Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 29, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy November! As I do each year in November, I celebrate this giveaway by doubling winners for the month.  

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 22, 2019 Pick. There were No automatic wins again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 22, 2019 Pick:
CAROLL gets A Highlander's Temptation
MIKI gets a GC
and
MARIJANA gets a GC,
DI gets My Lord and Spymaster.

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.}

This seemed perfect for the day after Thanksgiving!
Image found at KeepnTrack.

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 1,288+ 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!

Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

I am wishing a wonderful THANKSGIVING to everyone.

May you enjoy family and friends with a grateful heart!
This is My Song for today.

Book Review: A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson

I learned some history from this quick story!
A Christmas Message From The Moon
by Philip Gibson


File Size: 1234 KB
Print Length: 16 pages
Publication Date: November 22, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B018EI7ZTI
Genre: History, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

On Christmas Eve 1968, the largest worldwide television audience in history tuned in to see the Apollo 8 astronauts become the first humans to reach the Moon. Halfway through their 6-day historic mission, the astronauts broadcast live TV pictures and commentary from lunar orbit.

At that time, no-one had any idea that a mere one minute of their historic journey would cause a nationwide controversy so great that it would end up in a lawsuit to be debated and decided by no less an august body than the Supreme Court of the United States.

The account is written not in the conventional book format, but in the form of today’s social media, imagining that the astronauts, and those following the mission, were able to post their thoughts to the public in real time.

The story begins with the astronauts of Apollo 8 just minutes away from beginning their historic Christmas message to the world.

Review:
Gibson presents the 1968 Christmas message from the Apollo 8 astronauts with a media format of shared commentary including well-known journalists of the day (like Walter Cronkite) and criticism from some who took offense. I was surprised to learn that a lawsuit challenged the Biblical reading as a violation of State and Religion. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court!

I remember (as a teenager) being impressed by the touching Christmas message from the moon. I found this work informative and interesting. I liked the format the author used to share this. It may not be scintillating, but I enjoyed this historically based story. I recommend it as a quick, informative read (and I think it is still free).

Source: January 2017 free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #HoHoHoRAT goals.

Book Review: Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths

This is a sweet Christmas story.

Ruth's First Christmas Tree
(Ruth Galloway #4.5)
by Elly Griffiths

File Size: 11359 KB
Print Length: 29 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (December 11, 2012)
ASIN: B00AFDUN72
Genre: Holiday, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …

Review:
Ruth is a forensic archaeologist living in a bleakly cold and secluded cottage in Norfolk. Her career skills have her working closely with the DCI to help solve murders. During one of her earlier forays to help the police, she ended up getting pregnant. Now she has a precious child, Kate, and Ruth wants to have her first true Christmas to share with Kate.

Ruth is rushing to get everything ready especially since she has a new friend – maybe boyfriend -- coming to celebrate with her and Kate. When the cat and Kate get to the decorated tree, things look to be tumbling. Ruth is lucky to have a close friend, Cathbad, step in to help make Christmas really special and even Kate's father makes an unexpected appearance.

I like forensic characters and was curious about this series. The story is cute but I found the reading difficult. The author presents the work in third person, present tense which makes it a little awkward. I very much like Ruth’s unusual friend, Cathbad, but had some concerns about the affair with the married inspector that led to Ruth’s child.

I might try one of the full novels to see if I could adjust. I recommend this as a cute Christmas story that introduces the reader to the characters and the author’s writing style.

Source: 2012 free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR goal and #HoHoHoRat.

Sunday Post November 24, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 25, 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.

This was another busy week with hearings and office work as staff prepare for Thanksgiving holidays.

The tarp at my office building is obviously leaking. I am waiting for the revised structural plans and then we can hopefully get the architect plans within 30 days.
Are temps only got to about 73 this week. This morning was 53 but cold due to the damp. I don't envy those in the paths of storms this week. Stay Safe!

