Sunday Words of Encouragement August 23, 2015

We've been blessed to have our son, d-i-l and 21/2 year old visiting since Tuesday. Then we got our daughter's three grandchildren for the weekend while she and her husband have their first weekend alone in a long time. DH has been busy cooking meals, our d-i-l has been busy cleaning and doing laundry and I have been occasionally trying to quiet the kids. :-) We had a big brunch this morning before our son and family had to hit the road. One more weekend we didn't get to church - I am missing my church family but we have felt the importance of spending time with our natural family.

This is a praise song that always makes me mindful of God's presence and holiness.

The sun cannot compare

The glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your presence

No mortal man would dare

To stand before Your throne

Before the Holy One of heaven

It's only by your blood

And its only by your mercy

Lord, I come

(Chorus)

I bring an offering

Of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves

The praises that I sing

Jesus may you receive

The honor that You're due

O Lord, I bring an offering to you

I bring an offering to you

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 love to give generously and I thank you for blessing me so that I can share.

Sharing Beyond Books #216 Comment Giveaway for August 22, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
This week has been fairly good. I am on a second round of antibiotics so I hope to knock out what shifted to a sinus infection. We have had family visiting this week so I have had to sneak in time, mostly late, on the computer.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I wasn't too surprised that four people enjoy variety. Other choices included: 4 romances, 3 mystery/ cozies, 2 YA and 2 Historical Fiction. There were a few single choices too: nonfiction, urban fantasy, graphic novels,  contemporary and action.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #215 comments is: #14 Mariska who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #216 (One Question.)

Rosebud asks: Q1 What book related things do you collect besides books?

I do like to collect special bookmarks -- and share them of course. :-).

Image found atActivity Village.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Rosebud asks: Q1 What book related things do you collect besides books?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday August 29, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2 by Justin Woolley

This is a good second in the series with plenty of danger and a few more twists.
A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2
by Justin Woolley

File Size: 493 KB
Print Length: 251 pages
Publisher: Momentum (July 9, 2015)
Publication Date: July 9, 2015
ASIN: B00OIKC85I
Genre: Sci Fi, Action and Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The battle was only the beginning; the real danger is beyond the fence ...
The Diggers have been destroyed, a horde of ghouls is moving inland and the High Priestess has seized control of the Central Territory. Together with Nim, a Nomad boy seeking vengeance against the ghouls, Squid and Lynn begin their long journey toward the city of Big Smoke, a city that may not even exist.
Pursued by forces that wish to see them fail, facing threats on all sides and conflict from within, Squid, Lynn and Nim search for a weapon against the ghouls. It is a search that will lead them into forbidden lands where long-held beliefs about their world are tested and Squid may finally unravel the truth of his identity.
But even if they survive their journey, the teenagers on whom the fate of the Territory now rests have no idea what dangers await them beyond the fence.
Perfect for fans of James Dashner's Maze Runner series and Michael Grant's Gone series.

Review:
Squid and Lynn have begun their trip east across Central Territory to the lands beyond the fence. Squid is the boy of prophesy and Lynn is his friend who has been banished and committed herself to traveling with him even though she doesn’t believe. The High Priestess has seized control of the city of Alice and the territory. She has made plans to mis-direct Squid and Lynn to her ally, the Black Sisters at the edge of the fence.

Squid and Lynn secured a ride inside a freighter and are surprised when Nim breaks into their container. Nim is a Nomad boy who lost his twin sister to a ghoul attack. He chose to journey to the lands beyond to find the Storm Man. The nomadic legend holds that the Storm Man can defeat the ghoul hordes. The three young people band together to continue their quest although Squid becomes jealous and remote as Lynn and Nim become closer.

As the trio of youth try to evade a pirate attack, two strange men, Stix and Stownes, arrive suddenly, appearing to attack Squid. It takes a bit of time to realize their true purpose. Lynn meets her stepbrother, Melbourne, with the pirates and challenges him to shake off his cowardice. The trio travel on with unexpected help, facing sandstorm and ghoul horde before they reach the outer fence. Once they pass the fence, they quickly face new enemies.

