Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 9, 2015

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday! Another week flies by. This one was cold! Thursday we woke up to 19 degrees and warmed to 39. Brrrr. My blood is too thin for this. I hope everyone is snuggly warm!

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the January 2 Pick. There was one automatic win this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were three titles blocked but one was won. 
Becky gets Never Say Never

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 2 Pick:
Sue F gets the Janet Evanovich Pair

Mariska gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Well, for me it is New Year, New Start, read Old Books from the TBR!!

Image found at Pinterest by Calcasieu Parish Libraries

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014

PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Sandra Brown: A Whole New Light and Fanta C
Elizabeth Lowell: Autumn Lover (only Book 5) and Winter Fire (Only Book 6)
Joan Johnston: I Promise and Sisters Found
Katherine Stone: Rainbows and Pearl Moon
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
To Catch a Flame by Kimberly Cates
Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Never Say Never by Joan Hohl
Poe's Tales of Mystery and Terror (1967 Collection) by Edgar Allan Poe (Magnum Easy Eye Edition)


New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Behind a Mask by May Alcott
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker
Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition
Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
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

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Miracle by Deborah Smith
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014
SINGLES:
Once Upon a Honeymoon by Julie Kistler
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
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.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)
New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)
New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)
New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)
May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)
3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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! I am happy to say that so far about 754+ 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.

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 $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)
List #14---(All gone)
List #13 ---(All gone)
Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)
Pick #3---(All gone)
Pick #4---(All gone)
Pick #5---(All gone)
Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8---(All gone)
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audio Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius

I recommend this for dystopian fans, but try the text for more clarity. 
25 Perfect Days
Written by: Mark Tullius
Narrated by: Dave Thompson


Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-25-14
Publisher: Vincere Press, LLC
Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Will you follow The Way or be crushed by the Controllers?
A totalitarian state doesn't just happen overnight. It's a slow, dangerous slide. 25 Perfect Days chronicles the path into a hellish future of food shortages, contaminated water, sweeping incarceration, an ultra-radical religion, and the extreme measures taken to reduce the population. Through 25 interlinked stories, each written from a different character's point of view, 25 Perfect Days captures the sacrifice, courage, and love needed to survive and eventually overcome this dystopian nightmare.
©2013 Mark Tullius (P)2014 Mark Tullius

Review:
The society this story describes is not one I would want to live in. This portrays a scary dystopian world. A religious group called The Way has slowly joined with government to control all aspects of work and life. Overpopulation and contamination of resources has resulted in food shortages, limited licencing, quick and unjust incarceration and controlled population growth. Instead of being allowed freedom to have children the privilege must be paid for. Some young women are used as selective breeders. As the years pass the society becomes more dark and hopeless. Those who don’t comply, don’t survive, one way or another.

I found the story interesting but very difficult to follow on audio. There are a handful of characters whose lives are followed over 25 days through a period of 40 years. Some of the scenarios are brutal; some are appalling to 'normal' society; and a few are heart warming and heart wrenching. It was difficult for me to connect all the vignettes.

I recommend this be added to any dystopian reading list. However, for this book, I would recommend the text and not the audio. I think it would be easier to track the characters and the changes in the society with the written version, especially if you are a listener who does other things (chores, driving, etc) while listening. If you sit quietly and listen, this might work.

Audio Notes: I think the narrator, Dave Thompson, did a good job with a difficult project. It might have been better with this work to have different narrators for the different character lines.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox. (2015 Audiobook Challenge.)

Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh

I loved the conflicted characters in this enchanting historical romance!

Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel
by Mary Balogh

• File Size: 1932 KB
• Print Length: 394 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0451469666
• Publisher: Signet (October 28, 2014)
• Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
• ASIN: B00JJXUZMM

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman.…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.

Review:
Agnes was content with her first marriage which was a practical arrangement with an older neighbor. Now she is content as a widow living in the country with her unmarried, older sister. She attends a dance at the home of her friend and is delighted to dance, not once but twice, with the gorgeous, charismatic, and rather enigmatic Viscount Ponsonby. Agnes is completely smitten but accepts that she will never see him again. Flavian returns to the community six months later and, to Agnes’ consternation, he not only flirts with her but proposes to her. She is confused and afraid to risk the passion she fears may be involved in their relationship.

