Sunday Post October 9, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 10, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am slowly whittling done my To Do stacks of files at work.
Hubby's blood pressure is finally settling down and he is doing better with exercising and being active.
Our weather has been cooling down to lovely cool evenings. We were far from the threat of Hurricane Matthew and had a lovely, young family from Jacksonville come stay with us.

I enjoyed my listening this week. I finished two audio books and am far into a print book. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway, a book launch giveaway and the usual memes.

I did not get to visit much this week - tired nights early in the week and then we had visitors so I wasn't on computer as much.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 2, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 3, 2016.

• Book Launch with Giveaway! TWO BY TWO by Nicholas Sparks. Rafflecopter Giveaway Ending 10/14/2016

• Book Review: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep; Christian, Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 7, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/13/2016.

• Audible Book Review: Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #273 Comment Giveaway October 8, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/15/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 9, 2016.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Simple Deceit by Nancy Mehl; Christian, Mystery; my rating 4.5. Ending 10/16/2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible (TBR)

Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel
Written by: Jasper Fforde
Narrated by: Emily Gray
This series is different fun and good listening.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio (ABJ)

Loreena's Gift
by Colleen M. Story
This is an engaging and intriguing audiobook.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Print (Author)

Ergon
by George HS Singer
I am three-fourth through this.
I am digesting the poems and taking notes.
My review on this will post on 10/11.
George Singer's ERGON is precise, delicate and fierce in its engagement with the world.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Steam Man of the Prairies
by Edward S. Ellis
I have just started this interesting early steampunk.
I received this through NetGalley.
One of the earliest examples of steampunk literature, this 1868 story was actually written during the Victorian era and was among the first American science-fiction novels. In fact, the tale features the very first literary instance of a mechanical man, published long before the term "robot" was coined. Extremely popular and much imitated in its day, The Steam Man of the Prairies recounts a teenage inventor's road test of his automaton, in which he conducts a party of gold prospectors across Indian territory.
This book marked the beginning of a genre that came to be known as edisonades — dime novels centered on a young genius and his invention that captivated boys of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Educator and author Edward S. Ellis wrote more than 100 such tales, under his own name and more than a dozen others. In addition to appealing to boys' fascination with engineering and technology, edisonades offered plenty of action and adventure in untamed parts of the world. As Kirkus Reviews noted, "Ellis' works serve as a good window into the attitudes of the time and provide some context for how the future was viewed as well as how much the world was changing."

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

The Soul Summoner
by Elicia Hyder
I am interested to read this and figure a 'ghost' story is appropriate for October.
I had this as a free Kindle book from 2015 plus it was offered this summer as a free book from the Author.
Blessed or cursed with a connection to the souls of others, Sloan Jordan can see the best in people…and the worst. With nothing more than a glance at a photograph, she can judge the living from the dead and the good souls from the evil ones. For twenty-seven years, she's kept her ability a secret, but eleven young women have been murdered in the mountains of North Carolina, and Sloan may be the only hope of finding their killer.

She has just agreed to help Detective Nathan McNamara with the case, when a stranger—who is as alluring as he is terrifying—shows up at her doorstep with a dark past and another puzzling mystery: she can't see his soul at all.

Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe.

4. Audio (TBR)
I will be selecting a TBR Audio title that will also qualify for Alphabet Challenge
but I haven't decided which yet.

October 2, 2016 - I have really enjoyed reading Isaiah with all of its prophesies. I remain up to date with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews which keeps me up to date and leaves me with three or four for this week.

I am still accepting new audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I continue reading author titles. I am reading another from the list of six this week.
My NetGalley shelf is holding at three.
I am planning/hoping to get to TBRs for November when I will participate in Sci Fi Month.

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
This title will be available this week:

Grandma's Face Tells her Story
by Elaine McCay; Illustrated by Lynne Bendoly

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 accepted two review requests with more to consider.
I purchased one Kindle book and I am trying not to look at the Audible Sci Fi sale open till tomorrow night.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two titles from authors:

Death Unmasked
by Rick Sulik
This psychological thriller involves an investigation into his wife's murder by a reincarnated detective.
Sounds interesting.

Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)
by Joel Horn
"Plausible Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Love, Danger...This story has it all!"
(I hope to read this as part of Sci Fi Month in November 2016.)

Won

NONE

Purchased

I did purchase one $.99 Kindle.