Finally Squid and Nim battle their way to arrive at the City of Smoke. There they find surprises and the vaccine that might help safe the people. But they do not know how to use it and the ghoul horde waits outside the doors where they must exit to return to the city.

The story is fast paced with plenty of action and, as in the first book, A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1, the characters are engaging. The story is so much more than just a zombie battle. I liked the different views being shared from the perspectives of wealth (Lynn), poverty (Squid) and respecters of nature (Nim). There are many other human elements - jealousy, greed, power, cowardice, dedication, love, loyalty and courage - that are woven throughout the story. Sad to say, the ending is a complete cliff hanger. Still, this is fast paced entertainment with strong character and story beyond the zombie threat. I recommend the story to those who enjoy strong, entertaining, action sci fi.

I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley challenge.

Book Review: Dark Horse by Michelle Diener

I really loved this book from beginning to end - very engaging!

Dark Horse

by Michelle Diener

• File Size: 5656 KB
• Print Length: 381 pages
• Publisher: Eclipse (June 15, 2015)
• Publication Date: June 15, 2015
• ASIN: B00Z9R1W9W
• Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
• My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Some secrets carry the weight of the world.

Rose McKenzie may be far from Earth with no way back, but she's made a powerful ally--a fellow prisoner with whom she's formed a strong bond. Sazo's an artificial intelligence. He's saved her from captivity and torture, but he's also put her in the middle of a conflict, leaving Rose with her loyalties divided.

Captain Dav Jallan doesn't know why he and his crew have stumbled across an almost legendary Class 5 battleship, but he's not going to complain. The only problem is, all its crew are dead, all except for one strange, new alien being.

She calls herself Rose. She seems small and harmless, but less and less about her story is adding up, and Dav has a bad feeling his crew, and maybe even the four planets, are in jeopardy. The Class 5's owners, the Tecran, look set to start a war to get it back and Dav suspects Rose isn't the only alien being who survived what happened on the Class 5. And whatever else is out there is playing its own games.

In this race for the truth, he's going to have to go against his leaders and trust the dark horse.

Review:
Rose is a human who was stolen from Earth, along with a seven animals and birds, by the Tecran, a brutal alien species. The Tecran are members of the United Council that includes four other strong, advanced civilizations, but the Tecran do not always follow rules. It is forbidden to take alien life forms from their home planet and abuse them as the Tecran have done with Rose.
Rose spent months in a cage deep in the Tecran ship until she escaped with the help of a powerful ally. Sazo was also a prisoner as the artificial intelligence trapped and controlled by the Tecran. Rose and Sazo help each other and Sazo arranges to get Rose rescued by Grih because Sazo thinks Rose might find a place to fit in with the somewhat similar Grih.

Dav Jallan, Captain of a Grih explorer ship, stumbles upon a Tecran Class 5 battleship that is within Grih territory where is doesn’t belong. Dav is prepared for a fierce battle as the Tecran are exceedingly protective of their Class 5 ships with their superior technology. The Grih are utterly shocked to be able to board the Tecran ship and equally shocked to determine that two escaping shuttles have seven ‘orange’ life signatures. An orange is a living organism that is not a species recognized by the explorers. They have not seen an orange for over 500 years and they have never heard of an orange that is sentient to the extent of Rose. The Grih should be frightened by Rose, and some are. But most of them are fascinated and awed, especially when they learn she sings which is a rare gift among their people.

The Tecran have been caught in their crimes but they still try to conceal the highly secret nature of the power of the Class 5 ships. Someone on Dav’s ship is apparently helping the enemy and attempts to kill Rose. Dav should protect his crew and race above all else but he finds himself irresistibly drawn to protect Rose even as he realizes that she is hiding some major secret from him.

Ms. Diener did a remarkable job of world building and I found the world and aliens fascinating. I was extremely impressed and engaged by the characters and plot. Sazo is a great character with complexities of an AI who befriends a human who is able to give balance to his temper and power control tendencies. Rose and Dav are wonderful primary characters and the secondary characters are well developed to add detail and depth to the story. The interaction between Dav and his crew members, superiors and diplomats, is very well done.

