Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 14, 2019

Happy Friday! Hello from lovely Illinois where we are enjoying beautiful spring weather.
I didn't get to the PayPals and Book Gift cards yet. Will work on them next week when I am home.  Thanks again for being patient. :-)

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 7, 2019 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. One title pair was blocked by three picks.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 7, 2019 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC.
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.}

Our grandkids are very ready to spend time outside (with or without a book)!
Image found at What We Do All Day.

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!

Audible Book Review: Mirror Gate, The Harbinger Series, Book 2 by Jeff Wheeler

I enjoyed the second in this series... good things for one character; not so good for another.
Mirror Gate
The Harbinger Series, Book 2
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Series: The Harbinger Series, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-28-18
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his wondrous Harbinger series in which two young women unite as two worlds approach the brink of war…
Though relations between Princess Seraphin Fitzempress and her father have been strained, Sera’s royal position has remained unchallenged. Filled with self-doubt, she struggles to grasp the Mysteries - her greatest trial yet.
An education in the enigmatic magic is a necessary one, should Sera plan to rise in her station and invoke her powers during war. But the emperor’s death now leaves both Sera and her ambitious father eligible for the throne - a contest the prince regent intends to win. Even if it means an alliance with a rival empire.
Sera’s hope lies in Cettie, a waif raised in the world below, whose life has intertwined with Sera’s in the most unexpected ways. The Mysteries come easily to Cettie, and her studies have begun to yield new insight into her growing powers. But those same powers put Cettie in the path of those who would destroy her.
Now as the threat of war ignites and an insidious sickness spreads throughout the kingdom, Sera and Cettie will need to gather their courage and fight for each other’s lives…and for the future of their endangered world.
©2018 Jeff Wheeler (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Review:
Sera, the Princess, and Cettie, the orphan from the lower world, continue their close friendship. They are nearing the conclusion of their studies of the Mysteries at Muirwood Abby, the most prominent institute in the empire. Cettie has been a strong student helping Sera who has continued to struggle.
Just as the final testing is approaching word comes that the Emperor, Sera’s grandfather, has died. Sera and her corrupt father, who questions her paternity, are the two choses to serve as the new ruler by the privy council. Many know that the prince regent has ruthlessly pursued his ambitions for power and is unlikely to seek any help for the people below their level. Sera is known for her kind heart and her best friend is from the Fells. But she is only 16 and inexperienced in the machinations of court.

Sera is pulled away from school to attend the funeral and meet with the privy council. One of the foreign houses is looking to make a marriage alliance. Sera has a chance to meet the young man but she is set on being the new ruler of her people rather than becoming a bride. Sera has a wise, scheming counselor, but she sometimes fights against his advice. Events tumble around Sera but she has no idea of the betrayals that surround her and she is unable to prevent war when the accusations and threats escalate.

Meanwhile, Cettie comes under attack at the Abbey. Although some think that Sera was the original target it quickly becomes clear that it is Cettie the kidnappers are after. The head of the Abbey, who has been a friend and mentor to Cettie, is seriously injured during the first kidnapping attempt. In order to escape the enemy and pass the final test of the Mysteries, Cettie must face her worst nightmares – the ghosts from her past.

Jeff Wheeler has created an absorbing world of mystery and magic. There are moments of joy and more of bitter fear and sadness. I found the lives and unrequited loves of teenaged girls a little difficult to muddle through although the situations and emotions are realistic enough. The story moves at a good pace, introducing some new and interesting characters, especially those who come along side to help Cettie. I expect to continue the series later in the year. I recommend this to those who like an engaging fantasy.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd does a wonderful job with the narration. She captures the immaturity of the girls, as well as the emotions. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 1/3/19 Free with Kindle Unlimited. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad

This is a quick sci fi listen.

