Sunday Post June 9, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 10, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

Hello from Illinois. We are visiting with family so I didn't get some reviews posted as I hoped.
I know I have to be on computer Monday morning to handle some work items.
Hubby gave the chickens away on Thursday. I am glad I got to video them these last two weeks.
Hubby caught the twins in the tub tonight. We will be swimming sometime this week if the weather stays nice.

I continue to pray for so many people suffering from floods, tornadoes and severe weather.
Our weather last week was in the 90s and we are hoping to enjoy the 70s weather here in Illinois.

I enjoyed my reading/listening even though I only finished two books: 1 audiobook and 1 ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Carpe Librum. Tracey is "a Melbourne-based book blogger in Australia" who has been reviewing books and interviewing authors since 2005.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 2, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 4, 2019.

• MBS May 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute; Genre: Relationship, Self Development; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: In Darkest Days May Blossom by Leila Snow; Historical Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 7, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/13/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 9, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Mirror Gate
The Harbinger Series, Book 2
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
I enjoyed the second in this series... good things for one character; not so good for another.
Source: 1/3/19 Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Finder
by Suzanne Palmer
I enjoyed this sci fi, action story.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rath's Deception
The Janus Group, Book 1
By: Piers Platt
Narrated by: James Fouhey
Series: The Janus Group, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
I'm liking the story (but not the swearing).
Source: Audible Sale Purchase December 2016.
Publisher's Summary
On the cut-throat streets of Tarkis, orphaned teens like Rath end up jailed...or dead. So when the shadowy Janus Group offers Rath a chance to earn riches beyond his wildest dreams, he seizes it. But the Janus Group is as ruthless as the elite assassins it controls. Rath will have to survive their grueling, off-world training, and fulfill all 50 kills in his contract before a single cent comes his way. And ending so many lives comes with a price Rath can't anticipate. It'll certainly cost him what's left of his innocence. It may well cost him his life.
©2015 Piers Platt (P)2015 Piers Platt

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Forever in a Moment
by Charlotte O'Shay
I think I'll enjoy this one too.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm expecting to read some children's books this week.
Bedtime reading is How to Train Your Dragon: How to be a Pirate.

These are Audible Books I plan to share with the children:
3. Audible/Smartphone or Computer(ATBR)

Laurie Berkner's Song and Story Kitchen
By: Laurie Berkner, The Laurie Berkner Band
Narrated by: Laurie Berkner, Josiah Gaffney
Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 11-01-18
My son says the 2 1/2 year old twins like this.
Source: November 2018 Free Audible Originals.
Laurie Berkner and the Laurie Berkner Band have filled countless venues nationwide with adoring fans, selling millions of albums, songs, and videos. Now young listeners ages 3 to 8 can join Laurie and her buddy, Thelonious Pig (Josiah Gaffney), as she whips up yummy food, songs, and stories in Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen. Each chapter of this whimsical Audible Original features a different food and tells a new story set in the magical world of Juniper Fields with Laurie's friends: Oscar Beebee the bumblebee, Layla Meeska the mouse, Tallulah Jones the dinosaur, and ferret cousins Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco.
Along with original new music, fans will hear recordings of some of the Laurie Berkner Band’s greatest hits, with Susie Lampert on keyboard, Bob Golden on drums and percussion, Brady Rymer on bass, and several special guest musicians. In addition to learning gentle lessons through Laurie’s storytelling and upbeat songs, families will receive a free PDF of Laurie’s favorite recipes. There’s even a musical bonus chapter at the end!
Cover art designed by Eliza Sturgeon.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying recipes and reference material will be available in your My Library section on desktop only, along with the audio.
©2018 Two Tomatoes Records, LLC (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC

4. Audible/Smartphone or Computer (ATBR9)

I'm From the Sun
The Gustafer Yellowgold Story
By: Morgan Taylor
Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-18
I have saved this to listen with Victoria.
Source: August 2018 Free Audible Original
Whether you’re a sunling or an earthling, growing up isn’t easy. Shy nine-year- old Gustafer Yellowgold has to grapple with neighborhood bullies, an over- achieving brother, and parental expectations just like kids on Earth do. He would rather lose himself in comic books and dream the day away than make deliveries for his father’s raisin-butchering business after school. Fateful events put Gustafer at his ultimate crossroad when he sees a darker opportunity to control his own destiny on the Sun.
Two-time Grammy nominee Morgan Taylor has long been a hit equally with ever-hip parents and kids on the family circuit with his smart and catchy multimedia concerts. At last, he gets to tell the full backstory of his creation, Gustafer. Featuring 13 brand new songs and fresh recordings of three fan favorites, all produced by Pat Sansone of WILCO, this captivating Audible Original is great for family listening as well as for kids ages six and up to discover and enjoy on their own. Besides hours of delightful storytelling and music, listeners will take away some mildly revolutionary life lessons: Be yourself, no matter what your age, and don’t be afraid to take your own path.
Enjoy a special bonus in Chapter 15, with an exclusive full album of the songs featured in I’m From the Sun. You will also get a free PDF download including key character art and scenes from the hand of Morgan Taylor, and a complete lyric compendium too! Only from Audible.
©2018 Morgan Taylor (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC

5. eBook/Kindle or Computer (NG2019)

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!
by Julie Berry
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
It’s no ordinary day at the castle! This beautifully illustrated, silly picture book is a fun introduction to the medieval world and the illuminated bestiary
Godfrey, a peasant boy who works for the lord and lady of the castle, finds a bestiary, or illustrated book of beasts, on the way to do his chores one morning. He begins inventing his own story, placing “Sir Godfrey” at the center of numerous heroic deeds. Sir Godfrey battles a lion, tames a unicorn, defeats a griffin, conquers a bonnacon, and triumphs over a dragon. Godfrey does not realize that each time he says the name of an animal, it magically emerges from the book, causing mayhem and inadvertently accomplishing his chores. The laughs pile up and the tension mounts: When will Godfrey realize that all this outrageous stuff is going on?
This book also contains engaging backmatter with information on life in the Middle Ages and a mini-bestiary drawn from original 13th-century manuscripts. Don’t Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a humorous introduction to the medieval world.

June 9, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I missed Thursday morning as I had to leave early to lead a class in Panama City. Since I was busy packing Thursday night I didn't realize I hadn't opened the Bible verse or plan for the day. That broke my 517 streak. I finished: A Positive Outcome. I'll pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed two books and posted two reviews. That means I have four total still to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 14 unread (added one but reading 2). I am working on now 7 April titles. [I have 4 old titles (2012-13!)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests 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 review books this week, although I have some new requests to consider.
I purchased two audios with one credit and downloaded three free titles.
I downloaded week 7 titles from SYNC.
I picked up one free kindle title. (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

6/3/19 Audiobooks.com 2 for one credit with May credit:
A Worthy Pursuit
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Barbara McCulloh
Duration: 11 h 7 min



Nightingale Way
By Emily March
Narrated By: Käthe Mazur
Duration: 10 h 4 min

Free

6/3/19 June VIP free selection from Audiobooks.com
The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice
Written By: Robin Hobb
Narrated By: Paul Boehmer
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: March 2010
Duration: 17 hours 21 minutes

6/3/19 Christianaudio.com June free download.
Liturgy of the Ordinary
Tish Harrison Warren



6/3/19 May Audible Original - Free
Evil Eye
By: Madhuri Shekar
Narrated by: Nick Choksi, Harsh Nayaar, Annapurna Sriram, Bernard White, Rita Wolf
Length: 1 hr and 38 mins
Release date: 05-02-19


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 7: June 6 – June 13
A GIRL LIKE THAT by Tanaz Bhathena, narrated by Firdous Bamji, Neil Shah, Soneela Nankani, Lameece Issaq (Recorded Books)
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE by Henrik Ibsen, Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, performed by Richard Kind, Rosalind Ayres, Gregory Harrison, Josh Stamberg, and a full cast (L.A. Theatre Works)

I added only 1 title to my Kindle library. 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 9, 2019

We are in Illinois to visit with our son’s family. We and hey managed to get everyone to church this morning. The worship music was good and the Pastor here has a very down to earth preaching style.