I enjoyed the “dark horse” feature that provided the title. The story includes many genre elements as there is plenty of action, intrigue, suspense, charm and a little bit of romance. I want to read more by Ms. Diener as I really loved this book from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to a variety of readers.

I selected this at NetGalley and it is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 21, 2015

Happy Friday - 
I have still had this cough hanging on. Saw the Doctor Tuesday and I go back next week.
At least I feel mostly better but still keeping DH (and me) awake when I cough at night. 
I hope everyone is staying cool during these hot days!

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 to 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 August 14 Pick. There was no automatic win this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked this week, but it was won - again.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 14 Pick:
Mystica gets a GC

SueF gets Murders in the Mist

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.}

Isn't this great - mile high books!

Image found at Marcie Brock Book Marketing Maven 

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 851+ books have found new homes! YAY. 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 Review: 14 by Peter Clines

This is a totally engaging story with unexpected twists.
14
Written by: Peter Clines
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-19-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Nominee, Science Fiction, 2013
Padlocked doors. Strange light fixtures. Mutant cockroaches.
There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s. Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends. Or the end of everything....
©2012 Peter Clines and Permuted Press (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Nate is a mediocre worker at a dead end job, with no real friends.  He struggles from pay check to paycheck and is glad to find a new apartment building at a great low rent. Soon after he moves in he begins to notice oddities about the building. The light in his kitchen will only work as a black light. The light reveals strange green, iridescent roaches in his apartment that have one extra leg. He shrugs off the strangeness until he begins to see inside other apartments and finds more oddities. Nate begins to make friends with other tenants: Veek, the brilliant computer nerd downstairs; Tim, the ‘new guy’ who always seems to have the right answers and the right tools. Next door is Xela, the frustrated artist with blue hair and an attitude. Roger who lives downstairs with his loving wife, is a “grip” who deals with the shadows of movie making.

As the tenants become friends they discover that each of their apartments are different shapes and sizes. Other apartments are locked with chains and there is the old elevator that has never worked as far as anyone remembers. And where is the power source to feed the building and computers considering there are no apparent power lines?

Nate becomes obsessed and the group works together uncovering clues about the building. What they discover is scary and amazing. The author sets Nate and friends as Scooby Doo characters on a haunted house type mystery and makes fun references to H.P. Lovecraft. I think this is not a story to listen to at night as it is creepy, bordering on horror at times. The twists are startling and awesome.

I found the entire story unexpected and totally engaging. I recommend it to readers who enjoy humor in a dark mystery with suspense and weirdness.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter does a wonderful job with the narration. He captures the different voices and characters and keeps the story moving at a steady clip. Although I may not have heard Mr. Porter as a narrator before, I can appreciate that he is a popular narrator. His reading enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I selected this from my own Audible Library. It is part of my Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post August 16, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 17, 2015.

Sunday Post - It's Monday! is still not up and linking while Sheila finds her way after her family tragedy.
Kathryn at Date Book suggested linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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 am still fighting this throat cough and upper respiratory tightness. But I continue to get better sleep than the first two weeks before antibiotics. I see the Doctor again this Tuesday.

I had a little extra time for reading/listening as we traveled to Biloxi (to visit son and family) and back.
I enjoyed my reading, finishing five total: one print, two ebooks, and two audio. I posted four reviews, one with print Giveaway. I posted the usual memes, although a couple ran late.

I didn't get to visit last week between still going to bed early at the beginning of the week and limited internet and time at the end. I hope to do better this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 9, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 10, 2015.

• Audible Review: Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Friday Pick Giveaway August 15, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/20/2015.

• Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 16, 2015.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1) by Susan Sleeman;Inspirational Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0. US Only, ends 8/24/15.

