Sunday Post June 10, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 11, 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.

I made more progress in the law office this week but had to juggle with title office work since Heather was out sick two days.
Our weather is reaching the 90s now. We've still had rain on and off.

My reading was again comfortable with three books completed: 2 Audibles and 1 ebook. I only got three reviews posted with my usual memes.

I visited only 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week for Mystica who shares books and tidbits of her world in Sri Lanka. I love having blog friends who live across the world and share different cultures.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 3, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 4, 2018.

• PLBC-TBR- Book Review and Giveaway: A Simple Change (Home to Amana Book #2) by Judith Miller; Christian, Historical; my rating 3.75.

• eTBR- eBook Review: Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong; Contemporary Romance, Teen and Young Adult; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 1, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/7/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver; Detective, Police Procedures; my rating 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 10, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP3 (ATBR)

The Search
By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
This is solid romantic suspense with the bonus of dog training tips.
Source: 2012 Audible Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (LBCTBR)

Stranger Things
by Erin Healy
I enjoyed this suspenseful story that weaves faith and a touch of supernatural.
Source: I picked up the print version at discount at Christianbook.com in 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
I picked up the Kindle version in May 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

The Cruel Prince
By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
This is an entertaining YA story with some good twists.
Source: 2018 Win from Bookish Owl.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Voice Inside: A Thriller (Frost Easton Book 2)
by Brian Freeman
I am 30% into this: enjoying the primary character as he begins to face down a horrific serial killer.
Source: 2017 NetGalley.
In the follow-up to bestselling psychological thriller The Night Bird, a serial killer mistakenly set free becomes a city’s worst nightmare—and a detective’s deadliest challenge.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Columbus Day
Expeditionary Force, Book 1
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 1
Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
I am 3 hours in and very engaged by this military space sci fi.
Source: 2017 Audible Purchase at $2.99 with Kindle purchased at $.99.
Publisher's Summary
We were fighting on the wrong side of a war we couldn't win. And that was the good news.
The Ruhar hit us on Columbus Day. There we were, innocently drifting along the cosmos on our little blue marble, like the Native Americans in 1492. Over the horizon came ships of a technologically advanced, aggressive culture, and BAM! There went the good old days, when humans got killed only by each other. So, Columbus Day. It fits.
When the morning sky twinkled again, this time with Kristang starships jumping in to hammer the Ruhar, we thought we were saved. The UN Expeditionary Force hitched a ride on Kristang ships to fight the Ruhar wherever our new allies thought we could be useful. So, I went from fighting with the US Army in Nigeria to fighting in space. It was lies, all of it. We shouldn't even be fighting the Ruhar; they aren't our enemy. Our allies are.
I'd better start at the beginning.
©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2016 Podium Publishing

3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Monster Hunter Nemesis
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 5
Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
I have just started this but I really enjoy this fun series.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Agent Franks of the U.S. Monster Control Bureau is a man of many parts - parts from other people, that is. Franks is nearly seven feet tall and all muscle. He's nearly indestructible. Plus he’s animated by a powerful alchemical substance and inhabited by a super-intelligent spirit more ancient than humanity itself. Good thing he’s on our side. More or less.
Sworn to serve and protect the United States of America from all monsters by one of the country’s founding fathers, Franks has only one condition to the agreement: No matter what the government learns of him, no matter what is discovered concerning his odd physiology or the alchemy behind the elixir that made him, the government is never, ever allowed to try and make more like him. Such is absolutely forbidden and should the powers-that-be do so, then the agreement is null and void.
Project Nemesis: in a secret location, using sophisticated technology and advanced genetic engineering, the director of the very agency Franks works for is making more like him. And the director is not content with making one. Nope, he’s making 13. Now all bets are off, and Hell hath no fury like a monster betrayed. Particularly if that monster happens to be an undying killing machine capable of taking out vampires and werewolves with one hand tied behind his back.
©2014 Larry Correia (P)2014 Audible Inc.