The message today started a new series for them: The Lesser Knowns. He is preaching about characters from the Bible who are “lesser known”. His first lesson is from Mark 12:41-44 about the Widow. Her name isn’t known but she is still important.
Jesus was watching (v41.). He is always watching.
She was vulnerable as a widow. Others gave out of wealth, but she gave all out of her poverty (v44).
It wasn’t about her.
She was committed to kingdom principles.
She caught the need to help others.
2 Corinthians 9:6.
She revealed her heart by giving generously.
2 Corinthians 9:7.
She was committed to the community.
She was committed to contributing
She refused to make excuses. She participated.

I didn’t have a specific song jump into mind this morning, but I found this one.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.


Lord, I thank You for Your provision and thank you for moving me to be a cheerful giver.

 

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 7, 2019

Happy Friday! Welcome mid year and almost summer!
I remembered to get the picture so there is a new box of books below.
The Amazon GCs have been sent. I will finish the PayPals and Book Gift cards this weekend. Some winners need to indicate how they want the winning sent. Thanks again for being patient. :-)
I want to tell you all that I appreciate the comments and thanks that you put in the post and on the spreadsheet. It encourages me to continue this giveaway. :-)

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 31, 2019 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. One title was blocked but won through the block.
BN100 gets Night School.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 31, 2019 Pick:
FREDAMANS gets a GC.
and
LIFE'S SIMPLE.. 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.}

Maybe I should have put together a box of audios. I could!
Image found at Books on Tape.

New Book Group #86 June, 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

PAIRS:
Joanne Fluke: Fudge Cupcake Murder and Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
Nora Roberts: Less of a Stranger and Rebellion
SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

PAIRS:
Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes and The Knight of Rosecliffe
Stella Cameron: Target and Now You See Him

SINGLES:
Golden Goddess by Stephanie James
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
The Gamble by LaVerle Spencer
Two Brothers by Linda Lael Miller
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
Bold Conquest by Virginia Henley
Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
Forbidden Pleasures (hardback) by Bertrice Small
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 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

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 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,250+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: In Darkest Days May Blossom by Leila Snow

This is dark history with class injustices and a strong romance.

In Darkest Days May Blossom
by Leila Snow

File Size: 3629 KB
Print Length: 255 pages
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07NJ8PTR2
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

♥ A GRITTY TALE OF ADVERSITY AND THE SHEER POWER OF LOVE ♥
Bruised but not broken, she stood in the mud of the street, wearing nothing but a tattered shift the day Jonathan first saw her. He had watched in mesmerized fascination as the girl swiped a filthy arm across her split lip, squared her shoulders, and raised her chin in defiance of her assailants. But when, by random happenstance she turned her head and her piercing, blue eyes met his regard, Jonathan knew his entire world had tipped on end.
Charlotte had known nothing but adversity and hardship the entirety of her life. Orphaned at a young age and condemned to fend for herself, she learned to trust no one and rely solely upon her own strength. Yet, when she’s cut down in the street for a crime she didn’t commit and Jonathan comes to her rescue, Charlotte is begrudgingly compelled to the realization that perhaps hope and love do exist in this miserable world.
England, at the end of the 18th century, is a land exemplified by firm divisions between the social classes. What is a life of ease and prosperity for some, is an arduous existence for others. Nevertheless, ’tis true that love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places. But when a grievously injured Charlotte is falsely accused of a crime and sent to one of the most infamous prisons in the land, the tender bud of Jonathan and Charlotte’s love is threatened. Jonathan is forced to defy family in a desperate bid to save her from the hangman, whilst conspiracies and betrayal are afoot in a cruel effort to keep them apart.
“Better far thou art, a piece
Of God’s own heaven-born beauty,
Smiling in this wintry time.
Doubtless ’tis thy duty,
Us to teach that love and grace
In darkest days may blossom,
And that a tender bloom of hope
May shine in sorrow’s bosom.”
-J.J. Britton

Review:
Charlotte is a young girl who has struggled among the poor in a small English town in 1796. She was orphaned early and sold off to a family who houses her while she works and turns over her work and income. The mistress of the house has died, and the master now feels he can get more ‘duties’ from Charlotte. When she resists, he accuses her of theft. The local constable gives chase and is prepared to physically (and sexually) abuse the girl.

Jonathan is the youngest son of the wealthiest man in the community. Although they are not titled, their excessive wealth allows them to rub shoulders with the nobles. He has observed the division of the classes in London and the usual disregard and disdain for the lower classes by the uppers. He has no business interfering in a local street arrest, but his gaze is captured by the desperate spirit in the eyes of the ragged girl.