My reading/listening was slow but enjoyable this past week. I only finished one audiobook.   I posted five reviews on the blog and four at Goodreads. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Novel Notions. Petrik, Celeste, Haïfa, TS and Emma describe themselves as: “We’re friends from around the world who bonded over a mutual love of books, especially fantasy and all other things speculative.”
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 17, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 18, 2019.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Small Town, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Evergreen A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor; Genre: Historical, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Christmas Scandal...Not! by Jeanne Savery; Genre: Historical, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

• NG2019-#NetGalley Book Review: Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters; Genre: Holiday, Romance, Short Story, Time Travel Romance, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas) by Kevin Whitlark; Genre: Cats, Holiday, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• eTBR- Book Review: A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews; Genre: Cats, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Santa's Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsay; Genre: Holiday, Short Story; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 22, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/28/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski; Genre: Anthology Fantasy, Short Stories, Sorcery, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 24, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Duration: 10 hrs and 32 mins
This pulled my emotions back and forth!
Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley
50% in I'm enjoying this although it is taking longer to read.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

An Easy Death
By: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 10-02-18
I picked this one to fit #SciFiMonth. I generally like Alternate History stories.
Source: 12/16/18 November Credit at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, True Blood, Midnight Crossroad) delivers the first thriller in a new trilogy that presents a chilling alternate history of the US where everyone believes in magic - but no one is sure whether they can trust it.
After the assassination of FDR in the 1930s, the US collapses and is picked off by the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Russia. We find ourselves in the Southwestern states, now known as Texoma. It is here that the gunnie Lizbeth Rose tries to piece out a life, running security on runs from Texoma across the border to Mexico, where work and prospects are stronger.
When two Russian magicians come looking for a man named Alex Karkarov, they hire Lizbeth to find him or his family, but there are problems: The man they're looking for is dead, but he has a daughter they now need to find, as an ever-growing set of sorcerers and gunnies do not want them to succeed. It's a good thing Lizbeth is a deadly gunfighter; too bad she hates sorcerers, even the ones on whom she has to learn to rely.
Number-one New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, True Blood, Midnight Crossroad) returns to fantasy in a taut thriller set in a US where magic is an acknowledged truth, but disreputable.
©2018 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2018 Recorded Books

3. Audio/MPS (AReview)

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary
This sounds like a military romance I will like.
Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
Click on book title for full description.

I hope to get in a couple more SciFi titles before the end of November. We'll see.

November 24, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am continuing Love God Greatly - Thanksgiving study leading up to Thanksgiving.

I completed only 1 book and posted nine of 11 reviews. I did well on reviews last week so I only have 3 books to review left.
My NetGalley shelf remains at 9. 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 plan to 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.
No new review titles. I may wait one more week before requesting more NetGalley titles.
I resisted Daily Deals and Chirps again but purchased five Christmas Titles on Sale at Audiobooks.com. 
I also downloaded two free audios; I still have two to pick from Audible Originals later this week.
38 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I was checking Audiobooks.com for the 2 for 1 deals and found these Christmas deals.
I did not resist.  Five Audios for under $20.00.
Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel $3.99
Written By: Annie England Noblin
Narrated By: Amy McFadden
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: October 2017
Duration: 9 hours 59 minutes

Snowbound at Christmas $3.99
Written By: Lia Riley, Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates
Narrated By: Lillian Thayer, Coleen Marlo, Carly Robins
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: November 2016
Duration: 7 hours 56 minutes

An Angel for Christmas   $3.00
Written By: Heather Graham
Narrated By: Christina Traister
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Date: September 2011
Duration: 5 hours 48 minutes


Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel $3.99
Written By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated By: Robynn Rodriguez
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: October 2011
Duration: 5 hours 54 minutes


The Dogs of Christmas     $4.99
Written By: W. Bruce Cameron
Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: October 2013
Duration: 6 hours 14 minutes

I purchased one $.99 Kindle as it caught my eye;

A Holiday By Gaslight: A Victorian Christmas Novella
by Mimi Matthews

Free

Audiobooks.com VIP Free for November:
A Place Called Freedom
By Ken Follett
Narrated By: Simon Prebble
Duration: 14 h 42 min

Christianaudio.com November free download.
Triggers
Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses
Author Amber Lia & Wendy Speake
Narrator Amber Lia & Wendy Speake
Runtime 5.43 Hrs. - Unabridged

I added 38 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.