Mailbox Monday September 1, 2014

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 received one audio review title this week.
I spent part of Saturday browsing Audible titles. I purchased two Kindle books to get two Audibles for low price then I picked up a total of five Audible titles. I also picked up many free kindle titles.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Title: Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mysteries, Book 3 
Author: Ann Charles
Narrator: Caroline Shaffer  
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 07/01/14
I just thought this looked like it would be fun.

Won

None

Purchased

It was time to pick my monthly Audible selections and I had a hard time deciding on which titles.
I picked up three sci fi audio titles and two favorite authors that I can rely on.
I purchased these two books in Kindle so I could pick them up at Audible for $1.99 each (it was less expensive this way).

$4.95
Dust World (Undying Mercenaries Series Book 2)
B. V. Larson
I enjoyed the first book so I decided to purchase the second book.

$2.99

StarFire (Vince Lombard Book 1)

Mike Lee

I had this title on Kindle already so I was able to get it at Audible for $1.99

Annihilation (Unabridged)
Saxon Andrew


These two I picked up with my monthly subscription credits.

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12

J. D. Robb

Heroes Are My Weakness
Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Free

Plus I downloaded another 58 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? September 1, 2014

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.

Last week was a strange week with not too many appointments still it went by quickly. This week I have lots of hearings to cover.
Again I enjoyed my reading and listening  but I only finished two books, plus I am well into the third.  I only got two reviews posted. 
I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I only got to visit a few blogs early in the week and although I hoped to get back for more, that didn't happen.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? August 25, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday August 25, 2014.

• Book Review: Chieftain by Command by Frances Housden; Historical Romance, Scottish; my rating 4.0.  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 29, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 9/4/14.

• Audio Book Review: Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet; Memoir; my rating 5.0. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #166 Comment Giveaway 8/30/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 9/5/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 31, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Bound to Danger: A Deadly Ops Novel
by Katie Reus
I am 70% through this and enjoying this.
I received this from the Publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Steel World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
I decided to try this sci fi
and eagerly listened to all the action!
I will post a review this week.
Publisher's Summary
In the 20th century Earth sent probes, transmissions, and welcoming messages to the stars. Unfortunately, someone noticed. The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined their vast Empire. Swearing allegiance to our distant alien overlords wasn't the only requirement for survival. We also had to have something of value to trade, something that neighboring planets would pay their hard-earned credits to buy. As most of the local worlds were too civilized to have a proper army, the only valuable service Earth could provide came in the form of soldiers…someone had to do their dirty work for them, their fighting and dying.
I, James McGill, was born in 2099 on the fringe of the galaxy. When Hegemony Financial denied my loan applications, I was kicked out of the university and I turned to the stars. My first campaign involved the invasion of a mineral-rich planet called Cancri-9, better known as Steel World. The attack didn't go well, and now Earth has entered a grim struggle for survival. Humanity's mercenary legions go to war in Steel World, best-selling author B. V. Larson's latest science fiction novel.
©2013 B. V. Larson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.

Currently reading:
1.  eBook/Kindle

The Traitor (Captive Hearts)
by Grace Burrowes 
I am at 88% in this enjoyable Regency.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3

Dead Case in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 3
Written by: Ann Charles
Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer
I selected this from AudioBook Jukebox 
because it looked fun even if it is a third book.
Publisher's Summary
"Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn. No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree." – Violet Parker
Real estate agent Violet "Spooky" Parker stumbles upon a body-part theft ring at the local funeral parlor and suspects her caustic coworker has a hand in it - or maybe a foot. Can Violet discover what's in the crates that the crooks are sneaking out of the mortuary in the dark of night? Or will she end up in one of them herself - in pieces?
©2012 Ann Charles (P)2014 Made for Success

3. eBook/Kindle - Also Print

Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1)
Kaye Dacus
This is Ladies' Book Club reading for this Saturday 9/6.
I will start reading it on Monday.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 18, 2010
Every grandmother wants to see her grandchildren happy, especially when it comes to their love lives. Join five active senior ladies—and one gentleman—who take a great interest in the lives and loves of their single grandchildren and become The Matchmakers. Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson become the first focus of meddling grandmothers when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. Will Zarah be able to forgive the man who years ago chose a military career over her—especially when she learns he is investigating the historic preservation agency for which she works?

4. eBook/Kindle

Winter's Passage
by Julie Kagawa
I didn't get to this one yet.
Click on book title for full description.

I am still one day ahead on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward and I still hope to read at least one of my own TBRs this month. I completed three reviews last week and hope to post at least three this week.  

September Scheduled -
9/6 Love Remains (The Matchmakers Book 1) by Kaye Dacus

NetGalley - To be read in August thru September:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)
Global Predator by Jack Maclean  (Legend Publishing)

Authors:
From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There is a Steampunk Bundle available now that looks interesting.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
Requested new titles last week and received one so far.