Jonathan steps in and requires the constable to help him get the girl to a holding room and to send for the doctor. In only a few days Jonathan and Charlotte develop a bond that results in trouble at home. Jonathan is fortunate to have income of his own since he doesn’t have a lot of respect for his father and is willing to rebel against his father’s demand to stay away from the girl.

Jonathan has no idea how far his father will go to control the situation. Jonathan goes to London to secure a solicitor to help Charlotte. While he is gone his father steps in to assure that that Charlotte will be eliminated. Jonathan’s mother and brothers are sympathetic but don’t agree on how to help resolve the situation.

There is quick depth of attraction and love between Charlotte and Jonathan even though the class differences raise large obstacles. Their level of physical contact was a little surprising although fairly understandable. Charlotte makes a friend in goal (jail) who first helps her. Later the frail girl accuses Charlotte of abandoning her and blames Charlotte for her own problems. I really had difficulty with this girl’s immaturity and the co-dependent relationship she abuses.

The story is well written and moves along well. The historical details, especially the level of poverty and injustice, is hard to read. Even housekeepers look down on lower servants and won’t give them a chance if they have no references.

There are several scenes of suspense: can Charlotte escape hanging? Can Jonathan turn his life around when he falls into depression thinking that Charlotte is lost to him? This isn’t an easy, happy read, but it is interesting. I recommend it to fans of historical romance.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley and ‘month title’ goals.

Audible Book Review: The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute

This is a wonderful resource and I recommend it to everyone!
The Anatomy of Peace, Expanded Second Edition
Resolving the Heart of Conflict
By: The Arbinger Institute
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Relationship, Self Development
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
What if conflicts at home, conflicts at work, and conflicts in the world stem from the same root cause? What if we systematically misunderstand that cause? And what if, as a result, we systematically perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve?
From the authors of Leadership and Self-Deception comes an international best seller that instills hope and inspires reconciliation. Through a moving story of parents who are struggling with their own children and with problems that have come to consume their lives, we learn from once-bitter enemies the way to transform personal, professional, and global conflicts, even when war is upon us.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2006, 2008, 2015 Arbinger Properties, LLC (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
When I picked this audiobook (originally and last week for reading), I wasn’t sure if I would like it or have to push through it. I was wonderfully surprised when I recognized the narrator’s voice (from fiction series Monster Hunter International) and was pulled right in. Although this is nonfiction to the extent it is a self-development work, it is told in an engaging story through the eyes of parents who are struggling with out of control teens. The primary character is also suffering from implosion at his company so the lessons in the workshop hit home doubly for him.

The parents meet in a two-day session to support their children who are entering an intervention camp program. The parents have reason to be secretive, wary and judgmental until the leaders share a story of political/cultural enemies who found their lives transformed by changing their views. The leaders are two unlikely companions: Yusuf al-Falah, a Palestinian Arab and Avi Rozen, an Israeli Jew.

The premise of the presentation is that people live with either a heart at peace or a heart at war. Too often it is the heart of war as we set expectations for others that we don’t necessarily require of ourselves. Since a ‘heart at war needs enemies’, we lift ourselves up at the expense of others and find (untruthful) ways to justify our own behaviors – most often by transferring the blame to others. It often involves self-betrayal (our desires supersede honor) which fuels the anger and unhappiness within us. We must determine to see the worthiness of others so that we can provide ourselves with a heart at peace.

This reminded me very much of the transactional analysis program I took in my 20’s. The bottom line I was reminded of is: we cannot change the behavior or actions of others but we can accept responsibility for and change our own actions (and reactions).

The audio book came with a download resource of the graphs and worksheets that provide direction to identify strengths and weaknesses and help focus on getting out of wrong thinking ‘boxes’. I see so many people, family and strangers, who I think could benefit from reading this book.

Audio notes: I recognized the voice of Oliver Wyman immediately and it made my heart happy. This is very different from the Monster Hunter series he narrates but he does a great job with this too. His voice and character voices pulled me in right away and helped me feel as part of the workshop with the characters. The story and narration are a great fit.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2016, $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and nonfiction goals.