Flavian is one of the Survivor’s Club. His head wounds left him with memory lapses and rages. He had to relearn even how to speak and he still stutters a bit. That doesn’t stop the ladies from flocking after him. Yet he struggles with memories of his childhood sweetheart, Velma, who broke their engagement when he was injured and married his good friend instead. His friend has died and Flavian's mother, sister and others are clearly planning on bringing him back together with Velma. Instead, Flavian finds Agnes to be ‘enchanting”, sensible and "safe"...promising a place of peace amid his tumultuous mind.

Agnes accepts Flavian’s rather sudden and not so romantic proposal. They are married quickly with their Survivor’s Club friends as witnesses. But they will still have to face the daunting task of meeting their parents and introducing Agnes to the ton.  Rumors threaten some scandal which makes it even more difficult for the pair to reluctantly share their secrets, learn to trust and accept their own growing feelings.

I always enjoy the warm characters that Mary Balogh creates. There is a charming range of natural emotions from fear and sorrow, to joy...and of course, love. The conflict in the human drama is appropriate to the time period and setting and allows for an engaging romance that grows from only enchanting to something much richer. The writing flows beautifully for a lovely reading experience. I highly recommend this series to readers who love historical romance. Ms. Balogh is a favorite author for me and a ‘must read’ author in this genre.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley. This will qualify for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare and Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Book Review: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

This is a wonderful time management book focusing on Biblical principles.
Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

• File Size: 277 KB
• Print Length: 99 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1581349130
• Publisher: Crossway Books (June 26, 2007)
• ASIN: B00283PQDS

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 5.0 content but 4.5 due to editing errors.

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2007
Overwhelmed. Miserable. Exhausted. These are often the words that women use to describe their high-demand lifestyles. How are women who are always on the go expected to cope with the demands of work, family, and ministry?
Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw, recognize the needs of Christian women today. Shopping for Time offers the solution to women who truly desire to glorify God with every use of their time.
These authors offer five tips to help ladies do it all without becoming overwhelmed: rise early, sit down, sit longer (occasionally), choose friends wisely, and take fifteen minutes. By weaving biblical principles of God's Word into these keys, these authors give women practical advice on how to fulfill-and excel in-their daily responsibilities.

Review:
This is a lovely time management guide based on biblical principles. It is direct and on point while being very quick and easy to read. The authors relate to personal, everyday life experiences. Most people can relate to planning a shopping trip, as when you go to the market or outlet mall. Even those, like me, who do not shop a lot, usually make a list or have a purpose when heading to the store. This book compares our purposeful intent in shopping to ‘shopping’ for time with the intent of doing what God wants to do in our lives.

The focus of the book is to PLAN to make time for God and the most important priorities in our lives: family, relationships and service. The arguments are extrapolated from Ephesians 5:15-16 which states: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. The goal is to “assist you to bring glory to the Savior through every season” of your life. The authors list and discuss five tips to manage our time to be fruitful in our service to God.

Not all of the tips or tools suggested are new but, for me, they are given with new insight and with the best purpose of all. The underlying message confirmed to me is the biblical foundation of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)  I don’t feel I can describe too much detail without giving spoilers. However, consider that I marked 45 notes out of 99 pages! Also I have instituted a new method to add to my Bible study with two questions the authors suggest.

The only reason I did not rate this book as 5.0 is due to the errors in the kindle version.  There were repeats in phrases and the letter “u” came out as “v” throughout. It is still easily read but the errors are distracting and off putting. I would encourage the authors and publisher to go back and clean up the text.

I really enjoyed the tips and the great nuggets in this little gem. It was a perfect book for me as the first book of 2015. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to spend more time serving God.

