Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 22, 2015

Oh - Thank goodness it's Friday!
This was another busy week at work with lots of daily projects. We keep plugging away at the files. Last week we had to get documents ready and scanned for annual audit and now we are back working on a massive report due to the State in early June.
Meanwhile storms knocked out our internet at home yesterday.
I hope my blog friends are staying safe as you prepare for summer (or winter for those on the far side).

TO ENTER:

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 May 15 Pick. There was only one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
Becky gets The Darkroom

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 8 Pick:
Mariska gets a GC

Sue F gets The Last Two Bachelors

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.}

I wish we had a whirlwind of books instead of storms of damage.

Image found at Worldwind Books on Tumblr

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

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Dragon and the Jewel and Tempted
Jude Deveraux: The Invitation and Remembrance
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
World's Greatest Dad by Marie Ferrarella
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Special Agent
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Dean in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever
Jack with a Twist by Brenda Janowitz

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

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


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

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

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



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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
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)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
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
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
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 818+ 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!

Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey

This is a wonderfully evocative dual romance: a touching love story in 1942 London woven with the lives of a 2011 London couple.

Letters to the Lost

by Iona Grey

• File Size: 791 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (May 26, 2015)
• Sold by: Macmillan
• ASIN: B00P5RA580
• Genre: Romance
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
• 
  

Book Description
Publication Date: May 26, 2015
An accomplished novel from a talented writer, Letters to the Lost is a stunning, emotional love story. Iona Grey's prose is warm, evocative, and immediately engaging; her characters become so real you can't bear to let them go.
I promised to love you forever, in a time when I didn't know if I'd live to see the start of another week. Now it looks like forever is finally running out. I never stopped loving you. I tried, for the sake of my own sanity, but I never even got close, and I never stopped hoping either.
Late on a frozen February evening, a young woman is running through the streets of London. Having fled from her abusive boyfriend and with nowhere to go, Jess stumbles onto a forgotten lane where a small, clearly unlived in old house offers her best chance of shelter for the night. The next morning, a mysterious letter arrives and when she can't help but open it, she finds herself drawn inexorably into the story of two lovers from another time.
In London 1942, Stella meets Dan, a US airman, quite by accident, but there is no denying the impossible, unstoppable attraction that draws them together. Dan is a B-17 pilot flying his bomber into Europe from a British airbase; his odds of survival are one in five. In the midst of such uncertainty, the one thing they hold onto is the letters they write to each other. Fate is unkind and they are separated by decades and continents. In the present, Jess becomes determined to find out what happened to them. Her hope--inspired by a love so powerful it spans a lifetime--will lead her to find a startling redemption in her own life in this powerfully moving novel.

Review:
Jess escapes from her abusive boyfriend by running into the night. She eventually stumbles down a dark street and finds a deserted house where she hides until she hears his feet fade away. Having no where to go she sneaks into the house for shelter. The next morning she is pondering what to do when a letter is passed through the mail slot. It is clear that no one has lived in the house for quite a while and she is curious about the mail. Amidst all of the junk mail to 'Nancy' or Occupant comes the new letter addressed to 'Stella' and marked personal and confidential. Jess decides to check it out since it looks so important. She is surprised to find that the letter seeks a long lost loved one. As Jess continues to hide she finds a box of letters hidden in the bedroom. Reading them she finds herself mesmerized by the one sided tale of a love story between British Stella and American pilot, Dan.

Will works for an ancestry trace office and is looking for Nancy. He spots Stella one day but she claims no knowledge. Will perseveres and becomes friends with an elderly neighbor who tells him about Nancy and produces a key to the vacant house. When Will goes to inspect the place he discovers Jess almost dead. He gets her to the hospital and stays to see that she is alright. He is drawn to the frail girl and disappointed when she calls him “Dan” in a moment of delirium. When she awakens she explains about the letters. Together they begin a search for Stella in hoes that they can put her in touch with Dan before illness ends their chance to see each other one more time.

The story shifts scenes from 1942 to 2011 with glimpses of both sets of characters and their growing feelings. I like this technique of weaving two separate relationships. It is like a mystery unfolding or putting pieces of a puzzle together until the full picture is revealed.

Although there are some haunting similarities between Jess and Stella there are also major changes in the societies they have to cope in. Dan and Will are different in temperaments, one eager to enjoy life and the other moody. But when it comes to protecting a woman they have chosen they are quite similar. There is joy with anticipation and hope and shattering heartbreak with fear and despair. The characters are beautifully developed and the settings for the most part accurately portrayed. The writing is beautifully evocative and gave me a sense of being there.

I don’t always like ‘drama’ in my reading but in this book I was completely engaged by both the historic love story and the modern one. This is a debut novel and I certainly would be interested in more by Ms. Grey. I recommend this to readers who love a tender romance because here you get two, one with lovely history!