• Sharing Beyond Books #215 Comment Giveaway for August 16, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 8/22/2015.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Dark Horse
by Michelle Diener
This was great entertainment.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1)
by Susan Sleeman
This is soled romantic suspense. 
Review and giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Petticoat Detective
Written by: Margaret Brownley
Narrated by: Jaimee Draper
This was a nice listen.
This was in my Audible library from December 2014.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible

The Remaining
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
I found this approach to zombie ""virus" to make for an engaging listen
I had this in my Audible Library from Feb 2015.
Publisher's Summary
In a steel-and-lead-encased bunker 20 feet below the basement level of his house, a soldier waits for his final orders. On the surface, a plague ravages the planet, infecting over 90% of the populace. The bacterium burrows through the brain, destroying all signs of humanity and leaving behind little more than base, prehistoric instincts. The infected turn into hyper-aggressive predators, with an insatiable desire to kill and feed. Someday soon, the soldier will have to open the hatch to his bunker, and step out into this new wasteland, to complete his mission: Subvenire refectus. To rescue and rebuild.
The Remaining is the first book in the best-selling series, which tells a gritty tale of survival, perseverance and fighting to get back what has been lost.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle

A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2
by Justin Woolley
This is a good second in the series although with plenty of danger and a few more twists.
The battle was only the beginning; the real danger is beyond the fence ...
The Diggers have been destroyed, a horde of ghouls is moving inland and the High Priestess has seized control of the Central Territory. Together with Nim, a Nomad boy seeking vengeance against the ghouls, Squid and Lynn begin their long journey toward the city of Big Smoke, a city that may not even exist.
Pursued by forces that wish to see them fail, facing threats on all sides and conflict from within, Squid, Lynn and Nim search for a weapon against the ghouls. It is a search that will lead them into forbidden lands where long-held beliefs about their world are tested and Squid may finally unravel the truth of his identity.
But even if they survive their journey, the teenagers on whom the fate of the Territory now rests have no idea what dangers await them beyond the fence.
Perfect for fans of James Dashner's Maze Runner series and Michael Grant's Gone series.

Currently reading:

1. Audible

The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13
Written by: Kim Harrison
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
This was in my Audible Library from Sept. 2014.
Publisher's Summary
After 10 years and 13 adventures, at last the triumphant conclusion to Kim Harrison's number-one New York Times best-selling Hollows series!
In 2004, Kim Harrison made her debut with Dead Witch Walking, an electrifying urban audiobook novel full of action, mystery, romance, and humor, which introduced bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan. Over the course of 12 books, Rachel confronted numerous threats, vanquished a range of cunning and powerful enemies, risked her heart, suffered haunting loss, and nearly lost her life. Now, in The Witch with No Name, Kim Harrison brings back her wildly popular heroine for one final, epic battle.
Rachel Morgan's come a long way from the klutzy runner fleeing a bad job. She's faced vampires and werewolves, banshees, witches, and soul-eating demons. She's crossed worlds, channeled gods, and accepted her place as a day-walking demon. She's lost friends and lovers and family, and an old enemy has become something much more.
But power demands responsibility, and world-changers must always pay a price.
That time is now.
To save her best friend's soul and the rest of the living vampires, to keep the demonic ever-after and our own world from utter destruction at the hands of fanatics, Rachel Morgan will risk everything.
©2014 Kim Harrison (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

2. eBook/Kindle

To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1)
by H. Paul Honsinger
I am 30% in on this and really enjoying the strategy.
I received this from NetGalley.
The Terran Union is engaged in a vast interstellar war against the Krag, ruthless aliens intent on exterminating humankind. In 2315, the wily Max Robichaux is given command of the USS Cumberland, a destroyer with state-of-the-art capabilities but a combat record so bad, she’s known as the “Cumberland Gap.”

Capt. Robichaux’s first mission: to take his warship to the Free Corridor, where the Krag have secretly been buying strategic materials, and to seize or destroy any ships carrying enemy cargo. Far from the fleet and under enforced radio silence, Max relies only on his determination and guile…and the support and friendship of his chief medical officer, the brilliant Dr. Sahin.