This is the book I chose for my First Book 2015.
It is from my 2009 TBR Kindle list and qualifies for: 2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge; Full House Reading Challenge 2015; The 2014-15 Winter COYER challenge; The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge, The TBR Double Dog Dare

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 5, 2015

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 had another good week with a couple of days off. I am excited for good things in 2015. How about you? 
This coming week is supposed to be cold so we are laying in the firewood and getting ready to hunker down. I hope everyone else stays snug and warm.

Reading was good. I really enjoyed my first two reads of 2015.  I finished five books and posted three reviews. I also posted my usual memes along with several challenge posts. 

I enjoyed visiting on Monday and Wednesday. I hope to keep it up.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 29, 2014.

• Book Review: The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Winners For December Giveaways!

• Audible Book Review: Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1 by Juliet Marillier; Fantasy; my rating 5.0.

• The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge

• The TBR Double Dog Dare

• First Book of the Year 2015

• MBS 2014 Reading List

• 2015 Audiobook Challenge

• Full House Reading Challenge 2015

• 2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge

• 2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

• MBS Best of 2014 Reading List

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 2, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/8/14.

• Book Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage (Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1) by Regina Jennings Historical Romance, Christian my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #184 Comment Giveaway 1/3/15. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/10/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 4, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle LAST READ OF 2014.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage
(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)
by Regina Jennings
This was a fun read and the last for 2014. 
The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle FIRST READ OF 2015

Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
Carolyn Mahaney (Author), Nicole Mahaney Whitacre (Author), Kristin Chesemore (Author), Janelle Bradshaw
I really enjoyed this as my first read for 2015.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel
by Mary Balogh
This is another enjoyable romance by a fav author.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP4

25 Perfect Days
Written by: Mark Tullius
Narrated by: Dave Thompson
This is definitely a Dystopian world you don't want to live in.
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Audible/MP4

FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)
Written by: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
This is a very quick story from my own TBR. 
I listened before downloading my next Audio review book.
Publisher's Summary
WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.
This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find.
©2014 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
I am at 40% and this is reading quickly. 
This is our Ladies' Book Club book for discussion 1/10/15.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you’ll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

2. Audio

The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
I like how this has started.
I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Yesterday they were five ordinary friends. Today they are all that stand between us and extinction...
Havenbrook, Iowa. Typical small town America, nestled in the rolling plains of the Midwest. Life is simple here. But for high school senior Jay Anderson, it's about to get a whole lot more complicated. Accused of a crime he didn't commit, he is shocked to become an outcast throughout this small community, and becomes suspicious of the townspeople's suddenly strange behavior. Only his friends believe in his innocence, and set out to prove it...
...only to find out there is something far more sinister going on here. Who are the mysterious men who have suddenly appeared around town? What is the government hiding at the town's reservoir? Pursued by shadowy forces that would kill to keep the secrets they discover - and the secret Jay holds unknowingly within himself - he and his friends embark on an epic adventure. From the steps of Capitol Hill to the walls of the Kremlin; from the unfriendly skies over Eastern Europe to the treacherous waters of the Caribbean; danger lurks around every corner as these five teenagers seek to uncover what was created on...
©2011 Bluewater Press LLC (P)2014 Michael O'Neal

3. eBook/Kindle

Exodus 2022
by Kenneth G. Bennett
This is interesting even though I am only a couple of chapters in. 
(I switched to finish book club book first.)
I received this title through NetGalley
Book Description
Publication Date: May 20, 2014 
Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter.
Unable to contain his grief, Joe loses control in public, screaming his daughter’s name and causing a huge scene at a hotel on San Juan Island in Washington State.
Thing is, Joe Stanton doesn’t have a daughter. Never did. And when the authorities arrive they blame the 28-year-old’s outburst on drugs.
 What they don’t yet know is that others up and down the Pacific coast—from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound—are suffering identical, always fatal mental breakdowns.
 With the help of his girlfriend—the woman he loves and dreams of marrying—Joe struggles to unravel the meaning of the hallucination destroying his mind. As the couple begins to perceive its significance—and Joe’s role in a looming global calamity—they must also outwit a billionaire weapons contractor bent on exploiting Joe’s newfound understanding of the cosmos, and outlast the time bomb ticking in Joe’s brain.