June 10, 2018 - I am still 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. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 3 reviews. This keeps me with 5 reviews due. 
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12 since I am reading one. I still have two author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests but I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get any new review books this week - looking at a couple though.
I picked up three Audible daily deal titles this week.
I resisted the Kindle deals this week.
I got week seven free SYNC audios.
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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up three Daily Deals this week!
6/3/2018 DD $3.95
Frankenstein: Prodigal Son
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 12-04-17


6/5/2018 DD $5.95
Red Sister
First Book of the Ancestor
By: Mark Lawrence
Narrated by: Heather O'Neill
Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 04-04-17

6/9/2018 DD $1.95
Natural Disaster
I Cover Them. I Am One.
By: Ginger Zee
Narrated by: Ginger Zee
Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 12-05-17

Free

I downloaded week 7 SYNC audio titles:

Everland by Wendy Spinale Read by Fiona Hardingham, Steve West
The Just Men of Cordova by Edgar Wallace Read by Bill Homewood

I added 20 free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Too tired most nights and no internet over most of the weekend.) 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 June 10, 2018

This weekend Hubby took our motorcoach to a park near our daughter’s new home. I drove down on Saturday. We attended church near their home. The service was more traditional with some lovely hymns. We enjoyed the pastor’s sermon. He has a good sense of humor.
The sermon was titled “Wisdom to Discern.”
We all need to obtain divine direction. Even Paul had his moments of indecision. (1 Corinthians 16:6-9.)
We grow in God's will one step at a time. God’s direction will never be contrary to scripture.
The steps to take seeking wisdom are:
1. Walk. Walk with the wise. Proverbs 13:20. Friends can provide positive or negative influences. It is important to pick friends wisely. It has been determined that group therapy has positive impact on patients. There is strength in numbers.
2. Ask. The formula that works is “pray - promise”. James 1:5.
Read scripture. Discuss with others. Listen for the still, small voice of God. Psalm 32:8.
3. Decide. God gave man free will. You will make mistakes, but God will teach you even in mistakes. 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
You can find influences all around you: family, friends, TV and Facebook. Be careful that you do not keep company with the wicked! Proverbs 24:1-2.
Always seek to serve Him perfectly in any given moment.

This is a song that I think fits today's message.

A Verse for Today:
James 1:5 (NIV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

My Prayer: Lord, Keep me in Your Will. Help me to seek Your word, and surround me with good influences.

Audible Book Review: The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver

This reminded me how much I enjoy forensic mysteries.
The Vanished Man
A Lincoln Rhyme Novel
By: Jeffery Deaver
Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
Abridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-07-03
Language: English
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Detective, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
It begins at the prestigious music school in New York City. A killer flees the scene of a homicide and locks himself in a classroom. Within minutes, the police have him surrounded. When the scream rings out, followed by a gunshot, they break down the door. The room is empty.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to help with the high-profile investigation. For the ambitious Sachs, solving the case could earn her a promotion. For the quadriplegic Rhyme, it means relying on his protégé to ferret out the master illusionist they've dubbed "the conjurer", who baits them with gruesome murders that become more diabolical with each fresh crime. As the fatalities rise and the minutes tick down, Rhyme and Sachs must move beyond the smoke and mirrors to prevent a terrifying act of vengeance that could become the greatest vanishing act of all.
©2003 Jeffrey Deaver (P)2003 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Review:
Two young officers are first on scene to a murder of a young woman. A security guard called them into a supposedly closed music school where they stumble upon a man hovering over a body. They try to challenge the perp, but he slips out of the room. The officers hear him in the other room as they plan how to trap him. However, when they enter the room he has vanished. Lincoln Rhyme, the bedridden quadriplegic, former detective and his right-hand investigator, Amelia Sachs, are brought in on the investigation. The initial clues lead them to a magic shop where they encounter a young woman who has been studying and practicing the arts of illusion.

