Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2018

Happy Friday! --Is everyone enjoying the summer (or for some the winter) days so far?

This week I have been in Illinois helping with our 22 month old twins and 5 year old granddaughter. It reminds me why I chose to go to work! Taking care of children is time consuming - but a labor of love of course. I have only gotten on the computer after 9pm when the little ones are in bed sleeping (hopefully). By the time I check my work emails I have been too tired to work on reviews for the blog.
Please continue to keep our daughter-in-law and family in prayer. She will be having a second surgery in July to remove the cancer spots in her lungs.

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 15 Pick. There was one automatic win again 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.
Elizabeth gets Breaking Point.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 15 Pick:
Mystica gets a GC and
Alina 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 don't think I have read a summer title with the children yet. Mostly Thomas Train.!
Image found at Look We're Learning.

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

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

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 1,170+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: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

This is an entertaining YA story with some good twists.
The Cruel Prince
By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly

Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Bullying, Fae, Fantasy, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
By number-one New York Times best-selling author Holly Black, the first book in a stunning new series about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him - and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
©2018 Holly Black (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Review:
Jude is a human teen who was taken from the human world at the age of seven to live with her half-sister’s father in the High Court of Faerie. As a typical teen might, Jude longs to fit in but the Fae look down on human mortals. She is especially taunted by the cruel Prince Carlan, the youngest son of the High King. Jude’s fae foster-“father” is a high guard. He is harsh and would defend Jude and her sister’s if he had any idea of the tricks and pain the fae children are causing.
But Jude is too proud to ask him for help. However, she has asked him to allow her to fight in the upcoming competitions in hopes she may be apprenticed. He denies the request to fight for an apprenticeship, but Jude becomes embroiled in the High Court intrigues after battling with Prince Carlan in public.

There are conspiracies ongoing as the children of the High King conspire to obtain the crown that he is soon turning over. A middle son is deemed to be the likely successor, but the eldest son will not take that well. When the time for the announcement comes, death comes to the royal family and division in the kingdom is clear and threatens more than just the royal family.

There is a surprise descendant who has been kept secret. Jude has uncovered the secret and now has to determine what she and a handful of friends can do to protect the future of Faerie and the humans who are captured to serve. There are several twists before the story concludes.

The characters and world building of Faerie pulled me in. This is my first read with this author and she clearly has a knack for well developed world building, characters and drama. The story moves along well and manages to be interesting despite bullying characters and teen angst. The fae youth are horrendously arrogant and cruel which is unpleasant. I did like Jude’s strength and determination even if I couldn’t always agree with her motives and methods. The friends that she develops add good elements to the story. The package is entertaining, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy involving humans caught in fae magic.

Audio Notes: Caitlin Kelly does a fine job with the narration. The characters were portrayed with distinct, appropriate voices and the emotions and pacing were handled well. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2018 Win from Bookish Owl. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018 Alphabet title.

Sunday Post June 17, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 18, 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.

Work was pressing as I was trying to get work done before flying out to spend time with our son and his family.
Now I am in Illinois and it is hotter than our Florida weather. Here is over 90 every day and mostly sunny while it was raining at home.

My reading was very enjoyable even though I only finished two books. 1 (16 hrs) Audible and 1 ebook. I posted three reviews on the blog and one at Goodreads, plus my usual memes.

I visited only 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week for Drey's Library who shares sci fi books that catch my eyes.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

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

• MBS May 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott; Fantasy, Historical, New Adult; my rating 4.25.

• ATBR- eBook Review: Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt; Legal Thriller, Mystery; my rating 4.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Search by Nora Roberts; Contemporary, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.

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

• Goodreads Review ATBR- Audible Book Review: Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force #1) by Craig Alanson; Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Space Marine; my rating 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #346 Comment Giveaway June 16, 2018; Open Worldwide. Ends June 30, 2018

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 17, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. 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 really got pulled into this military space sci fi. 
I have picked up book two with a May Audible credit.
Source: 2017 Audible Purchase at $2.99 with Kindle purchased at $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Voice Inside: A Thriller (Frost Easton Book 2)
by Brian Freeman
This is a well written Police Procedure Thriller with a gruesome killer.
Source: 2017 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm also reading multiple board books and children's books with the children.

Currently Reading:

1. 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 am a third in enjoying this fun series.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase.