I will probably start another title before the week ends but I haven't decided which one yet. :-)

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.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

January Schedule:
January 10 - Amish White Christmas Pie
January 16 - 26 I'm Dreaming Giveaway Hop
I am focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles this month.

I have three reviews to complete from this week so I am still up to date.
I am carrying forward five NetGalley review titles I need/would like to read in January.  
I also have three ebooks from publicist to get to, two more audiobooks and one  author title.

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 two review titles, one from AudioBook Jukebox and one from NetGalley.
I purchased three kindle titles before the end of the year. I have determined (well - I'm going to try) not to make any more ebook purchases until April after completion of the TBR Dare event.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I saw this title at NetGalley and grabbed it before 1/1/15.
I really like the Study series and am anxious to see how Yelena and Valek are faring.

Shadow Study 

by Maria V. Snyder

I also received an audiobook through Audiobook Jukebox that I had requested in December:

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
"An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century."

Won

None

Purchased

I have the second (oops) third in this series in my Audible library. I picked up this one for $1.99 on Kindle in case I wanted to start the series.  All books had to be purchased before 1/1/15 to qualify for the TBR Dare event.

The Remaining
D.J. Molles
The first volume in D.J. Molles's bestselling series, now in a special edition with the bonus novella The Remaining: Faith.



I purchased these two kindle titles for $.99 each before the end or 2014. 

Christmas in Camelot (Medieval Christmas Romance Book 1)
Brenda Jernigan
"The Greatest Gifts . . . Are Always Unexpected ... "
This is the last Christmas title I purchased in 2014.
Camelot is hard to resist on a highly rated story. :-)

Celtic Cross
Tammy Doherty
"Sometimes you have to forget who you are to become who you're meant to be."
This is a historical Christian romance that looked good to me.

Free

Over the past week I added 54 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 4, 2015

This morning we celebrated Epiphany which is to symbolize the “revealing of Christ” by the wise men following the star to worship the Christ Child.  Our Pastor’s Sermon was titled: Living a Significant Life. The wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star. They traveled from far off, bringing expensive gifts on a long, perilous journey to worship a king. Matthew 2:9-12. Were they disappointed when they came upon a baby in a humble house setting? No. They bowed down and worshiped. It was because they knew the prophecies and they were looking with expectation...anticipation. The wise men were successful in completing their mission. They were the first of the gentiles to worship the savior.

As a new year begins we tend to make plans for what we want to happen during the year. But we have to realize that we only see a part of the big picture or plan that God has in mind. We must be mindful first to set our plans after seeking God’s guidance. Even so, things do not always go as we plan and we must be willing to adjust to His leading as days unfold.  The important thing is to live with significant intent: love God, love your neighbors, be a witness of the good news and God's faithfulness. And expect and anticipate good things being assured that God 'works all things to good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8:28.

I had a couple of songs in mind today.

I choose the traditional "We Three Kings"

after reviewing the words and enjoying this version.

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Lord, I submit my plans for 2015 to Your guidance. I pray: "God, use me any way you like. I am waiting."

Sharing Beyond Books #184 Comment Giveaway 1/3/2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's eve and day. We took it easy. Did you make resolutions? I have a few 'unofficial' resolutions - more like goals or plans.
I had a good week and spent time finishing reading lists and posting challenges. :-) I was actually working on that when I realized I hadn't done the SBB post yet for tonight.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

It was very interesting to see the books listed as the favorites of 2014. The Charley Davidson series got mentioned twice and I agree that is a fun series. I have several of the other listed books on my TBR stack - most notably, Cinder. I also have several titles by CL Wilson but have not read her yet. I plan to look at each of your reads over the year to see if I might pull them into 2015 reading. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #183 comments is: #11 SueF who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review 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 #184 (One Question.)

Q1. Alyn asks:  Do you have a Little Free Library near you? Have you used one before??

