Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 15, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy November! As I do each year in November, I celebrate this giveaway by doubling winners for the month.   
Oops! Sorry. I forgot to list the titles last weekend. They are listed now.

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 November 8, 2019 Pick. There were No automatic again wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 8, 2019 Pick:
LINDA gets a GC
ASHFA gets a GC
and
MARJORIE gets a GC,
RITA gets Abandon.

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.}

Ah! What a feast.
Image found at Pinterest linked from Alexandria.

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Connie Brockway: My Pleasure and My Seduction
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs
Long, Lean and Lethal by Heather Graham
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Treasures by Lisa Jackson (hardback)
No Limits by Alison Kent
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


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

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
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.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
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
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
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

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


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
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(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 NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,285+ 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: Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier

This is heart-wrenching.

Christmas Eve, 1914
By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
Performance
Release date: 12-16-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Fiction, Historical
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

About This Audible Original
"Gentlemen, maybe war takes a holiday today."
This mesmerizing audio drama takes you to the dismal trenches of World War I. It is here, under the constant threat of exploding shells and artillery, that British and German soldiers live in deplorable conditions. Braving the merciless cold and crushing exhaustion and hunger, the men conduct patrols and fight, often to the death, to advance mere inches in the frozen No Man’s Land that lies between them.
But on Christmas Eve, the Western Front gives way to a miracle of grace, as soldiers from both sides emerge from their trenches to greet each other, share their meager rations, and bury the dead for an unofficial and temporary truce. Drawing upon the unforgettable true story of history’s most transcendent ceasefire, this Audible Original, a finalist for the 2016 Audie Award for Best Audio Drama, commemorates an astonishing moment of peace—and celebration of man’s capacity for kindness—in the midst of total war. A full cast performance of a heart-wrenching script written by Emmy Award-winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing), Christmas Eve, 1914 is the perfect reminder of how holiday hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. At the story’s end, listeners will also enjoy a performance of the classic carol, "Il Est Ne" by Tom Tom Club.
The ensemble cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.
©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
This story is set up as a letter from a field officer to a mother of a very young soldier who died ten years earlier. The officer describes the events surrounding the soldier’s arrival at the front, leading to his death and a moving impact resulting in his burial and a day of truce on the battlefield. The officer clearly expresses his emotions of regret, heartbreak, and humility based on the bravery of the young man who stepped forward to fight for his country and to encourage the other soldiers.

This is a full-cast dramatization that puts the listener at the front with the mud, the grit, the stink, the hunger, the exhaustion, the sounds of bombing, the fear, and even the dysfunction – all expressing the horror of war. The lack of integrity and the incompetence of the officers is disturbing as are the sometimes nonsensical orders. The conditions that all of the soldiers faced on the front line are gut-wrenching.

I think that I had heard about this cessation of hostilities for Christmas before, but this story brings it alive. I loved the addition of the singing by the young man and the echoes that bring the sides to the point of truce and allow them to move out to “No Man Lands” to bury the dead. My heart was soon hurting as I listened and by the end tears were running into my ears (I was lying down).

This is beautifully written on a very tough subject. I hope to get my children and grandchildren to listen to this and to recognize how human we are and how horrible war is. The Audible is moving and I highly recommend it.

#HoHoHoRat.
Source: December 2018 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt

I greatly enjoyed this fun mystery with Andy Carpenter and the team.
Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt

File Size: 2596 KB
Print Length: 265 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (July 16, 2019)
ASIN: B07J4VJL3C
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

“Bark of Night is a treat, especially for those who love thrillers and dogs.”
The next novel in David Rosenfelt’s witty, heartfelt mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara.
When defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s veterinarian asks to speak to him privately at the checkup of his golden retriever, Tara, the last thing Andy expects is Truman. Tiny, healthy, French bulldog Truman was dropped off days ago with instructions to be euthanized by a man everyone thought was his owner. But now the owner is nowhere to be found.
Andy is furious. Who would want to euthanize a perfectly healthy dog with no explanation? He is willing to whisk Truman away to the Tara Foundation, the dog-rescue organization which is Andy’s true passion. They will find a home for Truman. But that’s not all the vet tells Andy. Thanks to Truman’s chip, it’s discovered that the man wasn’t Truman’s owner at all . . . Truman's real owner has been murdered.
It’s now up to Andy – with help from his loyal sidekick Tara, Truman and the rest of the gang – to solve this case. In the latest in the popular Andy Carpenter mystery series, David Rosenfelt’s charmingly clever wit and love of dogs are back and better than ever.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy criminal lawyer who would rather enjoy time with his golden retriever, Tara, than working on a case. Especially, he doesn’t like getting dragged into a murder case where his skills stand between the accused and jail. On the other hand, he isn’t one to stand by and let an innocent young man be framed for murder.