2. Print (LBCTBR)

The Letters (The Inn at Eagle Hill Book #1): A Novel
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
I got a good start on this during the air flight. I am enjoying the characters and story.
Source: I have had my print copy for several years. I think it was a 2013 book through Book Sneeze that I didn't get to read because my daughter took it to read. I also got it through free Kindle in 2016. We just recently bought copies through ChristianBook.com for Ladies Book Club reading this month.
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Lance: A Spirit Unbroken
by Walter Stoffel
I am just starting this 
but am drawn to the cover and blurb.
Marley meets…Cujo?
A dog down the block is being forced to live outside, at the mercy of abusers, wild animals and brutal weather. The author does nothing—at first. Then, an accidental meeting with Lance, a Border Collie, sets the wheels in motion for a life-saving rescue and a disappointing discovery: Lance turns out to be a semi-feral dog.
During the first twenty-four hours of his liberation, he attacks both the author and his wife, and soon proves to be a threat to anyone he can get his teeth on. His rescuers ask themselves: Do we euthanize the dog we rescued? Making their soul-searching even more difficult is Lance’s alter ego; when not threatening, he’s getting into all kinds of highly entertaining mischief. Among the many “victims” of his hilarious quirkiness are a State Trooper, the local school bus driver, and a neighborhood drug dealer.
This rollicking and—at times—heart-wrenching, true-life account of the unorthodox rescue of an unorthodox dog has been called “riveting,” “spellbinding,” and ”jaw-dropping.” The compelling tale reveals as much about the rescuers as it does the rescued.
Lance: A Spirit Unbroken is a book for any reader looking to have her or his faith in the human race restored.

June 17, 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 2 books and posted 4 reviews. This drops me to 4 reviews due. 
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12; I still have one author title 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 selected one review book this week.
I picked up one Audible daily deal titles this week and selected my two May credit audiobooks.
I resisted the Kindle deals this week.
I got week eight free SYNC audios.
I didn't pick up any free kindle titles this week! (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

Review title through iRead Book Tours; review and Giveaway date August 16.

Tribal Affair
by Matt Dallmann
Fantasy romance including a Genie.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I only picked up one Daily Deal this week.
6/12/18 DD $2.95 (Vintage)
The Stars My Destination
By: Alfred Bester
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 12-05-17

I picked up my two May Audible Credits.
6/17/18 May 2018 Audible Credits:
SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 15 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 03-07-17


Differently Morphous
By: Yahtzee Croshaw
Narrated by: Yahtzee Croshaw
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 03-06-18

Free

I downloaded week 8 SYNC audio titles:

My Name is Not Friday by Jon Walter Read by Dion Graham
Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau Read by J.D. Jackson

I added ZIP - ZERO -ZILCH 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 17, 2018

I am visiting our son and his family. I am happy we were able to get everyone out to church this morning. I think it was one of the few times our daughter-in-law was out since her major surgery. She is healing well from the tumor that was removed from above her ear. Skin was grafted from her leg so that has to heal also. Now they are facing more difficulties as they have found a different cancer in her lungs. Please keep her and the family in continued prayer.

The pastor’s message was Prosper with both knees down. Although he was speaking to the father’s it was a message for everyone.
The Bible text was Ephesians 3:14-21 and he shared three points:
1. Repentance - Return home to the Lord.
     Sins- missing the mark.
     Selfishness- missing the purpose.
     Suffering- self-inflicted.
2. Restoration. Ephesians 3:16-17.
Philippians 4:19. My God will supply all my needs.
     (He is our) Source.
     (He is our) Scope. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 24:3-4 ‘by wisdom a house is built’.
     (He will) Supply. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
3. Rejoice.
Ephesians 3:18-21.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 1:24
John 14:23-24.
Pastor's Challenge: start each morning with both knees down.

This is the song that I thought of first: On My Knees.

Ephesians 3:14-17 (NIV)
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith...

Lord - Help me to meet this challenge by starting each morning on my knees.

Sharing Beyond Books #346 Comment Giveaway June 16, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I made it through the first day and a half of helping with a 5 year old and twins under 2 years. A mix of joy and frustration. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Two commenters do belong to street teams - one to 4, the other to 2. One person participates in what sounds like an ARC team and two of us do reviews for authors we like whom we have read before. One used to belong to a street team but no longer. That leaves nine of us who do not belong to a team some because they are too busy and at least one who has heard negative things about author bullying. That is too bad for sure.

The Winner from SBB #345 comments is: #3 MARY P 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 #346

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: Have you ever put yourself on a book buying ban??

I have for short times. A couple of years back, and for 2 or 3 years, I participated in the Triple Dog Dare Challenge which was no book purchasing from January to April. The only books I allowed myself to acquire during those three month periods were Audible Credits (on subscription) and occasional review books. I still try to watch my purchases during that first quarter but it is no longer a challenge so it is not a committed ban.

Image found at Playground of Randomness.

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: Have you ever put yourself on a book buying ban??

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 June 30, 2018 at 5 PM central.