Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 10, 2017

Happy Friday!
My office week went a little haywire with numerous appointments and last minute court assignments. I still have oodles to do.
I pulled together a new book list last weekend - no picture yet.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too 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 March 3 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were THREE titles blocked this week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 3 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC
and
BECKY gets the Linda Howard Pair.

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.}

'Ain't it the truth!?'
Image was found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
PAIRS:
Matthew Reilly: Temple and Area 7
SINGLES:
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George
‘E’ is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
Lullaby and Goodnight by Wendy Corsi Staub
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lillian Jackson Braun
The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina
The Silenced by Heather Graham
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes (Audio Cassettes)


New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016

SINGLE:
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Critical by Robin Cook


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015

SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
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 Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


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

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

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 almost seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,046+ 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!

Audio Book Review: Alliance by S. K. Dunstall

This is a strong, engaging installment continuing from The Linesman.

Alliance
Author: S. K. Dunstall
Narrator: Brian Hutchison

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-25-16
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As the Linesman series continues, linesman Ean Lambert finds himself facing an alien ship he doesn't understand-and a terrifying political threat he cannot fight The lines. The soul of every ship. It was once thought there were only ten, but that was before an alien vessel appeared at the edge of space-before Ean Lambert heard more lines singing. Ean's ways of communicating with lines is strange. But his abilities make him a valuable tool-or weapon-to command. Captain Selma Kari Wang has lost everything-her ship, her crew, her legs. But the New Alliance of Worlds is not done with her yet. After they rebuild her broken body, they send her to captain one of the new alien ships, teaming her up with Ean, the only one who can understand the alien lines. Kari Wang and Ean are poised on the threshold of discoveries that could change the world. But not everyone wants the New Alliance to control the secrets they uncover-and those who oppose won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to stop them.

Review:
Ean is busy building his relationship with the alien lines while training Rossi, Fergus and other linesmen how to communicate through singing rather than thought manipulation. Abram has been promoted and required to leave the Lancastrian Princess. The new bodyguard for Michelle sees Ean as a dangerous weapon and a major risk. She is intent on getting him off Michelle’s ship and it looks like Ean will be sent as the primary linesman on the alien ship known as the Eleven.

The New Alliance leadership has recruited a mixed crew from all the allies to learn to operate the Eleven. Although not everyone supports the assignment, Captain Selma Kari Wang, a traumatically wounded officer, has been chosen as the captain. Selma is the sole survivor of an attack that destroyed her former ship. Suffering from survivor’s guilt, she doesn’t want a new ship. But Eleven, and its powerful lines, are ready to accept Selma as Captain and have already begun to respond to her even though she doesn’t ‘sing’ to the lines. The ship and those working on it are endangered when Selma’s negativity impacts the lines. Ean and friends recognize new abilities in the Eleven and ask to make some dangerous tests.

While the linesmen and new crew are training, Selma faces some unusual mishaps. It appears that someone, in addition to Selma, does not want her to become the new captain of Eleven. Two ‘odd’ members of the new crew, an old salt linesman and a young, passionate woman, who could be his daughter (granddaughter?), come to the rescue of Captain Selma and adopt her as theirs to protect.

An assassin still lurks in the shadows and Ean is almost kidnapped again. Other leaders stage a coup to gain back some control and a powerful enemy is exposed. It’s all part of the intrigue and danger that Ean deals with on a regular basis.

I loved book two as much as book one and stayed glued listening whenever I could. I really like Ean and his close companions, including the new quirky crew members. This book did not have as much action and suspense as book one but it had enough that added to the character developments to keep it interesting and to keep me fully engaged.

I do recommend reading the series in order as this book would lose a lot if a reader hasn’t read The Linesman. I am really looking forward to book three, The Confluence, even as I fear I will be sorry when it ends.

Audio Notes: Once again, Brian Hutchinson does a very good job with the narration. Once or twice I think I noted a missed character voice but for the most part he kept them all straight. He also kept good pacing even through the slower scenes in this installment. I love this series on audio and have already picked up book three.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post March 5, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 2017.

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.

This week I felt fairly healthy. Office time was busy as one staff still had sick children at home and the other had to leave early on Friday.
Hubby is still grumbling but coping better with the LifeVest. Six more weeks and counting down. We got a cold snap yesterday and today but then it should warm up again.
This week I add prayers for those suffering famine in Africa and nearby areas.

Reading seemed a bit slow although I did get in a good number of hours listening. I finished two books: one audio and just finished the ebook. I posted three reviews, one with tour giveaway and I posted all of my usual memes.

I am enjoying the blog visiting even though the visits are brief. I visited 25/-+ blogs again last week.
My shout out this week goes to My Bookish Life, who has some fun blog questions/quizzes.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 26, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 27, 2017.

• AeStories- Audio Review: The Detainee by Peter Liney ; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 3, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/9/2017.