I am glad I selected this through NetGalley because it sounded interesting and it is beautiful. This will add to my NetGalley Challenge.

About the author:
IONA GREY has a degree in English Literature and Language from Manchester University, an obsession with history and an enduring fascination with the lives of women in the twentieth century. She lives in rural Cheshire with her husband and three daughters.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler

This is a fast paced strong romance with a spike of danger.
Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5)
by S.M. Butler

• File Size: 697 KB
• Print Length: 156 pages
• Publisher: Soaring Phoenix Press (May 19, 2015)
• ASIN: B00WROEW10

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

This is reading very quickly.
I will be posting a tour review on 5/20.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured—nor wanted to venture—beyond her small town’s safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It’s not long before she’s losing herself—and her heart—to the mysterious man behind the door.
Bastian’s scars are deeper than the surface. They’re embedded into his soul, and he’s content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he’s tried hard to keep tucked away—if he lets her in.
When Bastian’s old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.

Review:
Maddie is a lively, energetic college student. She loves her small town life and fears going away to a four year college in a big city. She works at the local market and one day is asked to deliver groceries to a cabin in the woods. She passes the bags through the door but is curious about the brusque man behind the door.

Sebastian, aka Bastian, is a young former SEAL who was injured on his last mission. He moved to Sugar Falls to hid away from the world. His sister, Jenny, usually delivers his groceries but one day a beautiful, bouncy young lady startles him.  He is glad when she returns in spite of the fact that he slammed the door in her face that first delivery.

Maddie and Bastian talk through the door and slowly build a friendship. But each time she asks to see him he shuts her out and ends their conversation.

Bastian learns that he and the men of his former SEAL unit are being targeted for assassination. Not only is the killer going after the men but he is going after their families to cause the most hurt. One of Bastian’s mates sends a two person team to Sugar Falls to help protect Bastian and Jenny. Unaware of the danger, Maddie is left vulnerable to a killer.

I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and I liked the primary characters. Maddie is a truly sunny person who is easy to like. Bastian is frustrating with his insistence on hiding but his vulnerability and interest in Maddie are touching. Clearly there is room for him to grow and that is a strong part of the story. The glaring short fall was the failure to communicate the danger to Maddie. Also the ending was rather abrupt. Even so, I enjoyed the romance and the fact that the fairly blatant, steamy parts came at the end of the story.

I liked the easy writing and, in spite of some swearing, I enjoyed the overall story.  I do recommend this story to readers who like a sweetly building romance with a sexy ending.

I received this title through Barclay Publicity for an honest review during book tour.

On Sale in Print and Digital: May 19, 2015

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 Add ONCE UPON A SEAL to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

(FYI - I happened upon Book 1 on Kindle - Check to see if it is still available for Free:
Killing Honor (Lucky Thirteen Book 1)

Meet the Military Men of the Lucky Thirteen Series in 
Once Upon a Seal by Suzan Butler!

Coming May 19^th is the fifth novel in the Lucky Thirteen series, ONCE UPON A SEAL from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Suzan Butler! Read how a small town girl starts to change her perceptions after conversations with a reclusive former Navy SEAL.

Check out Suzan’s recent post about summer reads on Fresh Fiction!

Author Bio: Suzan Butler writes adult contemporary romance and has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and world domination. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two monsters, writing naughty books and planning the next step in her evil plans into the twilight hours of the night because that's when it's quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.

Suzan also has a monthly newsletter she shares with her alter ego, New York Times and USA Today bestseller, S.M. Butler, who writes new adult romantic suspense and military romance. In the newsletter, you'll find information about new releases, updates on future books, contests, giveaways, get first peek at new covers, and find out where she'll be visiting through books signings and conventions throughout the year.