A: I had to look this up as I had never heard of it.  I am not aware of one anywhere near my small town but the list shows several about an hour away in either Panama City, Tallahassee, or Dothan, AL. These are adorable and serve such a great purpose! Some of the kits are a bit pricey. Maybe I can get my s-i-l to build one for me.  Thanks to Alyn for bringing this to our attention.

Image found at Free Little Library.

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.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Alyn asks: Do you have a Little Free Library near you? Have you used one before??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 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. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 January 10, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage (Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1) by Regina Jennings

This is an easy reading, sweet, historical romance

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)

by Regina Jennings

• File Size: 3539 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764211404
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)
• ASIN: B00KDN89NO

Genre: Christian, Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25

Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.
But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.
Most Inconvenient Indeed.
With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.
After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?

Review:
Abigail fled her home after being wrongfully accused by her step-father and mother. She ended up as a nurse in a Union prison hospital. She tends a dying soldier who asks her to marry him in exchange for taking care of his ailing sister and his farm. They are quickly married and, after his death, Abigail travels to Ozark as Mrs. Jeremiah Calhoun. She finds a warm welcome from her mother-in-law but disbelief and resentment from her bitter and demanding sister-in-law, Rachel. Abigail is delighted to find good horse stock and a farm that she can help restore and thrive. She also is determined to do her best to help Rachael improve her attitude even if there is no hope for full recovery.

All goes well until the real Jeremiah Calhoun returns home, injured but clearly alive. He immediately suspects that Abigail is trying to swindle them. Having Abigail claiming to be his wife is also inconvenient as he is determined to marry his long time childhood sweetheart, Laurel. Jeremiah wants Abigail gone but she won’t budge until she is reimbursed for her savings that were invested in breeding his mare. As hard as it is to admit, Jeremiah can use the help around the farm and soon discovers that Abigail can help him overcome his injured leg too.

There is fun conflict in Jeremiah’s antagonism and from his frustrated struggle to woo Laurel who has been spending time with the local doctor. There is added fun in the form of two mischieveous neighbor children. Rachel’s embittered character provides Abigail the opportunity to show faith, charity and love.

The plot moves well with the crossed romances, the neighborly friends, strifes and danger from bushwackers attacking and stealing horses around the community. I enjoyed the easy flow of the reading and the gradual realization of the sweet romance. I also liked the little nuggets of faith and positive attitude that are shared. I will be glad to read Ms. Jennings again and I recommend this to others who enjoy light, sweet, historical romance.

This is my last review for books read in 2014! I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 2, 2015

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Wow - It is another new year! We had a quiet New Year's eve and day. I took the time to work up my year end posts and 2015 challenge posts. I am excited about the new year. It seems to be a year of anticipation for me... not sure what but I feel it will be good. I hope it is a wonderful year for each of you!

This concludes the month of 'four' winners. Next week's wins go back to two random winners plus any auto wins.

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the December 26 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were two titles blocked but one was won. 
Anita gets Down by the Water

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 26 Pick:
Miki gets a GC

Linda K gets the Sandra Brown Pair
Llehn gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This is a perfect quote for a New Year and book lovers!

Image found at QuotesVsFun.com

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014

PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Sandra Brown: A Whole New Light and Fanta C
Elizabeth Lowell: Autumn Lover (only Book 5) and Winter Fire (Only Book 6)
Joan Johnston: I Promise and Sisters Found
Katherine Stone: Rainbows and Pearl Moon
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
To Catch a Flame by Kimberly Cates
Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Never Say Never by Joan Hohl
Poe's Tales of Mystery and Terror (1967 Collection) by Edgar Allan Poe (Magnum Easy Eye Edition)


New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Behind a Mask by May Alcott
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker
Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition
Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
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

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Miracle by Deborah Smith
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014
SINGLES:
Once Upon a Honeymoon by Julie Kistler
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
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.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)
New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)
New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)
New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)
May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)
3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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! I am happy to say that so far about 751+ 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.

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 $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)
List #14---(All gone)
List #13 ---(All gone)
Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)
Pick #3---(All gone)
Pick #4---(All gone)
Pick #5---(All gone)
Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8---(All gone)
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)