Another murder occurs, and it becomes clear that the murderer is using historic illusion tricks and settings. Rhyme and Amelia make progress due in big part to the aid of their budding illusionist. The murderer feels that Lincoln is a threat and he confronts him in a vulnerable situation. Now the case has become personal and Rhyme and Amelia must trap the murderer before Rhyme becomes a victim and before the murderer kills a crowd which they suspect he is going after.

I found the settings and history very interesting. The illusions and slight of hand add to the good suspense. The 'vanished man' continues to be a chameleon, one step ahead of the police. It has been a while since I read (listened) to a forensic mystery and this definitely reminded me why I enjoy them so much. I recommend this to readers who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: I was pleased with the narration by Adam Grupper. He adds distinct voices and excellent pausing and energy. I usually listen to unabridged versions, but this shorter version seemed just right for my enjoyment.

Source: 2004 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audiobook and a "V" title for Alphabet Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 8, 2018

Happy Friday! -- How did we get here again, already?

This week was still productive in spite of my manager (daughter) being ill two days and a full half day with phone outage at both offices.
The books are still waiting for my staff to package for mailing. I am hoping Monday if not tomorrow.
I still have to work on Gift Card credits although I got a couple done.

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 June 1 Pick. There was one automatic wins 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.
bn100 gets Lady's Choice which is part of the Krentz Pair.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 1 Pick:
BECKY gets the Johanna Lindsey Pair 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.}

Lovely thought!
Image found at Honolulu Magazine.

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair

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 1,169+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!

eBook Review: Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong

This is a fun, quick prequel drawing me to the first full book in the series.

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love Book 4)
by Lindzee Armstrong

File Size: 2525 KB
Print Length: 117 pages
Publisher: Snowflake Press (April 8, 2015)
ASIN: B00VVU72Y0
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Nothing slows love down like the friend zone.
a No Match for Love prequel novella
Sixteen-year-old Brooke Pierce doesn’t need her mom to tell her all boys are trouble. After watching her dad break up the family for a woman half his age, dating is the last thing on her mind.
On the first day at a new high school Brooke meets Luke, the school flirt with a reputation for heartbreak. He’s interested. She’s not. That only makes him chase her more.
After a shocking revelation from her dad, Brooke and Luke form an unexpected bond, complete with crazy rules to keep them safely in the friend zone. Problem is, that’s the worst place to be when you’re falling in love.
Part of the No Match for Love series, Meet Your Match is a delightfully sweet prequel novella that can be read as a stand-alone. It's sure to delight readers who love Hallmark movies and sweet romance. This series combines complex characters with smart dialogue and a fast-paced plot.

Review:
Brooke is sixteen when her parents separate because her dad has an affair with an employee in his office. Brooke’s mom moves them away from the family home and difficult memories. Brooke isn’t thrilled about having to go to a new school and make new friends. On the first day of school Brooke overhears a conversation between cute Luke and his fun friend Chris. Now Brooke is certain she doesn’t want to get caught up with the cute classmates who are clearly players. Brooke is keeping her distance, even more so when she learns her father is still seeing the younger woman even while participating in required counseling.

Luke really wants to go out with Brooke but he agrees to settle for being her friend after he learns all that she is going through and the distrust she has developed. He hopes that at some point she will accept his sincere interest, but his friend Chris isn’t helping with his competitive antics.

Brooke hopes to make a career of match making after she graduates from high school. She has a knack for seeing whether couples are well suited or need to part ways. Unfortunately, this knack doesn’t apply to seeing her own feelings.

I enjoyed this light romance which reads very quickly. The characters a natural and I appreciated that the story is clean and suitable for YA. There is a sense of frustration as one part of me felt Brooke was being too cautious with Luke but the other said “good thing, they are so young”. The ending leaves the reader hanging. Although this is listed as “book 4” it is actually the prequel to the series. I do want to get the first full book to see what happens. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, young romance.

Source: 2017 Author Newsletter Sign up. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge.