miller

I haven't finished this yet for Ladies Book Club.

Source: Christianbook.com on sale.

Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Series: Koban, Book 2
Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins
I am enjoying this adventure.
Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase("K" title).
Publisher's Summary
Book 2 of the Koban Series
Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. Aftertesting humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

3. eBook/Kindle (Author 2017)

Hearts Under Fire
by Antonio Scotto di Carlo
I couldn't find this on my kindle so I read another book. I've downloaded it again.
Source: 2017 Author through Goodreads.
Jenny is a beautiful young businesswoman. She lives in an Italian tourist town where she owns a shop. Her need for independence is her strength, but her innate distrust sometimes creates problems with others.
One day she encounters love. More than an encounter, it’s a collision, a head-on collision. Her heart isn’t Eros’s only target, and everything changes …
Police begin investigating suspicious events around her, slowing down the construction of a new great hotel in town and rocking her life even more.

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Geekerella
By: Ashley Poston
Narrated by: Eileen Stevens, Tristan Morris
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
I thought I'd listen to this light story until I get time to pick my "R" and "V" titles.
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?
Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.
©2017 Ashley Poston (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

May 13, 2018 - I am really enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning!
I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. It is a great way to start my day as I share the joy of the word with other friends on the YouVersion Bible App. Hubby and I still share in discussion although we are reading slightly different places. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 4 reviews. That puts me at 4 reviews due.
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 15 since I added another. I still have one committed author title in queue and some new sent by authors. Also many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but I 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 NetGalley title.
I resisted all Audible daily deal titles although several were good.
However I did pick up two Audible titles with my April creidts.
I didn't purchase any Kindle deals this week.
I also picked up some 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

A new title from NetGalley:

Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3)
by Nancy Mehl
This sounds like good Christian suspense.

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/13/18 Audible March Credit Purchases
Morning Star
By: Pierce Brown
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Duration: 21 hrs and 50 mins



Half Share
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Duration: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Free

I added only 10 free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Again I was too tired to download titles 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 May 13, 2018

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
We had another good Sunday School and proceeded to church service with lots of “Happy Mother’s Day” shared. Pastor continued his sermon series on Relationslips. Now he is sharing elements that are needed for healthy relationships.

The first thing needed is good Communication. He noted how Moms have a unique set of communication skills that includes looks, voices and names, among others tricks.

At one time men all spoke the same language and began to build a tower (the Tower of Babel) to God. Then God chose to confuse the languages. Genesis 11.

Point: Healthy relationship is dependent on both people speaking the other person’s language.

5 Love Languages were set out by Gary Chapman. These are Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Gifts and Quality Time.

Relationships have a much greater chance of success when:

• Both parties speak the same language.
•  Both care enough to make the effort to speak the other’s love language.

Relationships struggle when:

• One or both choose to speak in the language they feel like using. 
•  One or both stops speaking.
•  One or both refuse to fill the other’s love tank.
•  One or both seek out other avenues to fill their own love tank.

God uses all five love languages. It is apparent in old and new testament scripture. Healthy relationships are important they hinge on communication. Acts 2:42-47.

Pastor encouraged us to know our own love language and know the language of our significant others (spouses and children). Then we are to make an effort to fill the tank of those who deserve or need love from you.

Pastor shared this video.

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Lord, I thank you that my husband and I have kept each other’s love tanks full for 32+ years. Help us to know our children and love them in good relationships too.