 Website | Newsletter | Facebook  | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Once Upon A Seal by Suzan Butler Excerpt #1
     Tommy’s Grocery was the only grocery store in Sugar Falls. We had a lot of older folks that lived out in the country, so I frequently ran out deliveries for them. But as I surveyed the contents of the delivery I had now, making sure I had them all, this wasn’t for one of the older couples, and I hadn’t recognized the name on the order either. Sebastian? It sounded like a younger guy. Why couldn’t a younger guy come get his own groceries?
     And it wasn’t a particularly large order either. Lots of fruits, vegetables, a package of razors. So I imagined he was a clean-shaven health nut. Not that I cared either way. I got paid no matter what. And honestly, even though it was hot outside, I still liked getting the fresh air and not being stuck in the store all day.
     The house wasn’t a rundown piece of crap like I expected, which was further evidence that it wasn’t an older man. The house was cute, gorgeous and had colorful flowers lining the front porch. Pretty walking stones framed the sides of the circular driveway. The grass was slightly overgrown, but mostly, the yard was well- landscaped. Someone spent hours on it regularly. This was not the work of a landscaper. This house was cared for with love, by someone who liked working with his hands.
     Which only made me more curious of the owner.
     I got out of my truck and grabbed the three bags from the passenger side. The heat beat down on me as I walked up. I rapped sharply on the door and waited. It was solid oak, with two rectangular window panes spanning half the height of the door. The decorative glass obscured a clear view of the inside, but I could see a vague shape of a man coming toward the entrance to the house.
     But the door didn’t open. A gruff voice barked, “Who is it?”
     “Maddie Benson. I have your delivery from Tommy’s.” As if for emphasis, I lifted one arm so he could see the shape of the bag through the decorative window.
     “Just a sec.” His form moved away. A minute or two passed as I waited for him to return. He came back, and the chain rattled as he unlocked it. I started forward when the door cracked open, but he didn’t let it open. “Leave it on the mat.”
     Slowly, I set the bags down. “Okay. Um... It’s twenty-five sixty.” I squinted my eyes to look through the glass, as if that would make it easier to see him.
     His hand snaked around the door, holding a twenty and a ten. The hand was large, fitting the massive shape I could make out on the other side of the door. “Keep the change.”
     I took the bills from him. “Thanks, um...” I glanced at the ticket in my hand, skimming over it quickly. “Mr. McIntyre.” I stopped. McIntyre? “You’re related to Jenny?”
     The door slammed shut in answer.
     I glared at the shut door. Wasn’t that just nice. Was this how he treated everyone or was I just special? I almost wanted to knock and tell him what an ---hole he was, but instead, I turned and headed back to my truck.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Follow the tour and you could win some awesome prizes!

Grand Prize: $25 Amazon or B&N gift card
Runner-up Prizes: Digital copies of any one (1) book by Suzan Butler in the Lucky Thirteen series (except Once Upon A Seal)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop

This is a lovely story of love growing between unlikely characters.

When Death Loved an Angel
Written by: Cheree L Alsop
Narrated by: Michele Carpenter

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-09-14
Publisher: Cheree Alsop
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Death loved his existence. He charmed women, completed his list, and was content until the day he tried to kill Gregan Parker and came face to face with Gregan's guardian angel. She fought for the man's life, challenging Death the way no angel ever had. In the face of her defiance, he felt his heart do something it hadn't for centuries; it beat. Death found himself falling for the angel, but she already loved Gregan, a man who had never seen her.
Watching Nyra love a man who didn't know of her existence could terminate Death's heart when it had just begun to beat, but taking away the one thing she cared about would destroy any chance he had with her. Could Death truly put himself last and risk letting his love slip through his fingers, or would he figure out a way to save both his heart and the angel who stole it?
©2013 Cheree Alsop (P)2014 Cheree Alsop

Review:
Death has never been concerned about or had compassion for the people whose souls he guides to their resting place. He has always liked doing his “job” and he certainly has never given any thought to the living who might grieve. He completes his list of names and eagerly awaits the time of night he gets to spend charming women he picks up for fun.

One day he appears in a hospital room to take the soul of Gregan, a young man injured in an accident. Across the room is Gregan’s guardian angel, Nyra. Although she appears tiny and delicate, she dares to say “No” to Death. He is surprised but even more startled when he feels a heartbeat in his own chest. Death agrees to wait, at least a day.

Death is intrigued by the lovely, caring Nyra, although he is disappointed that she is in love with Gregan. Death is drawn to visit Nyra every day and struggles as he realizes that he doesn’t want to hurt her by taking the man she loves. Death becomes confused with his new feelings showing him the effect his actions have on others. He begins to question the work that he does and undergoes an internal battle as others challenge him.

Meanwhile, Nyra finds that she is lost in the Guardian accounting books because she can no longer do her job to help the unconscious Gregan. She looks for comfort to Gregan’s unexpected ‘brother’ who appears one hour a night to sit beside Gregan and share stories with her. Slowly her affections begin to turn to this mysterious man.

I found this story very engaging. The chapters shift point of view from Death to Nyra, which adds interest. The writing has a delicate touch and I loved it’s otherworldly tone. The author deftly and gradually softens the usual dark image of Death and makes the romance plausible, anticipated and ultimately charming. I enjoyed the unique storyline and the smooth style. I would like to read more by this author and I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a gently building friendship growing to love between unlikely characters.

Audio Notes: I was impressed with the narration by Michele Carpenter. Her Nyra voice was gentle and soothing and her Death voice shared his indifference that turned to pained sadness. I hadn't heard her work before but her voice and presentation perfectly fit this story. My enjoyment of the reading was definitely enhanced by the audio format.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 18, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family.