The Event
By: Nathan Hystad
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: The Survivors, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-24-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The ships came at dawn. Dean’s wife is dead. Her last words: When the ships come...wear the necklace. Then the ships arrived.
Cities all around the world reported strange alien vessels descending. Some saw them as the heralds of a new age; others fired everything they had at them. All were taken as the beams lashed down and drew them into the sky.
Dean was left behind, seemingly the last man on Earth. A trail of clues left by his dead wife guides Dean on a perilous journey across America and beyond to learn the truth behind the mysterious ships and save humanity from its doom.
But not everything is as it seems.
The Event is the epic first novel by Nathan Hystad, creator of the best-selling Explorations anthology series.
©2018 Nathan Hystad (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean’s wife suffered an unexplained illness and died a few years ago. She left Dean with a whispered “sorry” and instructions to wear the necklace when the ships arrive. Now the ships have arrived and Dean retrieves the necklace just in time to see everyone around him beamed into the alien ships. Why wasn’t he taken and what secrets did his wife hide from him? With a letter from his dead wife in hand, Dean sets off with his neighbor’s dog as his only companion. It is only as he follows the mysterious instructions of the letter that he begins to find others with similar mysteries. Dean, an accountant, is an unlikely hero to help save humanity but he is a man on a mission and finds more and more reasons to persist as he gets closer to the goal.

This wasn’t really compelling for me but it is a quick story/listen. It kept me interested to see how the small band of survivors would face the aliens. There isn’t a great depth of character development and there are scenes that just don’t jive. I liked that there was light humor and no swearing. There are six more books in the series and the ratings seem to have gotten better so I might continue the series sometime in the future.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable narrator who is able to add life to a story. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 1/24/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan

This is a fast listen but a little beyond believable.
Noble Beginnings
By: L. T. Ryan
Narrated by: Dennis Holland

Series: Jack Noble, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.0.

Publisher's Summary
In March of 2002, while the eyes of the world focused on Afghanistan, Jack Noble finds himself on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A Marine in name only, Jack is on loan to the CIA. Normally an integral part of the team, he finds that he is nothing more than a security detail in Iraq.
Jack and his partner Bear have a run-in with four CIA special agents over the treatment of an Iraqi family. Within hours Jack and Bear are detained.
All Jack wanted was to finish his enlistment and move on with his life. All he did was intervene and save a family from unwarranted violence at the hands of four CIA agents. But he soon discovers that he did far more than intervene. He has placed himself dead square in the middle of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the US government.
This fast-paced political crime thriller by USA Today best-selling author L.T. Ryan will leave you burning through the minutes as Jack races to stop the conspiracy before it claims his life. Fans of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne should enjoy Jack Noble.
©2012 L.T. Ryan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jack, a ‘Marine’ (apparently special forces, specially trained) and his partner, Bear, are on loan to a team of CIA agents in Baghdad. When the CIA leader threatens innocents, Jack balks and gets in the way. He and the leader take it to the street to settle the disagreement by fists. Although Jack gets some good licks in, there are four to one as they have separated him from Bear. When the CIA team is chased off, Jack knows he has really ticked them off. Soon he and Bear are way-laid on their way back to base and find themselves being interrogated and accused of murder. Jack has difficulty reaching his handler and suspects something more serious is afoot.

Jack and Bear narrowly escape one detention cell after another, always suffering beatings and then dodging bullets on the way out. As Jack tries to find answers and get to safety, he begins to realize that someone really wants them, especially him, out of the picture. If only he can figure out how deep or high up the chain the problem goes before it is too late.

I have seen the Jack Reacher movie and read one of the books (by Lee Child). I had hoped this would be similar, but I found it disappointing. I wanted to like Jack as a character, but he was just a bit too quick to fight first and think second for my tastes. I did appreciate his intelligence and the dangerous suspense. I liked how he was able to piece together the threat and address it although the ending wasn’t ideal. It was sad to think that forces would abuse each other – that I suspect is too true. I can only recommend this to readers who like repeated beatings and unrealistic scenarios of escape.

Audio Notes: Dennis Holland does a fair job of narrating. He attempts different voices without creating any particularly interesting characters. The audio made it easier for me to try the series but it didn’t enhance the week story enough to make me want to try more.

Source: 9/21/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

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.