Because even as he deals with the ship’s onboard problems and the stress of carrying out her risky assignment, Max and the doctor discover that the Cumberland and her misfit crew are all that stands in the way of a deadly Krag attack that threatens to end the war—and humanity—once and for all.

A far-future story in the tradition of “ships of wood, men of iron” novels, To Honor You Call Us and the Man of War series combines the adventure of exploration, the excitement of war, and the dangers of the unknown through the eyes of a ship and her crew.

3 eBook/Kindle

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime)
by Rebecca Raisin
I discovered I only had a sample of this. 
I have sent the file to my Kindle again and I think I have the whole book now.  
I selected this at NetGalley.
Maple sugar kisses
Click on book title for full description.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews last week which left one plus four new for this week. I need to continue to work hard on reviews.
I finished two and am reading two NetGalley. I added one new book so my waiting shelf has five NetGalley titles.
I have pulled in some TBRs which makes me glad. 

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I added just one NetGalley title this past week; I selected my two Audible choices and purchased one Kindle book.
I picked up a free Audible title as well as adding more free kindle titles to my library.

(I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected one title at NetGalley this week.


The Last Chance Christmas Ball
by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, and Cara Elliott
Several good authors I really like.
I saw this at some other blogs and was glad to find it still available at NetGalley.

Won

None.

Purchased

I have 180+ titles in my Audible Wish list so sometimes it is hard to pick two titles.
I selected these two audiobooks with my July Credits:
The Remaining: Aftermath
By D. J. Molles
I want to continue this series.

Resurrecting Home: A Novel

By A. American
I realized this series had a fifth book so I picked it up now.

I made this Kindle Purchase so I can continue this series to:

• 
  
• For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2
• by H. Paul Honsinger

Free

I picked up another audiobook for free at Audible:

FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems

By Kevin Morris

Over the past week I again added 45 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sharing Beyond Books #215 Comment Giveaway for August 16, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Sorry this is a day late. I opened the computer on Saturday night to work on this but I had not internet service. So it waited until we arrived at home and spent a couple hours winding down from travel.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I enjoyed learning which characters and books commenters would like to share - although most wanted to visit and not live there which is totally understandable!

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #214 comments is: #5 Mikiwho can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #215 (One Question - two parts.)

Becky asks: Q1 What are you currently reading?? My addition/variation to answer in lieu (but Becky still gets the comment credit this week): What genre are you currently reading/seeking most??

I post what I am reading every week so you all can see that. However - the genre that I seem to be seeking more of right now is action -- mostly sci fi action and post apocalyptic.

Image found at alphacoders.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Becky asks: Q1 What are you currently reading?? My addition/variation to answer in lieu: What genre are you currently reading/seeking most??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday August 22, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1) by Susan Sleeman

I enjoyed this quick read romantic suspense.

Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1)

by Susan Sleeman

• Series: Love Inspired Suspense
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired (June 5, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0373444953

Genre: Inspirational, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Review:
Jennie Buchanan came from a home of poverty and has learned to depend on no one but herself. She has focused her photography career on documenting the lives of poverty stricken children in other countries bringing their plight to the public eye to gain support of her charity foundation for those children. Jennie is scheduled to have a new gallery showing but suddenly the preliminary set-up is vandalized and she and gallery are threatened if she doesn’t cancel the show. The gallery owner calls in a former FBI agent, Ethan Justice and his family of private security agents. They may be the best available but Jennie is threatened now by her heart an memories as Ethan was her first love. She rejected and abandoned him many years ago rather than wait for his rejection upon learning secrets of her past.

Ethan always loved Jennie but was devastated by her rejection. Recently his fiancé called off their marriage so now he has been twice burned. He has no intention of putting his heart on the line again even as he struggles with the chemistry and rekindled feelings he has for Jennie. But his feelings won’t matter if he can’t keep her safe.

This short book is full of action from beginning to end. As enemies try to get Jennie’s film prints and negatives the attacks escalate from vandalism, snatch and grab tactics, and ransacked housing to shootings, arson and kidnapping. There is good chemistry between Jennie and Ethan and human feelings they have to manage. Jennie has to overcome a lifetime of guilt and inferiority insecurities while Ethan has to be willing to forgive and trust.