A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier
Joseph Plumb Martin

Free

I again added 51 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Book Review and Giveaway: Simple Deceit by Nancy Mehl

This is a strong, faith-based mystery with a sweet romance is challenged by rumors and tension.

Simple Deceit: 
A Mennonite Community's Way of Life Is Threatened by Outsiders
(The Harmony Series Book 2)
by Nancy Mehl

File Size: 869 KB
Print Length: 322 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Reprint edition (December 1, 2010)
ASIN: B00492AV0O
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

In the sequel to Simple Secrets, watch how a raging current of deceit runs through the once peaceful Mennonite community of Harmony, Kansas. As soon as Gracie decides to stay in town and take freelance work involving a local land developer, the townspeople blame her for bringing on this change that could ruin life as they know it. Gracie’s motives in romance with Sam, in helping an oppressed teenager, and in trying to make a living are all suddenly drawing suspicion. Should she leave or stay and fight for what she has come to love?

Review:
Gracie inherited her Uncle’s home and land in Harmony, Kansas. Although she was an outsider when she arrived, she soon found a warm welcome among the close knit, loving Mennonite community. Gracie has been away at work for several months. Now she has returned to her boyfriend, Sam, and the warm community she has learned to love. But it seems that trouble may have followed her.

The night Gracie returns she startles a girl leaving a baby at the door of her church. No one sees the girl and someone begins a rumor that the infant is hers. Sam reacts badly to this rumor.

Gracie does freelance work for a public relations firm that is about to produce work for a developer, Eric, who wants to bring a small retirement resort on the outskirts of Harmony. The developer has convinced small business owners that the project can help them. Other members of the community are reluctant to allow such outsiders fearing that the influence on their way of live.

Eric has scheduled a town meeting to discuss his project. The bitter man who had supposedly agreed to sell his land to the developer has doubled his price so the project is on hold. Eric drives Gracie home where he gets stranded by a snow storm, causing further tension with Sam.

Sam lives with his Aunt who raised him since a young boy. Although he thought he had come to accept his past, the baby’s abandonment brings back bad memories for Sam to face. Can he deal with his demons before he loses Gracie? Can Gracie re-gain her reputation

This is the second book in the series and apparently the first included a mystery body found on Gracie’s land. The characters and faith community have a wonderful warmth.  Ms. Mehl presents a good story with mystery, intrigue, conflict, humor and sweet romance. I enjoyed the gentle faith shared through the characters lives. All of the ladies in my book club enjoyed this story and would be willing to read more by Ms. Mehl. I recommend this to readers who enjoy faith-based mystery and sweet romance.

This book was for our Ladies Book Club.

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for Kindle eBook

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

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

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy; worldwide for eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central)October 16 , 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED in Sunday Salon/Monday Reading on October 16, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 9, 2016

We had a good Sunday morning. Our Sunday School teacher talked again about spiritual warfare. We had a lovely time of worship and we acknowledged Pastor for “Pastor appreciation” month.
Pastor continued with the Healthy Church series. He reminded us from last week that Church health begins with a passion for Jesus. He noted that Paul’s letter to Titus sets out strategy to prepare the church for growth. Each chapter is set up with a What a Why and a How section. Chapter one addresses leadership. The church needs involved leaders. The stakes are high for the church; the kingdom.

Leadership defined: If someone is following you, you are a leader. Titus 1:5-9 identifies the elders as the overseers who manage God’s household (the “What”). It is important Because there was a problem as leaders were taking followers in the wrong direction. (The “Why” in verses 10-12.) Verses 13-16 reflect the “How” or what action needs to be taken to fix the problem.

Point: The healthy church has protective leaders who are submitted to Christ; who proclaim the Truth and lead from a pure heart.

The ‘Jethro principle’ (Moses’ father-in-law) applies to leaders who are to be appointed to help with the ministry tasks. Leaders need to evidence availability and willingness. All of us have the potential to lead even if only small teams. Jesus gave us the example of a servant leader. He led people by serving them. The healthy church needs leaders who will help to expand the church pie (not just share the existing pie). Titus shows a process for growing the church.

I found this old hymn on serving though not quite on leadership:

Verses for Today:
Titus 1:7-9 ESV
7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound[g] doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Lord, help me to be available and willing to follow You and lead as You will!