Andy learns about the murder and the accused young man when his vet calls him in to introduce him to Truman, a tiny, French Bulldog. Truman was brought in by a man who paid to have him euthanized. However, the vet says Truman is perfectly healthy and they have learned the dog belonged to a recent murder victim, not the man who brought the dog in.

Andy, with the encouragement and support of his wife, Laurie, a former police cop and investigator, agrees to take on the defense of the accused young man. Andy’s team steps up to help, including Sam, the whiz accountant and computer hacker, and Marcus, the (mostly) silent, intimidating bodyguard. Even former client Willie, who now helps run Andy’s Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization, joins Marcus on the streets for stakeouts.

The investigation is layered and twisting, starting with Truman and his murdered human, and moving to a dead mobster hitman and his wife. Somehow a local gang leader and a murdered homeless man are involved too. Andy and his crew have to race against the trial clock to connect all of the dots. I loved the twisty mystery plot and the wry, self-deprecating humor.

The author, David Rosenfelt, puts in enough detail to introduce each regular character without bogging down the story. This allows the story to be read as a stand-alone although I do recommend enjoying the series from the beginning! I have enjoyed reading or listening through Book 10. This book 19 revealed that I have missed events in between, including the adoption of a son, Ricky. I also enjoyed the fact that, having listened to many of the books narrated by Glover Gardner, I could hear the characters in my head as I read. It makes me want to get the next book on audio.

You don’t have to be a fan of dogs to enjoy this series, but it adds to the enjoyment. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and detective mysteries.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post November 10, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 11, 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.

I had a busy week with an interesting hearing at the end of the week. More hearings coming up this week.

We're starting to enjoy our lemons. This is the backside of the tree

Temperatures were nice during the week and then got cooler again at the end of the week. We are supposed to get one cold evening/night this Tuesday. Just in time for our local realtor party which is held outside each year.

I liked my reading/listening this week. I finished four books: three ebooks and one audio. I posted four reviews on the blog. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Metaphors & Moonlight. Kristen is "a twenty-something who loves reading, writing, and rambling."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 3, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 4, 2019.

• MBS October 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: October Mourning: a Song for Matthew Shepard, by Lesléa Newman; Genre: LGBT issues, Poetry; Teen & YA; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• A2019- Audio Book Review: The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6 by Stacey Rourke; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles; Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Supernatural Thriller, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Two Highlights for November: #SciFiMonth and #Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 8, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/14/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour; Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eB2019- Book Review: Reasons to Kill God by I.V. Olokita; Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 10, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt
I greatly enjoyed this fun mystery with Andy Carpenter and the team.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Christmas Eve, 1914
By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones
Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
This is heart-wrenching.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Free Audile Original.
About This Audible Original
"Gentlemen, maybe war takes a holiday today."
This mesmerizing audio drama takes you to the dismal trenches of World War I. It is here, under the constant threat of exploding shells and artillery, that British and German soldiers live in deplorable conditions. Braving the merciless cold and crushing exhaustion and hunger, the men conduct patrols and fight, often to the death, to advance mere inches in the frozen No Man’s Land that lies between them.
But on Christmas Eve, the Western Front gives way to a miracle of grace, as soldiers from both sides emerge from their trenches to greet each other, share their meager rations, and bury the dead for an unofficial and temporary truce. Drawing upon the unforgettable true story of history’s most transcendent ceasefire, this Audible Original, a finalist for the 2016 Audie Award for Best Audio Drama, commemorates an astonishing moment of peace—and celebration of man’s capacity for kindness—in the midst of total war. A full cast performance of a heart-wrenching script written by Emmy Award-winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing), Christmas Eve, 1914 is the perfect reminder of how holiday hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. At the story’s end, listeners will also enjoy a performance of the classic carol, "Il Est Ne" by Tom Tom Club.
The ensemble cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.
©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

One Wish
by Jodi Thomas
This is a rather unusual, sweet, western historical romance.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes you back deep into the Texas Panhandle, where the winters are long, the storms fierce—and the Yuletide nights are unforgettable . . .
It’s the week before Christmas in Kasota Springs and Maggie Allison is sweeping the floors before closing her shop for the night. But out in the cold darkness three men are keeping a close watch on her movements. Local farmer Sam Thompson is also there in the shadows, ready to step in if need be. Sure enough, when Maggie finds herself cornered by Boss Adler and his men demanding her money and more if she doesn’t cooperate, Sam comes to the rescue. Trouble is, Boss Adler gets away and everyone in town expects he’ll be back for revenge. Forced into hiding on Sam’s ranch, Maggie and Sam discover their distant memories of a childhood friendship promise something more in the present. But the Thompsons are famous for keeping to themselves, and Maggie knows it’ll take more than a moment under the mistletoe to bring Sam to his senses...

4. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law
by Nita Wick
This is a very quick, sweet read.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
Western romance holiday 5 minute quick read.
This very short story is offered as a sample of the author's work.
If you enjoy this, you might also like Nita Wick's award-winning historical western romance, The Wagonmaster.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I have enjoyed the beginning stories in this collection.
There is 1.5hr left but I paused this for #HoHoHo titles.
Source: June 2018 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

Evergreen: A Christmas Tale
by Richard Taylor
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
A dying grandfather tells the story of the first Christmas tree to a family wrenched by strife.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
I like how this has started - even with contentious characters.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal.
Summary:
RITA award winner Robyn Carr's Virgin River novels are beloved by countless fans. This newest edition to Carr's wholesome series will have listeners eagerly following each word as a new romance unfolds in the magical town of Virgin River-this time, during the holidays. 'Carr has hit her stride with this captivating series.'-Library Journal

I am participating in Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon 2019 which started 11/8. I expect this to help get closer to meeting my TBR goal for the year.
These are some of the books I may choose from:

Audios:
Christmas Eve 1914 1h13m (2018)
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story 1h25m (2015)
Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River #14) by Robyn Carr (2018)
eBooks:
Papa Abrams Special Christmas by Ruth Price (2014 Gift) 9
Evergreen A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor (2012) 17pgs
The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick (2012) 13
The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas Book 2) by Kevin Whitlark (2012) 17
Christmas Scandal...Not! by Jeanne Savery (2010) 22
A Bear of a Christmas by A.J. Cosmo 22pgs (2012) GR
A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson (2017) 16
Thomas & the Christmas Orange by Lewis Brech (2011) 17
Santa's Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsay (2012) 26
Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway Series) by Elly Griffiths (2012) 29
Romy's Garden Adventures (Christmas City) by Rob Towner (Author, Illustrator) (2012) 30
12 Days of Christmas for the Hurting by Rachel Wojnarowski (2012) 43
A Christmas Feral (Magical Cool Cats #3) by Mary Matthews (2012) 56
Christmas Runaway (Single Title Series Book 3) by Mimi Barbour (2012) 58

(Longer books are likely to read after the readathon.)


November 10, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I plan to start a new study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed five books and five reviews. I have four to review from last week.
My NetGalley shelf just is at 10. I am still working on NG titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have three author titles as I forgot one added earlier this month. I'll finish them all this year.
Still many titles 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.
One new audio review title.
I picked up three audio titles this week.
13 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

I received one Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services..

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up one Daily Deal:
11/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Chase Darkness with Me
How One True Crime Writer Started Solving Murders
By: Billy Jensen, Karen Kilgariff - foreword
Narrated by: Karen Kilgariff, Billy Jensen
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins


I purchased two Chirp titles:
11/6/2019 Chirp Purchase $1.99
Fever
Written by Deon Meyer
Narrated by Will Damron
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Run time: 19 hours and 1 mins


11/5/2019 Chirp Purchase $2.99
Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions
Written by Sheila Grau
Narrated by Nate Begle
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Free

I added 13 free Kindle titles 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 November 10, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher presented a video on the Revelation 12 Woman which many prophesy scholars believe appeared as an astrological sign in September 2017. We had lovely praise and worship to begin the service.

Pastor continued his sermon series, The Blessed Life, noting that the blessings often depends on our perspective. An example is when a young child is not impressed by his grandmother's handmade sweater gift, while his mother views it as treasure.

Perspective is important and sometimes we have to work hard to keep proper perspective and focus on eternity. Pastor asked: “Are we blessed but miss it while we are chasing after other things?” Do we recognize that Good is working?

Just imagine, the God of creation cares for us; He calls us His own. James 1:17-18.
Verse 16 says: “Don’t be deceived…” Satan works tirelessly to convince us that God doesn't care.
James also reminds us to be thankful even when we face trials and that God will give wisdom when we seek it in faith. James 1:2-5.
Being thankful is part of the blessing process – being thankful for the good and bad, even hardship.

THE POINT: Being thankful reveals God's blessing.

Being thankful and perceiving blessing, leads to satisfaction.
The God of the Universe really does see you, He knows you.
We can train ourselves to be thankful… in little and big things.
Choose to be thankful even when the plan is unclear.
We can train ourselves to see God's blessings AND give God credit for things we can be thankful for.
List three things you are thankful for and then add a fourth that is a difficulty that you are thankful for. Choose to be thankful.

Here was my list in the moments he gave us to note our choices: 1. Creation. 2. Family 3. Business.
4. Cancer and recovery and 5. Storm (hurricane Michael) and working to recovery.

I found this song and like how it fits the message.

Verses for Today:
James 1:16-18 (NIV)
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Lord- I am so blessed! Help me to remember to be thankful each and every moment, each and every day.