I like Ms. Sleeman’s easy style of writing that makes for quick reading. I enjoyed the brief prayers offered in times of need or thanks and the spiritual lessons portrayed through the growth of the characters. Some of those lessons are shared in creative descriptions or comparisons that worked very well and were woven in cleanly to fit the situation.

Hunter and Hope by Lenora Worth: There is a second, novella story shared in this volume. It is another second chance romance that is nicely handled in 40 or so pages.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy quick read, inspirational romantic suspense. There are a five brothers and sisters in the Justice family who are good characters and apparently will have stories of their own so this is a good place to start the series.

I won this in 2012 so it is from my TBR shelf.

ONE (gently read) personally autographed PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) August 24, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 24, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 16, 2015

We are away from home and may not get to church this morning. That doesn't stop us from taking time to read our Bibles and worship.

This song reminds me that wecan seek His Presence anywhere we are.

A Verse for Today
Psalms 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

May I welcome You Lord in my life -- always!

Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes

This is an unusual story - entertaining and thought provoking.
Footsteps in the Sky
by Greg Keyes

• File Size: 1069 KB
• Print Length: 298 pages
• Publisher: Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy (May 26, 2015)
• Publication Date: May 26, 2015
• ASIN: B00Q5UWNI6

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The pueblo people who landed on the Fifth World found it Earthlike, empty, and ready for colonization . . . but a century later, they are about to meet the planet’s owners

One hundred years ago, Sand’s ancestors made the long, one-way trip to the Fifth World, ready to work ceaselessly to terraform the planet. Descendants of native peoples like the Hopi and Zuni, they wanted to return to the way of life of their forebears, who honored the Kachina spirits.

Now, though, many of the planet’s inhabitants have begun to resent their grandparents’ decision to strand them in this harsh and forbidding place, and some have turned away from the customs of the Well-Behaved People. Sand has her doubts, but she longs to believe that the Kachina live on beyond the stars and have been readying a new domain for her people.

She may be right. Humans have discovered nine habitable worlds, all with life that shares a genetic code entirely alien to any on Earth. Someone has been seeding planets, bringing life to them. But no other sign of the ancient farmers has ever been discovered—until one day they return to the Fifth World. They do not like what they find.

Originally written in 1994, Footsteps in the Sky is finally being released in digital form by Open Road Media.

Review:
Sand is a young woman of the pueblo clan in the rough interior country of the Fifth World. One hundred years earlier,Sand’s ancestors made the move to this new planet. Those who settled in the interior work the land and follow the legends and traditions, including religious beliefs honoring the Kachina spirits. These people honor the memories and stories of their ancestors, native tribes like the Hopi and Zuni, who came from earth.

There are more ambitious men and women who control the coast and the technology they have available. This clan has put the simple, native beliefs, fears and traditions aside. They plan manipulations to increase their power. They know there are alien forces from earth that will someday return to claim the planet. But there is a different alien force that is orbiting the planet in three ships. The ambitious coastal people hope they can make contact with these hovering aliens to help them keep the planet by fighting the earth-handlers. However, the inhabitants do not realize the danger they face from the unknown aliens.

This story started a little slowly but once I realized the dynamics of the tribes and alien elements I found it fascinating. In essence this tells the story of two societies vying for the planet - not just two on the planet but two alien species in orbit as well. There is thought provoking supposition on how long term artificial intelligence might act when trying to follow its directives or meet new changes.

There is history to give fullness to the Kachina traditions but then one descendant line changes the god to fit their views and needs. There are two spies among the natives and it is interesting the different way they react and interact after many years of insertion. I didn’t care for the casual sex and bad language although I suppose it fit the particular characters. On the other hand, I was struck by some very profound observations of human nature - motives, desires and ability to love and sacrifice.

This is an unusual tale that is full of conflict, action, betrayal and glimpses of love and sacrifice. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a space adventure that includes a psychological study.

I am glad I selected this at NetGalley. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.