Sharing Beyond Books #273 Comment Giveaway October 8, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eight of us do tend to read more in the winter. Six believe it is the same and three do not have seasons so it doesn't impact there reading. Except that Linda says she reads more during holidays. :-)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #271 comments is: #13 (again) Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #273

(One Question.)

Becky asks: Do you think it signifies a lack of imagination to picture characters as popular film and television actors? Sometimes there are a lot of characters to keep track of, or you're really tired from a long day of tax law, and can't picture one in your head so you just go, "Okay, Sir James is Tom Hardy." And then later when they describe Sir James as tall, with flaxen hair, aren't you like "Noooooo, ignoring! Tom Hardy"??

This question made me chuckle. I don't think I picture characters as film or television actors. Then again I have a rather lame imagination. I am a person of words not art/images. My mother had art talent, my eldest brother is an architect and my sister has artistic skills. Mostly the crafts I do are in Vacation Bible School with the kids. I can't picture a finished house or home - it is just not part of my mind frame - much less really "see" a character in my mind. I do better with words. :-).

Image Found The Book Lounge.

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

Your turn to share: Becky asks: Do you think it signifies a lack of imagination to picture characters as popular film and television actors? Sometimes there are a lot of characters to keep track of, or you're really tired from a long day of tax law, and can't picture one in your head so you just go, "Okay, Sir James is Tom Hardy." And then later when they describe Sir James as tall, with flaxen hair, aren't you like "Noooooo, ignoring! Tom Hardy"??

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

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday October 15, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This is a charmingly fun and easy romance.
Kiss an Angel
Written by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-02-07
Publisher: Books on Tape
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Arranged marriages seldom happen in modern America, so Daisy Devreaux hates her father's ultimatum: marry the humorless man he has picked for her, or go to jail. It's not much of a deal for Alex Markov, the prospective groom, either. He's got no time to indulge an uptown girl.
So Alex puts Daisy to work in his traveling circus, expecting the harsh realities will break her. Instead, he finds she's got heart enough for both of them.
©1996 Susan Elizabeth Phillips; (P)1996 Books on Tape

Review:
Daisy was raised by a beautiful but flighty mother who loved men. Pampered as a princess, Daisy was never really grounded in living skills. When her mother passed away Daisy went on a spending spree with no understanding of the debt that she faced. Her wealthy father gives her ultimatum – go to jail for writing bad checks or marry a man he has chosen for her. The man, Alex, may be strong and handsome but Daisy doesn’t like his stern, humorless countenance.

Alex is a private man who had never intended to marry. But he has his own good reasons for agreeing to marry Daisy – not that he plans to tell her why. He doesn’t plan to tell her much of anything as he has no time to indulge a ‘rich princess’. He does pan to put her to work in the traveling circus really hoping to chase her back to daddy.

Daisy is dismayed to find herself in a ratty trailer in the middle of a struggling traveling circus. Not only is the living situation a drop for her but the circus owner clearly resents her presence. Most of the circus members are willing to welcome Daisy and are particularly thrilled to learn she is married to Alex – even if he doesn’t seem too thrilled. Then an event occurs that turns all of the workers against her.

Daisy is punished with the lowest of duties – cleaning up after the elephants. Everyone is expected to pull their weight and no one cares that Daisy is afraid of dogs much less elephants! She now has to suffer through the worst tasks and the snubs and jeers of everyone or she has to admit defeat and run home to a father who already considers her a failure at life. No one suspected the heart that Daisy reveals. Although nearly tempted to give in, instead she finds the grit to stick it out and to push Alex to open his heart.

I do enjoy the light romances by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (SEP). She creates distinct characters and puts them into real life, if sometimes unusual, settings. This circus setting was great fun and Daisy does make a few surprising friends. I liked how her character grows into the inner strengths that she always had but never had to reach. Alex has his own damaged past and Phillips creates a charming story as Daisy’s exuberance, bravery and out right heart melt his ice cold walls.

The story is full of heart and humor. There is some foul language which is too bad that you have to jump past that. I recommend this fun read and other romances by this author.

Audio Notes: Anna Fields, who died in 2006, was a fabulous fit for SEP romances. She gives each of the characters their own voice and makes them come alive. I always enjoy listening to her narration and am sorry she is no longer with us. I realized a bit into this book that is was familiar. I read it in print in 2009. I enjoyed revisiting it in audio.

I added this to my Audible library in 2012. This adds to my Audio and TBR Challenges and is a "K" in Alphabet Challenge.