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 hope everyone is enjoying May. 
Last week was very busy in the office. I had a hearing to prepare and appear for, while also preparing for a large closing. I'm glad my staff was handling things well. 

My reading was good, finishing two audios and one ebook.   I posted three reviews (one with giveaway). I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited only a little early in the week and then had computer troubles for two nights. I finally did more visiting on Friday night.
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 May 11, 2015.

• Audio SYNC 2015 Has Started!

• Audible Book Review: Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy by Debra Holland; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75. 

• Book Review and Giveaway: Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) by Lori Wick; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0. Print - Open US only. Ends 5/22/2015.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 15, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 5/21/2015.

• Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #203 Comment Giveaway 5/16/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 5/23/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 17, 2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible

When Death Loved an Angel
Written by: Cheree L Alsop
Narrated by: Michele Carpenter
This is very intriguing! I'll post a review this week.
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle

Letters to the Lost
by Iona Grey
I enjoyed this poignant story with two romances -
WWII and present. I'll post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible

Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1
Written by: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase
This is engaging and I hope to post the review for both the prequel and Book 1 this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5)
by S.M. Butler
This is reading very quickly.
I will be posting a tour review on 5/20.
Book Description
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured—nor wanted to venture—beyond her small town’s safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It’s not long before she’s losing herself—and her heart—to the mysterious man behind the door.
Bastian’s scars are deeper than the surface. They’re embedded into his soul, and he’s content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he’s tried hard to keep tucked away—if he lets her in.
When Bastian’s old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.

2. Audible

Virgin River
Written by: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
This has been in my Audible library since 2012. I will be listening to more in the series so I thought I would start with Book 1. 
Publisher's Summary
Fan-adored author Robyn Carr presents the story of a woman who "needs a change [and] gets something very different than she bargained for" (Booklist).
Recently widowed, grieving Los Angeles midwife/nurse Melinda Monroe answers a small upstate town's ad for help. Nestled amongst California's giant redwoods, quaint Virgin River is host to many quirky characters - including bar owner Jack Sheridan, who may be just the man to make Melinda smile again.
©2007 Robyn Carr; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

3. Print

The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
This is good information.
I will take another week to finish.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle

FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
I am looking forward to reading this.
Book Description
Publication Date: October 21, 2014 | Age Level: 10 - 18
Meet Natalie Pryce- an artist at heart, constantly misunderstood by most of the people she knows. She has changed her career aspirations more times than she can count and feels like a grand failure at life. She is directionless until accidentally falling into an exciting relationship with David, a charming and expressive young man who is more than willing to live moment to moment with her. Life starts looking up, until, just her luck, disaster strikes, secrets are revealed, and Natalie is forced to flee for her life.
If you are tired of young adult novels having unrealistic expectations for true love and if you want to explore a new galaxy set in the elusive Deka Quadrant, then you’ll enjoy this first installment about the mysterious Deka region of space.
Fortune’s Detour was meant to be a prequel to the up and coming sci-fi series. It should serve as both an entertaining read and a preparatory journey from “summer reading list” to “it happened in a galaxy far, far away.”
So prop your feet up, brew a hot mug of Nib juice (make sure those pesky nuts have been properly prepared first!), and sit back and enjoy the first of The Deka Series.

5/3/15- I am up to date on Bible reading but not the daily Devotions. I am only reading those sporadically.
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. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

May Scheduled -
No specific date: The Cancer Solution by Jack C. Westman
5/20/15 Tour Review: Once Upon a Seal by S.M. Butler
5/27/15 Tour Review Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
5/28/15 Tour Review The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato
5/30/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

I posted three reviews last week which still left one to add to the three titles for this week.
I still have have three NetGalley titles for tours and two separate selections.  I hope to get to a TBR eBook next week.

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 four review titles this week.
Of course I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from Barclay Publicity for Review 5/20:

Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) 
by S.M. Butler
See more information above under currently reading.
Romantic Suspense

Received from Hachette for Review  and Giveaway 5/30:

Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott

I am looking forward to the third sister's story in this series.
Historical Romance

Received from iRead Books in Audio Format for Review 6/9:
Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1)
by Lee Stephen
"For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny."
Sci Fi

Received eBook from iRead Books for Review 6/16:
Outlaw Trigger (Epic Book 2)

by Lee Stephen

"Only when stretched to the limit will a man truly learn who he is.

That limit is about to be breached. Lines will be crossed.

Sides will be chosen. And faith will be put to the test.

Will the righteous prevail?"
Sci Fi

Won

None

Purchased

I resisted again this week. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added a mere 39 free Kindle titles to my library - a lot of the offered titles I already had. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.