• ATour- Audio Book Review and Tour #Giveaway: Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1, by Lauren Carr ; Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.5. Ending 4/22/2017

• eTBR- Book Review: Glenfiddich Inn by Alan Geik; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #293 Comment Giveaway March 4, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/11/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible (iRead Book Tour)

Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister
I enjoyed this and my review, with tour giveaway, is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Girl of Fire: The Expulsion Project Book One
(A Science Fiction Dystopian Thriller)
by Norma Hinkens
This is engaging; I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. Audio (ABJ)

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
This is interestiing although I may have to interrupt to listen to A Fine Year for Murder.
I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
One act of courage can change the world.
The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.
The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.
©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos

2. eBook (Great Escapes)

Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany
I will start this tonight/tomorrow. 
Tour review to post 3/14.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio (iRead Book Tours)

A Fine Year for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister
I enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to this one. My review will post on 3/16.
Publisher's Summary
After 10 months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect...except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica's past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
©2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski (P)2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski

March 5, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two new books and posted three reviews. I have three reviews for the coming week.
I have 14 NetGalley Titles but I am tempted to get acouple more titles. I still have 11+ author titles in my queue.

There were some corrections needed so the two titles will be ready this week at eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two audio books for review.
I chose one Audible on credit and purchased one Daily Deal.
I also purchased one $.99 Kindle titles.
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (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 one eBook for review:
I received these two audio books from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox:

The Fifth Sacred Thing
By: Starhawk
Narrator: Maya Lilly
Duration: 21 hrs and 52 mins
See the full description above under Current Reading.

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2

Written by: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

"The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become the king of all Britain - a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable."

This is a book I read waaaay back when (early 70s) at the beginning of my reading life.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I used one of my February credits to pick up the third book in the series I have been reading:
Confluence
By: S. K. Dunstall
Narrator: Brian Hutchison
Duration: 13 hrs and 15 mins
"The lines. Mysterious yet familiar: the key to controlling every ship in the galaxy."

I purchased one daily deal this week:

 $2.95
The Spaceship Next Door
Written by: Gene Doucette
Narrated by: Steve Carlson
Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
"When a spaceship landed in an open field in the quiet mill town of Sorrow Falls, Massachusetts, everyone realized humankind was not alone in the universe. With that realization everyone freaked out for a little while."
This sounds like fun to me.


I picked up one $.99 box set at Kindle:
The Silent Earth: The Complete Trilogy
Mark R. Healy
"One of the most gripping and original sci-fi series of recent years, The Silent Earth is a breathtaking glimpse into a terrifying future."
Another sci fi that looks good.

Free

I added 48 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2017

This morning our Sunday School teacher gave us an update on the ministry in Haiti. They have installed a good well – 89 feet deep to reach clean water. Some of the men from Band of Brothers will be going down at the end of the month to help put a roof on a small kitchen structure they have built. The ministry now serves three areas, one city community and two country communities. We are happy to be part of the support for the work God is doing.

We had lovely worship and prayer time before sharing in communion. Then we had a guest speaker, born in Sri Lanka, whose mission is to spread a message on the importance of prayer. He wore a Superman shirt and noted that some people view prayer as a task for the devout, dedicated Christian – the super Christian. But pray is the privilege and responsibility of all Christ followers.

He noted the prayer of Hannah who appeared drunk to the priest. She explained she was not drunk but was praying to the Lord in anguish and sorrow. (1 Samuel 1:9-19.) When was the last time you someone so immersed in pray, or so exuberant, that they appeared drunk? Hannah let her circumstances drive her to prayer. This led to the birth of Samuel who chose the first two kings of Israel. We each have the opportunity to change the world with our prayers.
Jesus said, in Matthew 22:37, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'”

The guest pastor shared one example of carrying 3 x 5 cards with prayer reminders. I can do that! He will expound on the practicalities of loving with heart, soul and mind in this evening’s service. But he noted that you have to start somewhere. God will answer your cry no matter what you call Him, where you call Him or when you call Him.

The guest also encouraged us with a reference to Joshua 1:1-3, saying that with new leadership comes to opportunity to carry forward God’s plans. He is excited for what God is planning to do in our church and community.

I found this song which fits so nicely! Power of Prayer.

Verses for Today
Matthew 22: 37-40 NLT
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Lord, help me be faithful to pray for others and for Your Will to be done.

Sharing Beyond Books #293 Comment Giveaway March 4, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

The answers to last weeks question were pretty even. Seven commenters do not currently keep lists of books, although a couple used to. One only keeps track by her blog and the other seven of us keep some sort of list or lists.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #292 comments is: #14 Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated **Old (and soon to be updated) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I hadn't realized I had not updated the book choices in quite a while. Also - I found a box of books under our clerk's desk that haven't been mailed out so I apologize that there are many late. I will get those out this week. I think there may have been one or two overlaps because I hadn't crossed off the list. I may just purchase the books to mail or I'll email the winners to see if they want a new choice. AND since I see that the list choices are dwindling I will add some new choices this coming week. Thanks for being patient with me!
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #293

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

I can't think of a particular time this has happened. However I recently was reading a sci fi series that I was really enjoying. I had to make sure that I didn't resent the review books that came up next and interrupted the series. I remind myself that I am blessed to have the review books I have selected or agreed to and that I can get back to the series in a few weeks. :-)

Image found at Browsing Bookshelves

Image found at Bookishness and Tea..

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: Marjorie asks: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 March 11, 2017 at 5 PM central.