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - Winter's Passage

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 31, 2014

This week the old testament reading in the One Year Bible has been Job. Parts of Job are rather depressing but then it hits chapters 38 through 42 and it is just too awesome as God reminds Job that He, God, is the great creator and the one in control!

This morning the Sunday school lesson shared a video of Mark Blitz speaking on prophesy. He promotes studying end time events with the Biblical (Jewish) Calendar in mind rather than simply looking at dates on our ‘modern’ calendar. He referenced Genesis 1:14 which is generally translated and known as:
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: (KJV). But Pastor Blitz pointed out that a more correct translation of the word “Moed” would be “appointed times” or “divine appointments”.  Pastor Blitz noted that the God who holds (and controls) the vast universe in His hands seeks a personal relationship with you and me. That is an awesome concept!

I specifically chose this song because it acknowledges God’s awesome power shown in the universe and also acknowledges His touch in our individual lives.

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)
8 “Remember this, keep it in mind,
    take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’

The warnings of the Harbinger and the four Blood Moons seems to me to fit with God’s word in Job.  Who but HE knows how to control these events? Who but HE planned all things from before time? Who but HE knows the wicked and stubborn heart of man and who but HE provided redemption and grace?

If God is providing warnings what should our response be? We need to stay grounded in His Word so that we are not deceived by any, even those who share good information but may have an ulterior motive. We need to pray and seek to share the message of salvation with others in these critical days.

God, I pray for discernment and I pray for courage to share your message.

Sharing Beyond Books #166 Comment Giveaway August 30, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I had a strange, rare day today. I stayed home in the morning to do bed sheets and some cleaning. Then I got on the computer doing organization and I never left the house. :-/

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Seven people clean pretty much as they go, almost daily. Another six people clean about twice a week. Then there are a few who clean for company -- I relate to that. Ten people do spring, fall or big project cleaning... or at least plan to. I can relate to that too. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #165 comments is: #7 Fredamans who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #166 (One Question.)

Q1. My question (for week 5 this month): Do you use the "snooze" feature on your alarm??

A: I use my cell phone as my alarm and I LOVE my snooze feature. My normal routine is: Five minutes early very gentle music, like a stream gurgling, comes on; then five minutes later a rooster crows. I also have a second time set for fifteen minutes later that I use sometimes. Then I rise up pretty cheerfully. My DH hates the snooze! He says "Just set it for the time you want to get up." Fortunately he has gotten used to my routine. 

Image found at Empty Backfield.

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! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
WINNER FROM FOUR QUESTIONS USED IN AUGUST: BECKY, ELIZABETH, BN100 and MARJORIE--- #2 ELIZABETH
Your turn to share:

Q1. My Question: Do you use the "snooze" on your alarm??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 September 6, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audio Book Review: The Curve Of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet

This is a delightful listening pleasure.
The Curve of Time
by M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press Inc.
Program Type: Audiobook
Genre: Memoir
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

Review:
This is a sharing of personal experiences of a young widow who is boating with five children as they explore the remote areas of the rugged Vancouver coast. The author adds some history tidbits along the way as well as the summer adventures. The stories are natural, often charming and humorous. It is extra special as this is set in 1927 so their explorations tend to be true adventures of a more primitive time and setting. Most visits and encounters with strangers, even native Indians, are safe and friendly. They make friends and share time with loners and couples in remote areas. Then again, there are natural dangers too in the form of bears and cougars.

The tales share the events of the young family during their summer vacations and include, at the end, a sweet returning home to their “Little House” on Vancouver Island. The chapters represent separate events and adventures in no particular order of time. The stories include lovely descriptions of the rugged, beautiful and sometimes eerie landscaping, including visits to abandoned tribal villages and burial grounds. There are also some lovely moments of poetic observance.

I particularly enjoyed this experience because my family did a lot of boating when I was a teenager. My experiences were with more modern boats in the Bahamas but we still had similar adventures. We met strangers who became friends and had times when we faced the dangers of shark infested waters and were stranded by engine failures.

This is a book that shouldn't be limited to boaters although that is a large part of the entertainment. This is a lovely, enjoyable family journal with adventures that could be shared with children as well as adults. I have recommended it to my daughter to listen to with my grandchildren, ages 3 to 10. It is perfect for vacation listening as it tells of summer explorations but it doesn’t have to be limited to summer. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys tales of family time adventuring and especially those who might enjoy the excitement of boating in sometimes tight and danger places. Although there is a bit of an old fashioned tone the stories are timeless in the nature of remembering family adventures.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Heather Henderson to be spot on for the nature of the story. The pacing and inflections fit the circumstances being described. She is able to portray the experiences with a gentle and natural presentation. I am sure that the book is good in print but the audio is a delightful, easy listen.  You can find some comments from Ms. Henderson and lovely images from the family at her own blog: http://heatherannehenderson.com/2014/07/04/a-narrators-joy-the-curve-of-time/

I received this audio download from Post Hypnotic Press for and honest review.